All-Inclusive Hawaii Trip Packages - Costs & How to Choose

All-Inclusive Hawaii trip packages can simplify planning without sacrificing that island magic.

This guide explains what “all-inclusive” really means in Hawaii, what’s typically included (and what isn’t), realistic costs by island, and how to build or compare bundles for a 5–10 day escape.

What “All-Inclusive” Means in Hawaii

Unlike many Caribbean destinations, Hawaii doesn’t revolve around classic all-inclusive resorts where all meals, drinks, and activities are covered. Instead, “all-inclusive Hawaii packages” usually mean bundles that combine flights, hotels, and select perks into one price.

Common inclusions are flight + hotel bundles, daily breakfast, resort credits, rental cars, and activity vouchers like a luau or snorkeling trip. Carefully review exactly what’s included and what carries extra fees so you can compare apples to apples.

Expect line items like resort fees, parking, special activities, and alcohol to be separate unless a package explicitly states otherwise. Read the fine print on cancellation policies and date restrictions, especially around holidays.

Typical bundle elements: roundtrip airfare, hotel stay, and taxes/fees
Potential perks: breakfast plans, resort credits, rental car, airport transfers, or an included luau/excursion
Less common: unlimited alcohol or all meals across the stay

Popular Islands for Hawaii Vacation Packages

Oahu (Honolulu & Waikiki)

Great for first-time visitors who want a mix of beach time, food, and culture with easy logistics. Waikiki’s walkability reduces car needs, and packages here often price most competitively.

Vibe: Urban + beach; famous surf, shopping, Pearl Harbor, nightlife
Best for: First-timers, couples who like dining and culture, families who want convenience

Maui

Romantic scenery, upscale resorts, and iconic drives (Road to Hana) create a honeymooner favorite. Whale watching thrives in winter (roughly Dec–Mar), and many properties lean luxury.

Vibe: Romantic and scenic; beaches, Haleakalā sunrise, luxe dining
Best for: Honeymooners, couples, travelers seeking pampering

Island of Hawaii (Big Island)

Dramatic landscapes, from lava fields and volcanoes to black-sand beaches and high-altitude stargazing. Driving distances are longer; packages often include or recommend a rental car.

Vibe: Adventure-forward; Volcanoes National Park, manta ray night snorkels
Best for: Explorers, families with teens, return visitors

Kauai

Nicknamed the Garden Isle for a reason—lush, laid-back, and visually stunning (Nā Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon). Nightlife is quiet; nature takes center stage.

Vibe: Serene, green, and uncrowded
Best for: Nature lovers, hikers, retirees, anyone seeking calm

Typical Package Inclusions

What’s often included

Roundtrip airfare with a major carrier
Hotel accommodations for a set number of nights
Taxes and fees; some packages may also include resort fees
Airport transfers or a rental car (varies by island)
Breakfast packages or daily dining credit
Activity vouchers (e.g., luau, snorkel, sunset cruise)

What’s usually not included

All meals and alcohol (unless a specific plan is listed)
Off-property excursions
Travel insurance
Gratuities, parking, and added resort services

Pricing & Cost Expectations

What drives the price

Season: Summer and holidays = peak pricing; spring/fall shoulder seasons = better value
Island: Maui and Kauai often price higher than Oahu; Big Island varies by coast
Hotel tier & room type: 3-star garden view vs 5-star oceanfront
Length of stay: 5, 7, or 10 days (longer stays may unlock promos)
Departure city: West Coast flights are typically cheaper than East Coast

High-level budget ranges (per person, double occupancy)

Airfare (roundtrip): West Coast $400–$900; Midwest/East $700–$1,200+
Hotels (per night, mid-range): Oahu $220–$350; Maui $350–$600; Big Island $250–$450; Kauai $300–$500
Resort fees: $30–$65 per night
Rental car: $45–$90 per day (island-dependent)
Food & drinks: $60–$120 per person per day (more for upscale dining)

Example package comparisons

5-day mid-range Oahu (Waikiki) stay: Air $600; Hotel 4 nights at $280 avg = $560 pp; Resort fees $45×4 = $90 per room (~$45 pp); Shuttle/transport $35 pp; Food $80×5 = $400; Activities $150. Estimated total: ~$1,750–$1,950 per person.
7-day balanced Maui package: Air $700–$900; Hotel 6 nights at $450 = $1,350 pp; Car $70×7 = $245 pp; Resort fees $55×6 ≈ $165 pp; Food $90×7 = $630; Activities $250. Estimated total: ~$3,100–$3,600 per person.
10-day premium island-hopping (Maui + Kauai): Air $900–$1,300; Interisland flights ~$120–$200; Hotels 9 nights split luxury ($600–$800 avg) = $2,700–$3,600 pp; Car $70×10 = $350 pp; Resort fees ~$450–$600 pp; Food $100×10 = $1,000; Activities $400–$700. Estimated total: ~$5,500–$7,500 per person.

These are planning ranges, not quotes. Exact pricing changes with dates, promotions, and availability.

Best Time to Visit Hawaii

Weather is mild year-round, but pricing and crowds vary. Peak demand hits summer (mid-June–Aug) and the winter holidays. Shoulder seasons—April–May and Sept–mid-Dec—often deliver lower prices and thinner crowds.

Winter is prime for whale watching on Maui. Check current entry or travel notes on GoHawaii travel requirements before you book.

Building Your Own “All-Inclusive” Hawaii Experience

You can DIY a near-inclusive feel by bundling the big pieces and pre-paying where it counts.

Book a flight + hotel bundle with a reputable provider (e.g., Hawaiian Airlines Vacations, Alaska Airlines Vacations, United Vacations).
Add a rental car for Maui, Big Island, and often Kauai; on Oahu, compare car vs shuttles/rideshare.
Pre-book key excursions (luau, snorkel, helicopter) to lock pricing and availability.
Choose breakfast-included rates or condos with kitchens to tame food costs.
Leverage resort credits toward dining or spa to offset out-of-pocket spend.

DIY can save money when you’re flexible on dates, compare multiple departure airports, and mix a value hotel with standout paid activities.

Resort Tiers Explained

Budget / Value Hotels: Central locations and basic amenities; ideal if you’ll be out exploring. Trade-off: smaller rooms, fewer on-site perks.
Mid-Range Resorts: Pools, beach proximity, on-site dining, family-friendly rooms. Trade-off: resort fees and parking can add up.
Luxury Resorts: Oceanfront settings, spas, fine dining, club lounges, some butler/concierge services. Trade-off: premium pricing and higher daily fees.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Expecting Caribbean-style all-inclusive: In Hawaii, meals and alcohol are rarely unlimited—budget for dining out.
Ignoring resort fees: Always check nightly fees and what they include (Wi‑Fi, beach chairs, fitness classes).
Skipping a rental car budget: Essential for Maui and Big Island; often helpful on Kauai.
Underestimating food costs: Plan $60–$120 pp/day or pick a breakfast-included/condo option.
Booking peak dates late: For summer and holidays, book flights and hotels months in advance to secure better rates.

Ideal Traveler Scenarios

Honeymoon couple: Focus on Maui or Kauai; choose an oceanfront mid-to-luxury resort, add a sunset sail and spa credit.
Family with teens: Oahu or Big Island; pick a resort with a big pool and book a luau + snorkel package; consider 2 rooms or a condo.
Retiree vacation: Kauai or Oahu; prioritize walkability, breakfast-included rates, and a few guided tours.
Adventure traveler: Big Island; rent a car, plan hikes and night snorkels, and stay part-time in Volcano or Kona.
Island-hopping traveler: Combine two islands over 8–10 days; keep interisland flights light (carry-on if possible) to streamline transfers.

Decision Support Tools

Hawaii Package Planning Checklist

Pick your island (or two) based on vibe and activities
Set a budget per person (flight + hotel + food + car + activities)
Select hotel tier and room category
Decide if a rental car is needed
Choose 2–3 must-do activities and pre-book
Compare 2–3 flight + hotel bundles and read what’s included

“Is Hawaii Right for My All-Inclusive Vacation?” Self-Assessment

I prefer freedom to explore local dining versus every meal on-site
I’m okay budgeting separately for food, drinks, and excursions
I like customizing my trip with a mix of beaches, culture, and nature

If you answered “yes” to most, Hawaii’s bundled-package model will likely suit you.

Quick Summary

Hawaii = bundled packages, not full meal inclusions
Oahu best for first-time visitors and convenience
Maui romantic and scenic
Big Island adventure and diversity
Kauai quiet nature escape