My third bucket-list destination, in keeping with places a bit closer to home, is Hawaii. Known for beautiful beaches, awesome sunrises and sunsets, tropical rainforests, hidden waterfalls, and not-to-be-missed volcanoes, Hawaii has it all!
And it is a great time to start planning a trip there for 2021 or 2022 with the best weather months to include April, May, September and October. With the governor’s recent announcement that a pre-travel Covid-19 testing program will be in place starting Oct. 15, travelers may be able to avoid the current 14-day quarantine policy.
Hawaii has always been on my list of “must-return-to” destinations. Much of my first trip is a vague memory since I was only 14 or 15 when I traveled there with my family. What I do remember is having a set wardrobe that my mom sewed for me before the trip – no jeans allowed! We hit all the tourist spots, I am sure, but for a kid this age, it was all about the water! And I do remember just how blue and beautiful it was.
For my next trip, I want to be on that water! I want to take Norwegian’s Pride of America cruise around the islands. It starts in Honolulu on the island of Oahu and goes to Kahului (Maui); Hilo (Hawaii); Kona (Hawaii); and the island of Kauai before returning to Honolulu. This cruise vacation gives you a glimpse of several different parts of Hawaii and is perfect for my husband who has limited mobility and can use a scooter to get around! There are other cruise lines that go to Hawaii, but they embark on the West Coast of the U.S., Mexico, or Canada, so you spend more time getting to Hawaii than you actually spend in Hawaii unless you take a much-longer cruise. For travelers who might not like a big cruise ship experience, there are also smaller, daily boat excursions that can get you on the water.
Of course, I would also jump at any land-based opportunity to visit Hawaii, regardless of the island! Who wouldn’t? As a Hawaii Destination Specialist, I have had clients travel to Maui, Oahu, and Kauai and stay at resorts or boutique hotels, depending on destination. Contact us and we will work with you to be sure and hit your “must-haves” on a vacation to this incredible state.