Family-Friendly Hotels

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Back to KauaiFamily-Friendly Kauai Hotels

Hanalei Colony Resort -- These spacious two-bedroom condos come equipped with full kitchens. Management has badminton and croquet sets on hand for the whole family, as well as toys, puzzles, and games for the kids.

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa -- It's the collection of swimming pools here -- freshwater and salt, with slides, waterfalls, and secret lagoons -- that makes this oceanfront Hyatt a real kids' paradise. Camp Hyatt (ages 3?12) offers arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, and other special activities for $65 for a full day (9am?4pm), including lunch and a T-shirt. It's $50 for a half day with lunch, and $40 for a half day without lunch. Plus, the Hyatt is one of the few hotels to offer "camp" in the evening, from 6 to 10pm, at $10 an hour. Babysitting and activities on weekend evenings give Mom and Dad some time alone. In summer and during the holiday season, there's Rock Hyatt, an activities room where teens can gather and play electronic games. Also in summer, Family Fun Theatre Nights show some of the more than 400 movies filmed on Kauai.

Kalaheo Inn -- Families on a budget will love this budget motel. One-bedroom apartments from $75, 2-bedrooms just $105, and 3-bedrooms only $145, all with kitchenettes. What a deal! Located in the town of Kalaheo, a 12-minute drive from world-famous Poipu Beach, a 5-minute drive from the Kukuiolono Golf Course, and within walking distance of shops and restaurants. Hosts Chet and Tish Hunt love families and have a storeroom full of games to keep the kids entertained. Plus, they happily hand out complimentary beach towels, beach toys, and even golf clubs to guests (links are nearby). This is a must-stay for vacationers on a budget.

Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club -- This place has Hawaii's largest pool (26,000 sq. ft.), in addition to a new kids' pool -- but that's just the beginning. Freshwater lagoons with six islands serve as a mini-zoo with kangaroos, monkeys, llamas, and other exotic creatures; horses lead carriages through tropical gardens; and a high-energy beach beside Nawiliwili Harbor, Kauai's port of call, provides surfside fun. The informal Kalapaki Kids program (ages 5?12) offers activities ranging from boogie boarding to treasure hunting ($45 for a full day, which includes lunch and a Kalapaki Kids T-shirt).

Kiahuna Plantation Resort -- These condominium units feature a children's program during spring break, summer, and winter for $35 for a full day and $20 for a half day. The activities for children 5 to 12 include everything from lagoon fishing to arts and crafts.

Princeville Resort Kauai -- The Keiki Aloha Program is centered around children 5 to 12 with activities like snorkeling, lei making, sand castle contests, Hawaiian crafts, and more. Although the program is offered year-round, it is not offered on Sunday. Cost is $65 (without lunch) and $55 for each additional child in the same family.

Sheraton Kauai Resort -- Open to the public (not just guests of the Sheraton), this daily (Mon?Fri) kids program during the summer (and Mon., Wed., and Fri. during the remainder of the year) offers camp-type activities like bamboo pole fishing, lei making, hula lessons, and tidepool explorations from 9am to 4pm (or half days).

Waimea Plantation Cottages -- Among groves of towering coco palms are these clusters of meticulously restored plantation cottages that offer families the opportunity to relax off the beaten track. Some people may find Waimea a little too out of the way (it's a 1 1/2-hr. drive to the North Shore), but it is close to Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park. The re-created village allows kids plenty of room to wander and play away from traffic and crowds. There are also a pool and tennis courts.