An all-around solid -- but never spectacular -- time-share tower three short blocks from the beach, with generic units equipped with full kitchens, a large pool, free parking, and a gym, but no on-site restaurant and virtually no service.
An all-around solid -- but never spectacular -- time-share tower three short blocks from the beach, with generic units equipped with full kitchens, a large pool, free parking, and a gym, but no on-site restaurant and virtually no service.
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, the largest resort in Hawaii, is a veritable upscale village with five towers, 18 bars and restaurants, dozens of shops, five swimming pools, direct beach access, and a separate lagoon. Everything from surf lessons to a regular luau to a kids' club (fee) are on offer here, and the garden grounds resemble a tropical mini-zoo, with exotic animals and lush greenery. The 3,386 rooms have solid amenities such as mini-fridges, signature Hilton mattresses, and coffeemakers, but range from contemporary to somewhat bland and dated, depending on the tower. The Ali’i Tower is the most exclusive section, with a private pool and concierge. The property is fun for families wanting a self-contained resort with loads to do, but extra fees can add up and the hotel can feel overcrowded. Travelers seeking a quieter spot may prefer the Hilton Waikiki Beach.
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, the largest resort in Hawaii, is a veritable upscale village with five towers, 18 bars and restaurants, dozens of shops, five swimming pools, direct beach access, and a separate lagoon. Everything from surf lessons to a regular luau to a kids' club (fee) are on offer here, and the garden grounds resemble a tropical mini-zoo, with exotic animals and lush greenery. The 3,386 rooms have solid amenities such as mini-fridges, signature Hilton mattresses, and coffeemakers, but range from contemporary to somewhat bland and dated, depending on the tower. The Ali’i Tower is the most exclusive section, with a private pool and concierge. The property is fun for families wanting a self-contained resort with loads to do, but extra fees can add up and the hotel can feel overcrowded. Travelers seeking a quieter spot may prefer the Hilton Waikiki Beach.
Honua Kai Resort & Spa, made up of individually owned units, combines hotel amenities in an upscale condominium complex. The rooms are huge, with full modern kitchens and private lanais, though not all have the best ocean views, and different owners provide different decor and amenities. The expansive beachfront grounds have multiple connecting pools and hot tubs that can get overrun with kids making the most of the waterslide. Couples can find solace in the adults-only pool, but the laid-back vibe may be lacking. Eco-conscious travelers will likely appreciate the restaurant and cafe's focus on local produce -- even the spa features an organic Hawaiian product line whose ingredients are sourced from the islands. The steep prices and the daily resort fee might trigger a bit of sticker shock, but as family-friendly Maui destinations go, this one is highly recommended.
Honua Kai Resort & Spa, made up of individually owned units, combines hotel amenities in an upscale condominium complex. The rooms are huge, with full modern kitchens and private lanais, though not all have the best ocean views, and different owners provide different decor and amenities. The expansive beachfront grounds have multiple connecting pools and hot tubs that can get overrun with kids making the most of the waterslide. Couples can find solace in the adults-only pool, but the laid-back vibe may be lacking. Eco-conscious travelers will likely appreciate the restaurant and cafe's focus on local produce -- even the spa features an organic Hawaiian product line whose ingredients are sourced from the islands. The steep prices and the daily resort fee might trigger a bit of sticker shock, but as family-friendly Maui destinations go, this one is highly recommended.
Located next to the Kiahuna Plantation and Koa Kea, this 238-room Poipu resort offers huge two-bedroom villas with kitchens, three great pools, and a 24-hour fitness center, but there's no full restaurant and you can find more luxurious units on Kauai for a similar price.
Located next to the Kiahuna Plantation and Koa Kea, this 238-room Poipu resort offers huge two-bedroom villas with kitchens, three great pools, and a 24-hour fitness center, but there's no full restaurant and you can find more luxurious units on Kauai for a similar price.
Location trumps luxury at these 11 beachfront bungalows sitting just above the sand on the picturesque North Shore. Sure, the bungalows are modest, amenities are zero, and service is minimal. But a beautiful beach is just outside the door, as are hammocks and grills. And Oahu's most famous surfing spots and a charming surfer town, Haleiwa, are just down the street.
Location trumps luxury at these 11 beachfront bungalows sitting just above the sand on the picturesque North Shore. Sure, the bungalows are modest, amenities are zero, and service is minimal. But a beautiful beach is just outside the door, as are hammocks and grills. And Oahu's most famous surfing spots and a charming surfer town, Haleiwa, are just down the street.
Wailea's aptly named Fairmont Kea Lani is a "white heaven" indeed -- its 450 units sit on a 22-acre beachfront property that includes three outdoor pools -- one with a waterslide and another adults-only -- multiple restaurants and bars, a luxurious spa, and access to world-class golf. Unlike its competitors, this property does an excellent job of keeping both couples and families happy without the long lines and battles for sun loungers by the pool. Oceanfront villas and suites are some of the largest in Maui, and all are equipped with flat-screen TVs, living spaces, marble bathrooms with separate tubs and showers, and furnished outdoor spaces. A 24-hour fitness center, daily activities, and wedding services round out features. A pricey daily resort fee (typical for Hawaii) covers self-parking, Wi-Fi, and snorkeling gear. Young couples may prefer the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, a trendy property with cascading pools.
Wailea's aptly named Fairmont Kea Lani is a "white heaven" indeed -- its 450 units sit on a 22-acre beachfront property that includes three outdoor pools -- one with a waterslide and another adults-only -- multiple restaurants and bars, a luxurious spa, and access to world-class golf. Unlike its competitors, this property does an excellent job of keeping both couples and families happy without the long lines and battles for sun loungers by the pool. Oceanfront villas and suites are some of the largest in Maui, and all are equipped with flat-screen TVs, living spaces, marble bathrooms with separate tubs and showers, and furnished outdoor spaces. A 24-hour fitness center, daily activities, and wedding services round out features. A pricey daily resort fee (typical for Hawaii) covers self-parking, Wi-Fi, and snorkeling gear. Young couples may prefer the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, a trendy property with cascading pools.
This gorgeous property in the Ko Olina resort complex delivers on all of the Disney staples -- but in a much more subtle way than the brand's mainland destinations. Service is excellent, the food is delicious, and the kids always come first. The pool area is gorgeous, boasting a lazy river, two waterslides, and a manmade reef, and the coved-in lagoon offers calm waters. Room decor is cheerful and bright, with nods to both the Mouse that made Disney famous and Hawaii's rich culture. Overall the resort is one of the best in Oahu for families, but those looking for more nightlife should consider someplace closer to Waikiki.
This gorgeous property in the Ko Olina resort complex delivers on all of the Disney staples -- but in a much more subtle way than the brand's mainland destinations. Service is excellent, the food is delicious, and the kids always come first. The pool area is gorgeous, boasting a lazy river, two waterslides, and a manmade reef, and the coved-in lagoon offers calm waters. Room decor is cheerful and bright, with nods to both the Mouse that made Disney famous and Hawaii's rich culture. Overall the resort is one of the best in Oahu for families, but those looking for more nightlife should consider someplace closer to Waikiki.
This self-contained upscale resort on a peninsular outcropping of Oahu’s north shore focuses on relaxation and outdoor activities. Families -- and couples in particular -- come here for the golf course, horseback riding, surfing, and other outdoor activities; nightlife is limited to the property’s bars and restaurants. A car is necessary for getting to dining options beyond the resort, which some guests have commented is desirable because of high prices at the on-site restaurants; the nearby town of Haleiwa is about a 25-minute drive, though popular local food spots like Giovanni’s Aloha Shrimp in Kahuku are much closer to the resort. Rooms are upscale, chic, and beachy, and most have ocean views.
This self-contained upscale resort on a peninsular outcropping of Oahu’s north shore focuses on relaxation and outdoor activities. Families -- and couples in particular -- come here for the golf course, horseback riding, surfing, and other outdoor activities; nightlife is limited to the property’s bars and restaurants. A car is necessary for getting to dining options beyond the resort, which some guests have commented is desirable because of high prices at the on-site restaurants; the nearby town of Haleiwa is about a 25-minute drive, though popular local food spots like Giovanni’s Aloha Shrimp in Kahuku are much closer to the resort. Rooms are upscale, chic, and beachy, and most have ocean views.
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The low-key, 436-room Royal Kona has long been an architectural landmark of the Kailua Bay coastline. Its convenient downtown location, affordable rooms, and private lagoon access are all pluses, but be prepared to sacrifice a few frills. There is no Jacuzzi and the pool is small. Rooms are clean and bright, but basic, with small bathrooms and dated furniture.
The low-key, 436-room Royal Kona has long been an architectural landmark of the Kailua Bay coastline. Its convenient downtown location, affordable rooms, and private lagoon access are all pluses, but be prepared to sacrifice a few frills. There is no Jacuzzi and the pool is small. Rooms are clean and bright, but basic, with small bathrooms and dated furniture.
This 297-room hotel is located in central Waikiki, a two-minute walk from the beach and a couple of blocks from the shops and restaurants of Kalakaua Avenue. Air-conditioned rooms are bright and modern, equipped with furnished lanais and free Wi-Fi. The hotel has a more intimate feel when compared to other resorts in the area, with facilities geared toward couples looking to relax. There's an open-air pool with a furnished sundeck, modern fitness center, and free evening reception that includes wine and snacks. The restaurant serves Japanese and American cuisine in an elegant setting, plus a breakfast buffet for a fee. Other perks include free access to selected museums and 24-hour room service. Families might prefer the nearby Sheraton Waikiki, which adds kid-friendly facilities and multiple restaurants.
This 297-room hotel is located in central Waikiki, a two-minute walk from the beach and a couple of blocks from the shops and restaurants of Kalakaua Avenue. Air-conditioned rooms are bright and modern, equipped with furnished lanais and free Wi-Fi. The hotel has a more intimate feel when compared to other resorts in the area, with facilities geared toward couples looking to relax. There's an open-air pool with a furnished sundeck, modern fitness center, and free evening reception that includes wine and snacks. The restaurant serves Japanese and American cuisine in an elegant setting, plus a breakfast buffet for a fee. Other perks include free access to selected museums and 24-hour room service. Families might prefer the nearby Sheraton Waikiki, which adds kid-friendly facilities and multiple restaurants.