We turned in ourState of Hawaii Traveler Health Forms and were cleared. 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. 1 spot (though it still made the world's best islands list). Humble Market Kitchin is a chef Roy Yamaguchi restaurant. You will also visit the Dole pineapple plantation and end the day with a snorkel with native turtles, referred to as Hona, by the locals. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. A Black American Traveler Shares His Experience of Visiting Africa for the First Time, What It Was Like Going on a Safari Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic, I Traveled to Hawaii During the Coronavirus Pandemic Here's What It Was Like, Maui Has Become a Go-to Destination for Pandemic-era Travelers Here's How to Experience It Beyond the Beaches, travel procedures amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The catamaran offered open-air seating, and I was required to answer health questions before boarding. Readers rated islands according to their activities and sights, natural attractions and beaches, food, friendliness, and overall value. On the big day, we arrived at the Hawaiian Airlines interisland terminal around 7:30 a.m., 90minutes before our departure. Theres a network of interisland flights that are affordable on cash or points. What it's like to travel to Hawaii right now | CNN Check your bags and your expectations. The park offers picnic facilities, restrooms and concession stands. If you choose to stay in a participating resort, you can receive a free night for volunteering during your trip. Remember that the reasons people went to Honolulu are different now, with fairly severe restrictions. Find comfortable masks. Masks are still strongly recommended for people over age 65, those with compromised immune systems or who care for people at risk of severe illness, and those unvaccinated for COVID-19. Offer ends 5/3/23. From snorkeling to sunset cruises, history tours and coffee tastings, there is no shortage of things to do in Hawaii during COVID. Bring easy-to-eat snacks, such asgranola bars or sandwiches that dont require you to come in contact with an airport table or plane tray table. Southwest and Alaska Airlines routes to Hawaii are a boon to West Coast travelers. I've been living as a digital nomad for 8+ years. Add around 30 minutes if you leave from Los Angeles instead. Hawaii - The Big Island Travel Guide | U.S. News Travel Offers may be subject to change without notice. And as of November 20, the Four Seasons Resort Maui will reopen, with five Safe on Maui innovations, including 24/7 onsite medical care, a collaboration with PS at LAX (a private airport experience), pretravel COVID-19 testing resources, a virtual classroom for kids, and in-room air purifiers that clean the room every 30 minutes. Maui vs. Kauai: Which Hawaiian Island Is Better for You? /* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block. For anyone interested in American history, no trip to Hawaii would be complete without a stop at Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial, says Crisman. It is known for its endless adventure options, beaches ranging from mild to rough waters, hiking in rain forests, black-sand deserts, Volcanoes National Park with two active volcanoesand great places to stay. The Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina is here, a nice property away from the majority of resorts and Waikiki beach, says King. Best Hawaiian Islands to Visit: World's Best 2021 - Travel Its a beautiful, unspoiled island. Related: Why you should fly Hawaiian Airlines to Hawaii. However, when we boarded the plane, I was immediately taken aback by how crowded the aircraft appeared. 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. Looking toward the back, I noticed travelers were more spread out, and that, indeed, the middle seats had been blocked off. If you are concerned about the noise, dont be. For starters, all travelers must receive a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) from a certified and trusted partner to override the 10-day mandatory quarantine. Each person needs his or her own form, including infants and children. Kauai offers beautiful residential options, though inventory goes fast, and there arent as many home options as on Maui, says Neibaur. Traveling to Hawaii? Be Prepared to Pay - The New York Times 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. 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. She contributes to publications including. 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. If youve got your heart set on a tropical cruise, your options are much more plentiful and therefore more affordable 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 both airlines offer buy-one-get-one fares. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. Hawaii's indoor mask mandate ended on March 25, 2022. Few things compare to sunsets over Oahu, so if youre on the island, a sunset sail on a Makani catamaran is a must-do. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). You could use a Marriott up to 35,000-point certificate from the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card, for example, in both destinations. Though they told me my results would come in 24 to 36 hours, I was informed I tested negative within seven hours. If you were to take Hawaiian Airlines nonstop flight from Boston to Honolulu, youre looking at spending nine hours and 40 minutes inflight. 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. Why Puerto Rico Is the Perfect Place to Dip Your Toes Back Into Travel, According to Someone Who Just Went, I Traveled to Portugal During the Coronavirus Pandemic Heres What It Was Really Like, Costa Rica Is Welcoming American Travelers Here's What It's Like to Visit During COVID-19, I Visited Japan As Soon As It Fully Reopened to Travelers Here's What It's Like and How to Plan Your Trip, I Traveled to Jamaica During COVID-19 Here's What It Was Really Like, I Went on a Dubai Vacation During the Pandemic Here's What It Was Like, 10 Mistakes to Avoid While Traveling Abroad During the COVID-19 Pandemic, How to Plan the Perfect Multi-island Trip to Hawaii, 7 Destinations in Hawaii Where the Locals Love to Go, I Traveled to Bali As It Reopened to Tourists Here's What It's Like to Visit Now. 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. The SafeTravels Program will remain in place statewide through at least Jan. 28, but since local governors are now in charge of rules in their territories some things may change from an island to another. Maui has numerous resorts, where travelers tend to go and spend time. After closing during the pandemic, it's reopened to guests as of May 2021. Depending on what part of the U.S. you call home, it could be easier to get to either the Caribbean or Hawaii. The resort, operating at 20% capacity, had hand sanitizer stations and mask reminder signs scattered throughout. What's the Covid situation? Please view our advertising policy page for more information. Starbucks was the only food establishment open in the interisland terminal when we traveled. If you live on the East Coast, the Caribbean is much closer than Hawaii. Of course, there are also beaches with a more traditional look for example, the basically perfect Mauna Kea beach on the Big Island. In 2020, tourist arrival dropped by 75% which caused . Do your prep work. >> 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? Literally, the very nature of Hawaii does not allow travelers to explore it completely by car or foot. The test must be taken within 72 hours of the flight's departure. Molokai is most definitely a destination off the beaten path. Avoid a surprise seating situation, such as the oneI encountered, by confirming your seats with the gate agent prior to boarding. Hawaii Eases Inter Island Travel Restrictions For Fully Vaccinated As I boarded the plane, I was given a hand sanitizer wipe and ushered to my seat. Related: Review of cruising the Caribbean on the Disney Dream. Travel to Hawaii during Covid-19: What you need to know before you go 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. 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. During the same period, only six ships call on Hawaiian ports. Heads up to all the stressed parents: Alcoholic beverages are temporarily unavailable for purchase on Hawaiian Airlines. Everywhere you look will be surrounded by unique plants such as giant ti plants, birds of paradise, torch ginger, bamboo, and split leaf philodendron. Fly out first. For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter. We had a snack and used the restrooms in the terminal (they were clean!) The fares can be brutal.). Those who traveled to the main islands of Oahu, Maui, the Big Island or Kauai returned home to regale their friends with tales of soaring cliffs, snorkeling adventures, whale watching, tropical flowers and volcanoes. This tour will take you to the Na Pali Coastline, Waimea Canyon, Mount Waialeale, and Kauais breathtaking waterfalls. To avoid airport delays and stress, print and fillout theState of Hawaii Traveler Health Format home 24 hours prior to your flight. This article was originally published on June 24, 2020. 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. If you're planning to travel to the islands of the Caribbean, here are some resources to help you plan your trip during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. On this tour, you will visit the chocolate plantation and get an insiders view of how the chocolate is harvested, produced and packaged. A dream vacation destination, here's how Maui,. ), Related: How to rent DVC points to stay at Aulani for less. We say theres no universally bad time to visit either destination. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Hawaii Is Open For Tourism But Adjusting Some Covid Travel Rules But, the real question is, should you go to 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.