Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Select your seats. Travelers must fill out the Hawaii Safe Travel program application form. The experience that makes. You can get a free companion fare (other than the cost of taxes) whether you paid cash or points for your ticket. To ease my anxiety, I over prepared by washing our face masks, packing wipes and hand sanitizerand researching the new travel rules. TSA is also currently allowing passengers to bring up to 12 ounces of liquid hand sanitizerin carry-on bags. 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. Think: A free night at the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort in Hawaii or the St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino in the Caribbean. 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. Super Wingsepisodes on his iPad kept him still and entertained the whole time. Then, of course, youll have to allow time for clearing customs on both the front and back ends of the trip. 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. I love writing and publishing content for digital nomads, remote workers, and passionate travelers like me. 1. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. LESLIE HARVEY/THE POINTS GUY The islands of Hawaii are a magical paradise, filled with natural wonders, pristine waters and rich culture. I'm from Slovakia and I've visited 75 countries but for now, taking a little break in Barcelona. Instrumental in the battles of World War II and the site of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the Battleship Missouri was one of the few warships sent to Hawaii to defend the US territory (which later became a state). 12. If you were to take Hawaiian Airlines' nonstop flight from Boston to Honolulu, you're looking at spending nine hours and 40 minutes inflight. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. 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 other restaurants and the Hawaiian Airlines Premier and Plumeria Lounges were closed. Children younger than 2 years old should not wear a mask. Related: The best ways to get to Hawaii using points and miles. Each person needs his or her own form, including infants and children. 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I headed to Paia Fish Market in Kihei, and with the line out the door, I hoped I was in for a treat. Safe travels! This tour will take you to the Na Pali Coastline, Waimea Canyon, Mount Waialeale, and Kauais breathtaking waterfalls. "We've decided to postpone traveling because of the pandemic." The Best Hawaiian Islands to Visit for Different Kinds of Travelers Will it be lava flows or luxury resorts? 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. You could use a Marriott up to 35,000-point certificate from the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card, for example, in both destinations. The name said it all, and it tasted like a tropical margarita slightly sweet with tajin (chili lime seasoning) syrup. Another great way to experience a Hawaiian sunset is on a stand-up paddleboard. The waiter suggested the Australian rack of lamb, and after just one bite, I understood why the tender meat fell right off the bone. Related: Island-hopping on Southwest Airlines in Hawaii. 2x points on all other eligible purchases. (Keep in mind, if you don't wear a mask, you could be looking at a $5,000 fine.) 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. 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). My room overlooked the deep blue Pacific Ocean, and the sound of rolling waves eased the tension of a long trip. 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. When you reach your final destination to reconnect with family or visit a favorite spot, youll remember that its all worth it. Sweet tooth holders rejoice! Travelers often ask if its easier to visit Hawaii or the Caribbean. 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. In the days leading up to our flight, questions kept me awake at night: Will Duke keep his mask on? If you want to go to Hawaii from the East Coast, you may need need to book connecting flights. You can drive in your own car, stopping at waterfalls and hiking areas, and for Hawaiian shaved ice. Suddenly, two curious whales breached the surface of the water, not 50 feet away. You have to get further up the coast where the beaches are wider, and even there, the water can be fairly rough.. Finally, I received the green light and walked through the doors where a group of Hawaiian dancers welcomed me with a performance. 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. If you live on the West Coast, Hawaii can be an easier and even more cost-effective destination than the Caribbean. 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. The latest On December 17, the Hawai'i Department of Health urged people on the islands to exercise caution as Covid-19 surged. 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. One of the best meals I experienced was back at Wailea Beach Resort. Should you want to use Southwest points to get to Hawaii (or the Caribbean) those points count toward earning a Companion Pass. Maui vs. Kauai: Which Hawaiian Island Is Better for You? She also recommends a drive to the North Shore to observe surfing and a stop at the Polynesian Cultural Center. With nearly endless reservation options to fly or stay, book your next getaway near or far at Travel + Leisure GO. Humble Market Kitchin is a chef Roy Yamaguchi restaurant. A note about safety: Petty crime can happen anywhere, so you should pack your street smarts wherever you go. Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, or humpback whales? On the other hand, the Caribbean has a network of rum distilleries that offer tours and tastings. The north side, with Princeville and Mount Waialeale in the center, gets a ton of rain, averaging 450 inches a year, says King. I think well see a significant number of requests for bookings to Hawaii., Hawaii is in rare form right now, says Debbie Misajon, founder of the Coconut Traveler, and a destination expert specializing in Hawaii. We had a snack and used the restrooms in the terminal (they were clean!) Both of the islands only have 74 active cases at the moment. Theres enhanced Wi-Fi to stay connected everywhere on the 53-acre property. The wildest of all the islands, Kauaiknown as the Garden Island has been the backdrop to myriad Hollywood movies and TV series, thanks to its white-sand beaches, rain forests, coastlines, waterfalls, rivers, and climate. Travel to Hawaii during Covid-19: What you need to know before you go If youre looking for a getaway to a gorgeous tropical locale, you cant go wrong with either Hawaii or the Caribbean. 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. 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. Akaka Falls State Park is home to two gorgeous waterfalls and an abundance of lush tropical greenery that never fail to impress visitors. Alaskan Airlines had another deal back in September that could get you to Hawaii for less than $100, and Southwest was offering 40% off Hawaii fares for early 2022 travel during the first week of October. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. Hawaii Covid Travels Between Islands: Simplified - iVisa.com Readthe FAQs. The fares can be brutal.). Keyla Vasconcellos is a Los Angeles-based writer covering food, lifestyle, and travel. 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. 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 youre staying in a house or villa, request that your provisions come from a local farmer or rancher, she said. It was a surreal and unforgettable experience. 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. Military personnel stationed at Pearl Harbor wrote home about the islands secluded beaches, waterfalls, lava flows and tunnels and so much more. 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. I Traveled to Maui During the COVID-19 Pandemic - Travel + Leisure 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. Research your Caribbean island choice to get a feel for whether youd feel comfortable exploring beyond your resort or not. Face masks are required inside the airports and on Hawaiian Airlines flights. Both will reopen October 15. You get the certificate on your cards anniversary. A Black American Traveler Shares His Experience of Visiting Africa for the First Time, What It Was Like Going on a Safari Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic, I Traveled to Hawaii During the Coronavirus Pandemic Here's What It Was Like, Maui Has Become a Go-to Destination for Pandemic-era Travelers Here's How to Experience It Beyond the Beaches, travel procedures amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Opt for a window seat or wherever you can be farthest away from other passengers. 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. Her work has been featured in. USD $62.99 - 8 hours. Related: Key things to know about Global Entry. Every Caribbean Island's COVID-19 Travel Policies - Leisure The memorial now stands as a historic attraction, welcoming millions of visitors a year. Americans can currently visit Hawaii, and fully-vaccinated travelers no longer need to get pre-tested or quarantine upon arrival. You can have memorable, relaxing family vacations in either the Caribbean or Hawaii. 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. Yamaguchi creates "Hawaii inspired Euro-Asian cuisine," as an homage to his family's roots. 1. After the guided tour, guests are free to explore on their own. Aerial landscape view of cliffs and green valley, Kauai, Hawaii. A guide to Hawaii travel restrictions during COVID Readers rated islands according to their activities and sights, natural attractions and beaches, food, friendliness, and overall value. Hawaii's travel restrictions are evolving rapidly. You will see Sunset Beach, the Bonzai Pipeline and some of Oahus best surf breaks. 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. What if another passenger coughs on the plane? Related: Little-known Caribbean islands to visit before everyone else. Prices depend on the dates you chose and start at USD $314 for both adults and children. 1 spot (though it still made the world's best islands list). One traveler shares her recent experience of visiting Maui amid the pandemic, including the flight, hotel, restaurant, activities, and more. Sitting at a picnic table outside and drinking ros, I had my first bite of the white, flaky fish lathered in garlic butter, which explained the long line of diners. 17 Best Things to Do in HAWAII During COVID - Traveling Lifestyle 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. Hawaii is home to amazing natural wonders and landscapes and is rich in history and culture. This is the wildest part of the island and its also home to tropical rainforests and botanical gardens. At that moment, I knew I had arrived in paradise. Get out and see the sites!" Your email address will not be published. The Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina is here, a nice property away from the majority of resorts and Waikiki beach, says King. A dream vacation destination, here's how Maui,. Whatever you choose to do, Hawaii will always be a dream destination. Settle that difficult "which island to visit" question once and for all. But unlike drivable U.S. destinations, which saw a surge in summer visitors, Hawaii's beaches remained quiet and . King calls Oahu his least favorite simply because of the crowds, in pre-COVID times: Honolulus international airport has always welcomed many direct flights from mainland USA and Asia, and travelers tend to spend at least some time in Oahu. Heres an in-depth look at the all-inclusive beach resorts you can book on points in the Caribbean. Ever since Hawaii mandated a 14-day quarantine for all arrivals on March 26, it has been stop and go for reopening its borders. 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. This means travelers in the middle may have flight possibilities in both directions. Thats an incredible value especially if youre flying to Hawaii. On Christmas, I treated myself to a two-hour sunset cruise out of Ka'anapali Beach. 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.