The largest of the Hawaiian islands, affectionately referred to as Big Island is a place of stunning natural wonder.
The volcanic nature of the island is on full display, welcoming visitors from around the world to see the raw power of nature firsthand at the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. All of this is alongside massive forests, verdant river valleys, and more beaches than you could hope to visit in one trip.
When you visit the Big Island, you’ll want to have a place to call home that has everything needed for a memorable vacation in Hawaii. While you won’t find the traditional places for an all-inclusive vacation, these are the closest you’ll get to all-inclusive resorts on Big Island, Hawaii.
You may recognize these names for their worldwide clout, so you can rest assured that your every need will be attended to.
Hilton Waikoloa Village
Hilton Waikoloa Village is conveniently located just a few miles from the Kona airport but worlds away from anything you know back home. Situated on over 62 acres of the western shore of the Big Island, this Hilton-sponsored experience can be a major highlight of your vacation.
All of the spectacular beauty of the west coast is ready to bask in at the Hilton Waikoloa Village, which is found directly on Waiulua Bay. The bay is a protected and private lagoon that is on the property.
The water is definitely its biggest draw, with access to the bay and the many traditional and lagoon-style pools. Its Kona Pool is recognized for being the largest pool on Big Island. Hit the massive 175-foot waterslide, lie out in a cabana of your choosing, or cool off under the waterfall feature.
If you prefer to sit by the beach, you can choose to stay on the resort grounds and walk to it. But there are also half a dozen other beaches within a few minute’s drive if you’re feeling more adventurous. We rented a car from the Kona airport, which makes it much easier to visit all the different beaches and attractions.
The all-inclusive resort has “The Inclusive Package,” which gets you breakfast, dinner, drinks, and all resort benefits included in the price of your stay. Resort charges cover additional experiences such as cultural activities, fitness and yoga classes, and even a complimentary photo of your trip.
Royal Kona Resort
The Royal Kona Resort lets travelers stay in one of the most popular destinations of the Big Island, Kailua-Kona. The resort rooms have ocean views per your preference and are decorated with a Hawaiian-inspired design. They are equipped with mini refrigerators, coffee makers, and anything else you’ll need to make your stay more comfortable.
The resort staff makes your vacation more manageable by helping you plan what you want to do. You can go to The Lotus Center for spa treatments like massages, facials, and masks. The spa’s oceanfront location makes the atmosphere even more relaxing. You can go for a run at the fitness center, but we’d prefer to go swimming in their outdoor pool to enjoy the ocean breeze and warm weather.
The best part about it is that since it’s found right on Kailua-Kona, you won’t need to travel far from the Kona airport to get to it when you first arrive. It hosts its very own luau, so hotel guests can easily attend the buffet and live performance, which includes a fire dance.
Auberge Resorts Muana Lani
Auberge Resorts Mauna Lani sits on the Kohala Coast, which has served as a spiritual place for native Hawaiians since they first inhabited the islands. The volcanoes, mountains, and ocean are all on full display, surrounding guests with iconic Hawaiian scenery.
You can arrange practically any tour like sailing the coast aboard the Kalama Kai, snorkeling and surfing lessons, helicopter tours of cultural hotspots, and whale watching if you happen to visit at the right time of the year (November-May). We unfortunately didn’t come during this timeframe, but we’re still able to see manta rays and dolphins with this Kona Manta Ray snorkel tour.
Choose from traditionally appointed guest rooms styled like any modern hotel or opt for a truly unique experience with one of the estates, suitable for an entire family or friend group.
If you choose one of their upgraded options, the amenities include complimentary cabana rentals, private pools and jacuzzis, and a half-day excursion on their luxury yacht.
You can find seasonal savings all year round and a breakfast-included package for getting the days started right. Guests will need the energy to partake in all of the activities on the property and nearby.
If you’re still choosing between different islands, you may also want to consider the other all-inclusive resorts on Kauai.
Four Seasons Hualalai
The Four Seasons Hualalai is one of the best all-inclusive resorts on the Big Island, and its price certainly reflects that. The Hualalai resort sits on the west coast just a few minutes north of the Kona airport terminal, but it looks and feels like an entirely luxurious area.
On one side is the white-sand beach mingling with black lava terrain. Toward the heart of the island, you’re surrounded by the perfectly maintained emerald greens of the Hualalai Golf Course. This Jack Nicklaus-designed course is the perfect spot to indulge in one of the unique offerings at the Four Seasons Hualalai, the unlimited golf package.
Travelers visiting for more traditional island fun can get on the water with stand-up paddleboards and outrigger canoes or book a charter on the 30-foot charter yacht, Maka’ala.
You can also book a private snorkeling tour, swim with manta rays at night, or take to the skies with a helicopter discovery tour. Don’t forget to make time on your vacation to visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to many hiking trails and overlooks. It was by far one of the best places on the island, and the Crater Rim Trail was an awesome trail to hike, although we didn’t see any lava.
As is normally the case with Four Seasons properties, you truly won’t be able to forget the accommodations at this resort. The word luxurious doesn’t even begin to describe the masterfully crafted guest experience here. Stunning ocean and garden view suites, as well as spacious, opulent villas that are fit for the whole family.
The Westin Hapuna Beach
The Westin Hapuna Beach lies just to the north edge of this beautifully manicured white-sand beach, with a private entrance at the front of the resort grounds. This classically styled Hawaiian hotel features stacked floors of suites filled with renovated interiors.
The rooms at Westin Hapuna Beach come standard with features like a private lanai, garden, mountain, or ocean views, and Westin’s famous Heavenly Bed, a mattress that will make you want to stay forever. The tropical breeze that flows into the rooms just adds to the peaceful environment.
Don’t sleep the whole trip away since there’s so much to do here. Take a stroll down Hapuna Beach and back absorbing the sea breezes and sunshine, or reside in a beach cabana that’s included with your stay.
Get a round of golf in at the Hapuna Beach Golf Course, which includes the signature par 4 hole 12. This tee-off is sure to be one of the most memorable of your life, with a panoramic view of Big Island, Hawaii from an elevation of around 700 feet.
Enjoy time in the water in either of the swimming pools, or treat yourself to a snorkel in the gorgeous shallow blue waters just off of Hapuna Beach. The Westin Hapuna Beach is a great spot to spend any number of days you see fit, just be sure to bring some reef-safe sunscreen to keep the local environment safe!
Marriott Waikoloa Ocean Club
Marriott Waikoloa Ocean Club features accommodations styled after traditional hotels with one-bedroom and two-bedroom suite configurations. Modern comforts and open, light-filled spaces greet you on your arrival at this Big Island resort.
Don’t let the rooms themselves fool you into believing this is an ordinary place. It’s on a truly remarkable piece of land hugging the west coast of The Island of Hawaii. You’re able to walk a short distance and be on either Waikoloa or Anaehoʻomalu beach. Both are great beaches for swimming, snorkeling, or just a day relaxing in the sand.
There are multiple dining and beverage options serving world-class dishes and cocktails. Grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Hawaii Calls or Aka’ula Lanai. You can also take part in a one-of-a-kind sunset luau complete with dinner and immersion into Polynesian culture through performances. The fitness center has all the equipment you need for exercising.
If you’re looking for things to do near the Marriott Waikoloa Ocean Club, you’re close to many Big Island attractions. You can also venture over to Hilo, where there are many beautiful waterfalls to see. Seeing waterfalls like Wai’ale Falls was one of our favorite things to do in Hilo.
For any avid golfers in the group, it’s a short mile from a 27-hole golf course that’s unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.
Rosewood Kona Village
The Kona Village Resort hugs the rugged shores of Kahuwai Bay and honors the traditions of the people who first settled here centuries ago. It’s more than just another resort as it’s a careful marrying of the cultural traditions of the Hawaiian people with sustainable, responsible hospitality for visitors from all over the world.
Kona Village accommodations are faithful recreations of the building style and techniques used by the first settlers of the Big Island. Thatched roof cottages await with the rustling of the nearby palm trees and the rhythmic sounds of the waves that set a peaceful tone for your journey here.
Wellness is at the center of your stay at Rosewood Kona Village, and you’ll find no shortage of activities to attend to these needs. A state-of-the-art fitness center features open walls of floor-to-ceiling windows and provides a breathtaking view. Book a treatment at Asaya Integrative Wellness Spa after you’ve pushed yourself physically, or cool down with a swim in the pool overlooking the ocean.
Experience the fusion of Pacific Rim and Hawaiian flavors as you dine and drink at four restaurants and bars on the property. Moana and Kahuwai Cookhouse for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Visit Shipwreck and Talk Story Bar to enjoy a cocktail with a remarkable view. There is no wrong choice here.
Autograph Collection Mauna Kea
We round out the list with the Mariott’s Autograph Collection Mauna Kea resort. Located directly on Mauna Kea Beach with private access and a beach club, staying here is a way to get a little white sand all to yourself.
The main building harkens back to the days when resorts first started cropping up around the Big Island with a central area of traditional hotel rooms. From the outside, it appears as a classic Hawaiian vacation spot. On the inside, guests find rooms filled with pleasing decorative choices and inviting furnishings to welcome them after long days of exploring.
One of the best features of this property is the massive beachfront complete with cabanas as well as standalone chairs and umbrellas that bring you a little closer to the water. This is a signature piece of beach and could be the focus of your entire trip, with prime opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and beginner-friendly surfing conditions.
Just off the grounds of the resort, you will find Mauna Kea Golf Course. It’s the first of all of the golf courses ever designed and built on the Big Island. It’s one of the most beautiful locations for a golf course ever imagined, with the ocean, volcanic rock, and mountains on display at every hole.
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