Do you need some advice on planning your first trip to the Big Island? Check out this list of the best resorts on the Big Island for families!
This list of where to stay on the Big Island with kids was written by Marcie Cheung (a Hawaii travel expert) and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Deciding where to stay with kids is difficult enough, but figuring out where to stay on the Big Island with kids depends on so many more things!
From hotel amenities to activities offered, picking the right hotel can make or break your vacation. While most luxury places to stay on the Big Island indulge in pampering couples, only a select few see to the entire family’s needs.
Kona resorts for families are about more than just beach access; they’re about the whole experience!
Exceptional pools with slides, activities like diving with dolphins and weaving leis, and dining at luaus, family resorts offer a diverse range of activities for families to participate in separately and together.
So, if an exciting vacation is in the cards, check out this list of Big Island resorts for families to get you started on the right foot!
Why trust my tips? I’ve traveled to Hawaii more than 40 times, so I really know my stuff.
Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Big Island Itinerary complete with daily schedules, fun activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.
Best Places to Stay on the Big Island with Kids
1. Hilton Waikoloa Village
When choosing the best place to stay on Big Island with kids, the Hilton Waikoloa Village is easily among the top family favorites. With a saltwater lagoon, verdant gardens, two golf courses, two pools, and a Dolphin Quest, this resort feels nothing short of a paradise.
Located on the Island’s West side, the hotel spreads across 62 acres of sunny Kona coast and is interconnected by trams and canal boats. This is a highlight for those needing a break from the piggyback rides, but if you like walking, you’ll be in for a pleasant surprise.
Walking through the hotel will feel like a stroll through a Hawaiian museum, thanks to the more than 1,800 unique Hawaiian heritage pieces scattered throughout the property! Check rates here.
Lagoon & Pool Area
While the resort lacks a beach, it has an ocean-fed lagoon that stretches across 4 acres. Perfectly safe from strong waves, the shallow waters provide a sheltered space for children of all ages to explore safely.
The lounge chairs and umbrellas along the sand offer a place for parents to relax in the Hawaiian sun while keeping an eye on their kids.
Teeming with brightly colored tropical fish and giant sea turtles, it offers some truly magnificent opportunities to snorkel from the comforts of the hotel itself.
Families that love adventure can even schedule kayaking lessons, try paddleboarding, go rafting, or participate in a whale-watching tour.
Let your children run free at the Kona Pool, which has a giant waterfall, hidden grottos, rope bridges, and a 175-foot twisting water slide.
The lifeguard stationed at the top of the slide will check height requirements and melt away any parental stress. Meanwhile, younger kids can check out the gentle slides at the Kohala pool instead. Check the latest rates and availability.
Swimming with Dolphins
If swimming with dolphins is on your bucket list, the Dolphin Quest is truly an unmissable opportunity. During “The Encounter” experience, pet, feed, and snuggle up to a dolphin under the watchful eye of a trainer. These slots do fill up quickly, so make reservations in advance and avail discounted prices.
Pro Tip: Book a session at the Stop Magic Memories photo services desk to capture these special moments.
On-Site Luau
The Legends of Hawaii Luau is another part of the experience that makes this one of the best family resorts in Hawaii Big Island. It features a riveting narrative that showcases traditional Hawaiian foods, an imu ceremony, and a fire knife dancer every Sunday, Tuesday, and Friday night.
There are even pre-show games, kid crafts, and a local crafts market for quick souvenir shopping. A must-do with kids, splurge on the Ali’i seating for table service right by the stage. But even otherwise, all small children are welcome to sit right in front of the stage. Get tickets.
2. Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha Hotel
Does a Hawaiian getaway where kids stay free of charge sound far-fetched to you? Well, that’s exactly what Kona Beach Hotel, or King Kam, offers families with up to 2 children under the age of 17! Read my full hotel review.
Aside from children staying free of charge in their parent’s room, this resort also offers a pool, tennis court, beachside restaurant, and an enchanting luau. Check the latest rates and availability.
Kailua Bay
This hotel’s location on Kailua Bay right next to the Kailua Pier makes it a prime spot to access Kamakahonu Beach. Safe from strong currents, the beach here is perfect for swimming with young children.
Stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, outrigger canoe rentals and snorkeling will keep young kids and teens busy as parents sink their toes in the sand at the beachside cabanas. Of course, there’s also always the option to splash about in the infinity-edge pool. Check resort rates.
Heiau
The resort itself is filled with Hawaiian magic as King Kamehameha the Great’s Heiau is located close by. The hotel boasts exquisite paintings of Hawaiian royalty, historical artifacts, and beautiful murals that will enlighten you on the cultural roots of one of the best resorts on the Big Island.
On-Site Luau
The hotel’s award-winning luau is a reflection of the traditions of the Hawaiian people. The Island Breeze Luau is a phenomenal appreciation of the region’s native customs, beginning with a royal procession on an outrigger canoe. Get tickets.
Book a Hawaii Photo Shoot
Whenever we travel to Hawaii, we almost always book a photo shoot with Flytographer. They are super easy, affordable, AND it guarantees that I’ll have more than just selfies. You can get $25 off if you book through this link or use the code HAWAIITRAVEL.
3. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
If you are still unsure where to stay with kids on the Big Island, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is where you need to go.
This Hawaii haven breathes luxury living and includes special features to make even young children feel pampered at every turn. Check the latest rates and availability.
Babies & Toddlers
Big Island luxury resorts seldom focus on catering to their younger guests, but in this regard, the Four Seasons comes out on top.
From cribs, playpens, and bottle warmers to white noise machines and high chairs, this place has pretty much everything you need while vacationing in Hawaii with a baby in tow.
Kid-Friendly Amenities
When it comes to fun in the sun, the resort offers guests seven pools, a championship golf course, and the Kumu Kai Marine Center to keep small hands busy.
Be it snorkeling in the King’s Pond, drifting in the infinity-edge Sea Shell Pool, or splashing in the Keiki Pool, there’s never a dull moment at the Four Seasons.
A touch tank and digital display at the Kumu Kai Marine Center educate visitors about the 4,000 fishes that reside in the region.
The discussions on Ocean Life Exploration, the Whale Talk, Private Eagle Ray Feeding, Turtles and Tales, and the Jr. Marine Biologist Experience are guaranteed to keep even the most inquisitive minds occupied and engaged. Check resort rates.
Kids Club
Parents looking for some alone time can opt for the complimentary Kids for All Seasons program for children aged 5 to 12.
The all-day program comprises outdoor sports, hula classes, lei-making, and art workshops. Pre-teens between the ages of 9 and 17 can sign up for Camp Manitou during spring, summer, or other festivals. They can then participate in exclusive programs like star-gazing at Mauna Kea or trips to hidden beaches.
The Hale Kula activity center offers games and entertainment activities to keep kids and even teenagers occupied. They’ll also love learning to strum a ukulele and dance the hula at the interactive classes in the Ka’Upulehu Cultural Center.
4. Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa
The Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa at Keauhou Bay, formerly called the Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa, is definitely where to stay on the Big Island with kids if a wide assortment of activities is what you’re after!
The resort’s lagoon-esque pool encourages diving with a 200-foot winding water slide. There’s a wading Keiki pool for smaller children to comfortably paddle. There’s even a new Outrigger Coral Kid’s Club that is expected to open soon. Check the latest rates and availability.
Manta Ray Center
Animal-lovers in the family will adore the chance to view manta rays at dusk at the Manta Center.
Snorkel right up to these marvelous creatures during a night swim and take home with you an unforgettable experience.
On-Site Luau
Watch celebrations honoring the kūpuna at the Feast and Fire luau. Dine under the stars as you are lulled by chants and intrigued by displays that narrate stories about Hawaii.
Nearby Adventures
If your family is full of thrill-seekers, ride an ATV along the rugged coasts of Hamakua and Kohala. The breathtaking views provide the perfect backdrop for a photoshoot.
Engage in complimentary tennis, basketball, and bocce ball; hike the property; take a horseback ride or golf lesson at the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course.
Or, step out on a 90-minute guided cultural tour of the ancient Kaukulaelae village, the majestic Keauhou Bay, and see the birthplace of King Kamehameha III. Check resort rates.
5. Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa
For the young and young-at-heart, one of the best resorts in Kona is the sprawling Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa complex.
It’s a mere 5-minute walk from Waikōloa Beach and across the street from the King’s Shops in the heart of the Kohala Coast.
Also close to the Hawaiian Ocean Sports center, staying at the Waikoloa Beach Resort means you’ll have all you need and more when it comes to experiencing some serious thrills on the water! Check the latest rates and availability.
Boutique Resort
The contemporary yet elegant ambiance invites you to say goodbye to your worries as soon as you arrive. Its smaller size gives it the feel of a private boutique hotel with all the creature comforts of a larger resort.
What’s more, this is another one of the Big Island Hawaii family resorts that offer free stay for up to two children under the age of 17.
Amenities
Take golf lessons with your teens on one of the two courses at dusk, build sandcastles along the golden shores of Anaeho’omalu Bay, or whizz down a water slide!
In addition, there are three island-style pools to plunge into the pool with the slide, a heated infinity pool, and a sand-bottom pool. Check resort rates.
Cultural Programs and Luau
Families who love immersing themselves in Hawaiian customs will enjoy taking the guided complimentary walking tour to learn about the local sights and history. Guests also get to participate in complimentary Hawaiian culture programs and learn the art of lei-making.
The Sunset Luau, in particular, is an inspirational tribute to Polynesia and its people. Exquisite food and spectacular performances are sure to leave your hearts and tummies full!
Kid-Friendly Big Island Resorts Wrap Up
Now that you know where to stay on the Big Island with kids, go ahead and book your reservations for your next great adventure!
