By Anne Taylor Hartzell, on April 4, 2014

Family luxury on Kauai

If you are longing for a family vacation on a quiet island of lush rain forests, outdoor adventures, and pampering at luxurious resorts, look no further than Kauai, one of the most beautiful of the Hawaiian Islands.

The “Garden Isle” is the perfect place to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy some family fun close to nature, all while enjoying the amenities of some truly fabulous resorts. Whether your goal is to hike Waimea Canyon (the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”) with your teenagers, or to lounge leisurely on Poipu Beach with your tiny tots, here are three Kauai hotels that are sure to make your trip one you’ll remember forever.

The St. Regis Princeville Resort at Hanalei

An increasing number of air carriers, including Alaska Airlines, now fly non-stop from the West Coast to Kauai into (the incredibly tiny) Lihue International Airport. Approximately 32 miles north of the airstrip is Princeville, home to The St. Regis Princeville Resort, in Hanalei.

In addition to spacious guest rooms and suites, The St. Regis Princeville offers many family-focused features, including the multifaceted “Family Traditions” program. Through this program, all younger guests receive special amenities upon check-in—something my two daughters love. Family Traditions also features special child-oriented turndown service, child-sized robes and slippers, and special dining menus available anywhere on property. If you have kids ages 5-12, the St. Regis Princeville’s Young Voyager Club offers personalized educational programs that blend science, art, and Hawaiian culture. For example, the “Seed To Sea” program provides kids an opportunity to get out and explore native and indigenous Hawaiian plants, while the Coral Reef Ecology program offers ample opportunities for beach and reef exploration.

Viewfinder Tip: When evaluating a luxury Hawaii resort, ask for “extras” such as free breakfasts to save money.

The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa

The Travel Channel once recognized Kauai’s Poipu Beach as one of “America’s Best Beaches” because of it’s excellent swimming, gentle surf, and stellar snorkeling for families. The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort, in the heart of Poipu, offers a luxurious retreat and ample play and beach time for active families.

On Sundays and Thursdays from 5:30-8pm, the resort offers an authentic Polynesian luau, The Grand Hyatt Luau Show, which is considered one of the best on the island. The Grand Hyatt Kauai also curated this very helpful list, Six Days of Family Fun, to help you figure out what to do with your kids during your stay. If you have kids ages 3-12, you can check them into the hotel’s kids club, Camp Hyatt, for a couple of hours and indulge in a treatment at Anara Spa, which, at 45,000 square feet, is the largest spa on Kauai.

 

 

The Sheraton Kauai Resort

Greet the sunrise each morning on Poipu Beach at The Sheraton Kauai Resort. With 394 rooms (including many connecting rooms for families) and suites, the Sheraton Kauai Resort has a modern entryway, sparkling pools, family activities, and more.

As part of the Starwood Preferred Guest program, members pay just $20 per child for the SPG Kids Pass (kids ages 6-12), which gives kids all-inclusive access to buffets, a special children’s menu, and free beverages during their stay.

Regardless of which luxury resort you decide for your next family vacation on Kauai, you will appreciate the ample opportunities to slow down, reconnect with nature, and relax on the Garden Isle with your kids.

What amenities are most important when choosing a resort for family travel?