Related: Best way to fly with kids to Hawaii. USD $62.99 - 8 hours. 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. This is a developing story. For your safety it is highly recommended to stay on marked routes, read and follow all the warning signs, and stay out of restricted areas. Thank goodness it is a short flight! Car break-ins are common in the Hawaiian Islands and some Caribbean islands have had problems with pushy vendors on public beaches. 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. Published on April 21, 2021. 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. 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. Thats an incredible value especially if youre flying to Hawaii. The memorial now stands as a historic attraction, welcoming millions of visitors a year. During the same period, only six ships call on Hawaiian ports. Research your Caribbean island choice to get a feel for whether youd feel comfortable exploring beyond your resort or not. We hope that this year's honorees will inspire your own travels as you get back out into the world. Your best bet for a seven-night voyage around the Hawaiian Islands is Norwegian Cruise Lines Pride of America or Uncruise Adventures Safari Explorer. There are volcanoes there, too, as well as secluded beaches and historic old towns with an unmistakable European flair. If you want to get out there to explore and experience a wide range of natural wonders Hawaii probably takes the pineapple-flavored cake. 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. After the sun sets, sail the warm waters with the lights of Honolulu as your backdrop. "This is what you think of when you dream of Hawaii." The day of my departure, the Hawaiian Airlines check-in line was nonexistent. You can read more about the airlines cleaning procedureshere. 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. In the Caribbean, unless theres ferry service from one island to another as is the case between St. Thomas and St. John it can be expensive and inconvenient to fly between them. In fact, the longest line we encountered at the airport was for Starbucks! 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. "It is stunning," wrote one reader. Looking toward the back, I noticed travelers were more spread out, and that, indeed, the middle seats had been blocked off. 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. To ease my anxiety, I over prepared by washing our face masks, packing wipes and hand sanitizerand researching the new travel rules. This tour will take you to the Na Pali Coastline, Waimea Canyon, Mount Waialeale, and Kauais breathtaking waterfalls. 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. This hike is challenging and steep, but the people who conquer it say the views are worth the effort. There's no shortage of natural splendor, exciting adventure activities, and high-caliber resorts on the best islands of Hawaii. (Keep in mind, if you don't wear a mask, you could be looking at a $5,000 fine.) TSA is also currently allowing passengers to bring up to 12 ounces of liquid hand sanitizerin carry-on bags. There, you'll complete a health questionnaire and upload your negative test result. For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter. Check your bags and your expectations. Hawaii still holds that mystique. 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. 6 versions of paradise: How to choose the right Hawaiian island for you 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. "We've decided to postpone traveling because of the pandemic." We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. According to The Inter-American Development Bank tourism accounts for 34-48% of GDP for the countries like the Bahamas, Barbados, and Jamaica. Hawaiian Airlines cleans Neighbor Island flights between each trip, but sprays the aircraftwith hospital-grade disinfectants every night. 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. 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. After a 25-minute drive, I arrived at the breathtaking Wailea Beach Resort. (Just try booking a flight to say, Aruba, during spring break. If you live on the West Coast, Hawaii can be an easier and even more cost-effective destination than the Caribbean. 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. Few things compare to sunsets over Oahu, so if youre on the island, a sunset sail on a Makani catamaran is a must-do. Add around 30 minutes if you leave from Los Angeles instead. 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. The Grand Wailea is huge, but it is a great family resort. We pulled our masks tighter, wiped every inch of the seat, buckled up and hoped for the best. Add around 30 minutes if you leave from Los Angeles instead. With a variety of fish dishes to choose from, I went with opah sauted in garlic butter and served over a mountain of fries. And guess what? With beautiful ocean views, the restaurant exuded a safe, comfortable atmosphere. Hawaii Eases Inter Island Travel Restrictions For Fully Vaccinated 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. 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. 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. Kids love this tour as well. Read on to find out why readers voted for the Island of Hawaii, as well as the other top Hawaiian islands. Haleakala is home to Maui's highest peak, soaring 10,023 feet above sea level. Kilauea is considered to be one of the most active volcanoes on earth at the moment. CNN . No matter the destination, Travel + Leisure GO can turn your vacation dreams into reality. The Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina is here, a nice property away from the majority of resorts and Waikiki beach, says King. This is the wildest part of the island and its also home to tropical rainforests and botanical gardens. So which island could outdo these beloved options? The battleship is open for tours four days a week, and expert guides give in-depth talks on the ships role in the war. Readthe FAQs. Consider the beachside Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, which was voted the best hotel on the island (and No. The nonstop flight time from San Francisco to Honolulu is just about five hours. Hawaii's entry policy for . Currently, all travelers must either undergo a 10-day quarantine or if traveling from a handful of countries (listed above) to any island . On the big day, we arrived at the Hawaiian Airlines interisland terminal around 7:30 a.m., 90minutes before our departure. 7 in all of Hawaii) by T+L readers. ), Related: How to rent DVC points to stay at Aulani for less. The beach is likely a major draw whether you plan to vacation in Hawaii or the Caribbean. 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.. Terms and Conditions Apply. 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. (Shutterstock via CNN) By Cnn Com Wire Service |. Rules are still changing regularly, so if youre planning to visit the Caribbean or Hawaii, look into current entry mandates before booking travel. I ordered a specialty cocktail called the 2020 Eraser. Ala Wai Canal, Waikiki, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii. Seahorse farm tour. 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. Thats not a bad problem to have, but its just the type of problem TPG likes to help you solve. From somewhere like New York or Texas, you could reasonably take the kids to the Caribbean for a long weekend, whereas that would probably not be enough time for kids to adjust and enjoy Hawaii. You can get a free companion fare (other than the cost of taxes) whether you paid cash or points for your ticket. How can I keep him from touching everything? Check here before booking an award fare. Southwest and Alaska Airlines routes to Hawaii are a boon to West Coast travelers. Mine cost $125, and the closest facility was at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). 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. With nearly endless reservation options to fly or stay, book your next getaway near or far at Travel + Leisure GO. A guide to Hawaii travel restrictions during COVID Haleakala is home to Maui's highest peak, soaring 10,023 feet above sea level. It is one of the most expensive islands simply because of the two Four Seasons properties, and there are rentals as well, says King. Travel to Hawaii during Covid-19: What you need to know before you go The catamaran offered open-air seating, and I was required to answer health questions before boarding. To adhere to safety regulations, the passenger numbers were limited for safe social distancing, and all tables were spaced six feet apart. If service is important to you, remember that some Caribbean countries are newer to the tourism industry than others. 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. Magazines featured photos of fire eaters and beautiful hula dancers. 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. All restrictions on intercounty travel have been lifted, meaning no pre-travel testing or quarantining is needed for travel between the Hawaiian islands. This experience is wildly popular, even during Covid, so it pays to reserve your tickets early. 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%;} If everything is not in order, prepare for a 10-day quarantine or to be sent back on the next flight. King has some well-earned opinions on where to stay in Maui. Traveling to Hawaii? Be Prepared to Pay - The New York Times Hawaii Covid Travels Between Islands: Simplified - iVisa.com What the Experts Think, Have a Trip to Paris Planned? Almost every Caribbean destination is open to travelers regardless of vaccination status. 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 real question is, should you go to the Caribbean or Hawaii? 7. /* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block. 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. Emanating elegance, this hillside restaurant served a beautifully crafted seasonal prix-fixe menu highlighting the island's local ingredients. #1 in Best Hawaiian Islands to Visit Though it's perhaps most famous for the fabulous coastlines of Ka'anapali Beach and Wailea Beach, Maui is a great option for first-timers who are looking. If youre looking for a getaway to a gorgeous tropical locale, you cant go wrong with either Hawaii or the Caribbean. If you were to take Hawaiian Airlines' nonstop flight from Boston to Honolulu, you're looking at spending nine hours and 40 minutes inflight. Tours start at $118 for adults with discounted rates for seniors and children. Is The White Lotus breaking up with Four Seasons ahead of Season 3? 5. 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! When it comes to the feel of the islands and the distinct culture youll find on each, there are some significant differences that are perhaps more important than the geographical distances. With about 65,000 visitors, the island attracts only a fraction of all the tourists that visit the island group each year. The path to these falls is as beautiful as the destination itself, especially in the mornings when it is still not very cloudy. You will find many places along the way where it is easy to rent a paddleboard for the day. But here are the best times to visit Hawaii and best times to visit the Caribbean. You can have memorable, relaxing family vacations in either the Caribbean or Hawaii. 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. Makena Landing park, Waimea Bay, Hanalei River and Lanikai Beach are some of the most coveted spots for stand up paddleboarding. Face masks are required inside the airports and on Hawaiian Airlines flights. It does share the beach with Disneys Aulani [opening November 1], which can be a good or bad thing, depending on the traveler. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. Although we were given a hand wipe by a flight attendant as we boarded, it was tiny and flimsy. 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. Papaklea Beach or Green sand beach, Big Island, Hawaii. 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. While readers have stayed enthusiastically true to the region for decades, this year their sights have wandered: for the first time in nine years, Maui has been displaced from the No. A negative COVID-19 test result or a vaccination record document must be uploaded to the Safe Travel portal to obtain . Rebecca Ascher-Walsh is a New York City-based journalist and author who specializes in celebrity and lifestyle coverage. Opt for a window seat or wherever you can be farthest away from other passengers. Once you arrive, there is no reason to leave or go very far, other than to explore other parts of the island. Even though all beaches in Hawaii are public, this property is secluded at the very end of a beach, with its own private access. The 15 Best Islands in the Continental U.S. The tour lasts two hours and is tailored for bikers of every athletic level. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. I headed to Paia Fish Market in Kihei, and with the line out the door, I hoped I was in for a treat. On the other hand, the Caribbean has a network of rum distilleries that offer tours and tastings. One traveler shares her recent experience of visiting Maui amid the pandemic, including the flight, hotel, restaurant, activities, and more. 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. We soon observed their mother nearby, keeping a watchful eye on her calves an only-in-Hawaii memory that will last a lifetime. To simplify your Hawaii Covid Travels Between Islands, iVisa.com provides these three following options : Standard Processing; the slow, steady, cheaper option. Snorkeling on Molokini [an uninhabited island close to Maui] is also a highlight, she says. 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. You have to get further up the coast where the beaches are wider, and even there, the water can be fairly rough..