The Spread:

Find the best rate at the: Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea here.

The hotel overlooks the ocean and a heavenly white beach in Maui’s upscale Wailea resort area, a serene enclave of residences, hotels, and three championship golf courses on the island’s sunny southwest shore. The eight-story Four Seasons, built in a U-shape so that 80 percent of the 377 rooms have an ocean view, offers tropical elegance featuring marble and fine artwork. Even the pool cabanas, where attendants spritz guests with Evian water to keep them cool, consist of demure, white-tented retreats furnished with cushioned lounges. One of Wailea’s best features is a two-mile oceanside paved path fronting all of the area hotels, perfect for jogging or a pleasant family walk.

Why Families Love It:
There are plenty of family activities, from croquet and putting to snorkeling, tennis, and volleyball. All of the restaurants, even renowned Spago, have children’s menus. Kids For All Seasons is the company’s complimentary chain-wide children’s program for ages five to 12 (year-round, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Counselors lead kids on gecko and lizard hunts (they’re everywhere) and tidepool walks. Kids also get to try hula lessons, sand sculpting, and ulu maika (Hawaiian bowling). The nighttime option includes an all-you-can-eat buffet for kids and themed fun, such as Pirate and Pajama nights (fees vary). There’s also a seasonal teen program during Christmas and spring breaks and over summer. The hotel’s concierge can help arrange any family activity or excursion. Ages 12 and older can try the scuba clinic in the pool, and families can canoe together (ages eight to 11 can ride, 12 and up can ride or paddle).

Special Events & Activities:
January to May is whale-watching season. The concierge will help families arrange boat tours to see these magnificent creatures as they breach and dive just offshore.