The best thing about planning a family vacation to Hawaii is that it doesn't matter when you go - the islands are warm and sunny year-round. Family vacationers flock to Hawaii in the winter, spring and summer. Many hotels offer packages such as reduced rates when booking two rooms for a few days in a row. If you want to avoid crowds and your travel dates are flexible, hotels are usually the emptiest from the end of September to just before Thanksgiving, as well as in May. During the busy times of the year, be sure to book your room, airfare and activities well ahead of time to get what you are looking for.
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii is set on one of the best beaches in the world, complete with white sand, palm trees and clear blue water. Guests enjoy a variety of water sports on their trip. After playing in the sun, indulge in a massage at the resort's Spa and Fitness Center or relax by the pool. Play tennis at the oceanside Tennis Park which features 13 Plexipave courts and a video training facility. If you want to tour Hawaii by air, there are a number of helicopter tours to choose from and a helipad located on the property. Other activities include hiking, jogging and stargazing at the sister property, The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort.
The resort has two great golf courses, the Hapuna Golf Course and Mauna Kea Golf Course, a 18-hole championship course with incredible panoramic views of snow-capped mountain, black lava beds and the ocean. Facilities include a driving range, PGA Instruction Program, Pro Shop and rental equipment. There is a year-round programs for children ages 5 to 12, including arts and crafts, pole fishing, T-shirt painting, swimming and treasure hunts. Guest rooms and ten suites have a private balcony and natural wood interiors. The resort's signature restaurant is the Batik which features cuisine with classic European, Pacific Rim and East Asian influences. Other dinning options include the Pavilion, overlooking the Kauna'oa Bay, the Terrace with a chilled seafood bar, the beachside Hau Tree/Gazebo and the 19th Hole at the Clubhouse. On Saturday nights, join the Clambake at Kauna'oa Bay, enjoying a wide selection of seafood, meat and deserts.
The Kohala Resort Shuttle Service is available for free transportation between the two hotels. For a nominal fee, the shuttle also runs to the Waikoloa Resorts, King's Shops, Waimea Town and Parker Ranch Visitor Center. The best way to explore the Big Island is by car. When making a reservation at one of the hotels, ask for a package that includes a car rental. The hotel is about 45 minutes from the Kona International Airport by car. (800-882-6060, 808-882-7222.
The Outrigger Waikiki
Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort is located right on Waikiki Beach. Guests can choose from numerous watersports and other activities, including surfing, canoeing and shopping. Oceanfront rooms and suites feature new glass-bordered balconies, perfect for watching a sunset over the Pacific. The resort has a swimming pool just steps from the beach and Waikiki Plantation Spa which offers a variety of Hawaiian and international treatments.
Families can participate in a range of complimentary Hawaiian cultural activities, including hula and ukulele lessons, lei making, Hawaiian music and vow renewals. The hotel's interior decor reflects the historical and cultural roots of the area. The lobby showcases historic artifacts, including a beautiful koa canoe and wall murals. The hotel offers 497 guest rooms and 30 suites.
Hula Grill Waikiki, located on the upper lobby level, features nostalgic decor and serves Island-style fare. Other dining choices include Duke's Canoe Club and Chuck's Steak House. If you want to enjoy a breakfast, lunch or dinner with a view of the ocean, book a table at Duke's, one of the best beach restaurants in Waikiki. In the evening, tiki torches create a romantic atmosphere. If you are in a hurry to head to the beach, Hawaii Sandwich Shop can prepare tasty sandwiches, fruit smoothies and other snacks. The Outrigger Waikiki is one of the few resorts in Hawaii that doesn't charge a daily resort fee, offering a great value to families. (800-688-7444, 808-923-0711).
The Kaanapali Beach Hotel
The Kaanapali Beach Hotel is a tropical getaway on Maui, Hawaii. There is so much to do at the resort that you may need to visit the Ohana Fun Center to sort out your activities. The Fun Center holds a free Ohana Welcome Breakfast Monday through Saturday for new hotel guests. There are 430 guestrooms and suites. The hotel is divided into four separate wings: the Maui, the Lanai, the Kauai, and the Molokai. Room categories are based on view type, from garden view, partial ocean view, ocean view to ocean front. All of the rooms have terraces with nice views but the ocean front rooms are the best, situated just yards from the sand, and let you fully take in the tropical island ambiance.
The numerous dining choices are all designed to give guests a true Hawaiian dining experience. Dining options include the Tiki Terrace Restaurant, the all-you-can-eat buffet at the Kaanapali Mixed Plate Restaurant, and the Tiki Grill & Bar. Visit the historic town of Lahaina for shopping, dining and museums. The resort is a 45-minute drive from Kahului Airport and a short ten minute ride from the Kapalua West Maui Airport. The Kapalua airport is closer, so if you're not that interested in the drive, try to fly into the Kapalua West Maui Airport.
Ask for the Island Romance offer which includes: car rental, buffet breakfast, picnic lunch, 25-minute massage, choice of an activity such as dinner cruise or luau, and a dinner. There are also some good packages offered by the hotel so be sure to check online for the most recent special offers (800-262-8450, 808-661-0011, kbhmaui.com).
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani is an affordable option in Waikiki. The hotel is located near Kapiolani Park, the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium. It features a freshwater swimming pool, nightly poolside entertainment and a Polynesian dinner show, a fun event to attend with the whole family. The area offers a variety of activities, including surfing, swimming and canoeing. The hotel has 1,150 rooms, some with ocean views. There are 10 suites. There are two restaurants and a food court. At night, head to the pool for poolside entertainment at the lava rock stage. The Momoyama restaurant serves Japanese cuisine (808-922-5811, 866-500-8313, princess-kaiulani.com).
Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa
Any child that has been to Aulani, the beautiful Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii, won't be able to talk fast enough to describe all their favorite attractions at the resort. From Aunty's "Once Upon an Island" Storytelling to the Olelo Room where kids can learn about the Hawaiian culture, the programs at Aulani are both fun and educational. And best of all, while kids are busy with activities, you can treat yourself to a massage at the spa or a round of golf. Aulani is located in Ko Olina on the western side of Oahu, fronting a white-sand beaches and the Pacific Ocean. Take the whole family Tubing on Waikolohe Stream. The current is gentle enough for younger children or those who prefer to be more cautious. Look through the underwater window at the Rainbow Reef. Even if your kids are too young to snorkel, they can watch the fish and learn about the underwater life.
Sign up for the Catamaran Experience with Aulani Excursions and explore the ocean with an experienced guide. Head to Aunty's Beach House for Aunty's "Once Upon an Island" Storytelling. Learn about taro farming hands-on at Aulani's taro patch. Here is a view of the taro patch at night. Enjoy a sunset dinner with the whole family on the outdoor terrace at Ama'ama Beach Restaurant. Older kids and parents can take surfing lessons at the Hawaiian Fire Surf School. Head to The Olelo Room to learn about the Hawaiian culture. Kids can pick up Hawaiian words and learn about the island's diverse history. Book a family suite or a double room with a terrace so that you can relax outside with a view. The Menhue Bridge offers climbing and water play for kids of all ages. Go snorkeling in the Rainbow Reef which is home to Hawaiian fish and other marine life. Last but not least, the white-sand beach at Aulani is a fun place to kick back and relax surrounded by sand and water.
Aston Waikiki
If you are looking for an affordable place to stay, Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel is located across the street from Waikiki Beach. Many guest rooms offer partial or full ocean views. You will be close to restaurants, shopping and attractions, such as the zoo and aquarium, fun places to visit with kids. The hotel has 645 rooms decorated in tropical colors and a heated outdoor pool where you can relax in the sun. Guests receive access to the fitness center, making it easy to stay in shape while you travel. Kids can have fun with the in-room video games.
Ask for a room with a private balcony so that you can enjoy the views and ocean breezes. Accommodations include a mini-refrigerator for your drinks and snacks, flat-screen cable TV and daily maid service. Aston Select Rooms are Oceanfront and Ocean View with a private lanai - ask for one facing the sunset.
Families can request a baby crib and children are welcome in the hotel restaurants. There is an outdoor swimming pool, concierge desk, cocktail lounge and several shops. Tiki's Grill & Bar is located on the second floor. This open-air restaurant features a retro South Pacific design and an open exhibition kitchen. Reserve an outdoor table and watch a colorful sunset.
Enjoy complimentary signature "Breakfast on the Beach" every morning, complete with live Hawaiian music and a hula dancer.
The property offers a wedding package includes: 4-nights, wedding ceremony & reception, wine, chocolate, rose petals. The property offers several meeting rooms, including the Lokahi Meeting Room on the upper lobby level for up to 60 people. The Coconut Club on the hotel’s 21st floor offers scenic ocean views and is a favorite for cocktail parties and sunset receptions. The Coconut Club can accommodate up to 120 people. Catering and wedding coordinators are available on site. This is an affordable option in the area. There is free WiFi service in the upper lobby (but you have to pay for internet in the rooms). Children receive a free Coloring Book at Check-in. Valet parking costs extra (800-877-7666, 877-997-6667).
