The Outrigger Palms at Wailea offers 70 contemporary mid-range condos scattered across a large property on a sloping hillside – however it’s set back from the beach, requiring at least a 15-minute walk to reach the sand. The trade-off for the distance is more space – the condos have generous living areas and lanais that are larger than those at comparable properties. While the property is light on amenities with just one pool and hot tub, it provides a decent option in Wailea for families whose budget is more of a priority than proximity to the beach. Those who do want to be on the sand should consider the slightly pricier Mana Kai Maui.

The Hilton Waikoloa Village is the largest and most family-friendly resort in the Kailua-Kona area, and is often referred to as the “Disneyland“ of the Big Island. With 1,200 rooms, three large pool areas, extensive outdoor grounds and a variety of on-site dining options, the Hilton Waikoloa is indeed a small village in and of itself, and a tram and canal boats help guests travel across the sprawling property. Each of the three towers on the property has a different style of room decor, but the overall feel the same: clean and generic. The biggest downsides? The property is showing its age, the restaurants are pricey (and mostly mediocre), and there's no beach on the actual ocean -- just a thin strip of sand on the man-made lagoon. Luckily Lagoon Tower rooms were renovated in 2012.

Location trumps luxury at these 11 beachfront bungalows sitting just above the sand on the picturesque North Shore. Sure, the bungalows are modest, amenities are zero, and service is minimal. But a beautiful beach is just outside the door, as are hammocks and grills. And Oahu's most famous surfing spots and a charming surfer town, Haleiwa, are just down the street.

This gorgeous property in the Ko Olina resort complex delivers on all of the Disney staples -- but in a much more subtle way than the brand's mainland destinations. Service is excellent, the food is delicious, and the kids always come first. The pool area is gorgeous, boasting a lazy river, two waterslides, and a manmade reef, and the coved-in lagoon offers calm waters. Room decor is cheerful and bright, with nods to both the Mouse that made Disney famous and Hawaii's rich culture. Overall the resort is one of the best in Oahu for families, but those looking for more nightlife should consider someplace closer to Waikiki.

Situated on the largest of Ko Olina's man-made lagoons, the elegant JW Marriott Ihilani is a solid option for families and couples, with two excellent pools, a top-ranked golf course and spa, five tennis courts, and excellent cuisine.

This self-contained upscale resort on a peninsular outcropping of Oahu’s north shore focuses on relaxation and outdoor activities. Families -- and couples in particular -- come here for the golf course, horseback riding, surfing, and other outdoor activities; nightlife is limited to the property’s bars and restaurants. A car is necessary for getting to dining options beyond the resort, which some guests have commented is desirable because of high prices at the on-site restaurants; the nearby town of Haleiwa is about a 25-minute drive, though popular local food spots like Giovanni’s Aloha Shrimp in Kahuku are much closer to the resort. Rooms are upscale, chic, and beachy, and most have ocean views.

The low-key, 436-room Royal Kona has long been an architectural landmark of the Kailua Bay coastline. Its convenient downtown location, affordable rooms, and private lagoon access are all pluses, but be prepared to sacrifice a few frills. There is no Jacuzzi and the pool is small. Rooms are clean and bright, but basic, with small bathrooms and dated furniture.

The upscale Waipouli Beach Resort is a collection of individually owned units, about half of which are managed by Outrigger. The 198 condos at this oceanfront property are a handsome exercise in island-home style, and they include high-end kitchens and terraces. The property has one of the nicest pools on Kauai's east side, but other services and activities are limited. Additionally, while the beach is pretty, reef outcroppings make it better for wading than swimming. On the other hand, it’s conveniently located across from a Starbucks and Safeway, halfway between north and south shore sights, and there’s an independent restaurant on-site. You can’t beat the sharp digs or central location, but those seeking upscale pampering and a better beach might consider the comparably priced Koa Kea in Poipu.

The 102-room Four Seasons Hotel Lanai at Koele, A Sensei Retreat is a serene, upscale resort with a Greg Norman-designed golf course. The resort is just a short walk from town, and features top-rated (but expensive) dining, casually elegant rooms, horseback riding facilities, and three tennis courts. The tranquil English-style grounds dotted by Asian accents -- a pagoda sits across the pond from a gazebo -- have a peaceful air and attract honeymooners and couples; few families visit the hotel due to the small size of the pool and the lack of direct beach access (the hotel is about a 20-minute drive from the sand). But guests at the Lodge are granted access to the sister property's facilities (and beach) at Manele Bay via a free shuttle.

The five-pearl Four Seasons Resort Lanai occupies an exclusive enclave on the tiny island of Lanai. A 45-minute ferry ride from Maui, Lanai feels worlds away from civilization, and the Four Seasons entices guests with 213 impeccably decorated rooms and a bevy of fantastic amenities. Two incredible lagoon-style pools overlook Hulopoe Bay, and the hotel’s beach is home to a protected marine reserve. Nobu and Malibu Farm are two of the noteworthy dinging options here, and the on-site Jack Nicklaus-designed Manele Golf Course is often considered one of the best in Hawaii. The atmosphere here is refined yet relaxed, though families may prefer the more kid-friendly Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea.