Aloha Reader,

If you're in the middle of planning a summer Hawaii trip, one of the first things you need to lock down is where you're staying. Prices go up fast and availability disappears faster. So today I'm sharing my actual favorite hotels on each island, the ones I personally recommend to families and have either stayed at myself or know really well.

Let's go island by island.

Oahu

The Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach is where we stayed in February and I came away genuinely impressed. The location puts you right in the heart of Waikiki, the ocean views are stunning, and the room layout works really well for families. It's one of those hotels that earns its reputation.

The Sheraton Waikiki is a great pick if the pool situation matters to you. The pool area is fantastic and there are dedicated kids activities, which is a real bonus when you need a break from beach days.

And then there's Aulani. We tend to save this one for the last couple nights of our Oahu trips as a splurge, and it is always worth it. If your kids are Disney fans, this place will blow their minds. Here's everything you need to know before you go.​

Maui

​Outrigger Honua Kai is probably my top Maui pick for families. We've stayed there twice, and what keeps me coming back is the room size (you actually have space) and the pool area, which is one of the best on Maui. It's a condo-style resort, so you also get a kitchen, which helps a lot with food costs. Full review here.​

We just stayed at the Hyatt Regency Maui in February and it was a really lovely property. Beautiful pool area, on-site shave ice (always a win), and great walking paths along the water.

The Andaz Maui is where you'll find my favorite Maui luau, the Feast at Mokapu. The location is gorgeous and the whole property has a really dreamy feel to it.

Kauai

My top pick on Kauai is Koloa Landing Resort. The rooms come with washer/dryer, a full kitchen, and actual separate bedrooms, which is a game changer for families. And the pool complex is one of the best I've seen in all of Hawaii. Full review here.​

The Grand Hyatt Kauai is stunning. The grounds are absolutely gorgeous and my kids love the pool area every single time. Review here.​

The Royal Sonesta Kauai rounds out my Kauai picks. Great views, a fabulous pool, and a really solid location. Review here.​

Big Island

The Fairmont Orchid is home to my favorite Big Island luau, the Hawaii Loa Luau, and the overall setup of the resort is really well done. If you're planning time on the Kohala Coast, this one is worth serious consideration. More here.​

The Royal Kona Resort has both a pool and a lagoon option, and it sits in a great spot for getting to food and shopping in Kona. Review here.​

And the Outrigger Kona has a great pool area AND you can see manta rays from land. That one always gets a reaction.

Summer availability fills up fast, so if any of these are on your radar, now is the time to look. Reply back if you have questions about any of them.

Aloha,

Marcie