Are you planning a trip to Hawaii and want to stay at a resort? Scroll to find out the biggest Hawaii resort mistakes families make and how you can avoid them like a pro!
This list of Hawaii resort mistakes was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Quick Stats You Need to Know:
- Hawaii resort fees: $39-$61 per night (that’s $400+ per week)
- Waikiki parking: Up to $95/night at some resorts
- Average family Hawaii vacation: $10,000-$14,000 for one week
- Most regretted mistake: Over-scheduling and missing pool time
Okay, I need to tell you what happened the first time I checked into the Hilton Hawaiian Village.
We booked online. The rate looked reasonable. We were so excited. Then we got to the front desk and the guy starts rattling off numbers.
$59 resort fee per night.
$72 for parking per night.
Plus taxes on top of everything.
I literally stood there doing math in my head while my kids were melting down from the flight, and I’m realizing our “affordable” room just jumped by like $900 for the week.
My husband looked at me. I looked at him. We couldn’t exactly turn around and leave.
That was trip number 15 to Hawaii. FIFTEEN. And I still got blindsided by hidden costs.
So yeah, I’ve made pretty much every resort mistake in the book during my 40+ trips as a professional tourist and Hawaii travel expert.
And I’ve watched hundreds of other families make the same ones. Some of these are annoying. Some cost serious money. And one of them (the pool thing) I’m still mad at myself about.
Let me save you the pain.
The Resort Fee Ambush (And Why I’m Still Mad About It)
Look, I know Hawaii is expensive. I get it. But the way resorts hide these fees? It’s shady.
When you’re booking online, you see one price. Then surprise! Here’s $59 per night in resort fees.
Oh, and parking? That’ll be another $72 per night, thanks.
The Grand Hyatt Kauai adds $45. The Royal Hawaiian charges $52. It doesn’t sound that bad until you do the math for a full week.
For that Hilton Hawaiian Village stay? The resort fee alone added $413 to our bill. Parking was another $504. That’s $917 in fees we weren’t expecting.
And what do you get for that resort fee? Wifi (which should be free), beach towels (which should be included), maybe some hula lessons you’ll never attend, and access to the pool you’re literally already paying for with your room rate.
It’s a scam. I’m sorry, I know that’s harsh, but it IS.
Here’s what you actually need to do: Call the resort BEFORE you book. Ask them point-blank: “What is the total nightly cost including ALL mandatory fees and parking?” Make them tell you the real number.
Or honestly, just book a consultation with me. I already know which resorts have the worst fees, which ones hide costs in weird ways, and which properties are actually transparent about pricing.
I’ve been doing this for years and I’m a certified Hawaii Destination Specialist. Let me save you the sticker shock.
Also, listen to my podcast episode Resort Fees Explained: The Hawaii Hotel Costs They Don’t Advertise.
I break down all the sneaky ways resorts add charges and exactly what questions to ask.
Location Mistakes That’ll Ruin Your Whole Trip
Some resorts look stunning in photos and then you get there and realize you’re in the middle of nowhere.
The Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island is gorgeous. Like, magazine-cover gorgeous. Five-star everything. But it’s REMOTE.
You want to go to a different beach? 45-minute drive. Want to grab dinner somewhere off-property? Good luck.
You’re basically trapped unless you’re cool with paying resort restaurant prices for every single meal.
And resort restaurant prices in Hawaii? A basic breakfast for our family of four was consistently $80-$120. Dinner was $200-$300. Every. Single. Time.
Compare that to the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki. You can walk to literally hundreds of restaurants. ABC Stores everywhere for snacks. The beach is right there. You don’t even need a car for most things.
My hot take: Unless you’re planning to literally never leave the resort property (which, why would you come all the way to Hawaii to not explore?), pick somewhere central. Waikiki on Oahu, Kihei on Maui, Lihue on Kauai.
You’ll save money on transportation and you’ll actually see the island.
Not sure where to stay? My Hawaii Island Hopping Guide breaks down every island’s personality and exactly where to base yourself.
Or call me and I’ll tell you straight up which location makes sense for what you want to do.
Food Costs That Made Me Want to Cry
Remember those resort restaurant prices I mentioned? Let me get specific.
At one Maui resort, a kids’ menu item (chicken fingers) was $18. EIGHTEEN DOLLARS. For chicken fingers. A glass of milk was $6. A basic omelet at breakfast was $24 before tax and tip.
Do that three times a day for a family of four for a week, and you’re looking at $2,000+ just on food. That’s insane.
The average family is now spending $10,000-$14,000 total on a week in Hawaii, and food is eating up (pun intended) a massive chunk of that.
What I wish I’d done from day one: Book rooms with kitchenettes. Even just a mini-fridge and microwave saves hundreds on breakfast and snacks.
On our Kauai trips now, we hit Costco on day one, stock up on breakfast stuff, lunch supplies, and snacks. We eat out once a day for dinner and that’s it.
Want more money-saving strategies that actually work? Sign up for my free course How to Travel to Hawaii Like a Pro.
I teach you exactly how to eat well in Hawaii without going broke.
When you do book hotels, search on Expedia first. You can filter by “kitchenette” and compare prices across properties. Sometimes they have package deals that include meal credits too.
The Amenity Thing That Makes Me Cringe
You’re paying for resort amenities whether you use them or not. But most families have zero clue what’s actually included.
Disney Aulani has this incredible kids’ club called Aunty’s Beach House. It’s INCLUDED with your stay. But you have to pre-register online 2-90 days before arrival, and if you don’t, you’re screwed.
Guess what I forgot to do on our second Aulani trip? Pre-register. Like a complete idiot.
We showed up, the kids were excited to go play, and I walk up to the desk all confident. The woman looks at me like I have three heads. “Did you pre-register online?”
Me: “No… can I just register now?”
Her: “We’re completely full. You needed to register at least 2 days before arrival.”
My kids started crying. Right there in the lobby. Full meltdown. Because mommy forgot to pre-register for something she’d done successfully on our FIRST trip.
Here’s the kicker: Aunty’s Beach House used to be way better. You used to be able to drop kids off all day, ages 3-12, and they could stay until 9pm.
Now? It’s only 90-minute time slots, ages 4-12 only, and the hours are 8am-2pm. You can book ONE free activity per day. That’s it.
Disney cut back the program big time and honestly, it’s one of my biggest frustrations with Aulani now. It used to be the BEST kids’ club in Hawaii. Now it’s just… fine.
The lesson: When you check into ANY resort, ask for a printed schedule of all included activities. Take a photo of it on your phone. Set reminders. Don’t be me standing in a lobby with crying children.
My Biggest Personal Regret (The Pool Thing)
This one still bothers me.
We stayed at the Grand Hyatt Kauai. Have you seen their pool complex? It’s unreal. Multiple pools, waterslides, lazy river, swim-up bars. It’s basically a water park.
And we spent maybe 2 hours there the entire week.
Why? Because I over-scheduled everything.
I booked snorkeling tours, waterfall hikes, a helicopter tour, dinner reservations every night, drives to the North Shore, trips to Waimea Canyon. We were GO GO GO the entire time.
The kids were exhausted. My husband was cranky. I was stressed trying to coordinate everything. And we barely used the amenity we were paying hundreds of dollars a night for.
You know what my kids still talk about from that trip? The 2 hours they got to play in the pool.
Not the helicopter tour I spent $800 on. Not the fancy restaurant. THE POOL.
What I do now: Block off at least one full afternoon (sometimes two) for zero-schedule pool time. Just hanging out. Kids playing. Me reading a book.
Nobody has to drive anywhere or be anywhere. It’s everyone’s favorite part of every trip now.
For more on this, listen to my podcast Should You Move Hotels During Your Hawaii Trip? where I talk about pacing your vacation so you actually enjoy it instead of just surviving it.
Family Deals Nobody Tells You About
Resorts have package deals and family promotions. They just don’t advertise them very loudly.
Disney Aulani regularly runs deals where kids eat free at certain restaurants, or you get dining credits, or activity vouchers.
The Grand Hyatt Kauai sometimes does “kids under 12 eat free” promotions. Hilton properties often have fourth night free during shoulder season.
But you have to ASK. Or better yet, know where to look.
Hawaii’s seeing over 7.2 million visitors in 2025, so resorts ARE competing for your business. They have deals. You just need to know how to find them.
Honestly? This is where booking a consultation with me saves you way more than it costs.
I track these deals constantly. I know which resorts have the best family packages for which months. I can tell you if you should book now or wait for a better offer. That’s literally what I do.
Why You’re Not Using the Concierge (And Should Be)
The concierge desk isn’t just for rich people asking about private yacht charters.
They book restaurant reservations (especially helpful for places that are hard to get into). They arrange activities and sometimes have discount coupons.
They tell you which beaches are calm for kids and which are too rough. They know when the farmers markets are, which hiking trails are best, where locals actually eat.
At the Grand Hyatt Kauai, the concierge told us about a hidden beach that wasn’t on any tourist maps. It became our favorite spot.
At the Hilton Hawaiian Village, they got us into a restaurant that was supposedly “fully booked” for our entire stay.
Use them day one. Not when you’re scrambling on day five trying to figure out what to do.
Or better yet, use me as your personal concierge before you even leave home. That’s what my consultation services are for. I plan everything, you just show up and enjoy.
Family Resort vs. Luxury Resort: Which One’s Right?
Here’s the honest truth: if you have kids under 10, luxury resorts are usually a waste of money.
I know the Four Seasons looks dreamy. I know that infinity pool overlooking the ocean is Instagram goals.
But you’ll spend the whole time stressed about your kids being too loud or worried they’ll break something expensive or trying to keep them entertained in a space that’s clearly designed for adults.
Family-focused resorts give you way more bang for your buck. Kids’ clubs, water slides, casual dining, rooms set up for families. You can actually relax instead of constantly shushing everyone.
| What Matters | Family Resorts | Luxury Resorts |
|---|---|---|
| Who should book | Families with kids under 12 | Couples, teens, or people who hate kids (kidding… sort of) |
| Kid stuff | Kids’ clubs, shallow pools, activities everywhere | Maybe a kids’ club, mostly adult vibes |
| Food | Kids eat free deals, chicken fingers on every menu | Fine dining, dress codes, kids menus as an afterthought |
| Rooms | Suites, connecting rooms, kitchenettes | Standard rooms that fit 2 people comfortably |
| Pool scene | Waterslides, splash zones, pool volleyball | Quiet, sophisticated, adults-only sections |
| Your stress level | Low – everyone expects kids | High – you’re constantly worried |
| Cost | $300-$500/night | $500-$1,000+/night |
| Examples | Disney Aulani, Hilton Hawaiian Village, Grand Hyatt Kauai | Four Seasons, Halekulani, Montage |
Save the luxury resort for your anniversary trip when the kids are with grandma.
For way more detail on this, listen to Where to Stay in Hawaii: Resort vs Condo vs Hotel vs Vacation Rental Guide.
My Top Resort Picks (The Real Ones I Actually Recommend)
I’ve stayed at a ton of Hawaii resorts. Here are the ones I genuinely tell people to book:
Oahu
Disney Aulani – Even with the Aunty’s Beach House changes, it’s still the best for kids. The pools alone are worth it. Characters everywhere. Just manage your expectations on the kids’ club. Book through Get Away Today to compare rates.
Hilton Hawaiian Village – Best location in Waikiki. Six pools, a lagoon, tons of restaurants nearby. My go-to for families who want easy access to everything. Check Expedia rates here.
More details: Oahu Travel Guide for Families
Maui
Honua Kai Resort – Condo-style with full kitchens. This is how you save money on food. Great pools, good beach, Kaanapali location. Check rates.
Full guide: Maui Travel Guide for Families
Kauai
Grand Hyatt Kauai – Best pool complex in Hawaii, hands down. Just actually spend time there (learn from my mistakes). Worth every penny. Check rates.
Koloa Landing Resort – Two-bedroom suites with full kitchens and washers/dryers. Perfect for longer stays when you need to do laundry. Check rates.
See all options: Kauai Travel Guide for Families
Big Island
Hilton Waikoloa Village – Has a train and boat to get around the property. Dolphins on site. Kids lose their minds. It’s basically a theme park. Check rates.
Fairmont Orchid – Beautiful if you’re okay with the remote location and plan to stay put. Check rates.
Complete breakdown: Big Island Travel Guide for Families
Don’t Forget the Car Rental
If you need a car, book through Discount Hawaii Car Rental. I save $60-$75 per week minimum, sometimes way more. They compare all the major companies so you get the best rate.
Gas is running $4.70-$5.50 per gallon in 2026, so budget for that too. A full week of driving around can easily eat $100-$150 in gas.
Questions I Get Asked Constantly
Which Hawaiian island has the best resorts for families with toddlers?
Oahu. Disney Aulani and Hilton Hawaiian Village both have shallow pools, kids’ clubs, and easy beach access. The weather is also more consistent year-round.
Can I actually avoid resort fees?
Sometimes. Ala Moana Hotel, Ambassador Hotel Waikiki, and Pagoda Hotel don’t charge them. But your options are limited. Most resorts are charging them now.
How much should I budget for parking in Hawaii?
Waikiki is the worst – $40-$95 per night. The Hilton Hawaiian Village charges $72 for self-parking. Neighbor islands are usually $30-$50. Budget $300-$600 for a week.
Are kids’ clubs at Hawaii resorts actually worth it?
Yes, if they’re included. Disney Aulani’s Aunty’s Beach House is included (though limited now). Grand Hyatt Kauai’s Camp Hyatt is great. Just register in advance.
Should I book a resort or a vacation rental?
Depends. Resorts if you want amenities and easy beach access. Vacation rentals if you need a kitchen to save money on food. For a week, I usually recommend splitting time between both.
Do Hawaii resorts charge for cribs?
Cribs are usually free. Rollaway beds cost $40-$50 per night. Always request cribs when you book or they might not have them.
What’s the best way to save money at Hawaii resorts?
Book shoulder season (April-May or Sept-Nov), get rooms with kitchenettes, and actually USE the included amenities instead of booking a ton of outside tours.
How far ahead should I book?
Peak season (Dec-March, June-Aug): 6+ months. Shoulder season: 3-4 months. Some places have early booking discounts at 9-12 months out.
Stop Making It Harder Than It Needs to Be
Look, I’ve been planning Hawaii vacations for families for years. I’ve made every mistake, learned every lesson, and figured out what actually works.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed about choosing the right resort, figuring out the real costs, or planning what to actually do, I can help.
My Hawaii travel consultation services are exactly for this.
I’ll match you with the perfect resort, tell you about all the hidden fees upfront, help you plan activities that your family will actually enjoy, and make sure you’re not wasting money on stuff that doesn’t matter.
Because the biggest mistake isn’t booking the wrong resort or getting hit with surprise fees.
It’s spending $10,000-$14,000 on a Hawaii vacation and being too stressed to enjoy it.
Let me help you actually get it right.
