We are planning a family vacation for April and I am looking for any suggestions for places to go. Any Delta hotels that offer nice discounts? We are looking for a beach hotel, preferably in the US, but not required. Anyone have any great experiences or suggestions? Thanks

 

Atlanta.

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“Family, vacation, beach” sounds like Hawaii to me. However, I’d suggest a vacation rental over a hotel. You have so much more space, cook what you want to eat, when you want. They all come with every beach thing you could need. Usually have washer and dryer to get the sand and sunscreen out. Free parking for the rental car too. I prefer the Black Rock area and Kihei area on Maui! HNL has lots to do, but more big city like. Big Island didn’t impress me, some love it though. I won’t go to the Caribbean or Mexico anymore. Feels like a 2nd world country where everyone is out to rip you off or corrupt.

 

I'd put in a vote for the Big Island though, especially with kids. Much more "affordable" accommodations options than the other islands, and if you can get a Delta rate at the Hilton Waikoloa, grab it.
While there with kids, snorkel at "two step"(approx 25 miles away as I remember), easily the best snorkeling spot (and safest for kids) in the whole Hawaiian islands.
Take the family up to the mauna kea visitor center (around 10,000ft) one evening and you'll get to look out of a bunch of telescopes in addition to seeing what the scientists at the top of the mountain are watching.
Visit the Green sand (with a short hike), and black sand beaches (right off the road).
Go visit the lava activity depending on what's going on at the time and the state of the national park then.
The hotel in Waikoloa itself is good for at least a couple of days of activities with multiple pools and it's own lagoon, a boat, train to ride between the towers. Of course they have daily activities to do. A couple of golf courses there as well. Waimea, a real western town is a great day visit. And lastly, on the Hilo side you have the full rainforest feel with waterfalls, ginormous vegetation, flume rides and zip lines.

We lived on Oahu for 8 years and did over 12 family trips to the big island and it really is a great "family" destination.

Don't know if Hilton Waikoloa is still our crew hotel on the big island, but if they offer a crew rate, or if you have a military affiliation that is a great hotel to bring the family, just standby for HIGH food costs. We'd usually stop at the COSTCO enroute from the airport to Waikoloa to stock up on snack and breakfast items to help keep the food costs down to one expensive meal a day (and drinks of course).

 

Destin, FL (VPS, ECP, and PNS work to get you there). Gorgeous beaches in the lower 48 and not overcrowded. ECP and VPS layover hotels are great locations. Pretty sure they do military discounts there too.

 

lather, rinse, repeat every few years

This itinerary has been a family favorite since I was a new hire. Check out Camp Kilauea if you are military. Ask the locals about dining options and things to see. Trip Advisor found a few gems for us also.

 

The "Captain Zodiac" snorkeling tour out of Kona was one of the most fun things we did on the big island.

 

The Big Island is cheap, that’s is 100% true. I didn’t stay at the Hilton Village, but did visit last year. Felt a little isolated and trapped. Fair property overall, food was expensive for sure! If the kids are <14, would work well. Older and they might be trying to escape... Big Island does have lots to see, if you don’t mind windshield time. If I recall, 2.5hrs drive from airport to Hilo or the Volcano. The Snorkling is good around Captain Cook too. Overall, I can’t stress how much I enjoy the condo rental. Stay in enough hotels already, nice to not have housekeeping, and neighbors on every wall.

 

Hawaiian has a LAX-KOA that has some good load numbers also if you guys are full.
Makes me want to go with all the details above, we've done it a few times but not enough apparently!

 

Thanks for l of the info