Depending on what part of the U.S. you call home, it could be easier to get to either the Caribbean or Hawaii. Whatever you choose to do, Hawaii will always be a dream destination. What started as a family holiday reunion in Maui ended with a disappointing, but sensible, call: "Honey," my dad said. Rebecca Ascher-Walsh is a New York City-based journalist and author who specializes in celebrity and lifestyle coverage. 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. You can get a free companion fare (other than the cost of taxes) whether you paid cash or points for your ticket. The island chains that make up the West Indies are located in the Caribbean Sea. Hawaiian Airlines cleans Neighbor Island flights between each trip, but sprays the aircraftwith hospital-grade disinfectants every night. (Just try booking a flight to say, Aruba, during spring break. Hawaii is home to 137 islands, eight of which are inhabited. My room overlooked the deep blue Pacific Ocean, and the sound of rolling waves eased the tension of a long trip. My guide picked me. Do you have an address in the middle of the country? Hawaii has its popular cultural show, the luau, that showcases hula dancing, fire twirling and traditional dishes like kalua pig and poi. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Divided into three floors, this museum tells the story of the world before humanity through a series of myths and stories. Aerial landscape view of cliffs and green valley, Kauai, Hawaii. This was not what I had expected or prepared for! This means travelers in the middle may have flight possibilities in both directions. The resort was well-prepared, too: Extra masks and wipes were placed throughout the room, and technology made contactless service a breeze. 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. Reach out to the advisors mentioned in the story. When people talk about Hawaii, they want to be in the resort, protected, and not urban. 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. 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. Entry stipulations in the Caribbean vary by island nation. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Kilauea is considered to be one of the most active volcanoes on earth at the moment. This tour is popular and sells out quickly. 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. One of the most popular exhibits features an up-close look at Mt. Rows one through ninewere completely full at 100% capacity. 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. No reservations are necessary. To show you whats possible, here are some fun things to experience with a family on Kauai and the Big Island. But the trip was booked, so with all travel safety precautions in mind, I decided to explore Maui on my own. Hawaiibetter known as the Big Islandis the largest of the island chain, with more than 10 diverse climate zones. Oahu Hidden Gems Tour + Snorkeling with Turtles Should you want to use Southwest points to get to Hawaii (or the Caribbean) those points count toward earning a Companion Pass. 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. Haleakala is home to Maui's highest peak, soaring 10,023 feet above sea level. As if air travel with kids isnt stressful enough, throw a pandemic into the mix. 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. 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. 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. 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. There are also nonstop flights to Hawaii from many of those same hub cities. In the days leading up to our flight, questions kept me awake at night: Will Duke keep his mask on? The Four Seasons is evaluating its reopening date, with a decision coming soon.). As Hawaii reopens, travelers are booking villas such as Sea Song at Kahili Bay in Kauai. The Honolulu Museum of Art houses some of the most influential pieces in the island chains history, and is a must-visit for any art lover. The museum also offers special limited-time exhibits that offer something for the whole family. A Bostonian could watch two additional full-length movies to kill the extra time it takes to get to Hawaii. 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. One of the best meals I experienced was back at Wailea Beach Resort. 2. Related: Best way to fly with kids to Hawaii. I opted for the ahi poke dish with rice chips as the prologue to my meal. We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. As one reader noted, "So much to see and do. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. You get the certificate on your cards anniversary. Fly out first. In the Caribbean, youll find historic forts, former sugar cane plantations, rum distilleries and plenty of coffee beans in the mountains of Jamaica. Then we breezed through TSA and were at our gate within 20 minutes. 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. If you want to go to Hawaii from the East Coast, you may need need to book connecting flights. If you are concerned about the noise, dont be. You'll find a variety of projects like tree planting, self-directed beach cleanups, ocean reef preservation, and more. When you reach your final destination to reconnect with family or visit a favorite spot, youll remember that its all worth it. I felt safest choosing the most COVID-friendly outdoor activities. Tours start at $118 for adults with discounted rates for seniors and children. 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. 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. If youre looking for a getaway to a gorgeous tropical locale, you cant go wrong with either Hawaii or the Caribbean. Book a guide to drive you up, so you can learn about the dormant volcanic crater and its history. Avoid a surprise seating situation, such as the oneI encountered, by confirming your seats with the gate agent prior to boarding. Turks and Caicos is a pristine British overseas paradise made up of over 40 low-lying coral islands in the Atlantic Ocean. 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. You can hike, sail, dive or snorkel in either destination, though whale watching is definitely better in Hawaii. Stash some snacks. 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. Some businesses may still require or encourage the wearing of masks. After closing during the pandemic, it's reopened to guests as of May 2021. After months of being cooped-up in our Kaka'ako condos, my husband, our 3 . The north side, with Princeville and Mount Waialeale in the center, gets a ton of rain, averaging 450 inches a year, says King. On Christmas, I treated myself to a two-hour sunset cruise out of Ka'anapali Beach. Interest in visiting the islands is running high, but the price of paradise can be multiple Covid tests, expensive stints in quarantine, long waits in line and more. For those considering a luau, you'll be immersed in authentic Hawaiian culture at the open-air Old Lhain L'au.Speaking with Kawika Freitas, the director of public and cultural relations, I learned that luaus completely shifted to a new format to comply with Hawaii state and local COVID-19 mandates. You will see Sunset Beach, the Bonzai Pipeline and some of Oahus best surf breaks. This point is an excellent photo spot and was once the place where spectators stood to watch Amelia Earhart take her first solo flight from Hawaii to the mainland United States. 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. Young children unable to keep masks on and people withmedical conditions or disabilities whichpreventmask useare exempt. A country-by-country guide to coronavirus recovery. Even though all beaches in Hawaii are public, this property is secluded at the very end of a beach, with its own private access. 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. The Four Seasons property will reopen December 1. Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card. 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%;} 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. Emanating elegance, this hillside restaurant served a beautifully crafted seasonal prix-fixe menu highlighting the island's local ingredients. 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. One could even snap a picture of the QR code on the TV to use as a remote control. The nonstop flight time from San Francisco to Honolulu is just about five hours. USD $62.99 - 8 hours. Everywhere you look will be surrounded by unique plants such as giant ti plants, birds of paradise, torch ginger, bamboo, and split leaf philodendron. Opt for a window seat or wherever you can be farthest away from other passengers. The most popular, Hawaii, is affectionately referred to as the Big Island and is where most new visitors will land first. 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. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. From snorkeling to sunset cruises, history tours and coffee tastings, there is no shortage of things to do in Hawaii during COVID. A dream vacation destination, here's how Maui,. 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. Since it was my first time on the island, I knew I wanted to try the local, fresh fish. You have to get further up the coast where the beaches are wider, and even there, the water can be fairly rough.. 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. I love writing and publishing content for digital nomads, remote workers, and passionate travelers like me. Haleakala is home to Maui's highest peak, soaring 10,023 feet above sea level. Maui has numerous resorts, where travelers tend to go and spend time. It does share the beach with Disneys Aulani [opening November 1], which can be a good or bad thing, depending on the traveler. 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. Theyre wedged between the southernmost tip of Florida to the north, South America to the south and Central America to the west. Your best bet for a seven-night voyage around the Hawaiian Islands is Norwegian Cruise Lines Pride of America or Uncruise Adventures Safari Explorer. 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. 5. (Youll even find an included kids club at Aulani. This tour will take you to the Na Pali Coastline, Waimea Canyon, Mount Waialeale, and Kauais breathtaking waterfalls. ), 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. Related: Review of cruising the Caribbean on the Disney Dream. Its important to monitor fares from both airlines since they offer great deals from their West Coast gateways. Hawaii's entry policy for . Akaka Falls State Park is home to two gorgeous waterfalls and an abundance of lush tropical greenery that never fail to impress visitors. 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. 12. It has lots of different options and room types, and all rooms are ocean-facing. While most beaches are great for this fun activity, there are some that come highly recommended. The following Southwest credit cards are offering a 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months. And guess what? You can spend an entire day here depending on your level of interest. Travel Advisory 2023, 8 Incredible Hidden Gems To Visit In Spain In 2023, Privacy Policy & Terms of Use & Editorial Policies. So you can technically cruise around either island chain, but it is much easier and more affordable to do in the Caribbean. With nearly endless reservation options to fly or stay, book your next getaway near or far at Travel + Leisure GO. 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping, 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases, Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points), Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status, Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award. >> Next: Hawaii Quarantine to Be Lifted on October 15, AFAR participates in affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a commission if you purchase an item featured on our site. 2023 AFAR Media, Is Flying This Summer Going to Be a Repeat of the 2022 Air Travel Mess? 7. Looking for a beautiful house with presidential and celebrity-level security? Your email address will not be published. ), consider booking the first flight of the day. If you were to take Hawaiian Airlines' nonstop flight from Boston to Honolulu, you're looking at spending nine hours and 40 minutes inflight. The other restaurants and the Hawaiian Airlines Premier and Plumeria Lounges were closed. Surfing is big in Hawaii, but its possible to surf in some parts of the Caribbean, too. Pure Kauai has been a high-end villa specialist on the island for almost 20 years. But things still arent equal. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. From the fields to your coffee cup. 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! 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. On December 24, the Biden administration announced it would lift. 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. 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. (Keep in mind, if you don't wear a mask, you could be looking at a $5,000 fine.) The name said it all, and it tasted like a tropical margarita slightly sweet with tajin (chili lime seasoning) syrup. Follow The Points Guy on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to text message alerts from our deals feed, @tpg_alerts. 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). "We've decided to postpone traveling because of the pandemic." The beach is likely a major draw whether you plan to vacation in Hawaii or the Caribbean. And although this turbulent time has been about protecting yourself and others, the warmth of the Hawaiian people taught me that isolation doesn't have to mean alienation. 6. We made it! You can reserve your tickets for HoMa online before your visit. If you live on the East Coast, the Caribbean is much closer than Hawaii. If youre interested in less conventional beaches, Hawaii has them in pink, green, red and even black sands. If youre lucky, you may even see a whale or dolphin dance by your boat. With a variety of fish dishes to choose from, I went with opah sauted in garlic butter and served over a mountain of fries. Most of the Caribbean, with the exception of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, are foreign destinations. Tickets are booked beforehand and presented on your phone for a contactless entry. The nonstop flight time from San Francisco to Honolulu is just about five hours. 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. Its valid on all Alaska Airlines flights with no blackout dates. This day tour departs from Maui, Big Island and Kauai. See all of our readers' favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards for 2021. 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. 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program. The whole place had an air of solitary leisure. Makena Landing park, Waimea Bay, Hanalei River and Lanikai Beach are some of the most coveted spots for stand up paddleboarding. Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. Oahus top attraction, the Polynesian Cultural Center is one of the best places to explore the rich culture of the Pacific Islands. Heres an in-depth look at the all-inclusive beach resorts you can book on points in the Caribbean. Find comfortable masks. Travelers must fill out the Hawaii Safe Travel program application form. Starbucks was the only food establishment open in the interisland terminal when we traveled. 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. Related: Key things to know about Global Entry. So which island could outdo these beloved options? ), Related: How to rent DVC points to stay at Aulani for less. It was a surreal and unforgettable experience. Are you debating between a trip to Hawaii or somewhere in the Caribbean? Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. And both airlines offer buy-one-get-one fares. 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. 1. 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. Kids love this tour as well. 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. I barely had to lift a finger because a QR code could be used to make a reservation, check out the menu, and order room service. Papaklea Beach or Green sand beach, Big Island, Hawaii. before boarding to avoid removing our masks and moving around the airplane during the flight. One of our favorite luaus in Hawaii is the Smith Family Luau on Kauai, which has been a family-run business for decades. 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. (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. Is The White Lotus breaking up with Four Seasons ahead of Season 3? Many five-star hotel clients also go to the Grand Hyatt Kauai on the south side of the island, says King. This tour is an excellent activity for couples who are seeking a romantic experience to top off their Hawaiian vacation. 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. But there is plenty to do, says Kingbeaches, snorkeling, humpback whale viewing during January and early February, golf courses, and fine dining, like the famous Mamas Fish House. Its a beautiful, unspoiled island. 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. Rooted in its own history, each island has a distinct feel, so lumping them together isnt fair in many ways. 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. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has lifted its requirement for travelers to test negative for Covid-19 before entering the United States. Rush Processing; the relatively quicker and costlier option. Theres enhanced Wi-Fi to stay connected everywhere on the 53-acre property. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. I'm from Slovakia and I've visited 75 countries but for now, taking a little break in Barcelona. 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. 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. The catamaran offered open-air seating, and I was required to answer health questions before boarding. As soon as we were free to island-hop without a 14-day quarantine, my family boarded a flight from Honolulu to Kona. 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. Best Hawaiian Islands to Visit: World's Best 2021 Hawaiian islands are known for their beaches, hikes, and surfing, among other things. To avoid airport delays and stress, print and fillout theState of Hawaii Traveler Health Format home 24 hours prior to your flight. If you keep up with airline deals, you can luck out and find cheap fares to the Caribbean. Once you arrive, there is no reason to leave or go very far, other than to explore other parts of the island. Youll find a range of beach types in both destinations. The states capital, Honolulu, is also the site of the largest airport in the islands. Its miles and miles from the mainland 2,556 miles from Los Angeles, to be exact. Then, of course, youll have to allow time for clearing customs on both the front and back ends of the trip. When I arrived at LAX, two people were in front of me, and after an uncomfortable nose swab, I was in and out in 10 minutes. On the big day, we arrived at the Hawaiian Airlines interisland terminal around 7:30 a.m., 90minutes before our departure. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. The Spirit of Aloha and Polynesian influences remain strong and are a major reason why people continue to want to visit the Hawaiian Islands. To simplify your Hawaii Covid Travels Between Islands, iVisa.com provides these three following options : Standard Processing; the slow, steady, cheaper option. The tour lasts two hours and is tailored for bikers of every athletic level. 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. Pro tip: The Park is open to all visitors but, due to the strong eruption back in December, it is not recommended for visitors with heart or respiratory problems, children or pregnant women until the air becomes clearer.