Rows one through ninewere completely full at 100% capacity. The Caribbean is also where cruise lines have their private islands, such as Royal Caribbeans Coco Cay, Disneys Castaway Cay and the brand-new Ocean Cay from MSC Cruises. Related: Key things to know about Global Entry. 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. 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. This tour is an excellent activity for couples who are seeking a romantic experience to top off their Hawaiian vacation. If youre traveling to the Caribbean from June to August and worried about a hurricane, pick an island such as Barbados or Trinidad thats outside of the traditional hurricane-prone zone. If youre into wildlife, you can see dolphins, sea turtles and stingrays in both Hawaii and the Caribbean. I've been living as a digital nomad for 8+ years. Readthe FAQs. Kauai Travel Guide | U.S. News Travel Be sure to stop by hole number 17, a golfers favorite that is tucked into a natural amphitheater. 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! Best Things to Do in Kauai #1 Napali Coast #2 Waimea Canyon and Koke'e State Park #3 Kalalau Trail See Full Ranking List Outdoor Activities Hughes 500 Helicopter - 4 guests max with no middle. In the Caribbean, peak hurricane months are August to October. Both will reopen October 15. If you want to get out there to explore and experience a wide range of natural wonders Hawaii probably takes the pineapple-flavored cake. I was impressed to see hand sanitizer stations throughout the airport terminal. Where to stay We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. What is the processing time and price? 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. I love writing and publishing content for digital nomads, remote workers, and passionate travelers like me. Snorkeling on Molokini [an uninhabited island close to Maui] is also a highlight, she says. Check your bags and your expectations. 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). Another great way to experience a Hawaiian sunset is on a stand-up paddleboard. But there is rich culture on Lanai, says Crisman. Unfortunately, it was too close to take-off to do anything about it. The basics. According to The Inter-American Development Bank tourism accounts for 34-48% of GDP for the countries like the Bahamas, Barbados, and Jamaica. On this tour, you will visit the chocolate plantation and get an insiders view of how the chocolate is harvested, produced and packaged. The island is more rural and doesn't have resorts. 1. When COVID-19 struck the United States in late winter 2020 relaxing on a warm beach with a subtle island . Military personnel stationed at Pearl Harbor wrote home about the islands secluded beaches, waterfalls, lava flows and tunnels and so much more. This was not what I had expected or prepared for! After the guided tour, guests are free to explore on their own. 3. It does share the beach with Disneys Aulani [opening November 1], which can be a good or bad thing, depending on the traveler. The day of my departure, the Hawaiian Airlines check-in line was nonexistent. The name said it all, and it tasted like a tropical margarita slightly sweet with tajin (chili lime seasoning) syrup. On the other hand, the Caribbean has a network of rum distilleries that offer tours and tastings. 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. 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program. Heads up to all the stressed parents: Alcoholic beverages are temporarily unavailable for purchase on Hawaiian Airlines. Opt for a window seat or wherever you can be farthest away from other passengers. "We've decided to postpone traveling because of the pandemic." On the eastern edge of Waikikis coastline, the Diamond Head state monument is known for its breathtaking views, hiking trails and military history. 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. Almost every Caribbean destination is open to travelers regardless of vaccination status. Carry cleaning supplies. If you are an early bird and a germaphobe (who isnt these days? Ala Wai Canal, Waikiki, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii. For example, we found flights to St. Croix from a number of East Coast cities for under $100 round-trip in August. You have to get further up the coast where the beaches are wider, and even there, the water can be fairly rough.. Go Hawaii has up-to-date information on current travel requirements and restrictions. 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. I headed to Paia Fish Market in Kihei, and with the line out the door, I hoped I was in for a treat. Each person needs his or her own form, including infants and children. Add around 30 minutes if you leave from Los Angeles instead. 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. And both airlines offer buy-one-get-one fares. Makena Landing park, Waimea Bay, Hanalei River and Lanikai Beach are some of the most coveted spots for stand up paddleboarding. 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. The most popular tours are still in effect, even during COVID, and there is much to see and do in this Pacific Island chain. The tour lasts two hours and is tailored for bikers of every athletic level. My favorite is the Montage Kapalua Bay [reopening October 15] up at the north end of the island. Neibaur also loves to recommend the home rental options at the Four Seasons complex, especially for those seeking more privacy now. From snorkeling to sunset cruises, history tours and coffee tastings, there is no shortage of things to do in Hawaii during COVID. Tours start at $118 for adults with discounted rates for seniors and children. You will find many places along the way where it is easy to rent a paddleboard for the day. Theres a network of interisland flights that are affordable on cash or points. Book a guide to drive you up, so you can learn about the dormant volcanic crater and its history. If youre looking for a getaway to a gorgeous tropical locale, you cant go wrong with either Hawaii or the Caribbean. 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. If youre a fan of powder-soft white sand and crystal-clear blue water, the Caribbean may have more options. A note about safety: Petty crime can happen anywhere, so you should pack your street smarts wherever you go. If you keep up with airline deals, you can luck out and find cheap fares to the Caribbean. (Youll even find an included kids club at Aulani. The battleship is open for tours four days a week, and expert guides give in-depth talks on the ships role in the war. Yamaguchi creates "Hawaii inspired Euro-Asian cuisine," as an homage to his family's roots. The wildest of all the islands, Kauaiknown as the Garden Island has been the backdrop to myriad Hollywood movies and TV series, thanks to its white-sand beaches, rain forests, coastlines, waterfalls, rivers, and climate. If you are concerned about the noise, dont be. 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. Try renting a kayak at sunrise for a surreal experience. 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+. The museum also offers special limited-time exhibits that offer something for the whole family. Want more information about what you have reador have any other questions? For Christmas dinner, I enjoyed an intimate experience at The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea, which offers panoramic views of the Hawaiian islands. Depending on what part of the U.S. you call home, it could be easier to get to either the Caribbean or Hawaii. 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. 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. The most popular, Hawaii, is affectionately referred to as the Big Island and is where most new visitors will land first. The fares can be brutal.). 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. 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. King has some well-earned opinions on where to stay in Maui. If you are debating whether to travel this summer,this articleis insightful for parents on weighing the risks. This hike is challenging and steep, but the people who conquer it say the views are worth the effort. 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. Photo: by Laura Dornbush. Even though all beaches in Hawaii are public, this property is secluded at the very end of a beach, with its own private access. For example, the Bahamas requires all tourists over the age of two to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within five days. Hawaii recently rolled out a new program called Malama Hawaii, a new initiative that "encourages visitors to leave Hawaii better than when they arrived." We Tried It: Island Hopping in Hawai'i On An Airplane During COVID-19