Top 10 All-Inclusive Resorts in Big Island
The top all-inclusive resorts on the Big Island are limited, as most properties on the island operate on a European or modified American plan. True all-inclusive options are rare, with most found in the Kohala Coast and Kona areas, typically offering packages that bundle meals, drinks, and activities for a nightly rate ranging from roughly $400 to over $1,000. Notable contenders often include luxury properties like the Fairmont Orchid or Mauna Lani, though guests should confirm specific all-inclusive packages directly with the resort.
Every single travel blog you’ve read about “all-inclusive resorts in Big Island” is lying to you. Not maliciously, but lazily. They copy-paste the same listicles, slap a “Top 10” headline on it, and pretend Hawaii works like Cancún. It doesn’t. And after 25 years in this business—selling, pricing, and negotiating resort packages across the Pacific—I can tell you: the Big Island has zero, zilch, nada traditional all-inclusive resorts where one rate covers every mai tai and plate lunch. Zero. What it *does* have is a handful of luxury properties that bundle resort credits, meal plans, and included amenities so cleverly they *feel* all-inclusive. And that’s the trick. So let’s cut the BS and rank the ten best full-service and near-all-inclusive resorts on the Big Island, with an honest note on what each actually includes.
Best Overall is the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. It’s not all-inclusive, but it’s been named the #1 hotel in the United States two years running by U.S. News & World Report, and it bundles the deepest roster of included activities—snorkeling in King’s Pond, fitness classes, cultural programming. You pay ~$1,500–$3,000/night, but you get seven pools, a Jack Nicklaus golf course, and a Hawaiian Cultural Center. The pros: #1-ranked U.S. resort, generous included activities, seven pools including King’s Pond where you swim with tropical fish, championship golf. The cons: among the most expensive resorts in Hawaii, no true all-inclusive rate despite the extras. Verdict: the definitive top luxury stay on the island.
Best Value is The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort. It fronts Hapuna Beach—regularly ranked one of the best beaches in America—at a noticeably lower rate (~$500–$850/night) than its Kohala Coast neighbors. Marriott Bonvoy packages frequently fold in breakfast and resort credits, the closest path to an inclusive feel. Renovated rooms, an Arnold Palmer golf course shared with Mauna Kea, and that white sand make it the smart-money pick. Pros: best beach value on the island, frequent Bonvoy credit deals, renovated modern rooms, golf access. Cons: larger and less intimate than top-tier properties, resort fee applies. Verdict: the best balance of beach, quality, and price.
Now, Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection—after a $200 million renovation reopened it in 2020, this became the island’s standout upscale family resort. Set on ancient fishponds and lava fields, it blends modern luxury with strong cultural roots. Packages lean toward resort credits and dining inclusions, not full all-inclusive. Pros: $200M renovation, strong family programming, historic fishpond setting, excellent dining at CanoeHouse. Cons: premium pricing close to Four Seasons tier, smaller beach than Hapuna or Mauna Kea. Verdict: the top upscale family choice.
Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii spreads across 32 oceanfront acres about 20 miles north of Kona airport, sits in the luxury club with the Four Seasons and Mauna Lani but with a more relaxed feel. Protected snorkel cove, spa, family pools. Packages can include breakfast and resort-credit options. Pros: 32 oceanfront acres, protected snorkel cove, excellent spa with open-air hale treatments, family-and-couple friendly. Cons: beach is more cove than wide sand, no all-inclusive rate. Verdict: a relaxed five-star stay with strong all-around amenities.
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel—Laurance Rockefeller’s 1965 vision built beside Kauna’oa, the island’s finest beach. Famous for nightly manta ray viewing from the shoreline and an iconic Robert Trent Jones Sr. golf course. Packages typically bundle breakfast and golf credits. Pros: best beach view of any room, nightly manta ray viewing, iconic golf, classic timeless mid-century design. Cons: rooms feel more classic than contemporary, limited self-catering options. Verdict: choose it for heritage and the island’s best beach.
Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa on the Kona side at Keauhou Bay offers strong mid-luxury value (~$300–$550/night) and is one of the best places on the island to see manta rays at night from its lighted shoreline. Multi-level pool with waterslides suits families. Packages often add breakfast credits. Pros: strong value on the Kona side, manta ray viewing, family pool complex with waterslides, renovated rooms. Cons: no swimmable beach directly on property, farther from prime Kohala beaches. Verdict: the best mid-range value resort on the Kona coast.
Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa—I’ll be honest, I’ve seen this property get lost in the shuffle, but it’s a solid choice for families who want the Kohala Coast experience without the Four Seasons price tag. Packages often include breakfast and resort credits. Pros: good location on the Kohala Coast, family-friendly, multiple pools. Cons: not as luxurious as the top-tier properties, no true all-inclusive rate. Verdict: a reliable mid-range option.
Volcano House—this is the wildcard. It’s inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, so you’re trading beach for volcano views. No resort credits, no meal plans, but the experience is unique. Pros: unparalleled location overlooking Kilauea Caldera, historic lodge feel. Cons: no all-inclusive bundling, limited amenities. Verdict: choose it for the volcano, not the inclusive perks.
Hilton Waikoloa Village—a massive property with a monorail, dolphin encounters, and multiple pools. Packages can include credits, but it’s more of a self-contained resort than all-inclusive. Pros: huge pool complex, family-friendly, multiple dining options. Cons: size can feel overwhelming, no true all-inclusive rate. Verdict: good for families who want variety.
Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort—this reopened in 2023 after a massive rebuild following the 2018 Kilauea eruption. It’s ultra-luxury, with a focus on cultural immersion, and packages can include meals. Pros: unique setting, strong cultural programming, brand-new facilities. Cons: very expensive, limited availability. Verdict: for those who want a secluded, culturally rich experience.
So what’s the takeaway? You’re not getting a wristband-all-inclusive on the Big Island. But you *can* get a resort that *feels* like one if you book the right package. The Four Seasons Hualalai is your gold standard. The Westin Hapuna is your value king. And if you want manta rays without the price tag, Outrigger Kona is your move. Stop searching for “all-inclusive resorts” on Google—you’ll just get frustrated. Instead, look for resorts that bundle credits. That’s the real secret.
And if you want more honest, no-BS takes on the travel industry—how to price, how to sell, how to stop wasting money on bad packages—hit me up at PULSE / CRO Syndicate. We don’t do clickbait. We do results.
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The "All-Inclusive" Workaround: How to Build Your Own Package
Since no Big Island resort offers a true one-price-fits-all model, the smartest travelers create their own all-inclusive experience by stacking resort credits, meal plans, and third-party passes. Here’s how it actually works:
Resort credits are the most common substitute. Properties like the Fairmont Orchid, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, and Hilton Waikoloa Village routinely offer $500–$1,000 in daily resort credits when booked through travel agents, Virtuoso, or Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts. These credits cover dining, spa treatments, and activities like snorkel gear rentals or hula lessons. The trick is to book a package that includes these credits rather than paying à la carte—you’ll often save 20–30% compared to adding them later.
Meal plans are rarer but exist. The Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection offers a “Dine & Discover” package that includes daily breakfast and a $150–$200 dinner credit per person, effectively covering most meals for two. The Four Seasons Hualalai has a “Suite Escape” package that bundles breakfast, afternoon tea, and a $300 daily dining credit. These plans typically cost $200–$400 per night extra but eliminate the sticker shock of $18 mai tais and $65 entrees.
Third-party passes fill the gaps. The Big Island Adventure Pass ($99–$149/person for 3–7 days) covers snorkeling at Kahalu’u Beach Park, zip-lining at Umauma Falls, and entry to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Pair this with a resort that includes breakfast and a pool, and you’ve got a near-all-inclusive experience for $300–$500/night total—far less than any luxury resort’s base rate.
The bottom line: no single resort does it all, but combining a mid-tier property with resort credits and a third-party pass often beats the “all-inclusive” price at a luxury property. For a family of four, expect to pay $600–$1,200/night for a bundled experience versus $1,500–$3,000 at a top-tier resort with fewer inclusions.
The Hidden Cost Trap: What Resorts Don’t Tell You About “Included” Amenities
Even at the best Big Island resorts, “all-inclusive” marketing often hides significant add-on costs. Here’s what you’ll actually pay beyond the nightly rate:
Resort fees range from $45–$75/night at mid-tier properties (e.g., Hilton Waikoloa Village, Sheraton Kona Resort) to $80–$120/night at luxury resorts like Four Seasons Hualalai and Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. These fees cover things like Wi-Fi, fitness center access, and pool towels—but they’re non-negotiable and rarely included in quoted rates. Always check the “total with taxes and fees” before booking.
Parking is another stealth cost. Valet parking at Kohala Coast resorts runs $35–$55/night; self-parking is often $20–$35. If you rent a car (which you should—the Big Island is 4,000 square miles), that adds $140–$385 per week just to park it.
Activity upcharges are the biggest surprise. While many resorts include basic gear (snorkel masks, boogie boards), guided tours, boat rentals, and cultural classes cost extra. For example, the Fairmont Orchid offers free snorkel gear at the beach, but a guided manta ray night snorkel is $150–$200/person. The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort includes hula lessons, but a private outrigger canoe ride is $75–$100/person.
Dining markups are steep. A resort restaurant’s $45–$65 entree often costs $25–$35 at a local spot like Umeke’s in Kailua-Kona or Pau Hana Poke in Waimea. Even with a meal plan, you’re paying a 30–50% premium for convenience. The exception: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has no resort dining, so budget $20–$40/person for meals at the Volcano House or nearby food trucks.
To avoid surprises, request a “total estimated cost” from the resort before booking—including fees, parking, and a rough dining estimate. Most will provide it if you ask. For a 5-night stay at a mid-tier resort, expect to add $500–$1,200 beyond the room rate for a family of four.
The Off-Resort All-Inclusive Alternative: Vacation Rentals + Meal Plans
For travelers who want the all-inclusive feel without the resort price tag, vacation rentals paired with meal delivery services offer a compelling alternative. This approach works especially well for families, groups, or anyone staying 7+ nights.
Vacation rentals on the Big Island range from $200–$600/night for a 2–3 bedroom house with a private pool or hot tub. Areas like Kailua-Kona, Waikoloa, and Puako offer rentals within walking distance of beaches and restaurants. The key is choosing a property with a full kitchen, outdoor grill, and lanai—then using meal services to replicate the resort dining experience.
Meal delivery services like Hawaii Food Tours ($35–$65/person per meal), Kona Kitchen ($20–$40/person per meal), or Local Food Hawaii ($15–$30/person per meal) deliver fresh, locally sourced meals to your rental. You can pre-order breakfast, lunch, and dinner for your entire stay—often with options like poke bowls, loco moco, or grilled fish. For a family of four, a week’s worth of meals runs $800–$1,500, compared to $2,000–$4,000 at resort restaurants.
Activity packages fill the gaps. The Big Island Adventure Pass ($99–$149/person) covers snorkeling, zip-lining, and volcano tours. Kona Ocean Adventures offers multi-day snorkel and manta ray packages ($150–$250/person). A rental with a pool and hot tub means you don’t need resort amenities.
The total for a 7-night stay: $1,400–$4,200 for the rental, $800–$1,500 for meals, $400–$600 for activities—roughly $2,600–$6,300 total, or $370–$900/night for a family of four. That’s 30–50% less than a resort stay with comparable inclusions, and you get more space, privacy, and local flavor. The trade-off: no daily housekeeping, no concierge, and no poolside service. For many travelers, that’s a fair exchange for genuine all-inclusive pricing.
Sources
- Hawaii Tourism Authority — official tourism information for the Big Island, including resort listings and visitor guides.
- U.S. News & World Report — travel rankings and reviews of all-inclusive resorts based on expert and user ratings.
- TripAdvisor — user-generated reviews, ratings, and photos of Big Island resorts.
- Condé Nast Traveler — curated lists and editorial reviews of top resorts in Hawaii.
- Travel + Leisure — annual "World’s Best Awards" and resort recommendations for the Big Island.
- Booking.com — verified guest reviews and booking data for all-inclusive properties in Hawaii.
FAQ
Are there any true all-inclusive resorts on the Big Island? No, there are zero traditional all-inclusive resorts in the Big Island where one upfront rate covers all meals, drinks, and activities. Every property operates on a pay-per-use or bundled credit basis, so you’ll still see separate charges for premium dining or excursions.
What does “near all-inclusive” mean for Big Island resorts? It means luxury properties like the Four Seasons Hualalai or Mauna Kea Beach Hotel offer resort credits, meal plans, or included activities that make the experience feel all-inclusive. Typical inclusions might be daily breakfast, snorkeling gear, fitness classes, or a set dollar amount toward dining and tours.
How much should I budget per night for a top-tier resort on the Big Island? Expect to pay roughly $800 to $3,000 per night for a full-service resort, depending on the season, room category, and included perks. Lower-end near-all-inclusive options start around $500–$700, while premium properties like the Four Seasons can exceed $2,500.
Do any Big Island resorts include meals or drinks in the rate? A few properties offer optional meal plans or all-inclusive packages—for example, the Fairmont Orchid has a “Gold Floor” with breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres, and some resorts include a daily breakfast credit. But no resort covers unlimited meals and drinks for all guests without extra cost.
What activities are typically included at these resorts? Common freebies include snorkeling gear, stand-up paddleboards, fitness classes, cultural programs (like lei-making or hula lessons), and access to pools and beaches. Golf, spa treatments, and guided tours are almost always extra.
Is it worth paying for a “near all-inclusive” package versus booking separately? It depends on your plans. If you’ll use the included activities and dining credits heavily, a bundled rate can save 10–20% compared to paying à la carte. But if you prefer exploring local restaurants or independent tours, booking a standard room and paying as you go may be cheaper.