Located on the sunny Kohala Coast, this sprawling resort resembles a plantation, but instead of pineapple fields in all directions, the Fairway Villas Waikoloa by Outrigger is surrounded by gorgeous golf courses. You’re boarded by the championship Waikoloa Beach Golf Course and receive special rates here, as well as at the nearby King’s Course. The resort is in a gated community, providing your family peace of mind for your vacation. Take out a lounger by the infinity pool and relax with a good book while the kids play, or join them for a refreshing dip. And of course, a well-deserved soak in the lava rock hot tub is in order. When it’s time for lunch, you don’t have to go far. Fire up the poolside bbq grills and have a family cookout. Let the little ones help with burger assembly (and make sure there’s enough cheese!) After lunch, stop by the fitness center for some cardio.

One- to three-bedroom condos sleep three to eight guests and are a throwback to the elegant plantation houses of old Hawaii. Go ahead and unpack your bags, you’ll have walk-in closets, so there’s no need to live out of a suitcase on your trip. All condos feature full kitchens stocked with pots, pans, plates, and silverware, everything you need for a casual family meal and you’re just a short walk to Island Gourmet Market. Bring the crew along to help carry grocery bags and make sure that nothing important is forgotten. Cable TVs have DVD players ensuring no one will be bored. Bring favorite movies from home and gather the family in the living room. Put one of the kids in charge of the popcorn and another in charge of picking the first movie. Enjoy the golf views from your private lanai, or watch the sunset at the end of the night. In-suite washer/dryers will come in handy when it’s time to pack to go home; the last thing you want to do after a vacation is laundry. Get it done now so unpacking will be a breeze.

Split up your party into two groups: golfers and shoppers. Fairway Villas is adjacent to the two courses that make up Waikoloa Golf Course. The most challenging is the King’s Course, an eighteen-hole Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish-designed course. If you’re looking for something a little less challenging, there’s the Beach Course. This eighteen-hole course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. Shoppers will love King’s Shops and Queens’ Marketplace. King’s Shops is home to Tiffany & Co., Tommy Bahama, Macy’s and Michael Kors. Get some new shoes at The Walking Company and a new pair of shades at Sunglass Hut. You’ll find even more shopping at Queens’ Marketplace. First stop: Starbucks for a latte, Americano or Frappuccino (they even have coffee-free fraps for kids!) Shops at Queens’ Marketplace include Island Pearls, PacSun, Quicksilver and Claire’s. Hungry? Try Romano’s Macaroni Grill or Paradise Pizza & Grill. Grab a Blizzard at Dairy Queen for dessert.