Best card for premium perks while traveling, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card, Southwest unveils stunning new Hawaii-themed aircraft, How to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for maximum value, IHG Rewards Premier Business card review: The annual fee is justified. Its miles and miles from the mainland 2,556 miles from Los Angeles, to be exact. However, when we boarded the plane, I was immediately taken aback by how crowded the aircraft appeared. Depending on what part of the U.S. you call home, it could be easier to get to either the Caribbean or Hawaii. Neither group of islands is likely to have many hotels at the lowest award rates, but there are resorts that cross the middle and upper ranges of the award spectrum. This was not what I had expected or prepared for! I felt safest choosing the most COVID-friendly outdoor activities. Related: Little-known Caribbean islands to visit before everyone else. Youll find hotels in both the Caribbean and Hawaii on various ends of the award spectrum. Which Of the 6 Hawaiian Islands Should You Visit? - AARP Makena Landing park, Waimea Bay, Hanalei River and Lanikai Beach are some of the most coveted spots for stand up paddleboarding. (This may explain why another reader said this destination is so beautiful that he honeymooned there twice with two different wives.). Rebecca Ascher-Walsh is a New York City-based journalist and author who specializes in celebrity and lifestyle coverage. You can do all the research and preparation, but know that there is bound to be some turbulencewhether it is a change in policy, a long line or a toddler tantrum. Where to stay We turned in ourState of Hawaii Traveler Health Forms and were cleared. Travel to Hawaii during Covid-19: What you need to know before you go 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. Most people stay on the Kona side, where there is more sunshine and all the top resorts. Thank goodness it is a short flight! I enjoyed the friendly conversation I had with a local, who showed me how to stitch as she shared stories about Hawaiian culture and how tourism in Maui has shifted amid the pandemic. The day of my departure, the Hawaiian Airlines check-in line was nonexistent. From Houston, Honolulu is about eight hours away by air, while a flight to Jamaica lasts about half as long, assuming youre booking nonstop flights. 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. Select your seats. You will also visit the Dole pineapple plantation and end the day with a snorkel with native turtles, referred to as Hona, by the locals. If you keep up with airline deals, you can luck out and find cheap fares to the Caribbean. Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Rooted in its own history, each island has a distinct feel, so lumping them together isnt fair in many ways. 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. But that isnt as true on every island. The catamaran offered open-air seating, and I was required to answer health questions before boarding. 4. Snorkeling on Molokini [an uninhabited island close to Maui] is also a highlight, she says. Settle that difficult "which island to visit" question once and for all. Although we were given a hand wipe by a flight attendant as we boarded, it was tiny and flimsy. Book a guide to drive you up, so you can learn about the dormant volcanic crater and its history. Check here before booking an award fare. 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. If youre staying in a house or villa, request that your provisions come from a local farmer or rancher, she said. The whole place had an air of solitary leisure. Seahorse farm tour. And guess what? Even if you pass on Disneys Aulani, points-friendly resorts in Hawaii such as the Grand Hyatt Kauai offer kids clubs and have water slides, kid-focused activities and more than enough to do. People come from all over the world for Hawaiis waters, and the island chain is a major draw for surfers. During the tour you will enjoy several photo stops at vantage points on the island, a macadamia nut and coffee tasting tour and a shrimp lunch on a local Hawaiian farm. Military personnel stationed at Pearl Harbor wrote home about the islands secluded beaches, waterfalls, lava flows and tunnels and so much more. Kauai Travel Guide | U.S. News Travel The resort was well-prepared, too: Extra masks and wipes were placed throughout the room, and technology made contactless service a breeze. As long as the virus is alive and well, staying at home is your safest option. Follow The Points Guy on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to text message alerts from our deals feed, @tpg_alerts. Both of the islands only have 74 active cases at the moment. If so, there are also some excellent routes that can get you to the Caribbean islands fairly quickly, again through airline hubs such as Dallas, Houston, Chicago and others. Travel to Hawaii during Covid-19: What you need to know before you go "We've decided to postpone traveling because of the pandemic." 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. 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 one of the most expensive islands simply because of the two Four Seasons properties, and there are rentals as well, says King. Hawaiibetter known as the Big Islandis the largest of the island chain, with more than 10 diverse climate zones. Meanwhile, Turks and Caicos requires all visitors 16 and older to submit proof of full vaccination before arrival. The luau had just reopened four days before I attended, and the new arrangement included reduced seating, resulting in a wait-list for the rest of December. When will international travel return? You will find many places along the way where it is easy to rent a paddleboard for the day. As Hawaii reopens, travelers are booking villas such as Sea Song at Kahili Bay in Kauai. Do you have an address in the middle of the country? And both airlines offer buy-one-get-one fares. Prices depend on the dates you chose and start at USD $314 for both adults and children. Related: Island-hopping on Southwest Airlines in Hawaii. Carry cleaning supplies. Rows one through ninewere completely full at 100% capacity. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. 2), which is also voted among the world's best islands, received glowing reviews for its pristine beaches and nature trails that wind through jungles to waterfalls. We say theres no universally bad time to visit either destination. This is the wildest part of the island and its also home to tropical rainforests and botanical gardens. The Caribbean has even more influences, from the areas original inhabitants to those brought from Africa against their will in the slave trade. 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. You will see Sunset Beach, the Bonzai Pipeline and some of Oahus best surf breaks. There are volcanoes there, too, as well as secluded beaches and historic old towns with an unmistakable European flair. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. The name said it all, and it tasted like a tropical margarita slightly sweet with tajin (chili lime seasoning) syrup. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Hawaiis remote location in the Pacific Ocean make it uniquely positioned to enjoy some of the most rare coral reefs, marine animals and flora in the world. These islands offer a wealth of natural beauty and a perfect summer getaway for all types of travelers. Maui has numerous resorts, where travelers tend to go and spend time. I've been living as a digital nomad for 8+ years. 2. The Bishop Museum is a favorite of both tourists and locals alike and features some of the best art and cultural artifacts from the past and present. With nearly endless reservation options to fly or stay, book your next getaway near or far at Travel + Leisure GO. If you choose to stay in a participating resort, you can receive a free night for volunteering during your trip. My favorite is the Montage Kapalua Bay [reopening October 15] up at the north end of the island. TSA is also currently allowing passengers to bring up to 12 ounces of liquid hand sanitizerin carry-on bags. Hawaii is home to amazing natural wonders and landscapes and is rich in history and culture. 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. After a 25-minute drive, I arrived at the breathtaking Wailea Beach Resort. With some of the most diverse marine diversity on the planet, it is no wonder that people flock to the Maui Ocean Center for an up-close look at the species of the island chain. 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. I Traveled to Maui During the COVID-19 Pandemic - Travel + Leisure King calls Oahu his least favorite simply because of the crowds, in pre-COVID times: Honolulus international airport has always welcomed many direct flights from mainland USA and Asia, and travelers tend to spend at least some time in Oahu. I ordered a specialty cocktail called the 2020 Eraser. As travel guidelines, advisories and procedures are constantly evolving, stay up-to-date with information from the U.S.Centers for Disease Control, theState of Hawaiiand your airline before your trip. 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. Now No. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. You can see humpback whales from November through May, with the peak months from January through March. A short ferry ride from Maui is the island of Lanai, about 18 miles long with only 3,000 people living there. Hawaii is home to an abundance of cacao trees, and the island chain produces some of the tastiest chocolate in the world. On the big day, we arrived at the Hawaiian Airlines interisland terminal around 7:30 a.m., 90minutes before our departure. Published on April 21, 2021. 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. You will be provided with noise-canceling headphones while listening to the history and other interesting facts about the places you are seeing. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. It does share the beach with Disneys Aulani [opening November 1], which can be a good or bad thing, depending on the traveler. 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%;} Suddenly, two curious whales breached the surface of the water, not 50 feet away. 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. Best Hawaiian Islands to Visit: World's Best 2021 - Travel Opt for a window seat or wherever you can be farthest away from other passengers. But for those wanting to be in the middle of the action, there is a high-rise Ritz-Carlton, the Kahala Hotel & Resort, the Halekulani, which is a favorite of mine, and the pink hotel, the Royal Hawaiian, which is front and center on the beach., For Oahu, we tend to send people to the Four Seasons [Oahu at Ko Olina], outside of Honolulu, says Neibaur. Its a beautiful, unspoiled island. If you turn inland to Mauka between mile markers 14 and 13 onto Honomu Road, youll be surprised to find an amazing collection of art galleries and gift stores as well as several cafes. Offer ends 5/3/23. If youre traveling to the Caribbean from June to August and worried about a hurricane, pick an island such as Barbados or Trinidad thats outside of the traditional hurricane-prone zone. If you are debating whether to travel this summer,this articleis insightful for parents on weighing the risks. You can get a free companion fare (other than the cost of taxes) whether you paid cash or points for your ticket. Travel to Hawaii during Covid-19: What you need to know before you go Maui County. To show you whats possible, here are some fun things to experience with a family on Kauai and the Big Island. Visitors to the Chocolate Factory can enjoy samples of the different chocolates available, some filled with the best island complements like pineapple, macadamia nut and coconut. The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua has its own take on a work and play package, called OOO (Out of the Ordinary)families can get away together and still be productive at work or school in residential suites with small kitchens; they can move to the poolside cabana if they just need to listen in on the Zoom call. On the eastern edge of Waikikis coastline, the Diamond Head state monument is known for its breathtaking views, hiking trails and military history. In the Caribbean, you'll have a better chance of seeing humpbacks (and dolphins) from mid-January to mid-March. The Starbucks line at Honolulu International Airport. 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 . If you're planning to travel to the islands of the Caribbean, here are some resources to help you plan your trip during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. What it's like to travel to Hawaii right now | CNN Hawaii has its popular cultural show, the luau, that showcases hula dancing, fire twirling and traditional dishes like kalua pig and poi. Add around 30 minutes if you leave from Los Angeles instead. The tour lasts two hours and is tailored for bikers of every athletic level. The latest On December 17, the Hawai'i Department of Health urged people on the islands to exercise caution as Covid-19 surged. It is also one of the most popular spots for a photoshoot. Tours start at $118 for adults with discounted rates for seniors and children. I love writing and publishing content for digital nomads, remote workers, and passionate travelers like me. (Keep in mind, if you don't wear a mask, you could be looking at a $5,000 fine.) If splurging on a helicopter tour, choose a provider that builds in carbon off-setting in the pricing. She contributes to publications including. 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! Whether your ideal Hawaiian vacation means time sunning, shopping, or snorkeling, there's an island for you. Waianuenue Falls, often called Rainbow Falls, is a five-minute drive from downtown Hilo in Wailuku River State Park. In the days leading up to our flight, questions kept me awake at night: Will Duke keep his mask on? ), With proper precautions, people are booked, but looking at cancellation windows closely, says Ken Neibaur, a luxury travel advisor with La Jolla, Californiabased travel agency TravelEdge. Readthe FAQs. There are a number of Caribbean islands that are on the U.S. Level 2 and 3 travel advisory lists. Haleakala is home to Maui's highest peak, soaring 10,023 feet above sea level. (Just try booking a flight to say, Aruba, during spring break. Related: Review of cruising the Caribbean on the Disney Dream. You will find many places along the way where it is easy to rent a paddleboard for the day. The nonstop flight time from San Francisco to Honolulu is just about five hours. Travel Requirements | Go Hawaii For anyone interested in American history, no trip to Hawaii would be complete without a stop at Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial, says Crisman. Its important to monitor fares from both airlines since they offer great deals from their West Coast gateways. She also recommends a drive to the North Shore to observe surfing and a stop at the Polynesian Cultural Center. We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. Hawaii was the holy grail of vacation destinations for most U.S. residents even before it became a state in 1959. ), This Is One Of The Best U.S. States To Camp With The Most Hiking Trails In The Country, This Converted Boeing Private Jet Will Take You On A 21-Day Arctic Trip, ChatGPT Introduces AI-Powered Plugins For Expedia and Kayak, Making Travel Planning Effortless, This Hidden Island Is Becoming One Of The Trendiest Destinations In Asia In 2023, EU plans to welcome vaccinated tourists from low-risk countries by June, UK plans to reopen international travel under traffic light system by summer, Is The Bahamas Safe? Be sure to see PuuPehe Sweetheart Rock and head to the central uplands to explore by horseback or rent a Jeep to explore on your own, she says. If youre interested in less conventional beaches, Hawaii has them in pink, green, red and even black sands. I headed to Paia Fish Market in Kihei, and with the line out the door, I hoped I was in for a treat. In the Caribbean, youll find historic forts, former sugar cane plantations, rum distilleries and plenty of coffee beans in the mountains of Jamaica. 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). This tour will take you to the Na Pali Coastline, Waimea Canyon, Mount Waialeale, and Kauais breathtaking waterfalls. 1 spot (though it still made the world's best islands list). 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. Closer to the airport, and better for sightseeing the entire island are the Four Seasons Resort Maui, the newer Andaz at Wailea, and the Fairmont Kea Lani. To avoid airport delays and stress, print and fillout theState of Hawaii Traveler Health Format home 24 hours prior to your flight. While meals were previously served buffet-style, you can now look forward to multiple-course dishes tableside (think regular restaurant dinner service with a musical journey of the history of Hawaii on stage right in front of you). 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. Go Hawaii has up-to-date information on current travel requirements and restrictions. If youre lucky, you may even see a whale or dolphin dance by your boat. When the uniformed National Guard soldier checked Dukes temperature with a handheld thermometer, he wasnt nervous and instead flashed an excited shaka as we proceeded to the travel form line. If you want to get out there to explore and experience a wide range of natural wonders Hawaii probably takes the pineapple-flavored cake. before boarding to avoid removing our masks and moving around the airplane during the flight. I took a trolley that looked like a Disney transplant to the car rental area where a friendly attendant asked for proof of my negative COVID-19 test prior to handing me the keys. 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. Theres enhanced Wi-Fi to stay connected everywhere on the 53-acre property. To ease my anxiety, I over prepared by washing our face masks, packing wipes and hand sanitizerand researching the new travel rules. Should you want to use Southwest points to get to Hawaii (or the Caribbean) those points count toward earning a Companion Pass. Maui vs. Kauai: Which Hawaiian Island Is Better for You? 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.. Disneys Aulani resort on Oahu is one option if you want kid-focused and Hawaii all in one. If youre a Southwest traveler, youre probably already aware of its Companion Pass that lets a companion travel with you for just the cost of the tickets taxes. Read on to find out why readers voted for the Island of Hawaii, as well as the other top Hawaiian islands. To simplify your Hawaii Covid Travels Between Islands, iVisa.com provides these three following options : Standard Processing; the slow, steady, cheaper option. 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. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Here's what it was like to travel to the Hawaiian island during peak season in December amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The sweet dragon fruit twist truly elevated this first course. But here are the best times to visit Hawaii and best times to visit the Caribbean. We Tried It: Island Hopping in Hawai'i On An Airplane During COVID-19 Remember that the reasons people went to Honolulu are different now, with fairly severe restrictions. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. And as hotels reopen in the next few months, weve rounded up some of the places to stay and things to do, chosen by travel experts who know the islands well. 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. There are few places to stay, with just three hotels. 12. Stash some snacks. 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. Travelers must fill out the Hawaii Safe Travel program application form. Unfortunately, it was too close to take-off to do anything about it. So which island could outdo these beloved options? Americans can currently visit Hawaii, and fully-vaccinated travelers no longer need to get pre-tested or quarantine upon arrival. Find the right card for you. Kids love this tour as well. 25 Best Caribbean Islands to Visit During COVID - Yahoo Finance You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. The test must be taken within 72 hours of the flight's departure. 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. The fares can be brutal.). Are you debating between a trip to Hawaii or somewhere in the Caribbean? The museum also offers special limited-time exhibits that offer something for the whole family. I was impressed to see hand sanitizer stations throughout the airport terminal. The Four Seasons is evaluating its reopening date, with a decision coming soon.). Hawaiian Islands, Ranked | U.S. News Travel The next couple of weeks will be crucial to see how Hawaii emergesit would be best to have a standard entry policy for all islands, which is key for people to feel confident. FYI: they call your mobile phone on the spot to double-check the number you wrote on the form. Alaska Airlines offers a once-a-year companion certificate to anyone who holds the Alaska Airlines Visa credit card. Travel Advisory 2023, 8 Incredible Hidden Gems To Visit In Spain In 2023, Privacy Policy & Terms of Use & Editorial Policies. This hike is great as part of a day trip to the monument. I Traveled to Hawaii During the Coronavirus Pandemic - Travel + Leisure Want more information about what you have reador have any other questions? Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. This new form is mandatory for all interisland travel as of June 16. Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. The Best Hawaiian Islands to Visit for Different Kinds of Travelers Will it be lava flows or luxury resorts? When you rent your kayak, expert guides will let you know whether conditions are favorable for kayaking that day. 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