By Suzanne Rowan Kelleher
Family Vacations Expert, about.com
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Question: My husband and I love the ease of an all-inclusive resort and would love to find one in Hawaii. I've been trying to find one that's family-friendly but have come up with nothing. What am I missing? Can you recommend one? —Catherine T. from Bend, OR
Suzanne says: It
sounds like you've gone in search of the Hawaiian Holy Grail. In the
50th state, it is rare to see a resort offer traditional all-inclusive
pricing that includes room, all meals, drinks, and activities. There are
only one or two classic all-inclusive resorts in Hawaii, and I'm not
aware of any that are particularly family-friendly.
What's more
common is semi-inclusive, or "Hawaiian-style all-inclusive," pricing.
This typically is a package (often with a minimum stay) that includes
accommodations, one meal, and perhaps an experience (such as a dinner
cruise or luau) and/or a rental car.
The rationale is that Hawaii is a safe place
and travelers generally spend a significant amount of time exploring
outside the resort.
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While you can find resorts that offer many
complimentary activities, it's not common to find resorts that bundle
meals into the rate. So with the understanding that these are not
all-inclusive resorts in the true sense, here are three Hawaiian
properties that come closer than most.
Ka'anapali Beach Hotel on
Maui offers a four-night Best of the Beach package that includes not
only lodging but a rental car; daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner for
two; and some off-site excursions. There are also various complimentary
Hawaiian activities such as lei-making and hula performances.
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on
the Big Island offers several packages that include at least one meal,
usually breakfast, as well as a raft of activities, a complimentary Kids
for All Seasons children's program, and complimentary meals for kids
under age 5 at Pahu i’a Restaurant.
Royal Kona Resort,
also on the Big Island, offers two packages for guests staying at least
five nights that include room and breakfast, plus additional perks such
as a dinner luau, sunset cruise, or rental car.
