The islands of Hawaii are magical. Certainly, a trip to this tropical paradise is a vacation your family will never forget. O’ahu is Hawaii’s most populated island, anchored by the commercial city of Honolulu. Visitors will find an abundance of activities, beaches, and treasures. There are many family-friendly resorts on O’ahu, each with its own charm and amenities. Our list shares resorts with evening stories by campfire, visits from Donald Duck, waterslides, paddle-boarding in quiet lagoons, skateboard camp, and the opportunity to learn to surf with a dog! Keep reading our list of the 15 Best O’ahu Hotels and Resorts for Families to help you plan your next vacation. You’re guaranteed to return home with the island spirit!
Reserve the top-rated tours in O’ahu through Viator here!
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Book your stay at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort here with Expedia!
Reserve your family’s stay at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort with Hotels.com!
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort’s Rainbow Tower is an O’ahu landmark. The sprawling 22-acre resort occupies prime beachfront real estate and makes it the best place to stay for families in Waikiki. Kids can race around reenacting scenes from Magnum PI or Hawaii Five-0, TV Shows that often feature the resort. After a day of relaxing by the pool guests will appreciate having all action of Waikiki just steps away. However, with 20 restaurants and cafes at the resort, you never even have to leave the property!
Where to Stay at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
As the largest hotel in O’ahu, Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort offers families a wide range of accommodation options. Here’s a rundown of your choices!
The Ali’i
The Ali’i is a luxury hotel on O’ahu for families within Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort. It combines an exclusive experience with access to all the amenities of the larger property. Additionally, guests will have access to an elevated pool terrace and private check-in services. The Ali’i offers King, 2 Double, 1 bedroom suites, and specialty suites that can be connected. Certainly, this is a great option for travelers searching for one of the best O’ahu hotels and resorts for families.
Tapa Collection
Tapa Collection offers newly renovated guestrooms that are Hawaiian-inspired with contemporary elegance. They provide a spacious layout for families to relax. Also, kids in O’ahu will appreciate the Tapa pool and bar just steps away from the tower entrance. The Tapa Collection has King, 2 Queen, Jr. Suites, and a family room with 3 beds for larger families. All rooms have private balconies with gorgeous views!
Village Towers
Convenient access to pools, shopping, and dining make the Village Towers a great place to stay in O’ahu with kids. It’s also the most budget-friendly option within Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort. Additionally, it offers a wide range of accommodations including King, 2 Double, Jr. Suites, 1 Bedroom, a Family Room with 3 beds, and Speciality Suites with large living spaces.
Hilton Grand Vacations Club
Guests in the Hilton Grand Vacations Club enjoy access to all the amenities at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort while staying in suites that feel like home. Rooms come equipped with full kitchens, sleeper sofas, balconies, and generous living spaces. Vacation weeks can be reserved through timeshare networks or rental sites. Kids will be thrilled that the units also include DVD players and PlayStations! No wonder this is one of the best places to stay on O’ahu with kids!
Why Families Love It
There are so many reasons why families love Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort! Firstly, the property sits adjacent to the famous Duke Kahanamoku Beach, named the #1 beach in America. Secondly, with 6 pools and a waterslide, this family-friendly resort in O’ahu will never cease to entertain your kids!
Guests can also rent paddle-boards and kayaks and explore the 5-acre saltwater lagoon. Then, the Waikiki Starlight Luau takes place nightly on the Great Lawn. Families will dine on local cuisine and enjoy the exotic dances of Hawaii and the Pacific Islands. Lastly, the resort is the location for several tours including Atlantis submarine, Aloha Catamaran, and also Hawaii’s premier fully-immersive cinematic 4DFX attraction and video arcade venue. You can see why Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort is one of Oahu’s best hotels for families!
READ: Best Hotels In Hawaii For A Family Vacation, and Best Family Hotels in Hilton Head (All Parent-Recommended)
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
The incredible activities and amenities of Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa make it one of the best O’ahu hotels and resorts for families. The resort’s location is perfect for families looking to relax away from busy Waikiki and play in the calm waters of a private lagoon. It’s a quick 45-minute drive from the airport and the resort has everything you need for your family vacation on O’ahu. Guests will experience world-renown Disney service and pristine amenities without an added resort fee. As a family-friendly resort on O’ahu, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa provides a variety of accommodations including standard rooms, suites (up to 6 people), and 1, 2, or 3 bedroom villas (up to 12 people).
Why Families Love It
With over 30 free activities, there’s no doubt that Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa is one the best resorts on O’ahu for families. Activities include fire pit storytelling, hula dancing, guided nature tours, dance parties, family crafts & games, and more. Not to mention the thrill of seeing Mickey Mouse or Moana, who make character appearances at the pool! No wonder this is one of the best O’ahu hotels and resorts for families!
Aunty’s Beach House (age 3-12) and the Tween Zone (age 10-12) are included with your stay. They provide childcare so adults can enjoy the spa, fitness center, or a round of golf. For fun in the water, there are many ways to spend the day! This family-friendly resort in O’ahu has 6 pools, waterslides, a lazy river, interactive play areas, and, of course, a gorgeous beach and lagoon! Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, is the perfect place for your family to experience the magic of both O’ahu and Disney!
Planning a Hawaii itinerary? Check out our list of Fantastic Things to Do in Kauai with Young Kids!
Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club
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Reserve directly through Marriott.com here to maximize points and program benefits!
Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club is nestled between the mountains and a sparkling lagoon. The property is just 30 minutes from Honolulu. It provides a serene environment, while still being close to all the activities that make O’ahu a family-friendly destination. As one of the best places to stay in O’ahu for families, Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club offers villas, with full kitchens, living spaces, laundry, and more. Marriott Ko Olina Beach Club is ideal for a family of any size with its combination of King, 1, 2, and 3 bedroom villas.
Why Families Love It
Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club is one of the best family resorts in O’ahu. Its proximity to gentle ocean waters makes it the perfect spot for enjoying the beach with young children. There are three pools for splashing around. Adults will appreciate their own quiet pool, while young children will enjoy the waterslide at the family pool and the views at the Lagoon Pool.
While there isn’t supervised childcare, there are daily complimentary activities for children that include games and crafts. Tuesday nights guests can dine and watch the fire dancers at the Fia Fis Polynesian Dinner Show, which kids will love! The relaxed atmosphere and spacious accommodations draw families looking for the best place to stay in O’ahu for families.
There are more Hawaii hotel suggestions on our list of the Best Marriott Properties In The U.S. For A Family Vacation!
Turtle Bay
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Turtle Bay is for those who truly want to get away! Located on the rugged North Shore, Turtle Bay is a true tropical escape and a luxurious family resort on O’ahu. Guests will find a mix of formal and casual dining, all with spectacular views of the surrounding cliffs and crashing waves. Rooms are available as a King or 2 Queen beds. Try one of the Stay Well™ Premier rooms to treat your senses to air purification, energizing light, aromatherapy, and a special shower infuser to enhance the skin.
Guests who reserve the Ocean Club level will also receive access to a beautiful private lounge. Additionally, there is complimentary breakfast, lunch, and evening hors d’oeuvres as well as seasonal entertainment. Certainly, the Ocean Club is an experience in itself, as well as one of the best O’ahu hotels and resorts for families.
Why Families Love It
The North Shore of O’ahu is off the beaten path and that’s exactly why families love it! However, there’s still plenty to do, even off the tourist circuit. As a luxury family resort on O’ahu, Turtle Bay provides unique activities specially curated to show guests the best of the island. Your family will never forget encountering sharks from an underwater cage or flying on a helicopter to a remote picnic spot.
All ages can enroll in the Jamie O’Brien Surf Experience to learn how to tackle the North Shore’s famous swells. Activities abound whether tennis or pickleball, biking, spa treatments, golf, kayaking, trying an outrigger canoe, learning to paint, horseback riding, or surfing with a dog. The resort doesn’t have a kids club, interactive water features, or on-site childcare, so it may be better suited for older children. It won’t be hard to fill your days at Turtle Bay.
Sheraton Waikiki
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Reserve directly with Marriott.com to accumulate points and program credits now!
In the heart of Waikiki sits one of the best places to stay in Honolulu for families, the Sheraton Waikiki hotel. Nearby restaurants and shops are easy to access and the white sand beach is the perfect backdrop for a memorable family vacation. A wide variety of room categories make the Sheraton Waikiki a family-friendly O’ahu resort. Guests can choose from recently reimagined rooms from the “City View King” to “Partial Ocean King” to “Oceanfront King” and Doubles. Additionally, the Large Luxury room featuring 3 Double beds is a rare find for families.
Not to mention, the new oceanfront rooms are designed with a warm and modern look to entice families to stay a little longer. Dining out becomes easy with signing privileges at the nearby Moana Surfrider, The Royal Hawaiian, and Sheraton Princess Kaiulani. Upon arrival at Sheraton Waikiki, you’ll find all you need within walking distance.
Why Families Love It
There are many reasons why the Sheraton Waikiki is one of the best family resorts in Honolulu. Firstly, kids will have a ball at the Helumoa Playground Pool with 2 pools, a large waterslide, interactive fountains, and more. Second, relax at North America’s longest oceanfront infinity pool while enjoying the sweeping views. Next, work out and relax at the spa and fitness facilities. Also, guests can sign up for ukulele lessons, flower lei making, and learn to dance the hula, some of the many activities available.
Poppins Day Care is available to entertain the littlest guests (3months – 12yrs) with arts, crafts, and games while parents rejuvenate. And, there are daily activities for children (2-1/2 to 12yrs) as well as half and full-day programs available. As you can see, families will appreciate having all the amenities of a large family resort in the heart of busy Waikiki!
The Kahala Hotel & Resort
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As a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, The Kahala Hotel & Resort has hosted celebrities and dignitaries since 1964. The resort is nestled in Kahala, Oahu’s most prestigious residential area with views of Diamond Head and Koko Head craters. Guests will be 15 minutes away from the shops of Waikiki while enjoying the exclusivity of this special property, one of the best places to stay on O’ahu. Rooms are spacious and luxurious and are available as a King, 2 Double beds, 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom suites. Fun fact, the Kahala O Ke Kai room was the set of ‘Rick’s Bar’ in the TV series Magnum P.I. so be sure and stop by and take a peek.
Why Families Love It
The Kahala Hotel & Resort offers families privacy, luxury, and the opportunity to stay where the Queen and Presidents have also vacationed. The resort is home to bottlenose dolphins and families can arrange special encounters to make friends with these playful creatures.
While there isn’t a dedicated kids’ club, children can play on the white sand beach and swim the day away in the beautiful oceanfront pool. There are bikes for use and families also receive a complimentary photo session. Moreover, guests will enjoy Saturday afternoon tea, live entertainment, and the spa & fitness center. While The Kahala Hotel & Resort is one of the more intimate places to stay in O’ahu for families, you will certainly feel like royalty.
Four Seasons Resort O’ahu Ko Olina
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Four Seasons Resort O’ahu lives up to its luxurious brand name. Located in Ko Olina, the wild coast known for crashing waves and peaceful lagoons, guests will be immersed in nature at one of the best resorts in O’ahu for families. Rooms are available as standard King, 2 Double, Jr. Suites, and King or 2 Double with pull-out sofa beds. There are also a variety of larger options including Presidential and Penthouse suites in addition to Residences. So no matter the size of your family there is the perfect room for you at Four Season Resort O’ahu.
Why Families Love It
Certainly, the unique family-friendly activities at Four Seasons Resort O’ahu make it one of the most popular Hawaiian resorts for families. Instead of playing on a waterslide, reserve an ocean experience and sail, paddle, and snorkel together. Or, forgo the crowds and spend the day on a luxury yacht where you can watch for dolphins, whales and have the reef all to yourself.
Kids (ages 7-17) can learn to skateboard at the Four Seasons x Proper Rideshop Skate Camp, not available anywhere else on O’ahu. There is also golf, tennis, spa, fitness, ukulele lessons, flower lei making, hula dancing, and more. In addition, guests can take guides hikes, ATV tours, and visit local farms with a chef. A complimentary kids’ program (ages 5-12) entertains children with arts, crafts, and games while the adults play. The Four Seasons Resort O’ahu is a place you’ll leave with memories to last a lifetime!
For more things to do in Hawaii, check out our list of the 15 Best Family Adventures on Maui, Hawaii!
Additional Family-Friendly Waikiki Resorts to Consider
If the above resorts don’t fit your needs, there is no shortage of amazing places to stay in Waikiki for families! Many families choose to stay in this popular section of Honolulu, as it’s easy to take an airport shuttle and avoid renting a car. Restaurants, shops, and tours are plentiful and everything is within walking distance. Some of the best family-friendly hotels in Waikiki can all be found near each other. Here are some additional resorts with varying degrees of luxury, but similar amenities, for families to consider. Enjoy beach access, pools, fitness centers, spas, and daily resort activities at each location.
- Ritz-Carlton Residences offers standard rooms, as well as 1, 2, 3, and 4 bedroom suites.
- The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, the famous “Pink Palace”, includes standard rooms and suites.
- Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, also known as “First Lady of Waikiki,” provides King, 2 Double, and 1 bedroom options.
- Halepuna Waikiki, includes King, 2 Double, and 1 bedroom options for families, plus a rooftop pool.
- Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort And Spa has large rooms with private balconies.
- Outrigger Waikiki Beach offers rooms and suites at a lower price point.
- Sheraton Princess Kaiulani offers basic king and double rooms, as well as multiple suite options, in a great location.
- Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel, which is budget-friendly guestrooms, and a popular location near the zoo.
Happy Travels!
We hope this list of 15 Best O’ahu Hotels and Resorts for Families was helpful in your search! Whether you choose the rugged North Shore, wild Ko Olina, busy Waikiki, or the quiet neighborhood of Kahala, your family will love all that O’ahu has to offer. Enjoy Hawaii with your kids!
*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the attractions, accommodations, or things to do on this list may be closed. Please ensure availability before making your decision.
*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community.
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