Families Relax on a Calm Sandy Beach on the Big Island of Hawaii    

Why It's a Family Vacation

The Fairmont Orchid knows what a family needs while on vacation: a white-sand beach, a choice of activities, restaurants and a children's program. We like the kid's pool with a sandy bottom near the main pool - your little ones will splash around for hours and meet new friends.

When we were staying at the resort, kids really enjoyed the conch blower and the tiki lighting ceremony at sundown each day.

Keiki Aloha Adventure

A children's program for ages 5-12, Keiki Aloha Adventure is a full or a half-day program with diverse daily activities such as Petroglyph hikes, shell hunting, tide pools and Koi feeding.

The cost is $85 for hotel guests and $95 non-hotel guests. The fee includes snacks, lunch, beverages, a t-shirt and special gifts. Half-day programs are $65 for hotel guests and night programs are $50.

The Pool

The Fairmont Orchid's swimming pool is located in the heart of the resort and near the ocean. Open 24 hours a day, the 10,000-square-foot swimming pool is surrounded by tropical plants. Near the pool, there are two outdoor whirlpools, table tennis and the resort's outdoor spa treatment huts on top of the hill behind the pool.

During the day, guests can participate in water aerobics and other water fitness classes in the pool.

For lunch, have a casual meal at the Brown's Beach House which overlooks the Pacific Ocean, or get a box lunch from Brown's Deli.

Snorkeling

At this Big Island resort, you can snorkel just off the beach and spot turtles feeding on plants on the sea floor. Sometimes the turtles come to the beach, claiming a sandy patch of their own. Inside and outside the bay, snorkelers will discover different species of fish and coral.

Snorkeling gear can be rented from the Orchid Beach boys, and if you've signed up for the optional Activity Package, equipment rental is included.

Find out more about the Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii and plan your family vacation to the Big Island of Hawaii. Read More: Best Family Vacation Ideas in Hawaii.