But one point from four games has cast doubt on even their Europa League credentials, with Saturday's defeat at Motherwell allowing their opponents to close to within five points in fifth place.
Manager Hughes, who revealed last month his side were under orders to finish third, told Hibernian TV: "I don't want any of us to be sitting around on our holidays reflecting on a season that was ultimately disappointing.
"Let's make sure we are there looking forward to returning and playing in Europe.
"There is plenty of motivation then out there for us to go and do the job, so I'm saying to the players, one game at a time, go out and win your football matches - do whatever it takes to win."
Hughes admitted there was no hiding the fact Hibs had their worst week of the season last week, when they lost at Rangers, St Johnstone and Motherwell inside six days.
"It was a bad week - there is no point though in talking around games like the one at St Johnstone," said Hughes, whose side were thrashed 5-1 at McDiarmid Park last Wednesday.
"We were looking for a response on Saturday at Motherwell and it was certainly a case of horses for courses."
Striker Colin Nish and Hughes were both sent off against Saints, while midfielder Liam Miller followed against Motherwell.
Hughes added: "Over this last week, there have been one or two things that have just gone against us, Nish being sent off, I let myself down, Liam was sent off.
"This has knocked us a little bit but we need to regroup and get going again; if we keep battling away then we will turn it around."
After a hat-trick of away games, Hibs now face three in a row at home, starting with Saturday's visit of Saints.
"St Johnstone have given us a hard time this season," said Hughes, who all but confirmed Derek Riordan and Merouane Zemmama would be recalled for this weekend's game.
"They beat us 3-1 in the (Co-operative Insurance) Cup and then there was that doing last week.
"But we are at home again on Saturday, we have turned our place into a bit of a fortress and if I can get guys like Derek Riordan and Merouane Zemmama playing out there on our own pitch then that is when I think we are at our best."
Source: Team Talk
Source: Team Talk