Although I am not a huge fan of AI, it works well with a family. Does Hawaii have any great AI resorts? Are they family friendly? How was the beach?

Short answer: no. The long answer is that Kona Village Resort on the Big Island includes all your meals (but not alcohol like a Caribbean AI) and is family-friendly, but it's very expensive and you really don't want to be tied down to a resort in Hawaii.

MerryTravel is very correct that you don't want to be tied down to a resort in Hawaii, especially on the Big Island. There are SO many things to see that it would be a waste not to spend time away from the resort because you've already bought the meal plan.

I'm no expert but all-inclusives just don't seem to be the thing in Hawaii, as they are in parts of Mexico or the Caribbean.

Keep in mind that AI places have historically been built primarily (though obviously not always) in places where the food/water outside the resort may be a bit suspect. This approach just does not make sense in Hawaii any more than it does in say, California or Florida. Food and water throughout Hawaii are fine and there are lots and lots of places to eat - from fast food joints to very upscale restaurants - so almost no one wants to be tied down to one place to dine.

Ken

also I notice more hotels in Hawaii seem to offer kitchenettes or at least a small frig in the room, so it's easy enough to do a bit of shopping for breakfasts and lunches &/or set up your own little cocktail bar.

TTT

Any AI's in Hawaii?

I don't believe the answer has changed any in the last 8 months.

As someone who has stayed at Kona Village, they do provide boxed lunches and breakfasts for when you wish to go sightseeing. But, after a few a days there, I did not want to leave this Polynesian Paradise.

I think the closest thing to an AL in Hawaii would be to fly over there and then do the inter-island cruise - that would be the same as any other cruise in regards to the Al ammenities, but would go between the islands, giving you the chance to get off the ship at each stop for a designated amount of time, but you would not have to go through the rigors of packing/unpacking/doing the airport thing to do the inter-island "hoping." For me - I can't imagine not being on land in Hawaii, but for some this might work.

Oh -and the beach is ALWAYS wonderful in Hawaii!