Christine Hitt
Considering that Hawaii visitors will be spending the majority of time outside of their hotel rooms, it's not always necessary to find a resort that caters to children and teens, or even has amenities they might appreciate. But there are some Hawaii resorts that do, and the kids love them for it.
Here's my short list of hotels where I've personally stayed with kids and that I would recommend for any families traveling to Hawaii.
Oahu
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
It's pretty obvious that a Disney resort would be a kid favorite. The pools alone are a draw, but there's also an artificial saltwater snorkeling lagoon, a lazy river and a beach steps away. Also, Disney characters make appearances. But what my child loved so much that surprised me most was Aunty's Beach House, a kid's clubhouse with complimentary activities, a movie room, arts and crafts and games. He didn't want to leave.
Embassy Suites at Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk
The spacious suites, with separate living room, at this hotel manage to take away the chaos that comes with traveling with kids. The couch opens to a sleeper sofa, and the little ones love that they get their own TV. The corner sink, microwave and minifridge make it simple to fix up small meals or reheat leftovers for hungry kids. The spacious sun deck with large pool is a popular spot for them to make new friends, and adults can order pina coladas while watching them in the sun.
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Multiple pools, waterslides, a lagoon and right on Waikiki Beach, the Hilton Hawaiian Village is truly a hideaway that kids won't want to leave -- and you really don't have to with all of the amenities at the property. I'd recommend reserving a cabana ahead of time, because your family will not be the only ones vying for some time by the slides.
Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore
This is a smaller hotel compared to the big resorts, but that means less crowds and more dedicated attention when engaging in cultural activities, such as hula and ukulele. The pool area is big and there are other outdoor recreational activities, such as pickleball, volleyball and basketball. Beach rentals are also available. Plus, the Polynesian Cultural Center is within walking distance next door.
Turtle Bay Resort
The largest resort on Oahu, it has 1,300 acres and 5 miles of coastline to explore. Not only are there pools and beaches, but the resort offers unique activities for different ages, including horseback or pony rides, night snorkeling, a farm tour, a kid-friendly outrigger canoe ride and surfing lessons for "groms" (young surfers). Guests can even surf with a pup.
Maui
Grand Wailea
Adults love this resort for its spa, restaurants and luxurious amenities, but kids fall in love with it for its activity pool, which could be compared to a waterpark. Made up of nine pools that intertwine via lazy rivers and fun slides, kids pass waterfalls and float through caves, often ending up in clusters in the hot tubs watching the sunset. Parents can enjoy the adults-only pool and hang out at the swim-up bar.
Kauai
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
The large resort has plenty of room for kids to run around, but the pools, lazy river and beach are where they're going to spend most of their time. The on-site Hawaiian cultural center is also a place where children can gather for classes in hula, ukulele and flower lei making.
Big Island of Hawaii
Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa
This resort has a large pool with a 200-foot waterslide, one of the few on this island. It's also right where manta rays congregate. Watch them from the hotel or book a tour in the ocean. Additional guest activities include everything from Hawaiian language to ukulele and talks about manta rays.
Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort
Sixty-two acres in size, the Hilton Waikoloa Village is similar to the Hilton Hawaiian Village, in that it has everything you need on-property. Kids can swim, snorkel or kayak in its protected lagoon. Resort trams take you from one part of the property to the other. And guests can book Dolphin Quest encounters.