A warm breeze tickles my nose, palm trees gently fan their fronds, and the undulating Pacific Ocean rolls to the furthest edges of my gaze. All thoughts of jet lag dissipate in the warmth of the tropical sun and my husband and I step out of our rented convertible at the Fairmont in Maui. A fragrant lei is draped around my neck, a scented cold towel pressed into our palms, and sunset-hued cocktail presented as we checked into our suite. Later, we gaze at the spectacular stars that circled our hotel like a shimmering jewel necklace from our private lanai patio.
It was an adult escape; so imagine my surprise when I saw the hotel atop a “best of” list that declared it a fantastic fit for families. Hawaii can be a bit of a vacation paradox that way: a family-friendly romantic getaway.
Although Hawaii is considered a honeymoon paradise, there’s only one adults-only hotel in the entire state (more on that later). So if you’re staying at even the most deluxe resort, you can still expect to see families at your destination.
This doesn’t mean you have to give up ideas of romance and tranquility or grown-up getaways with friends, you just need to choose the right resort. The properties below offer adults-only pools, sybaritic spas, and sophisticated dining options where you can relax knowing your Hawaiian getaway won’t be ruined by a kiddie hour gone wild.