Kona Village Resort is a unique all-inclusive resort on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island (Hawaii). The resort boasts 82 acres of beachside property with Polynesian style bungalows instead of more traditional hotel rooms. The bungalows have thatched roofs and are cooled with ceiling fans. Kona Village is the perfect place for a family to get away from it all, as the bungalows have no telephones or televisions. The resort has protected ocean areas for all-ages swimming, offers instruction in a variety of water activities and sports, like surfing, diving and canoeing. Guests can dine at one of three resort restaurants and enjoy the biweekly traditional Hawaiian luau. In the high season (all months except May and September) Kona Village hosts a children's program for ages 5 to 12 where children participate in traditional Hawaiian activities. For teens, the Junior Alaka'i nalu ("leaders of the waves") program offers instruction in ocean activities like windsurfing and sailing. As of 2010, rates started at $555 per night, including three meals a day and select activities.
Kona Village Resort
Kohala Coast
Kailua Kona, HI 96745
800-367-5290
konavillage.com
Kaanapali Beach Hotel calls itself "Hawaii's Most Hawaiian Hotel" and employs a staff of full-time of Hawaiian cultural advisors to make sure that their unique Hawaiian cultural activities and entertainment are authentic. The hotel itself occupies 11 acres of Maui beach. Families can SCUBA dive on-site, as well as whale watch, skim board and cliff dive--or just lounge by the whale-shaped pool. For families with kids between the ages of 3 and 12, there is a free program where parents and children participate in Hawaiian cultural activities, like lei-making and hula lessons. The hotel rooms are designed with families in mind and are spacious enough to sleep up to four people. Many of the rooms optionally connect to one another, making it easy for families to spread out comfortably. Every night between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., there is a complimentary Hula show on the premises. The hotel hosts three distinct dining options, including Gerard's French Restaurant for those seeking a break from traditional Hawaiian fare. Visitors who book on the hotel's website can take advantage of discount airfares to and from the island.
Kaanapali Beach Hotel
525 Kaanapali Parkway
Lahaina, HI 96761
800-262-8450
kbhmaui.com
The Kahala is a luxury resort in Honolulu. Families are treated to all of the amenities of a five-star hotel, including free Wi-Fi, access to a DVD video library and up-to-date business and fitness centers on the premises. There is an 800-foot soft sand beach and a fresh water swimming pool. The resort also has a private lagoon on the premises where guests can swim with dolphins. If dolphins aren't exciting enough, regular trips to snorkeling sites are options. Guests may borrow bicycles from the hotel at no cost, to explore the area around the resort. For an additional fee, kids between the ages of 5 and 12 are able to participate in the resort's Kahala Kids Club while mom and dad relax at the on-site spa. The resort has four restaurants including the Japanese Tokyo-Tokyo, where guests enjoy fresh sushi. Families can book a special package that includes two connecting rooms and breakfast for all guests.
The Kahala Hotel & Resort
5000 Kahala Ave.
Honolulu, HI 96816
808-739-8888
kahalaresort.com
