What are the best hotels to stay for a family with a 9 year old boy in the Big Island and Kauai? Looking for family friendly, great pool and beach.

Two years ago we took our 2 1/2 year old and 5 year old to Kauai. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Sunspree and loved it. I think that it has since changed hands, but it is the only hotel "on" Lydgate Park". Further down the beach are some condos. Lydgate Park has great Protected swimming/snorkeling pools that were created out of large rocks. It is perfect for kids, and my son learned to swim and snorkel there.

The Orchid at Mauna Lani (sp?) a starwood property on the Big Island was great with the kids. Very friendly staff that remembered my two kids' names and greeted them with flowers, candy, sometimes entertained by juggling at the table at breakfast. (We were up really early and a little punchy so it was a good thing.) Excellent kiddy beach though maybe a little tame for a 9 year old. Lots of organized things to do, lots of other kids.

I have taken kids (different ones) 3-4 times to various islands. If you are looking for a hotel that a child will like then I like to go for the waterslides, for the Big Island and Kauai that means the Hyatt Regency and the Hilton Waikoloa.

If this is in your budget these hotels will make any kids happy. I have to tell you if you are an outdoor family any hotel will do. We have traditionally blended condo with hotel stays. More room in a condo, pool at the hotel. I arranged this as the aunt.
In retrospect I think anything that is not grand or with a waterslide is kind of wasted in Hawaii. You can Kayak, canoe, hike, swim, snorkle in and around the pacific. Our Kids were very excited by this. I think we would have done fine without a pool. Snorkeling was a big draw we did not anticipate. We threw in a pool from time to time but if you are outdoor active they will be too.

Marriott on Kauai has a nice pool also but no waterslides.

Bonnie

A 2nd vote for Hilton Waikoloa; although you may wish to know that there is no ocean facing beach on the property. There is a lagoon with a beach which is totally 'surf-free'. There is a beach about 10 minutes away but this beach is ust so-so.

If you want a great beach you have to go to Mauna Kea, Orchid etc but Hilton Waikoloa has a lot of 'gee-whiz' things that should keep a 9 year-old busy for a long time.

If you go to the Hilton I suggest that you look at the property map before booking. The Ocean Tower is near the more casual restaurants, the mini-gold course and the pools with the smaller waterslides. The Lagoon Tower is near the dolphins and the biggest pool with the largest water slide. Also, the spa, fitness center, tennis center, beauty salon and doctor are in the Lagoon Tower. In a way they are like 2 separate resorts on 1 property.