Considering a visit to the 50th state? With exciting on-site activities, incredible swimming areas, a variety of children's programs, and rooms big enough to sleep a crew, Hawaii's hotels and resorts are a great bet for families in search of a tropical escape.Plus, now that Disney has set up shop on Oahu -- Aulani, our parent company's new tropical resort, opened in August -- the place known as the Paradise of the Pacific is more family-friendly than ever. The following resorts, each located on one of the state's four largest islands, top our list of places that cater to kids and parents alike.
Hilton Waikoloa Village -- The Big Island
From talking parrots in the lobby to cool modes of intraresort transport (a monorail and a sleek teak boat zip guests from the lobby to their rooms or to the restaurants), this 62-acre resort has lots of bells and whistles. Case in point: the water offerings. Hilton Waikoloa Village has three cool pools -- one is made up of four sections joined by waterslides -- and a vast saltwater lagoon, where guests can spy sea turtles and tropical fish. In October, rooms start at $219 per night for a family of four.
Rooms and services: All the rooms have balconies (called lanais), and some include pullout couches and large two-sink bathrooms. Among the resort's day and evening camp programs for children are cooking sessions, crafting classes, and a kids-only luau, where participants make their own leis ($90 for a full day for the first child, $75 for each additional child). Most of the hotel's 13 restaurants serve a kids' menu.
Don't miss: The resort boasts the Big Island's only dolphin-interaction program. Sign up to take part (sessions start at $80 for a child-and-adult team), or book a lagoon-view room at the Lagoon Tower and watch the dolphins from your lanai.
Venturing out: Check out an active volcano at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The terrain can be tricky, so consider booking a tour through Hawaii Forest & Trail (hawaii-forest.com).
For more information: Go to hiltonwaikoloavillage.com.
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa -- Kauai
Kids will likely fall in love with the multilevel pool complex at this fantasyland hotel and spa. Smaller pools are connected by a swimmable stream that flows past palm trees and waterfalls, then empties via a corkscrew waterslide into a large activity pool. The property also has a 1.5-acre saltwater lagoon dotted with man-made islands that families can play on or kayak around. Rooms start at $350 per night for a family of four; if you're visiting in 2011, ask about the resort's 20th anniversary special.
Rooms and services: Each newly upgraded room has a lanai, as well as plenty of space for cots and cribs. For little ones, Camp Hyatt Kids' Club offers a packed schedule, which might include coconutfrond weaving and hula lessons ($80 for a full day). A kids' menu is available at six of the resort's seven restaurants.
Don't miss: High-energy music and dance set the tone at the resort's authentic luaus, where traditional foods, such as coconut pudding and pit-smoked Kalua pork, are served up under the stars.
Venturing out: Set aside an afternoon for one of Kauai's best beaches, Poipu Beach, a calm, jetty-protected area perfect for beginner swimmers.
For more information: Go to grandhyattkauai.com.
Ka'anapali Beach Hotel -- Maui
Moderate prices and authentic cultural activities, such as complimentary lei-making and ukulele lessons, make this beachside resort a terrific pick for families. Kids who participate in its Aloha Passport Program get a free booklet to use for special treats around the resort. Rooms at the Ka'anapali start at $143 per night for a family of four; that price covers a brunch on the first day of your visit and food for kids age 5 and under who are dining with a paying adult.
Rooms and services: Each of the Ka'anapali's hotel rooms comes with a private balcony; its four buildings (the Moloka'i, the Maui, the Lana'i, and the Kaua'i) share a whale-shaped pool. Note: The more rustic Moloka'i lacks elevators, and its rooms have shower stalls, not tubs. The resort offers free kid-friendly activities daily, and one of its two restaurants serves a kids' menu.
Don't miss: Drop by the free nightly hula show in the resort's courtyard.
Venturing out: Plan a day trip to Haleakala National Park, famous for its spectacular mountaintop views.
For more information: Go to kbhmaui.com.
Turtle Bay Resort -- Oahu
Located on the island's quiet North Shore, far from the hustle of Honolulu and Waikiki, this luxurious resort occupies a whopping 880 acres. Serene beaches and sheltered coves make it great for families, as does the array of on-site activities, such as surfing lessons, horseback riding, and guided glass-bottom kayak excursions. The only drawback? The extras cost extra (pony rides start at $45, and prices go up from there). Families can snorkel, however, for just the cost of the equipment rental: $7 an hour per person (the first hour is free) or $14 a day. Rooms at Turtle Bay start at $269 per night for a family of four.
Rooms and services: Well-appointed rooms have lanais and ocean views, and the resort's kids' pool has an 80-foot waterslide. Turtle Bay has seasonal kids' programming on certain weekdays (starting at $85 for a full day). Four of the resort's five restaurants serve a kids' menu.
Don't miss: Riders at all skill levels can explore the resort on horseback ($65 for a 40-minute session). Ask about sunset, wagon, and carriage rides, and pony rides for kids age 7 and under.
Venturing out: Head to the North Shore's famous Waimea Beach Park to watch expert surfers in action.
For more information: Go to turtlebayresort.com.
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa -- Oahu
Newly opened in August, Disney's tropical destination resort lives up to the Disney reputation for first-class service and unending fun. Located about 45 minutes from Honolulu and Waikiki, Aulani has a 7-acre water-play area with two massive slides; a man-made lagoon, where guests can snorkel among native fish; and a large beachside fire pit, where in the evenings, Aulani storytellers spin tales based on traditional Hawaiian culture. Rooms start at $399 per night for a family of four.
Rooms and services: Each of Aulani's nearly 850 rooms has its own lanai. Aunty's Beach House, a high-tech kids' club, lets young guests explore Hawaiian culture through arts and crafts, games, and nature programs (price was unavailable at press time). Both of the resort's restaurants offer kids' fare, and at the buffet-style Makahiki, Disney characters make appearances at breakfast. The characters also make daily appearances at poolside parties.
Don't miss: At the Makai Preserve Conservation Pool, guests can pay to feed and pet gentle rays under the tutelage of a marine biologist.
Venturing out: Check out the amazing animals and habitats at the Honolulu Zoo (facebook.com/HonoluluZoo).
For more information: Go to disneyaulani.com.
