Family holiday in Fiji: our stay at Hilton Denarau Island
Why we chose Hilton Denarau
When we booked Fiji, I wanted our first big family trip to feel simple and stress free. Hilton Denarau ticked a lot of boxes. It’s only 20 minutes drive by taxi from Nadi Airport, which is a blessing with a four year old in tow, and being right by Port Denarau made day trips easy.
We booked fairly last minute, so value mattered. Hilton gave us more for our budget than the neighbouring Sofitel. We had a spacious beachfront apartment, a kitchen, even a laundry (parents will know how exciting that is). And of course, the pools looked incredible in the photos… if we were going to be staying put for a week, having nine pools to choose from felt like a great compromise!
In hindsight, I think a great combo would be a couple of nights in Denarau for convenience followed by a few nights on one of the islands. But for our first trip as a family, Hilton felt like the right choice.
Table of contents: holidaying at Hilton Denarau
First impressions on arrival
Arriving at Hilton Denarau felt like slipping straight into holiday mode. The resort has that polished but relaxed energy. It feels safe, welcoming, and set up with everything a family needs: pools, restaurants, and views that promise you don’t have to go anywhere else if you don’t want to.
Because we landed at night, we didn’t see much on arrival. But the next morning, I pulled up the blind from bed and there it was: palm trees swaying and the ocean glittering right outside our room. That first view was one of those “we’ve really arrived” moments I’ll never forget!
Room and accommodation
We booked a ground floor apartment, partly because I was nervous about balconies with a four year old who loves to climb. Honestly, it turned out to be the best decision. From our sliding doors, we could walk straight across the lawn to a sandy patch with loungers and an umbrella, then wander a few steps further onto the beach.
One of my favourite memories was our daughter collecting coconuts and making “coconut pie” under the parasol while we watched from just a few steps away. That balance, where she could play independently but still be in sight, made the holiday feel so easy.
We did consider upgrading to a beachfront plunge pool villa, but with a toddler who only swam with armbands at the start of the trip it just felt too risky. In the end, the space, kitchen, and laundry of our apartment were exactly what we needed.
Dining at Hilton Denarau
One of the highlights of Hilton Denarau was definitely the food, especially breakfast. The buffet had an entire gluten free section stocked with banana bread, brownies, toast, and more. Paired with tropical fruit (I ate watermelon and pineapple every single morning) and a made to order omelette from the hot food bar, it fuelled us up for a day splashing around in the sunshine.
For dinners, Nuku was our go to. The kids’ menu was a set price with plenty of options, which made life simple. On one evening, our daughter asked for a nanny (her idea, not ours), so Mark and I slipped away to Koru for what felt like a fine dining date night. The food was beautifully presented, we shared plates, the cocktails were excellent, and again the gluten free options were plentiful.
We also ventured into Port Denarau for meals. Bonefish quickly became a favourite. We went back twice for its fresh seafood and cocktails. I had the BEST chilli margarita of the whole trip there. Mama’s Pizza didn’t quite live up to the hype, so we would skip it next time. For families in apartments, Yees Supermarket is also handy for stocking up on bottled water (yes, don’t drink the tap water in Fiji!) and snacks. We bought a 10 litre box of water with a tap attachment and literally had water on tap! This felt like a more environmentally friendly option that purchasing multiple smaller bottles.
Pools and facilities
The kids pool at Hilton Denarau is awesome for kids who love slides straight into the pool!
The pools at Hilton Denarau were where we created our real core mems on our holiday! When we arrived, our daughter was still swimming with armbands. She had never had formal lessons, but after days of being in the water, something clicked. One afternoon she decided to ditch the armbands completely, jumping around in the shallow end and even starting to swim on her own. By the time we got home to New Zealand, she was begging for lessons, and now she is enrolled — swim cap, goggles and all!
We tried the family pool, but the slides were a bit much for our four year old since she wasn’t confident being launched into the water. I would say they are ideal from about four and a half to five and up. Our favourite spot ended up being the main pool, the biggest one. Along the shallower side near the sunbeds, it was perfect for us to take turns being in the water with her while still soaking up the relaxed holiday vibe.
Day trips and excursions
Malamala Beach Club Island offers the comfort of a jetty on arrival and departure.
We tried a day trip to South Sea Island, but it was not the right fit for us. The food was surprisingly good, but the atmosphere felt loud and touristy, and the tender transfer from the catamaran was the dealbreaker. It just did not feel safe or easy with a young child.
In hindsight, Malamala Beach Club would have been a better choice. With its direct jetty access, infinity pool, stylish daybeds, and calmer vibe, it seemed much more suited to families. My advice if you are travelling with kids under five: choose an island with direct jetty access like Malamala, Castaway, or Malolo.
What worked well for our family
Two things really made this holiday: the pools and the space. As a water lover, I adored that everywhere you walked, whether to breakfast or back to the room, you were surrounded by glistening pools. Every view felt like a slice of paradise.
The other lifesaver was our apartment. Having so much space, including a huge bathroom, meant we never felt cramped as a family. Add in genuinely kid friendly dining and the warm, welcoming staff, and Hilton Denarau made life feel simple in the best way.
What wasn’t for us and lessons learned
The biggest takeaway: if you’re travelling with young kids, pick jetty access islands only. The tender transfers are stressful, and long days out can be exhausting for little ones. Our daughter actually fell asleep on the way back from South Sea Island and woke up seasick.
For me, I loved the feeling of escaping for a day, but for her it was just too much. Next time, we’ll choose shorter, simpler excursions so everyone ends the day happy.
What we would do differently next time
Next time, I would definitely split our stay. A few nights at Hilton Denarau makes sense as a buffer around travel days. It’s close to the airport, convenient for Port Denarau excursions, and has everything you need to keep family life easy.
But I would also love to wake up to a turquoise lagoon on one of the outer islands, surrounded by less manicured grounds and more raw, natural beauty. For me, that is the essence of Fiji I missed this time, and I know it would balance perfectly with the comfort and ease of Hilton.
Small moments and highlights
The magic of this trip was in the little things. Watching our daughter shed her armbands and start swimming on her own was the highlight of the whole holiday, a milestone that felt so special to witness.
She also loved the freedom of hopping on the resort’s Bula bus (the golf carts that shuttle guests around) and collecting coconuts on the lawn, turning them into “coconut pies” under the parasol.
For me, it was a mix of moments: waking up and pulling the blinds to see the ocean from bed, sipping cocktails on slow afternoons, and maybe most importantly giving myself permission to truly disconnect. No rushing, no overstimulation, just space to recharge and be fully present with my family.
Poolside cocktails in the late afternoon sun at the Hilton Denarau Fiji.
Insider tips for staying at Hilton Denarau with kids
Book a ground floor apartment for direct lawn and beach access. It’s a game changer with older toddlers.
Skip the plunge pool upgrade unless your kids are confident swimmers. The main pools are safer and more fun.
Pack reef shoes for day trips. Not needed at Hilton, but useful on islands with coral.
Bring rash vests and reef safe sunscreen. The Fiji sun is intense.
Choose jetty access islands (Malamala, Castaway, Malolo) to avoid stressful tender transfers.
Balance your stay. Two to three nights at Denarau for convenience, three to four nights on an outer island for that turquoise lagoon magic.
Don’t miss Hilton’s breakfast buffet, especially the gluten free section and omelette bar.
Port Denarau picks: Bonefish (best chilli margarita and seafood), Mama’s Pizza (skip it), Yees Supermarket (handy for snacks).
The Bula Bus is a hit with kids and makes the resort feel like a playground.
Best ages: 4 to 10 years. Teens may prefer the outer islands.
Final thoughts
Hilton Denarau was exactly what we needed for our first Fiji family holiday. It was easy, safe, and set up for families while still feeling like a treat. From watching our daughter learn to swim to sipping cocktails by the pool, it gave us the balance of relaxation, winter sun, and a sprinkle of adventure that made the week unforgettable.
For families considering Fiji, I would say Hilton is a brilliant base, especially if you are travelling with younger kids. And if you are planning to split your time, Denarau pairs perfectly with a smaller island stay for that turquoise lagoon dream.
FAQs for families considering Hilton Denarau
Is Hilton Denarau worth it with kids?
Yes. Pools, dining, and spacious apartments make family life easy.
What are the dining options like?
Buffets and restaurants have both kid friendly and adult choices. Huge gluten free variety, tropical fruit, and fresh seafood.
Are the pools good for kids?
Yes. There is a lively main pool, a quieter family pool, and a kids’ area. Plenty of variety.
Which day trips work best with young kids?
Stick to jetty access islands like Malamala, Castaway, or Malolo. Avoid tender transfers with toddlers.
Can you swim at Hilton Denarau’s beach?
Yes, but the sand and water are not as postcard perfect as the outer islands. Families spend most of their time at the pools.
Is Hilton Denarau all inclusive?
No. Meals and drinks are charged separately, but apartments have kitchens so you can self cater.