All-inclusives in Hawaii?

There is only one (almost) inclusive in Hawai'i, Kona Village Resort, and it's easy to find out what it's like. I'm a long time fan of the village and have done a website devoted to it, with 300 pictures and 34 video clips. Go to www.davidskvr.net and see if it seems like a fit.
David

Thanks, David. I'll check out your site!

Susan, You could also look into Panama or Costa Rica. Both have all inclusive resorts,and are out of the hurricane belt.

There is very little need for AI on Hawaii.

The area outside the hotels is safe, there are many easily accessible restaurants and bars.

First set a daily budget for accomodation (outside of food & drink). That will give us an idea of what to recommend.

Susan, as David said, there is only one inclusive resort in the Islands. That is Kona Village on the Island of Hawaii. It is a beautiful place, super food and great snorkeling. While I love it dearly, I strongly suggest that you investigate all your options before deciding on a resort. What your son and his fiancee like may be substantially different than what I like.

Enjoy.

Bill

I can't imagine a place less suitable for AI than Hawaii. There are so many dining options. I only take AI on islands where there aren't many dining options or maybe it is very expensive to eat out or purchase food in supermarkets.

I would not conclude that areas outside the hurricane belt do not get affected by hurricanes, since they can do, even places far south such as Aruba.

I don't understand this "less suitable" argument guys. There are all-inclusive throughout the United States i.e. Florida, New York, California South Carolina, Utah, Colorado. It does not have to be an island or on foreign soil. There are many reasons why people like all inclusive that do not involve options of food or safety.

To each his own. Sorry for going off topic.

Jean - Costa Rica was the first place they considered, but unfortunately early September is the rainy season, and I do mean rainy. Sounds more like monsoon season to me.

I think the AI aspect has arisen because my son has been to several Sandals resorts and really enjoyed them. As for his future bride, she's just looking forward to a beach atmosphere where she has nothing more to do than rest.

She's a quality cook, but is willing to trade less quality food for the option of a carefree week.

The reason I'd hoped for something suitable in Hawaii is because my son works in state government and there are lots of hotel discounts he'd qualify for.

Trying out different restaurants on an island can be a big part of the experience. I'm sure there are several romantic restaurants on Hawaii that would make wonderful memories.

Just something to think about.

Anybody who has been to the BI or even Kauai knows that the food there is not of the caliber of San Francisco, Los Angeles or New York. It's extremely hit and miss. Can't think of a single great restaurant or even romantic in Kailua Kona. Roy's is good, but the Roy's on Hawaii, Kauai and Maui are not romantic. Best restaurants on the Islands, bar none, are on Oahu.

The best on Hawaii is probably the Four Seasons and the food there is well prepared but passionless.

I actually really like Pahu I'a at the Four Seasons on the BI. I eat there whenever I'm on the island. But I totally agree that the food on both BI and Kauai are nothing to get excited about. If I were honeymooning on BI and couldn't afford Kona Village or Four Seasons, I would recommend the Fairmont Orchid.

But honestly would recommend the honeymooners head to Maui...great food to be had, and they can be as active or as lazy as they want. And it's romantic, for sure.

Sorry, I didn't get the impression that she had decided on which island yet (if at all). While I haven't been to Maui yet (going in May), it seems there are many lovely restaurants based on my research. Could be wrong of course.

I have been to the BI. I can't remember the name of the restaurant since it's been about 15 years ago, but I do vivdly remember loving my grilled Australian lobster by the sea.

Again, just suggesting something to think about.

I'm not aware of any all inclusives in CA except maybe spas.

Anyway you've already gotten the info for AIs in HI. We love staying at a nice hotel that has some nice restuarants but we also like venturing out to local eateries. If they want to go to HI and they select and island I bet we all can come up with a list of great eats that would keep them busy for their entire visit.

Thank you all so much. I think at this point my son and his future bride are so exhausted making wedding/reception plans they're putting off honeymoon plans for a while. In fact, I think they may use a travel agent.

My personal experience has been that making your own travel plans usually works out best, but if they want a travel agent, that'll be a relief to me!

Suzie, I understand that Smoke Tree Ranch in palm springs is an all inclusive. But, hey maybe it's defined as a spa. Oh and there is a place in Cambria that has an all inclusive plan, at least they did a few years ago.

Just out of curiosity, I looked up Smoke Tree Ranch. The web site talks about a meal plan, but no mention of alcohol, or other activities being included. Not what I consider all inclusive.

For Hawaii, they need to give up the "all inclusive" idea. It's not needed and not available most places.

Ditto the suggestion of Maui for a honeymoon choice.

I'd start with the list of hotels that you say they can get a good discount at and work from there. Many hotels offer at least a small frig, coffeemaker, maybe a microwave, and that plenty to set up your own bar & snacks in the room.

If they are really stuck on the AI idea, but don't want to go to the Caribbean, Mexico is another option with many AI properties is the coastal resort towns/cities.

Oops sorry, see the later post about them using a travel agent. Just pick one who is an expert on Hawaii and that should be good (knowing it won't be an AI). Lots of people go to Hawaii, especially their first trip, thru a packaged deal like Pleasant Hawaiian.

Again, there is an inclusive resort and that is Kona Village Resort and it is on the Big Island of Hawaii. So there is no reason for anybody to give up the "inclusive" idea in the Islands. Alcohol is not included so if all-inclusive is defined by alcohol then it does not fit that definition. However, everyone I've talked to about south-of-the-boarder all inclusives tell me the alcohol is of poor quality and the drinks watered down. So it's up to the individual what they want.

In addition Kona Village has a Bed and Breakfast plan for those wish to eat off property for lunch and dinner. But the important thing is what you son wants for an island. Kauai and Big Island are more outdoor oriented and less populated. Most feel they offer a true feeling of Hawaii. Ohau and Maui are more populated but with more urban benefits.

Basically, there is nothing like Sandals in Hawaii (thankfully.

Yet there are incredibly beautiful memorable hotels and beaches. One reason why Hawaii is a very popular honeymoon spot.

Another place to consider is Hotel Hana-Maui.

I don't stay at all inclusives myself, but, if some place says all inclusive, I expect alcohol to be included. Otherwise, it's just a 'meal plan'.

As for poor alcohol in Mexico at resorts, it sort of boils down to you get what you pay for......

Or more accurately, American Plan.

Here's the problem, "all inclusive" seems to be a subjective term and not a term of art or law. I've reviewed AI resorts in California, New York, South Carolina, Colorado and Montana and none of them mention alcohol. And yet, the resorts claim to be all-inclusive.

Kona Village has been saying "almost all inclusive," I presume to acknowledge that not only is alcohol not included, but some of the water equipment--paddleboards, windsurfing sails, for example--have a one time per visit charge. I can only imagine what the daily rates would have to be if everything were included. And then I'd be bugging them for a non-drinker's rate....

I try not to rant and rave against All-Inclusives (in places like Mexico or the Caribbean)... but for Hawaii it's just not the thing.

Obviously it is not the resort for you but with the highest return rate of any resort in Hawaii, there are a many who disagree. Viva la difference.

I am not insulting your favorite spot, I only meant it's "not the thing" ... as in there is only even one All-Inclusive resort out of all the hawaiian islands.

Please help me understand your objection, suze. If you could make a wish, what would it be? Would you have KVR switch to European Plan? Would you make the village more like other resorts? What is the "thing" that they are not? It seems distressing to you in a way that I don't understand.

mump, in suze's defense, it seems like you are the one taking offense. All suze said was that all-inclusives are not "the thing" in Hawaii. Well, factually speaking, they aren't. There's one all-inclusive in all the islands....ONE. They are "the thing" in the Caribbean and Maya Riviera sections of Mexico, but not Hawaii.

suse said, <<For Hawaii, they need to give up the "all inclusive" idea. It's not needed and not available most places.>>

All I'm asking is why. Why do they need to give up the "all inclusive" idea? KVR has been that way since it opened in 1965 and has a very robust return clientele. Every time I go back I meet people who are there for the first time, and who are planning to return. KVR is different, unique, and I'm curious to know what is so bothersome that they should give it up. Very puzzling to me...

SF, it is irrelevant whether they are the "thing" in Hawaii or not; what does the number or (lack there of) of inclusives have to do with whether it is an enjoyable place suitable for a honeymoon. Suze seems to saying more than there is only one in the islands. All her posts show complete disdain for the concept. The fact is KVR is the only inclusive in Hawaii, it is a top notch resort and David wants to know why people should not go to an inclusive in Hawaii.

Suze position is NOT that one should not spend all one's time at an "inclusive" resort, rather, her posts definitely say one shold not go to any inclusive resort in Hawaii for any period of time. Statements like "I try not to rant and rave against All-Inclusives (in places like Mexico or the Caribbean)... but for Hawaii it's just not the thing." Meaning is obvious, I don't like inclusives but if you have to go to one then go to Mexico and Carribean.

If that's your position then back it up with facts or at least an argument. Conclusionary statement help nobody.

KVR must be doing something right to have such staunch defenders. Don't take Suze's comments so personally. Sure, the original poster should take a look at KVR and see if it fits the honeymooners needs. But that is it as far as "all-inclusives" go on Hawaii. There are no other alternatives, unlike Mexico and the Carribean where there are scores of all-inclusives to choose from. That's why all inclusives are not the thing in Hawaii. I don't think it is meant as a slam against KVR.

The ONLY point I was ever trying to make on this particular thread is... since there is ONLY ONE "All Inclusive Resort" (Kona Village on the BI) in ALL of the Hawaiian islands, you are making your choice of which island, and which resort you'll go to, simply by wanting an AI.

Whereas if we were talking the Caribbean or Mexico you are not limiting your choice of where you stay by wanting an AI plan. Since a greatly higher percentage of the resorts their offer AI plans.

In Hawaii if you stick with AI then there is only one place to go. THAT is my point, only that.

Suze, as an old judge once told me, words have meaning. Had you said what you originally said in the above post, we wouldn't be having this discussion.

Tom, return villagers don't think of Kona Village as an "inclusive resort", we think of it as our second home. A resort that is the equal to ANY in the islands, that just happens to be have an "inclusive" plan. That's why we try to educate on the issue. Another way to say it, most people don't go to KVR because it is an inclusive, they go because the property is beyond beautiful, the staff makes you feel like ohana, the snorkeling is some of the best around, the food is great (Hale Samoa won the 2009 Zagat Award for best restaurant in Hawaii and it is very private. Ok, I am done with my rant. RIP thread.

I get the reasons why all-inclusives are so popular in the Caribbean, and why some of them don't apply to Hawai'i. But not all of them. If the original poster is looking for a place where they can just drop their suitcases and just relax and not have to think about where to go eat, and just walk somewhere and have a really great meal with a view, well, Kona Village fits that to a "T". Some people want that. Some people don't...and that's fine. Everybody's different, and what works for one doesn't work for someone else.

The recommendation that "all inclusives" aren't necessary or desirable in Hawai'i is wrong. It might be correct on Oahu, and in certain locations on Maui, but on the Kohala Coast, there's certainly a market, where the resorts are spaced far apart. I'd venture that most guests at the Four Seasons eat the 2/3rd of their meals or more on property, since it's a 20 minute drive to find an alternative.

Are we not straying far from the original request here? I think we can all agree that 1) suze doesn't want to stay at any all-inclusive regardless of where it's located, 2) wbpiii, mumpsimus and HuskerMike all love Kona Village, and 3) Kona Village is the only all-inclusive in the State of Hawaii.

(Whether or not there's a "market" for all-inclusives in Hawaii is way beyond this thread....I'd argue that if there were such a market, Hilton or Marriott or somesuch would have opened one by now)

sf7303 - that was a very lawyer-like post. : P

<<The recommendation that "all inclusives" aren't necessary or desirable in Hawai'i is wrong.>>

I did not make a "recommendation" or say they are "wrong", I said THERE IS ONLY ONE AI RESORT AVAILABLE!! I will add it is expensive and does not fit everyone's budget.

Since this poster clearly said <<I've never been to an all-inclusive and have never been to Hawaii, so am not sure exactly how to begin this search.>>

I believe the information shared on this thread is valuable. She doesn't need to do a bunch of research on all-inclusives in Hawaii, because they aren't available most places.

To the rest of you who insist on picking a fight over a different topic entirely, I give up. Truly I do.

<<I will add it is expensive and does not fit everyone's budget.>> True, but this statement can be made about every resort in the state. Expense is an entirely subjective criteria.

I have no problem with the statement: hey there only one inclusive in the state, maybe you should broaden your horizon; look at St Regis or Grand Hyatt, Pink Palace, etc. Seems like a reasonable approach.

To say don't go there, there is no need, and go to Mexico if you want an inclusive, I take umbridge.

I never said they should "go to Mexico". Stop making things up to make your point.

<have no problem with the statement: hey there only one inclusive in the state, maybe you should broaden your horizon

Well I guess next time I should ask you to write my post for me, instead of contribute on my own.

<<<sf7303 - that was a very lawyer-like post. : P>>>

From a very lawyer-like person

<For Hawaii, they need to give up the "all inclusive" idea....

...If they are really stuck on the AI idea, but don't want to go to the Caribbean, Mexico is another option with many AI properties is the coastal resort towns/cities.>

Do you read what you write? My point is your words.

Next time you make a contribution maybe you should time about what you post.

As for taking umbrage because suze didn't give the poster, a total stranger who asked specifically for information about all-inclusives in Hawaii, information on other NON-all-inclusive hotels, well, I'm sorry, but they didn't ask for your opinion or her's on that subject.

Well since we're off the rails here, let's go back to umbridge. It's actually umbrage - offense; annoyance; displeasure. And to say that a small contribution to a thread about HI could actually cause you to take umbrage - well that's just silly or hyperbole.

Good luck to the OP in finding a great honeymoon for the happy couple. Meanwhile we'll all be here arguing about one thing or another.

sf, you lost it brother. It's Suze and others who went that direction. If we strictly adhere to your criteria, the thread would have ended with one post...Kona Village Resort. So this mock outrage is a little misguided. If you look, I gave the correct answer.

As for the "OP didn't ask for you opinion" the same can be said about your defense of Suze's posts.

First of all, it's sister. Secondly, you're right, I give up.

Sorry, SF is gender neutral.

I said: if the were <really stuck on the AI idea, but don't want to go to the Caribbean, Mexico is another option with many AI properties>

Yes I can read what I write and NO that sentence above most certain does NOT say "go to Mexico".

Me and my sistah sf7307, we both give up.

Suze, thank you, I never proof for spelling, my bad. I suppose I am ignorant, but not disengenuous I noticed you didn't respond to your quote about Mexico. So will you recant your "Stop making things up to make your point." Or will you take the, I did not mean what I said path.

So what you mean is, if you must go to an AI and do not want to go to the Caribbean, Mexico is an option but not Hawaii.

Just to clarify, there are two distinct people here who you may be confusing. Me - Suzie and suze.

Actually Kona Village Resort refers to itself as “inclusive” meaning meal plans they don't say all inclusive meaning all meals, soft drinks, and most alcoholic drinks in the price. So in fact are there any all inclusive at all in HI?

You are mixing two people up. I didn't say a word about your spelling.

Actually KVR calls itself "almost inclusive" and while they don't include alcohol, they do include a lot of things that other resorts don't, like tennis, the fitness center, snorkel gear, small sailboats, kayaks, towels, free soft drinks in the hale, etc., and the food--lots of it. No matter what you call it--almost inclusive, American Plan, whatever--the thing that draws the regulars (like me) to repeat so many times is the laid back sense of aloha we feel there. As Bill said, it's kinda like going home...

As I said earlier, all-inclusive in not a term of law or trade. That means it has little or no intrinsic meaning like "natural". It seems every resort has it own definition of all-inclusive. This means buyer beware.

The following link is very instructive. The author is a known travel journalist. Please note, nobody has the same definition. Mexico and Carribean include some forms of alcohol, the north of the border resorts do not. In it original use, the resort included transportation, yes, air fare, few include this today.

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/23828622/ns/today-todaytravel/

Is KVR a cult of some sort??

I will still say that Hawaii has NO all inclusive resorts.

When people ask about an "all-inclusive resort" at a beach destination pretty much most of them are expecting free booze.

Typical. Ignore the facts, believe what you want.

You should be ashamed of yourselves.

Ignore what facts? The place you love in Hawaii is not all inclusive.

<Is KVR a cult of some sort??>

It certainly seems that way from some the responses from some the posters on this thread.

Nah, it's not a cult--there's no secret handshake, no password, no arcane rituals, no animal sacrifice. It welcomes anybody who likes the idea of a low key, laid back, unpretentious environment. It's a place to disconnect, to relax, where guests actually talk to each other. It's a place where trust is high--the bungalows aren't locked--where the staff is more like hosts than servants, where the spirit of ohana--family--is always there, but not obtrusively so. Kona Village is not for everyone--some like more traditional distance between themselves and the staff (and other guests). Some feel lost without TV, room service, A/C, granite counters, and now Wi-fi (although there is computer access 24/7 in the concierge office). But for those of us who are fans of KVR, we are greatly devoted to the village, and when we approach the entry circle at the beginning of a visit, we feel the tension begin to seep out of our bones. No, Tom, we're not a cult, we're just folks who find it a very comfortable place to disengage for a few days.

Don't Drink the Water!

No this isn't a Dave Matthews video. . . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TppRjknOryk