The idea of all-inclusive properties just hasn’t caught on in the state of Hawaii. Only one half-hidden property on the island of Maui has embraced the concept. A few of the upscale properties, equally eye-popping, offer creative specials that may include breakfast, cars and entertainment. This does help you make the most or your vacation dollars. In every case, the sun, sand, surf and Aloha spirit are free.
Travaasa Hana, formerly known as the Hotel Hana Maui, is the only full-fledged resort in Hana and the only property on Maui that comes close to all-inclusive. This is an oasis within an oasis, perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by verdant jungle and the bungalows of Hana town. Getting there is part of the fun. The 52-mile Hana Highway snakes along the eastern coast, crossing 59 bridges and twisting around 620 curves. Guests choose either the inclusive or a la carte room rate. If you choose the inclusive, the only thing you have to worry about is paying for spa treatments and/or private classes. A per-person, per-day resort credit can be used for these choices, but you are responsible for any amount over that credit. Accommodations are in private stand-alone Sea Ranch Cottages, Garden View Suites or extra large Waikoloa Family Suites.
The Royal Lahaina is one of the first properties built on Kaanapali Beach and one of the most Hawaiian, both in appearance and in spirit. Their Royal Experience Package, available with a five-night minimum stay, includes an ocean view room, daily buffet breakfast, two tickets for a sunset dinner cruise and the Royal Lahaina Resort Luau. You can instead add the Paradise Plus Package to any room stay, billed on a nightly basis. This includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, a beverage credit and free parking. On one of your nights, you may substitute the luau for the dinner at the Royal Ocean Terrace Restaurant. The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa also offers its Ultimate Family Vacation package, which includes an SUV rental, self-parking, breakfast for two adults and two children, and discounts on tickets for excursions and shows. The Maui Honeymoon Package is similar, but includes a convertible car and more romantic amenities.
The Grand Wailea Resort isn’t all-inclusive, but you do have access to the on-site water park. Nine swimming pools dot the hotel grounds, covering six levels and all connected by a meandering river pool. Make your way from top to bottom, and then get in the water elevator for a ride back to the top pool. That elevator looks like a giant rubber room with a doughnut-shaped handrail, and is an experience in its own right. Various packages are offered, including the Grand Bed and Breakfast with buffet breakfast for two, and the Golf Stay and Play that includes one round of golf and a cart per room per night stay. The resort does charge a daily resort fee that covers scuba clinics, use of mountain bikes, Art and Garden tours, and yoga classes.
Napili Kai Beach Resort has been around for more than half a century. It fronts Napili Bay, one of the island’s premier snorkeling spots. The resort is not a true all-inclusive, but it does have several activities and amenities included in the room rates. Examples include the seasonal Keiki Club for children; the Kid’s Eat Free Program; morning coffee hours; access to an 18-hole putting green; a weekly golf putting party; and a weekly mai tai celebration. This condo-style property also has four pools and the largest hot tub on the island, locally known as the “hanky-panky hot tub.”
