The Coronavirus is certainly causing concern around the world. It seems like there’s news about it every minute of the day. We are closely following the situation and updating this article as well as our original Coronavirus in Hawaii article on a daily basis.
Is Hawaii a safe destination to visit during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Overall, Hawaii has experienced a relatively low infection rate compared to most of the other US states.
To review Hawaii COVID-19 data and trends, see hawaiicovid19.com/dashboard/ You can look at Hawaii as a whole, plus some charts allow you to filter by island county.
Positive COVID-19 cases have been identified on all islands. The vast majority of COVID-19 cases have been on Oahu, which is the most populated island.
Over 80% of the cases were brought to Hawaii by residents who traveled outside of the state. The virus continues to spread in the community.
In late July, the state started experiencing consecutive days of record-breaking case numbers. That surge in cases has continued well into August. Oahu is the epicenter of “exponentially” increasing cases. This increase began to push local healthcare systems. Many of the infections have been tied to social gatherings such as beach parties, birthday parties and sadly, funerals. Thankfully, Hawaii’s late summer surge has reduced significantly.
What should I do if I have an upcoming trip to Hawaii?
The new pre-travel testing program gives travelers the option to avoid the 14-day quarantine by presenting proof of a negative result of a COVID-19 test taken within 72-hours of the departure time of the traveler’s final leg of travel. This new process was implemented on October 15, 2020.
A new restriction will go into effect November 24, 2020 that requires that travelers must receive their test result before the departure of the final leg of travel. If results are not received by departure time, the traveler must quarantine for 14 days or the duration of their stay, whichever time is less. Based on the data collected through mid-November 2020, approximately 6% of travelers do not receive their COVID results before their travel.
Another new restriction that went in effect December 2, 2020, is that Kauai has opted out of the state’s pre-travel testing program. All travelers arriving in Kauai must quarantine for 14 10 days. Check for Kauai’s specific restrictions and requirements here.
Travelers who do not take a pre-travel test must be quarantined for 14 10 days and will not be able to test out of quarantine. Please note that effective December 17, 2020, the quarantine period was reduced from 14 days to 10 days.
The process of traveling to Hawaii is a bit more complicated in this new COVID-19 era. See this flowchart to understand the new procedures and how they flow. Also, a very, very useful site to review and follow is Getting to Hawaii. We highly recommend you thoroughly review and follow that page.
One of the first things the state of Hawaii wants travelers to do is to complete a mandatory Safe Travels Form as soon as flights are booked. See this page for questions and help with completing the application.
The next biggest step is to obtain a pre-travel COVID-19 test from one of Hawaii’s approved testing partners. See this page for a list of testing partners. Tests are to be taken within 72 hours of the final leg of departure for your flights to Hawaii.
Within 24 hours of your flights to Hawaii, you will need to log into your Safe Travels account and answer some health questions. After you receive a negative test result, you are to upload those results into your Safe Travels account. If you have not received your test result by the time of arrival, you must go into quarantine until you receive your negative result, load it into the Safe Travels application and are released from quarantine.
See www.HawaiiCOVID19.com/travel/ for many frequently asked questions and their answers about traveling to Hawaii under the new procedures. If you have questions that are not answered at HawaiiCOVID19.com/travel, call 1-800-GO-HAWAII.
Note that some islands may require second tests. At implementation of the pre-travel testing program, the islands started the following additional tests:
- Big Island requires a25% of passengers to take a second test upon arrival.
- Kauai asks travelers to take a second test.
- Maui asks travelers to take a second test.
- Oahu would like to add a second test.
- Statewide surveillance testing will be done with a random selection of 10% of incoming travelers.
Note that these tests and requirements are all subject to change.
Each island county has additional guidance and rules. See their websites to determine what they require:
- Hawaii County (Big Island) hawaiicounty.gov
- Maui County is composed of the islands of Maui, Lanai and Molokai. The website for Maui County is mauicounty.gov.
- City and County of Honolulu is composed of the entire island of Oahu. The website for the City and County of Honolulu is honolulu.gov.
- Kauai County – kauai.gov
If you are traveling to more than one Hawaiian Island, make sure you know of restrictions of traveling from one to another as there have been various inter-island quarantines that also last 10-days. Some islands may offer an option to get a pre-travel test for the inter-island travel in order to be exempt from an inter-island quarantine.
Kauai has implemented extra restrictions.
If you want to go to Kauai, it’s complicated. As we described in a news post, here are the new steps:
- To bypass the mandatory 10-day quarantine period, travelers must
- participate in the state’s Safe Travel’s pre-travel test program prior to their flight to the state of Hawaii
- receive a negative result before their departure flight to Hawaii
- fly to any Hawaiian Island other than Kauai
- stay on that non-Kauai island for a minimum of 72 hours
- take another test no more than 72 hours before an inter-island flight to Kauai as part of Hawaii’s inter-island pre-travel testing program
- receive a negative result before their inter-island flight departure to Kauai. The visitor is then allowed to explore the island of Kauai without quarantine.
- To have an enhanced, then reduced quarantine period, a visitor must
- participate in the state’s Safe Travel’s pre-travel testing program
- receive a negative result before their flight departure to Hawaii
- stay in one of Kauai’s Enhanced Movement Quarantine (EMQ) resort bubble resorts with access to restaurants and the pool
- stay at the EMQ resort bubble for at least three days
- take a post-travel test
- with a with negative test result, the visitor would be released the modified quarantine and allowed outside of the resort.
- For more information about Kauai’s specific rules, check these resources:
- County of Kauai’s COVID-19 website
- Kauai’s press release about new “resort bubble” post-travel testing program.
- Hawaii’s Safe Travels website
- Article from the Garden Island about the new rules.
- Article from the Star-Advertiser about the new rules.
What is required under the 10-day quarantine?
Under quarantine, visitors must go directly from the airport to their place of lodging and confine themselves to their individual place of lodging, hotel room during the entire quarantine. (Details of the quarantine are in the section below.) Visitors who have violated quarantine orders have been cited, arrested, jailed and forced to go back home.
Please note that the following order was originally issued in March 2020 based on a 14-day quarantine requirement. In December 17, 2020, the quarantine period was reduced from 14 days to 10 days.
Original Quarantine Order
This quarantine started March 26, 2020 at 12:01am, a 14-day quarantine is required for all incoming arrivals at all Hawaii airports. This emergency proclamation order mandating a quarantine “will be in effect until further notice”, per the governor’s press conference on March 21, 2020. Here’s an excerpt from Hawaii Governor Ige’s press release detailing the quarantine along with a few additions/revisions.
All visitors and residents arriving through Hawaiʻi’s airports will be required to complete a health screening and contact information form. Additionally, they will be required to sign an order for self quarantine. They will retain the form when disembarking the aircraft. Upon arrival, they will go through a checkpoint and present the completed form with a valid identification. Checkpoint staff will validate the form and issue documentation that certifies they cleared the checkpoint. The form also includes information on the mandatory requirements for the 14-day quarantine along with penalties.
The mandatory 14-day self-quarantine orders are:
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- Proceed directly from the airport to your designated quarantine location, which is the location identified and affirmed by you on the mandatory State of Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture Plants and Animals Declaration Form.
- Remain in your designated quarantine location for a period of 14 days or the duration of your stay in the State of Hawai‘i, whichever is shorter.
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- If you are a resident, your designated quarantine location is your place of residence.
- If you are a visitor, your designated quarantine location is your hotel room or rented lodging.
- You can only leave your designated quarantine location for medical emergencies or to seek medical care.
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- Do not visit any public spaces, including but not limited to pools, meeting rooms, fitness centers or restaurants.
- Do not allow visitors in or out of your designated quarantine location other than a physician, healthcare provider, or individual authorized to enter the designated quarantine location by the Director of HIEMA.
- Comply with any and all rules or protocols related to your quarantine as set forth by your hotel or rented lodging.
- If you become ill with a fever or cough:
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- Continue to stay in designated quarantine location, avoid contact with others and contact a healthcare provider for further instructions on treatment or testing.
- If you are older or have any medical conditions (e.g., immune compromise, diabetes, asthma), consult your regular healthcare provider.
- If you feel you need medical care, contact healthcare provider and inform them of your travel history.
- If you need urgent medical care (e.g., have difficulty breathing), call 9-1-1 and let the dispatcher know your travel history).
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Failure to follow this order is a misdemeanor and punishable by a maximum fine of $5,000, or imprisonment of not more than one year, or both. Enforcement will be handled by each of Hawaii’s four counties.
The traveler is fully responsible for the cost of the quarantine.
A visitor must quarantine in a hotel or motel.
Individuals who are on the quarantine list are not allowed to rent a car.
For further information regarding restrictions and declarations, see the alerts page at the Hawaii Tourism Authority.
If you have any questions regarding this quarantine order, email local government at: CovidExemption@hawaii.gov.
For general travel-related questions, please contact the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau Call Center at 1-800-GO-HAWAII (1-800-464-2924).
If you are thinking you could break quarantine, we absolutely do not advise doing that! Hundreds of quarantine violators have been caught, arrested, jailed, fined and even sent back home. Their mug shots have been published on televised and printed news sites. Just don’t do it!
What’s opening in Hawaii?
With the state due to reopen tourism on October 15 with visitors providing negative COVID-19 test results, hotels, tours and restaurants are starting to make their plans to reopen. Some may open on October 15 or shortly after. Others are saying they plan to open in November.
We published an article on October 12th, providing a sampling of Hawaii attractions and hotels and their opening plans.
With Oahu have the vast majority of cases, they’re taking a more cautious approach to opening with a complex tiered system. What’s open depends on their recent case load. You can read about that plan here.
Restaurants
Many restaurants were either closed or offering take-out services only through May. In June, some Hawaii restaurants are returning to limited dine-in services with reduced capacity and social distancing.
Some popular Hawaii restaurants have not survived the economic fallout from the pandemic. They have announced permanent closures.
Hawaii Events & Attractions
Numerous parks, tours and attractions are either closed or just partially open. We would expect that when tourism reopens, more sites will begin to open, though with restrictions of social distancing and wearing masks. It’s really difficult to predict when or even what will or won’t be open.
Festivals and special events such as concerts and sporting events are cancelled through the summer. It’s quite possible that there will be further closures until large gatherings are allowed.
Hotels
Most Hawaii hotels have been closed but are planning to reopen when tourism reopens. Some will be open in October, while others are saying they’re waiting until November or December to reopen.
Grocery Stores
Grocery stores are open. Some reports indicate empty shelves due to panic buying. The shipment of replenishment supplies continues as normal.
What’s the sentiment towards visitors to Hawaii?
As always, we only give the same advice on this site that we would give to our friends and family. Unfortunately, the sentiment towards visitors is not a good one right now. Hawaii is usually a very hospitable destination that’s known for aloha, but these are unusual times.
Before the quarantine was enacted, there were several reports of protests against visitors on multiple islands. In March, it was reported that the Hawaii Department of Health was concerned of a growing stigma against visitors. A lot of the cases of COVID have been erroneously blamed on visitors despite the fact that the vast majority of the cases were brought in by residents who returned to Hawaii after traveling outside of the state.
In July, the University of Hawaii released the results of a survey of Hawaii resident’s opinions towards the pandemic and also tourists. Some 81% said that they don’t want “tourists come to visit my community right now.”
This opinion piece from the state’s largest newspaper is a sad summation of the negative sentiment that’s been growing in Hawaii. Quarantine breakers have not helped the situation.
Just read any comment thread on any Hawaii news story related to reopening tourism and you will see that the vast majority of commenters don’t want any tourists coming to Hawaii for months to come.
So, if you have a trip planned, go with a hopeful attitude as the Aloha spirit is not dead. Just don’t be surprised if you don’t feel very welcomed outside of the confines of a resort.
Tips & Tricks for Staying Healthy During the Coronavirus Crisis
Here are some tips for avoiding catching a cold or virus while traveling.
– Wear a mask.
– Maintain social distancing.
– Avoid touching your face.
– Avoid being around people who appear to be sick.
– Bring hand sanitizer and/or antibacterial wipes that are safe for cleaning your hands. Sanitize your hands after touching public surfaces like handrails on stairs and escalators, elevator buttons, arm rests on chairs, door handles, etc. (Note that Lysol and Clorox-type wipes are too harsh for regular hand cleaning.)
– Use antibacterial wipes – for example Lysol and Clorox wipes — to clean surfaces you touch at your airplane seat. In addition to the obvious, tray tables and arm rests, also wipe the area you would use to open the seat pocket in front of you. (If possible, avoid using the seat pocket at all because studies have shown that they are very germ-laden.) Wipe the air vent, too. In addition to the touch points around your seat, consider using an antibacterial wipe to clean touch points in the lavatory.
– Some experts recommend turning the air vent at your seat on high to help move the air in front of you.
– Use antibacterial wipes on surfaces you’ll touch in a hotel room – such as light switches, faucets, lamp switches, remote controls, telephone, door handles, etc.
– Stay hydrated as it helps your immune system.
– Avoid buffets.
– Consider using a supplement that claims to boost your immune system. How much it helps, we don’t know, but if your doctor approves, it may be a good idea. Experts recommend getting your vitamins and minerals from your food, but when you travel you are not always in control of well-balanced, immune-boosting meals. Personally we’ve had good experience using Airborne chewables when we travel.
– Bring a thermometer with you. The Coronavirus COVID-19 is known to cause a fever.
– Pack a baggie of medicine, just in case you feel unwell.
– Bring a longer supply of prescription medications just in case your trip gets unexpectedly extended or you are put in quarantine.
– Consult the CDC’s travel advice.
– When in Hawaii, call 2-1-1 for general questions about COVID-19.
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We are frequently updating this page with new Hawaii and travel-related Coronavirus information as it becomes available. We recommend bookmarking this page. We may also be writing new articles regarding this evolving situation. Subscribe to our free email updates to be alerted to those articles as well as our ongoing Hawaii travel advice.
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A word of caution as you read the comments below:
This situation has changed rapidly. Policies that may have been weeks, days or even hours ago, may no longer be valid. If you read the comments, be sure and note the date.
We are updating this article multiple times per day. It’s better to read this article rather than the comments to know the latest and most up to date information.
Subscribe to our free email updates to be alerted to that information as well as our ongoing Hawaii travel advice.
If you have a question that is not answered in this article,
- See the alerts page at the Hawaii Tourism Authority.
- Check the new Hawaii COVID-19 site which has information about infection levels and travel restrictions.
- If you have any questions regarding this quarantine order, email local government at: CovidExemption@hawaii.gov.
Sheila Beal
109 comments
We are planing to go to the big island in May, still not sure if we should cancel the trip, or how long we can wait before we can cancel without penalty.
You should learn what your options are as we mentioned in the above article.
What would happen if you travel to a resort in hawaii and the state enforces quarantines. Could travelers leave? Would travelers be confined to their hotel room?
Government officials haven’t announced what would happen in future scenarios.
Myself and family are scheduled to travel to Maui on Thur. We are all below 55 years of age and above 5. I can cancel now with limited penalty. Looking for a voice of reason to help us decide…
All we can do is point to the current facts. Maui remains “open” to visitors. Hotels and restaurants are open. Some attractions are starting to close in Hawaii. Most notable on Maui is that Haleakala National Park is temporally closing their visitor centers and sunrise viewing. An active case of COVID-19 has been identified on Maui.
Stay home. You will most likely be trapped in a lockdown.
My family and I are scheduled to travel to Oahu for my sister-in-law’s wedding. We have no intention on cancelling but is there anything we should be aware of that could effect our plans? (ie bans on groups of people, closures of restaurants, etc.) Like what’s happening on the mainland.
At this point, the governor of Hawaii is not taking a strong stance on limiting gatherings. Read this article for excerpts from his press conference that was just held today: https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2020/03/16/kualoa-ranch-employee-with-no-travel-history-tests-positive-coronavirus/
https://medium.com/@serenegunnison_78499/thinking-about-traveling-to-hawaii-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-don-t-57211a515862
I’m curious to know more about the restaurant and grocery situation. Any information you can share? Shelves are empty in many states….How is the food situation there (Big Island)?
At this point, restaurants remain open on the Big Island.
In a press conference on March 17, 2020, Hawaii Governor Ige said that restaurants should stop dine-in services. Instead they should offer delivery or take-out only.
I am curious about the attitude of Hawaiians having tourists during this time. We are scheduled to travel to Kauai in a month, and while I would hate to cancel, I would also hate to be inconsiderate to others during this time.
The governor has asked visitors to postpone their trip for at least 30 days.
Tourism is vital for Hawaii’s economy, but we are seeing/hearing some anger and blame aimed at tourists as a whole, because some visitors have unknowingly brought the virus to Hawaii.
Hawaiians are protesting visitors at local airports.
Had a trip booked for to Kauai next Thursday, planned since 3 months ago. I was going to go ahead with it, until I saw the governor’s speech today, asking visitors to put off trips for 30days. We are healthy and we plan to really only going to do hikes while we are out there… Should we cancel in lieu of the speech? really been Looking forward to this 🙁
Many state parks where you might hike are closing due to the Coronavirus. All Kauai State Parks are closing effective March 18, 20202. We updated this list yesterday with that announcement.
I’m sure it’s very disappointing. Hopefully you can plan another trip in the future.
I’m thinking to make a reservation soon by flight in October 2020, is it safe for me to fly to Oahu? I need to know whether I should make a reservation or not. Thanks
We have no way of knowing when this virus crisis will be over. We would hope everything would be settled down by October.
Also, consider if your reservations can be cancelled without a penalty or not. If you can cancel without losing any money, then it may be worth booking and waiting to see what happens.
Was told that unless travel ban gets put in place or hotel shuts down I would not be able to get refund
I am getting married on Oahu in mid June. Should we still keep our plans and see what happens in the next couple of months? It’s not going to be a large group. Curious as to what your thoughts are.
We wish we knew the right answer to give you, but no one knows when this virus crisis is going to be over. We hope it’s all clear by June, but there’s no way to know. If you have the opportunity cancel without a penalty, there’s no harm in waiting to see what happens. Best wishes.
We are scheduled to vacation April 6-12 in Maui, and are not sure we can get reimbursed for our condo. Are the restaurants still open for dine in ? Are the shops in Lahaina open? Do the stores have food and toiletries to purchase for the condo for the week or are the shelves bare? Are luaus still being held? Thanks
THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII HAS ASKED VISITORS TO POSTPONE TRIPS BY AT LEAST 30 DAYS.
RESTAURANTS ARE ONLY SUPPOSED TO PROVIDE TAKE OUT OR DELIVERY. NO DINE-IN.
SOME STORE SHELVES ARE REPORTED AS BEING EMPTY DUE TO PANIC BUYING.
ATTENTION:
For anyone reading the comments, be sure and note the date. This situation has changed rapidly and what was true a week ago or days ago have probably changed.
Be sure and read the main article to learn the most recent information. The article is updated multiple times per day.
Landing this Sunday in Hawaii from Australia, leaving on Monday for Phoenix (Hawaiian Airlines). One overnight stay in local hotel. Does this exempt us from any “2 Week” quarantine if implemented in the next couple of days?
So far today, we’ve not seen any news about actual implementation of a quarantine. If it was agreed to move forward with a quarantine, would they be able to get everything in place to enforce it over the weekend? We really don’t know. These are such unusual times to say the least!
I feel a lot of people asking questions are being ignorant and selfish. My family and I planned and paid for a trip to travel April 4th to Maui. Our hotel cancelled it and will refund all monies within 30 days. This is not a selfish time to think about yourselves. Yes.. do not live in fear. if you decide to continue with your trip.. just know, it WILL NOT be the same experience. We go to Hawaii once or twice a year && we are bummed about it… but hold off until curve is flatten. It will get better. My suggestion is reschedule for future… get the credit if you can. Stop the spread… Stay home! From A Registered Nurse..
Quarantine announced today (March 21,) – 2 weeks – set to begin March 26. Details in article.
If i’m self quarantine, how do I get food?
Delivery.
My son and I are scheduled to visit last week of June 2020. Do you think I should reschedule? I have had no cancellations from our planned day trips or the hotel. Thanks.
As we say in the article, right now (end of March), unfortunately no one knows. It’s best to err on the side of caution with all the uncertainty.
My husband and I have a planned move scheduled to The Big Island on June 1st . Our plane tickets are purchased and we signed a 6 month lease agreement, just before all of this happened. I am not so worried about the plane tickets, but I checked the lease and nowhere does it have a clause addressing this kind of situation. Will we be able to break the lease and stay put or will we be held to making lease payments? Our timing is the worst – but we want to be safe and make sure our future neighbors in Hawaii are safe.
It would be best to directly contact the landlord to find out your options.
What are the current policies on travel from Hilo thru HNL to the mainland?
What documentation is required, are there any additional TSA requirements?
We answered your question where you commented here: https://www.govisithawaii.com/2020/02/18/coronavirus-travel-advice-for-visitors-to-hawaii-in-2020/
Haven’t heard of any additional documentation or TSA requirements beyond what was already required before the the virus.
I am moving to the Big Island in July and am wondering what restrictions there may be.
This article is up to date for existing restrictions.
Nobody knows what the restrictions will be next week, next month or beyond.
I am scheduled to be in oahu for a week in early May. With a 14 quarantine how does that work? I will not be there the full 14 days.
Unless the quarantine is lifted, you will be required to be in quarantine the entire duration of your trip. The quarantine requirements are detailed in the article.
Understood but leaving after 7 days wont be a problem?
It’s our understanding that visitors can leave at anytime.
well I hope hawaii is open in July we are coming the 4th of july weekend. We have scheduled to be there and have not received anything on cancellations yet.
Can an owner of property return to their part time home and leave prior to the end of the 14 day quarantine period. Also, on the way from the airport to one’s residence, can you stop at the grocery store for provisions for your stay?
Read points 1 & 2 of the ‘mandatory 14-day quarantine orders” in the article.
The mandatory 14-day self-quarantine orders are:
1. Proceed directly from the airport to your designated quarantine location, which is the location identified and affirmed by you on the mandatory State of Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture Plants and Animals Declaration Form.
2. Remain in your designated quarantine location for a period of 14 days or the duration of your stay in the State of Hawai‘i, whichever is shorter.
Can a person travel to Hawaii to visit family that live on a military base during covid19? I would hope the military would NOT allow them on base. There is obviously a 14 day self quarantine to come to Hawaii, and a stay at home order.
We don’t know if the military has any additional restrictions.
Will the 14-day quarantine be lifted after May 31, 2020? Or will it still continue after the May 31, 2020 stay-at-home order?
One would hope that it would be lifted, but the governor hasn’t indicated if that is truly the case or not. Could a different or shorter quarantine be instituted instead? See our update from this week: https://www.govisithawaii.com/2020/04/27/hawaii-coronavirus-mandatory-quarantine-continue-until-may-31-2020/
Recreational boating is restricted to two persons per boat. But commercial fishing (for the production of food) is exempt from this restriction. Question: if a non-commercial boat is used to fish for food for private consumption, does the two person restriction apply, or is it waived?
We have no idea. Maybe if you contact your mayor’s office or the governor’s office they could provide guidance.
I just found out a family member has passed away on Oahu, I live on the Big Island. If I fly in for the funeral (they are having a service), will I be required to stay 14 days or can I fly back to Hilo within a week.
I’m sorry for your loss.
It’s my understanding that the 14-day quarantine for inter-island travel is still in effect. Even with the inter-island quarantine, travelers, whether residents or visitors, are not allowed outside of their place of lodging for 14-days, but you do not have to stay for 14 days. If you only plan a week, you can still travel, but you cannot go outside of your lodging for a week. You can only travel to and from the airport.
There’s been some talk of lifting the inter-island quarantine prior to May 31, 2020, but we don’t know when/if that’s going to happen.
Hello my Husband and I are moving to Hawaii as soon as possible and traveling with our 3 dogs. When we called Hawaiian Airlines they stated that no dogs were traveling into Hawaii right now during the pandemic? Has this been lifted? Can we travel now?
Our focus is on visitors to Hawaii, so, unfortunately, your question is outside of our expertise.
We own a home on the Big Island, but haven’t been able to visit and check on our home since Oct 2019! I have planned to visit and to set up & work on our home ASAP! I understand about the 14 day quarantine and am wondering since we own a home will I be allowed to arrive and be able to get needed supplies food essentials etc needed for stay and time on island as a resident?
If you read the orders, it clearly states that you must proceed directly from the airport to your designated quarantine location. Same applies whether visitor or returning resident.
We are scheduled to arrive on June 28th. If the quarantine goes through the end of June does that mean we no longer have to be quarantined on July 1st? Or do we still have to quarantine for two weeks? If we arrived on July 1st instead, it sounds like we wouldn’t have to quarantine at all.
I’m starting to think the quarantine will extended beyond July 1st. Lots of jurisdictions in WA state are cancelling their 4th of July celebrations and other summer events.
The quarantine could be extended again.
What the government officials are currently saying is that they would like to have a method for incoming travelers to be tested prior to their trip or worst case upon arrival in a Hawaii airport. There are a lot of logistics and proverbial hoops to jump through to make that happen. See this article for the concept: https://www.govisithawaii.com/2020/05/12/when-travel-to-hawaii-reopens-will-covid-19-testing-of-visitors-be-required/ That’s what they want to have in place before lifting the quarantine orders.
Just found out my trip for June 4 was cancelled. Thank God I was able to get credits for everything so I can reschedule later. I pray this is all over soon, not so I can travel but so that life can get back to normal.
I have a guest coming to oahu..I’m a resident of Hawaii..when my guest is quarantined at the hotel..can I also stay with her for the duration of her quarantine for the two weeks?
We’re not sure. It’s probably best to check with the mayor’s or governor’s office for clarification.
I have health issues and need to move in with my brother; who lives in Maui. I am coming from Atlanta. I am needing my brothers help here in ATL to pack some things up. Several questions; what will leaving and reentering intail for my brother? What will entering intail for me? …and what about animals; in particular two cats?
Thank you for your time and information
Correction; entail
Bear in mind that we are not government authorities so we’re not experts who can offer definitive advice. Also, with COVID19, so many policies are changing and moving targets. Both you and your brother will have to quarantine in place (no shopping, no going to beaches, etc.) for 14-days. Pets will need to go into quarantine as well. You should check out Hawaii’s page for animal quarantine and ask them specifically about your situation. Here’s their page: http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/ai/aqs/aqs-info/
We are thinking of coming to Hawaii in the middle of July. Are the state parks going to be open?
Some parks are starting some limited reopening.
Perhaps a more important question is – will the mandatory 14-day quarantine be lifted in July? That’s still to be determined and we would not be surprised to see it extended.
I am traveling from the mainland to the Big Island in June to stay with my mother for at least a month. I have a connecting flight from Honolulu to Kona with a 2-hour layover. Will there be any issue with that? Can I proceed directly to that connecting flight when I land at HNL?
Incoming passengers are required to have their temperatures checked as well as completing new documentation regarding your lodging and adherence to the quarantine order. In your case, I don’t know if that would occur in HNL or KOA. We recommend you contact the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau Call Center at 1-800-GO-HAWAII (1-800-464-2924)
I don’t see anything addressing how we are to leave the airport and go to our designated quarantine area, for me it would be my house in Kailua? Thank you
We’ve not seen anything specified on that. Use the resources we’ve referenced in the article for any further clarification.
Sheila, in case anyone hasn’t said it recently, thanks for keeping us updated. It’s probably a thankless job but it’s appreciated!
Mahalo for taking the time to say that!!!
Yeah Sheila, awesome job you’re doing. My wife and I live in Oregon and have tickets to fly to Honolulu at the end of June. We have a condo in HI but are afraid we will have to cancel our trip. I have read that Hawaii may allow people from Australia, New Zealand and Japan to come to Hawaii and need not be quarantined because of the low incidence of covid 19 in their countries. Here, in Oregon,we fortunately have very low numbers of infection also. The 4th lowest in the US. I was recently tested for the infection with negative results. Perhaps we can also be excused from the 14 day quarantine. Especially if we arrive with new, very current evidence of negative results.
Normally the sick are quarantined, not the healthy.
It seems unfair to disrupt the lives of everyone for the sake of so few.
If you dare to read an alternate perspective:
https://issuu.com/americanbotanicalpharmacy/docs/may_2020_newsletter/2
Aloha.
Does your governor understand the havoc he has foisted upon the citizens of HI? There are many of us healthy mainlanders that would love to enjoy your islands (as we are due to, but now will cancel for July). How about testing every arrival? What about not being able to leave the mainland if exhibiting any type symptoms or coordinate with the airlines to test prior to boarding (have extended check in periods). Add that fee the the plane ticket. But the notion that he has effectively wrecked so many of his citizens lives with the extended shutdown is, well, nutty and sad. Power of the few is dangerous.
We live on an a group of islands in the middle of the Pacific for goodness sake; Our primary means of getting the virus is through travelers (visitors and residents) flying into our State…..So treat everyone flying in for the virus,, case closed;; meanwhile, cancel all cruises until further notice…. Governor Ige, please don’t use this pandemic as a political tool; be brave and make the best decision for your people;; and leave us the hell alone to live our lives as normally as possible… if things go south,, it Is easy to cut off the air travel spigot;; furthermore, let us go back to Church….
My husband and 2 sons are planning a trip to Hawaii at the end of August. We thought we’d be safe to plan by then. Now we are beginning to think that may still be too soon. We have already booked our places on 2 different islands. We were planning to stay on Oahu and Maui for 5 days each. Do you think we’d be ok to keep these reservations?
We really can’t say one way or the other. Subscribe to our free news feed as we are regularly providing updates as they are issued.
We are part-time residents and own a condo in a secured building. How are groceries and meals delivered to our floor during a quarantine? Can we go to lobby to receive? No instructions from our building management.
We have no idea. Seems your building management should provide guidance.
Check out the resources on this page with some contacts to potentially ask further questions: https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/news/alerts/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/
We just cancelled our trip to Hawaii.
Sheila,
I have trip planned and booked since last Summer @ Ekahi Village in Wailea.
Aug 1 arrival.
What is the local word on the street.
Is there real optimism that the quarantine will be lifted on July 31?
Or, will Governor impose his will even further?
Thanking you in advance for your insight.
Lair – see this exciting update – https://www.govisithawaii.com/2020/06/24/starting-august-1st-travelers-with-a-negative-covid-19-pre-test-can-visit-hawaii-without-quarantine/
It is encouraging.
Sadly, it may not be feasible, though –
I tried to locate testing in So Cal yesterday for quick turnarounds and a few major road blocks:
1.) There are stringent restrictions on who can receive testing.
Ad-hoc elective travel testing is not even considered for testing.
2.) There is a pretty large back-up for appointments.
3.) Once tested, it takes 5-7 days for results.
So, under current test availability, criteria and results lead time, there is no way anyone can meet the “72 hour Test and Proof Results” requirement.
It’s simply not possible.
We really need a travel advocate to get right in front of Governor and get all this resolved.
Possible Solutions:
• Drop the whole testing requirement and perform temp checks and screening only.
• Expand the 72 hour results window to at least 10 days.
• Partner with Pharmacy and Medical Industry to provide urgent “Travel Testing”, and sooner than later.
Remember, most vacations have “balance due” on July 1st for vacations booked for Aug 1 arrival (me).
Payment in full 30 days prior is the standard.
So, the Governor essentially has 4 days to get this figured out and resolved.
Otherwise, this new plan will not help travelers.
Respectfully, Lair
Another point of challenge is the type of testing Hawaii is requiring –
“PCR” vs “Rapid-Antigen.”
The PCR must go to the Lab and is what is taking 5-7 Bus Days.
The “Rapid Antigen” test can return results within 3o minutes.
Very important, the Governor must allow “Rapid Antigen” testing to be accepted. Angain, otherwise, it is just not feasible.
same date. same place. lol
Hello. So long story short my grandma flew into Hawaii before this whole pandemic started and she’s been stuck and trying to come home but can’t seem to figure out if she needs anything to leave? Like does she needs a negative COVID test? She came before the pandemic so she doesn’t exactly have proof that she didn’t fly in during the crisis
I am in Colorado and have a trip scheduled to Maui in September. Just like somebody above, testing prior to travel to prove I do not have the virus is a nonstarter. The results will not be back in time for the 72 hour time frame. That is assuming I would even be allowed to get a test while I am healthy, not exhibiting any Covid signs. There are restrictions for those who get tested, you have to be sick!
Also, I have not seen any information about who checks the test results. Is it done at the airport before I leave? Is it viewed by some airport employee who may not know what they’re looking at? Or is it viewed by somebody at the airport upon entry to a Hawaiian island? At the hotel? Where??? This mandate does not seem to come with any kind of guideline for how to get somebody to check a negative result. I fear that even if I can get a test while I am healthy, there would be nobody in Hawaii certified or designated to review it so that I am not subject to quarantine despite having “proof” of health.
This mandate I think is meant to continue to keep visitors from traveling to Hawaii.
You haven’t seen details of the plan because they details have not been announced. They’ve only announced that there will be a plan.
We are supposed to go to Kauai on Aug 10 and there is no way in Arizona to get a test done and results in the 72 hour window. I think this is going to be an issue from any where you are traveling from to Hawaii so the governor needs to re-evaluate this requirement or there will be no visitors going to Hawaii! Hopefully we won’t be penalized by the airline and Hotels for this it’s just not fare. If we are willing to do the the requirements but the tests are available to us we have no control over that!
Our entire family is going to Hawaii on August 2nd, a trip that was planned over a year ago. There is no testing site in our area (California Bay Area) that can guarantee results in 72 hours. What happens if you don’t have the results upon arrival in Hawaii? Also, we have two 3-year-olds and a 6 month old baby. Is testing required for them?
Hey Dana,
Here’s what has been established –
The full details have not been released on the pre-testing plan or protocol.
They’re supposed to put a partnership program together with CVS or similar to manage the tests, results and reporting, all withing the 72 hour window.
That’s a pretty tall order, but keep your fingers crossed.
As of now, in the event that you arrive without the results, you automatically go into quarantine until such time the negative result comes through.
If comes back positive, you are in quarantine for the 14 days and another test clears you. They are meeting today to discuss either pushing back Aug 1 reopening or keeping on track for Aug 1st – stay tuned.
Hello,
Me and my Fiancée have trip planned for Maui on August 24th. We both will be able to complete a COVID-19 test prior to our arrival. However this will be our first time in Maui and our first big trip together. My questions are would it be worth that trip or should we reschedule? There is only a few things we would really like to do, a Luau is the top of our list other than beaches of course.
Are beaches open? Restaurants and Luaus? Local shops? Any and all information is greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Can you tell us exactly how you’re able to get the test AND receive results back on a PCR test within 24 hours?
Lair – could you have possibly misread Garrison’s comment? Garrison said they’re due to arrive on August 24th, not that they can take and get test results back in 24 hours.
Thanks Sheila,
Actually, it was my typo.
I meant 72 hours. But even still, hoping Garrison can share how they will achieve that all withing the 72 hours of arrival.
Any tips would def help!
They are places I know in Illinois that will give you the results back within 24 hrs
If we were taking the trip and could reschedule, we would reschedule. There are many unknowns right now, including some recent uncertainty from Hawaii leaders whether they’ll proceed with reopening tourism August 1 as planned.
Many shops and restaurants are currently open. Some are closed waiting for tourism to reopen. Luaus are very tourist-driven and we do not know of any that are currently open. Also, luaus are generally not set up for social distance and food is served buffet style, so we’re not sure if/how they’ll reopen. There is one upscale luau on Maui, called Feast at Lele, which provides individual tables and table service. That might be the best option, if it’s open. It’s a great luau, but pricy.
Hi Sheila! My husband and I are scheduled to visit Maui mid September for our 1st anniversary. Quite naturally, it’s a bummer as to how things are playing out. With that being said, we are aware that a negative test within 72 hours allows you to move about freely. However, I’m curious as to what we can we move about to do in terms of recreational activities. We are thinking of the road to hana, etc…thankfully, our resort is stating the pool, beach and grills are stills available. What about luaus, restaurants, etc. We really don’t want to spend every moment in our hotel room eating a meal. Let me also say we live in a major city and even with limited attractions, we look forward to a change of scenery with peace, quiet and tranquility.
Yes, it is a bummer! Quite honestly, the first hurdle is when/if Hawaii opens to tourists with a negative test. Will it be September 1? They’ve already delayed once and some are saying that the new start date of September 1 may be delayed as well.
See our news roundup from this week that addresses your questions. https://www.govisithawaii.com/2020/07/21/hawaii-vacation-deals-news-july-21-2020/
Typo….curious as to what we can do in terms of moving about for recreational activities
I was planning on taking my family on a cruise to Hawaii in early 2021 and had actually called the cruise company for information and details. With the extension of the quarantine, I am sure glad I cancelled the cruise plans! Who in the world would ever come to Hawaii if you have to quarantine for 14 days after you arrive (even if you are Covid-negative)!!
This is actually infuriating… I lived in Hawaii for most of my adult life, and believe me, I get some of the unique struggles facing the Hawaiian people.
Governor Ige though is WAY out of line with the restrictions. Most of Hawaii’s income and businesses depend and rely heavily on tourism. Everyone putting in safe practice restrictions in place is an amazing move, such as businesses having people wear masks, and even the restriction of incoming tourists being able to pass a covid test is also understandable, but shutting down the state, even inter-island travel is incredibly irresponsible to the people.
As a business I would rather be open with restrictions then unable to open because tourism has shut down. Livelihoods depend, especially in Hawaii, on tourism. These people are completely being ignored in Ige’s policies.
I do understand Hawaii’s position on the fact that they have limited options when it comes to treating people, however the ICU beds only being 47% full (not all of those by far are Covid related) Hawaii is still not experiencing the emergency. By putting in safe practices, you can still flatten the curve, while allowing the people to still have a chance to thrive.
I have read Oct 8th update and it says Mayor Kim of the Big Island has reinstated the 14 day quarantine and won’t except the pre travel testing option. The Mayor has not made this decision final yet. They are still deliberating! Don’t cancel just yet! Carol
I once been to hawaii with my family and i have no plans to go visit again!