Just got a good question in from Dr. S in our comments. I get asked this question a lot. So here's the answer, Dr. S.

"We are coming to oahu in oct with 4 kids (7 mos, 3 yr, 6 yr, 10 yr olds). What hotel do u recommend? Looking into Sheraton Royal Hawaiian, Halekulani, and Hawaiian Village Resort?"

That's a tough one. All three hotels are prettty good for kids although I'd say the best ordering is Hilton Hawaiian Village first, Halekulani second, and Royal Hawaiian third. The Hilton is enormous and has the biggest pool of the three. It also sits on a long stretch of beach with basically no waves and good swimming. This resort is so big that its almost a chore to go anywhere else, but it also has everything you would need to keep kids satisfied, from the aforementioned big pool to wacky water toys on rent to lots of extremely casual dining. The hotel is in the midst of a big renovation. Rooms that have not yet been renovated are to be avoided at all costs -- they are somewhat sad. Newer rooms are great. The Halekulani has a nice pool but has virtual no beach. The property is also quite a bit smaller so kids may go nuts after a while. It's also much more gracious and expensive so, if the kids can handle it, cool, but it's not the place to go whooping it up. Also, although the food is in general excellent, its not cheap. The Royal Hawaiian is a gorgeous hotel. Rooms are older and less comfortable. The pool is small, as in tiny. Big minus. The hotel does sit right on a prime stretch of beach with a nice sandy bottom. Caveat -- if the surf is up, its a little hairy swimming there. But in general the Royal is a nice choice but still second to the other two.

—Alex, 08/11/07