Where to Stay in Honolulu with Kids: 5 Top Picks
Planning a family trip to Honolulu, Oahu Hawaii? Look no further. Because this guide unveils Honolulu’s top hotels for families that everyone (toddlers to grandparents!) will love. We’re talking about specifically designed hotels and resorts to cater to the needs of families of all shapes and sizes. Whether you need a beachfront playground with waterslides and splash pads, spacious suites for multi-generational getaways, or activities that keep everyone entertained, we’ve got you covered. Join us as we reveal the best family friendly hotels in Honolulu that everyone will love.
1️⃣ Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort – Best Overall Family Friendly Hotel
2️⃣ The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort – Best with Older Kids Family Friendly Hotel
3️⃣ Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach – Best Budget Family Friendly Hotel
4️⃣ Aston Waikiki Beach Tower – Best Aparthotel Family Friendly Hotel
5️⃣ The Kahala Hotel & Resort – Best Luxury Family Friendly Hotel
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Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort is renowned as the top-ranking family friendly hotel in Honolulu. The resort offers an array of amenities and activities for guests of all ages. It is close to many popular attractions, such as Diamond Head crater and the Honolulu Zoo.
- Amenities: The resort offers great amenities for families. 5 outdoor pools and a children’s pool, with a waterslide, cabanas, and sun loungers. The resort is right on the beach and on the lagoon, making it a safe and fun place for younger children. Onsite Mandara Spa, the largest spa in Waikiki, offers various treatment packages including couples massage and services for teens.
- Rooms: There are many different types of rooms in 5 towers, including family rooms with multiple beds as well as connecting rooms for bigger families.
- Dining: With over 20 restaurants and bars on-site, the resort offers a wide variety of dining options to suit every palate, including family-friendly eateries serving kid meals.
- Activities: From snorkeling and paddleboarding to surfing lessons and catamaran cruises, the resort offers a variety of water sports for all. On land, families can enjoy a diverse range of daily activities organized by the resort, such as hula lessons, lei making workshops, and live entertainment, providing fun cultural experiences for the entire family.
* While Hilton Hawaiian Village is definitely one of the best family friendly hotels in Honolulu, the property is huge and can be overwhelming for those who are seeking for a quieter vacation.
The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort
While the Royal Hawaiian in Honolulu is not specifically designed as a children’s resort, it can definitely be a family friendly hotel depending on your priorities and your children’s ages. The parents and grandparents will certainly enjoy its opulent ambiance and historic charm. At the same time, it also offers a range of amenities and services that cater to children, making it a good place to stay for family adventure.
- Amenities: The Royal Hawaiian shares a large pool complex with the neighboring Sheraton Waikiki, featuring a splash pad, water slide, and plenty of space for kids to play. It’s also right on Waikiki beach. Families can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles right outside the resort. Spa is also available onsite.
- Rooms: 2 bedroom family loft suites are available for families. But for bigger families, you’ll need to ask for connecting or adjoining rooms.
- Dining: The dining options include Azure, offering fresh seafood and ocean views, and outdoor Mai Tai Bar, serving signature cocktails and light bites. While some dining venues may cater more to adult tastes, there are also family-friendly options available.
- Activities: They offer various cultural activities including live music performances, traditional Hawaiian hula shows, ukulele workshop. They’re suitable for children. Excursions and water activities can also be arranged through the hotel.
* This iconic hotel is a great choice for slightly older kids. The property is right next to Hilton Hawaiian Village. So if you want a more family friendly dining option, you can also just walk in there.
Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach
While this Hyatt is not right on the beach, it’s still very close to the beach and is one of the affordable family friendly hotels in Honolulu. The hotel offers spacious rooms and suites with modern amenities, providing families with plenty of space to relax and enjoy the time together. Also, take advantage of free full breakfast and free in-room WiFi.
- Amenities: The hotel has a rooftop outdoor pool with lounge chairs and a fitness room. They’re nothing of note. But If you’re planning to spend a lot of time on the beach or out sightseeing, this is perfectly adequate. There is no spa onsite, but there are plenty of independent spas in the area. You can also go to other hotels, many of which welcome non-staying guests.
- Rooms: 2 beds with full sofa bed room can accommodate up to 5 persons. There are connecting rooms for bigger families. Some rooms come with a balcony with sea views.
- Dining: Their restaurant is at the lobby bar, offering basics such as burgers and caesar salad. If you want something more exciting, you’ll find plenty of options in the area.
- Activities: While the hotel doesn’t offer any specific activities, you can walk to the beach (a few minutes walk). You can also arrange city tours, parasailing, Luau dinner show, etc. Honolulu Zoo is within 5 minutes walk away.
* Hyatt Place is a great choice if you’re on budget and not planning to spend too much time by the pool. Good to note that children under 12 stay for free in their parents’ room and receive free meals from the children’s menu when accompanied by a paying adult.
Aston Waikiki Beach Tower
Aston Waikiki Beach Tower is an aparthotel located within a short walking distance to Waikiki beach. It offers condominium style spacious accommodations with friendly and attentive service.
- Amenities: Aston Waikiki Beach Tower offers a range of amenities designed with families in mind, including a heated swimming pool, wading pool for younger children, jet spa, barbecue grills, and a picnic area. Adults and older children will enjoy the fitness center which offers great views of the ocean. You can also relax, socialize and plan your excursions at their “hospitality lounge” and recreation deck which provide comfortable seating areas, drinks, and library.
- Rooms: All suites are very spacious and come with a balcony with ocean view, full kitchen, separate living/dining area, washer/dryer, etc. There are 2-bedroom suites for bigger families, which can accommodate up to six people.
- Dining: Unfortunately, there is no restaurant onsite. However, if you’re planning to BBQ or cook in your room, Waikiki Market is within a 10 minutes walk, as well as many convenience stores in the area. You’ll also find plenty of dining options in the area. My personal favourite is Tiki’s Grill & Bar. Although it could get noisy on weekends, it is very fun and kids friendly place.
- Activities: They offer Hula lessons, Lei making class, Ukulele lesson, etc. suitable for all ages. The Honolulu Zoo and the Waikiki Aquarium are also a short walk from the hotel.
* Aston Waikiki Beach Tower is a great place to stay if you’re with a big family or planning to stay for a longer period. It is one of the best value for money family friendly hotels in Honolulu.
The Kahala Hotel & Resort
Located on Kāhala Beach, about 10 minutes drive from the downtown Honolulu and Waikiki beach, this resort offers something totally magical – swim with the dolphins! Their “Dolphin Quest Programs” offer interactive experiences for guests (from age 0) to learn about and engage with dolphins. It’s a memorable opportunity for guests of all ages to connect with nature and support marine conservation initiatives.
- Amenities: Their private lagoon hosts dolphins and other marine life. “Dolphin Quest Programs” offers various programs from “play-date” and feeding to family swim with dolphins. Some programs are available from age 0 and most of them are suitable for the whole family. They also have an outdoor pool with cabana and a children’s pool as well as a spa and wellness center. You can also enjoy swimming or water activities such as kayak and snorkeling at the private beach. If you don’t want to get wet, rent a bike or join a yoga class.
- Rooms: There are various rooms and suites available depending on the size of your group. They are beautifully decorated with luxurious amenities and very spacious. 2 bedroom suites can accommodate up to six adults.
- Dining: The resort has multiple restaurants and bars serving a diverse range of cuisine, from fine dining to casual fare at the poolside bar and the seaside grill. Kids menus are available.
- Activities: Apart from the activities at the lagoon and the private beach, the Concierge Desk can arrange activities off-site such as golfing and tennis. Complimentary bike rental is also available. They can also help you arrange any excursions.
* You don’t need to give up luxury for kids friendly vacation at the Kahala Hotel & Resort. They keep the entire family happy by combining luxury five-star services and facilities and activities that are suitable for younger guests. This is definitely one of the best family friendly hotels in Honolulu. My top pick.
