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). A country-by-country guide to coronavirus recovery. 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. /* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block. 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. 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. 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. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. 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. 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. While most beaches are great for this fun activity, there are some that come highly recommended. 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. The day of my departure, the Hawaiian Airlines check-in line was nonexistent. 6. Both will reopen October 15. Best Hawaiian Islands to Visit: World's Best 2021 Hawaiian islands are known for their beaches, hikes, and surfing, among other things. The battleship is open for tours four days a week, and expert guides give in-depth talks on the ships role in the war. Related: Best way to fly with kids to Hawaii. Many five-star hotel clients also go to the Grand Hyatt Kauai on the south side of the island, says King. Oahu Hidden Gems Tour + Snorkeling with Turtles The tour includes the USS Arizona tour, Battleship Row, Punchbowl National Cemetery, Downtown Honolulu and Aliiolani Hale, made popular from the TV show Hawaii Five-O. Hawaii is home to an abundance of cacao trees, and the island chain produces some of the tastiest chocolate in the world. 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. In fact, Hawaiian Airlines has stated that they arelimiting capacity to 70%during this time. Depending on what part of the U.S. you call home, it could be easier to get to either the Caribbean or Hawaii. 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+. The nonstop flight time from San Francisco to Honolulu is just about five hours. I'm from Slovakia and I've visited 75 countries but for now, taking a little break in Barcelona. Currently, all travelers must either undergo a 10-day quarantine or if traveling from a handful of countries (listed above) to any island . Plus, your own feed of TPG content. 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. What's the Covid situation? Settle that difficult "which island to visit" question once and for all. The latest On December 17, the Hawai'i Department of Health urged people on the islands to exercise caution as Covid-19 surged. On the big day, we arrived at the Hawaiian Airlines interisland terminal around 7:30 a.m., 90minutes before our departure. Hale Ae Kai is inspired by Balinese design, surrounded by gardens and ponds, and centered around a gorgeous pool, perched on a hilltop overlooking the ocean. This experience is wildly popular, even during Covid, so it pays to reserve your tickets early. Few things compare to sunsets over Oahu, so if youre on the island, a sunset sail on a Makani catamaran is a must-do. 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. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. 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. Instead of zones, Hawaiian Airlines now boards passengers starting from the back of the plane. You can get a free companion fare (other than the cost of taxes) whether you paid cash or points for your ticket. Is The White Lotus breaking up with Four Seasons ahead of Season 3? ", Kauai (No. Hawaii Is Open For Tourism But Adjusting Some Covid Travel Rules That's when the island's generally reasonable room rates take the most significant plunge. Maui vs. Kauai: Which Hawaiian Island Is Better for You? 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. Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. There are some nonstop flights, such as Hawaiian Airlines from Boston (BOS) and New York-JFK, and United from Newark (EWR) and Washington Dulles (DUL), but connecting on the West Coast or similar is pretty common. You and your friends will be comfortably enjoying the astonishing views during this 55-60 minute air ride. The beach is likely a major draw whether you plan to vacation in Hawaii or the Caribbean. Hawaiian Airlines cleans Neighbor Island flights between each trip, but sprays the aircraftwith hospital-grade disinfectants every night. I love writing and publishing content for digital nomads, remote workers, and passionate travelers like me. Looking toward the back, I noticed travelers were more spread out, and that, indeed, the middle seats had been blocked off. I brought my own canister of Lysol wipes to disinfect our seats, tray tables and arm rests. 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping. 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. And of course, a visit to Waikiki to see how the city meets the ocean with endless fine dining options and shopping. For Christmas dinner, I enjoyed an intimate experience at The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea, which offers panoramic views of the Hawaiian islands. 5. 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 headed to Paia Fish Market in Kihei, and with the line out the door, I hoped I was in for a treat. If you are concerned about the noise, dont be. I opted for the ahi poke dish with rice chips as the prologue to my meal. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. As long as the virus is alive and well, staying at home is your safest option. Another great way to experience a Hawaiian sunset is on a stand-up paddleboard. Tours start at $118 for adults with discounted rates for seniors and children. All restrictions on intercounty travel have been lifted, meaning no pre-travel testing or quarantining is needed for travel between the Hawaiian islands. If you are debating whether to travel this summer,this articleis insightful for parents on weighing the risks. The test must be taken within 72 hours of the flight's departure. My room overlooked the deep blue Pacific Ocean, and the sound of rolling waves eased the tension of a long trip. Where to stay 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. But there are also plenty of impressive hotels for those who prefer to maximize their resort time. before boarding to avoid removing our masks and moving around the airplane during the flight. Everywhere you look will be surrounded by unique plants such as giant ti plants, birds of paradise, torch ginger, bamboo, and split leaf philodendron. People come from all over the world for Hawaiis waters, and the island chain is a major draw for surfers. Do you have an address in the middle of the country? "We've decided to postpone traveling because of the pandemic." You get the certificate on your cards anniversary. For example, we found flights to St. Croix from a number of East Coast cities for under $100 round-trip in August. In my opinion, the best one is the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, close to Kona airport, with great golf but not a terrific beach. Some brought blankets, while our charming guide provided warm jackets. Haleakala is home to Maui's highest peak, soaring 10,023 feet above sea level. Thank goodness it is a short flight! Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. The islands of Hawaii are a magical paradise, filled with natural wonders, pristine waters and rich culture. Which Hawaiian Island Should You Visit? - AFAR 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. 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. The museum also offers special limited-time exhibits that offer something for the whole family. A short ferry ride from Maui is the island of Lanai, about 18 miles long with only 3,000 people living there. 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. If youre staying in a house or villa, request that your provisions come from a local farmer or rancher, she said. 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. 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%;} Consider the beachside Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, which was voted the best hotel on the island (and No. In the days leading up to our flight, questions kept me awake at night: Will Duke keep his mask on? 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. As soon as we were free to island-hop without a 14-day quarantine, my family boarded a flight from Honolulu to Kona. Book it here. You can hike, sail, dive or snorkel in either destination, though whale watching is definitely better in Hawaii. 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. 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. Kauai offers beautiful residential options, though inventory goes fast, and there arent as many home options as on Maui, says Neibaur. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. The Spirit of Aloha and Polynesian influences remain strong and are a major reason why people continue to want to visit the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaii Eases Inter Island Travel Restrictions For Fully Vaccinated Required fields are marked *. Check outthese tipson how to get your keiki to keep their masks on. Makena Landing park, Waimea Bay, Hanalei River and Lanikai Beach are some of the most coveted spots for stand up paddleboarding. 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. 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.. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Though they told me my results would come in 24 to 36 hours, I was informed I tested negative within seven hours. Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. 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. But the south side is much drier and home to Hawaiis version of the Grand Canyon, Waimea Canyon.. 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. Why Puerto Rico Is the Perfect Place to Dip Your Toes Back Into Travel, According to Someone Who Just Went, I Traveled to Portugal During the Coronavirus Pandemic Heres What It Was Really Like, Costa Rica Is Welcoming American Travelers Here's What It's Like to Visit During COVID-19, I Visited Japan As Soon As It Fully Reopened to Travelers Here's What It's Like and How to Plan Your Trip, I Traveled to Jamaica During COVID-19 Here's What It Was Really Like, I Went on a Dubai Vacation During the Pandemic Here's What It Was Like, 10 Mistakes to Avoid While Traveling Abroad During the COVID-19 Pandemic, How to Plan the Perfect Multi-island Trip to Hawaii, 7 Destinations in Hawaii Where the Locals Love to Go, I Traveled to Bali As It Reopened to Tourists Here's What It's Like to Visit Now. Safest Places to Travel in the Caribbean during Covid in Summer 2022 This article was originally published on June 24, 2020. Be sure to stop by hole number 17, a golfers favorite that is tucked into a natural amphitheater. Its a beautiful, unspoiled island. Published on April 21, 2021. Emanating elegance, this hillside restaurant served a beautifully crafted seasonal prix-fixe menu highlighting the island's local ingredients. Theyre wedged between the southernmost tip of Florida to the north, South America to the south and Central America to the west. 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. Safe travels! 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. You can read more about the airlines cleaning procedureshere. If you live on the West Coast, Hawaii can be an easier and even more cost-effective destination than the Caribbean. Everyone is looking forward to the reopening of Mauna Lani, an Auberge property [soft opening on November 15], several years in the making, said Ken Neibaur. Spend enough time on this oasis, and you could get through most of your bucket list. If youre lucky, you may even see a whale or dolphin dance by your boat. Expert Travel Tips for Visiting Hawaii During COVID-19 - AFAR One could even snap a picture of the QR code on the TV to use as a remote control. You will see Sunset Beach, the Bonzai Pipeline and some of Oahus best surf breaks. 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. Golf lovers flock to Hawaii for its pristine courses, and few are more spectacular than the Mauna Lani course.
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