Family vacations are the perfect recipe for unforgettable memories, especially if they take place on the stunning Big Island of Hawaii, where aloha spirit, breathtaking landscapes, and family-friendly fun come together. This Big Island of Hawaii is a wonderful destination for families who love nature, adventure, and culture as well as a chance to relax at some beautiful resorts. To help you plan your trip I’ve put together this comprehensive list of all the best places to stay on the Big Island for families.
15 Best Places to Stay on the Big Island for Families
Planning a vacation that caters to everyone in the family can be challenging, and that’s precisely why I’ve put together this guide about the best family-friendly Big Island resorts. So get ready to pack your bags, leave your worries behind, and embrace the magic of the Big Island with those who matter most.
I have two favorites when it comes to the best Big Island resorts for families. Firstly, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai witih it’s white-sand beaches and an open-air lava rock shower that has awesome vibes. The Paniolo Greens Resort provides a beautiful escape, nestled amidst lush scenery and accompanied by top-tier golf courses.
Quick Picks: 3 Best Places to Stay on the Big Island for Families
Short on time for the full article? No problem! I’ve handpicked the 3 best family-friendly resorts on the Big Island.
The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls
- Private waterfall access
- Asian-inspired accommodations
- Eco-friendly property
ACCOMMODATION COMPARISON TABLE
Here is the table of starting prices for a family with one kid to stay one night at the following resorts. Please note that these prices are subject to change and may vary depending on the date of travel, the number of guests, and the type of room:
Hilton Waikoloa Village
When it comes to the best places to stay on the Big Island for families, this mega-resort located on the Kohala Coast truly stands out. With a black sand beach, tennis courts, golf courses, pools with water slides and waterfalls, and a four-acre ocean-fed lagoon with kayaks and paddleboards, it can definitely satisfy each and every member of the family.
Hilton Waikoloa Village’s spacious accommodations feature elegant design elements and come with a private lanai that allows you to take in breathtaking ocean or garden views. In this paradise, you might even get a chance to meet marine wildlife up close and swim with dolphins in a saltwater lagoon. This is definitely my TOP pick for best family resorts on the Big Island.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Hilton Waikoloa Village.
Fairmont Orchid
Spread across 32 oceanfront acres on the majestic Kohala Coast, Fairmont Orchid has grounds set on pristine beaches, a private bay for marine exploration, and serene poolside lounging. It’s one of the best places to stay on the Big Island for families, offering a beautiful white-sand beach with calm waters where you can snorkel with sea turtles right from the resort!
Your kids can make a splash in its iconic 10,000 square-foot oceanfront pool, a sweet memory that’ll stay with them for the rest of their lives. That’s not all, they can also enjoy other daily activities such as lei making, hula dancing, ukulele lessons, and Hawaiian crafts. There’s so many activities at the Fairmont Orchid, making it one of the best places to stay on Big Island for families.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Fairmont Orchid.
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Situated on the Kona-Kohala Coast, about 15 minutes from Kona International Airport, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is one of the best places to stay on the Big Island for families. It’s nestled amidst white-sand beaches and an outdoor lava rock shower that connects you with nature.
For golf lovers in the family, it offers an 18-hole golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus. But there’s much more for other members of the family as well. You can relax in its heated plunge pool that faces the ocean while your kids take part in a variety of fun activities like hula lessons, Hawaiian games, scavenger hunts, and arts and crafts.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Four Seasons Resort Hualalai.
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is one of the finest Big Island resorts for families, a classic resort that has been welcoming guests since 1965. You can expect tradition, immaculate facilities and family-friendly values. Here, soft white sand and clear blue water create an amazing color contrast that pleases the eyes.
Sandcastle building, treasure hunts, tie-dyeing, and cookie decorating are all offered by this resort to keep your kids amused. The Beachfront Lawn Deluxe Room is one of the most family-friendly rooms at this hotel. The 590-square-foot room has two queen-size beds and a private lanai (patio) that opens to a grassy lawn where you can walk directly to the beach from your room and enjoy the ocean view.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.
Mauna Lani Point
Big Island resorts for families like Mauna Lani Point can be found in a quiet, secluded area on the Kohala Coast. This resort is surrounded by lush tropical landscaping, with palm trees, flowers, and shrubs everywhere you look.
The units at Mauna Lani Point are designed in a modern Hawaiian style and the use of natural materials creates a relaxing and inviting atmosphere. Every room in this hotel has a private pool. After a day of exploring with your family, you can unwind in your own spacious pool. The shallow end of the pool is perfect for toddlers, and there is plenty of space for children to swim and play.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Mauna Lani Point.
Kona Coast Resort
Kona Coast Resort is one of the top Big Island resorts for families and is known for providing great value. It offers free shuttle service to nearby attractions such as Keauhou Shopping Center and Kahalu’u Beach Park.
The villas at Kona Coast Resort provide breathtaking views of the ocean and the Hualalai volcano that you can cherish from the ground or high above in a helicopter. The villas also have a private lanai with a barbecue grill. You can cook your own meals and enjoy them outdoors in a tropical setting with your family.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Kona Coast Resort.
Volcano Village Lodge
Perched at an elevation of almost 4,000 feet above sea level, Volcano Village Lodge offers one of the best places to stay on the Big Island for families. It provides travelers with an opportunity to immerse themselves in native Hawaiian rainforest, witness active volcanic eruptions, and enjoy refreshing cooler climates.
Presenting a furnished wooden balcony, every room at Volcano Village Lodge includes a fireplace and a kitchenette equipped with a dining space and coffee-making amenities. Luxurious bathrobes are provided in the attached private bathroom. This makes Volcano Village Lodge an ideal choice for families seeking comfortable and well-equipped accommodations.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Volcano Village Lodge.
The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls
The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls, one of the best places to stay on the Big Island for families, is situated on 22 acres of lush land that includes Hawaii’s largest privately accessible waterfall. This intimate and eco-friendly retreat provides a tranquil ambiance with nature-inspired activities.
One of the most romantic rooms at The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls is the Harmony Room. This 400-square-foot room has a king-size bed and a private lanai that overlooks the waterfall and the pond. You can experience full intimacy with your family, hearing the soothing sound of the water and looking at the rainbow that forms in the mist.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls.
The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls
- Private waterfall access
- Asian-inspired accommodations
- Eco-friendly property
Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel
With its prime oceanfront location, Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel provides easy access to water activities, shopping, and cultural sites, making it a convenient and vibrant hub for exploring Kona.
The hotel’s direct access to a beautiful saltwater lagoon provides a safe environment for families and those seeking leisurely swims or snorkeling, all while overlooking the stunning Pacific. You can also enjoy the panoramic view of the ocean, and watch the boats, the surfers, and the sunset, all in the comfort of your own private balcony.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel.
Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel
- 455 modern guest rooms
- Authentic Hawaiian culture
- Beachfront paradise
Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa
Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa is one of the top Big Island resorts for families. It is located in Kailua-Kona, a historic town with a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. It is also a short drive from several beaches, including Hapuna Beach and Kua Bay.
This resort offers a host of fun activities for both children and adults alike. It has a multi-level pool with water slides, waterfalls, a sandy-bottomed children’s area, a saltwater lagoon with manta rays, a tennis court, a fitness center, and a spa. It also offers daily activities for kids such as lei making, ukulele lessons, and storytelling.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa.
The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort’s location is unbeatable. You are right on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world surrounded by white sand beaches and the sparkling Pacific Ocean.
The resort’s half-mile-long white-sand beach with soft sands and gentle waves is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles. Everything in this hotel promises a memorable and rejuvenating stay for you and your family.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort.
Paniolo Greens Resort
Nestled in the heart of Waikoloa Village, Paniolo Greens Resort is among the best Big Island resorts for families. It offers a charming and tranquil getaway surrounded by lush landscapes and world-class golf courses. The resort provides a number of exciting activities and excursions for families, including golf, horseback riding, and deep-sea fishing.
The distinctive allure of Paniolo Greens Resort lies in its expansive Two-Bedroom Villas. The villa experience is heightened by private lanais, where you can chill out and perhaps even catch glimpses of Hawaiian sunsets. Families with children can take advantage of the nearby Anaehoomalu Bay, known as A-Bay, which offers opportunities for snorkeling and beachside activities.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Paniolo Greens Resort.
Holualoa Inn
Holualoa Inn, situated in the quaint village of Holualoa, is among the top Big Island resorts for families. It is a cozy bed and breakfast that offers a home away from home experience for families. Its hilltop location amidst coffee farms offers panoramic views of the ocean and the Kona Coast.
Its exquisite accommodations feature private lanais where you can savor your fresh morning coffee while taking in the beauty of the sunrise over the Pacific. You can explore the nearby coffee farms and the quaint town of Holualoa with your family, immerse yourselves in the island’s culture and heritage and create unforgettable memories.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Holualoa Inn.
Kilauea Lodge
Positioned near the entrance of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kilauea Lodge transports you to a realm that feels worlds apart from ordinary life. With cozy accommodations, a renowned restaurant, and easy access to the park’s volcanic wonders, This lodge is an ideal base for exploring the island’s natural beauty.
The activities to cheer every member of your family up are abundant. You can traverse the rim of a volcanic crater and explore its depths along well-trodden trails, venture into sprawling lava tubes, and discover the rarity of green sand underfoot as you stroll along one of the few green sand beaches on Earth.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Kilauea Lodge.
Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Nestled along the breathtaking Anaehoomalu Bay, the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa offers a blend of luxury and island charm on the Big Island’s Kohala Coast. Its accommodations provide a serene oasis with private lanais that overlook the shimmering ocean and the captivating mountainside.
It hosts three 9-hole golf courses, surrounded by lush greenery. Most of their culinary offerings are sourced locally to give you an authentic taste of the islands. And their Mandara Spa provides you with a rejuvenating array of treatments. What’s not to like about the place?
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa.
I hope you enjoyed this article. As you can see, there are many Big Island resorts for families to suit different tastes, budgets, and preferences. Whether you want to stay near the beach, the volcano, or somewhere in between, you can find your perfect accommodation on this fantastic island. If you’re planning your Big Island family vacation, you might find my post helpful: Renting A Car In Hawaii: Everything You Need To Know.