During the cold winter months, it’s no secret we all want to get away to tropical destinations to enjoy sunshine and beautiful weather. While vacationing is good for the soul, many of us get off track when it comes to maintaining our healthy lifestyles. In Hawaii, fitness and wellness are all around, making it easy to combine fun and relaxation with activities that are good for the body and mind. Here's how to start planning your trip when the weather gets chillier:
Take a Ride in an Outrigger Canoe
Outriggers are essentially sailing canoes, which are raced throughout Hawaii. It's a great way to get a piece of Hawaiian history while also exercising as you paddle along. Many resorts in Wailea, Maui, such as the Fairmont Kea Lani and Four Seasons Maui, offer hour-long complimentary outrigger canoe experiences as part of your stay at the properties.
Go for a Hike in Kauai
The views in Hawaii are breathtaking and one of the best ways to explore them is by foot. For those more adventurous, hiking along the Napali Coast will leave you with breathtaking views of valleys, waterfalls and more, which you can also see via helicopter or boat if you prefer. There is also an easier option along the south shore of the island, the Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail, which is a four mile round-trip hike along the coastline.
Try Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
Hawaii is the perfect place to do this activity, and it happens to be a great, fun workout. There are places to rent paddle boards all over the Hawaiian islands. On Kauai, a great place for first-timers is Kayak Hanalei because the route is along the smooth Hanalei River. You can also pick up your SUP at Blue Planet Surf in Oahu and head over to Ala Moana, which is a calm bay area. If you’re looking for more of an adventure, Kona’s Kealakekua Bay is home to the Captain Cook Monument, which you can only access via SUP or kayak. No matter where you end up, take a waterproof camera with you so you can capture the scenery around you.
Unwind and Reflect at a Yoga Retreat
The Kalani Oceanside Retreat on the Big Island has a wide range of options, from individual retreats and group workshops, to sabbatical and community life experiences. Lumeria Maui’s daily schedule offers meditation, yoga, Hawaiian heritage, movement, ecology and thought classes, and guests stay in one of 24 unique guest houses.
Indulge in Meals with Fresh, Local Ingredients
Kō Garden in Wailea, Maui offers family recipes—from Hawaiian, Chinese, Filipino, Portuguese, Korean and Japanese heritages—using the island’s fresh produce, meat and seafood. Those looking for healthy options can order from the Lifestyle Cuisine menu. At the bar, order one of many unique cocktails that use Maui-grown fruits and herbs, which are fresh and delicious. Merriman’s, which has locations on Kauai, Maui and the Big Island, features line-caught island fish and Big Island grass-fed beef. Try the Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi or anything on special. In Honolulu, you’ll find Hawaiian fare and cocktails—unagi and butterfish arancini, kurobuta pork chop, cucumber yuzu fizz and more—made from locally sourced ingredients at MW Restaurant.
Indulge in a Spa Day
There are lots of amazing spas to choose from in Hawaii. On Maui, try Spa Montage or the The Ritz-Carlton Spa, both in Kapalua, where the vibe on the island is quieter than other parts. Other top-rated spas include the Anara Spa at Grand Hyatt Kauai and the Mauna Lani Spa on Hawaii’s Big Island.
Take Your Favorite Exercise Class
Many hotels now offer a variety of fitness classes to cater to different fitness routines and make it easy for guests to get involved in by hosting them on site, free of charge. The Fairmont Kea Lani in Maui recently launched Inspire Your Energy, a program designed to meet guests’ personal fitness and wellness needs, with an expanded fitness schedule that includes everything from personal training, yoga and barre, to boot camp, meditation breathing, aqua fitness and more. Additionally, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Oahu offers more than 15 unique classes, such as sunrise tai chi and yoga, paddle fitness and TRX body blast.
Take a Surf Lesson
There are shops with rentals and lessons all over the islands, so you won’t have any trouble finding those. Great spots to surf include Waikiki and the North Shore of Oahu, Lahaina and Kihei in Maui, Poipu and Hanalei in Kauai, and Kahaluu Beach Park on Hawaii’s Big Island.
Hit the Links
Enjoy this activity because you love golf, beautiful views of the ocean, or both. Not only are many of the golf courses on the islands of Hawaii top-notch (and the sites of pro golf tournaments), but they also offer incredible views. Even if you don't golf, but your significant other does, go along for the golf cart ride for nine holes, sit back and take it all in. Top courses include the Plantation Course at Kapalua (Maui), Makai Princeville (Kauai) and Mauna Kea (Big Island).
Relax and Watch the Sunset and Toast to the Good Life
On the northern side of Kauai, the St. Regis Bar is a great place to watch the sunset as it’s set high up, has a deck, offers a beautiful view and a champagne sabering ritual each evening. Named after the beautiful tree on site, the Beach Tree Bar and Lounge on the Big Island is also a picturesque spot to watch the sunset on the beach, with delicious drinks and appetizers including tuna crudo and mahi tacos. A great spot on Oahu is House Without a Key, which not only is ideal for sunsets, but also boasts one of the island’s best mai tais.
