With almost half of Americans identifying fall as their favorite season, what better way to savor the cooler months than by going on a one-of-a-kind autumn adventure? 

Whether it’s a long getaway to immerse in the scenic fall colors or a trip to enjoy local cultural festivities, there are these six can’t-miss fall vacations for every type of traveller below.

UNITED STATES

Halekulani
Honolulu, Hawaii

This fall, the iconic luxury beachfront resort is offering two unforgettable experiences, ideal for foodie and wellness travelers. On Sept. 13 & 14, Halekulani is hosting an exclusive French culinary experience including a five-course gourmet dinner with special wine pairings held at La Mer in a collaboration with Imperial Hotel Tokyo’s Chef du Cuisine Les Saisons and Executive Chef of La Mer’s Alexandre Trancher. In October, the hotel welcomes back the Art of Wellbeing Visiting Masters Series with Michael Solis (one of LA’s most sought-after hairdressers), who will host “Hair Care Beyond Beauty” from Oct. 12-18.

Royal Hawaiian Center
Honolulu, Hawaii

Say aloha to autumn with the 77^th Annual Aloha Festivals, the largest Hawaiian cultural festival in the U.S. Royal Hawaiian Center, Waikiki’s premier retail, cultural and dining destination, is the host for the Aloha Festivals Opening Ceremony on Sept. 9 at the Center’s Royal Grove. The evening will feature hula and musical performances on the revered land of Kamehameha Schools – the perfect backdrop for this year’s theme of Piliʻāina, to have kinship with the land. What’s more, Royal Hawaiian Center is hosting their annual Halloween Keiki Costume Contest on Oct. 29, free and open to the public – a fun fall experience for the whole family!

Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani
Honolulu, Hawaii

This stunning Waikiki retreat is the ideal place to stay for the Aloha Festivals activities throughout September. Enjoy celebrations such as The Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a on Sept. 23, Hawai‘i’s largest annual block party featuring local food, music and entertainment. For more cultural fun, Halepuna guests also receive complimentary admission to Oahu’s greatest cultural venues, The Bishop Museum, Honolulu Museum of Art and Manoa Heritage Center (just show a room key!).

The Knickerbocker
New York, New York

The city that never sleeps is also the city with some of the best 2023 fall foliage, according to U.S. News & World Report. Plan an urban leaf-peeping trip with a stay at The Knickerbocker hotel, centrally located between all the best fall foliage hotspots like Bryant Park, Central Park and the Hudson River Parkway, and equidistant from Brooklyn’s Prospect Park and the Bronx’s New York Botanical Garden. Guests can elevate their fall experience at the hotel’s crown jewel, the St. Cloud rooftop, soaking up iconic views of Times Square and the famed New Year’s Ball, just months before the ultimate New Year’s Eve party.

JAPAN

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO
Kyoto, Japan

As Japan gears up for the annual Otsukimi (or the “moon-viewing”) festival on Sept. 29, HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO has prepared an exclusive experience for guests to immerse in the centuries-old Japanese tradition. Guests can take part in a limited-time Otsukimi Art Tour this September, an evening guided by lanterns, exploring the hotel’s historic artwork and architecture, followed by a traditional tea ceremony. Another reason to visit Kyoto in the fall? Magical colors emerge during the peak foliage period of mid-November to early December.

Halekulani Okinawa
Onna, Okinawa, Japan

Expand cultural horizons this fall at Halekulani Okinawa with offerings to celebrate two notable cultural holidays in October. Guests can honor Okinawa Soba Day (Oct. 17) all month long at House Without A Key where Japanese Head Chef Yuichi Mitsui uses authentic Okinawan flour soba noodles in an original umami-flavored soup in the nourishing Okinawa Soba with Pork Ribs. Guests seeking a more active experience can celebrate Okinawa Karate Day (Oct. 25) – Okinawa is the birthplace of karate – with the property’s Discover the Island’s Mabui (Soul) program, featuring lessons from a master of traditional Okinawan karate. Participants learn the history of how the martial art strengthens the connection between mind and body; guests even receive a monogrammed karate uniform!