It also provides visitors with an in-depth look at the people who currently inhabit the islands and a glimpse into the other world of mystical creatures who watch over Hawaii. When Hawaii reopened after seven months of lockdown and mandatory quarantining on October 15, I booked my flight to the Island of Hawaii (also known as the "the Big Island"), the . It is, in a word, special. On Maui, restaurants and bars must limit occupancy to no more than 50% of the maximum capacity, and tables have to maintain a six-foot distance both indoors and outdoors. The nonstop flight time from San Francisco to Honolulu is just about five hours. Hawaii is home to an abundance of cacao trees, and the island chain produces some of the tastiest chocolate in the world. I headed to Paia Fish Market in Kihei, and with the line out the door, I hoped I was in for a treat. Both of the islands only have 74 active cases at the moment. Youll need your passport and may have to exchange currency, though many island vendors will accept U.S. dollars, and some islands do officially use the U.S. dollar. If youre looking for an itinerary like that, research British Airways fifth-freedom island-hopping routes in the Caribbean that do go between certain islands on certain days, starting at just 4,500 points in each direction. Travel to Hawaii during Covid-19: What you need to know before you go Hawaii visitors must provide evidence of a negative Covid-19 test. She contributes to publications including. No reservations are necessary. Renting a kayak is one of the best ways to explore the islands by water. Rooted in its own history, each island has a distinct feel, so lumping them together isnt fair in many ways. Hawaii is home to 137 islands, eight of which are inhabited. 3, Maui is beloved for its something-for-everyone attractions, from rain forests to national parks and 30 miles of beaches, as well as its five-star lodgings and what one reader deemed "amazing food. The beach is likely a major draw whether you plan to vacation in Hawaii or the Caribbean. We made it! Do your prep work. What to Know About Ongoing Protests, An Epic Trip and Food Fans Delight Along This Dreamy European River, Discover Insider Wineries, Stunning National Parks, and More of This Destinations Delights, Bask in Family-Friendly Fun in the Heart of This Island Destination, For a Wild West Adventure, Head to These 10 Family-Friendly Ranches and Lodges, This Is the Destination Families Cant Get Enough of Right Now, According to Travel Experts, How to Earn and Burn Hotel Points This Summer. Related: Why you should fly Hawaiian Airlines to Hawaii. "It is stunning," wrote one reader. With beautiful ocean views, the restaurant exuded a safe, comfortable atmosphere. If youre a fan of powder-soft white sand and crystal-clear blue water, the Caribbean may have more options. You can rent a car using your state-issued drivers license and the rules of the road are the same as they are at home in the Lower 48. It is known for its endless adventure options, beaches ranging from mild to rough waters, hiking in rain forests, black-sand deserts, Volcanoes National Park with two active volcanoesand great places to stay. Currently, all travelers must either undergo a 10-day quarantine or if traveling from a handful of countries (listed above) to any island . The museum also offers special limited-time exhibits that offer something for the whole family. You will find many places along the way where it is easy to rent a paddleboard for the day. The memorial now stands as a historic attraction, welcoming millions of visitors a year. They're consistently among T+L readers' favorite destinations; three of them appear not only here but also on this year's list of best islands in the world. Both destinations have fantastic, balmy weather year-round, palm trees and fragrant tropical flowers, white- or black-sand beaches, forests filled with hiking trails, plenty of offshore activities and a ton of ways to get there and stay with miles and points. Generally speaking, areas that have been hosting tourists for decades or even generations may have a higher service level of service delivery than the island time you may experience in other regions newer to the industry. Suddenly, two curious whales breached the surface of the water, not 50 feet away. After the sun sets, sail the warm waters with the lights of Honolulu as your backdrop. If you are lucky, you may have the chance to experience some mild seismic activity, hearing the boom of gas emissions, or even seeing a pillar of ash escaping into the air. A Black American Traveler Shares His Experience of Visiting Africa for the First Time, What It Was Like Going on a Safari Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic, I Traveled to Hawaii During the Coronavirus Pandemic Here's What It Was Like, Maui Has Become a Go-to Destination for Pandemic-era Travelers Here's How to Experience It Beyond the Beaches, travel procedures amid the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope that this year's honorees will inspire your own travels as you get back out into the world. Even though the state has put forth tough restrictions in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is still open to tourism and there is much to see and do in the Hawaiian Islands. The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. Depending on what part of the U.S. you call home, it could be easier to get to either the Caribbean or Hawaii. Want more information about what you have reador have any other questions? But unlike drivable U.S. destinations, which saw a surge in summer visitors, Hawaii's beaches remained quiet and . But here are the best times to visit Hawaii and best times to visit the Caribbean. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. 1 spot (though it still made the world's best islands list). Lanai is great for a quiet trip or honeymoon because there isnt an urge to do a great deal., Statue of legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku on the beach in Waikiki, Oahu. But the south side is much drier and home to Hawaiis version of the Grand Canyon, Waimea Canyon.. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); #mc_embed_signup{background:#000000; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; width:100%;} The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has lifted its requirement for travelers to test negative for Covid-19 before entering the United States. Sargassum Seaweed In Florida: 2023 Latest Updates And Photo Reports, This Island In Scotland Is Up For Sale And Cheaper Than Youd Think, L.A. Travelers To Reach Las Vegas In Record Time With New High-Speed Train, Digital Nomads Are Key For Portugals Development, Says Government, 7 Amazing Cities For Digital Nomads Where You Can Live For $1000 Per Month, Ecuador Launches Its Digital Nomad Visa Program To Attract Remote Workers, 26 Best Places To Visit in May 2023 in USA (TOP Picks! The Caribbean has kid-focused resorts such as the Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana and family-friendly, all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and beyond. Papaklea Beach or Green sand beach, Big Island, Hawaii. A negative COVID-19 test result or a vaccination record document must be uploaded to the Safe Travel portal to obtain . The basics. Of course, there are also beaches with a more traditional look for example, the basically perfect Mauna Kea beach on the Big Island. The following Southwest credit cards are offering a 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months. Next, it's important to register online for the Safe Travels program prior to boarding the final leg of your trip. Once complete, you'll be issued a QR code that allows airport officials to verify your information and approve your stay in the Aloha State. Starbucks was the only food establishment open in the interisland terminal when we traveled. These islands offer a wealth of natural beauty and a perfect summer getaway for all types of travelers. Best Things to Do in Kauai #1 Napali Coast #2 Waimea Canyon and Koke'e State Park #3 Kalalau Trail See Full Ranking List Outdoor Activities Hughes 500 Helicopter - 4 guests max with no middle. Photo: by Laura Dornbush. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Those who traveled to the main islands of Oahu, Maui, the Big Island or Kauai returned home to regale their friends with tales of soaring cliffs, snorkeling adventures, whale watching, tropical flowers and volcanoes. As long as the virus is alive and well, staying at home is your safest option. As I enjoyed a drink and observed the sun dropping into the sea, any anxiety I had of traveling alone during the holidays melted away. He recommends the Lodge at Kukuiula for one- to five-bedroom rentals with their own oceanfront and the newer luxury Timbers complex, right in the main town of Lihue, with residences up to 3,000 square feet. But theres so much more to Hawaii (and the Caribbean) than the resorts. For example, we found flights to St. Croix from a number of East Coast cities for under $100 round-trip in August. Car break-ins are common in the Hawaiian Islands and some Caribbean islands have had problems with pushy vendors on public beaches. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. At that moment, I knew I had arrived in paradise. If you like the idea of an all-inclusive resort where your accommodations, meals and beverages and entertainment are bundled into one price, look to the Caribbean. What started as a family holiday reunion in Maui ended with a disappointing, but sensible, call: "Honey," my dad said. This was not what I had expected or prepared for! Whatever you choose to do, Hawaii will always be a dream destination. Prices can vary from reasonable to expensive, depending on when and where you travel. Molokai is most definitely a destination off the beaten path. >> Next: Hawaii Quarantine to Be Lifted on October 15, AFAR participates in affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a commission if you purchase an item featured on our site. 2023 AFAR Media, Is Flying This Summer Going to Be a Repeat of the 2022 Air Travel Mess? Hawaii has more than 750 miles of coastline and more beaches than you can count, and every one of them offers kayak rentals by the hour or day. Sitting at a picnic table outside and drinking ros, I had my first bite of the white, flaky fish lathered in garlic butter, which explained the long line of diners. Americans can currently visit Hawaii, and fully-vaccinated travelers no longer need to get pre-tested or quarantine upon arrival. The Chocolate Factory tour is open for business during Covid. Fly out first. For those in the middle and eastern parts of the U.S., the Caribbean is also much easier on kids when it comes to jet lag. And as of November 20, the Four Seasons Resort Maui will reopen, with five Safe on Maui innovations, including 24/7 onsite medical care, a collaboration with PS at LAX (a private airport experience), pretravel COVID-19 testing resources, a virtual classroom for kids, and in-room air purifiers that clean the room every 30 minutes. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. This hike is challenging and steep, but the people who conquer it say the views are worth the effort. Editor's Note: Those who choose to travel are strongly encouraged to check local government restrictions, rules, and safety measures related to COVID-19 and take personal comfort levels and health conditions into consideration before departure. It was a surreal and unforgettable experience. Visit authentic villages and meet the local people, enjoy a fun and festive traditional dinner and luau, experience a one of a kind fire show with more than 100 Polynesian performers and take a personalized Circle Island tour. When will international travel return? There, you'll complete a health questionnaire and upload your negative test result. Michael King, a travel advisor based in Kansas City with Largay Travel, has visited Hawaii more than 15 times and has spent a lot of time on the Big Island. 2x points on all other eligible purchases. Related: Review of cruising the Caribbean on the Disney Dream. The North Shores famous bike path will take you alongside some of the most picturesque beaches that Hawaii has to offer. You could use a Marriott up to 35,000-point certificate from the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card, for example, in both destinations. The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. Southwest and Alaska Airlines routes to Hawaii are a boon to West Coast travelers. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. It is also one of the most popular spots for a photoshoot. The latest On December 17, the Hawai'i Department of Health urged people on the islands to exercise caution as Covid-19 surged. People come from all over the world for Hawaiis waters, and the island chain is a major draw for surfers. They werent lying and the tourists followed. Oahus top attraction, the Polynesian Cultural Center is one of the best places to explore the rich culture of the Pacific Islands. You have to get further up the coast where the beaches are wider, and even there, the water can be fairly rough.. If you truly want to discover the geology, history, wilderness, and other hidden wonders of the Garden Isle of Kaua, a helicopter tour may turn into the best adventure choice you can make when visiting Hawaii. Theres enhanced Wi-Fi to stay connected everywhere on the 53-acre property. Disneys Aulani resort on Oahu is one option if you want kid-focused and Hawaii all in one. For those considering a luau, you'll be immersed in authentic Hawaiian culture at the open-air Old Lhain L'au.Speaking with Kawika Freitas, the director of public and cultural relations, I learned that luaus completely shifted to a new format to comply with Hawaii state and local COVID-19 mandates. If youre interested in less conventional beaches, Hawaii has them in pink, green, red and even black sands. Many of these plants and creatures have made the Maui Ocean Center their home, and a visit to this aquarium is a must-do on any new travelers list. But there is plenty to do, says Kingbeaches, snorkeling, humpback whale viewing during January and early February, golf courses, and fine dining, like the famous Mamas Fish House. 2. 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping, 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases, Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points), Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status, Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award. After landing at Kahului Airport, I stepped off the plane into a different line where my personal QR code was checked to show proof of my negative COVID-19 test. LESLIE HARVEY/THE POINTS GUY If youre worried about crowds in either location, avoid peak dates when lots of families travel near holidays, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and spring break. We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. This year's World's Best Awards survey was open for voting January 11 through May 10, 2021, as destinations around the world were lifting COVID-19 restrictions. Kids love this tour as well. Certain hotels have resort fees. Related: Island-hopping on Southwest Airlines in Hawaii. You can hike, sail, dive or snorkel in either destination, though whale watching is definitely better in Hawaii. Set on a gorgeous backdrop of swaying palms and positioned on top of a lava bed, this golf course is ringed by the breathtaking Kiawe forests. Check here before booking an award fare. Stash some snacks. The Starbucks line at Honolulu International Airport. This day tour departs from Maui, Big Island and Kauai. Temperatures remain . Get your heart pumping and visit some of the island chains most famous beaches by bike. You will be provided with noise-canceling headphones while listening to the history and other interesting facts about the places you are seeing. We had a snack and used the restrooms in the terminal (they were clean!) And of course, a visit to Waikiki to see how the city meets the ocean with endless fine dining options and shopping. Young children unable to keep masks on and people withmedical conditions or disabilities whichpreventmask useare exempt. Thats an incredible value especially if youre flying to Hawaii. In March 2022, for example, there are nearly 90 ships sailing the Caribbean from embarkation ports like San Juan (Puerto Rico); Barbados; Fort-de-France (Martinique); Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, and Port Canaveral, Florida; New Orleans; Galveston, Texas; and Mobile, Alabama. Akaka Falls State Park is home to two gorgeous waterfalls and an abundance of lush tropical greenery that never fail to impress visitors. In fact, the longest line we encountered at the airport was for Starbucks! The two flagship properties are Four Seasons: the 213-room Four Seasons Resort Lanai, which overlooks the protected marine preserve of Hulopoe Bay, and Sensei Lanai, a Four Seasons Resort, a property focused primarily on wellness programs and activities, for ages 16+. Steep cliffs on the coast of Maui, as seen from the Road to Hana. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. It was a trip we were supposed to take Easter weekend and had been eagerly waiting to reschedule. My favorite is the Montage Kapalua Bay [reopening October 15] up at the north end of the island. Hawaii has its popular cultural show, the luau, that showcases hula dancing, fire twirling and traditional dishes like kalua pig and poi. You will see Sunset Beach, the Bonzai Pipeline and some of Oahus best surf breaks. Rush Processing; the relatively quicker and costlier option. Most people stay on the Kona side, where there is more sunshine and all the top resorts. You could stay in a favorite of Barack and Michelle Obamathe 5-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom, plantation-style Estate, recommended by Debbie Misajon of the Coconut Traveler. What the Experts Think, Have a Trip to Paris Planned? 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program. Book a guide to drive you up, so you can learn about the dormant volcanic crater and its history. ), Related: How to rent DVC points to stay at Aulani for less. I think they have the most pools and water activities for kids anywhere in Hawaii, with multiple swimming pools for different ages., Advisor Josh Alexander with Protravel International also loves the Montage Kapalua Bayspecifically, their private residences, which offer larger living spaces and with gourmet kitchens.. Molokai Molokai is the least visited island of Hawaii. 7. Heres an in-depth look at the all-inclusive beach resorts you can book on points in the Caribbean. The states capital, Honolulu, is also the site of the largest airport in the islands. On December 24, the Biden administration announced it would lift. Located 45 miles southwest of Hilo Island, the park is home to Kilauea and Mauna Loa, two of 5 spectacular volcanoes that form the Island of Hawaii. If you choose to stay in a participating resort, you can receive a free night for volunteering during your trip. The day of my departure, the Hawaiian Airlines check-in line was nonexistent. Bring easy-to-eat snacks, such asgranola bars or sandwiches that dont require you to come in contact with an airport table or plane tray table. If youve got hotel points from the major players like Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott and IHG, youll be able to spend them in either Hawaii or the Caribbean. Looking toward the back, I noticed travelers were more spread out, and that, indeed, the middle seats had been blocked off. But things still arent equal. Related: Little-known Caribbean islands to visit before everyone else. Add around 30 minutes if you leave from Los Angeles instead. Yamaguchi creates "Hawaii inspired Euro-Asian cuisine," as an homage to his family's roots. Getting on an airplane is now even more complicated with a new form, constantly changing policies and uncomfortable procedures, albeit necessary to keep our state healthy. Speaking of temperature, the lows can dip below freezing at the summit, so you'll want to bundle up. For Christmas dinner, I enjoyed an intimate experience at The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea, which offers panoramic views of the Hawaiian islands. 5. Research your Caribbean island choice to get a feel for whether youd feel comfortable exploring beyond your resort or not. The volcanoes national park in Hawaii is one of the few in the hemisphere that offers a unique close-up look at a chain of an active volcanoes system. No matter the destination, Travel + Leisure GO can turn your vacation dreams into reality. Rules are still changing regularly, so if youre planning to visit the Caribbean or Hawaii, look into current entry mandates before booking travel. Surfing is big in Hawaii, but its possible to surf in some parts of the Caribbean, too. A s soon as we were free to island-hop without a 14-day quarantine, my family boarded a flight from Honolulu to Kona. In my opinion, the best one is the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, close to Kona airport, with great golf but not a terrific beach. Your best bet for a seven-night voyage around the Hawaiian Islands is Norwegian Cruise Lines Pride of America or Uncruise Adventures Safari Explorer. Oahu Hidden Gems Tour + Snorkeling with Turtles And although this turbulent time has been about protecting yourself and others, the warmth of the Hawaiian people taught me that isolation doesn't have to mean alienation. Waianuenue Falls, often called Rainbow Falls, is a five-minute drive from downtown Hilo in Wailuku River State Park. (Youll even find an included kids club at Aulani. Sweet tooth holders rejoice! If you are concerned about the noise, dont be. With about 65,000 visitors, the island attracts only a fraction of all the tourists that visit the island group each year. Admission to the park area is $5 and hikers can enjoy a self-guided tour. Carry cleaning supplies. Find comfortable masks. Thats not a bad problem to have, but its just the type of problem TPG likes to help you solve. The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa; The Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas; The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, Ka'anapali; the Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort; and the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort have all scored well with TPG contributors and readers. HoMa features stories, films, Art After Dark, and Family Funday Sundays for residents and visitors alike. Then we breezed through TSA and were at our gate within 20 minutes. 4. Credit ranges are a variation of FICO Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application. Many five-star hotel clients also go to the Grand Hyatt Kauai on the south side of the island, says King. We watched the majestic sun rising below us with its multicolored hues, while one of the guides sang a Hawaiian song. We pulled our masks tighter, wiped every inch of the seat, buckled up and hoped for the best. There are volcanoes there, too, as well as secluded beaches and historic old towns with an unmistakable European flair. There are a lot of Caribbean islands, broken up in the following way: In Hawaii, the culture derives mainly from ancestral Hawaiian and Polynesian traditions (though Chinese, Japanese and other cultures have made a significant impression). You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Ever since Hawaii mandated a 14-day quarantine for all arrivals on March 26, it has been stop and go for reopening its borders. Unfortunately, it was too close to take-off to do anything about it. Humble Market Kitchin is a chef Roy Yamaguchi restaurant. Thank goodness it is a short flight! We were seated in row seven, totally surrounded by other passengers, including a stranger in our supposedly blocked middle seat. If youre lucky, you may even see a whale or dolphin dance by your boat. Everywhere you look will be surrounded by unique plants such as giant ti plants, birds of paradise, torch ginger, bamboo, and split leaf philodendron. Hawaiibetter known as the Big Islandis the largest of the island chain, with more than 10 diverse climate zones. In both cases, storm season starts in early June and ends at the end of November. Turks and Caicos is a pristine British overseas paradise made up of over 40 low-lying coral islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Related: Key things to know about Global Entry. Since it was my first time on the island, I knew I wanted to try the local, fresh fish. Island of Hawaii - Indoor social gatherings of more than 25 . Some brought blankets, while our charming guide provided warm jackets. I was so proud of Duke for wearing his mask, not throwing a tantrum when I refused the complimentary POG juice, and for putting up with constant hand sanitizer (we call it slimeto make it fun). Another great way to experience a Hawaiian sunset is on a stand-up paddleboard. The 243-room property has seven swimming pools, a full service spa, and a 1.8 million gallon swimmable aquarium with marine biologists at the ready to teach you about the 90 kinds of tropical fish that live in it. Haleakala is home to Maui's highest peak, soaring 10,023 feet above sea level. Hawaii recently rolled out a new program called Malama Hawaii, a new initiative that "encourages visitors to leave Hawaii better than when they arrived." With a 98 percent drop in tourism, travelers can get back to the feeling of what Hawaii used to feel likeand deeply engage with its culture in a more sustainable way. To adhere to safety regulations, the passenger numbers were limited for safe social distancing, and all tables were spaced six feet apart. Book it here. You get the certificate on your cards anniversary.