A celebrity retreat since 1964, the newly renovated Kahala is quite possibly the best hotel in Oahu. Yet its vibe is more "family fun" than "pretentious glitz" -- think swimming with dolphins, not posing in lounges. Sure, it's your only luxury option in a quiet setting without leaving Oahu -- but it's also a great one.

A massive, 1,310-room beachside resort that delivers both what you expect from the Marriott -- friendly service, well-kept grounds -- and what you might not -- five restaurants (including Waikiki's best sushi), a top spa on-site, and free snorkel and scuba lessons. For families especially, this is a solid midrange value.

The largest resort in Hawaii is a veritable village, with five towers, five pools, 20 bars and restaurants, 90 shops, direct beach access, and a separate lagoon. The crowds can get big and the lines long. But for families and other Waikiki vacationers looking for a self-contained resort with loads to do, the Hilton is a top choice.

This hotel, located directly on Waikiki Beach, has many admirable features: a great pool deck, three affordable restaurants with vibrant atmosphere, a spa, artwork and activities that get visitors in touch with Hawaiian culture, and spacious, tastefully decorated, tropical-themed rooms. In short, one of the best Waikiki choices in its price range.

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.

A 448-unit resort on the scenic, isolated North Shore with an unbeatable array of amenities -- two 18-hole golf courses, a stable, helicopter rides -- plus five miles of shoreline and great restaurants. Too bad guest rooms are bland and dated and some facilities need a facelift.

Legend has it King Kamehameha built his royal bungalow on the site where the Sheraton (renovated in 2009) now stands -- and the location really is that picturesque and convenient. The beach is nice, shopping and nightlife are a minute away, and it has fantastic pools and restaurants on-site. The rooms sparkle, but with 1,636 of them, the service can be spotty and the atmosphere chaotic.

With 745 units, three pools, seven Jacuzzis, activities aplenty, and numerous shared amenities -- including a top golf course -- this family-friendly time-share in the Ko Olina complex has almost everything, save for surfing and flat-screen TVs. And it's far less crowded and more serene than the megaresorts in Waikiki.