8 New Year’s Hawaiʻi Travel Resolutions for 2024
Resolutions should be attainable—and fun.
I’m all about New Year’s resolutions—but the kind you can actually do. No “running a marathon in under 3 hours” or “visiting 12 new countries in 12 months.” I like attainable goals—and ones that I’m excited about.
I decided to have my own travel goals for 2024. Now that my son is at an age where traveling isn’t the Worst Idea Ever, I feel like we can do this. We can survive a 10-hour flight to Japan or stay up until 9:30 p.m. to see the fireworks at Disneyland.
But there are lots of things do to in Hawaiʻi, too.
Even though I live here—and maybe because I live here—I thought about adding to my list things to do in the Islands. Each island has a lot to offer in terms of unique experiences, many of which residents (like me) have never done.
So here are eight New Year’s travel resolutions—and ones you should put on your travel itinerary for your next Hawaiʻi vacation.
Hike a New Trail
Māhā‘ulepū Heritage Trail on Kauaʻi.
Photo: Getty Images/CampPhoto
One of the best ways to explore Hawaiʻi’s natural beauty is on one of its state-managed trails. Maybe you’ve already done the trek up Lēʻahi (aka Diamond Head) on Oʻahu or the more difficult hike to Hanakāpīʻai Falls on Kauaʻi. Grab a trail guide—we recommend Stuart M. Ball Jr’s “The Hikers Guide to the Hawaiian Islands”—and find one you haven’t done before. Keep in mind weather conditions and trail difficulty. If you’re wary about exploring a new trail, connect with a reputable outfitter like Hawaiʻi Forest & Trail for guided tours.
Read More: Oʻahu Hikes for Every Kind of Hiker
Catch a Sunrise
Sunrise over Hanauma Bay on Oʻahu.
Photo: Getty Images/Ryan Tishken
I know. You’re on vacation. You want to sleep in. But there’s something magical about witnessing the start of the day—yes, even on vacation. On Oʻahu some popular spots include Lanikai Beach and along the Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail. On Maui hit Oneloa Beach (aka Ironwoods Beach in Kapalua), the summit of Haleakalā (reservations required) or any beach in Hāna. On Kauaʻi the best spots are Lydgate Beach at the mouth of Wailua River, Hanalei Bay and Polihale Beach. Get there before sunrise to experience the changing colors in the sky—then grab an early breakfast. Win win!
Book a Spa Day
Indulge in an oceanfront massage at the Fairmont Orchid on Hawaiʻi Island.
Photo: Courtesy of the Fairmont Orchid/Trevor Clark of CLARKBOURNE Creative
You’re on vacation—why not indulge? Most hotels offer spa services, including ones rooted in Hawaiian and Asian cultures. One of the most popular is lomilomi, a traditional method of kneading massage that helps relieve tension, remove toxins and rejuvenate the body. Couples can enjoy a massage together, friends can book group facials, and some spas even have services for kids and pregnant women.
Eat at a Farm
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Hawaiʻi is known for its farm-to-table cuisine—something you can find at neighborhood eateries and resort restaurants. But some local farms, which provide the produce to these restaurants, have their own culinary experiences. Oʻo Farm on Maui, for example, offers a tour and gourmet lunch prepared with fresh ingredients grown on the farm. The 25-acre certified organic Kahumanu Farm on Oʻahu has its own café with a great Saturday brunch. And the popular roadside café at Kahuku Farms on Oʻahu’s North Shore makes pizzas, soups and salads using its fresh produce. It’s also the only place in Hawaiʻi where you can get an açai bowl made with locally grown açai.
Learn Something New
The Ka’ūpūlehu Cultural Center at the Four Seasons Resort Hualālai on Hawaiʻi Island offers a variety of cultural classes.
Photo: Courtesy of the Four Seasons Resort Hualālai
One of the best things about traveling to Hawaiʻi is the opportunity to learn more about the Islands and its rich culture. You could take a culinary class—the Moana Surfrider, for example, offers cooking classes—or go on a bird walk with the Hawaiʻi Audubon Society to learn more about Hawaiʻi’s special birds. But there’s no better place in the world to learn about the Hawaiian culture than in the Islands. Most big hotels and resorts offer cultural classes and experiences—the Four Seasons specializes in this, and the Outrigger Kāʻanapali Beach Resort on Maui offers classes in hula, ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, lei-making and more—and some retailers, like the Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikīkī and Nā Mea Hawaiʻi in Honolulu, have classes in a variety of traditional practices taught by cultural practitioners. Check with your hotel for options.
Visit a Different Island
Sweetheart Rock at Manele Bay on Lānaʻi.
Photo: Getty Images/M Swiet Productions
Most travelers to Hawaiʻi are repeat visitors—and many stick to the island they love the best. But why not plan a visit—or even a day trip—to an island you haven’t explored yet? Avid hikers will love the diversity of trails on Hawaiʻi Island, particularly in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Families will love all the kid-friendly activities on Maui. Frequent visitors will love the slower pace on Molokaʻi. And anyone looking for a true escape should consider Lānaʻi.
Read More: Which Hawaiian Island is Perfect for You?
Give Back
Volunteering around Hawai‘i is a great way to meet new friends and to talk to locals.
Photo: Hawai‘I Tourism Authority (HTA)/Heather Goodman
One of the things that makes Hawaiʻi so special is the relationship between people and place. It’s something you’ll feel when you mālama, or give back. Many local organizations have programs geared toward visitors, where you can spend a day or a few hours volunteering to do everything from working in a loʻi (irrigated terrace often for growing taro) to removing invasive algae from nearshore reefs. The Mālama Hawaiʻi Program provides a list of volunteer opportunities for travelers. (Some hotels offer discounts to volunteers, too.) Plant native trees, clean a beach, work on a farm—there’s something for everyone. And, in return, you’ll gain a greater appreciation for the Islands, its people, culture and unique beauty.
Spend a Day Doing Nothing
Wish you were here?
Photo: Getty Images/EpicStockMedia
We often fill our schedules with way too much to do on vacation—and I get it. We want to pack as much as we can into the very short amount of time you’re in the Islands. (Hey, it’s not cheap to get here!) But remember—this is a vacation. You should take some time to unwind, relax on the beach, read a book, just do nothing. Trust us, you won’t regret it.
