The Most Family-Friendly Hotels in Hawaii, USA

Having the kids in tow doesn’t mean giving up on luxury at this legendary beachfront property in Waikiki. There are no kids’ pools or gimmicks here – but families looking for quality time together will love the giant suites, free museum entry and local entertainment, including hula dancers and Hawaiian music, and a range of dining options. These include a grab-and-go bakery, fantastic room service and an unmissable Sunday brunch with a mind-blowing ice cream station.

Families know there will be fun ahead from the moment they check into this all-suite accommodation in the center of Waikiki. Children are presented with complimentary toys and a sand bucket, while the large one- and two-bedroom suites with kitchens mean families can really feel at home and take care of mealtimes on their own terms. There’s a dedicated children’s pool, a barbecue grill area, access to DVD movies and PlayStation games and even free classes in hula dancing and the ukulele.

There’s plenty to see and do at Hawaii’s first and only craft hotel, curated by local artists and influencers. From movie nights and daily live music to life-size ocean-inspired art and cultural evenings, even the most restless family will be kept busy. Days can be spent surfing, snorkeling and swimming at Waikiki Beach or visiting nearby family-friendly attractions including Kapiolani Park and the Waikiki Aquarium, which children staying at the hotel can visit for free with a paying adult.

For a Hawaiian holiday with a sprinkling of distinctive Disney magic, this resort in Ko Olina guarantees a boredom-free break. Families can spend action-packed days at the hotel’s sandy beach, a 3,800sqft (350sqm) snorkeling lagoon and a water park with rapids, a lazy river and waterslides. If that’s not enough, there is a resort-wide scavenger hunt, family spa treatments, fire pit storytelling, guided nature tours, a craft room and ukulele and stargazing lessons. Keep your eyes peeled for Disney characters around the resort, too.

Want a little more space to spread out during your holiday? The Disney Vacation Club Villas are perfect for families looking to feel at home – but wanting all the perks of a hotel on hand. Villas sleep between four and 12 people and include parking for up to two vehicles if you want to get out and explore the island. However, kids may be reluctant to leave once they discover the resort’s own beach, water park, snorkeling lagoon and kids’ club.

Even the noisiest family won’t disturb the neighbors at this elegant enclave next to Waldorf Astoria’s Grand Wailea. Every two-story villa has between 3,200 and 4,000sqft (300-372sqm) of space with a private balcony, private elevator, garage and full kitchen. Nonetheless, you still won’t need to rustle up dinner – guests have access to all the amenities at Grand Wailea, including eight restaurants and bars, nine pools including one with a 19ft (6m) waterfall and the enormous Camp Grande to entertain kids between five and 12.

If a family vacation means complete relaxation, the exquisite Espacio will surpass even your wildest dreams. Two- or three-bedroom suites occupy an entire floor of the building and have their own oceanfront jacuzzi on every balcony, while a butler is on hand to take care of every detail. There’s a spa, restaurant and rooftop infinity pool, while museum admission, in-suite continental breakfast and luxury car rental are all thrown in free.

Check in and get on with the holiday-of-a-lifetime at this family-friendly boutique hotel, five minutes from Waikiki Beach. Everything is taken care of – from the complimentary breakfast to the free beach towels – so you can all relax together by the heated pool or on the outdoor patio, stocked with barbecue grills and oversized garden games. There’s even juice in the lobby to stop the kids from running up a dreaded bill of extras.