Top Hawaiian Getaways For Your Family

by Jill Weinlein

Oahu, Hawaii is an affordable summer vacation destination for Southern California families longing to get away. With invitingly turquoise waters, lush green mountains, and affordable accommodations, the entire family will enjoy this vacation.

When on Oahu, do what the natives do, swim. Go to the ABC store and buy a colorful, inflatable float, or rent a surfboard and ride the gentle rolling waves with Diamond Head in the background. In the afternoon, after a day at the beach, we enjoyed touring several hotels, and their pools, around the island. We sampled delicious food and their complimentary entertainment.

The following resorts offer guests a true tropical getaway experience. Many offer special rates and packages for this summer.

The Hilton Hawaiian Village

Located on a wide stretch of white-sand beach and site of the largest pool in Waikiki, the Super Pool, this colossal splashing ground will let you cool off and have plenty of room to do your laps. The Hilton is a self-contained resort with scenic walkways winding among waterfalls and Zen-like gardens. The rock garden ponds are stocked with brightly colored fish, black swans, penguins, turtles and pink flamingos playing harmoniously together. The Japanese-themed shopping area features international restaurants, world-class stores, and a few sundry shops. Hilton offers "Our Best Rate. Guaranteed," a promise that if you find a lower rate, Hilton will match the rate plus award guests a $50 American Express gift check. Between May 18, 2007 and Dec. 30, 2007, book a Hilton Discovery Kids package to receive a digital camera, best available rate, continental breakfast, and a Hilton Discovery Kids backpack filled with goodies. Call (800) HILTONS or www.hawaiianvillage.hilton.com.

The Outrigger Waikiki Beach

The simple, rectangular pool overlooks a large beach area bustling with activity. Here, one can catch a catamaran ride, rent a surfboard, or just people-watch. The outside, hot spa pool closes at 3:30 pm, allowing Duke's Waikiki Barefoot Bar to set up for early evening cocktails, and free entertainment from local Hawaiian bands. We listened to a three-piece band play traditional Hawaiian music as hula girls swished their grass skirts, and the bar offers the delicious Kimos' Original Hula Pie. For information about room rates with free breakfast, call (800) OUTRIGGER or www.outrigger.com.

Turtle Bay Resort

Away from Waikiki Beach, situated on one of the most picturesque settings on Oahu's North Shore, this recently renovated property offers two pools with dramatic ocean views of crashing waves. In the summer the waves are calmer, and guests sit in teak steamer lounge chairs to enjoy the brilliant sunsets.

The original pool has been upgraded and the newer, heated, tropical pool offers an 80-ft. waterfall and slide for guests (especially children) to enjoy. On the bottom of this pool is a tile mosaic of the Hawaiian green sea turtle. A children's wading pool and two hot spa tubs overlook the surf and sand. For specials and information about their Keiki Turtle Club children's program call (800) 203-3650 or go to, www.TurtleBayResort.com.

JW Marriott Ihlani Resort and Spa

A 25-minute drive west from the Honolulu International Airport is the newer Ko Olina development. The hotel's circular pool and large tiled hot tub overlook a white, sandy, man-made lagoon and beach. The resort offers an 18-hole golf course, full-service spa, children's activities and five restaurants. Call (800) 626-4446 or go to www.Marriott.com. to learn about their "It's Time for Family Time" package that includes a deluxe guest room, in-room pizza, soda for four, and in-room movie nightly.

Hawaii is a summer destination that will provide cherished family memories that last a lifetime.

Jill visits Hawaii twice a year with her family. She can be reached at weinlein@familymagazinegroup.com