Book a guide to drive you up, so you can learn about the dormant volcanic crater and its history. Surfing is big in Hawaii, but its possible to surf in some parts of the Caribbean, too. Your best bet for a seven-night voyage around the Hawaiian Islands is Norwegian Cruise Lines Pride of America or Uncruise Adventures Safari Explorer. 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. One traveler shares her recent experience of visiting Maui amid the pandemic, including the flight, hotel, restaurant, activities, and more. 1. Molokai Molokai is the least visited island of Hawaii. Related: Key things to know about Global Entry. 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. The resort was well-prepared, too: Extra masks and wipes were placed throughout the room, and technology made contactless service a breeze. The 243-room property has seven swimming pools, a full service spa, and a 1.8 million gallon swimmable aquarium with marine biologists at the ready to teach you about the 90 kinds of tropical fish that live in it. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. 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. After the guided tour, guests are free to explore on their own. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. 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. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, or humpback whales? Hawaii is home to an abundance of cacao trees, and the island chain produces some of the tastiest chocolate in the world. Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. While most beaches are great for this fun activity, there are some that come highly recommended. You can have memorable, relaxing family vacations in either the Caribbean or Hawaii. 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. But borders are reopening October 15, allowing visitors to present a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of arrival to avoid a mandatory 14-day quarantine. Thats not a bad problem to have, but its just the type of problem TPG likes to help you solve. Travel along the Road to Hana to experience East Maui's scenic coastline, explore Haleakala - the world's largest dormant volcano - in the Upcountry and discover the former tribal battlegrounds. 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. Certain hotels have resort fees. Hawaii, like many other states, has its own travel procedures amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Are you debating between a trip to Hawaii or somewhere in the Caribbean? This year's World's Best Awards survey was open for voting January 11 through May 10, 2021, as destinations around the world were lifting COVID-19 restrictions. 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. Required fields are marked *. The tour lasts two hours and is tailored for bikers of every athletic level. 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. Temperatures remain . The whole place had an air of solitary leisure. 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. Remember that the reasons people went to Honolulu are different now, with fairly severe restrictions. Safe travels! From the fields to your coffee cup. ", Kauai (No. No matter the destination, Travel + Leisure GO can turn your vacation dreams into reality. Even though all beaches in Hawaii are public, this property is secluded at the very end of a beach, with its own private access. I love writing and publishing content for digital nomads, remote workers, and passionate travelers like me. I had a whole row to myself, and felt safe knowing all the other masked passengers had a negative COVID-19 test, too. Papaklea Beach or Green sand beach, Big Island, Hawaii. Photo: by Laura Dornbush. It was a surreal and unforgettable experience. Maui vs. Kauai: Which Hawaiian Island Is Better for You? Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Book a guide to drive you up, so you can learn about the dormant volcanic crater and its history. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. Both of the islands only have 74 active cases at the moment. To ease my anxiety, I over prepared by washing our face masks, packing wipes and hand sanitizerand researching the new travel rules. Best Hawaiian Islands to Visit: World's Best 2021 Hawaiian islands are known for their beaches, hikes, and surfing, among other things. 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. This hike is great as part of a day trip to the monument. Heads up to all the stressed parents: Alcoholic beverages are temporarily unavailable for purchase on Hawaiian Airlines. LESLIE HARVEY/THE POINTS GUY #1 in Best Hawaiian Islands to Visit Though it's perhaps most famous for the fabulous coastlines of Ka'anapali Beach and Wailea Beach, Maui is a great option for first-timers who are looking. This tour is popular and sells out quickly. This means travelers in the middle may have flight possibilities in both directions. Turks and Caicos is a pristine British overseas paradise made up of over 40 low-lying coral islands in the Atlantic Ocean. 4. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. 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. We soon observed their mother nearby, keeping a watchful eye on her calves an only-in-Hawaii memory that will last a lifetime. (Just try booking a flight to say, Aruba, during spring break. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Children younger than 2 years old should not wear a mask. I was impressed to see hand sanitizer stations throughout the airport terminal. 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. 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program. Sweet tooth holders rejoice! Theres a network of interisland flights that are affordable on cash or points. In the Caribbean, youll find historic forts, former sugar cane plantations, rum distilleries and plenty of coffee beans in the mountains of Jamaica. 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%;} But that isnt as true on every island. Learn to surf with world-class athletes, hike through lava fields to volcanoes, and zipline in rain forests; go snorkeling with dolphins by day and manta rays at night. Editors note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. What started as a family holiday reunion in Maui ended with a disappointing, but sensible, call: "Honey," my dad said. Readers rated islands according to their activities and sights, natural attractions and beaches, food, friendliness, and overall value. Rush Processing; the relatively quicker and costlier option. 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. A dream vacation destination, here's how Maui,. Travelers must fill out the Hawaii Safe Travel program application form. The path to these falls is as beautiful as the destination itself, especially in the mornings when it is still not very cloudy. Where to stay The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa. On this tour, you will visit the chocolate plantation and get an insiders view of how the chocolate is harvested, produced and packaged. Rooted in its own history, each island has a distinct feel, so lumping them together isnt fair in many ways. Its valid on all Alaska Airlines flights with no blackout dates. You can spend an entire day here depending on your level of interest. 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. If you live on the West Coast, Hawaii can be an easier and even more cost-effective destination than the Caribbean. Stash some snacks. You can get a free companion fare (other than the cost of taxes) whether you paid cash or points for your ticket. We had a snack and used the restrooms in the terminal (they were clean!) The Grand Wailea is huge, but it is a great family resort. It is, in a word, special. CNN . 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. Hawaiian Airlines cleans Neighbor Island flights between each trip, but sprays the aircraftwith hospital-grade disinfectants every night. Prices depend on the dates you chose and start at USD $314 for both adults and children. The 15 Best Islands in the Continental U.S. Travelers often ask if its easier to visit Hawaii or the Caribbean. She contributes to publications including. 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. I felt safest choosing the most COVID-friendly outdoor activities. Super Wingsepisodes on his iPad kept him still and entertained the whole time. Terms and Conditions Apply. Read on to find out why readers voted for the Island of Hawaii, as well as the other top Hawaiian islands. Its important to monitor fares from both airlines since they offer great deals from their West Coast gateways. A note about safety: Petty crime can happen anywhere, so you should pack your street smarts wherever you go. Related: Review of cruising the Caribbean on the Disney Dream. The next couple of weeks will be crucial to see how Hawaii emergesit would be best to have a standard entry policy for all islands, which is key for people to feel confident. Finally, I received the green light and walked through the doors where a group of Hawaiian dancers welcomed me with a performance. Some businesses may still require or encourage the wearing of masks. 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. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. Since Hawaii is a U.S. state, no passport, foreign currency or international cellphone plan is necessary. 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. Car break-ins are common in the Hawaiian Islands and some Caribbean islands have had problems with pushy vendors on public beaches. You can read more about the airlines cleaning procedureshere. If you want to visit more than one island on your tropical vacation, its generally easier to do that in Hawaii. 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. I headed to Paia Fish Market in Kihei, and with the line out the door, I hoped I was in for a treat. Carry cleaning supplies. Akaka Falls State Park is home to two gorgeous waterfalls and an abundance of lush tropical greenery that never fail to impress visitors. Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. The nonstop flight time from San Francisco to Honolulu is just about five hours. The north side, with Princeville and Mount Waialeale in the center, gets a ton of rain, averaging 450 inches a year, says King. 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+.