Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa -- It's the collection of swimming pools here -- freshwater and salt, with slides, waterfalls, and secret lagoons -- that makes this oceanfront Hyatt a real kids' paradise. Camp Hyatt (ages 3-12) offers arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, and other special activities for $70 for a full day (9am-4pm), including lunch and activities. It's $55 for a half-day with lunch, and $45 for a half-day without lunch. Plus, the Hyatt is one of the few hotels to offer "camp" in the evening, from 6 to 10pm, at $10 an hour. Babysitting and activities on weekend evenings give Mom and Dad some time alone.
Hanalei Colony Resort -- These spacious two-bedroom condos come equipped with full kitchens. Management has badminton and croquet sets on hand for the whole family, as well as toys, puzzles, and games for the kids.
Kalaheo Inn -- Families on a budget will love this budget motel. One-bedroom apartments from $89, 2-bedrooms just $121, and 3-bedrooms only $163, all with kitchenettes. What a deal! Located in the town of Kalaheo, a 12-minute drive from world-famous Poipu Beach, a 5-minute drive from the Kukuiolono Golf Course, and within walking distance of shops and restaurants. Hosts Chet and Tish Hunt love families and have a storeroom full of games to keep the kids entertained. Plus, they happily hand out complimentary beach towels, beach toys, and even golf clubs to guests (links are nearby). This is a must-stay for vacationers on a budget.
Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club -- This place has Hawaii's largest pool (26,000 sq. ft.), in addition to a new kids' pool -- but that's just the beginning. Water runs everywhere throughout the resort: lagoons, waterfalls, fountains, a 5-acre circular swimming pool (the largest on the island), and a terrific stretch of beach, Nawiliwili Harbor, Kauai's port of call. The informal Kalapaki Kids program (ages 5-12) offers activities ranging from boogie boarding to treasure hunting ($45 for a full day, which includes lunch and a Kalapaki Kids T-shirt). They also offer a morning (9-11:30am) rate of $25 (no lunch), an afternoon (11:30am-3pm) rate of $35 (with lunch), and an hourly rate of $10 per hour/per child.
Kiahuna Plantation Resort -- These condominium units feature a children's program (next door at the Sheraton Kauai) year-round: daily in the summer and just Monday to Friday the rest of the year. The activities for children 5 to 12 include everything from lagoon fishing to arts and crafts and cost $50 with lunch for a full day (9am-4pm) or $35 for a half-day with lunch, $30 for a half-day without lunch. Plus they will take potty-trained 3- and 4-year-olds for a half-day.
Sheraton Kauai Resort -- Open to the public (not just guests of the Sheraton), this year-round (daily in the summer and Mon-Fri the remainder of the year) kids' program offers camp-type activities like bamboo pole fishing, lei making, hula lessons, and tide-pool explorations from 9am to 4pm for $50 with lunch (or half-days for $35 with lunch and $30 without). Non-Sheraton guests pay $75 full day, and $45 half-day with lunch, $40 without.
Waimea Plantation Cottages -- Among groves of towering coco palms are these clusters of meticulously restored plantation cottages that offer families the opportunity to relax off the beaten track. Some people may find Waimea a little too out-of-the-way (it's a 1 1/2-hr. drive to the North Shore), but it is close to Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park. The re-created village allows kids plenty of room to wander and play away from traffic and crowds. There are also tennis courts and a pool.
