I know many people go to the 4S (Maui) to get away from kids but I can assure you that mine are well behaved and won't be bothering anyone. I selected this hotel because Frommer's listed it as the top hotel for families because of the free children's program, milk and cookies on arrival, and so on. I also called and asked specifically about the children's program and was very happy with what the counselor said (Sponge Bob Nights, etc.). Can anyone personally reassure me that my kids (5,9) and I won't feel out of place in this luxury hotel. Are they truly friendly with families or do you get the feeling that they wish to only have couples on their honeymoons? By the way, I know my kids are not big water park enthusiasts so please don't suggest the Grand Wailea. They have enjoyed going to kids' clubs in the past (on Disney Cruise several times and other places) and would enjoy playing with other kids if the activities were fun. We will be there over Christmas so I am pretty sure that there will be plenty of other families there at that time. I want this vacation to be a special Christmas memory for them. It is their first time to Hawaii.
Thanks!

You should have no problems. During school holidays there are plenty of kids around. I've found that plenty of parents like the 4S for family vacations because they value the food and service. That being said, the pools are relatively small, and get really crowded when there are many children. Also, if you want to reserve a pool cabanna for your family, just remember that you will have to get up early (before 7am) to reserve one with a location near the pool. Some older people or honeymooning couples might not be too happy with lots of kids around during the Christmas holidays, but they're the ones being unrealistic.

My girlfriend stayed at the Four Seasons last year with their 5 year old and she just raved about it. She said that they treated their son like gold.

Hotels with reputations like the Four Seasons earn those reputations by having the good sense to treat everybody like gold! A hotel that only wants honeymooners does not offer Sponge Bob.

We are considering the 4S Big Island next spring for the same reasons. We were wondering the same thing, basically will the children feel comfortable enough to have a great time. I keep going back to the web site and it really does seem that they understand that the family is an important market target. (the children's programs, the kids toiletries, mini robes, etc...)I would greatly appreciate any details you can give after you trip if you decide to go. I know you are thinking about Maui but any info would be appreciated. Thanks in advance

Do not go to the 4S Wailea. My children loved the hotel and the kids program and my wife loved the fact they were happy and she could do anything she wanted without thinking about them. Room service kids meals are modest in price, video rentals are free, there is a very nice game room and the beach is close and the water warm. After 5 winter Wailea vacations we are now going overseas on our vacations as my children are now older but everyone still asks when we are going back to Maui. I say take them to the Motel 6. After the 4S you are going to work hard to find someplace better.

We have stayed in many different 4S properties with my teenage daughter.
Generally she is treated well, especially if they know she belongs to me. However, we have had some hotel employees sneer at her if she happened to be wandering around the lobby area alone. She's 17 and tends to dress casually, jeans and t-shirts... I suppose they treat her much like stores do. Either ignoring her or suspecting her of something. It bothers me more than her but it's really no big deal.

FS are fantastic for kids! The kid's programs are free- and fantastic. I had the chance to watch a group of kids in the program a few months ago (just there with the hubby) and the kids were having a blast and the counselors were excellent. How can you go wrong?

During my stay at the Four Seasons, I saw plenty of young kids during breakfast and around the pool area/beach. They all seemed to be having a great time. There is a seperate pool for children. I also noticed a special children's buffet section during breakfast with food/toys directly geared towards them. As other posters have mentioned, the staff at the hotel is wonderful and friendly so I wouldn't worry about your kids feeling out of place.

I personally don't have any kids, but I have friends with children who say they specifically choose the Maui Four Seasons because of their children's programs. I can't tell you about the children's programs, but I can say that I'd have no problems bringing my children when I have them. They'd have a wonderful and memorable vacation.