Want to know what’s new and happening in the Aloha State next year? We get Hawai’i Tourism Oceania to spill the tea on all the new and refreshed hotel openings, tourism initiatives, hotel offerings, tour experiences and more across the Hawaiian Islands.
There’s always something on the horizon in the Hawaiian Islands. Find out the latest info on Maui, Lānaʻi, O’ahu, Kauaʻi and the Island of Hawai’i.
Maui
The idyllic island of Maui welcomes culturally enhanced suites and villas and reef-safe sunscreen at beaches.
Ho‘omaka Hou at Fairmont Kea Lani
Guests can check-in to experience Fairmont Kea Lani’s Ho‘omaka Hou (A New Beginning) Transformation Project from 6 January 2023. The resort’s suites and villas are reimagined to reflect Maui’s rich cultural heritage, blending ancient Hawaiian tradition with modern elegance. The newly enhanced, expansive layouts are designed to create gathering spaces for a welcoming home-away-from-home.
Free reef-safe sunscreen
The Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau (MVCB) has partnered with Raw Elements, SPF products with certified organic ingredients, plus the Department of Land & Natural Resources, Maui County Parks & Recreation, Pūlama Lānaʻi, Whalerʻs Village and community organisations to provide 20 mineral-only sunscreen dispensers at high-traffic beaches in Maui County. In the spirit of regenerative tourism, the dispensers are free, benefitting kamaʻāina (residents), malihini (visitors) and kai (ocean) ecosystems.
Lānaʻi
In 2023, visitors to the privately owned island of Lānaʻi can embark on a new holistic mind, body and wellbeing experience.
New wellness journey at Sensei Lanai
Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort was recently named the number-one resort in Hawai‘i in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards. The perfect place to relax and unwind, the adults-only resort recently launched its new wellness program. From guided, personalised journeys to Discover Sensei wellness and island activities and even a five-day Optimal Wellbeing Program, this is the place to enjoy a wellness vacation with benefits you can take back to your everyday life.
O’ahu
O’ahu’s 2023 highlights include a new Waikiki Beach hotel and feel-good mālama (“give back”) guest experiences.
Wayfinder Waikiki debuts
Waikiki’s newest boutique hotel, Wayfinder Waikiki has its grand opening in January, following a multimillion-dollar transformation from The Waikiki Sand Villa Hotel. Wayfinder Waikiki brings immersive design and homegrown talent to a multilayered hotel experience. Surfing the wave of Waikiki’s free-spirited energy, the rooms and poolside studios will be stocked with features, including custom robes, Grown Alchemist amenities and local art.
New mālama experiences at Kualoa Ranch
Kualoa Ranch offers new mālama experiences at its private nature reserve and working cattle ranch. The Mālama Uka Experience sees guests plant a native koa tree following Native Hawaiian island protocols, while the Mālama Kula Experience invites people to sink their feet into an ancient loʻi kalo (irrigated taro terrace) and learn about the Hawaiian staple crop. Guests can also enjoy a hands-on visit to the ranch’s oceanside Moliʻi Fishpond, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, in a Mālama Kai Experience.
Kauaʻi
Travellers to Kauaʻi can stay at a new sustainable luxury resort, enjoy immersive farm tours and visit a permit-only state park.
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay opens
Formerly the Princeville Resort, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay reopens in February 2023 after closing for two years for a massive USD$250 million makeover. The world-class wellness resort and flagship sustainable sanctuary on the North Shore is designed with 252 transformed rooms and suites. It features a wellness centre; renovated pools, plus a new adult pool; and a spa and fitness centre, too.
Common Ground Farm Tours
Common Ground Kaua‘i will resume its Farm Tours again in 2023. The multisensory experience is a scavenger hunt on agricultural land for canoe crops first propagated by Polynesian explorers. Guests can visit Common Ground’s regenerative food forest, filling a plate to sample and then enjoy a light family-style meal fresh from the farm as part of a guided experience.
Hā‘ena State Park permit
In 2023, Hā‘ena State Park, which includes Kē‘ē Beach, Hanakāpī‘ai Falls and the Kalalau Trail, will require a paid permit to access. Permits are available online at gohaena.com up to 30 days in advance. Parking and individual entry passes sell out extremely quickly. A Kaua‘i North Shore Shuttle pass (via gohaena.com) includes entry into the park and is a good alternative transport option for those without a valid permit.
Island of Hawaiʻi
Making headlines in 2022, be sure to visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park next year and book a stay at a new Kohala Coast resort.
See volcanoes on show
For the first time in 38 years, Maunaloa, the world’s largest volcano, erupted between 27 November– 10 December 2022. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is the crown jewel of Hawai’i island as well as a must-see when visiting the island. Kailani Tours offers great guided options, focusing on the stories behind the sights. For the most spectacular view, book a helicopter ride with Paradise Helicopters.
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort opens its doors
The Rosewood Kona Village welcomes guests from 1 July 2023 after an extensive renovation that saw the 1960s-era resort close in 2011 due to tsunami damage. Now revitalised as a Rosewood property, Kona Village spans 32 hectares. It contains 150 standalone and secluded guest hales (palm-thatched roof structures) each with a private lanai and an outdoor shower.
Want to stay up-to-date on all Hawaiian Island happenings? Head to gohawaii.com/au
Advisors can also access destination updates via agents.gohawaii.com