POST PANDEMIC HAWAII TRAVEL
Kauai, Hawaii holds such special memories for our family. We have experienced deeply inspirational, tranquil moments especially in the pre-dawn hours on amazing sunrise walks along the shoreline! God’s awe inspiring beauty is wonderous here! We cannot wait to return to the “Garden Island” for a celebration trip on a post pandemic Hawaii travel adventure!
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Our family is so ready to return to our adventurous enjoyment of travel together! We missed my younger son’s senior trip from high school due to the pandemic that cancelled travel for all people. We had pre-booked the most fabulous 8 day cruise scheduled in March 2021 with other senior graduates and their families to several amazing destinations before everything shut down. We completely understood and agreed that it was in our best interest not to travel at that time, especially on a cruise ship! SO, we cancelled our travel plans!
As enthusiastic travelers, we have been patiently waiting for safe travel to return! Now, my oldest son is scheduled to graduate from college. SO, we have double the celebrating to do! The idea of doubling up on our celebrations took root! We considered re-visiting the first trip we ever took our boys on a flight! Kauai began to call our names again! Our first inclusion of the boys to (the northern most island) the garden island of Kauai, HI was in 2012. They were in Elementary school and Middle school.
So, ten years later we are considering taking them yet again! They are both entering a time in their lives when family travel time has become more and more difficult to schedule. They are moving on to their own interests and pursuits, as they should! I sadly feel like this will be one of our true last family trips with just the four of us, and I selfishly want this time with them!
My husband and I have enjoyed Kauai, HI every 5-7 years during our marriage. It was a promise we made to each other when we were married. We initially went alone just as a couple, and subsequently we have enjoyed it with another couple and also with our boys. This will be our 4th visit. Fingers crossed that all the details come together for a successful trip!
Time certainly does fly. Michigan winters need to be broken up with a reprieve to somewhere warm and sunny! Hawaii is the perfect solution! I am so curious about the changes we will discover to the island. We have so many favorite spots to reacquaint ourselves with. Favorite restaurants, beaches, sunset views, hiking trails, etc.
POST PANDEMIC HAWAII TRAVEL
FINDING THE PERFECT ACCOMODATIONS
I will admit that this has been quite a challenge this go round! Our timeshare choices were already booked solid for our dates, so that option was out. I started researching sites like KAYAK, Expedia, booking.com, VRBO & airbnb options, as well as even rental agency services through realtors in Hawaii…
We finally settled on an option, attempted to book it only to be advised that the dates were no longer available for our reservation. This result repeated a few times. We were disheartened. Again, we did all the research and settled on a rental house and booked the reservation in the middle of September 2021. All the details were firmed up and the remainder of the travel reservations like flights, car rentals, excursions, etc. were booked! YAY!
I received a text from our accommodations host yesterday that said, “Unfortunately we will be canceling your booking due to an emergency on the property.” WHAT!
Needless to say, panic mode stepped in, I spent the entire weekend trying to figure out plan B, plan C, etc.
BEWARE! Sometimes what seems so simple is anything, but simple! Hang in there and work the problem. Rewards of that special family time are worth the frustration!
POST PANDEMIC HAWAII TRAVEL
BOOKING FLIGHTS THAT WORK
So, we have found that the trick to successful flights to Hawaii are to book flights as early in the morning as possible out of our nearest airport. You loose/gain (depending on how you look at it) 6 hours flying there (EST) by the time you have traveled 12 hours of flight time (3 flights across the entire US) and waited patiently in 3 different airports for 7.5 lay over hours…You will finally arrive on the same day that you left in the early evening (exhausted.)
Conversely, we always plan to fly back late at night. It is easiest to sleep on that long flight over the Pacific on the return home and return early evening the next day. Exhausted, but refreshed from a wonderful vacation and tan! We always build in a day to sleep and recover before resuming our busy scheduled lives!
Note: Our flights have been modified twice so far by the airline company. Nothing hugely horrible, but one has to really be paying attention and checking in on reservations constantly.
The crow of the rooster pre-dawn will remind us of previous trip chuckles from our boys as our internal clocks will once again be all messed up coming from an eastern standard time zone.
POST PANDEMIC HAWAII TRAVEL
BOOKING CAR RENTALS
It’s all about the JEEP in Hawaii. Many tourists rent the jeep to take the top off and feel the ocean breeze and sunshine or stop to put the top up quickly when the afternoon showers begin to sprinkle. It’s a glorious, fun time! Zipping down the cane roads (while fancy convertibles struggle with the many various sized pot holes) in the fragrant floral scented trade winds is magnificent! Crossing the bridges that may have a bit of flowing water present to spray with the oversized JEEP tires is so much fun!
Even, driving on the sandy beaches is possible, but beware if you get stuck as the towing fees are sizeable! The downside to the JEEP rental is that it is more expensive than a basic rental vehicle and you loose the ability to lock your valuables up securely.
Solution! Don’t leave anything in the JEEP. Don’t carry anything valuable with you in Hawaii! Live the life of a beach bum and carry your daypack everywhere you go as your purse!
NOTE: After researching car rentals on the island extensively, I think we secured the last possible 4-door JEEP available for rent from the rental agencies. Make your reservations as early as possible.
HAWAII SAFE TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
POST PANDEMIC HAWAII TRAVEL
CURRENTLY TRAVEL RESTTRICTIONS HAVE RETURNED TO NORMAL…
POST PANDEMIC theses were the adjustments to travel: Hawaii continues to have the strictest entry requirements of any state. You will need a negative pre-arrival test or proof of full vaccination to bypass the 10-day quarantine requirement. There are currently no inter-island travel restrictions.
Currently, to avoid the 10 day quarantine, you need to create a safe travels account at www.travel.Hawaii.gov and upload either a valid vaccine card, or a negative COVID test taken no more than 72 hours before your last departure to the island. Per the Kauai Tourism Authority, the accommodations host will need to see a copy of either your vax card, or a negative test & the QR code from your safe travels account, before door codes will be released to occupants in a contactless check-in. You will also need to show these documents to the car rental agent to pick up your rental vehicle.
Upon arrival to Hawaii your temperature will be taken. Masks must be worn indoors at all times.
24 hours before your flight lands in Kauai you must submit a health questionnaire and upload it to your safe travels account. You will receive an email with a QR code that will be scanned by a screener at the airport. If possible print this out and have in hand as you travel through the airport security points.
EXCURSIONS WHILE ON KAUAI
Trying not to fall asleep at dinner was the true challenge. Luaus at Smith’s Tropical Paradise were a highlight and a must do! Exploring the Grand Canyon of the South Pacific was also breathtakingly beautiful.
FAVORITE PLACES TO EXPLORE IN KAUAI
If you drove as far North on the island as the road will take you, our favorite hike trail head Kalalau Trail was located there at Ke’e Beach. If you drove as far West as the road would take you back around the island, our favorite beach was located there – Polihale State Park. We spent significant time snorkeling at the number seven most famous beach in the world Poipu Beach located in the South of the island. Our Condominium was located in the East of the island. Kauai has the most diverse climate of anywhere I’ve ever been. It is desert like conditions in the West with very low rainfall. The North side of the island boasts of being the wettest spot on the earth with record rainfall. The Napali Coastline prevents any road travel all the way around the island. So when you drive as far as you can one way around the island, you are actually about 17-20 miles away from the end of the road all the way on the other side of the island. A topless jeep is the way to get around on the many cane roads of the island and makes the ride super enjoyable! Hawaii remains one of our fondest places to visit.
From shaved ice treats at JoJo’s Shave Ice to our favorite restaurant Olympic Cafe to the molting seals on the shore of beaches during the day, or a trip through the National Tropical Botanical Gardens to absorb the local foliage.
Deeply inspirational, tranquil moments in the pre-dawn hours were some of my favorite memories. God’s awe inspiring beauty is wonderous here! One morning at Ke’e beach, I spent some time chatting with a Hawaiian man also on vacation in Kaua’i. He explained that Hawaiians from other island like to travel to Kaua’i for their vacations as it is the “Garden Island”. It is the most under-developed of all of the islands and provides Hawaiian’s a relaxing return to a more peaceful existence.
As our conversation flowed to many topics, one topic in particular stood out to me…the healing properties of the ocean. Hawaiian’s believe in soaking in the ocean to cure many ailments. They revere the ocean and their spiritual beliefs stem from these traditions. It was a great pleasure to discuss such personal beliefs with this man. He was wonderful to share with me.
From the simple pleasures like watching the sunrise, grabbing a burger at world famous Bubba’s Burgers, or sipping Kauai coffee and people watching all were so relaxing!
Where are you planning to travel post pandemic? Have you already returned to travel? How did it go? What changes or differences in travel protocol did you notice? Share your story! Share a photo!
I’d love to hear where you went and what your experience was like. Did you take your children? It is so wonderful to view a favorite vacation destination through their eyes! Leave a reply below!
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Inspirationally Yours,
Barbara
BIO: https://www.inspirationaltraveladventures.com/about-us/
About Me
A 1993 graduate of Michigan State University, Barbara earned a BS in Social Science Pre-Law. She is a Business Manager/HR Director. Her passion is travel, discovering new places, experiences, cuisine, cultures while enjoying temperate climates. Barbara is a newly transitioning empty-nester who became a travel blogger. She’s a great photographer, talented writer, and has a great family to highlight in her high school/college athlete football sons.
WEBSITE: www.inspirationaltraveladventures.com
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Barbara Robinson
TRAVEL BLOG🛩 * ADVENTURE🛶 * INSPIRATION🌞 Thanks for exploring our travel blog! We hope to assist you in your next adventure through learning from ours! We are transitioning empty-nesters perpetually seeking our next luxury snorkeling adventure! Daily God’s awe inspiring inspiration surrounds us with all of His natural beauty in every direction if we but slow down to observe. Take a moment each day to ENJOY!
48 Comments
Kristin
I went to Kauai 16 years ago now and so want to take my kids one day. I had actually been thinking about it for my son’s senior trip, but that’s not for another few years. Hopefully all vestiges of the pandemic will be over by then. I really don’t want to deal with anything extra to visit paradise!
Barbara Robinson
YES! The extra work to fill out all the travel documentation steps, provide proof of vaccination, wear a mask, etc. is kind of a bummer overall. It adds another layer of worry if we’ve messed up a step that might get in the way of relaxing and enjoyment of travel, but I wonder if this will be our “new normal…?” Time will tell…
Heather Jandrue
I hope you get to take this wonderful trip. As they age it does get harder and harder to schedule time together. I hate that part of them growing up. This sounds amazing and I can’t wait to hear all about it.
Barbara Robinson
Thanks! We are all very excited to do this, but am a bit worried whether it will go off without a hitch.
Alexis Farmer
Awesome tips! Hawaii is definitely toward the top of my travel bucket list.
Barbara Robinson
YOU’VE GOT TO GO! It is so wonderful!
Lisa Manderino
Hawaii is always a great idea. I’m sorry it was so hard to book everything!
Barbara Robinson
Finger’s crossed…hopefully nothing gets changed again! My heart dropped when I received the email that they just cancelled my booking!
Tiffany
Hawaii seems like a dream!!! Love the photos… beautiful!!
Terra Booth
How awesome is it to be able to do some travelling again!!! It definitely takes a lot more planning now though.
Barbara Robinson
Yes! Yes, it does! Sigh!
Lisa, Casey, Barrett Dog
Hawaii is a beautiful destination! We hope to visit soon. Thank you for sharing and enjoy your trip!!
Cecile Leger
I cannot wait to travel again. We have not traveled since the pandemic. Hawaii is on our bucket list. Thank for these great tips.
Cindy Moore
I do look forward to going to Hawaii some day!
Barbara Robinson
It is so tranquil. Nothing I can describe explains the floral tinged humid trade winds that gently blow along with the sun kissed lush greenery. It is such a wonderful experience to languor there!
Pam
We are planning on visiting Hawaii next Spring so this is very helpful – thanks!
Barbara Robinson
That’s great! Hopefully many of these restrictions will not be in play then!
Lane
Phenomenal read!! I want to go to Hawaii so badly now!
Kadi
Thanks for providing all of the info on Covid restrictions clearly in one place!!! I hope your trip goes smoothly!
Barbara Robinson
Me too…so many steps to follow to ensure no hiccups!
Shannon Delaney
Our trip to Maui was the most magical time we have ever had. Thank you for bringing back Hawaii memories!
Hunter
Looks like a fun trip! Thanks for going over everything so thoroughly. I’ll definitely be using this info as I plan a Hawaii trip soon!!!!
Barbara Robinson
The rules are ever-evolving as we are already in Hawaii after following the 2021 guidelines. 2022, now upon our return flight, Quarantine period is 5 days, NOT 10, and the health questionnaire form for Hawaii Safe Travels is no longer completed 24 hours prior to the flight, but at the time that you create your safe travels account. I will say that the pre-flight clearance where they issue a wristband was a complete time saver prior to boarding the last leg of our flight that landed in Hawaii…we were able to skip all the lines and go straight to the car rental. Huge time saver after a long late night flight!
Julie Gazdecki
Lots of planning for post pandemic Hawaii travel, but I am sure it will all be worth it! Great memories your family will make.
Kristen
I’ve always wanted to go to Hawaii! Thanks for this helpful info.
Jordin
Ahhhh! Hawaii is AMAZING! My husband and I were so fortunate to travel to The Big Island October 2020. It was the trip of a lifetime! We rented a truck with a rooftop tent and camped around the island. I hope this trip lives up to all of your other Hawaiian adventures!
Barbara Robinson
THAT sounds lovely!
Alicia
Crossing my fingers your trip happens! We have now been playing this reservation game for our trip to Costa Rica for 1.5 years. I *think* it’ll be in January 2022. However, our other trip in January 2022 to Mexico was just canceled. It’s a mess! Thanks for the tips on flights to Hawaii though. We are definitely hoping to get there in the next few years!
Barbara Robinson
I feel your pain! Good luck!
Cindy
That looks like a great trip! I hope to make it to Hawaii sometime.
Jennifer
Hawaii looks like a place to visit to feel the warmer weather. Our October this year still feels like it’s winter. Hawaii sounds like a nice escape.
Barbara Robinson
It really is. I wish the travel restrictions were not so stringent.
Trisha
My husband and I vacationed on Kauai for our honeymoon! We can’t wait to bring our kids back, hopefully next year. Thanks for sharing!
Melissa Jones
Beautiful pictures! Hawaii is definitely on my bucket list!
Marianne
Very timely post for me. We have rescheduled our Hawaii trip that was to be our 25th wedding anniversary vacation back in 2020. We are now scheduled to go in March 2022. Sounds like we will have a little more to do than what we would have done previously.
Barbara Robinson
I keep hoping they will drop all the restrictions to provide ease of travel before we go. If you don’t fill out this form and submit it by this time, etc. Too much of a hassle when you are trying to be in RELAX mode. Hopefully it all works out to not be “difficult”.
Maya
Looks like a lot of fun!
Chelsea
Kauai and Maui are the two islands I hope to visit next time I make it to Hawaii. They look absolutely stunning.
Danielle M. Ardizzone
Hawaii’s been on my bucket list forever. Safe travels!
Linda Winans Egeler
What a great idea to take your family back to Kauai ten years after your first visit! This makes me daydream about returning to some of my favorite destinations when we first started traveling.
Peggy Zipperer
I’m headed to Maui in March & cannot wait!! I haven’t been since 2011 so it will be my 10 year anniversary too! I still haven’t been to Kauai and it really is at the top of the list!
Barbara Robinson
I’m sitting in the airport after completing the 2nd of 3 legs of flights on our return from Kauai! It was so wonderful! You will have a blast!
Emily
I can’t wait to eventually go back to Hawaii! My parents and I went when I was a junior in college and it was amazing. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it to Kauai or The Big Island, we only did Oahu and Maui (both of which were still absolutely gorgeous). However, every time I see pictures or hear about someone going to Kauai I know that’s the island my husband and I need to visit!
Barbara Robinson
Kauai, the garden island, is such a fabulous place for the most authentic Hawaiian experience! The lush greenery and slower pace is so wonderful!
Cathy
What a beautiful place! We have not been to Hawaii yet! I know we will get there someday! Your photos are amazing!
Barbara Robinson
Thanks! We love it in Kauai!
Deepa Kartha
You’ve chosen the best place to let go some steam post pandemic. KAUAI is so diverse and beautiful that it is called the Garden Isle and it deserves it. Did you explore the Waimea Canyon?
Barbara Robinson
YES! One of my favorite places!