Best Family Resorts on the Big Island of Hawaii

Updated for 2026

I’m a Hawaii travel planner and mama of two, and we visit the Big Island as often as we can. We usually stay somewhere different every trip, which is both a professional hazard and, honestly, just a great excuse to keep going back.

Before we get into specific hotels, I want to say this: the Big Island is the most geographically confusing island to plan for in all of Hawaii. It’s twice the size of all the other islands combined, and where you stay matters more here than anywhere else in the state. I’ve talked to so many families who felt confused or let down by a Big Island trip, and almost always it came down to a location mistake, not a budget mistake.

If you want the full picture before deciding where to stay, start with my Big Island Travel Guide — it covers regions, beaches, activities, and everything in between.

If you’re already feeling overwhelmed, that’s normal, and it’s exactly why I offer travel planning services for families coming here. Most of the resorts on this list also come with complimentary perks when booked through a travel advisor — things like room upgrades, resort credits, and daily breakfast. Budget stays are the exception, but if you’re looking at anything mid-range to luxury, it’s worth a conversation before you book directly. 

I also keep a running list of current Hawaii hotel deals if you want to check what’s on sale before you decide.

Okay. Let’s talk about where to stay.

Where to Stay on the Big Island: Understanding the Geography

Before you look at a single resort, you need to understand the layout of this island. Because it changes everything.

For a deeper breakdown of each region and what to expect with kids at different ages, my Big Island With Kids guide has everything you need.

The Kona Side (South Kona / Kailua-Kona)

Best for: First-timers, budget-to-mid-range families, walkability, easy access to activities

Kailua-Kona is the heart of the island’s tourism scene. It’s sunny, lively, and packed with restaurants, coffee farms, and things to do. Walk out of your hotel, and you’re basically already on vacation. This is also where you’ll find the best concentration of family-friendly dining on the Big Island, manta ray snorkeling, and Atlantis Submarine tours.

The trade-off: Kona’s resorts are more modest than the Kohala Coast. You’re swapping grandeur for convenience, and a lot of families make that trade happily.

Drive time from Kona Airport (KOA): 10-20 minutes.

The Kohala Coast

Best for: Families who want big resort energy, epic pools, and a true “we never have to leave” experience

The Kohala Coast is about 25-30 miles north of Kona, and it’s where the island’s flagship resorts live. Mauna Lani, Four Seasons, Fairmont Orchid, Westin Hapuna, and more are all out here. This stretch of coastline is sunny, dramatic, and built for resort life. You’ll want a rental car to explore beyond your property, and you’re farther from the Kona activity scene, but if your family’s idea of a great trip is incredible pools and the kind of service where someone appears with a cold towel before you knew you needed it, this is your zone.

Drive time from Kona Airport (KOA): 30-45 minutes depending on which resort.

The Hilo Side (East)

Best for: Families who want waterfalls, rainforests, and a more local experience

Hilo is lush, rainy, and beautiful, and it’s not where most families should base themselves on a first Big Island trip. If you’re planning to spend real time at Volcanoes National Park, or you’re the kind of family that prefers farmer’s markets over swim-up bars, Hilo def has its own magic. But if you want beach days and sunshine, stay on the west side and do Hilo as a day trip. And if the weather doesn’t cooperate wherever you’re staying, I’ve got a full list of rainy day activities in Hawaii that actually work with kids.

Drive time from Hilo Airport (ITO): 5-10 minutes to town, about an hour to Volcanoes National Park.

The Best Family Resorts on the Kohala Coast

The Kohala Coast is where Hawaii goes big. These are some of the finest resorts in the state, and for families who want a true splurge-worthy experience, they consistently deliver.

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

Location: Kohala Coast
Perfect for: Families who want understated luxury, a complimentary kids’ club, and a resort that feels curated rather than chaotic

Mauna Lani has been voted the #1 resort on the Big Island by Travel + Leisure more than once. Staying here, it’s easy to understand why. The property sits right on the ocean with 32 lava-framed acres, three pools, five restaurants, and a calm, unhurried energy that makes you feel like you actually exhaled somewhere over the Pacific.

What sets it apart for families is that it does luxury and kids well at the same time, which is rarer than it should be. Your kids will get personalized welcome gifts on arrival, and the cultural programming feels rooted in place, not performative.

Why We Love It

• The Holoholo Kids Crew is complimentary with your stay (ages 5-12) and runs a real program: fishing, gardening, art-making, and Hawaiian cultural activities. One of the best kids’ clubs on the island, and it costs you nothing extra.
• Three pools, including a keiki pool next to the main pool and an adults-only retreat, so everyone has their own space
• 90% of rooms have ocean views, and the recent renovation left the property feeling chic and modern without losing its warmth
• Ancient fishponds and petroglyphs are walkable from the resort, a meaningful cultural experience that feels like the Big Island, not just any luxury property
• CanoeHouse restaurant is one of the best dining experiences on the island, worth a reservation even if you’re staying elsewhere

Good to Know

• Rooms are spacious but only the Francis H. I’i Brown Suite has a full kitchen. Most families are in hotel rooms, not condo-style units.
• The resort is spread out and requires some walking between areas. Factor that in with toddlers.
• Expect a daily resort fee. Self-parking is available.

Mauna Lani Cheat Sheet
Pools: 3 (keiki pool, main resort pool, adults-only pool)
Kids’ Club: Yes, complimentary (ages 5-12)
Restaurants: 5, with kids’ menus available

Compare rates at Mauna Lani

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

Location: North Kona (Kohala Coast adjacent)
Perfect for: Families who want the very best service on the island, eight pools, and a resort that thinks of everything before you have to ask

Four Seasons Hualalai is the only Forbes Five Star resort on the Big Island. This isn’t just about thread count and white gloves. It’s about a property that has actually thought about what families need and built those things in rather than adding them on as an afterthought.

No shock here: it’s expensive. But it’s also one of those rare properties where so much is included that when you add it all up, it’s sometimes more competitive than you’d expect. No resort fees is a real financial fact when you’re staying for multiple nights.

Why We Love It

• Eight outdoor pools, including King’s Pond, a 1.8 million-gallon natural lava rock pool filled with tropical fish and sea turtles where you can snorkel. My kids still talk about it.
• The complimentary kids’ program (ages 5-12) is excellent, and they also offer a special camp for teens ages 9-17. That’s rare, and a real gift if you have both ages in your group.
• Child-sized bathrobes, white noise machines, bottle warmers, stroller rentals. The resort has already thought of the things you’d otherwise have to ask for or figure out yourself.
• No resort fee, which at this price tier is both a principle and a practical savings.
• Six restaurants with kids under 4 eating free. Small detail, but it adds up over a week.

Good to Know

• One of the most expensive resorts in Hawaii. Set expectations accordingly.
• The property has a quieter, more refined energy than the big splashy Kohala resorts. It’s not a waterslide destination, think of it more as a sanctuary.
• Located on North Kona’s coastline rather than central Kohala, which means slightly different feel and slightly different drive times to things.

Four Seasons Hualalai Cheat Sheet
Pools: 8 (including King’s Pond snorkel lagoon)
Kids’ Club: Yes, complimentary (ages 5-12); teen camp available
Restaurants: 6 (kids under 4 eat free)

Compare rates at Four Seasons Hualalai

Fairmont Orchid

Location: Kohala Coast (North Kohala)
Perfect for: Families who want a full-service beachfront resort with great dining, a huge pool, and easy snorkeling right out front

The Fairmont Orchid is one of my favorite resorts on the Big Island, and it’s also a top pick for families I’ve planned trips for. It sits on 32 oceanfront acres on Pauoa Bay, which is a protected cove with calm, clear water and colorful marine life right off the beach. On a good day, you can snorkel from the sand and see sea turtles without booking a tour.

The grounds are beautiful, koi ponds and waterfalls and tropical gardens, and the whole property has a warmth that some of the ultra-luxury resorts can feel too polished to have. It caters to couples too, but it does families really well.

Why We Love It

• The pool is enormous (10,000 square feet) with full pool service, floaties, and toys. Kids can settle in for hours while you actually read a book.
• Brown’s Beach House is one of the best beachfront dining experiences on the island. The sunset views alone are worth the reservation, and they have a dedicated kids’ dining program.
• Complimentary canoe rides and snorkeling classes for guests. These aren’t tchotchke activities, they’re real experiences.
• The on-site Hawaiiloa Luau runs weekly and is one of the better luaus on the Kohala Coast. You don’t have to leave the property for a proper evening out.
• The Spa Without Walls Spa is one of my favorites on the island for parents who really need a break.
  

Good to Know

• No kids’ club currently. Great pool and beach programming, but no drop-off childcare.
• One pool with no waterslides. Families who need a slide situation may want to pair a day here with Hilton Waikoloa.
• Rooms are spacious and can sleep a family of four. Suites offer more breathing room for larger groups.
  

Fairmont Orchid Cheat Sheet
Pools: 1 (large, 10,000 sq ft with full pool service)
Kids’ Club: No
Restaurants: 7, including Brown’s Beach House and on-site luau

Compare rates at Fairmont Orchid

Westin Hapuna Beach Resort

Location: Kohala Coast (Hapuna Beach)
Perfect for: Families who want direct access to one of the best beaches in Hawaii without giving up resort amenities

Hapuna Beach is consistently ranked among the best beaches in Hawaii for a reason. Wide, white, beautiful, and usually swimmable (check conditions in the winter). The Westin sits right on it, and that location is the main reason to book. Every single room faces the ocean, which is actually rare on any Hawaiian island.

The resort went through a major renovation and feels fresh and well done, not trying-too-hard trendy. As a bonus, Westin Hapuna guests have access to some shared programming and facilities with the neighboring Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.

Why We Love It

• Hapuna Beach is the star: big, gorgeous, and right outside your door
• Two pools, a family pool and an adults-only infinity pool, so you have options
• The Westin Kids Program is available, which earns this resort a spot on the list that many properties without one can’t claim
• Cultural activities, paddleboard and kayak rentals, and a golf course make it a full-week destination
• The coffee bar and grab-and-go options are a small but meaningful detail with kids. You don’t have to wait for a full restaurant breakfast at 6am.

Good to Know

• Hapuna Beach can have stronger surf in winter months. Always check conditions before sending kids in. The beach is always beautiful even when it’s not swimmable.
• The upscale restaurant Meridia is more of an adults’ night out. Ikena Landing and Naupaka Beach Grill are the family-friendly options.
• You’ll want a car to explore. The Kohala Coast is not walkable between properties.

Westin Hapuna Cheat Sheet
Pools: 2 (family pool + adults-only infinity pool)
Kids’ Club: Yes, Westin Kids Program (for a fee)
Restaurants: 3 restaurants + cafe/grab-and-go

Compare rates at Westin Hapuna

Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

Location: Waikoloa, Kohala Coast
Perfect for: Families who want a mid-range Kohala Coast option with great pools, beach access, and a twice-weekly luau without the Four Seasons price tag

The Waikoloa Beach Marriott sits on the shores of Anaeho’omalu Bay (A-Bay to locals), one of the best family beaches on the Big Island. Protected, calm, good for snorkeling, and stunning at sunset. The resort is well-maintained, family-friendly, and priced at a point that makes a week-long stay feel achievable without sacrificing the Kohala Coast experience.

What I love about this property is that it does small things really well. They will sometimes pass out poolside treats, and kids think it’s the greatest thing that’s ever happened to them. It’s a low-cost detail that creates a high-warmth memory.

Why We Love It

• Three pools including a children’s pool with a sandy bottom, one of the few on the island and a real gift with toddlers
• The activity pool has a waterslide and the main infinity pool has the views. You get both.
• Twice-weekly sunset luau on property, kids five and under are free
• Cultural activities and fitness classes are all included in the resort fee. More than you’d expect at this price point.
• A-Bay beach is right out front: calm, clear, great for snorkeling, and one of the best family beaches on the Kohala Coast

Good to Know

• No kids’ club. Pool activities and beach programming, but no drop-off childcare.
• Rooms are comfortable but not huge. The Na Hale suites offer more space for larger families.
• Walkable to Queen’s Marketplace for easy dinner options, which is a genuine perk.

Waikoloa Beach Marriott Cheat Sheet
Pools: 3 (infinity pool, activity pool with slide, sandy-bottom children’s pool)
Kids’ Club: No
Restaurants: 2 on-site + twice-weekly luau

Compare rates at Waikoloa Beach Marriott

Hilton Waikoloa Village

Location: Waikoloa, Kohala Coast
Perfect for: Teenagers and families who want a giant resort they could spend an entire week inside without running out of things to do

I don’t think I’ve ever visited a more expansive resort! Hilton Waikoloa Village spans 62 acres, has over 1,000 rooms, a tram system to get around the property, a saltwater lagoon stocked with sea life, three pool areas, nine restaurants, and its own on-site luau. The sheer scale of it is the whole point.

This is not a subtle resort. It is a full commitment. And if your family thrives in a place with something happening everywhere all the time, it is a lot of fun.

Why We Love It

• Three distinct pool areas: the Kona Pool with a waterslide and rope bridge, the Kohala Pool with a river canal and smaller slides, and an adults-only pool for when you need a quiet hour
• The saltwater lagoon is the centerpiece. Snorkeling, kayaking, turtle sightings, and the famous dolphin sunrise experience (paid, books out fast, and unforgettable for the right age).
• Daily cultural classes including ukulele, lei making, and bracelet weaving, plus fitness classes and gear rentals
• When traveling with older kids, the scale that feels overwhelming on arrival starts to feel like freedom by day two

Good to Know

• Getting from your room to where you want to be can take 10-20 minutes even with the tram. Factor that in with early mornings and bedtime logistics with little ones.
• I’d recommend at least 3 nights to get your bearings. One or two nights feels like a waste.
• Specify your preferred tower when booking so you don’t get split up from travel companions. The Makai Tower has more upscale amenities.
• No direct beach access. The lagoon is the primary water feature, with nearby beaches accessible by car.

Hilton Waikoloa Village Cheat Sheet
 Pools: 3 pool areas (waterslide, river sections, adults-only)
Kids’ Club: No
Restaurants: 9 restaurants and bars + on-site luau (3x weekly)

Compare rates at Hilton Waikoloa Village

The Best Family Resorts in Kona

The Kona side trades grandeur for convenience, and for a lot of families, that’s exactly the right trade.

Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa

Location: Keauhou Bay, South Kailua-Kona
Perfect for: Families traveling with multiple ages who want a great pool, cultural programming, and one of the most unique wildlife experiences in Hawaii

You might know this property as the former Sheraton Kona. After a full $60 million renovation and rebrand, it’s completely refreshed. The rooms feel modern, the pool area is great, and the clifftop location above Keauhou Bay gives you ocean views that a flat resort strip can’t.

The manta ray angle is what makes Outrigger Kona so special. The bay below the resort is one of the best manta ray viewing spots on the island. The resort has its own viewing area and tours, and you can even watch mantas from the property at night. This is great for families who want to experience the manta ray magic without committing to a full tour. 

Why We Love It

• The multi-level pool includes a 200-foot waterslide for older kids and a sandy-bottom shallow area for toddlers. One of the better pool combos on the Kona side.
• Manta ray viewing from the resort at night is extraordinary. Book the snorkel tour if your kids are old enough! It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many and one of the best things you can do on the Big Island.
• Cultural programming including ukulele lessons, lei making, hula classes, and live music feels genuine and well-run
• On-site Feast and Fire luau gets consistently strong reviews
• About 10 minutes south of downtown Kona, close enough to explore and quiet enough to feel like a retreat

Good to Know

• Perched on lava cliffs, so not directly on a sandy beach. Keauhou Bay Beach Park is about an 8-10 minute walk.
• No kids’ club
• Rooms are comfortable post-renovation but not large. Families of four should look at deluxe rooms or suites.

Outrigger Kona Cheat Sheet
Pools: Multi-level (200-ft waterslide + toddler sandy-bottom area)
Kids’ Club: No
Restaurants: 2 on-site + luau

Compare Rates at Outrigger Kona

Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel

Location: Kailua-Kona (downtown)
Perfect for: Families on a budget who want to be right in the middle of everything without a resort price tag

The King K sits right on Ali’i Drive at the heart of Kailua-Kona, on a protected cove at Kailua Bay. The bay is calm, wave-free, and really beautiful to watch outrigger canoes paddle in and out. It’s also steps from shops, restaurants, the historic pier, and the kind of afternoon wandering that makes a trip feel like a trip.

This is not a property that’s going to blow you away with amenities. What it offers is location, value, and character, and sometimes that’s the whole thing.

Why We Love It

• Right on a calm, protected bay, great for kids who are still figuring out the ocean
• Ululani’s Shave Ice in the lobby. My kids put this in their top ten for the whole trip. Order yours with ice cream on the bottom and get a snow cap!
• Walkable to the Atlantis Submarine tour, waterfront restaurants, farmer’s markets, and the general magic of Kailua-Kona
• Infinity pool, cabana rentals, and gear rentals on-site, more than you’d expect at this price point
• Budget-friendly without feeling budget

Good to Know

• Rooms are clean and comfortable but simple. Housekeeping is every other day, not daily.
• This is a Courtyard by Marriott, not a full-service resort. If you need to feel pampered, this isn’t the pick.
• Can get busy during peak weeks given the downtown location.

Courtyard King K Cheat Sheet
Pools: 1 (infinity pool)
Kids’ Club: No
Restaurants: 2 + Ululani’s Shave Ice

Compare rates at Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel

Something Different: For Families Who Want a Unique Experience

Volcano House

Location: Inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a 45 minute drive from Hil
Perfect for: Families who want to spend real time in the National Park and wake up inside one of the most extraordinary places on Earth

Volcano House is the only hotel inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, literally perched on the rim of Kilauea’s Halemaumau crater. I want to be upfront: this is not a luxury resort. The rooms are basic in the way that national park lodges are basic. The magic is entirely in the location.

Waking up inside the park means you walk to crater viewpoints before the crowds arrive. On clear nights when lava is flowing, you can actually see the red volcanic glow in the sky! The fire burning in the lobby has been going since 1877.  And the restaurant food is actually really good, which surprised me every time.

This is a two-night stay for families who are serious about the park, not a resort experience. But for the right family, it’s unforgettable. It also books out fast, so plan this one early.

Why We Love It

• Unbeatable access: you’re inside the park before anyone else arrives
• The rim views are extraordinary, especially at night if there’s active volcanic activity
• A completely unique experience that no resort on this list can replicate

Good to Know

• Very basic rooms. Think historic national park lodge, not resort.
• No pool, no beach, no kids’ club
• Bring layers. The park sits at elevation and gets cool at night.
• Works best as part of a split-stay: a few nights on the Kohala Coast or in Kona, then two nights here for the park

Volcano House Cheat Sheet
Pools: None
Kids’ Club: No
Restaurants: 2

Compare rates Volcano House

Other Options: Vacation Rentals and Condos

Not every family belongs in a resort, and the Big Island has really good alternatives.

Vacation rentals and condos are a particularly strong option in the Waikoloa Village area and around Kona. If you’re traveling with grandparents, multiple families, or you just need a kitchen and some laundry sanity, platforms like VRBO have great inventory here. The Waikoloa Beach Villas sit walking distance from Queen’s Marketplace and have pool access on-site, which gives you most of the resort benefits without the resort price tag.

Find vacation rentals on the Big Island

Is the Big Island Good for Families?

Yes, really yes. The Big Island is Hawaii’s most geographically diverse island, which means it offers a range of experiences the other islands can’t match. You can spend a morning snorkeling a white sand beach, an afternoon watching lava landscapes from your car window, and an evening searching for manta rays in a bay lit up by underwater lights. That’s not a metaphor, that’s a Tuesday.

The island rewards families who do a little planning because the distances are real and the variety can feel like too much. If you want a full list of what to do beyond the resort, I’ve rounded up my favorites in Fun Things to Do on the Big Island with Kids. And if you want help turning all of this into an itinerary that actually works for your specific kids and your specific travel style, that’s what my travel planning services are for. I love planning for Big Island!

FAQ: Big Island Family Resorts (Updated for 2026)

Ready to Make This Happen?

The Big Island is my favorite island to plan for, not because it’s the easiest but because the payoff is so high when it comes together. If you want a custom itinerary, hotel recommendations tailored to your family’s specific ages and budget, and access to advisor perks at the properties you’re already looking at, that’s what my travel planning services are for. I’d love to help.

And if you’re earlier in the process and still figuring out the basics, my Hawaii trip planning guide is a good place to start.