For the first Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast of 2022, Aloha Bruce offers his picks for Hawaii “kid-friendly” vacation hotels and resorts with the best waterparks and pool slides for kids, as well as the latest COVID developments relating to Hawaii travel.

Bruce begins with the news of changes to the Hawaii Safe Travels Program that make it easier for Hawaii visitors by no longer requiring certain travel forms. He gives important new details and notes that vaccination requirements remain in place.

Our host also mentions the severe weather we’ve experienced across the state for the past week or so. Bruce advises visitors to have alternate plans for indoors in the event of rainy weather during your Hawaii vacation.

He also notes an alarming spike in new COVID cases in Hawaii (over 3000 in one day!), but Bruce notes that another shutdown seems unlikely. He mentions experiencing flu-like symptoms last week, and that he tested negative for COVID twice during that time. “I freaked out, I’ll be honest!”

The Restaurant of the Week Bruce offers is local favorite Zippy’s, and he shares some of his favorite dishes on offer (try the famous chili!).

Bruce moves on to his main topic of “kid-friendly” resorts with fun water features for youngsters. On Oahu, Bruce says the Hilton Hawaiian Village, the Sheraton Waikiki, and the Disney Aulani (“the gold-standard for kids”).

On Maui, Bruce says of The Grand Wailea “you can’t find a better water park in a resort in Hawaii,” and also mentions the Hyatt, and recommends the Westin in Kaanapali. He mentions a pass for non-guests to use at some resorts. Bruce also offers a few smaller properties, including the Fairmont Kealani which just renovated their pool area. The high cost of some resorts with exceptional aquatic features is also noted.

Big Island resorts include the Hilton Waikoloa Village, Fairmont Orchid, and several other properties with fun water features for kids (all of which HAT can book for you). Bruce also mentions Kauai’s Koloa Landing and Hyatt Regency Kauai with a pool with multiple levels and an oceanfront “lazy river”. He also notes renovations to the resort in Princeton.

Bruce closes the episode by encouraging listeners to check out Secret Hawaii Tours, which offers private tours of some of Hawaii’s most spectacular areas and attractions.

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