Ranked – Best Family-Friendly Hotels, Resorts, and Stays in Big Island
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The Big Island of Hawaii offers a diverse range of activities and experiences that make it an ideal destination for family vacations. From exploring active volcanoes and black sand beaches to swimming in crystal-clear waters and stargazing atop Mauna Kea, the Big Island has something for every family member. For a stress-free and enjoyable stay, choosing the best family friendly places to stay in Big Island is crucial to ensuring that your family’s needs are met throughout your trip.
The Big Island features a variety of family-friendly accommodations, each offering unique amenities and easy access to the island’s most popular attractions. For those looking for luxury, resorts in Kona and the Kohala Coast provide spacious rooms, kid-friendly pools, and organized activities that will keep children entertained for hours. These resorts also offer convenient access to nearby beaches, perfect for both relaxing and adventuring with the family.
For families who prefer more space, vacation rentals are a great option. In both Kona and Hilo, there are family-friendly vacation homes and condos that include fully-equipped kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and private pools. These rentals allow for a home-like atmosphere with easy access to local grocery stores, making meal planning and family downtime more convenient. Additionally, for families interested in experiencing the natural wonders of the Big Island, there are accommodations near Volcanoes National Park and Hilo’s waterfalls. These stays provide easy access to hiking trails, guided tours, and educational experiences, allowing families to learn about the island’s geology and wildlife.
This ranked list of the best family friendly places to stay in Big Island offers options for all types of travelers, from those seeking a luxury resort experience to those preferring a private, home-like setting. No matter the preference, these stays ensure that families can enjoy everything the Big Island has to offer while staying comfortable and relaxed.
Looking for more ideas to plan your Big Island vacation with kids? These guides offer helpful details for family-friendly activities, easy hikes, and beach days:
- Big Island Hawaii Family Bucket List
- Best Snorkeling Spots on the Big Island for Families
- Snorkeling with Manta Rays on the Big Island
- Easy Hikes on the Big Island for Families
Check out our ranked lists for more family travel picks:
- Best Things to Do on the Big Island with Kids (Ranked)
- Best Family Beaches on the Big Island (Ranked)
- Best Family Stays on the Big Island (Ranked)
For general travel info, visit the Wikivoyage page on the Big Island.
1
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
One of the best family-friendly hotels in Hilo, with spacious rooms, ocean views, and easy access to Liliʻuokalani Gardens and Coconut Island. Great for families exploring the Hilo side of the island, including waterfalls and volcanoes.
What families like: Great location in Hilo, Spacious rooms, Close to family-friendly parks and attractions, Budget-friendly
Potential cons: No sandy beach, Basic hotel amenities, Older property
2
Hale Koa Estate
A luxury private vacation rental estate in Holualoa, offering large family-friendly accommodations, an infinity pool, and panoramic ocean views. Ideal for multi-generational family vacations or those looking for an exclusive and spacious stay.
What families like: Private and luxurious, Great for large families, Stunning views, Infinity pool
Potential cons: Expensive, No resort amenities, Requires car for exploring
3
Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel
Located in the heart of Kailua-Kona, this beachfront hotel is perfect for families with young children, featuring calm waters for swimming, paddleboarding, and snorkeling at Kamakahonu Beach. Families love the on-site cultural activities and the nearby attractions like Huliheʻe Palace and Kona Farmers Market.
What families like: Beachfront with calm waters, Close to family-friendly attractions, Kid-friendly cultural activities, Affordable compared to resorts
Potential cons: Pool is small, Can get crowded, No resort-style amenities
4
Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
A family-friendly resort with a great beachfront location and easy access to Anaehoʻomalu Bay, perfect for calm-water swimming. Kids love the pools, waterslide, and nearby petroglyph hiking trails. The resort also offers complimentary beach gear rentals.
What families like: Great location, Calm beach for kids, Nice pool area, Close to shopping and restaurants
Potential cons: Smaller resort compared to Hilton, Resort fee adds extra costs, Limited dining options
5
SCP Hilo Hotel
A budget-friendly, eco-friendly hotel in Hilo, perfect for families wanting to explore waterfalls, volcanoes, and black sand beaches. Offers spacious rooms, a saltwater pool, and complimentary paddleboards and bikes.
What families like: Affordable, Great location for exploring Hilo, Family-friendly eco initiatives, Quiet atmosphere
Potential cons: No sandy beach, Basic amenities, Limited dining options
6
Kings’ Land by Hilton Grand Vacations
A villa-style resort with large suites featuring full kitchens and multiple bedrooms, ideal for families. The resort has a kid-friendly pool with waterfalls, a sand-bottom section, and a waterslide. Guests have access to Hilton Waikoloa Village’s amenities.
What families like: Spacious suites with kitchens, Family-friendly pools, Access to Hilton Waikoloa, Good value for large families
Potential cons: No direct beach access, Some buildings are far from main amenities, No major dining options on-site
7
Kamuela Inn
A charming boutique hotel in Waimea, offering a peaceful, country-style retreat for families exploring the island’s scenic upcountry. Families love the cozy rooms, delicious breakfast, and proximity to horseback riding and hiking trails.
What families like: Quiet and charming, Free breakfast, Close to outdoor activities, Budget-friendly
Potential cons: No pool, No resort-style amenities, Further from beaches
8
Kona Coast Resort
A spacious, condo-style resort in Keauhou, offering large family suites, multiple pools, and BBQ areas. Families love the quiet location and easy access to snorkeling and boat tours.
What families like: Large condos with kitchens, Family-friendly pools, Quiet atmosphere, Great for extended stays
Potential cons: No direct beach access, Older property, No on-site restaurant
9
Sandalwood Luxury Villas
A hidden gem in Waimea, offering spacious villas with full kitchens and stunning mountain views. Families looking for a private, peaceful retreat love the relaxed atmosphere and access to hiking and local farms.
What families like: Spacious villas with kitchens, Peaceful and private, Great for families wanting a quiet stay, Close to Waimea’s scenic attractions
Potential cons: No pool, No on-site restaurant, Further from beaches
10
Aston Kona by the Sea
A budget-friendly oceanfront condo resort in Kona, featuring spacious suites with full kitchens and lanais. The property has a small, kid-friendly pool and direct ocean access. Families love the quiet, relaxed atmosphere and nearby snorkeling spots.
What families like: Affordable, Full kitchens in every unit, Oceanfront setting, Close to Kona town
Potential cons: No sandy beach, Small pool, No on-site restaurant
11
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection
One of the best beaches on the Big Island with soft sand and calm waters, ideal for kids. Families can enjoy snorkeling, paddleboarding, and manta ray viewing at night. The resort offers family-friendly rooms and connecting suites.
What families like: Stunning beach with calm waters, Family-friendly water activities, Spacious accommodations, Great dining
Potential cons: Expensive, Fewer pools compared to other resorts, Older property (though well-maintained)
12
Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
Located on Hapuna Beach, one of the best kid-friendly beaches, this resort offers large pools, a great beach, and water activities like boogie boarding and snorkeling. Families appreciate the Westin’s kid-friendly dining options and family-sized suites.
What families like: Amazing beach, Large pool area, Spacious family suites, Great snorkeling and boogie boarding
Potential cons: Can be pricey, Limited nightlife/entertainment, Less cultural activities for kids
13
Holua Resort at Mauna Loa Village
A condo-style resort with spacious multi-bedroom villas featuring full kitchens, private lanais, and family-friendly pools. Located near Keauhou Bay, great for snorkeling, manta ray viewing, and kayaking.
What families like: Large villas for families, Multiple pools, Quiet and relaxed setting, Close to Keauhou Bay
Potential cons: No on-site restaurant, No direct beach access, Less resort-style amenities
14
Royal Kona Resort
A mid-range, family-friendly resort in the heart of Kailua-Kona, offering spacious rooms, a saltwater lagoon, and nightly luau performances. Families enjoy the oceanfront pool and proximity to town for easy dining and shopping.
What families like: Great location in Kona, Affordable for families, Kid-friendly lagoon, Nightly luau
Potential cons: Older property, No sandy beach, Limited kid-specific amenities
15
Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay
Known for its stunning oceanfront location, this resort offers family-friendly pools, manta ray viewing, and cultural activities like hula lessons. The large multi-level pool with a waterslide is great for kids.
What families like: Great ocean views, Large pool with waterslide, Family-friendly activities, Close to manta ray snorkeling tours
Potential cons: No sandy beach, Older resort with some dated areas, Limited dining options
16
Volcano House Hotel
Located inside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, this historic hotel offers families a unique experience of staying near an active volcano. Kids love the guided hikes, lava tube explorations, and storytelling around the fire pits.
What families like: Inside Volcanoes National Park, Unique and educational experience, Great for adventurous families, Stunning views
Potential cons: No pool, Limited dining options, Can get chilly at night
17
Paniolo Greens Resort
A budget-friendly, family-friendly resort in Waikoloa, offering large villa-style accommodations with kitchens. Families enjoy the pool, BBQ areas, and proximity to kid-friendly beaches.
What families like: Affordable, Spacious suites, Family-friendly pool, Close to beaches and shopping
Potential cons: No direct beach access, Fewer resort amenities, Basic dining options
18
Fairmont Orchid
A luxury beachfront resort in the Kohala Coast with a calm, private lagoon perfect for kids to swim and snorkel. Families enjoy the kid-friendly beach, tide pools, and cultural activities like coconut weaving and lei making. The resort also offers a kids’ club and family-friendly dining.
What families like: Beautiful private lagoon, Cultural activities for kids, Spacious rooms and suites, Excellent service
Potential cons: Expensive, Not as many kid-specific amenities as Hilton, Limited budget dining options
19
Hale Maluhia Country Inn
A cozy, family-friendly bed and breakfast in Kona with a tropical garden, hot tub, and relaxed atmosphere. Ideal for families looking for a quiet escape while still being close to Kona’s attractions.
What families like: Peaceful and charming, Homemade breakfast, Great for families wanting a unique stay, Affordable
Potential cons: No pool, Older property, Limited on-site activities
20
Kona Bali Kai Resort
A budget-friendly oceanfront condo resort in Kona, offering spacious units with full kitchens and lanais. Families love the on-site tide pools, barbecue areas, and easy access to surfing and snorkeling spots.
What families like: Affordable, Full kitchens, Close to tide pools and beach, Great for extended stays
Potential cons: No central air conditioning in some units, No on-site restaurant, Older property
21
Hilton Waikoloa Village
One of the most family-friendly resorts on the Big Island, featuring multiple pools, a lazy river, a waterslide, and even a dolphin encounter. Kids will love the tram and boat rides throughout the massive property, while parents can enjoy oceanfront dining and spa treatments.
What families like: Multiple pools and waterslides, Dolphin encounter, Kid-friendly transportation (tram & boat), Tons of activities
Potential cons: Large resort requires lots of walking, Expensive dining, No swimmable beach
22
Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection
Located along the sunny Kohala Coast of Hawaii Island, Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection gives families a polished beachfront base with spacious rooms, suites, and residential-style accommodations that work well for longer stays. The resort sits beside a protected bay with calmer water, making it easier for younger kids to splash, swim, or try beginner snorkeling close to shore. Families can also enjoy multiple pool areas, cultural activities, and wide open grounds that feel easy to navigate with children. Dining is high quality, and the relaxed luxury atmosphere makes it appealing for parents who want upscale amenities without feeling overly formal.
What families like: Calm beach access, beginner-friendly snorkeling, spacious family accommodations, excellent pool areas, and a relaxed luxury setting.
Potential cons: Dining and resort activities can be expensive, and the quieter atmosphere may feel less lively for families looking for a more activity-packed resort.
23
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Set along the dramatic lava coastline of Hawaii Island, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai offers families a luxury beachfront escape with spacious rooms, multi-bedroom villas, and beautifully landscaped grounds that make it easy to explore with kids. Families can split time between several pools, including calmer areas for younger children, while the resort’s protected ocean spots and tide pools create fun opportunities to safely observe tropical fish and marine life. Dining is varied and high quality, and the attentive service helps make longer stays feel smooth and comfortable. The combination of beach access, pools, nature experiences, and kid-friendly amenities makes it one of the Big Island’s standout family resorts.
What families like: Multiple pools, spacious accommodations, tide pools and marine life experiences, excellent kids’ amenities, and attentive service throughout the resort.
Potential cons: Nightly rates are among the highest on the island, and dining, activities, and resort extras can add up quickly for families.