We’re often asked if there are any all-inclusive hotels or resorts in Hawaii, and our answer is always the same: eh, not really. There are hotels with meal plans or breakfasts included, for example, but they are not the traditional all-inclusive resorts you would find in Mexico or the Caribbean. There are several reasons why: There are tons of incredible restaurants in Hawaii, usually only a short walk or drive from your hotel. Plus, Hawaii vacationers tend to spend a lot of time off property, either exploring the islands on their own or on an Amstar excursion. It just wouldn’t be worth paying for an all-inclusive vacation if you were going to be out adventuring most of the day.
That all changed, though, with the June 30th opening of Travaasa Hana, formerly the Hotel Hana Maui. Travaasa Hana has made its Sea Ranch Cottages all-inclusive. All food, non-alcoholic beverages, choice of daily activity or spa treatment, gratuities and service charges, as well as all resort activities and cultural events are included.
Travaasa Hana is a handsome reward for finishing the infamous Road to Hana. The Hana Highway is a popular destination in Maui – a 68-mile drive bordered by the ocean on one side and spectacular hidden waterfalls on the other. Wikipedia says there are 620 curves along the Hana Highway, but if you’ve ever taken the drive yourself you know there have to be thousands more.
I had the pleasure of staying in a Sea Ranch Cottage in 2009, while in Maui for a business trip. By the time we wearily pulled into Hana, the hotel was an oasis of calm, peace and serenity, especially after all the hairpin turns along the ocean. The resort grounds are gorgeous, sloping down a hill toward the Pacific Ocean. The bellmen and front desk couldn’t have been more welcoming – it seemed that, despite seeing that amazing vista each day, they still remembered what a special location they were lucky enough to work in.
The Sea Ranch Cottages were exactly what we needed. No clocks, no TV, but a back porch with comfy chairs and a front-row view of the ocean. Who needs television when you can watch the 24/7 ocean? It felt like we were at the End of the World, and it was wonderful.
That night, we had dinner at Ka’uiki, the hotel’s main restaurant. Ka’uiki’s menu focuses on in-season local items, and that dinner ranks as one of my top 10 dining experiences. Likewise, breakfast was simple, fresh and healthy.
We were only lucky enough to have time for one night in Hana, but would have gladly stayed until they threw us out. In addition to the great dining, the hotel also focuses on guest experience, which our schedule didn’t permit us to try. There are open-air yoga classes, culinary instruction, meditation lessons and more ocean adventures than you can imagine.
The new all-inclusive plan at the Sea Ranch Cottages is a perfect excuse to check out for a few days. Because once you finally make it to the End of the World, you naturally want to linger there as long as possible.
