In 2020, tourist arrival dropped by 75% which caused . My favorite is the Montage Kapalua Bay [reopening October 15] up at the north end of the island. 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. We turned in ourState of Hawaii Traveler Health Forms and were cleared. 1 spot (though it still made the world's best islands list). Theres enhanced Wi-Fi to stay connected everywhere on the 53-acre property. 2. For example, the Bahamas requires all tourists over the age of two to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within five days. No matter the destination, Travel + Leisure GO can turn your vacation dreams into reality. 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. 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. Related: Little-known Caribbean islands to visit before everyone else. But the south side is much drier and home to Hawaiis version of the Grand Canyon, Waimea Canyon.. 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. During the same period, only six ships call on Hawaiian ports. 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. As long as the virus is alive and well, staying at home is your safest option. While most beaches are great for this fun activity, there are some that come highly recommended. The resort was well-prepared, too: Extra masks and wipes were placed throughout the room, and technology made contactless service a breeze. Hawaii's indoor mask mandate ended on March 25, 2022. 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. If youve got your heart set on a tropical cruise, your options are much more plentiful and therefore more affordable in the Caribbean. You can read more about the airlines cleaning procedureshere. 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. before boarding to avoid removing our masks and moving around the airplane during the flight. So which island could outdo these beloved options? You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Check here before booking an award fare. Ala Wai Canal, Waikiki, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii. LESLIE HARVEY/THE POINTS GUY Go Hawaii has up-to-date information on current travel requirements and restrictions. What the Experts Think, Have a Trip to Paris Planned? What's the Covid situation? 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 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. In both cases, storm season starts in early June and ends at the end of November. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Makena Landing park, Waimea Bay, Hanalei River and Lanikai Beach are some of the most coveted spots for stand up paddleboarding. You get the certificate on your cards anniversary. Travel to Hawaii during Covid-19: What you need to know before you go On the other hand, the Caribbean has a network of rum distilleries that offer tours and tastings. Oahus top attraction, the Polynesian Cultural Center is one of the best places to explore the rich culture of the Pacific Islands. 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program. 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. For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter. This means travelers in the middle may have flight possibilities in both directions. Add around 30 minutes if you leave from Los Angeles instead. The Grand Wailea is huge, but it is a great family resort. >> 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? 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. 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. 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. 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. Admission to the park area is $5 and hikers can enjoy a self-guided tour. 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. Finally, I received the green light and walked through the doors where a group of Hawaiian dancers welcomed me with a performance. Travel to Hawaii during Covid-19: What you need to know before you go Sweet tooth holders rejoice! Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. Hawaii is home to amazing natural wonders and landscapes and is rich in history and culture. 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. But there are also plenty of impressive hotels for those who prefer to maximize their resort time. You can have memorable, relaxing family vacations in either the Caribbean or Hawaii. If you live on the West Coast, Hawaii can be an easier and even more cost-effective destination than the Caribbean. As Hawaii reopens, travelers are booking villas such as Sea Song at Kahili Bay in Kauai. 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. Take a trip back into time as you explore some of the most iconic sites from World War II, and explore Honolulus storied past on a guided tour. 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. Hawaii was the holy grail of vacation destinations for most U.S. residents even before it became a state in 1959. 1. Even though all beaches in Hawaii are public, this property is secluded at the very end of a beach, with its own private access. 3. Which Hawaiian Island Should You Visit? - AFAR 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. Some businesses may still require or encourage the wearing of masks. You'll find a variety of projects like tree planting, self-directed beach cleanups, ocean reef preservation, and more. 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. The most popular, Hawaii, is affectionately referred to as the Big Island and is where most new visitors will land first. Of course, there are also beaches with a more traditional look for example, the basically perfect Mauna Kea beach on the Big Island. Molokai Molokai is the least visited island of Hawaii. You could use a Marriott up to 35,000-point certificate from the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card, for example, in both destinations. You can hike, sail, dive or snorkel in either destination, though whale watching is definitely better in Hawaii. TSA is also currently allowing passengers to bring up to 12 ounces of liquid hand sanitizerin carry-on bags. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Research your Caribbean island choice to get a feel for whether youd feel comfortable exploring beyond your resort or not. It is, in a word, special. She also recommends a drive to the North Shore to observe surfing and a stop at the Polynesian Cultural Center. The tour lasts two hours and is tailored for bikers of every athletic level. In fact, Hawaiian Airlines has stated that they arelimiting capacity to 70%during this time. Mine cost $125, and the closest facility was at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. 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. They werent lying and the tourists followed. 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. On this tour, you will visit the chocolate plantation and get an insiders view of how the chocolate is harvested, produced and packaged. Maui has numerous resorts, where travelers tend to go and spend time. ", Kauai (No. The North Shores famous bike path will take you alongside some of the most picturesque beaches that Hawaii has to offer. With about 65,000 visitors, the island attracts only a fraction of all the tourists that visit the island group each year. 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. 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 . 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. An expert guide rides along and provides the history of the island and its sights. The 15 Best Islands in the Continental U.S. Keyla Vasconcellos is a Los Angeles-based writer covering food, lifestyle, and travel. As soon as we were free to island-hop without a 14-day quarantine, my family boarded a flight from Honolulu to Kona. The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa; The Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas; The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, Ka'anapali; the Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort; and the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort have all scored well with TPG contributors and readers. What if another passenger coughs on the plane? 3, Maui is beloved for its something-for-everyone attractions, from rain forests to national parks and 30 miles of beaches, as well as its five-star lodgings and what one reader deemed "amazing food. The Spirit of Aloha and Polynesian influences remain strong and are a major reason why people continue to want to visit the Hawaiian Islands. 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. How can I keep him from touching everything? 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. 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. 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. Its a very large property, with a tremendous amount of public space. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. Whether your ideal Hawaiian vacation means time sunning, shopping, or snorkeling, there's an island for you. In the Caribbean, peak hurricane months are August to October. 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+. I felt safest choosing the most COVID-friendly outdoor activities. As if air travel with kids isnt stressful enough, throw a pandemic into the mix. But that isnt as true on every island. Kids love this tour as well. 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). Settle that difficult "which island to visit" question once and for all. Consider the beachside Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, which was voted the best hotel on the island (and No. Depending on what part of the U.S. you call home, it could be easier to get to either the Caribbean or Hawaii. In fact, the longest line we encountered at the airport was for Starbucks! 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 Hawaiian Islands, Ranked | U.S. News Travel You will find many places along the way where it is easy to rent a paddleboard for the day. Book a guide to drive you up, so you can learn about the dormant volcanic crater and its history. When COVID-19 struck the United States in late winter 2020 relaxing on a warm beach with a subtle island . You can get a free companion fare (other than the cost of taxes) whether you paid cash or points for your ticket. Heads up to all the stressed parents: Alcoholic beverages are temporarily unavailable for purchase on Hawaiian Airlines. Its important to monitor fares from both airlines since they offer great deals from their West Coast gateways. And guess what? Fly out first. 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 whole place had an air of solitary leisure. Then, of course, youll have to allow time for clearing customs on both the front and back ends of the trip. 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. Molokai is most definitely a destination off the beaten path. Theres a network of interisland flights that are affordable on cash or points. 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. 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). 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. If you are an early bird and a germaphobe (who isnt these days? To avoid airport delays and stress, print and fillout theState of Hawaii Traveler Health Format home 24 hours prior to your flight. The experience that makes. Those who traveled to the main islands of Oahu, Maui, the Big Island or Kauai returned home to regale their friends with tales of soaring cliffs, snorkeling adventures, whale watching, tropical flowers and volcanoes. One of the best meals I experienced was back at Wailea Beach Resort. Avoid a surprise seating situation, such as the oneI encountered, by confirming your seats with the gate agent prior to boarding.