Kauai, Hawaii Hotels And Resorts

Hawaii's so-called "Island of Discovery" Kauai boasts so many natural treasures that families often don't spend much time thinking about the man-made facilities available at their hotel. Yet Kau'ai has a wide range of family-welcoming accommodations, ranging from full service, self-contained resorts to staffed condo complexes that feel like home, and actual rental homes. Here's a look at some favorites for families interested in a beach vacation with kids.

Kauai Resorts with Children's Programs & Babysitting

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
1571 Poipu Road
Koloa, HI 96756
808/742-1234
Located near Poipu Beach, this hotel offers the usual first-rate Hyatt service, and a fabulous pool complex with waterslides galore.  Boasting 602 guestrooms each with a private balcony, this hotel is an excellent escape. The Camp Hyatt welcomes children 3 ½ to 12-years-old for full and half-day sessions, seven days a week.  There is also an evening program from 4-10pm and babysitting service is available.  The Hyatt's "Babies Travel Lite" program makes traveling with infants less of hassle by allowing you to pre-oder your baby needs and have them delivered to your room before arrival.Tennis, golf course and spa services as well as a handful of daily activities. 

Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club
Kalapaki Beach, 3610 Rice Street
Lihue – Kauai, HI 96766
808/245-5050
Located near Lihu'e Airport and set on 800 acres with a quarter-mile beachfront at Kalapaki Beach, this hotel is very popular with families.  Their swimming pool, at 26,000-square feet, is one of the largest in Hawai'i, and is a kid's paradise. Their Kalapaki Kids Club for children 5 to 12-years-old, is a full day seasonal program that provides kids with recreational and educational activities and introduces them to the native landscape and culture of Hawaii. Tennis, golf course and spa services are on site as well 5 open-air restaurants. 

Princeville at Hanalei
5-3900 Kuhio HIghway
Princeville, Kauai, HI 96722-3040
808/826-9644
This elegant, opulent getaway on the dramatic North Coast is built into a bluff. The lobby is on the ninth floor and the rooms are below, with the beach off first floor.  All rooms and suites feature lavish bathrooms, custom furnishings and ocean views.  You can fly into the nearby Princeville Airport for easy access.  Their year-round Keiki Aloha Program is for children 5 to 12-years old, with a babysitting service available daily for those under 5.  Tennis, golf course and spa services are first rate. The hotel also provides guest with a handful of adventures such as horseback riding and hiking. 

Sheraton Kauai Resort
2440 Hoonani Road
Poipu Beach, Koloa, HI 96756
808/742-1661
Located on a quarter-mile stretch of crescent-shaped Poipu Beach, the Sheraton Kauai offers seasonal whale watching from the shore, and sightings of dolphins and sea turtles are not uncommon. Here, on this world-famous beach, the warm aquamarine ocean is calmer than in many other parts of the island making it great for tiny waders/splashers, and for novice snorkelers and surfers. There is also a large freshwater swimming pool and shallow wading pool for infants and toddlers just steps from the sand. Another pool with a waterfall and a second wading pool are set amidst tropical gardens elsewhere on the resort grounds.  Their Keiki Aloha Program (for a fee) is available for half and full-day sessions year-round for children 5 to 12-years-old, and features ukulele lessons and Hawaiian legends and storytelling.  Classes for all ages in traditional Hawaiian fare such as lei making, hula dancing and puka shell necklace stringing are available, as are tennis, golf course, fitness center and massage/skin care services for mom and dad.  Babysitting is available and cribs are complimentary. The hotel consists of 394 guest rooms, some with gorgeous waterfall views. Check the Starwood Hawai'i Collection site for seasonal specials.

Kauai Villa & Condo Accommodations with Kitchens

Kiahuna Plantation
2253 Poipu Road
Poipu, Kauai, HI 96756
808/688-6411
Low-rise plantation-style buildings contain comfortable condos which include TVs, high-speed internet and full kitchens to allow for some meal preparation. They all have beautiful beach front views as well.Don't worry – the daily maid service keeps your unit tidy.  The property provides an Activities Desk, the use of gas barbeques, and movie rentals, and is situated across the street from the Poipu Shopping Village.  The golden sand beach is steps away. A Keiki Klub Program is available for children 5 to 12-years-old during spring break, summer and winter; call ahead to check their schedule.

The Point at Poipu
1613 Pe'e Road
Kolo'a (Poipu Region)
808/742-1888
Featuring a lagoon-style pool complex bordered by a man-made sand beach, this resort offers lavish accommodations in apartments with full kitchens and laundry facilities.  Makawehi Point is steps away and from here you can see sea turtles and other marine life. Enjoy a handful of adventures such as jeep tours, water sports, hikes and horseback riding. 

If you don't find something that suits the family above, please visit Aston Hotel and Outrigger Hotels and Resorts for information about a variety of condo properties in all budget ranges.