Hawaii

July 9, 2024

The 7 Best Family Hotels in Oahu: Where To Stay

Planning a family vacation to Oahu, Hawaii? Get ready for a slice of paradise with these top 7 hotels that are perfect for families with kids! From beachfront resorts to family-friendly amenities, these accommodations promise a memorable stay for the whole crew. 

The resort and friendly family areas of Oahu are Waikiki, Ko Olina, and the North Shore.  

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HILTON HAWAIIAN VILLAGE – WAIKIKI 

With its sprawling grounds and endless activities, Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort is a dream destination for families. This is the only resort in Waikiki. From the five swimming pools, waterslides and a man made lagoon to the daily cultural activities and Friday night fireworks, there’s never a dull moment at this beachfront paradise. Plus, with spacious suites and kid-friendly dining options, everyone will feel right at home.

Taking our toddler and infant to the man made lagoon was so much fun. I was able to relax and not worry about the beach waves and crowds and the water was nice. They also offer water toy rentals on the lagoon (bike, stand up paddle board, kayak). You do not have to be a guest to use the lagoon (or pools for that matter). 

The Hilton is on the edge of Waikiki so you are not centrally located. It’s a bit of a walk to get to restaurants and central Waikiki, but still very doable. The resort offers many shop and on-site dining that you really do not have to leave if you don’t want to. 

Facts:

  • Activities: Hula and ukulele lessons, lei making session, yoga or tai chi classes, fish-feeding, fireworks on Friday (7:45pm), daily torch lighting
  • Kids club: camp penguin for kids age 5-12
  • Restaurants: 18 different restaurants, cafes and lounges & pool bar -kids five and under eat free at Big Island Breakfast and Lagoon Grill
  • Pools/beach: five pools,  waterslide, man-made lagoon & Duke Kahanamoku Beach 
  • Location: The edge of Waikiki 

SHERATON WAIKIKI 

Located in the heart of Waikiki, this resort offers great amenities for families. You are in the center of everything, but paying less than you would at other centrally located hotels. However, this hotel does not have beachfront access (it eroded) so there are no beach chairs. A break wall sits where the beach used to be. 

Facts: 

  • Activities: Ukulele Lesson, Flower Lei Making session, hula lessons
  • Kids club: Poppins Keiki Waikiki available for children 3 months – 12 years and is open to the public 
  • Restaurants: Multiple on site -One child under five eats free with each paying adult at the Kai Market
  • Pools: Adults-only Edge infinity pool, a pool area for families (voted #1 best hotel pools in the nation), including two water-slides. 
  • Location: Heart of Waikiki

THE ROYAL HAWAIIAN – WAIKIKI 

Nicknamed the Pink Palace of the Pacific, this hotel boasts luxury with five star accommodations in the heart of Waikiki. This hotel offers stunning grounds, a spa, room service, great restaurants, large rooms ,a lush garden, private beachfront cabanas and a voucher for a free bag of pastries at the hotel bakery. When you stay here, you get access to the kid-friendly amenities next door at the Sheraton (pools, activities and kids club). 

Facts:

  • Activities: Fitness Classes, lei making, Yoga, Hiuwai-Cultural Ocean, hula lessons, Weekly Diamond Head Hikes
  • Kids Club: Poppins Keiki Waikiki available at the Sheraton hotel next door for children 3 months – 12 years 
  • Restaurants: Multiple dining options -children under 5 eat free surf lanai breakfast buffet (there is also a really good mai tai bar here)! 
  • Luau held here: Ahaaina Luau 
  • Pools: two pool options that cater to everyone’s needs: quiet and intimate Malulani Pool, along with Helumoa Playground (shared with Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort), perfect for kids and families.
  • Location: Heart of Waikiki

MARRIOTT KO’OLINA BEACH CLUB 

Experience the beauty of Ko ‘Olina at Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club, located 30 minutes from Honolulu, where families can enjoy spacious accommodations and stunning ocean views. Kids will love the resort’s three swimming pools, four man made lagoons, waterslides, and daily activities like lei-making and ukulele lessons. They offer free beach chairs here, too! Plus, with easy access to nearby attractions like Pearl Harbor and the North Shore, there’s plenty of adventure to be had! One reason families love staying here, there are NO resort fees! This is very uncommon! 

Facts:

  • Activities: Mermaid swimming, lei making, aqua bingo, spa 
  • Kids club: None 
  • Restaurants: Several restaurants & BBQ grills available for use 
  • Luau held here: Fia Fia – a Polynesian Dinner Show (Tuesday’s only) and for a cost $$
  • Pools: Waterfall, waterslide, kids pool, quiet pool, and whirlpool spa
  • Location: Lagoon 2 in Ko Olina (30 minuets from Honolulu) 

DISNEY AULANI – KO OLINA 

Mickey and friends await at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, where magic meets Hawaiian hospitality! The hotel has 351 hotel rooms and 481 villas. Kids will love splashing in the pools, meeting beloved Disney characters, and exploring the resort’s interactive play areas. Meanwhile, parents can relax at the luxurious spa or enjoy a round of golf at the nearby course. It’s a vacation the whole family will treasure forever! There is NO resort fee at Aulani. 

The pool is awesome! It has a lazy river, waterslides and poolside entertainment with characters. With that said, it gets CROWDED! If you want a resort that caters to kids exclusively, then this is the resort for you. 

Facts:

  •  Activities: Pool parties, boogie boards and beach toys, scavenger hunt, firepit storytelling, Disney characters, sunrise yoga on the beach, stargazing, movie nights
  • Kids club: Aunty’s Beach House, complimentary for ages 3 to 12, must be pre-registered
  • Restaurants: Disney character breakfast, beach bar, cafes, snack stop, shave ice & multiple dinner spots 
  • Luau held here: KA WA’A Luau for additional cost $$ 
  • Pools: HUGE pools with waterslide, lazy river, and an adults-only pool and spas 
  • Location: Lagoon 1 in Ko’Olina 

FOUR SEASONS – KO OLINA 

Indulge in luxury at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, where families can relax and recharge in style with the price tag to match. Kids will love the complimentary Kids For All Seasons program, which offers daily activities like lei-making, hula lessons, and Hawaiian crafts. Meanwhile, parents can unwind with a cocktail by the infinity pool or enjoy a rejuvenating spa treatment. It’s the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure! You won’t find many kids here and the pools are mostly quiet. This hotel shares a Lagoon with Disney Aulani next door. 

Facts: 

  • Activities: Oceanfront yoga, glamping for kids, treasure hunt, lei making, tennis for kids, movies, board games, stand up paddle, ocean sailing and paddling 
  • Kids club: Camp Kohola, complimentary for kids ages 5-12
  • Restaurants: Five restaurants on-site 
  • Pools: Separate family and adult pool
  • Location: Lagoon 1 in Ko Olina 

TURTLE BAY RESORT – NORTHSHORE 

Experience the true spirit of aloha at Turtle Bay Resort, nestled on Oahu’s legendary North Shore. We love this resort and the North Shore if our favorite part of the island! With its miles of pristine beaches, championship golf courses, and adventurous activities like horseback riding and surfing lessons, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And with spacious accommodations (every room has an ocean view) and family-friendly dining options, Turtle Bay Resort is the perfect home base for your Oahu adventure! There is a great snorkeling spot here to at Kuilima Cove! 

Some families split their time in Oahu: 5-6 days in Waikiki and 3-4 days on the North Shore. This is a great resort to stay at and explore all the North Shore has to offer without making the 1 hour drive each time. 

Facts:

  • Activities: Ukulele lessons, hula lessons, SUP demonstrations, free round at driving range, video rental, surfing lessons, canoe tours, golf, disc golf, horseback riding, walking trails and snorkeling. 
  • Kids club: No
  • Restaurants: Several options – One free kid’s meal with paying adult at the Kula Grille
  • Luau held here: Paniolo Luau – additional cost $$ 
  • Pools: Splash pool for young kids, waterslide, two hot tubs, a separate pool for the villas, and main resort pool
  • Location: North Shore, a 20-minute drive from Haleiwa and 1 hour drive from Honolulu 

There you have it—our top 7 hotels to stay in Oahu, Hawaii for families with kids! With their family-friendly amenities, stunning locations, and endless activities, these accommodations promise an unforgettable Hawaiian vacation for the whole crew. So pack your bags and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime in beautiful Oahu! 

Ready to check in some place spectacular? I’d love to design your itinerary, full of five-star stays—and get you exclusive VIP upgrades and amenities whenever possible. You can connect with me on a complimentary consultation call to get started!

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At Salty Luxe Travel, we believe that travel is not just about visiting new places; it's about creating unforgettable memories and enriching experiences. Our blog is your go-to resource for all things travel, offering expert advice, destination inspiration, and insider tips to help you plan the perfect getaway. 

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