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. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. 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. Makena Landing park, Waimea Bay, Hanalei River and Lanikai Beach are some of the most coveted spots for stand up paddleboarding. There are also nonstop flights to Hawaii from many of those same hub cities. On this tour, you will visit the chocolate plantation and get an insiders view of how the chocolate is harvested, produced and packaged. Offer ends 5/3/23. A short ferry ride from Maui is the island of Lanai, about 18 miles long with only 3,000 people living there. This hike is one of the more challenging, so expert hikers may enjoy this tour as part of their Waikiki visit. The following Southwest credit cards are offering a 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months. Hawaiibetter known as the Big Islandis the largest of the island chain, with more than 10 diverse climate zones. Kilauea is considered to be one of the most active volcanoes on earth at the moment. You will find many places along the way where it is easy to rent a paddleboard for the day. The Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina is here, a nice property away from the majority of resorts and Waikiki beach, says King. The decision to travel during the COVID-19 pandemic is a personal one, and only you know what is right for your family. The battleship is open for tours four days a week, and expert guides give in-depth talks on the ships role in the war. When it comes to the feel of the islands and the distinct culture youll find on each, there are some significant differences that are perhaps more important than the geographical distances. You can have memorable, relaxing family vacations in either the Caribbean or Hawaii. 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. Whether your ideal Hawaiian vacation means time sunning, shopping, or snorkeling, there's an island for you. When people talk about Hawaii, they want to be in the resort, protected, and not urban. If you want to go to Hawaii from the East Coast, you may need need to book connecting flights. When COVID-19 struck the United States in late winter 2020 relaxing on a warm beach with a subtle island . Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card. Located 45 miles southwest of Hilo Island, the park is home to Kilauea and Mauna Loa, two of 5 spectacular volcanoes that form the Island of Hawaii. 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. The Best Hawaiian Islands to Visit for Different Kinds of Travelers Will it be lava flows or luxury resorts? Coffee farm visit. If you choose to stay in a participating resort, you can receive a free night for volunteering during your trip. But things still arent equal. When you reach your final destination to reconnect with family or visit a favorite spot, youll remember that its all worth it. Hawaiibetter known as the Big Islandis the largest of the island chain, with more than 10 diverse climate zones. USD $62.99 - 8 hours. Youll need your passport and may have to exchange currency, though many island vendors will accept U.S. dollars, and some islands do officially use the U.S. dollar. Maui vs. Kauai: Which Hawaiian Island Is Better for You? I ordered a specialty cocktail called the 2020 Eraser. Of course, right now, coronavirus safety precautions have temporarily changed travel to Hawaii and the Caribbean. 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. 5. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. #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. What started as a family holiday reunion in Maui ended with a disappointing, but sensible, call: "Honey," my dad said. After the guided tour, guests are free to explore on their own. Molokai is most definitely a destination off the beaten path. Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, or humpback whales? Makena Landing park, Waimea Bay, Hanalei River and Lanikai Beach are some of the most coveted spots for stand up paddleboarding. And although this turbulent time has been about protecting yourself and others, the warmth of the Hawaiian people taught me that isolation doesn't have to mean alienation. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Pure Kauai has been a high-end villa specialist on the island for almost 20 years. After months of being cooped-up in our Kaka'ako condos, my husband, our 3 . After the sun sets, sail the warm waters with the lights of Honolulu as your backdrop. 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. (Just try booking a flight to say, Aruba, during spring break. The resort, operating at 20% capacity, had hand sanitizer stations and mask reminder signs scattered throughout. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. You can spend an entire day here depending on your level of interest. While most beaches are great for this fun activity, there are some that come highly recommended. ), consider booking the first flight of the day. From snorkeling to sunset cruises, history tours and coffee tastings, there is no shortage of things to do in Hawaii during COVID. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. When you rent your kayak, expert guides will let you know whether conditions are favorable for kayaking that day. Want to see the latest flight deals as soon as theyre published? But the south side is much drier and home to Hawaiis version of the Grand Canyon, Waimea Canyon.. Military personnel stationed at Pearl Harbor wrote home about the islands secluded beaches, waterfalls, lava flows and tunnels and so much more. 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. Haleakala is home to Maui's highest peak, soaring 10,023 feet above sea level. You can reserve your tickets for HoMa online before your visit. It was a surreal and unforgettable experience. This article was originally published on June 24, 2020. Literally, the very nature of Hawaii does not allow travelers to explore it completely by car or foot. 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. Related: The best ways to get to Hawaii using points and miles. Theres enhanced Wi-Fi to stay connected everywhere on the 53-acre property. 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. We watched the majestic sun rising below us with its multicolored hues, while one of the guides sang a Hawaiian song. If you live on the East Coast, the Caribbean is much closer than Hawaii. 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. 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. 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. Humble Market Kitchin is a chef Roy Yamaguchi restaurant. Be sure to see PuuPehe Sweetheart Rock and head to the central uplands to explore by horseback or rent a Jeep to explore on your own, she says. Travelers must fill out the Hawaii Safe Travel program application form. We pulled our masks tighter, wiped every inch of the seat, buckled up and hoped for the best. Speaking of temperature, the lows can dip below freezing at the summit, so you'll want to bundle up. 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). 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. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. "We've decided to postpone traveling because of the pandemic." Rules are still changing regularly, so if youre planning to visit the Caribbean or Hawaii, look into current entry mandates before booking travel. 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. Fuji, Japans most iconic volcano. If youre looking for a getaway to a gorgeous tropical locale, you cant go wrong with either Hawaii or the Caribbean. 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%;} Rows one through ninewere completely full at 100% capacity. A dream vacation destination, here's how Maui,. There are a number of Caribbean islands that are on the U.S. Level 2 and 3 travel advisory lists. /* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block. 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. Kids love this tour as well. When will international travel return? Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. 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. 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. Follow The Points Guy on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to text message alerts from our deals feed, @tpg_alerts. The Four Seasons is evaluating its reopening date, with a decision coming soon.). Face masks are required inside the airports and on Hawaiian Airlines flights. Theyre wedged between the southernmost tip of Florida to the north, South America to the south and Central America to the west. Though they told me my results would come in 24 to 36 hours, I was informed I tested negative within seven hours. Sargassum Seaweed In Florida: 2023 Latest Updates And Photo Reports, This Island In Scotland Is Up For Sale And Cheaper Than Youd Think, L.A. Travelers To Reach Las Vegas In Record Time With New High-Speed Train, Digital Nomads Are Key For Portugals Development, Says Government, 7 Amazing Cities For Digital Nomads Where You Can Live For $1000 Per Month, Ecuador Launches Its Digital Nomad Visa Program To Attract Remote Workers, 26 Best Places To Visit in May 2023 in USA (TOP Picks! 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. Settle that difficult "which island to visit" question once and for all. Looking for a beautiful house with presidential and celebrity-level security? Then, of course, youll have to allow time for clearing customs on both the front and back ends of the trip.