Depending on what part of the U.S. you call home, it could be easier to get to either the Caribbean or Hawaii. Oahu Hidden Gems Tour + Snorkeling with Turtles This tour is an excellent activity for couples who are seeking a romantic experience to top off their Hawaiian vacation. 4. Divided into three floors, this museum tells the story of the world before humanity through a series of myths and stories. For example, getting around places like Barbados, Aruba, Grand Cayman and Turks and Caicos is the norm and youre unlikely to encounter safety issues. 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. Thats an incredible value especially if youre flying to Hawaii. Kilauea is considered to be one of the most active volcanoes on earth at the moment. There are few places to stay, with just three hotels. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. If you're open to waking up at 3 a.m., the Haleakala National Park sunrise summit should not be missed. Haleakala is home to Maui's highest peak, soaring 10,023 feet above sea level. Its valid on all Alaska Airlines flights with no blackout dates. Both of the islands only have 74 active cases at the moment. I'm from Slovakia and I've visited 75 countries but for now, taking a little break in Barcelona. If youre staying in a house or villa, request that your provisions come from a local farmer or rancher, she said. 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. The daily exhibition features works by native Hawaiian artists including interactive exhibits and family-friendly installations that kids can touch and explore. 6. But, the real question is, should you go to the Caribbean or Hawaii? Starbucks was the only food establishment open in the interisland terminal when we traveled. There are great fare sales to the Hawaiian Islands from the West Coast from a number of airlines, including a recent deal alert for round-trip flights to the islands for under $200. Prices can vary from reasonable to expensive, depending on when and where you travel. The path to these falls is as beautiful as the destination itself, especially in the mornings when it is still not very cloudy. I headed to Paia Fish Market in Kihei, and with the line out the door, I hoped I was in for a treat. 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. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. 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. We soon observed their mother nearby, keeping a watchful eye on her calves an only-in-Hawaii memory that will last a lifetime. At the arrival desk, a receptionist asked to see my negative COVID-19 result, then handed me a lei that I put on myself for a contactless welcome. Renting a kayak is one of the best ways to explore the islands by water. Although we were given a hand wipe by a flight attendant as we boarded, it was tiny and flimsy. The island chains that make up the West Indies are located in the Caribbean Sea. In both cases, storm season starts in early June and ends at the end of November. After months of being cooped-up in our Kaka'ako condos, my husband, our 3 . From the fields to your coffee cup. 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. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. So which island could outdo these beloved options? The whole place had an air of solitary leisure. 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. Waianuenue Falls, often called Rainbow Falls, is a five-minute drive from downtown Hilo in Wailuku River State Park. What's the Covid situation? 2), which is also voted among the world's best islands, received glowing reviews for its pristine beaches and nature trails that wind through jungles to waterfalls. Remember that the reasons people went to Honolulu are different now, with fairly severe restrictions. In 2020, tourist arrival dropped by 75% which caused . Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. We turned in ourState of Hawaii Traveler Health Forms and were cleared. 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. Mine cost $125, and the closest facility was at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). But the south side is much drier and home to Hawaiis version of the Grand Canyon, Waimea Canyon.. Hawaii recently rolled out a new program called Malama Hawaii, a new initiative that "encourages visitors to leave Hawaii better than when they arrived." The volcanoes national park in Hawaii is one of the few in the hemisphere that offers a unique close-up look at a chain of an active volcanoes system. 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. Papaklea Beach or Green sand beach, Big Island, Hawaii. One of our favorite luaus in Hawaii is the Smith Family Luau on Kauai, which has been a family-run business for decades. 2. Add around 30 minutes if you leave from Los Angeles instead. A country-by-country guide to coronavirus recovery. 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. Spend enough time on this oasis, and you could get through most of your bucket list. The fares can be brutal.). 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. Travelers often ask if its easier to visit Hawaii or the Caribbean. Travel to Hawaii during Covid-19: What you need to know before you go Hawaii visitors must provide evidence of a negative Covid-19 test. To simplify your Hawaii Covid Travels Between Islands, iVisa.com provides these three following options : Standard Processing; the slow, steady, cheaper option. This all day tour starts with pickup from your hotel and takes you to Waikikis Diamond Head volcano for a birds-eye view of the islands majesty. 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). It was a trip we were supposed to take Easter weekend and had been eagerly waiting to reschedule. Get out and see the sites!" The north side, with Princeville and Mount Waialeale in the center, gets a ton of rain, averaging 450 inches a year, says King. I felt safest choosing the most COVID-friendly outdoor activities. At Wailea Beach Resort, I had the rewarding experience of creating Hawaiian quilts for elders in hospice care on the island. Entry stipulations in the Caribbean vary by island nation. Magazines featured photos of fire eaters and beautiful hula dancers. Fly out first. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. But there are also plenty of impressive hotels for those who prefer to maximize their resort time. Certain hotels have resort fees. The latest On December 17, the Hawai'i Department of Health urged people on the islands to exercise caution as Covid-19 surged. As Hawaii reopens, travelers are booking villas such as Sea Song at Kahili Bay in Kauai. The sweet dragon fruit twist truly elevated this first course. And guess what? Thank goodness it is a short flight! The Four Seasons is evaluating its reopening date, with a decision coming soon.). 1 spot (though it still made the world's best islands list). TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. Related: Why you should fly Hawaiian Airlines to Hawaii. The 15 Best Islands in the Continental U.S. 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. Hawaii was the holy grail of vacation destinations for most U.S. residents even before it became a state in 1959. But unlike drivable U.S. destinations, which saw a surge in summer visitors, Hawaii's beaches remained quiet and . The Best Hawaiian Islands to Visit for Different Kinds of Travelers Will it be lava flows or luxury resorts? Best Hawaiian Islands to Visit: World's Best 2021 Hawaiian islands are known for their beaches, hikes, and surfing, among other things. 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. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. 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. Book a guide to drive you up, so you can learn about the dormant volcanic crater and its history. Check your bags and your expectations. I had a whole row to myself, and felt safe knowing all the other masked passengers had a negative COVID-19 test, too. Car break-ins are common in the Hawaiian Islands and some Caribbean islands have had problems with pushy vendors on public beaches. She contributes to publications including. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. This tour is popular and sells out quickly. 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. 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. 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. Whether your ideal Hawaiian vacation means time sunning, shopping, or snorkeling, there's an island for you. (Though if you aren't vaccinated, you will need a pre-arrival test or be subjected to a 10-day quarantine upon arrival.). On the other hand, the Caribbean has a network of rum distilleries that offer tours and tastings. Consider the beachside Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, which was voted the best hotel on the island (and No. A negative COVID-19 test result or a vaccination record document must be uploaded to the Safe Travel portal to obtain . She also recommends a drive to the North Shore to observe surfing and a stop at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Some businesses may still require or encourage the wearing of masks. This hike is challenging and steep, but the people who conquer it say the views are worth the effort. Even though all beaches in Hawaii are public, this property is secluded at the very end of a beach, with its own private access. Neither group of islands is likely to have many hotels at the lowest award rates, but there are resorts that cross the middle and upper ranges of the award spectrum. 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. It has lots of different options and room types, and all rooms are ocean-facing. The Grand Wailea is huge, but it is a great family resort. When people talk about Hawaii, they want to be in the resort, protected, and not urban. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. Are you debating between a trip to Hawaii or somewhere in the Caribbean? Hawaii's indoor mask mandate ended on March 25, 2022. The tour lasts two hours and is tailored for bikers of every athletic level. Rebecca Ascher-Walsh is a New York City-based journalist and author who specializes in celebrity and lifestyle coverage. 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. Take your kids to explore waterfalls, hike, volcanoes and explore the natural beauty of the islands. 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. 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. 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. Suddenly, two curious whales breached the surface of the water, not 50 feet away. But theres so much more to Hawaii (and the Caribbean) than the resorts. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. And both airlines offer buy-one-get-one fares. 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. It is also one of the most popular spots for a photoshoot. We hope that this year's honorees will inspire your own travels as you get back out into the world. Almost every Caribbean destination is open to travelers regardless of vaccination status. 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 memorial now stands as a historic attraction, welcoming millions of visitors a year. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. As one reader noted, "So much to see and do. Editors note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. 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: How to rent DVC points to stay at Aulani for less. If you were to take Hawaiian Airlines' nonstop flight from Boston to Honolulu, you're looking at spending nine hours and 40 minutes inflight. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. The nonstop flight time from San Francisco to Honolulu is just about five hours. You will see Sunset Beach, the Bonzai Pipeline and some of Oahus best surf breaks. A short ferry ride from Maui is the island of Lanai, about 18 miles long with only 3,000 people living there. You can hike, sail, dive or snorkel in either destination, though whale watching is definitely better in Hawaii. So you can technically cruise around either island chain, but it is much easier and more affordable to do in the Caribbean. 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. When COVID-19 struck the United States in late winter 2020 relaxing on a warm beach with a subtle island . /* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block. (Shutterstock via CNN) By Cnn Com Wire Service |. While most beaches are great for this fun activity, there are some that come highly recommended. If service is important to you, remember that some Caribbean countries are newer to the tourism industry than others. Check outthese tipson how to get your keiki to keep their masks on. Speaking of temperature, the lows can dip below freezing at the summit, so you'll want to bundle up. Sweet tooth holders rejoice! Set on a gorgeous backdrop of swaying palms and positioned on top of a lava bed, this golf course is ringed by the breathtaking Kiawe forests. This means travelers in the middle may have flight possibilities in both directions. What if another passenger coughs on the plane? According to The Inter-American Development Bank tourism accounts for 34-48% of GDP for the countries like the Bahamas, Barbados, and Jamaica. 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. What started as a family holiday reunion in Maui ended with a disappointing, but sensible, call: "Honey," my dad said. 2x points on all other eligible purchases. Readthe FAQs. The nonstop flight time from San Francisco to Honolulu is just about five hours. Offers may be subject to change without notice. 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. 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. We say theres no universally bad time to visit either destination. The best time to visit Hawaii's Big Island is between September and November. You can have memorable, relaxing family vacations in either the Caribbean or Hawaii. >> 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? TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. Turks and Caicos is a pristine British overseas paradise made up of over 40 low-lying coral islands in the Atlantic Ocean. 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. See all of our readers' favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards for 2021.