Howard Beach Resort Kenting — water park + beach tunnel and the most-reviewed family resort in Kenting
Howard Beach Resort Kenting (墾丁福華渡假飯店) is a 5-star beach resort that holds a clear record: "the most-reviewed hotel in Kenting", with a score of 8.1 from over 5,070 reviews on Booking.com. That volume of feedback is not just a popularity contest — it is evidence that this is the number-one pick for families who want everything in one place: water park, large outdoor pool, whirlpool spa, multiple kids' activities, and an underground tunnel to a private beach — all at a price noticeably below Chateau Beach Resort.
Howard Beach Resort Kenting sits on the main Kenting Road, a few minutes' walk from the Kenting night market, and close to Dawan Beach — one of the most beautiful beaches inside the national park. With 381 rooms, it is nearly double the size of the neighbouring Chateau Beach, which means it can absorb large family groups and tour parties comfortably. The signature feature that sets Howard Beach apart from every other hotel in Kenting is its underground tunnel that runs directly from the resort to a private beach: no crossing the road, no carrying your gear out the main entrance — just walk down and you're on the sand.
The family facilities here are the most comprehensive in Kenting. There is a large outdoor pool with a whirlpool spa, a water park with slides, a trampoline area, a spray pad for younger children, an arcade and games room, a cycling track, ping pong tables and a mini-golf course. Kids across multiple age groups have their own activities without ever needing to leave the resort. The property also has restaurants, a lounge bar and banquet facilities for group events.
"The kids had an absolute blast all day — the pool is huge, the water park is fun, and the beach tunnel is a genuinely unusual and great touch. Location is brilliant, a two-minute walk to the night market. Much better value than Chateau for what you get."
Rooms range from Standard up to Family Suite and Ocean View Suite, starting at around NT$4,200 per night in low season — making this exceptional value for families who want a pool, beach and water park for under NT$5,000–6,000 per night. Breakfast earns consistent praise in reviews: a Taiwanese-international buffet with broad variety, well-suited to families with mixed tastes.
What you need to know before booking is that Howard Beach is an older building, constructed several decades ago. Many rooms have been renovated, but some still carry the design language of the 1980s, which means your room choice matters a great deal. Renovated or Superior category and above are generally modernised and get far better reviews. Specify when booking or contact the hotel in advance. The 8.1 Booking score — from 5,070 reviews — sits below rivals like Chateau Beach (8.5+) and signals that there is room for improvement, particularly in the consistency of rooms across the property.
The outdoor pool is a genuine highlight, but it can be cold in winter months (November to March), when the north-easterly winds blowing across the Taiwan Strait are at their strongest. Multiple reviews mention that the pool is not heated; if you are travelling with young children in this season, check the forecast and be prepared for days when the pool may not be practical. During peak season (August to October), the resort fills to capacity and popular areas — poolside, breakfast buffet — get crowded. The upside is that all activities are fully staffed; the trade-off is congestion.
Against the two direct competitors at a similar price point: compared with Caesar Park Kenting, Howard Beach wins on breadth of family facilities and has the beach tunnel that Caesar lacks, but Caesar typically scores higher in reviews and has more consistent rooms. Compared with Chateau Beach Resort, Chateau's clifftop infinity pool and newer renovation feel more upscale, but it is noticeably more expensive. Howard Beach is the most rational choice for larger families and groups who want maximum activities at a controlled budget.
In summary, Howard Beach Resort Kenting is a family resort proven by more real travellers than any other hotel in Kenting — 5,070 reviews are not something you can fake. If you are travelling with children and need a resort with a pool, water park, private beach access and easy access to the night market, Howard Beach delivers the best-value combination in Kenting. Just always request a renovated room, and consider visiting outside peak season for a noticeably calmer experience.
Summary from Booking & Agoda
- ✓ Excellent location — a short walk to the Kenting night market
- ✓ Underground beach tunnel is unique in Kenting — no other hotel has it
- ✓ Most comprehensive family facilities in Kenting: water park, pool, activities
- ✓ Breakfast buffet consistently praised in reviews
- ! Some rooms retain older decor — room selection matters
- ! Score of 8.1 is the lowest among Kenting's 5-star properties
- ! Outdoor pool can be cold in winter; no heating system reported
- ✓ Great location, walking distance to Kenting night market
- ✓ Children love the variety of activities on site
- ✓ Better value than Chateau or Caesar Park for similar family amenities
- ! Some rooms look dated — request a renovated room when booking
- ! Peak season is very crowded, especially pool and breakfast areas
- ! Some staff have limited English
- 💡If you expect consistently modern rooms — Howard Beach is an older building; some rooms still have 1980s-era décor → choose Chateau Beach or Caesar Park for more consistent room quality, or specifically request 'Renovated' or 'Superior' category with a note when booking
- 💡If you are visiting in winter (November–March) — the outdoor pool can be cold, and the north-east wind is strong in Kenting → check the forecast, and be prepared for days when the pool may not be usable; the beach tunnel and indoor activities remain available
- 💡If you want peace and quiet — this is a 381-room resort on the main Kenting strip; peak season is very busy → choose a room on a higher floor or a quieter wing, and consider visiting on a weekday or in low season