Destinations > The Americas > Hawaii & The Caribbean
Hawaii & The Caribbean
Hawaii: Big Island of Hawaii, Honolulu, Kauai & Maui
The Caribbean: The Bahamas, Barbados, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St. Barth’s, Turk’s & Caicos, & US Virgin Islands
Two very diverse vacation destinations, Hawaii and The Caribbean both offer a treasure trove of activities and experiences for all ages:
Journey to the enchanting islands of Hawaii and awake each morning to heavenly sunrises over surreal, deep blue waters. Surf the world’s finest swells in the sport’s birthplace and soak up some rays on brilliant black-sand beaches. Head into the tropical rainforest to hike past idyllic waterfalls and along glowing lava craters, then go for a snorkel with gentle sea turtles and manta rays.
Or, choose from one of The Caribbean’s 7,000 islands to absorb vibrant local culture as you sip on a fruity cocktail served in a hollowed-out coconut. Snorkel among exotic sea creatures, take a rum distillery tour infused with colonial history or head into the jungle for waterfall hikes and zip line adventures. Work up an appetite and sample local flavors, then head out for a night of celebration at an exclusive yacht party.
Best time to visit: With average temperature lows hovering around 72 degrees year-round, a Hawaii trip is always a good idea. In The Caribbean, the winter months are the best time to avoid heavy rains, but many of the islands are genuine year-round destinations.
Go for this: Start your exploration in Honolulu with a guided tour of Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona and learn about the roles they played in World War II. Then, head to the North Shore for a quintessential Hawaiian afternoon: surfing lessons at the legendary Banzai Pipeline and lunch at a local famed shrimp truck.
Visit artisan shops, rum distilleries, bakeries and music shops with a local in San Juan, then stay to play through the night. One of the most sought-after destinations in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico is home to a remarkably well-preserved Spanish quarter, El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the United Sates National Forest System and the world’s most brilliant bioluminescent bays.
But try this: Dig deep into the youngest, largest and most geologically active island on The Big Island of Hawaii. Visit the Kilauea Volcano by helicopter and take a ground tour of the black rock cliffs with a geologist. Enjoy a cultural demonstration on the lava flats, then head to the spectacular Kona coastline, where you can snorkel with manta rays, horseback ride by waterfalls and zip line above the treetops.
Go snorkeling or diving with humpback whales off the coast of Providenciales in Turks & Caicos and watch migratory birds with an ornithologist.
Favorite guest experience: Take a French-Caribbean cooking class with one of St. Barth’s top chefs, followed by dinner at a private villa. Or, learn to make the world’s oldest style of rum with a master distiller in Barbados. Consider visiting some of the world’s premiere coffee plantations in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains.
Sail on a private vessel from Maui to Lanai, where luxurious true-blue seclusion awaits. Take a 4x4 Jeep safari excursion through the rocky roads of the Garden of the Gods. Coast alongside the beach in snorkel gear while looking for dolphins, sea turtles and other creatures in the crystal-clear water. Then, learn the art of sushi on Lanai as you work with some of the freshest seafood in the Pacific.
Favorite hotel: Amanyara basks in unprecedented seclusion on the shores of an 18,000-acre nature preserve. Overlooking a pristine white sand beach and the turquoise waters of North West Point Marine National Park, the resort offers access to some of the finest scuba-diving and snorkeling in the Turks and Caicos, as well as world class restaurants, superb wellness facilities and activities for the whole family.
Princeville Resort sits on a 9,000-acre oceanside enclave in northern Kauai, adjacent to dense rainforests and close to the start of the dramatic Na’apali Coast. Rooms come with views of Makana Mountain, Hanalei Bay (the movie set for The Descendants), or a set of beautifully maintained gardens. Since you can't be this close to the beach without jumping in the water, surfing, kayaking, and snorkeling are just steps away.
Favorite restaurant: Locals and visitors flock to sample Star Noodle’s Asian-inspired plates in Lahaina, on the island of Maui. This low-key popular restaurant continues to have an extraordinary following by locals and visitors.
Perched atop a white sand bluff and offering a dramatic ocean view, Dune is located at the Ocean Club on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Chef Jean-Georges’ acclaimed restaurant serves an innovative blend of French-Asian fare.
Favorite foods & beverages: Jerk chicken, mofongo, tostones, Kalua pork, poke, haupia pie, NV Cruzan Single Barrel Rum Saint Croix, and Sancocho de Siete Carnes & Morir Soñando rum from the Dominican Republic.
Best time to visit: With average temperature lows hovering around 72 degrees year-round, a Hawaii trip is always a good idea. In The Caribbean, the winter months are the best time to avoid heavy rains, but many of the islands are genuine year-round destinations.
Go for this: Start your exploration in Honolulu with a guided tour of Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona and learn about the roles they played in World War II. Then, head to the North Shore for a quintessential Hawaiian afternoon: surfing lessons at the legendary Banzai Pipeline and lunch at a local famed shrimp truck.
Visit artisan shops, rum distilleries, bakeries and music shops with a local in San Juan, then stay to play through the night. One of the most sought-after destinations in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico is home to a remarkably well-preserved Spanish quarter, El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the United Sates National Forest System and the world’s most brilliant bioluminescent bays.
But try this: Dig deep into the youngest, largest and most geologically active island on The Big Island of Hawaii. Visit the Kilauea Volcano by helicopter and take a ground tour of the black rock cliffs with a geologist. Enjoy a cultural demonstration on the lava flats, then head to the spectacular Kona coastline, where you can snorkel with manta rays, horseback ride by waterfalls and zip line above the treetops.
Go snorkeling or diving with humpback whales off the coast of Providenciales in Turks & Caicos and watch migratory birds with an ornithologist.
Favorite guest experience: Take a French-Caribbean cooking class with one of St. Barth’s top chefs, followed by dinner at a private villa. Or, learn to make the world’s oldest style of rum with a master distiller in Barbados. Consider visiting some of the world’s premiere coffee plantations in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains.
Go snorkeling or diving with humpback whales off the coast of Providenciales in Turks & Caicos and watch migratory birds with an ornithologist.
Favorite hotel: Amanyara basks in unprecedented seclusion on the shores of an 18,000-acre nature preserve. Overlooking a pristine white sand beach and the turquoise waters of North West Point Marine National Park, the resort offers access to some of the finest scuba-diving and snorkeling in the Turks and Caicos, as well as world class restaurants, superb wellness facilities and activities for the whole family.
Princeville Resort sits on a 9,000-acre oceanside enclave in northern Kauai, adjacent to dense rainforests and close to the start of the dramatic Na’apali Coast. Rooms come with views of Makana Mountain, Hanalei Bay (the movie set for The Descendants), or a set of beautifully maintained gardens. Since you can't be this close to the beach without jumping in the water, surfing, kayaking, and snorkeling are just steps away.
Favorite restaurant: Locals and visitors flock to sample Star Noodle’s Asian-inspired plates in Lahaina, on the island of Maui. This low-key popular restaurant continues to have an extraordinary following by locals and visitors.
Perched atop a white sand bluff and offering a dramatic ocean view, Dune is located at the Ocean Club on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Chef Jean-Georges’ acclaimed restaurant serves an innovative blend of French-Asian fare.
Favorite foods & beverages: Jerk chicken, mofongo, tostones, Kalua pork, poke, haupia pie, NV Cruzan Single Barrel Rum Saint Croix, and Sancocho de Siete Carnes & Morir Soñando rum from the Dominican Republic.
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