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. Haleakala is home to Maui's highest peak, soaring 10,023 feet above sea level. (Youll even find an included kids club at Aulani. It was a surreal and unforgettable experience. From Houston, Honolulu is about eight hours away by air, while a flight to Jamaica lasts about half as long, assuming youre booking nonstop flights. We made it! The Bishop Museum is a favorite of both tourists and locals alike and features some of the best art and cultural artifacts from the past and present. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. 1. 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. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Papaklea Beach or Green sand beach, Big Island, Hawaii. Entry stipulations in the Caribbean vary by island nation. ), With proper precautions, people are booked, but looking at cancellation windows closely, says Ken Neibaur, a luxury travel advisor with La Jolla, Californiabased travel agency TravelEdge. Alaska Airlines offers a once-a-year companion certificate to anyone who holds the Alaska Airlines Visa credit card. Hawaii's indoor mask mandate ended on March 25, 2022. This hike is great as part of a day trip to the monument. Snorkeling on Molokini [an uninhabited island close to Maui] is also a highlight, she says. Hawaii's entry policy for . The Grand Wailea is huge, but it is a great family resort. With a 98 percent drop in tourism, travelers can get back to the feeling of what Hawaii used to feel likeand deeply engage with its culture in a more sustainable way. I opted for the ahi poke dish with rice chips as the prologue to my meal. Hawaii is home to an abundance of cacao trees, and the island chain produces some of the tastiest chocolate in the world. 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. Best Hawaiian Islands to Visit: World's Best 2021 Hawaiian islands are known for their beaches, hikes, and surfing, among other things. Some businesses may still require or encourage the wearing of masks. Things to do on Molokai Island of Hawaii - Indoor social gatherings of more than 25 . Of course, there are also beaches with a more traditional look for example, the basically perfect Mauna Kea beach on the Big Island. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. Literally, the very nature of Hawaii does not allow travelers to explore it completely by car or foot. My guide picked me up at my hotel and asked a variety of health questions, in addition to the customary temperature check. Rush Processing; the relatively quicker and costlier option. What is the processing time and price? Once you arrive, there is no reason to leave or go very far, other than to explore other parts of the island. The Caribbean has even more influences, from the areas original inhabitants to those brought from Africa against their will in the slave trade. Here's what it was like to travel to the Hawaiian island during peak season in December amid the COVID-19 pandemic. I felt safest choosing the most COVID-friendly outdoor activities. I was impressed to see hand sanitizer stations throughout the airport terminal. 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. Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. Car break-ins are common in the Hawaiian Islands and some Caribbean islands have had problems with pushy vendors on public beaches. CNN . Tropical cyclones can hit the Hawaiian Islands, and many islands in the Caribbean are subject to hurricanes. Since Hawaii is a U.S. state, no passport, foreign currency or international cellphone plan is necessary. Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, or humpback whales? Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Maui vs. Kauai: Which Hawaiian Island Is Better for You? Youll find hotels in both the Caribbean and Hawaii on various ends of the award spectrum. FYI: they call your mobile phone on the spot to double-check the number you wrote on the form. 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. What started as a family holiday reunion in Maui ended with a disappointing, but sensible, call: "Honey," my dad said. 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. The basics. You will see Sunset Beach, the Bonzai Pipeline and some of Oahus best surf breaks. There are volcanoes there, too, as well as secluded beaches and historic old towns with an unmistakable European flair. One of our favorite luaus in Hawaii is the Smith Family Luau on Kauai, which has been a family-run business for decades. A country-by-country guide to coronavirus recovery. See all of our readers' favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards for 2021. Check outthese tipson how to get your keiki to keep their masks on. As long as the virus is alive and well, staying at home is your safest option. With roughly . My favorite is the Montage Kapalua Bay [reopening October 15] up at the north end of the island. Theres enhanced Wi-Fi to stay connected everywhere on the 53-acre property. This hike is challenging and steep, but the people who conquer it say the views are worth the effort. It also provides visitors with an in-depth look at the people who currently inhabit the islands and a glimpse into the other world of mystical creatures who watch over Hawaii. 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. This new form is mandatory for all interisland travel as of June 16. 6 versions of paradise: How to choose the right Hawaiian island for you The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You can have memorable, relaxing family vacations in either the Caribbean or Hawaii. Then, of course, youll have to allow time for clearing customs on both the front and back ends of the trip. 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 unlike drivable U.S. destinations, which saw a surge in summer visitors, Hawaii's beaches remained quiet and . Do you have an address in the middle of the country? Rows one through ninewere completely full at 100% capacity. Your best bet for a seven-night voyage around the Hawaiian Islands is Norwegian Cruise Lines Pride of America or Uncruise Adventures Safari Explorer. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. The islands of Hawaii are a magical paradise, filled with natural wonders, pristine waters and rich culture. The museum also offers special limited-time exhibits that offer something for the whole family. Starbucks was the only food establishment open in the interisland terminal when we traveled. Though they told me my results would come in 24 to 36 hours, I was informed I tested negative within seven hours. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. To adhere to safety regulations, the passenger numbers were limited for safe social distancing, and all tables were spaced six feet apart. Travel to Hawaii during Covid-19: What you need to know before you go Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Both will reopen October 15. For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter. In the Caribbean, peak hurricane months are August to October. Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe to share their opinions on the top cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Maui Travel Guide | U.S. News Travel And of course, a visit to Waikiki to see how the city meets the ocean with endless fine dining options and shopping. 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. For those considering a luau, you'll be immersed in authentic Hawaiian culture at the open-air Old Lhain L'au.Speaking with Kawika Freitas, the director of public and cultural relations, I learned that luaus completely shifted to a new format to comply with Hawaii state and local COVID-19 mandates. On the island of Oahu, the Safe Access O'ahu program, which required proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter businesses such as restaurants, bars and gyms, ended March 5. Follow The Points Guy on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to text message alerts from our deals feed, @tpg_alerts. For example, we found flights to St. Croix from a number of East Coast cities for under $100 round-trip in August. We say theres no universally bad time to visit either destination. He recommends the Lodge at Kukuiula for one- to five-bedroom rentals with their own oceanfront and the newer luxury Timbers complex, right in the main town of Lihue, with residences up to 3,000 square feet. The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. The Caribbean has kid-focused resorts such as the Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana and family-friendly, all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and beyond. 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. Looking toward the back, I noticed travelers were more spread out, and that, indeed, the middle seats had been blocked off. 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). The most popular, Hawaii, is affectionately referred to as the Big Island and is where most new visitors will land first. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. 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. On Christmas, I treated myself to a two-hour sunset cruise out of Ka'anapali Beach. From snorkeling to sunset cruises, history tours and coffee tastings, there is no shortage of things to do in Hawaii during COVID. Hawaiis remote location in the Pacific Ocean make it uniquely positioned to enjoy some of the most rare coral reefs, marine animals and flora in the world. No reservations are necessary. Which Hawaiian Island Should You Visit? - AFAR Required fields are marked *. As soon as we were free to island-hop without a 14-day quarantine, my family boarded a flight from Honolulu to Kona. Are you debating between a trip to Hawaii or somewhere in the Caribbean? I was relieved to see that the airport was not busy, which allowed us to check bags, proceed through thermal screening and complete the new travel form process at our own pace. There are a lot of Caribbean islands, broken up in the following way: In Hawaii, the culture derives mainly from ancestral Hawaiian and Polynesian traditions (though Chinese, Japanese and other cultures have made a significant impression). Safe travels! 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. This is a developing story. In March 2022, for example, there are nearly 90 ships sailing the Caribbean from embarkation ports like San Juan (Puerto Rico); Barbados; Fort-de-France (Martinique); Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, and Port Canaveral, Florida; New Orleans; Galveston, Texas; and Mobile, Alabama. Book a guide to drive you up, so you can learn about the dormant volcanic crater and its history. Generally speaking, areas that have been hosting tourists for decades or even generations may have a higher service level of service delivery than the island time you may experience in other regions newer to the industry. In both cases, storm season starts in early June and ends at the end of November. Oahu Hidden Gems Tour + Snorkeling with Turtles 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. The following Southwest credit cards are offering a 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months. 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. Spend enough time on this oasis, and you could get through most of your bucket list. Check here before booking an award fare. You'll find a variety of projects like tree planting, self-directed beach cleanups, ocean reef preservation, and more. As I enjoyed a drink and observed the sun dropping into the sea, any anxiety I had of traveling alone during the holidays melted away. With beautiful ocean views, the restaurant exuded a safe, comfortable atmosphere. A Bostonian could watch two additional full-length movies to kill the extra time it takes to get to Hawaii. 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. 2x points on all other eligible purchases. This tour is popular and sells out quickly. 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. Akaka Falls State Park is home to two gorgeous waterfalls and an abundance of lush tropical greenery that never fail to impress visitors. 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. Visiting these free falling 442ft waterfalls is not the most exciting part of the hike. Now No. Makena Landing park, Waimea Bay, Hanalei River and Lanikai Beach are some of the most coveted spots for stand up paddleboarding. Related: Review of cruising the Caribbean on the Disney Dream. USD $62.99 - 8 hours. Pure Kauai has been a high-end villa specialist on the island for almost 20 years. Heres an in-depth look at the all-inclusive beach resorts you can book on points in the Caribbean. After months of being cooped-up in our Kaka'ako condos, my husband, our 3 . Currently, all travelers must either undergo a 10-day quarantine or if traveling from a handful of countries (listed above) to any island . Credit ranges are a variation of FICO Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application. So you can technically cruise around either island chain, but it is much easier and more affordable to do in the Caribbean. 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. ", Kauai (No. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. The name said it all, and it tasted like a tropical margarita slightly sweet with tajin (chili lime seasoning) syrup. The islands have changed and become more commercialized in some areas, but their beauty and ethos have remained. Its a very large property, with a tremendous amount of public space. 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. One of the best meals I experienced was back at Wailea Beach Resort. Almost every Caribbean destination is open to travelers regardless of vaccination status. If you are concerned about the noise, dont be. This article was originally published on June 24, 2020. I headed to Paia Fish Market in Kihei, and with the line out the door, I hoped I was in for a treat. That's when the island's generally reasonable room rates take the most significant plunge. Research your Caribbean island choice to get a feel for whether youd feel comfortable exploring beyond your resort or not. 1 spot (though it still made the world's best islands list). Next you visit Halona Blowhole, a natural geyser formed from melted and cooled lava. If youre looking for an itinerary like that, research British Airways fifth-freedom island-hopping routes in the Caribbean that do go between certain islands on certain days, starting at just 4,500 points in each direction. The 5 Best Islands in Mexico and Central and South America, The 25 Best Islands in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas, The 5 Best Islands in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. Depending on what part of the U.S. you call home, it could be easier to get to either the Caribbean or Hawaii. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. When the uniformed National Guard soldier checked Dukes temperature with a handheld thermometer, he wasnt nervous and instead flashed an excited shaka as we proceeded to the travel form line. The resort was well-prepared, too: Extra masks and wipes were placed throughout the room, and technology made contactless service a breeze. 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. Book a guide to drive you up, so you can learn about the dormant volcanic crater and its history. LESLIE HARVEY/THE POINTS GUY Travel to the Caribbean during Covid-19: Resources for your trip 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.