Please view our advertising policy page for more information. Keyla Vasconcellos is a Los Angeles-based writer covering food, lifestyle, and travel. Be sure to stop by hole number 17, a golfers favorite that is tucked into a natural amphitheater. I love writing and publishing content for digital nomads, remote workers, and passionate travelers like me. 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. Your best bet for a seven-night voyage around the Hawaiian Islands is Norwegian Cruise Lines Pride of America or Uncruise Adventures Safari Explorer. Once you arrive, there is no reason to leave or go very far, other than to explore other parts of the island. Prices depend on the dates you chose and start at USD $314 for both adults and children. 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. I think well see a significant number of requests for bookings to Hawaii., Hawaii is in rare form right now, says Debbie Misajon, founder of the Coconut Traveler, and a destination expert specializing in Hawaii. Temperatures remain . We made it! Another great way to experience a Hawaiian sunset is on a stand-up paddleboard. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. The Best Hawaiian Islands to Visit for Different Kinds of Travelers Will it be lava flows or luxury resorts? A Bostonian could watch two additional full-length movies to kill the extra time it takes to get to Hawaii. You pay $99 for the fare (plus as little as $23 for the taxes and fees). 2. 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). Here are some recent reviews of points hotels in those destinations: Hawaii points hotel reviews: Westin Moana Surfrider | The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas | Hilton Waikoloa Village | Grand Hyatt Kauai, Caribbean points hotel reviews: Park Hyatt St. Kitts | Westin St. John Resort Villas | Kimpton Seafire Grand Cayman | Scrub Island, Autograph Collection. My favorite is the Montage Kapalua Bay [reopening October 15] up at the north end of the island. Related: The best ways to get to Hawaii using points and miles. 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. Fly out first. The most popular tours are still in effect, even during COVID, and there is much to see and do in this Pacific Island chain. Hawaii has its popular cultural show, the luau, that showcases hula dancing, fire twirling and traditional dishes like kalua pig and poi. 12. Here's what it was like to travel to the Hawaiian island during peak season in December amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year. Maui County. A country-by-country guide to coronavirus recovery. But the south side is much drier and home to Hawaiis version of the Grand Canyon, Waimea Canyon.. To adhere to safety regulations, the passenger numbers were limited for safe social distancing, and all tables were spaced six feet apart. The day of my departure, the Hawaiian Airlines check-in line was nonexistent. Finally, I received the green light and walked through the doors where a group of Hawaiian dancers welcomed me with a performance. 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. 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. Related: Best way to fly with kids to Hawaii. Stash some snacks. The resort, operating at 20% capacity, had hand sanitizer stations and mask reminder signs scattered throughout. But the trip was booked, so with all travel safety precautions in mind, I decided to explore Maui on my own. Prices can vary from reasonable to expensive, depending on when and where you travel. You can drive in your own car, stopping at waterfalls and hiking areas, and for Hawaiian shaved ice. King likes the area around the Mauna Kea, and has rented a condo there with his wife, Barbara, for a couple of months at a time, since its away from crowds, with good beaches and activities. Thank goodness it is a short flight! 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. A negative COVID-19 test result or a vaccination record document must be uploaded to the Safe Travel portal to obtain . Of course, right now, coronavirus safety precautions have temporarily changed travel to Hawaii and the Caribbean. As one reader noted, "So much to see and do. Rooted in its own history, each island has a distinct feel, so lumping them together isnt fair in many ways. There are also nonstop flights to Hawaii from many of those same hub cities. If you live on the West Coast, Hawaii can be an easier and even more cost-effective destination than the Caribbean. Although we were given a hand wipe by a flight attendant as we boarded, it was tiny and flimsy. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. It was a surreal and unforgettable experience. Travelers who have been vaccinated in Hawaii will be able to skip testing or quarantine measures when hopping from island to island in just a few weeks, the state's . Alaskan Airlines had another deal back in September that could get you to Hawaii for less than $100, and Southwest was offering 40% off Hawaii fares for early 2022 travel during the first week of October. Though they told me my results would come in 24 to 36 hours, I was informed I tested negative within seven hours. Mine cost $125, and the closest facility was at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). In 2020, tourist arrival dropped by 75% which caused . Almost every Caribbean destination is open to travelers regardless of vaccination status. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Research your Caribbean island choice to get a feel for whether youd feel comfortable exploring beyond your resort or not. Starbucks was the only food establishment open in the interisland terminal when we traveled. My guide picked me. Follow The Points Guy on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to text message alerts from our deals feed, @tpg_alerts. Akaka Falls State Park is home to two gorgeous waterfalls and an abundance of lush tropical greenery that never fail to impress visitors. To avoid airport delays and stress, print and fillout theState of Hawaii Traveler Health Format home 24 hours prior to your flight. Renting a kayak is one of the best ways to explore the islands by water. Do your prep work. (Though if you aren't vaccinated, you will need a pre-arrival test or be subjected to a 10-day quarantine upon arrival.). Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. 7. 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. 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program. Sweet tooth holders rejoice! This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. Ever since Hawaii mandated a 14-day quarantine for all arrivals on March 26, it has been stop and go for reopening its borders. She also recommends a drive to the North Shore to observe surfing and a stop at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. One of the most popular exhibits features an up-close look at Mt. Want more information about what you have reador have any other questions? On Christmas, I treated myself to a two-hour sunset cruise out of Ka'anapali Beach. The sweet dragon fruit twist truly elevated this first course. Whatever you choose to do, Hawaii will always be a dream destination. Carry cleaning supplies. 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). Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. Book it here. A dream vacation destination, here's how Maui,. You could use a Marriott up to 35,000-point certificate from the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card, for example, in both destinations. 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. Safe travels! If you want to go to Hawaii from the East Coast, you may need need to book connecting flights. We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. Add around 30 minutes if you leave from Los Angeles instead. Masks are still strongly recommended for people over age 65, those with compromised immune systems or who care for people at risk of severe illness, and those unvaccinated for COVID-19. Learn to surf with world-class athletes, hike through lava fields to volcanoes, and zipline in rain forests; go snorkeling with dolphins by day and manta rays at night. Its miles and miles from the mainland 2,556 miles from Los Angeles, to be exact. The North Shores famous bike path will take you alongside some of the most picturesque beaches that Hawaii has to offer. Certain hotels have resort fees. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). You can get a free companion fare (other than the cost of taxes) whether you paid cash or points for your ticket. I ordered a specialty cocktail called the 2020 Eraser. After a 25-minute drive, I arrived at the breathtaking Wailea Beach Resort. The wildest of all the islands, Kauaiknown as the Garden Island has been the backdrop to myriad Hollywood movies and TV series, thanks to its white-sand beaches, rain forests, coastlines, waterfalls, rivers, and climate. Here are some resources for using points and free-night certificates in both destinations: If you are considering traveling to the Caribbean or Hawaii with a family, you may have unique questions about the destinations and their level of kid-friendliness. I brought my own canister of Lysol wipes to disinfect our seats, tray tables and arm rests. 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. But, the real question is, should you go to the Caribbean or Hawaii? 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. 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. 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. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Alaska Airlines offers a once-a-year companion certificate to anyone who holds the Alaska Airlines Visa credit card. The following Southwest credit cards are offering a 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months. The north side, with Princeville and Mount Waialeale in the center, gets a ton of rain, averaging 450 inches a year, says King. If you're interested in whale watching, visiting Hawaii between the months of November and May is your best chance for catching a glimpse of the humpbacks. US visitors who aren't fully vaccinated still must provide a negative Covid-19 test result from one of the state's Trusted Travel Partners taken within three days of their flight's departure. Another great open-air option at Hotel Wailea is the new Birdcage Bar,where you can take in incredible 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean while enjoying izakaya-style small plates and Japanese whiskey. It is, in a word, special. We turned in ourState of Hawaii Traveler Health Forms and were cleared. The decision to travel during the COVID-19 pandemic is a personal one, and only you know what is right for your family. Hawaii is home to an abundance of cacao trees, and the island chain produces some of the tastiest chocolate in the world. Most of the Caribbean, with the exception of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, are foreign destinations. It is one of the most expensive islands simply because of the two Four Seasons properties, and there are rentals as well, says King. The catamaran offered open-air seating, and I was required to answer health questions before boarding. This hike is great as part of a day trip to the monument. When you rent your kayak, expert guides will let you know whether conditions are favorable for kayaking that day. Super Wingsepisodes on his iPad kept him still and entertained the whole time. At that moment, I knew I had arrived in paradise. The SafeTravels Program will remain in place statewide through at least Jan. 28, but since local governors are now in charge of rules in their territories some things may change from an island to another. Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card. The Mauna Kea, part of the Autograph Collection, has been a standard for Californians, and they have villas, as well.. Tickets are booked beforehand and presented on your phone for a contactless entry. Readers rated islands according to their activities and sights, natural attractions and beaches, food, friendliness, and overall value. Instead of zones, Hawaiian Airlines now boards passengers starting from the back of the plane. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. 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. 3. You can see humpback whales from November through May, with the peak months from January through March. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 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. On December 24, the Biden administration announced it would lift. "We've decided to postpone traveling because of the pandemic." The waiter suggested the Australian rack of lamb, and after just one bite, I understood why the tender meat fell right off the bone. Haleakala is home to Maui's highest peak, soaring 10,023 feet above sea level. The basics. Book a guide to drive you up, so you can learn about the dormant volcanic crater and its history. The test must be taken within 72 hours of the flight's departure. 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. 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). For Christmas dinner, I enjoyed an intimate experience at The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea, which offers panoramic views of the Hawaiian islands. The 5 Best Islands in Mexico and Central and South America, The 25 Best Islands in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas, The 5 Best Islands in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. 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. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. (This may explain why another reader said this destination is so beautiful that he honeymooned there twice with two different wives.). Luckily, chef Yamaguchi's famous chocolate souffl was on the menu, and you'd be remiss not to order this decadent, warm lava cake with vanilla ice cream on the side. The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. However, when we boarded the plane, I was immediately taken aback by how crowded the aircraft appeared. Greenwell Farms offers free guided tours daily that include samples of their 100 percent Kona coffee. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. If you want to visit more than one island on your tropical vacation, its generally easier to do that in Hawaii. One of the best meals I experienced was back at Wailea Beach Resort. The daily exhibition features works by native Hawaiian artists including interactive exhibits and family-friendly installations that kids can touch and explore. Get your heart pumping and visit some of the island chains most famous beaches by bike. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For example, we found flights to St. Croix from a number of East Coast cities for under $100 round-trip in August. This tour is an excellent activity for couples who are seeking a romantic experience to top off their Hawaiian vacation. With beautiful ocean views, the restaurant exuded a safe, comfortable atmosphere. The resort was well-prepared, too: Extra masks and wipes were placed throughout the room, and technology made contactless service a breeze. 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. (The one exception for now is the Big Island of Hawaii: If youre arriving at Kona airport, you must take a second test upon arrival in addition to showing a negative test result.
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