Best family resort on Big? Maui? Oahu? (Kihei, Waikoloa Village: rent, condo)

[Alicia64]

We have six year old twin boys. We're trying to decide between Maui, Oahu and the Big Island for a trip -- and I'm specifically looking for a family resort on each island that's wonderful for families.

If you know of one, I'd really appreciate it.

I'm interested in all three islands, but especially Oahu for a family resort.

Anything special they're doing to Oahu that would make it more attractive for families?

Thank you!!

Alicia

[KoaKine]

Any Hyatt they have a good kids club
the Grand Waialea on Maui
the Kona Village on the BI but hurry closes in Sept for a 2 year renovation

[hothulamaui]

Maui Hotels - Grand Wailea Resort- Maui Resorts, Reservations, Vacations, Getaways

[flowermom]

Aloha,

My family lives on Oahu and have traveled extensively inter-island with our child. Here is my two cents:

On the Big Island - hands down - Hilton Waikoloa Village. This is an enormous over the top resort, but still very pretty. Tons for kids to do including a dolphin encounter program, water slides galore, a snorkeling pond, a sandy beach pool play area, a tram that takes you from one side of the resort to the other and a boat system where you can boat ride around the resort, to dinner at various restaurants, etc. My 7 year old was dazzled. Lots of kids at the pools for children to play with. But, still nice for adults as they have an adult pool, some nice restaurants, pretty artwork around the hotel, etc.

On Maui - Grand Wailea or the Westin Kanapali. The GW is in Wailea, and personally I prefer this part of the island over Kanapali, but that is just me. The GW has a huge system of water slides, a water elevator, a sandy bottom pool and is right on Wailea beach. Nice restaurants and an adult only pool.

The Westin is in Kanapali where there are many resort along a strip of beach. There is a beach walk that connects the hotels so it makes it easy to go to various restaurants. The Westin has a fun pool system, not as spectacular as the GW (again, just my opinion).

On Oahu - Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki or Turtle Bay on the North Shore would get my vote. The HHV is huge and has several different pool areas including a new one with a water slide. It also has the lagoon where you can rent paddle boards, paddle boats, etc. Turtle Bay is more isolated on the North Shore, but it is very pretty and has a nice pool area with water slide and a nice swimming beach.

Have fun with your trip - lots of good options! I will be interested to read what other posters recommend.

[whynot?]

I live in West Maui, and I second the Grand Wailea and the Hyatt at Kaanapali. I do the Kaanapali beach walk almost every morning, and the Marriott there also has lots of family/kids activities.

Note: "flowermom" and I apparently responded at about the same time. I did not mean to exclude the Westin, which is in the same beachwalk area, right next door to the Whaler's Village shopping center. I agree that their pool is not quite up to the one at Grand Wailea, but it's similar to the kids' pools/overall pool system at the Kaanapali Hyatt (recently renovated) and Marriott (recently renovated). The Grand Wailea is a much bigger resort (more rooms/more people) than either of these.

Best of luck.

[lovehawaii]

Big Island: Hilton Waikoloa is the best choice for kids, it has a great train to ride, super pools w/ slides, the dolphin adventure, (sign up wayyy ahead of vacation date) the ocean is steps away too. Make sure you ask for a room that does not overlook the roof, although if you get that view they will likely exchange for you-they are a little rude when you ask for things like this
(this Island is the best island hands down)

Maui: Not Ka'anapali, stay in Kihei

Oahu: Turtle Bay, you will want to go the Polynesian Culture Center (pcc) it is Amazing and super fun for both adults and kids, do not miss the night show, it is the best part.

Kauai: Poipu Hyatt

[Alicia64]

Thank you, everyone, more suggestions are really appreciated!

Alley

[KoaKine]

YW ( Your Welcome)
What did you decide to do all the inquiring minds want to know?

[Alicia64]

I think we're going to stay at a budget place on a Oahu and at the Waikoloa on BI.

My husband is trying to knock out Maui and I'm still lobbying for it! (It's always, "money this, blah, blah, blah, money that, blah, blah, blah )

Alley

[KoaKine]

I understand the $ deal have you looked into a condo on the BI I have stayed at one for the past 10 years and have made some very good friends to the extent that they were one of the first ones we told that were moving to the BI.

either way you will love it in Hawaii