Why You Don't See All-Inclusive Resorts In Hawaii

An all-inclusive resort is like a cruise in which you stay on land. You pay a fixed price and then everything you need is right at your fingertips: unlimited free food and drinks, pools and sports courts, and family-friendly activities. These kinds of resorts operate in destinations across the globe but are particularly popular in North America. They're incredibly common in Mexico, and there are some truly incredible all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean. Surprisingly, though, you won't find any true all-inclusives in Hawaii, mainly because the state's laws and economic models favor a more open approach to tourism.

No Hawaiian law specifically forbids the operation of all inclusives. Rather, various other policies and realities combine such that the operation of such resorts would be unprofitable. First, by law, room rates and accommodation packages in Hawaii cannot include alcohol, so kiss unlimited drinks goodbye. Second, labor costs are higher in Hawaii than they are in Mexico or the Caribbean. Finally, tourists visiting Hawaii may have different expectations compared to those at other beach destinations. If security is an issue at a Caribbean destination, for example, guests may be content to remain within the walls of their all-inclusive resort, where food is prepared to set standards and trained lifeguards patrol clearly marked swimming areas at beaches.

In contrast, tourists in Hawaii may be seeking a higher degree of autonomy and adventure. Why would Hawaii visitors choose to have meals in their resort when they could go out to experience Hawaii's vibrant food culture? While an all-inclusive buffet might offer Jason Momoa's favorite Hawaiian foods like loco moco (meat and rice topped with egg and gravy) and malasadas (Hawaiian donuts), it's more fun (and more culturally authentic) to try them at a local bakery or cafe.

Most resorts on Hawaiian islands charge a daily resort fee on top of the room rate, but what that fee covers varies across properties. The few resorts with fees that cover most amenities and services mimic all-inclusives in some ways. For example, at the Royal Kona Resort on the big island of Hawaii, the resort fee covers not only the use of a pool, saltwater lagoon, and fitness center, but also cultural experiences like ukelele and hula lessons. The Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows on Maui adds free use of sport courts and a resort shuttle into the mix and also offers a package with daily buffet breakfast and VIP luau tickets. 

Another alternative to an all-inclusive resort for your Hawaii adventure would be an all-inclusive vacation. In this case, a third party would develop a customized itinerary and charge a prepayment to cover the cost of your accommodations, some meals, and activities of your choosing. However, built-in gaps in the schedule allow for independent exploration, too. This approach strikes a nice balance between structure and spontaneity, in case you suddenly decide you want to hop on a helicopter to see an active volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.