Best Family Hawaii Resorts: Big Island

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Hawaii is such a great family destination. Family-friendly resorts, miles and miles of beaches, sea turtles, sunshine, rainbows and waterfalls… what more could you ask for? And you still have conveniences from home, like Costco and McDonalds, to help make traveling with kids easier. And to make planning your Hawaii family vacation easier as well, I’ve compiled this list of the best Hawaiian family resorts on the Big Island. This guide also highlights the best Big Island hotels, curating top options for families looking for memorable and comfortable stays.

Best Family Resorts on the Big Island of Hawaii

The Big Island is a great choice for families–there is so much to see and do there. You’ll find beautiful beaches, amazing waterfalls that you can simply drive to (rather than hike), and my kids absolutely love visiting the Volcano National Park. Many big island hotels offer family-friendly amenities and activities, making your stay even more enjoyable for both kids and adults.

The Kona side of the island is where we love to stay with our kids. It’s the sunnier side of the island, and close to many conveniences. You’ll also find some good Hawaii family resorts on the Kohala Coast and in Waikoloa. Here’s a list of the best Hawaiian family resorts on the Big Island. If you’re planning your first trip to the Big Island, this guide will be especially helpful in choosing the right accommodations and activities for your family.

For more Hawaii travel tips and resources, be sure to check out our recommendations for families visiting the Big Island.

Best Family Resorts on the Big Island

Hilton Waikoloa Village

One of the best Hawaiian family resorts is also the biggest resort on the Big Island. The Hilton Waikoloa Village has everything you could possibly want. This resort is so large, it has its own tram system and canal boats to help transport you from one side of the resort to the other. You’ll find multiple pools (some with waterslides) and restaurants, on-site activities and a kids club. There’s even a private saltwater lagoon at this resort, which you can swim, snorkel or kayak in.

The pool area is a highlight, featuring a great pool for families, a keiki pool and a kids pool designed for younger guests, and two pools—one family pool and one adult-only pool—offering variety for everyone. The resort also has a surf shack where you can rent paddleboards and outriggers for water fun. Guests enjoy easy access to nearby attractions and beaches, including Anaeho’omalu Bay, which is just a short distance away and perfect for additional beach activities.

Outrigger Kona Resort

The Outrigger Kona Resort is set amidst dramatic black lava landscapes, offering a unique volcanic scenery that sets it apart—and at a lower price point than many of the other resorts on this list.

Kids love the sand-bottom, multi-level pool with a 200-foot waterslide. The resort also offers manta ray viewing and a variety of island adventures, with several activities to keep kids and families entertained. Parents love the convenience of the on-site restaurants and bars, along with the beautiful ocean views here. And it’s an easy 8-minute walk to the nearest beach from this resort.

Fairmont Orchid

The Fairmont Orchid Resort is one of the best Hawaiian family resorts for the upscale traveler. It’s located on the beautiful and white-sand beach shores of Pau’oa Bay, which is a great spot for spotting colorful marine life while snorkeling. Plus, the on-site amenities at this Hawaiian family resort are some of the best.

You’ll find a 10,000 square-foot pool, complete with pool service, a golf course for guests who enjoy hitting the links, and Brown’s Beach House, a top dining option known for its quality cuisine and family-friendly atmosphere. The kids club offers an assortment of activities, including cultural activities such as lei making and hula lessons.

Westin Hapuna Beach

Hapuna Beach is one of the best spots for snorkeling and swimming on the island, known for its stunning white sand beaches, and the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort sits right on it. This resort also features all ocean-view rooms, which is a huge perk when staying on Hawaii. And you’ll find two swimming pools at the resort– one adults-only pool and one family pool.

The resort also offers a beautiful golf course for guests who want to enjoy a round during their stay. You can enjoy a few different restaurant options at this resort, along with access to kayak and paddleboard rentals. Kids enjoy the activities such as lei making and hula lessons, and there is a kids club on site.

Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort

The Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort is located on the beautiful sandy shores of Anaeho’omalu Bay. This is one of the best Hawaiian family resorts for larger families. The rooms come in a variety of sizes–big enough for my family of five. You can choose from 1 and 2-bedroom options, featuring multiple beds and pull-out couches. And you can use Marriott points to book free or discounted rooms

There are multiple pools–one with a sandy bottom and one with a waterslide–and multiple restaurants on site. Snorkel gear is available for guests to use at the beach or pool, making it easy to explore the waters of Anaeho’omalu Bay. Plus, the resort hosts an on-site luau twice a week, so you really never need to leave.

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

The main draw of the Mauna Kea Hotel is the location. If you’re more interested in the beach than the pool, this is a great option for you. It sits on one of the most beautiful beaches on the Big Island, Kauna’oa Beach. Besides being beautiful, this is a great spot for snorkeling and spotting manta rays.

There is a pool onsite, however it’s pretty small compared to some of the other Hawaiian family resorts on this list. The resort also features a renowned golf course, perfect for guests looking to enjoy a round during their stay. There are kids activities scheduled throughout the day for a range of kids ages, so families with children of different age groups will find something suitable. Plus, this resort has a couple of on-site restaurants, along with a luau they put on twice a week.

Honorable Mention

For another family-friendly option in the Kona area, consider the Royal Kona Resort, known for its relaxed vibe, recent renovations, and convenient location near local attractions.

Family Friendly Activities on the Big Island

The Big Island is packed with unforgettable adventures that make every family vacation special. Beyond the gorgeous resorts and beautiful beaches, you’ll find a treasure trove of family friendly activities that showcase the island’s unique landscapes, wildlife, and culture.

One of the most magical experiences you can have is snorkeling with manta rays. Several local tour operators offer safe, guided night snorkels where you can watch these gentle giants glide gracefully through the water—an absolute highlight for kids and adults alike.

No trip to the Big Island is complete without exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Walk through ancient lava tubes, witness steaming vents, and, if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of glowing lava after dark. The park offers easy trails and ranger-led programs that make learning about volcanoes fun and interactive for all ages.

Families also love visiting the island’s famous waterfalls, like Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls, both of which are easily accessible and perfect for a quick photo stop or a picnic. For a taste of local culture, check out a traditional hula show or try your hand at lei making—many community centers and local festivals offer these hands-on experiences.

Don’t forget to spend time at one of the island’s black sand beaches, where you might spot sea turtles basking in the sun. Or, head out on a family-friendly snorkeling tour to discover colorful tropical fish and vibrant coral reefs.

Whether you’re hiking through lush rainforests, stargazing atop Mauna Kea, or exploring the bustling farmers markets, the Big Island offers endless opportunities for family friendly fun and adventure. These activities are sure to make your Big Island vacation truly memorable!

Best Hawaiian Family Resorts: Kauai

Kauai is our favorite of the Hawaiian islands. There is just so much beauty there. But it does tend to be a sleepier island than the others. There are some great resorts to choose from here, though, and I go over several in more detail in my other post: The Top 7 Family Resorts in Kauai, along with information about each part of the island.

Be sure to check out my other resources for your Kauai family vacation as well. I have tips for visiting Kauai on a budget, a list of kid-friendly Kauai hikes, and a list of the best beaches on Kauai for kids.

Best Hawaiian Family Resorts: Oahu

I know many families who go back to Oahu year after year. If you love being surrounded by the hustle and bustle of a bigger city, yet having beautiful beaches and resorts to relax at, Oahu might be the perfect island for you. Here’s a preview of my top picks, but you can read my full list of the best Oahu Resorts for Families here.

• Sheraton Waikiki Resort – complete with waterslides and right in the heart of Waikiki
• Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki – multiple waterslides and a man-made lagoon to enjoy
• Marriott Ko’ Olina – multiple pools and waterslides, plus 4 lagoons to swim in
• Aulani – lazy river, waterslides, Disney, and lagoons, but $$$$
• Turtle Bay Resort – located on the North Shore; beautiful beach location with waterslides and multiple pools

Best Family Hawaiian Resorts: Maui

Maui might just be the most kid-friendly of all the Hawaiian islands (although I promise you can’t go wrong with any). It just feels so easy when we’re there. You don’t have to drive far to find sunshine and beautiful beaches, and there are some of the best family Hawaii resorts on this island.

Check out my detailed post highlighting the most kid-friendly resorts on Maui if you decide to venture over to that island as well.

Packing For Hawaii

Once you decide which island to visit, check out this Hawaii packing guide to help you further prepare for your trip.

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