As soon as we were free to island-hop without a 14-day quarantine, my family boarded a flight from Honolulu to Kona. On December 24, the Biden administration announced it would lift. 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.. Snorkeling on Molokini [an uninhabited island close to Maui] is also a highlight, she says. Follow The Points Guy on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to text message alerts from our deals feed, @tpg_alerts. Since it was my first time on the island, I knew I wanted to try the local, fresh fish. On the other hand, the Caribbean has a network of rum distilleries that offer tours and tastings. (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. 1 spot (though it still made the world's best islands list). Related: The best ways to get to Hawaii using points and miles. Molokai Molokai is the least visited island of Hawaii. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Kids love this tour as well. On Christmas, I treated myself to a two-hour sunset cruise out of Ka'anapali Beach. Next, it's important to register online for the Safe Travels program prior to boarding the final leg of your trip. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. Young children unable to keep masks on and people withmedical conditions or disabilities whichpreventmask useare exempt. Reach out to the advisors mentioned in the story. 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. Book a guide to drive you up, so you can learn about the dormant volcanic crater and its history. 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. Now No. 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. Do you have an address in the middle of the country? Looking for a beautiful house with presidential and celebrity-level security? Makena Landing park, Waimea Bay, Hanalei River and Lanikai Beach are some of the most coveted spots for stand up paddleboarding. What is the processing time and price? For experiences, join a local biologist and swim with sharks, roll up your sleeves to pull invasive seaweed from a fishpond, or replant a native Hawaiian forest.. If youre staying in a house or villa, request that your provisions come from a local farmer or rancher, she said. My guide picked me. HoMa features stories, films, Art After Dark, and Family Funday Sundays for residents and visitors alike. Divided into three floors, this museum tells the story of the world before humanity through a series of myths and stories. 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. Neibaur also loves to recommend the home rental options at the Four Seasons complex, especially for those seeking more privacy now. This means travelers in the middle may have flight possibilities in both directions. In the Caribbean, peak hurricane months are August to October. On this tour, you will visit the chocolate plantation and get an insiders view of how the chocolate is harvested, produced and packaged. These islands offer a wealth of natural beauty and a perfect summer getaway for all types of travelers. According to The Inter-American Development Bank tourism accounts for 34-48% of GDP for the countries like the Bahamas, Barbados, and Jamaica. Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card. On Maui, restaurants and bars must limit occupancy to no more than 50% of the maximum capacity, and tables have to maintain a six-foot distance both indoors and outdoors. If you are an early bird and a germaphobe (who isnt these days? This is a developing story. Magazines featured photos of fire eaters and beautiful hula dancers. (Shutterstock via CNN) By Cnn Com Wire Service |. (Though if you aren't vaccinated, you will need a pre-arrival test or be subjected to a 10-day quarantine upon arrival.). As long as the virus is alive and well, staying at home is your safest option. 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. I took a trolley that looked like a Disney transplant to the car rental area where a friendly attendant asked for proof of my negative COVID-19 test prior to handing me the keys. An expert guide rides along and provides the history of the island and its sights. Go Hawaii has up-to-date information on current travel requirements and restrictions. But the south side is much drier and home to Hawaiis version of the Grand Canyon, Waimea Canyon.. This experience is wildly popular, even during Covid, so it pays to reserve your tickets early. Read on to find out why readers voted for the Island of Hawaii, as well as the other top Hawaiian islands. Children younger than 2 years old should not wear a mask. Many five-star hotel clients also go to the Grand Hyatt Kauai on the south side of the island, says King. 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. Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. Everywhere you look will be surrounded by unique plants such as giant ti plants, birds of paradise, torch ginger, bamboo, and split leaf philodendron. 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. Thank goodness it is a short flight! 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. On the eastern edge of Waikikis coastline, the Diamond Head state monument is known for its breathtaking views, hiking trails and military history. With about 65,000 visitors, the island attracts only a fraction of all the tourists that visit the island group each year. Watching the sunset along Hanalei Bay on Kauai is also something special that everyone should experience at least once in a lifetime. The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa. 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. 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. Related: Review of cruising the Caribbean on the Disney Dream. If you are lucky, you may have the chance to experience some mild seismic activity, hearing the boom of gas emissions, or even seeing a pillar of ash escaping into the air. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. 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. So which island could outdo these beloved options? The Caribbean has even more influences, from the areas original inhabitants to those brought from Africa against their will in the slave trade. Select your seats. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. I opted for the ahi poke dish with rice chips as the prologue to my meal. Check your bags and your expectations. But theres so much more to Hawaii (and the Caribbean) than the resorts. 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 recently rolled out a new program called Malama Hawaii, a new initiative that "encourages visitors to leave Hawaii better than when they arrived." Of course, right now, coronavirus safety precautions have temporarily changed travel to Hawaii and the Caribbean. 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. If you're open to waking up at 3 a.m., the Haleakala National Park sunrise summit should not be missed. People come from all over the world for Hawaiis waters, and the island chain is a major draw for surfers. In both cases, storm season starts in early June and ends at the end of November. Rebecca Ascher-Walsh is a New York City-based journalist and author who specializes in celebrity and lifestyle coverage. Thats not a bad problem to have, but its just the type of problem TPG likes to help you solve. The 15 Best Islands in the Continental U.S. 2. Related: When will international travel return? 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. Travelers often ask if its easier to visit Hawaii or the Caribbean. Americans can currently visit Hawaii, and fully-vaccinated travelers no longer need to get pre-tested or quarantine upon arrival. But things still arent equal. I love writing and publishing content for digital nomads, remote workers, and passionate travelers like me. TSA is also currently allowing passengers to bring up to 12 ounces of liquid hand sanitizerin carry-on bags. Temperatures remain . This tour will take you to the Na Pali Coastline, Waimea Canyon, Mount Waialeale, and Kauais breathtaking waterfalls. 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. Currently, all travelers must either undergo a 10-day quarantine or if traveling from a handful of countries (listed above) to any island . Here are some resources for using points and free-night certificates in both destinations: If you are considering traveling to the Caribbean or Hawaii with a family, you may have unique questions about the destinations and their level of kid-friendliness. But the trip was booked, so with all travel safety precautions in mind, I decided to explore Maui on my own. Face masks are required inside the airports and on Hawaiian Airlines flights. How can I keep him from touching everything? 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 . Spend enough time on this oasis, and you could get through most of your bucket list. You have to get further up the coast where the beaches are wider, and even there, the water can be fairly rough.. The waiter suggested the Australian rack of lamb, and after just one bite, I understood why the tender meat fell right off the bone. Are you debating between a trip to Hawaii or somewhere in the Caribbean? This day tour departs from Maui, Big Island and Kauai. 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.