Searching for the best family resorts on Oahu? You’re in luck! I’m a mom raising two kids on the island of Maui, and we visit Oahu as often as possible. As a self-proclaimed “resort junkie,” I can safely say you’re in good hands, mama!
With its vibrant mix of cultural richness, stunning beaches, and endless sunshine, there are so many things to do on Oahu with kids! Your family will love it here, and with the right planning, you will too. After all, this is your vacation, too!
From resorts with sprawling water parks and kid’s clubs to tranquil retreats with family suites and cultural activities, these are the best family hotels on Oahu.
Where to Stay on Oahu With Kids
While visiting Oahu, plan to stay in Waikiki, North Shore, or Ko Olina (West Shore). These areas have the best resorts, amenities, and attractions.
My Ultimate Guide to Oahu provides more detailed information about the island, each of these regions’ locations, and how to choose the right one for your family.
Hilton Hawaiian Village
Location: Waikiki
Perfect For: Families Who Don’t Want to Leave the Resort
Nestled on the widest stretch of Waikiki Beach, the Hilton Hawaiian Village is a dream destination for families seeking the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. This is by far the most family-friendly hotel on Oahu.
Hilton Hawaiian Village isn’t just the largest hotel on Oahu. It’s one of the largest hotels in the world! There are 3,386 rooms, five pools, multiple waterslides, and a man-made lagoon.
Located on the edge of Waikiki, this hotel is more removed from the action. This can be a good thing, as Waikiki is BUSY. However, reaching desirable city attractions on foot can take about 15-20 minutes. (Rent a wagon!)
Why We Love It
My favorite thing about Hilton Hawaiian Village is the lagoon. Waikiki Beach can be rocky and a bit rugged to navigate with small children. The lagoon provided a perfect place for our kids to play without worrying about waves. They also have these fun water bikes to rent! You do not have to be a guest to use the lagoon.
Cons
This place is MASSIVE. I’m talking 22 acres with 20 different restaurants. This is great for families who don’t want to leave the resort. However, I felt a bit overwhelmed at times. It can get very crowded, and finding space (or a lounge chair) can be challenging. Additionally, Hilton charges a hefty resort fee that can add up, depending on the length of your stay.
Pools: 5, including a man-made lagoon
Kids Club: Camp Penguin for kids 5-12. Full or half day available
Restaurants: 20! Kids five and under eat for free at Lagoon Grill and Big Island Breakfast
Reserve Hilton Hawaiian Village
Disney Aulani
Location: Ko Olina
Perfect For: Families Looking for a Kid-Focused Resort
Welcome to Disney Aulani Hotel, a place where the enchanting magic of Disney meets the serene beauty of Hawaii.
Located in the tranquil region of Ko Olina, this part of the island allows families to enjoy a more relaxed pace while still being close to Oahu’s attractions. The biggest draw to Ko Olina is the four man-made lagoons, which are perfect for young swimmers (and nervous parents).
This is a very kid-centered place. There are no rides, but Disney characters walk around the property, and breakfast at Makahiki, which made our list of the best kid-friendly restaurants on Oahu. In addition, the hotel provides numerous activities to keep your little ones happy throughout the day.
Disney Aulani has 351 hotel rooms and 481 villas. The pool is HUGE, with a lazy river, water slides, and pool parties. They also have a man-made lagoon that is shared with the Four Seasons.
Why We Love It
We love Disney Aulani’s meticulously designed rooms and interactive cultural activities. They have a fantastic kids’ club. The spa is stunning, and I was surprised at how serene it was. They even have a place in the spa dedicated to fun kid’s makeovers. In a world that isn’t always tolerant of young people, it’s refreshing to vacation somewhere that constantly thinks of your children’s needs.
In addition, there is no resort fee, which is rare in Hawaii!
Cons
While there is plenty of fun to be had at Disney Aulani Hotel, it gets very crowded. If you’re hoping for a quiet, relaxing holiday, this is not the place to be. In addition, the activities are geared toward younger children, so if your kids are older, they may not enjoy them as much.
Pools: 8,200 square foot pool with a lazy river and waterslide. There is also an adult-only pool.
Kids Club: Aunty’s Beach House (Pre-register up to 90 days in advance)
Restaurants: 10, Makahiki restaurant, hosts a character breakfast daily where Disney characters visit your table (They only allow you to book 30 days out, and the competition to get a table is FIERCE. It’s not uncommon for moms to set an alarm for 12AM Hawaii time that day to secure a spot.)
Turtle Bay Resort
Location: North Shore
Perfect For: Families Wanting to Experience Oahu at a Slower Pace
Turtle Bay Resort is nestled on North Shore of Oahu, a perfect place to soak up the island’s laid-back lifestyle.
Located about an hour from the airport, this is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of Waikiki. Turtle Bay is North Shore’s only real resort, spanning 1300 acres.
A standard room includes access to the main pool, kid’s pool (two waterslides), and adult pool. There’s also a private adult-only tranquility pool for specific bookings.
There are seven beaches within walking distance of the hotel! North Shore Oahu is known for its big wave surfing competitions, and it’s not uncommon to see pros doing their thing right in front of the hotel. For young swimmers, check out Kuilima Cove, which made my list of the best kid-friendly beaches on Oahu.
Why We Love It
I love how Turtle Bay Resort makes me feel. I instantly felt a sense of calm upon walking into the beautiful lobby and had one of the best massages of my life in the spa’s outdoor cabanas. My kids LOVED the pool area, and the tiered deck makes it possible to keep an eye on older kids from the upper-level adult-only pool (winning).
You can read my full review of Turtle Bay Resort here.
Cons
There is no kid’s club available, and most activities require an additional fee.
Note: Self-parking is the same price as valet.
Pools: 3, and a private pool for Ocean Bungalow guests
Kids Club: No
Restaurants: 7
Related: How to Get Around Oahu with Kids: Do You Need a Car?
Sheraton Waikiki
Location: In the Heart of Waikiki
Perfect For: Families Who Want to be Walkable to Waikiki
The Sheraton Waikiki is a vibrant, family-friendly resort located in the bustling heart of Honolulu. This is where city life meets beachside relaxation, offering a dynamic Hawaiian vacation experience.
Situated right on Waikiki Beach, the resort is within walking distance of shopping, dining, and endless entertainment options.
This 32-story hotel has over 1,600 rooms and is located right on the water.
Why We Love It
I love the convenience of this hotel so much. We were able to stay here without renting a car. We also loved the Helumoa Playground Family Pool. The waterslides provided enough fun for days, and the splash pad was perfect for my two-year-old.
Cons
What makes this hotel so unique is its proximity to Waikiki. However, this doesn’t always provide the most relaxing stay. There’s a lot of foot traffic, sometimes making the hotel feel crowded. Also, the pool was freezing while we were there. My kids didn’t mind, but it made it harder to relax and play with them.
Note: Next door, you’ll find my favorite hotel in Waikiki, the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. The Sheraton shares a pool with the Royal Hawaiian and has many of the same amenities at a fraction of the price. The Royal Hawaiian does allow kids, and I LOVED our stay, but I didn’t include it in this list because the Sheraton is much more kid-friendly.
Pools: One adult-only pool and one family-style pool with waterslides
Kids Club: Poppins Keiki Waikiki, available for kids 3 months-12 years, located in the Sheraton (but not limited to hotel guests)
Restaurants: 4, One child under five eats free daily at Kai Market
Four Seasons Resort Ko Olina
Location: Ko Olina
Perfect For: Families Who Want a Low-Key, Luxurious Stay
The Four Seasons Ko Olina is the most posh hotel on this list, and the price tag reflects it. (Not that any of these hotels are on a strict budget.)
Between juggling sippy cups and sunscreen, I’m still a mom who appreciates the finer things in life! The Four Seasons always has a way of making me feel like the most important person on the planet, and this hotel is certainly no exception.
This is one of those rare places that appeals to honeymooners and families alike. Here, filling your cup AND showing your kids a great time is possible.
You won’t find loud, noisy kids running about. The pools and grounds stay fairly quiet. However, they offer one of the best kids’ clubs on Oahu, which is included in your resort stay and includes unique activities for kids, like glamping and treasure hunts.
Note: The resort shares a lagoon with Disney Aulani Hotel, which will be far more crowded than the Four Seasons Pools.
Why We Love It
I loved the resort’s commitment to providing a culturally rich experience in a meaningful way. We left here feeling wholly recharged and appreciative of the way Four Seasons meets the desires of both parents and children with elegance and grace.
Cons
Reflecting its luxury status, the resort comes with a higher price tag, which might be a consideration for the budget-conscious.
Pools: One adult-only pool and one family pool
Kids Club: Camp Kohola, free for kids 5-12
Restaurants: 5
Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger
Location: Waikiki
Perfect For: Families on a budget looking for convenience and fun in the heart of Waikiki
The Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger offers a budget-friendly, stylish stay in the heart of Waikiki. This is perfect for families looking for convenience and fun without breaking the bank. You’re not directly on the beach here, but Waikiki Beach is just steps away. The hotel’s casual vibe makes it an easy stay with kids, and it’s within walking distance of shopping, dining, and kid-friendly attractions like the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium (20 minutes on foot).
Why We Love It: I was surprised by the vibrant local art and culture that blend into the hotel’s aesthetic. Every room here includes a lanai. The rooftop pool is great for unwinding after a day of exploring, and Waikiki is such a vibe. You can’t beat the price tag for this kind of convenience!
Cons: The pool isn’t anything elaborate, so look elsewhere if you’re hoping for waterslides and hours of entertainment. Additionally, because this hotel faces the street, it can get loud at night. Because of my kid’s sound machines, we slept fine, but I highly recommend bringing something to drown out the noise.
Note: Beachcomber by Outrigger is not the same hotel as Outrigger Waikiki. This is their beachfront property across the street.
Pools: Rooftop pool and hot tub
Kids Club: No
Restaurants: On-site Maui Brewing Company and a lobby coffee shop
Reserve Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger
Best Family Hotels on Oahu Wrap-Up
Whether you’re seeking a serene beachfront retreat or an action-packed vacation, this list has something for everyone.
So, pack your bags and get your family on that plane, mama! Oahu awaits!
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aloha, I’M FLO
Hawaii travel blogger + itinerary planning extraordinaire
I’m an island-hopping Maui mama of two, here to bring your Hawaii vacation dreams to life.
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