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When you have children it is almost a necessity to have some time devoted to just having fun and reconnecting. I’ve been told, and am a believer, that children will not remember that you remodeled the kitchen but they will remember that wonderful family vacation! A destination that will create wonderful memories for both the adults and the children is Hawaii. What is to stop you from traveling now! Rates are down for both hotels and air flights. Below I will detail some great resorts for families, and hopefully encourage that traveling bug!
Honolulu is still a great destination. Yes, it is busier than the other islands, but it offers so many options for fun that it’s worth it! However, if you really prefer to stay far from Waikiki, the North Shore of Oahu is home to a fantastic family resort called Turtle Bay Resort. Your teen can take surf lessons, and the younger ones can go for a pony rides. How about a clear-bottom Kayak, to experience the life under the sea. The resort itself offers 2 championship golf courses, tennis courts, and 12 miles of hiking trails to accommodate every age group. Accommodations range from standard Oceanview rooms to Oceanfront Beach Cottages. And the Turtle Bay Resort is just a short drive to the Polynesian Cultural Center, where you can see the best Polynesian show on Oahu, maybe in Hawaii.
Another family friendly resort, outside the Waikiki area, is the Kahala Hotel & Resort. This resort has a dedicated club for the keikis (Hawaiian for child) age 5-12. They will be able to participate in many diverse activities and learn about Hawaiian culture. Among these activities are reef walking, snorkeling, bamboo pole fishing, lei making, hula dancing and swimming with the dolphins. Accommodations range from a garden view room to 2 bedroom beachfront suites. Oh, and for mom and dad? How about a couple’s massage at the spa! Many packages include buffet breakfast, too!
Moving on to Kauai, the Garden Isle, we find the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa. Complimentary activities abound for the kids: a meandering river pool, a 150 foot waterslide, and basketball or volleyball in the pool! There is also an expansive saltwater lagoon where children can swim, float or kayak together with other children. Hiking opportunities include an easy hike along a sea cliff with spectacular views….you might even see endangered humpback whales, or monk seals. Accommodations here run from the standard Gardenview room, to an expansive Oceanfront Suites.
On the big island of Hawaii, is the Hilton Waikoloa Village. I have stayed here and loved every minute! There is something do all the time! Dolphin Quest is right at the resort, so Swimming with the Dolphins will surely interest your kids! Mom and Dad will love it too! The resort has the most amazing water park…lazy river, swinging bridges, water slides, waterfalls…..Kings Golf Course is also offering Waikoloa Family Golf Days through the end of July. Families will have the opportunity to play nine holes at a much discounted rate. Accommodations at this resort include standard rooms, as well as 2 bedroom family units.
Let’s not forget Maui. Maui is quickly becoming the most popular island for families. One of my favorite family resorts is the Hyatt Regency in Lahaina, on the beautiful Kaanapali Beach. Small children, as well as the other ones, will have a great time at Camp Hyatt Kaanapali. They love creating photo memories with their own camp-issued cameras. I’m sure their favorite will be a photo t-shirt! How about coconut bowling? The Hyatt also includes a night program for the kids where they will learn about the Hawaiian night sky with the “Tour of the Stars” astronomy program. Adults will love sitting around the pool, or playing a round or two of golf, since the kids are having so much fun at Camp Hyatt!
The hotels and resorts mentioned are just a few of the wonderful family properties available in Hawaii. Many are offering reduced rates, or 3rd or 4th night free, buffet breakfasts, reduced rates for luaus or even a resort $ credit. Now is the time for you plan your family vacation. The memories you create will stay with you and your children forever!
Please call me to start the coconut rolling! Sandi Moore, (425) 821-4100, or sandi@totemtravel.com