Hawaii All Inclusive Vacations: Do They Exist?:
Families used to the all inclusive resorts of the Caribbean and Mexico need to adjust their thinking in the Aloha state: the typical "all inclusive" that provides food, drinks, snacks, watersports, kids' programs, and more -- sometimes for $100 a night or less -- is not part of the landscape here.
One can see the sense in this, considering the cost of wages in Hawaii and the cost of transporting food and goods to the islands.
Below are several suggestions for those seeking Hawaii all inclusive resorts:
- A luxury property that includes meals, kids club, many activities (-- see details, below)
- A package that includes some meals and activities at a good-value resort known for its Hawaiian cultural activities
- A vacation packager that bundles hotels, meals, transfers and activities
- Several resorts that provide complimentary kids' programs
- "Family Adventures" escorted tours
Kona Village, a Close to All Inclusive Hawaii Resort:
At luxury resort
Kona Village, on the Big Island's Kohala Coast, guests stay in hale ("hah-lay") private bungalows spread over 82 acres. Prices include meals and a number of activities, so the end result is a close-to-all-inclusive price. Kona Village offers complimentary kids programs for ages 6 to 12, and teen activities.
"All Inclusive Hawaii Packages":
Read with care when you see these words. They often refer only to a package that combines airfare plus lodging.
One site that does bundle more is Hawaii-Aloha, whose "All-Inclusive Hawaii" packages include hotels, most meals, airport transfers, and excursions such as sailing outings.
Likewise, AATPA has an All Inclusive Hawaii Style package at the Royal Lahaina Resort on Maui, with meals, resort activities, luau, and more.
Ka'anapali Beach Hotel Packages:
It's not common in Hawaii to find a resort that will include meals in a package, but a good bet is the
Ka'anapali Beach Hotel, picked by FamilyFun Magazine as a top spot for families. This resort often has packages that include lodging, car rental, daily buffet breakfast, one dinner, and some sightseeing. The Ka'anapali -- where you'll find good value, great location, and a deep commitment to Hawaiian culture and values -- also offers complimentary Hawaiian activities such as lei-making and nightly hula shows on an on-going basis.
Resorts with Complimentary Kids' Programs:
In the generally non-all inclusive environment in Hawaii, any service provided free is a bonus. For example, the free activities at the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel are a nice feature for families.
The high-end Four Seasons brand of resorts offers complimentary kids' programs, which families can enjoy at Four Seasons Hualalai and Four Seasons Maui at Wailea. (Other resorts might charge $60/day or more for kids' programs.)
It should also be mentioned that most resorts do offer some complimentary activities that families will like, such as free use of snorkeling gear for an hour a day.
"Family Adventures":
As a final suggestion for a (nearly) all-inclusive Hawaii vacation,
Family Adventures are small-group tours with best-of-the-best itineraries; all details are handled, so that guests can simply let the good times roll. Price typically includes all activities and nearly all meals; expect to pay $2000 or more per person (land-only), with minor discounts for kids.
Family Adventures are usually offered by adventure travel companies, and several have Hawaii tours: Backroads, for example, has Hawaii trips with biking, sea kayaking, volcano-hiking and snorkeling. See more about this and other Family Adventure tour companies.
Elsewhere in the South Pacific:
Club Med -- which has terrific all inclusive resorts for families -- formerly had a resort in Bora Bora which unfortunately closed in 2009. Meanwhile, some family-friendly Fiji Resorts do offer all inclusive packages (at time of writing.) If you know of an all inclusive resort in the South Pacific, please send the info along.
Bottom Line:
If your heart's set on a tropical all inclusive experience, Mexico and the Caribbean islands have countless choices at all budget levels. Otherwise, adjust to what beautiful Hawaii has to offer. Check out a selection of
Hawaii Resorts on different islands. Also, many families love to take holidays at condo rentals in Hawaii.