The Big Island continues to intrigue new visitors and pull back those who have visited before and I am definitely one of them. My favorite areas are Kona, Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea, and Waimea.
Of course, this means the hotels on this island are world-class so here is my list of the best family hotels on the Big Island. I have stayed at several so far and intend to visit the rest soon. Let me know what you think in the comments below and if you need some help deciding on things to do while on the Big Island I got you covered.
Courtyard King Kamehameha By Marriott Hotel
I stayed at this hotel during a recent trip to Kona and really enjoyed the staff interaction, location, and layout. I wrote a detailed review and created a video review if you want additional details.
The Courtyard King Kamehameha by Marriott is a beachfront hotel located in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. The spacious rooms provide stunning views of the ocean or mountains, adorned with beautiful Hawaiian-themed artwork and decor. Families traveling with young kids will find the hotel to be an excellent choice, as it offers a range of amenities to cater to their needs.
The family-friendly pool area includes a separate section for children, supervised by lifeguards for added safety. Additionally, the hotel provides a Kids Club that organizes engaging activities and games for children, giving parents some well-deserved relaxation time.
When it comes to dining, guests can enjoy delicious Hawaiian cuisine at the on-site restaurant, or indulge in casual meals and refreshing drinks at the poolside bar and grill. With median pricing ranging from $200 to $400 USD per night, the Courtyard King Kamehameha By Marriott is an attractive option for families seeking a comfortable and culturally immersive stay in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
Waikoloa Beach Marriott
The Waikoloa Beach Marriott is a stunning beachfront resort located on the sunny Kohala Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. The property features spacious and well-appointed rooms and suites, designed to provide maximum comfort for families traveling with young kids. An interesting fact about the Waikoloa Beach Marriott includes its close proximity to the famous Anaehoomalu Bay, where families can enjoy a variety of water sports such as snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The resort also boasts a beautiful golf course, a world-class spa, and a fantastic selection of dining options that cater to all tastes.
In terms of pricing, the median rates for a family room at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott typically range from $250 to $400 USD per night, depending on the season and availability. For families traveling with young kids, the resort offers a range of amenities and activities. These include a children’s pool with water slides, a kids’ club with supervised activities, and direct access to the beach where families can enjoy sandcastle building and beach games. The resort’s attentive staff is always on hand to assist with any specific needs or requests, ensuring that families have a memorable and enjoyable stay.
Hilton Waikoloa Village
The Hilton Waikoloa Village is a tropical paradise located on the sunny Kohala Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. Sprawled over 62 oceanfront acres, this expansive resort offers a plethora of amenities and activities for families with young kids. One of the standout features of the Hilton Waikoloa Village is its incredible lagoon system, which spans over four acres and includes waterslides, waterfalls, and a protected sandy beach. Kids can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and even take part in interactive dolphin encounters at the resort’s Dolphin Quest program.
The resort also boasts multiple pools, a championship golf course, tennis courts, and a luxurious spa. Additionally, families can explore the resort’s vast tropical gardens, dine at a variety of on-site restaurants, and take a scenic tram or canal boat to navigate the expansive property. With its stunning surroundings and endless activities, the Hilton Waikoloa Village offers a memorable family vacation experience.
In terms of pricing, the Hilton Waikoloa Village typically falls within the mid-range to upscale category. The median pricing for a standard room starts at around $300 USD per night, varying based on the season and availability. It’s worth noting that the resort offers a variety of room types to accommodate families, including spacious suites with separate living areas and kitchenettes. While dining and activities at the resort may add to the overall cost, families can take advantage of special packages and promotions to enhance their stay and make the most of their budget.
The Hilton Waikoloa Village is ideal for traveling families with young kids, offering a blend of relaxation, adventure, and the beauty of Hawaii’s natural landscape.
Fairmont Orchid
The Fairmont Orchid is a luxurious beachfront resort located on the beautiful Kohala Coast of the Big Island in Hawaii. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens and offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, this 32-acre property provides an idyllic setting for a memorable family vacation. The resort features spacious and elegantly appointed rooms and suites, each with a private lanai or terrace, perfect for enjoying the stunning scenery. Guests can indulge in a wide range of amenities, including a championship golf course, a full-service spa, and a white sand beach with complimentary water sports.
The Fairmont Orchid also offers several dining options, from casual poolside eateries to fine dining restaurants showcasing fresh local ingredients. One interesting fact about the resort is its commitment to environmental sustainability, with initiatives such as a sea turtle conservation program and an on-site beehive that produces honey for restaurants.
The median pricing at the Fairmont Orchid varies depending on the season and room type, but on average, expect to pay around $400 to $600 USD per night for a standard room. For families with young kids, the resort is an excellent choice, as it offers a range of amenities and activities suitable for children. The Keiki Aloha Children’s Program provides supervised activities for kids ages 5 to 12, including Hawaiian crafts, games, and outdoor adventures.
Families can also enjoy the resort’s pools, including a children’s pool with a sandy beach entry and waterfalls. Babysitting services are available upon request, allowing parents to enjoy some relaxation time or a romantic dinner. With its stunning location, luxurious accommodations, and family-friendly amenities, the Fairmont Orchid offers a memorable and enjoyable experience for traveling families with young kids.
I recommend you book this hotel online through a Virtuoso member to get exclusive VIP perks and benefits. A lot of people book direct or use a bulk platform and miss out.
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
I was lucky enough to stay at this iconic hotel and can tell you without a doubt this location and beach setup is perfect for active families. Read my full written review on the property or check out the video review if you want to dive in deeper.
The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is a luxurious and iconic resort nestled along the stunning Kohala Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii. This historic hotel opened in 1965, offers a blend of contemporary comforts and timeless elegance. Its prime location on Kauna’oa Bay provides guests with access to a pristine white sand beach, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and building sandcastles.
The hotel features spacious and tastefully decorated rooms and suites, many of which offer breathtaking ocean views. Additionally, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is that it houses an extensive collection of Asian and Pacific art, including ancient artifacts and contemporary pieces.
The median pricing at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel varies depending on the room type, season, and availability. On average, expect to pay around $400 to $800 per night for a standard room, while suites and oceanfront accommodations can range from $1,000 to $2,500 per night. For traveling families with young kids, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel offers several amenities and activities to cater to their needs.
The hotel provides a children’s program called “Kids for All Seasons,” which offers supervised activities, games, and educational experiences for children aged 5 to 12. Families can also enjoy the hotel’s family-friendly pools, beach toys, and complimentary beach gear rentals.
I recommend you book this hotel online through a Virtuoso member to get exclusive VIP perks and benefits. A lot of people book direct or use a bulk platform and miss out.
Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
After staying at the nearby Mauna Kea Beach hotel I took a golf cart ride over to this amazing beachfront location. The views I experienced here and the pools were just amazing. Paired with the open beach that was never packed and this is definitely a place to take your family. I have a detailed written review of this hotel as well as a video review.
The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort is a stunning oceanfront property located on the Big Island of Hawaii, offering a luxurious and family-friendly experience. Nestled on the iconic Hapuna Beach, known for its pristine white sand and turquoise waters, this resort provides a perfect getaway for travelers seeking relaxation and adventure.
The resort features spacious and elegantly designed rooms with breathtaking views, as well as a variety of amenities including multiple swimming pools, a fitness center, a spa, and several dining options. For families with young kids, the Westin Hapuna offers a dedicated children’s club with supervised activities, a kids’ pool with water slides, and a beautiful beachfront location perfect for building sandcastles and splashing in the gentle waves.
In terms of pricing, the Westin Hapuna offers a range of room options to suit different budgets. The median pricing for a standard room starts at around $300 USD per night, while larger suites and oceanfront accommodations can cost upwards of $600 USD per night. It’s worth noting that prices can vary depending on the season and availability, so it’s advisable to check with the resort directly or through travel websites for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is a luxurious oceanfront retreat on Hawaii’s Big Island, offering a harmonious blend of modern comfort and traditional Hawaiian charm. Nestled amidst tropical gardens and pristine beaches, this stunning resort provides breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. With elegant accommodations, a championship golf course, multiple pools, a spa, and diverse dining options, the resort offers an unforgettable experience for guests.
The median pricing ranges from approximately $1,000 to $2,000 per night for standard rooms, while private villas can range from $3,000 to $7,000 per night. Guests can indulge in the resort’s rich cultural heritage as it is built on the site of an ancient Hawaiian fishing village.
For families traveling with young children, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is an ideal destination. The resort features a dedicated Kids For All Seasons program, offering supervised activities tailored to children aged 5 to 12. Kids can participate in cultural experiences, beach games, crafts, and engaging Hawaiian storytelling.
The resort also provides family-friendly amenities such as cribs, baby-proofing services, and child-sized bathrobes, ensuring a comfortable stay for young ones. With its expansive beach, multiple pools, and a range of family-friendly activities, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai offers a delightful and memorable experience for families seeking relaxation and adventure in a luxurious Hawaiian setting.
I recommend you book this hotel online through a Virtuoso member to get exclusive VIP perks and benefits. A lot of people book direct or use bulk platforms and miss out.
So that’s my list, what do you think? Have you been to any of these? Share your thoughts in the comments so others can learn from your experience.
More than a few years ago (maybe about 20) I book a four day stay at the King Kamehameha some months in advance. When I arrived it seemed unusually busy and that’s when I discovered it was the weekend for the Ironman Triathlon (had had no idea). My room with balcony faced the bay, so in the morning I had the best viewing spot of the swimming part of the contest. Then for the next 9 hours all was calm and had a great day lazing by the pool. At the end of those 9 hours back in the room I could see a few helicopters slowing flying north along the shore, which mean they were following the leading runners. The finish line is only about 30 yards from the hotel’s property, so I slowly strolled over it and watched the winner and others cross the line. Absolutely the best way to watch the Triathlon.
Wow, what a story to tell! I know this year they have the Ironman split and I believe the women competitors will be on the Big Island. Many would have not liked to be there during that time, great to hear someone enjoyed it perfectly.
You only listed hotels on the Kona side! All adventure, volcanos, tropical experiences, is 2 hours away on the Hilo side of the island. If you just want beach in desolate moon scape then Kona. If the island of Hawaii was a state it would be near the size of Massachusetts. There are Black Sand, and Green Sand beach, hiking, Kilauea Volcano and National Park.
Hi Fran, I agree with everything you said. Volcanoes National Park is one of my favorite places in the whole world and I have grown to enjoy Ka’u coffee. The SCP Hilo Hotel and Grand Naniloa (post renovation) are getting great reviews, but I have not stayed at either recently. I still think they would be hard pressed to compete with what you can find in Kona though. We can both wonder if keeping these mega resorts 2 hours away in Kona is actually a blessing for the Big Island and all the amazing things you can do there. Aloha.