Hawaii Island is a haven for families keen kick back and relax. Sure, the Big Island also offers awesome eco-adventures. Our family, however, was decidedly in the kick back camp, which is why were thrilled to jet off to the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel.

You'll appreciate having direct access to the beach from Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel  (Photo credit: Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel)

Location, Location, Location!

Situated on 32 oceanfront acres overlooking the silky white sands of Hawaii Island’s largest and arguably best beach, Hapuna Beach, you’d be hard pressed to find a better location for beach bumming on the Big Island. No resort fees makes it one of the best value hotels. Tip: you’ll almost always find lots of specials for this hotel online.

Don't let the traditional exterior fool you (Photo credit: Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel)

Traditional Hawaiian Vibe

“This place feels old-school,” noted my precocious 9-year old, after sussing out Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel our first night. And she’s right. Despite having undergone a substantial renovation, the resort managed to hang on to that classic, old-school Hawaii vibe newer resorts just can’t replicate.

Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel guest rooms are oh so spacious! (Photo credit: Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel)

Plenty of Room for Kids

The 350-room property includes four wings terraced down to the beach. All guest rooms and suites are ocean-facing and feature a spacious lanai, plus a mini fridge. If you’re traveling with family, it’s worth going for the suites with their separate sitting rooms. Terrace view rooms are a whopping 600 sq. ft., making them some of the largest guest rooms on the Kohala Coast.

Fresh salads and snacks are available poolside (Photo Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel)

Hawaiian Fare

My family made good use of our mini-fridge, but most items on the Kids Menu went for $7 or less, so eating out was never a concern. For a splurge, Friday night’s seafood buffet was insane. Never in my life have I seen crab served up so many different ways. I practically had to be rolled out of the restaurant! The Ocean Terrace, a  casual open-air restaurant is where you’ll find the lavish buffets (and breakfast). Also worth checking out is the Japanese buffet on Saturday evenings at Hakone Steakhouse and Sushi Bar.

Kids Club

During the summer holidays and Christmas, children’s programming is available for ages 5 to 12. The Kids Club features Hawaiian arts and crafts, swimming, and beach treasure hunts during full and half day sessions. Licensed baby sitters are available anytime.

One of Hawaii's best beaches, Hapuna Beach, is right on your doorstep! (Photo credit: Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel)

Hapuna Beach

Hapuna Beach is the largest white sand beach along the Kohala Coast and this is the only hotel with direct access to it. This is one of those ideal, pristine beaches folks like me daydream about…with powdery sand and consistently good conditions for swimming, body boarding and snorkeling. The hotel offers boogie board, snorkel, mask and fin rentals. Kids can make use of complimentary beach toys.

Curl up with a magazine and amazing views! (Photo credit Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel)

What Else at Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel?

Besides the beach, there’s an amazing fitness center tricked out with Life Fitness equipment, treadmills, steppers and bikes, free weights, workout areas, steam room and sauna. My kiddo and her dad managed to sneak in a workout, while I was content to swap books (and swill cocktails) at the lending library in Reef Lounge.

Golfers will no doubt appreciate the stunning ocean views from almost every hole on the Hapuna Golf Course designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay. Best is that guests are granted day access to use the facilities at sister property the swank Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. A shuttle will scoot you over there in no time at all.

Days were spent lounging at the hotel pool, playing in the waves and roaming around the expansive property. We didn’t make it over to neighboring Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, we didn’t hit the links, we didn’t hit up the Kids Club and we didn’t venture off the resort. And judging by how relaxed we were by the end of our stay, kicking back was the best decision ever.

A Note from The Saucy Travel Mama: Thank you to Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel and the Hawaii Convention and Visitors Bureau for hosting my stay. As always, my opinions are my own.