Hawaii's so-called "Island of Discovery" boasts so many natural treasures that families often don't spend much time thinking about the man-made facilities available at their hotel.

Kau'ai has a wide range of family-welcoming accommodations, ranging from full service, self-contained resorts to staffed condo complexes that feel like home and actual rental home. Here's a look at some favorites.

Resort Hotels with Children's Programs & Babysitting

Grand Hyatt Kaua'i Resort and Spa
1571 Poipu Road,
Koloa, HI 96756
808/742-1234
Located near Poipu Beach, this hotel offers the usual first-rate Hyatt service, and a fabulous pool complex with waterslides galore.  The excellent Camp Hyatt welcomes children 3 ½ to 12-years-old for full and half-day sessions, seven days a week.  There is also an evening program from 4-10pm, and a babysitting service is available.  Tennis, golf course and spa services are available.

Kaua'i Marriott Resort & Beach Club
Kalapaki Beach, 3610 Rice Street
Lihue - Kauai, HI 96766
808/245-5050
Located near Lihu'e Airport and set on 800 acres with a quarter-mile beachfront at Kalapaki Beach, this hotel is very popular with families.  Their swimming pool, at 26,000-square feet, is one of the largest in Hawai'i, and is a kid's paradise.  Their Kalapaki Kids Club for children 5 to 12-years-old is available only during the summer.  Tennis, golf course and spa services are on site.

Princeville at Hanalei
5520 Ka Haku Road
Princeville, Kauai, HI 96722 
808/826-9644
This elegant, opulent getaway on the dramatic North Coast is built into a bluff.  The lobby is on the ninth floor and the rooms are below, with the beach off first floor.  All rooms and suites feature lavish bathrooms, custom furnishings and ocean views.  You can fly into the nearby Princeville Airport for easy access.  Their year-round Keiki Aloha Program is for children 5 to 12-years old, with a babysitting service available daily for the <5s, as well as on Sundays when the program is closed.  Tennis, golf course and spa services are first rate.

Sheraton Kaua'i Resort
2440 Ho'onani Road
Poipu Beach, Koloa, HI 96756
808/742-1661
Located on a quarter-mile stretch of crescent-shaped Poipu Beach, this hotel offers seasonal whale watching from the shore, and sightings of dolphins and sea turtles are not uncommon.  Their Keiki Aloha Program is available for half and full-day sessions year-round for children 5 to 12-years-old.  Tennis, golf course, fitness center and massage/skin care services are available.  Part of the Starwood Hawai'i Collection, this resort often offers good deals at www.starwood.com.

Villa-style or Condo Accommodations with Kitchens

Kiahuna Plantation
2253 Poipu Road
Poipu, Kauai, HI 96756
808/742-6411
Low-rise plantation-style buildings contain comfortable condos which include TVs, VCRs and full kitchens to allow for some meal preparation. Don't worry - the daily maid service keeps your unit tidy.  The property provides an Activities Desk, the use of gas barbeques, and movie rentals, and is situated across the street from the Poipu Shopping Village.  The golden sand beach is steps away.  A Keiki Klub Program is available for children 5 to 12-years old during spring break, summer and winter; call ahead to check their schedule.

The Point at Poipu
1613 Pe'e Road
Kolo'a (Poipu Region)
808/742-1888
Featuring a lagoon-style pool complex bordered by a man-made sand beach, this resort offers lavish accommodations in apartments with full kitchens and laundry facilities.  Makawehi Point is steps away and from here you can see sea turtles and other marine life.   

Visit Resort Quest/Aston Hotels and Outrigger Hotels and Resorts for more information on a variety of condo properties in all budget ranges.