10 Best Oahu Resorts for Families

Oahu (O-ah-who) is a popular vacation destination for families, and an important history lesson for kids. The beautiful island is home to Pearl Harbor, where families can visit the site”s museums and memorials, including the USS Arizona Memorial. Oahu is also home to Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii and the state”s largest city.

If you”re planning a trip to the island and aren”t sure where to stay, consider one of these fantastic hotels, rated highly by family travelers and our staff of experts. Most of the resorts are located in Waikiki, a popular area for beaches and entertainment. Note: Most of the hotels charge a daily resort fee, unless otherwise noted.

Written by Amanda Geronikos

1/10

Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa

Just steps from Waikiki Beach, this 5.2-acre resort has a beautiful location that"s complemented by an outdoor pool, spa, and onsite dining options. The resort has more than 1,300 guestrooms and suites, each equipped with a private balcony and Wi-Fi. Guests also receive access to a library of DVDs, and one Mai Tai per guest, per day.

2/10

Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach Walk

If you"re looking for spacious accommodations and convenient services in Oahu, look no further than Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach Walk. Apartment-style rooms offer kitchenettes, and guests enjoy complimentary breakfast and evening receptions with snacks, cocktails and mocktails. The Grand Lanai is a hit with families, too; located on the fourth floor, it has a sundeck, pavilion seating and a swimming pool.

3/10

Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club

Marriott"s Ko Olina Beach Club is a tropical oasis in Oahu, and one that caters to large families. The resort provides spacious villas with one to three bedrooms and fully equipped kitchens for convenience (and savings). Don"t miss the hotel"s Fia Fia - Polynesian Dinner Show, where dinner is served buffet-style. The hotel offers other dining options, as well, plus a swimming pool, spa, and a spot right on the beach.

4/10

The Kahala Hotel & Resort

The Kahala Hotel & Resort features Dolphin Quest, a 26,000-square foot lagoon where families can swim with dolphins; the hotel also offers rooms with views of the lagoon for a truly special experience. Other features include The Kahala Keiki Club for ages 5 to 12, organized activities, a swimming pool, water sports, golf, tennis courts and bike rentals. Did we mention the hotel is located on a secluded beach, too?

5/10

Sheraton Waikiki

The Sheraton Waikiki is located on the beach, and offers two oceanfront pools that are almost better than the sand and surf. It also offers water sports, childcare services and a few onsite dining options, including room service. It also offers laundry facilities, video rentals, and nightly entertainment. Many guestrooms and suites have private lanais (porches).

6/10

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort

You don"t want to miss the luaus at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort -- they"re among the most authentic events in the area, and the only ones that take place outside in Waikiki. The expansive, beachfront resort often hosts other themed events, as well, and has swimming pools and restaurants. Book an Oceanfront Room or Suite for the ultimate experience.

7/10

Turtle Bay Resort

Situated on North Shore, Turtle Bay Resort provides an authentic experience in Hawaii. The sprawling resort offers guestrooms, suites, Beach Cottages and Ocean Villas, the latter of which sleep up to 10 guests. Families have the option to dine at several restaurants onsite, and can also participate in a traditional luau. There"s also the option to try various water sports, including outrigger canoeing, and book local excursions.

8/10

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa

Meet Mickey and Minnie in Hawaii! Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa features character breakfasts, a kids" club (complimentary), organized activities, swimming pools, and a lazy river. The magical resort -- which doesn"t charge a resort fee -- features one- to three-bedroom villas with fully equipped kitchens and washers and dryers, though families can also opt to stay in a traditional guestroom or suite. Parents should reserve some time for a date at ‘Ama"Ama, an open-air restaurant on the beach.

9/10

Outrigger Reef on the Beach

Outrigger is a trusted hotel name in Hawaii, and one you shouldn"t look past for your family vacation in Oahu -- especially considering Outrigger Reef on the Beach doesn"t charge a resort fee. Guestrooms and multi-bedroom suites offer oceanfront or partial ocean views, along with complimentary Wi-Fi. Other hotel perks including a swimming pool, surf lessons, and onsite dining.

10/10

Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort

Another Outrigger Resort, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort also offers traditional guestrooms and multi-bedroom suites with Wi-Fi; they have city, partial ocean or oceanfront views. This location has a few restaurants, a swimming pool and surf lessons, as well. There is no resort fee.