Looking to take a trip to Hawaii? Well, we are here to tell you that there is no time like the present! With the yummy food and jaw-dropping tropical views, it is easily one of our favorite travel destinations.
This Hawaii Travel Guide will have you exploring Kauai and Maui like a professional. Grab your pen and paper and get ready to plan your dream vacation!
HAWAII TRAVEL GUIDE RESTRICTIONS
Travel restrictions were last updated in December 2021
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Hawaii has done its best to keep its citizens safe. In 2020, Hawaii was pretty much locked down and although they have loosened up quite a bit, they still have precautionary practices in place.
GENERAL COVID-19 VACCINATION AND TEST REQUIREMENTS
International Travelers
Hawaii allows all international travelers who have been vaccinated to enter the state. Those who are not citizens of the United States of America must be vaccinated and a negative COVID test (need proof of both) within one day of your flight into the U.S.
If you are a U.S. citizen flying from an international location, you have a couple of options. You are able to either show proof of full vaccination or have a negative test (within one day of your flight) or just a negative test result if you aren’t vaccinated.
Domestic Travelers
If you are traveling to Hawaii from somewhere else in the United States, you will need to upload proof of vaccination or a negative test result from a specific list of testing partners. If you do not have this proof uploaded prior to departure, you will have to participate in the mandatory quarantine.
For more information about travel restrictions, check out the Hawaiian Islands website.
Map of Hawaii
KAUAI AND MAUI SPECIFIC RESTRICTIONS
Kauai
The Island of Kauai has lifted its mask mandate in outdoor settings. However, you are still mandated to wear your masks when you are indoors.
If you have uploaded your proof of vaccination and negative test results, you will not have to participate in the 10-day quarantine. If you fail to do so, you will be required to follow the quarantine.
For more information check out the county of Kauai’s website.
Maui
On Maui, you do have to show proof of vaccination in order to dine inside.
If you have been fully vaccinated, you are able to bypass the proof of a negative test or the quarantine. Your proof of vaccination must be uploaded prior to your travel. If you are not fully vaccinated, you are able to get around the mandatory quarantine by submitting your negative test result.
They also strongly recommend you download the Safe Travels app to help with contact tracing.
For more information check out the county of Maui’s website.
HAWAII TRAVEL GUIDE: VACATIONING IN KAUAI
TRAVELING TO THE ISLAND
Flights
When traveling to Kauai, most people fly into Lihue Airport. This is the main airport in Kauai and most airports have direct flights into it. You also are able to fly into the Honolulu airport on Oahu and then you are able to travel to Kauai from there.
If you are booking your trip yourself and not going through a travel agency, we recommend using Google Flights to find the best deals.
Renting a Car
There are plenty of options for renting a car on Kauai. We recommend renting your vehicle before you land. That way all you have to do is go pick it up once your flight lands.
Keep in mind that an average rental car costs around $140 per day. However, the price does vary depending on when you are visiting.
WHERE TO STAY
Although the island has plenty of hotels to stay in, there are lots of home rentals as well. Depending on who is traveling with you and what you are looking to do will determine the best place for you to stay.
Hotels
- Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
- Kauai Cove Cottages
- Kauai Beach Resort & Spa
- O’Luina
- Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay
Home/Condo Rentals
- Romantic Garden Cottage
- Private Parlor at Marriott Beach Club
- Studio Suite on Kauai’s Royal Coconut Coast
- New Luxurious Condo on North Shore Kauai
- Beautiful Hanalei Bay Resort
EATING RECOMMENDATIONS
We have never eaten anywhere that we didn’t like and want to go back to! However, we do have some favorite locations that we definitely recommend eating at least once which you are in Kauai!
- Midnight Bear Breads – Pasteries, Breakfast, and Sandos (breakfast)
- Puka Dog – Hotdogs and Lemonade (lunch)
- Keoki’s Paradise – Fresh Seafood (dinner)
- Kauai Coffee – Incredible Coffee
- Waikomo Shave Ice – Shaved Ice
THINGS TO DO
Did you know that Kauai’s nickname is “The Garden Isle”? It is covered with lush foliage and gorgeous mountains. If you are into hiking, then it is perfect for you.
Captain Andy’s Na Pali Raft Day Expedition
This expedition is a 6-hour long boat tour along the Na Pali coast. According to Hawaii Adventure Center’s website, “inflatable rafts provide the freedom to get up close and land on a remote beach (seasonal and ocean conditions permitting). Experience sea life, waterfalls, and 3000 ft cliffs and pinnacles of the Na Pali coast. You will gain entry to spectacular sea caves (ocean conditions permitting), snorkeling, and lunch.”
Mountain Tubing Adventure from Kauai Backcountry Adventures
If you are looking for a more relaxing adventure, this is for you. From their website, “This tubing adventure is perfect for people ages 5 and over and in generally good physical condition. The gently flowing waters, beautiful scenery, flumes, and tunnels create a relaxing, fun, and fascinating experience. And when we say we are unique, we mean it! This is the only tubing activity of this type on Kauai, and we are the only eco-tour company with access to these 17,000 acres of former plantation lands.”
Waimea Canyon State Park
In our opinion, it is even better than the Grand Canyon. It has incredible views and isn’t a hard drive.
Turtles in Poipu Beach
There are always 1-3 turtles out during the day and about 20 that come up at the night to sleep. If you are looking for the perfect location to view them, we recommend adding this to your itinerary.
HAWAII TRAVEL GUIDE: VACATIONING IN MAUI
TRAVELING TO THE ISLAND
Flights
When flying into Maui, you will fly into the Kahului Airport. This airport has overseas and interisland flights. That being said, if you are flying in or out of Maui to go to a different island, this will be the airport you fly from.
To get from the airport to the main part of Maui, it is around 16 miles which takes about 30 minutes to get there.
Renting a Car
Similar to Kauai, you will easily be able to find a car to rent. We do want to mention that you can Uber if you would like. However, if you are planning on traveling a lot during your time on the island, it is better to rent a car.
There is a high demand for rental cars here so reserve your as soon as you possibly can to avoid any hiccups.
- SIXT Rent-A-Car Maui Airport
- Go Rent-A-Car Maui
- Enterprise Rent-A-Car
- Rent for Less Maui
- Maui Budget Cars
WHERE TO STAY
Maui has over 250 hotels for you to choose from. We are going to list our favorites, but we recommend checking all of the reviews before deciding which one to stay at. You can learn so much from testimonials!
Hotels
- Hololani Rental Association by Vacasa
- Old Lahaina Luau
- Maui Bay Villas by Hilton Grand Vacations
- Ka’anapali Beach Hotel
- Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
- Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club – Lahaina & Napili Towers
- The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas
- Ho’oilo House Bed and Breakfast
- Ka’anapali Beach Club by Diamond Resorts
- Lahaina Oceanfront Estate
EATING RECOMMENDATIONS
We always love eating in Maui. Every time we go to Maui we try new places but ultimately end up at the following locations.
- Gazebo – Mac-Nuts, Banana, and Pineapple Pancakes (breakfast)
- Three’s Bar & Grill – Happy Hour (lunch)
- Monkeypod – Yummy Mai Thai (dinner)
THINGS TO DO
The Road to Hana
According to their website, “The Road to Hana is more than just a great drive through a beautiful area of Maui. Most visitors tend to zip to and from Hana with a checklist of sights to photograph. This is the wrong way to do it. Do your due diligence beforehand, decide on a few locations that look the most intriguing, and take your time at each location.”
We also recommend getting a guided tour app on your phone.
Snorkeling
If you rent snorkeling gear there are lots of beaches and spots to explore. If you want a more guided feel, there are lots of different tours you can pay for.
Lahaina Front Street
Some of the cutest shops are located here. If you are looking for a chill way to spend a day, we definitely recommend checking this location out.
We hope you found this Hawaii Travel Guide for Kauai and Maui useful. As you plan your trip just remember to make the most of it! Take lots of pictures and make even more memories.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us HERE.
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