Again, a truly cost-effective way to secure round-trip flights to Alaskas Hawaiian gateways, including Honolulu (HNL), Maui (OGG), Kona (KOA) and Lihue (LIH). 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. 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. Although we were given a hand wipe by a flight attendant as we boarded, it was tiny and flimsy. Military personnel stationed at Pearl Harbor wrote home about the islands secluded beaches, waterfalls, lava flows and tunnels and so much more. LESLIE HARVEY/THE POINTS GUY The other restaurants and the Hawaiian Airlines Premier and Plumeria Lounges were closed. 12. ), consider booking the first flight of the day. With roughly . Haleakala is home to Maui's highest peak, soaring 10,023 feet above sea level. Entry stipulations in the Caribbean vary by island nation. At Sea Song at Kahili Bay, a secluded rental house that sleeps eight, imagine cooking in that cozy kitchen with a view of the water. Whether your ideal Hawaiian vacation means time sunning, shopping, or snorkeling, there's an island for you. Rebecca Ascher-Walsh is a New York City-based journalist and author who specializes in celebrity and lifestyle coverage. 1. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. This is the wildest part of the island and its also home to tropical rainforests and botanical gardens. The water temperature in most places averages about 70 degrees Fahrenheit and the winds typically blow kayakers closer to shore rather than out to sea. The 15 Best Islands in the Continental U.S. Opt for a window seat or wherever you can be farthest away from other passengers. Watching the sunset along Hanalei Bay on Kauai is also something special that everyone should experience at least once in a lifetime. But things still arent equal. Sweet tooth holders rejoice! During the same period, only six ships call on Hawaiian ports. You will be provided with noise-canceling headphones while listening to the history and other interesting facts about the places you are seeing. Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. So well book the Four Seasons or the Kahala., (Note: The traditional flagship of Oahu, the Halekulani, is not opening until July 2021, as of now. (Keep in mind, if you don't wear a mask, you could be looking at a $5,000 fine.) After a 25-minute drive, I arrived at the breathtaking Wailea Beach Resort. With nearly endless reservation options to fly or stay, book your next getaway near or far at Travel + Leisure GO. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. We pulled our masks tighter, wiped every inch of the seat, buckled up and hoped for the best. Travel Advisory 2023, 8 Incredible Hidden Gems To Visit In Spain In 2023, Privacy Policy & Terms of Use & Editorial Policies. It was a trip we were supposed to take Easter weekend and had been eagerly waiting to reschedule. Hawaii was the holy grail of vacation destinations for most U.S. residents even before it became a state in 1959. You will find many places along the way where it is easy to rent a paddleboard for the day. airlines safety procedures said that middle seats were blocked off, 6 Hawaii-Inspired Childrens Books to Read With Your Keiki, Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: April 27May 3, 2023, Education Cheat Sheet: Handling Friend Drama at School, Education Cheat Sheet: How to Raise a Problem-Solver in Hawaii, Education Cheat Sheet: 9 Ways to Get Involved at Your New School. Then we breezed through TSA and were at our gate within 20 minutes. 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program. Hawaiibetter known as the Big Islandis the largest of the island chain, with more than 10 diverse climate zones. While most beaches are great for this fun activity, there are some that come highly recommended. 7 in all of Hawaii) by T+L readers. 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. Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, or humpback whales? As soon as we were free to island-hop without a 14-day quarantine, my family boarded a flight from Honolulu to Kona. Admission to the park area is $5 and hikers can enjoy a self-guided tour. Then, of course, youll have to allow time for clearing customs on both the front and back ends of the trip. I ordered a specialty cocktail called the 2020 Eraser. 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. Some of Hawaii Islands most magnificent and reachable waterfalls can be found along the northeastern coast of the island, along the Hilo and Hamakua Coast. Fuji, Japans most iconic volcano. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. 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. Theyre wedged between the southernmost tip of Florida to the north, South America to the south and Central America to the west. After the guided tour, guests are free to explore on their own. If service is important to you, remember that some Caribbean countries are newer to the tourism industry than others. 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. 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. Settle that difficult "which island to visit" question once and for all. Its important to monitor fares from both airlines since they offer great deals from their West Coast gateways. To show you whats possible, here are some fun things to experience with a family on Kauai and the Big Island. Papaklea Beach or Green sand beach, Big Island, Hawaii. After months of being cooped-up in our Kakaako condos, my husband, our 3-year-old son, Duke, and my mother-in-law couldnt wait to escape the city for the wide-open spaces of the Big Island. You have to get further up the coast where the beaches are wider, and even there, the water can be fairly rough.. 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. Book a guide to drive you up, so you can learn about the dormant volcanic crater and its history. They werent lying and the tourists followed. "We've decided to postpone traveling because of the pandemic." There, you'll complete a health questionnaire and upload your negative test result. Both will reopen October 15. 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. Research your Caribbean island choice to get a feel for whether youd feel comfortable exploring beyond your resort or not. On the big day, we arrived at the Hawaiian Airlines interisland terminal around 7:30 a.m., 90minutes before our departure. 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. The Caribbean has even more influences, from the areas original inhabitants to those brought from Africa against their will in the slave trade. Theres a network of interisland flights that are affordable on cash or points. Divided into three floors, this museum tells the story of the world before humanity through a series of myths and stories. 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. If you keep up with airline deals, you can luck out and find cheap fares to the Caribbean. But there is rich culture on Lanai, says Crisman. 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. This tour is an excellent activity for couples who are seeking a romantic experience to top off their Hawaiian vacation. Europeans from the English to the French to the Dutch to the Spanish all staked claim to certain islands, and their influence is also still felt in many places. Its a very large property, with a tremendous amount of public space. There are also nonstop flights to Hawaii from many of those same hub cities. I opted for the ahi poke dish with rice chips as the prologue to my meal. Makena Landing park, Waimea Bay, Hanalei River and Lanikai Beach are some of the most coveted spots for stand up paddleboarding. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. The Grand Wailea is huge, but it is a great family resort. Rush Processing; the relatively quicker and costlier option. 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. ", Kauai (No. 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. The park offers picnic facilities, restrooms and concession stands. Coffee farm visit. Do your prep work. And when we say easier, we mean a combination of factors, including the distance and duration of the flight; if you have to connect somewhere before arriving at your final destination; and the cost of the flight in either cash, points or miles. 4. Molokai Molokai is the least visited island of Hawaii. What started as a family holiday reunion in Maui ended with a disappointing, but sensible, call: "Honey," my dad said. You could use a Marriott up to 35,000-point certificate from the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card, for example, in both destinations. 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. With about 65,000 visitors, the island attracts only a fraction of all the tourists that visit the island group each year. 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. We watched the majestic sun rising below us with its multicolored hues, while one of the guides sang a Hawaiian song. HoMa features stories, films, Art After Dark, and Family Funday Sundays for residents and visitors alike. Maui vs. Kauai: Which Hawaiian Island Is Better for You? 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. There are few places to stay, with just three hotels. Its a beautiful, unspoiled island. At that moment, I knew I had arrived in paradise. Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. Ever since Hawaii mandated a 14-day quarantine for all arrivals on March 26, it has been stop and go for reopening its borders. 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. 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. One could even snap a picture of the QR code on the TV to use as a remote control. In the days leading up to our flight, questions kept me awake at night: Will Duke keep his mask on? USD $62.99 - 8 hours. This was not what I had expected or prepared for! As if air travel with kids isnt stressful enough, throw a pandemic into the mix. Americans can currently visit Hawaii, and fully-vaccinated travelers no longer need to get pre-tested or quarantine upon arrival. When will international travel return? A country-by-country guide to coronavirus recovery, Why you should fly Hawaiian Airlines to Hawaii, round-trip flights to the islands for under $200, Southwest was offering 40% off Hawaii fares, Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card, Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card, The best ways to get to Hawaii using points and miles, British Airways fifth-freedom island-hopping routes, Island-hopping on Southwest Airlines in Hawaii, Little-known Caribbean islands to visit before everyone else, perfect Mauna Kea beach on the Big Island, Review of cruising the Caribbean on the Disney Dream, all-inclusive beach resorts you can book on points in the Caribbean, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas, The best ways to use credit card award-night certificates in Hawaii, How to rent DVC points to stay at Aulani for less, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The tour lasts two hours and is tailored for bikers of every athletic level. CNN . Follow The Points Guy on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to text message alerts from our deals feed, @tpg_alerts. Starbucks was the only food establishment open in the interisland terminal when we traveled. After the sun sets, sail the warm waters with the lights of Honolulu as your backdrop. Readthe FAQs. The most popular tours are still in effect, even during COVID, and there is much to see and do in this Pacific Island chain. 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. Fly out first. 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. Oahu Hidden Gems Tour + Snorkeling with Turtles Children younger than 2 years old should not wear a mask. 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. Of course, right now, coronavirus safety precautions have temporarily changed travel to Hawaii and the Caribbean. Want more information about what you have reador have any other questions? The Caribbean may have more specifically kid-focused lodging options, but there are plenty of full-service resorts in Hawaii that also cater to kids. Super Wingsepisodes on his iPad kept him still and entertained the whole time. 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. 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. 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. ), Related: How to rent DVC points to stay at Aulani for less. For those reasons, on some Caribbean islands, such as Jamaica, visitors often stay sequestered at their resort instead of renting a car to explore the island as you likely would in Hawaii. The Best Hawaiian Islands to Visit for Different Kinds of Travelers Will it be lava flows or luxury resorts? Stash some snacks. 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. /* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block. 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. 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. "This is what you think of when you dream of Hawaii." Kilauea is considered to be one of the most active volcanoes on earth at the moment. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. Theres enhanced Wi-Fi to stay connected everywhere on the 53-acre property. The museum also offers special limited-time exhibits that offer something for the whole family. All restrictions on intercounty travel have been lifted, meaning no pre-travel testing or quarantining is needed for travel between the Hawaiian islands. The most popular, Hawaii, is affectionately referred to as the Big Island and is where most new visitors will land first. Haleakala is home to Maui's highest peak, soaring 10,023 feet above sea level. Is The White Lotus breaking up with Four Seasons ahead of Season 3? 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. Book a guide to drive you up, so you can learn about the dormant volcanic crater and its history. When we booked our flight and selected seats a couple of weeks in advance, I was encouraged that the airlines safety procedures said that middle seats were blocked off to promote social distancing, so our family would not have to share our row. This day tour departs from Maui, Big Island and Kauai. If you're open to waking up at 3 a.m., the Haleakala National Park sunrise summit should not be missed. If all you want to do is go have a family resort vacation (and theres nothing at all wrong with that), the Caribbean might have the edge as a family-friendly destination. Take your kids to explore waterfalls, hike, volcanoes and explore the natural beauty of the islands. For starters, all travelers must receive a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) from a certified and trusted partner to override the 10-day mandatory quarantine. (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. Since Hawaii is a U.S. state, no passport, foreign currency or international cellphone plan is necessary. Visiting these free falling 442ft waterfalls is not the most exciting part of the hike. King has some well-earned opinions on where to stay in Maui. 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. 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. 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. As I boarded the plane, I was given a hand sanitizer wipe and ushered to my seat. If you live on the West Coast, Hawaii can be an easier and even more cost-effective destination than the Caribbean. So you can technically cruise around either island chain, but it is much easier and more affordable to do in the Caribbean. Your email address will not be published. Offers may be subject to change without notice. And while I have always thought the outdoor tarmac arrival at Konas airport was hot, humidand loud, I have never appreciated the immediate dose of fresh air and sunshine more than this trip. 6. Hawaiian Airlines cleans Neighbor Island flights between each trip, but sprays the aircraftwith hospital-grade disinfectants every night. I was relieved to see that the airport was not busy, which allowed us to check bags, proceed through thermal screening and complete the new travel form process at our own pace. Pure Kauai has been a high-end villa specialist on the island for almost 20 years. Mine cost $125, and the closest facility was at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Golf lovers flock to Hawaii for its pristine courses, and few are more spectacular than the Mauna Lani course. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Face masks are required inside the airports and on Hawaiian Airlines flights. Hawaii's travel restrictions are evolving rapidly. Everywhere you look will be surrounded by unique plants such as giant ti plants, birds of paradise, torch ginger, bamboo, and split leaf philodendron. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. Thats an incredible value especially if youre flying to Hawaii. You pay $99 for the fare (plus as little as $23 for the taxes and fees). The first thing to keep in mind is . Youre not there for nightlife, but for the beaches, exploration, and privacy., As youre choosing where to go, know the weather differences between the north and south side. Are you debating between a trip to Hawaii or somewhere in the Caribbean? My guide picked me up at my hotel and asked a variety of health questions, in addition to the customary temperature check. Sometimes, the best choice comes down to personal preferences, where youre flying from, how much time you have and flight and hotel availability for your dates. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. One of the most popular exhibits features an up-close look at Mt. The Caribbean is also where cruise lines have their private islands, such as Royal Caribbeans Coco Cay, Disneys Castaway Cay and the brand-new Ocean Cay from MSC Cruises. On December 24, the Biden administration announced it would lift. 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. 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. Heres an in-depth look at the all-inclusive beach resorts you can book on points in the Caribbean. No trip to Maui is complete without a drive on the Road to Hana with more than 600 hairpin turns, says Diane Crisman of Valerie Wilson Travel. 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. 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. This experience is wildly popular, even during Covid, so it pays to reserve your tickets early. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card. 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. At Wailea Beach Resort, I had the rewarding experience of creating Hawaiian quilts for elders in hospice care on the island. For experiences, join a local biologist and swim with sharks, roll up your sleeves to pull invasive seaweed from a fishpond, or replant a native Hawaiian forest.. Ala Wai Canal, Waikiki, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii. CNN . Add around 30 minutes if you leave from Los Angeles instead. Anini Vista Drive Estate feels like its own boutique hotel, with five bedrooms, a lush pool area with two waterfalls and a bridge, plus towering palm trees everywhere. She contributes to publications including. Related: Key things to know about Global Entry. A dream vacation destination, here's how Maui,. Check outthese tipson how to get your keiki to keep their masks on. You can read more about the airlines cleaning procedureshere. 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. 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. Related: Review of cruising the Caribbean on the Disney Dream. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. In the Caribbean, youll find historic forts, former sugar cane plantations, rum distilleries and plenty of coffee beans in the mountains of Jamaica. Josh Alexander, Protravel International: josh.alexander@protravelinc.com, Diane Crisman, Valerie Wilson Travel: dianec@vwti.com, Michael King, Largay Travel: michael@largaytravel.com, Debbie Misajon, The Coconut Traveler: debbie@thecoconutraveler.com, Ken Neibaur, TravelEdge: ken.neibaur@traveledge.com. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. 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.
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