The Best All-Inclusive Hotels to Book in Hawaii

This Maui resort encourages you to engage in your favorite aquatic pastimes, from outrigger canoeing to snorkeling, sailing and surfing. Traditional cultural activities can also be enjoyed at the ocean-view Lanai, where you can indulge in coconut weaving, lei po’o making, ukulele lessons and a sunset torch-lighting ceremony every evening. You can also watch live demonstrations from chefs Chris Kajioka and Mourad Lahlou, who oversee Hawaiian classics at the Waicoco restaurant – don’t miss the purple cauliflower curry.

Launched in 1972, with Bob Hope headlining the opening party, this resort remains a north shore staple and A-lister magnet. Its three blocks have been carefully positioned, almost fan-like, to ensure all of the over 400 rooms offer unhindered views of Turtle Bay. Preservation of Hawaiian land and culture is at the heart of this hotel, which has its own foundation to protect the pristine coastline. Keep a keen eye as guests are often fortunate enough to spot monk seals, humpback whales and of course, turtles.

This resort has an eighth-floor infinity pool which is the highest in Waikiki, elevated above the green treetops of Fort DeRussy Beach Park. If you’ve got kids in tow, take them to the dedicated family pool with a rock slide, loungers and private cabanas, while the adult pool offers a more calm and less splash alternative. Whatever your age, be sure to attend the daily low tide ritual; held by the family pool at 2pm. The ceremony includes a refreshing local treat for all guests, such as ube (purple yam) ice cream or sweet guava sorbet.

Waterfalls and stomach-churning hairpins are what make the 64mi (103km) journey to Hana as renowned a road trip as it is challenging. This northern coast resort is located on the famed route and provides the perfect respite following a lengthy drive. Some of its 75 rooms are deliberately devoid of clocks and televisions, though you’ll be thankful not all tech is eschewed when you discover the mini-fridge stocked with welcome refreshments. You’ll also get your own robes to lounge in – especially handy if you’ve booked the oceanfront bungalow with a private hot tub.

This resort has an evening Luau show which takes place at sunset on the pristine Ka’anapali Beach and includes a traditional reveal of the pua’a (pig) before the all-you-can-eat pork feast. Local rum pours freely all night, which is sure to persuade you to join in with the hula dancing; maybe leave the fire knife dancing to the pros. If your head isn’t banging like a pahu drum the next day, you can claim your guest discount on a round at the nearby Ka’anapali golf course.

A hearty Hawaiian breakfast is included alongside some of the best views of Oahu at this hotel, which towers over Waikiki Beach. The 24/7 restaurant and bar prides itself on using locally-sourced produce, including fresh bread from the Waipahu Star Bakery, Molokai sweet potatoes and juicy Maui Gold pineapples. The epic volcano crater, known locally as Leahi and elsewhere as Diamond Head, makes a formidable backdrop and is a half-hour walk away past Honolulu Zoo and the Waikiki Aquarium.

The in-room coffee makers allow you to begin the day with a much-loved Kona coffee, which you can enjoy on the private balcony of your ocean-view room. Interiors match the blue of the Pacific, while the teak furnishings complement the tropical surroundings. Honeymooning couples will be welcomed with a complimentary bottle of champagne. Continue the celebrations at Don’s Mai Tai open-air bar, where you can enjoy live Hawaiian music every Thursday.