THERE’S STILL TIME to plan that family vacation in Hawaii, but be aware: when you’re traveling with more than four, the usual hotel options rapidly decline. Whether you’re looking to squeeze everyone into a condo or spread out in a luxury villa, here are jaw-droppers worthy of any group stay.
Oahu
Waikiki
The new Ritz-Carlton Residences are just a five-minute walk from the beach and close to luxury boutiques and restaurants on Kalakaua Avenue. For more than four, pick a three-bedroom; each unit has views of Waikiki, a fully equipped kitchen, ensuite bath and pullout sofa bed for extra guests. theresidenceswaikiki.com
North Shore
The villas and condos at the North Shore’s Turtle Bay Resort have benefited from the resort-wide renovation. Guests have access to the resort’s pool and amenities, and for more than four, the three- and four-bedroom cottages and villas can accommodate up to eight people. Each unit has a private lanai, washer and dryer, and access to a separate pool area. turtlebayresort.com
Kauai
Poipu
Known as the sunny side of the island, Poipu has many new and improved plus-four options. On the high end of the price range is the Kukuiula, which has an exclusive private club, spa and pools. Koloa Landing’s Poipu Beach Hotel offers the largest villas on the island with up to 3,600 square feet of lodging space. And Whalers Cove Resort is a boutique 38-unit property, which recently earned a Trip Advisor top spot nod for the area. Each unit is privately owned, with an on-site management that provides services such as grocery shopping. These well-appointed oceanfront condos include washer and dryer, Malie Organics in the bathrooms and full kitchens and are touted as a great value for the prime location just minutes from the beach, shops and two world-class golf courses. kukuiula.com, koloalandingresort.com, whalerscoveresort.com
Big Island
Kohala Coast
A private deck at Kaanapali Beach Hyatt Residences.
South Kohala Management has been a staple in Big Island vacation rentals since 1982 and offers vacation homes and villas. The company recently added KaMilo, a new luxury community of single-family homes next to the Mauna Lani that gives guests access to the resort. For groups bigger than four, the existing twobedroom (plus) condos or the new homes will do the trick. All homes are near the resort clubhouse, communal pool and private golf course. southkohala.com
Maui
Kaanapali
The big news on this sunny stretch of white sand is the new Kaanapali Beach Hyatt Residences. Guests here have complete access to the pools, restaurants and attractions of the neighboring Hyatt Regency Maui. The 40-acre beachfront property has an infinity lagoon pool with a tiki bar and a designated children’s area. Each of the 131 units includes a fully equipped kitchen, private lanai with daybed, views of Kaanapali Beach and a queen sleeper sofa. For more than four travelers, a two-bedroom can accommodate up to six people and a three-bedroom can handle eight. maui.hyattresidenceclub.com
Wailea
Andaz Maui Villas is a luxury resort featuring 10 beachfront villas on 15 acres, an awardwinning spa, restaurants and multiple pools. Each unit offers 500 square feet of outdoor space including a plunge pool, lanai and barbecue. Villas also come with custom queen sleeper sofa beds. For more than four, book a three-bedroom villa, which sleeps up to six people, or a four-bedroom villa with room for eight. maui.andaz.hyatt.com
