Travel

Hawaii All Inclusive Resorts

Photo courtesy of the Kaanapali Beach Hotel.

Photo courtesy of Kaanapali Beach Hotel.

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Do They Exist?

Families used to resorts in 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 an all inclusive resort experience in Hawaii:

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. (Note: this resort closed in March 2011 for an extensive re-building, following damage from the tsunami that followed an earthquake in Japan.)

"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 packages include resorts, 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 Kaanapali Beach Hotel, where packages often bundle lodging, car rental, daily buffet breakfast, one dinner, and some sightseeing. Guests find good value, great location, and a deep commitment to Hawaiian culture and values at the Kaanapali, which also offers complimentary Hawaiian activities such as lei-making and hula performances.

Complimentary Kids' Programs:

Some resorts charge $60 to $100/day for kids' programs, so complimentary kids clubs are good news.

An outstanding example is Disney's Aulani Resort on Oahu, where Aunty's Beach House is a free!) kids club with multiple areas indoors and out. Meanwhile the high-end Four Seasons brand offers complimentary kids' programs at Four Seasons Hualalai on the Big Island and Four Seasons Maui at Wailea.

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 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 typically offered by adventure tour companies; Adventures by Disney is another option. Check for Hawaii itineraries.

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 resort, 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.