It’s a challenging time to travel, however if you are anything like me- it’s feels essential during a time like this!
What are the covid rules for getting into Hawaii?
You must get a negative covid test result from a certified Hawaii approved company. It is constantly changing, so you might want to check it often. You need to get the test 72 hours before your last leg takes off- meaning the very last connection flight you are getting on that lands in Hawaii- it needs to be 72 hours before that. Ours was LAX – and the easiest place I think is Walgreens, which is what we did! They were quick and they’re an approved provider for traveling to Hawaii. If you have any questions around this, feel free to shoot me a message here or on Instagram (@Sunitagabrielle)
Is traveling to Hawaii during covid a good idea?
Well, traveling during covid in general isn’t the best idea. But if you’re wondering if it’s still fun and worth the trip, 100% yes! We had a blast and Hawaii isn’t as packed as it typically is, meaning you get more space to yourself.
We’re a very active travel couple. We don’t sit and relax a ton on vacation, so if you like to see all the island has to offer, enjoy the outdoors and hiking, and only one beach day- then this list is for you! We were there a total of 5 days and it was honestly the perfect trip. We did the road to Hana (backwards), hiked the Haleakala crater (12 miles), took a surf lesson, snorkeled at the Molokaini crater, went to the nea blowhole, saw the olivine pools, went to the best luau, ate amazing food, and stayed at a resort one day and did a beach/ pool day, plus found some local artists that handmade the best gifts to bring back!
So if that sounds like your idea of a great trip- here’s our list and tips:
Where to stay: Best Areas
⁃ Kihei- this area was perfect for us. Our Airbnb was lovely (linked). I would highly recommend this area for easy access to everything. We stayed here for a majority of the trip and then decided to stay at a lovely resort at the end of the trip.
⁃ Wailea- resort town, we splurged and stayed at the Waldorf Astoria, it was great! The room, the view, the pool with slides and Tarzan swings, we loved it! Definitely worth it for a spurge one night or two. The breakfast was also lovely!
⁃ Paiai- small cute tourist town, it’s very busy and touristy, but they have good food and cute shops here! And close to the road to Hana.
To do:
1. Road to Hana
⁃ If you’re the adventurous type, like I am then you must wake up early and dedicate one day to this experience and do it backwards! I loved it!! I didn’t think the roads were too bad at all- and it was nice because most ppl do it forwards and there is a line of cars and ppl waiting at each stop to get in. But we had most spots almost to ourselves, since we went backwards. Plus you have to start with over an hour drive or end with it. So to me, it’s better to start with it when it’s daylight and enjoy it, and so l when you’re tired and finish up – you can head back and grab some dinner!
2. Hike the Haleakala Crater
⁃ Wake up early and prepare for quite the Hike. Bring something warm! Most ppl hike either up or down the mountain and hitchhike back to their car. We stopped and parked our car at the bottom stop near the designated “hitchhike” spot and someone gave us a ride up to the top, then we hiked down (12miles). Bring a coat it’s really chilly/windy at the top!
⁃ If you don’t want to hike it, go to the sunset or sunrise the view is beautiful! Bring a blanket to sit on and a coat! Maybe snacks and drinks too!
3. Take Surf Lessons!
⁃ When in Maui you have to surf. I was surprised with how well I did. They guarantee that you will catch a wave or you get another lesson free and I definitely thought I would get another lesson for free, but I was able to stand up and I caught a few waves. I did cut my knee pretty badly on a coralreef so be careful! The company I would recommend is –Maui Wave Riders ask for Ina! He is amazing!
4. Take a Cruise to Snorkel the Molokini Crater
⁃ We did the this cruise and it was so nice. We saw many whales, and really enjoyed snorkeling. We saw many fish and turtles.
5. Go see the olivine pools
⁃ These are beautiful! I would have loved to go down and see and swim in them. However, there are signs and notes from ppl that lost family members due to a rapid current. Which is sad and awful so out of respect to their wishes as well as caution to be save I decided not to go down there. But the view of it is breathtaking!
6. Nakalele Blowhole
⁃ This is on the drive to or from the Olivine Pools, definitely a cool spot to stop and see! Wear comfortable shoes and prepare to get wet!
7. Luau- a must do!
⁃ The best is the Old Lahaina Luau. Make reservations in advance. This was a great experience! I’m so glad we did this one. The history, outfits, food, culture, chants, views, everything was perfect! It includes a 4 course meal, drinks, and the show! View my Instagram highlights for Hawaii to see how awesome this was @sunitagabrielle.
⁃ If that one is booked I heard that :The Feast at Lele is also a decent one
To Eat
- Monkey pod– this was our favorite and they have the best happy hour. We went for dinner twice, which is rare for me when traveling!
- Belle surf cafe
- Pai fish market
- Mamas fish house – make reservations way in advance (more formal place great food!)
- Leilanis on the beach- dinner
- Aloha mixed plate
- Paia bowls – acai
- Da kitchen
- Dukes beach house
- The mill house
- Tamuras- poke Bowls
- Joeys kitchen
Other things to do :
- Lahaina historic trial- hiking
- Whale festival if in August
- Maluaka beach – to see sea turtles
- Black rock cliff dive and snorkel
- The seven sacred pools (road to Hana)
- Lanai cathedral – diving /snorkeling
- Maui’s famous surf board fence -66 kaupakalua rd (road to Hana)
- Piiholo ranch -zip lining book in advance
- Ho’okipa beach – watch surfers
- Red sand beach
- Waimonku falls
- Dragons teeth
- Iao valley
- Pipiwai trail
- Hike la perouse bays lava fields
- Valley isle
- Hike at waihes ridge trail
- Makena cove
- Jaws- to see some cool surfing