TOP 10 RESORTS HAWAII

10.  Wailea Beach Marriott Resort and Spa, Maui 84.00:  Mahogany and rattan chic on Maui's ruggedly beautiful south shore.  The luau here is one of the island's most authentic.

9.  Sheraton Maui Resorts 84.13:  Kaanapali's first resort claims Maui's best ocean setting.  And that means beach activities, from morning dives to astronomer-led stargazing.

8.  Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club:  This mod hotel on Kalapaki Bay has Hawaii's biggest pool - shaped like a flower.

7.  Halekulani Hotel, Oahu 84.91:  A high style base (two Vera Wang-designed suites!) on Waikiki Beach.

6.  Westin Maui Resort and Spa:  85.32:  Inside, calm and collected.  Outside, aquatic uproar:  five pools, slides, waterfalls, and a broad swath of Kaanapali Beach, with scuba, parasailing, and snorkeling at coral-crusted Black Rock.

5.  JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa, Oahu 86.31:  A vast marina offers catamaran snorkeling and sunset sails.  Ashore, tots make mini volcanoes and hunt for crabs, while teens rev up with "hip-hop hula."  Everyone swims in a white-sand lagoon and spreads out in large, light-filled guest rooms.

4.  Grand Wailea Resort Hotel and Spa, Maui 86.39:  Kids romp in a pool with seven slides and the world's only water-powered elevator.  Big folds hit the huge spa for hot wraps and gingersalt scrubs.

3.  Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa 89.96:  Parent yin/kid yang:  a calm river pool and spa in a lush garden, plus a 150-foot slide into the politely termed "active pool."

2.  Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea 90.07:  Hello, luxe.  Kids get their own robes, a menu with edamame, and a pool with a waterfall.  duo, the steak and seafood restaurant, is the place to spot movie stars.

and the top resort in Hawaii goes to.......

1.  Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui 92.80:  Brave a 140-foot waterslide, string orchids into leis, and golf with a view of mountains and ocean.  The 413 suites and 37 villas are a calm cove ultrasafe for kids.

Thayer allyson Gowdy: Travel and Leisure