Top Destinations for Holiday Travel: Hawaii, Cancun and Japan

As travelers get ready for the holiday season, Hilton has released the most searched and top trending destinations (based on the largest increase in search year-over-year) for the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Warm weather locales continue to be a popular travel destination for the holidays, but Hilton is seeing an increase in travelers looking to visit Japan for the break.

MOST SEARCHED [based on volume of searches during a set timeframe – see methodology below]

1. Hawaii

Whether looking to relax before 2025 or have a week filled with adventure – or both!  Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort offers plenty of activities for the whole family. This holiday season will include pictures with and letters to Santa, ornament-making, choir performances and delicious holiday menus. Our five outdoor pools, the beach, as well as a starlight luau and lei making, will also promise this holiday week is filled with lots of memories.

1. Cancun

Step into the enchantment of a Venetian Carnival this New Year’s Eve at Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort. Enjoy a day full of captivating shows, vibrant live entertainment, and poolside beats from a DJ. As night falls, the excitement builds with special surprises leading up to a dazzling midnight fireworks display.

1. Orlando

Start new holiday traditions this year at Conrad Orlando. The hotel is filled with holiday spirit thanks to Conrad Carolers, elf visits and guest room storytime, poolside holiday movies and reindeer games scavenger hunts.

1. New York

If you are looking to be part of the action on New Year’s Eve, Tempo by Hilton Times Square offers a series of rooms with ball drop views – a great place to view this iconic event but from the comfort of your room. Those wanting to take in the view live from Times Square can also purchase VIP access to the live ball drop, complete with security escort to and from the hotel’s private viewing area.

1. Las Vegas

For travelers looking to recharge before New Year’s Eve, Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas offers a few treatments that allow guests to disconnect and reduce mental stress. The Essential Stress Release treatment features a full body exfoliation and customized aromatherapy warm stone massage, followed by a face and scalp massage to encourage deep relaxation before heading out to the strip. 

Data based on searches on Hilton.com in the US from 1/1/2024 – 10/30/2024 for stays of five days or more between December 21, 2024 and January 3, 2025 

WHAT’S TRENDING [based on the largest increase in search year-over-year]

1. Kyoto

Travelers using the holiday week to explore Japan will want to stop at Hilton Kyoto which opened earlier this fall. The hotel is surrounded by Buddhist temples, Zen Gardens and Shinto Shrines and is close to world heritage sites Nijo Castle and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Foodies will enjoy authentic Japanese delicacies at nearby Nishiki Market and Pontocho.

1. Turks and Caicos

New this holiday season, Hilton Honors travelers can earn and redeem Points for stays at nearly 400 participating Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Turks and Caicos is trending this holiday season on Hilton.com, with the brand new South Bank, an SLH Hotel, as the perfect spot for a homebase, thanks to its striking villas feeling like a private island residence. Spend the day by the pool, relax on the beach, or head out with a dedicated boat concierge to discover tucked-away coves.

1. Tokyo

Slow travel, or the desire to travel like a local, continues to trend for 2025, and for travelers to Japan, Conrad Tokyo can connect guests with incredible ways to experience Japanese culture. From kintsugi workshops where guests can learn a traditional Japanese technique of restoring broken ceramic vessels to meditating with a priest from a Zen temple to exploring the city on foot with jogging and walking routes, these experiences will leave lasting memories as travelers close out the year.

1. Osaka

Travelers stopping in Osaka this holiday season will want to check out Japan’s first Canopy by Hilton hotel, Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda. Located within the expansive GRAND GREEN OSAKA urban complex, the hotel is surrounded by UMEKITA PARK, lifestyle stores, and community spaces. The property offers Canopy bicycle rentals, perfect for exploration, or stop by the hotel’s !JaJa!Bar, to enjoy unparalleled views of the city.

1. Costa Rica

According to Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report, 1 in 4 travelers plan to seek unique experiences and Botanika Osa Peninsula, Curio Collection by Hilton is the ideal location for a holiday adventure. After a day of ziplining through the treetops, hiking through the rainforest or paddling alongside marine life, relax at the hotel’s pools, wellness spa or beach.

Data based on increase in search on Hilton.com in the US from 1/1/2024 – 10/30/2024 for stays of five days or more between December 21, 2024 and January 3, 2025