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 -- often for $100/night or less-- is not part of the landscape here.
One can see the sense in this: consider the cost of wages in Hawaii, and the cost of transporting in food and goods.
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 at a good-value resort that has free Hawaiian cultural activities
- a vacation packager that bundles hotels, meals, transfers, 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) cottages spread over 82 acres, price includes meals, and most activities are complimentary, so the end result is a close-to-all-inclusive price. Kona village has complimentary kids programs for ages 6 to 12, and teen activities. Family activities include bamboo pole fishing, hula lessons, lawn games, and more, on-property; also, complimentary guided outrigger canoeing and glass-bottom boat rides.
"All Inclusive Hawaii Packages":
Read with care, when you see these words: often, they refer only to a package that combines airfare plus lodging.
One site that does bundle more is Hawaii-Aloha: "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, bar credits.
Ka'anapali Beach Hotel packages :
It's not common, in Hawaii, to find a resort that will price-in meals, 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-- has complimentary Hawaiian activities such as lei-making, and nightly hula shows.
Resorts with complimentary kids' programs:
In the generally non-all inclusive environment in Hawaii, any service provided free is a bonus: as, for example, free activities at the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel, above.
The high-end Four Seasons Hualalai and Four Seasons Maui at Wailea resorts also offer free kids programs for ages 5 to 12. (Other resorts might charge $60/day.) Four Seasons Maui has some complimentary activities too: such as putting green, snorkeling, croquet, DVD library, games room.
"Family Adventures":
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, and guests just 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 travel companies, and several have Hawaii tours: Backroads, for example, has Hawaii trips with biking, sea kayaking, volcano-hiking, snorkeling-- see more about Family Adventure companies.
Elsewhere in the South Pacific:
Club Med has terrific all inclusives for families, and 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, 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: many families love holidays at condo rentals; or check out some
Hawaii Resorts on different islands.
