The Best Affordable Family Resorts in Hawaii Your Kids Will Love
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Finding inexpensive hotel and resort options for your Hawaii family vacation can be tough. It’s difficult to find a happy medium between affordability and amenities. After traveling and living in Hawaii for years, and now with two children in tow, we have finding affordable family resorts down to a science. Saving money on accommodations means that you can spend it on incredible snorkeling trips, whale watching tours, or the endless list of delicious Hawaiian food.
Here’s our list of the best affordable family resorts in Hawaii!
Looking for more on budget friendly Hawaii Travel?
1. Head over to the cheapest Hawaiian Island (plus get 4 clever ways to save)
2. Save on flights with these 5 Insider’s Tips
3. Learn about booking your Hawaii vacation with points, you could get 4 nights at a luxury resort for free!
4. Check out how we book our Hawaii travel – as seasoned Hawaii travelers, we’ve learned a thing or two.
5. Book your rental car with Discount Hawaii Car Rental. They have no booking fees, no prepayment, and have honestly saved us thousands on rental cars.
Hawaii Family Resorts FAQs:
What is the cheapest part of Hawaii?
Hawaii is a notoriously expensive destination but with a little sleuthing, it’s not difficult to find budget options. The island of Oahu is the cheapest area in Hawaii, specifically the city of Waikiki, and your best bet for visiting the “Aloha State” on a shoestring.
Is Hawaii a good place to take a family vacation?
Hawaii is a wonderful place to take a family vacation! From turquoise lagoons that are perfect for little ones to splash around in to surf camps that teenagers will love, there’s no shortage of activities no matter the age of your children. Lasting family memories, like luaus overlooking the ocean and swimming the days away, are a guarantee!
What is the average cost for a family of 4 to go to Hawaii?
The average cost for a family of four to visit Hawaii is around $13,493 for two adults and two children going on a 10-day vacation. Prices have certainly increased in the past few years, fueled by a mixture of inflation and high demand post-COVID. Obviously this number can increase or decrease depending on factors like how long you plan to stay and where you want to be based, but this is a good rough estimate to base your budget off of.
The 12 Best Affordable Family Resorts in Hawaii
Planning an affordable family vacation to Hawaii is absolutely possible! Picking out an inexpensive accommodation option is one of the best ways you can cut costs for your trip, saving money for your family to spend on incredible experiences. We’ve rounded up twelve of the most affordable family resorts in Hawaii so you don’t have to spend hours searching.
1. Hilton Hawaiian Village (Oahu)
Located in Waikiki on Oahu, the Hilton Hawaiian Village is one of the best places to stay for families on a budget in Hawaii but who are still looking for the big resort experience. With several pools and waterslides that are perfect for kids to splash around in and spacious rooms. It’s not just the kids who will have a great time. There are plenty of amenities for parents including both the Tropics Bar and Hau Tree Bar and a state-of-the-art spa.
Fun experiences are right at your fingertips, onsite at the resort, like the famous Waikiki Starlight Luau, held every Sunday through Thursday, and a fireworks show every Friday evening. There are also other free events that the whole family will enjoy like lei making, hula lessons, fish feeding, keiki games (kid games), yoga, and ukulele lessons.
You can find great prices at this hotel in Hawaii’s off seasons, from April to June and September to December. As Waikiki also happens to be one of the least expensive places to stay in Hawaii so it’s a double-win!
2. Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach (Oahu)
Located in the heart of Waikiki, the Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach is a wonderful option for families who are looking to stay in the center of it all. Within walking distance of the Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium, and Kuhio Beach, what it lacks in beachfront location it makes up for in proximity to nearly everything else.
An extensive breakfast buffet is included in the price, making it even more budget friendly, and 24/7 dining offers the flexibility of dining whenever you want, an amenity that is such a luxury on vacation. You can get even more bang for your bucket by booking this hotel with points!
Parents should note that because this location isn’t beachfront it is a bit of a walk down to Kuhio Beach (5-10 minutes to be exact), a feat that might be more difficult with little ones in tow.
3. Queen Kapiolani Hotel (Oahu)
A bit more off-the-beaten path and quiet – a feat for bustling Waikiki – the Queen Kapiolani Hotel is a more peaceful option than most. Just a short walk from the beach, the closest being the palm-fringed Kuhio Beach, this hotel isn’t fussy, but still very comfortable and perfect for those who don’t want a fancy resort but still want to stay somewhere nice.
Guests are greeted with Dole pineapple whip on arrival, the perfect way to satiate hungry appetites and an extra special touch for kids and adults alike. Top off your stay with fun activities like lei making and hula lessons, paired with stunning views of Diamond Head in the distance and you have the perfect place to call home for all your Waikiki family adventures!
4. Outrigger Beachcomber (Oahu)
The Outrigger Beachcomber is situated right in the center of Waikiki’s hustle and bustle, close to shopping and dining. Compared to other resorts and hotels in the area, the Beachcomber is much more affordable, without sacrificing the wonderful location. Relax with the kids at the rooftop pool, grab discount tickets to the nearby Waikiki Aquarium, or make the short, ten-minute walk to the popular Kuhio Beach for fun in the sun.
There are lanais off of every room, a nice addition although something to potentially keep in mind if you’ll be bringing little ones. A coin-operated laundry area is also located onsite. While the resort is surrounded by plenty of restaurants, Maui Brewing Company is just downstairs and is not just an inexpensive meal option, but also a delicious one!
5. Beach Villas at Ko Olina (Oahu)
Situated on the sunny, leeward side of Oahu, Ko Olina is a quiet reprieve from Waikiki. This area is not cheap, and the stunning Beach Villas at Ko Olina are objectively an expensive option. That being said, it is the most budget-friendly choice in Ko Olina as other nearby hotels, like the Four Seasons, Aulani, and Marriott, are even higher in price.
This resort is the perfect location to bring kids because of the tranquil lagoons, just across the street. Four cerulean lagoons line the beach at Ko Olina. These natural pools are ideal for swimming, snorkeling (especially for beginners), and splashing around with children. Multiple pools, spread out around the villas, are yet another desirable feature for families with kids, including a designated family pool and a kids wading pool.
Amenities like a beach bar, sauna, and fitness area will also pique parents’ interests. While onsite dining options are limited to the Makai Hale Beach Bar, there are lots of options within walking distance.
Parents with small children will want to book a villa in the Beach Tower, the area of the resort that’s closest to both the kids pool and the lagoons. Keep in mind that each unit is individually owned and can have differing levels of amenities. It’s a good idea to read individual reviews for some of the units to be sure you’re getting what you want!
6. Napili Shores (Maui)
Napili Shores, located in Lahaina on the island of Maui, is a nice option for families who don’t mind no-frills accommodations but are looking for a good location. This collection of condos is situated right on Napili Bay where it’s possible to spot humpback whales, migrating along the coast in the winter, and is the perfect spot for swimming.
What Napili Shores lacks in luxury and opulent decor it makes up for in onsite amenities, including several restaurants, a tiki bar for the adults, and two swimming pools. The entire Napili area is a great place for families as it’s more low-key than other places in West Maui and has a relaxed vibe.
Keep in mind that furnishings are a bit dated, but each unit has its own kitchen and most have private balconies or patios that open out into grassy areas. If you’re diligent about booking early you can also snag a unit with an oceanfront balcony and views of Lana’i and Molokai in the distance.
7. Kapalua Ridge Villas (Maui)
Maui’s Kapalua Ridge Villas are the perfect option for those who need space to stretch out. Each villa is around 1,100 square feet in size and ideal for families with multiple children or those who just want some extra room. Fun activities are just outside your door like the Kapalua Ziplines and several golf courses.
Two onsite pools, one on each side of the property, mean that you’re never far from a good swimming spot, no matter which villa you book. The cherry on top are views of the ocean from your lanai and easy access to some of Maui’s best beaches, like Kapalua Bay!
8. Puamana Princeville (Kauai)
The Puamana Princeville, tucked away on the north shore of Kauai, Hawaii’s “Garden Isle”, is sandwiched between verdant vegetation and turquoise ocean. This resort is best for active families who don’t mind skimping on luxury. While this isn’t a super cushy accommodation option, it more than makes up for its lack in lavish style with both utility and its proximity to the North Shore and the area’s abundant activities.
This resort is surrounded by golf courses – great for those looking to take part in Hawaii’s world-renowned golf scene – and it’s close to the popular Anini Beach, just a 10-minute walk along a forest pathway. Puamana Princeville does have a pool onsite but with almost 100 different units sharing the same one, you might need to manage expectations of sprawling out.
9. Waipouli Beach Resort (Kauai)
Located in Waipouli, on Kauai’s eastern coast, families will love Waipouli Beach Resort’s perfect mix of resort vibes with the relaxed feel of a private vacation rental. Kids (and parents) will go crazy for this resort’s extensive pool area that includes two waterslides, a waterfall, a sandy children’s beach, and a poolside restaurant and bar. It might be difficult to pull yourself away, but you’ll also want to take part in the North Shore activities that are just a stone’s throw away.
Each unit has a fully equipped kitchenette and in-unit washer and dryers, all ideal amenities for families who like to cook and get dirty. Plenty of restaurants and shopping centers are also located nearby for nights out on the town or for a special meal or two.
Keep in mind that the closest beach isn’t the best for swimming though this might not be a big deal for pool lovers. Units are privately owned and can range in quality so be sure to double check the reviews.
10. Poipu Kapili (Kauai)
Poipu is one of the best spots to base yourself for explorations around Kauai. As the premier resort destination on the “Garden Isle”, you’ll be close to any and all amenities like restaurants and plenty of beautiful beaches. The Poipu Kapili is one of the most budget-friendly accommodation options for families, offering a pretty, plantation vibe right on the ocean.
Amenities like tennis and pickleball courts, a BBQ area, and centrally located pool mean that you would never have to leave the resort to make lasting family memories, but the nearby Kiahuna Beach, less than a 10-minute walk away, will also be calling to you.
This resort’s oceanfront location is also great for those hoping to see a Hawaiian sunset or two. Units are one or two bedrooms and somewhere between 1,100 and 1,800 square feet in size. Be sure to double check that your unit has A/C if that’s something important to you!
11. Waikoloa Beach Villas (Big Island)
Hawaii’s Big Island is full of posh resorts that aren’t always ideal for those looking to book a Hawaiian family vacation on a budget. The Waikoloa Beach Villas are a great alternative to the more expensive accommodations in this sprawling resort town and are still centrally located, in the heart of the action.
This gated resort community is truly beautiful with lush landscaping and lots of amenities including two pools, two hot tubs, and prime access to nearby beaches that are less than a 15 minute walk away. Villas are two to three bedrooms, providing the perfect amount of space for those who need to spread out.
Individual villas are also well equipped each with their own garage and many with beach gear including toys, chairs, snorkel accessories, and grills that are great for impromptu family BBQ’s. Nearby activities like ziplining, hiking, and whale watching aren’t too far away.
12. The Shores at Waikoloa (Big Island)
The Shores at Waikoloa are another inexpensive option for families on the Big Island. This condo community has access to amenities like tennis courts, two pools (including a children’s pool), and a jacuzzi, all important factors as the nearest beach takes a short drive to reach. There are also plenty of fun outdoor activities nearby like the Waikoloa Petroglyph Reserve, the Anchialine Pond Preservation Area, and Buddha Point.
Condos in this complex have spacious lanais, many with views of Mauna Kea, and are two bed, two bath units. Keep in mind that each unit is individually owned so decor and in-unit extras may vary drastically and some guests did report that furnishings were a bit dated but still comfortable. It’s a good idea to read reviews for specific condos to be sure you’re getting exactly what you want.
Related reads:
Is Kauai or Maui Better for a Family Vacation?
68 Things to Do in Maui with Kids (By Age): Your Family Will Love Them
How Much Does a Trip To Hawaii Cost for a Family of Four
An Itinerary for Every Island
No matter where you decide to stay, go with confidence knowing the rest of your vacation details have been nailed down by Hawaii travel pros. Each of our itineraries are packed with the best restaurants, beaches, activities, excursion days, parking, what to pack, and so much more.
Don’t waste hours trying to find the best the islands have to offer and then just hope it works out. Choose from the best and rest easy knowing your vacation is going to be unforgettable.
Planning Maui was OVERWHELMING so I stumbled onto the Hawaii Vacation Guide Youtube page and ordered the Wayfinder itinerary. It was not expensive at all! I thought ok well I hope this helps.
WOW! It planned out every day perfect down to finding free parking with what to pack and what to expect. We got to see almost all of the island and hit spots we would have never known about despite buying two books on Maui.
The food recommendations alone were well worth it! Everyday we got up and I read hey this what we pack today and we got in the car and I pulled up the interactive itinerary and would click the google map link and head to that first stop.