4 Hawaiian Resorts That Make National Wellness Month A Yearlong Event

With seemingly every day and month of the calendar year "dedicated" to a national celebration of such across-the-board topics as fajitas (yesterday was National Fajita Day, in case you missed it!), donuts, lima beans and more, it can be hard to keep track of what you're supposed to be honoring at any given moment (not to mention why).

But one "national month" we're definitely on board with is August or National Wellness Month, in case you're late to the game. After all, healthier is happier. And if this revelation caught you off guard, not to worry.

These four Hawaiian resorts are making wellness something you can plan year-round by taking a vacation designed to do a body good, putting it into motion through fun outdoor activities, most of which won't cost an extra dime. 

After all, Hawaiians value the importance of nanea—the concept of relaxation of the mind, body, and spirit. And whether it's August 15 (National Wellness Day), the month of August (National Wellness Month), or any day of the year, for that matter, vacations to these properties are definitely good for body, mind, and spirit. 

Picture yourself perched atop Puu Kekaa (Black Rock) on Kaanapali Beach at the spectacular Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa when you book one of the Moana Oceanfront guest rooms. You'll feel like you're floating above the ocean here, and just gazing out at the perpetual rhythms of the Pacific from your patio is soothing enough. 

But when you start the day with self-guided yoga on the front lawn at Moana using the resort's complimentary mats, restoring your inner balance is par for the course (plus: million-dollar views). If you prefer guided classes, the resort offers sunrise yoga, slow flow, and stretch and release classes. 

Any stay at Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa—a historic hotel on Waikiki Beach that first opened its doors in 1901—comes with instant escapism and relaxation. And you can level up your own wellness motivation, too, when you take part in the resort's complimentary morning Ho'ala Ritual, which plays out right on the beautiful beachfront. 

The ritual is designed to invigorate and renew your mind and spirit, and a cultural advisor is your guide as you're walked through the motions and meaning of the ritual and take part in a brief chant before being invited to step mindfully into the ocean. It's all for the purpose of making an intentional start to what will hopefully be another great day ahead in Hawaii.

More spiritual bathing wellness is on offer for guests of The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki when they rise and shine to partake in the ancient Hawaiian ritual of Hiuwai, one of the hotel's complimentary offerings. 

Don your bathing suit for a spiritual bathing experience in the healing waters of Waikiki at Kawehewehe, a location that Hawaiians have visited for centuries in their belief that elements in the water can help heal spiritual and physical ailments. The re-energizing tradition is designed to spark self-reflection, purification, and spiritual rebirth. 

Ask any surfer and they'll tell you that the quest to ride waves is a spiritual activity as much as a physical one. And The Royal Hawaiian as well as the Sheraton Waikiki, another fabulous oceanfront resort, can put you in the water and waves with a Waikiki Beachboy for customized surf lessons that are a full-body workout (not to mention a heck of a lot of fun). Lessons start from $85 per person.