These will help save Hawaii travel from further demise.
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These will help save Hawaii travel from further demise.
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My wife and I did some resort hopping in Kauai in Nov and Dec while working remote. We used up a bunch of banked timeshare weeks.
I am surprised to read some of the comments where people find the testing requirements to be too much trouble and say they’d rather choose to go somewhere with more outbreak.
We chose Kauai specifically because of the strict testing. These days I wouldn’t want to get on a plane where there is not a testing requirement. A non-stop to Kauai where everybody was tested seemed like a safe choice.
We used Vault and it was easy. You spit in a test tube while on video and then mail in the sample. We got the results one day later and uploaded our results to safe travels. Really, it was a simple process and no big deal. My only gripe is that the negative test results weren’t checked by the authorities until we arrived and got off the plane.
Ideally a rapid test would be administered at the airport and nobody would be allowed to board without it.
It was a pleasure to be in Kauai where the outbreak is so low and of course the weather and scenery is spectacular as usual. For the first time in 8 months, we could relax and dine out.
People were welcoming and I didn’t experience any negativity. For the most part, people wore masks.
I only wish I could go back now!
Hi guys,
Candidly, and from a family traveler’s perspective, the testing cost and ease of use must be resolved. Family travel is your bread & butter, so getting cheap or free testing options that are acceptable to HI should be priority numero uno. In SoCal, private testing sites are extorting people for up to $200 per test for same day or next day results. LAX just said they have $200 rapid testing in terminals. But what family of 4 or 5 is going to pay an extra $800-1,000 just to get cleared to spend another $10,000 on a vacation???? Florida or Cancun may start looking better and better.
Please lobby for this BOH!!! Thank you!!!
SoCal Matt
Right on. Like I said earlier the governor is like a “deer in the headlights” complete incompetent. Live in So Cal and the number of testing sites terrible. Cost high CVS no longer guarantees results in 72 hours. $200 for rapid test outrageous. I see why travel to Cancun has increased. Recall governor like Califiornia doing.
Easy a new governor to replace the current moron
We just returned from Oahu from a wonderful Christmas visit with our son who is stationed there. Prior to our vacation I read how many tourists felt unwelcome – that was not our experience at all!! We were overwhelmed with the friendliness of everyone we encountered, at shops, the hotel, restaurants, locals… They made us feel more than welcome! We took two separate at home tests, hoping one would return in time, (Vault and ADL through United Airlines.) While it was stressful waiting and hoping, both came back in less than 24 hours after they were received at the lab (overall 48 hours from testing.)Once we arrived at HNL it was a cinch getting checked in with Safe Travels – show our QR code and ID and we were wished a wonderful visit. Wanted to share our positive experience with Safe Travel and the incredible people of Oahu! Mahalo!!
Following.
While on the Big Island Nov/Dec.I could not help but notice that while condo/house rentals were off some, the hotel/resorts areas were down big time. There was no one on the resort beaches or in the restaurants, their lobbies were empty and nobody was around. It was a bleak kind of feeling.
Aloha Guys
Hi Roy.
Thanks for the BI update.
Aloha.
We were there at that time as well. Definitely a sad thing to see. We have been going to BI for 20+ years. We did need reservations at a couple of restaurants fir dinner.
So many shops are closed for good as well as a couple of our fave restaurants.
Every shop we entered we were treated with the aloha we have come to know and appreciate.
While we there Mayor Kim went back to 100% testing on arrival at the airport. Supposedly today was the last day for that. What’s next from the new mayor?
Aloha. I’ve been coming to Kauai for 20 years. I sold my princeville townhouse in February. I was planning on purchasing a fixer home with an ohana. The withholding tax delay refund which occurs because I’m not a full time resident took 8 months. So it’s not going to happen soon. Too provide some insight since I’m now retired traveling in the western states during the summer was made easier with Vrbo. I went to Park City Utah. Mccall idaho. Marco island florida. Key west florida. It’s nice with those states open but with reasonable restrictions. I went to markets during senior hours and ate outside at restaurants with proper spacing. So I hope Hawaii political leaders get some common sense. These leaders if employed in my construction business would have shown up Monday and been fired Friday because they can’t provide the service I hired them to perform. I continue to be a non local with great respect for what Kauai will always be to my spirit when I return. John C
Our President-elect who is part of the permanent Washington establishment, recently stated that “our darkest days are ahead of us”. My thinking is exactly the opposite. Our ingenuity and the American spirit will triumph over this virus. With this in mind, we made plans yesterday for our summer Maui trip. We got some racehorse deals on flights and rentals. In the meantime, we will stay safe and get vaccinated. Don’ let the politicians ruin your lives.
Again, mahalo to BOH.
Hi Curtis.
We’re happy you’re going to be returning to Maui and we appreciate your more than 70 comments.
Aloha
“our darkest days are ahead of us”
I believe he is referring to his administration.
Actualky, he was referring to the last 30 days of the current administration.
The tests are a problem here. The 96 hour window would help as will airport testing for those of us not in a big city. Mostly, make a decision and stop changing it every few days!
Aloha and mahalo.
Hi Denise.
Got it. Thanks.
Aloha.
Going in 2021 hopefully for 3 weeks
Thank you for the updates. We are still planning on our late April 2021 trip to Maui, as our timeshare was booked back in July 2019. Our airline plans have been made and since our trip isn’t until late April (21st, to be exact), a lot can change by then. We already had to cancel and then postpone our Walt Disney World trip in 2020, so rescheduling isn’t an issue for us. Our biggest concern is flying from the East coast to California to connect to Maui. California is doing poorly now but again, lots can change by April 2021. Again, Mahalo and hope to see all the Aloha in late April.
Hi Steven.
Thanks. We hope it works out for your trip to Maui. And you’re right, April is still a long way from now in terms of the virus, vaccines, and Hawaii.
Aloha.
If Canada implements pre flight to Canada PCR testing (as is rumoured) that will cause chaos and massive cancellations from Canadian travelers who will now have to find and pay for another test a couple of days before returning home.
They just announced it in a televised Press Conference this afternoon.
In my opinion, based on my research,including contact with “partners”, that the trusted partner program is terribly flawed. I am in NY and within 35 miles of Manhattan and getting a test close to home is difficult due to difficulty in scheduling, partners dropping out of the partnership, and no guarantees that I will receive my results in time.
I believe in testing, and even quarantines when warranted, but I would not spend almost $20,000 on a vacation and be subject to any disruption. In addition travel insurance may not cover a loss due to positive test and the cancellation policies of many hotels, etc. do not allow for last minute cancellations for refunds. Also quarantine time is lost time and therefore lost money.
Some of the ways that the politicians implemented last minute travel restrictions seem cruel and heartless and indicate that the the Aloha Spirit comes from their wallets and not their hearts. From what I have been reading, Hawaii is beginning to get a reputation for not wanting visitors, only their money
I have personal friends and extended Ohana on the Islands and wish to return to visit them, but only after it does not require disruption.
I was a frequent traveler to Hawaii and will only return if the Vaccination Passport is accepted and eliminates any chance of testing.
I have been told that January is prime time for travel agents booking vacations I hope that the Hawaiian State Government realizes the potential loss by waiting too long to implement safe, effective, reasonable and seamless travel requirements.
I think there needs to be a covid testing site set up at every airport that the airlines can all come to an agreement that they would like these sites set up at and these sites needs to be a rapid test sites that meets the Hawaii states regulations and the cost of the test should be partly paid for by all. person flying,state,airlines,airport,hotels,car rental, ect. anyone that would benefit from more people traveling, people would need to show up early enough to take the test and if passed time to check in and board and mask worn at all times in public if not passing they can’t fly period. thank you
Hi Raymond.
Thanks for sharing that idea about more airport based testing.
Aloha.
United, Delta & Lufthansa have all been prepping to rapid test passengers on their Europe flight routes. Show up and hour earlier, everyone gets tested before they can board & only allowed to board with a negative test. Makes sense. It would be nice if Hawaii bound passengers at least had to shiw their negative test results before being allowed to board. Would be reassuring. Aloha!
First, don’t count on the vaccines to save travel. It might help, but once the people in charge get the message, vaccines are going to lose their sparkle. One will not become 100% immune!! The top three vaccines — Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca — have been found in large trials to prevent recipients from becoming sick or seriously ill, but researchers are still trying to determine whether the vaccines prevent the virus from spreading from the recipient to others.
Second, for Canadians. The government just announced that all travellers, returning to Canada, must provide a PCR Test not older than 72 hours. If they don’t have one, they will not be allowed to board the plane. This is clearly done to further discourage travel to other countries. It will not replace the 14 day quarantine. No question, this will have a serious effect on Canadians coming to Hawaii.
Hello and a thousand times thank you for the information & insights you provide. My first time to reply but I never miss a chance to read BOH. We’ve had the pleasure of visiting the islands countless times in the past 30 years. Thing is…I believe, as a visitor, one must also bring and extend aloha. Back in the good ol’ days of 2018, we spent time on the Big Isle. Sadly, I observed a disrespect of the land from seemingly other visitors. Dumping trash wherever, parking however, etc. Had not seen it to that level before even during peak times. Respectfully, I think there is work to be done on both sides. Will look forward to seeing the revamped website.
Hi Aimee.
Thanks for your first time comment and interesting insights. We appreciate it.
Aloha.
“Sadly, I observed a disrespect of the land from seemingly other visitors. Dumping trash wherever, parking however, etc. Had not seen it to that level before even during peak times.”
I hear you, Aimee. You should see all the abandoned, stripped down junk cars and trucks that those seemingly other visitors have been leaving all over Kauai. No respect!
Hope for the New Year!!
Thank you!!
We are on the Big Island right now. We flew in Christmas Eve and are leaving New Year’s Eve. I know it’s probably not as crowded as in years past. But, I have never seen so many people at the beaches and other scenic spots. The restaurants are busy, with most having dinner outdoor seating. We normally come in the shoulder months and enjoy having our favorite places to ourselves and a few others. That’s of of the biggest reasons we Love the Big Island.
But more importantly, we are happy to set that many people were able to work within the structure and were able to come and enjoy the island. And most importantly, businesses and people getting paid! Still, I’m definitely going to book in the non-busy time again. There are just too many people around. So I would say that’s good news for the island economy.
“There are just too many people around.”
Not a problem here on Kauai. Hanalei town looked deserted last night. Nobody out on the beach where we live. Hardly any traffic. this time last year, cars were lined up for over two miles from the Hanalei river bridge into town. Now you can usually cross the bridge without stopping at all. Surf is up. Sun is shining. Oh the humanity.
I am truly happy that money is flowing in and helping the people and businesses. I do want to respond to the observations of others on the Big Island during this time. We were in Kona, Kohala and on the Hamakua coast. And though others said it was sad that things were empty, it confused me. Every restaurant we went to had a wait either when we got there or by the time we left. All the beach parking lots were full by the afternoon. The lines in the “Island Gourmet” grocery store in Queens Marketplace were pretty constant every time we were there, and that was quite a lot. Even the health food grocery store in Kona,” Island Naturals,” had lines. Normally I am able to take photos of the beautiful places with few if any people in the photos. Not so on this trip. Again, that’s good because it show tourism is up. I have enough photos.
One thing I did notice was that since there was no valet parking and because of covid, the bellman aren’t allowed to bring bags up to your room, there seem to be less opportunities to tip them. Since we brought lots of cash for tipping, to help the people who had been out of work so long, we found new reasons to tip. Exchanging towels was a great way to get them some $ twice a day. Also, ordering extra towels or cups or whatever, if you call, they leave it outside your room, so there’s no contact, but no tipping. So we would ask at the front desk and give them the tip which they’d put in an envelope to give the staff member.
We drove 3 hours round trip to get rapid PCR tests so we wouldn’t run into problems we have seen others have. And we were tested again when we landed at the airport in Kona. It was totally worth it. Anyone who thinks Florida or Mexico are a substitute because they don’t want to deal with the hassle, maybe doesn’t love with Hawaii. Disappointed Kauai visitors, consider one of the other islands till the situation changes. You won’t be sorry!
I don’t get it. I have good friends that have lived. Many years in Waikoloa. They are Tongan. Ok. On Facebook they show huge get togethers with no mask no social distancing. I love them dearly. But Why Is Hawaii Blaming Us Many Many Of The Locals are not abiding by safety.
Just got an email from VRBO stating “While the ability to resume travel varies from country to country, we will continue to share vacation inspiration to get you and your family excited about planning your next trip together.”
Normally, this is the time I would spend planning our HI vacation.
If testing and/or vaccines are required, our choice will be to stay home.
The testing timeline to be successful in terms of limiting a traveler’s exposure to covid would require the test takers/travelers to stay at home for the 72 or 96 hours prior to travel. The backlash to that kind of requirement would be huge. When I think of all the things I do within the 72-96 hours of travel for my family–staying 100% at home would be very difficult. Sure many things can be done in advance, but things come up last minute that are unavoidable. Just off the top of my head, things break–we have had to call repairmen, kid’s emergency orthodontist appointment, another family member needs help with something prior to us leaving town, work emergencies etc.
Summer camps in Georgia had a similar policy of testing campers/camp counselors prior to arrival. It sounds good in theory, but in practice the flaw is that some of the people got exposed either before the test or within the 72 hours while they were preparing/packing and getting to camp.
The virus is real, risks are as well. Government officials who think a testing window will slow/stop a virus is putting a lot of eggs in an imperfect basket.
Mandating a new vaccine for a virus with a high survival rate for most people is going to get push back.
I am not anti vax, but I want to see some history on this vaccine before I decide to take it. Love Hawaii, but not willing to get a vaccine just to go.
Thanks for all your information. I do hope Hawaii’s decision makers read your thoughtful posts and those of your readers.
We all wish the best for Hawaii and her residents!
Hi Olga.
Thanks for the feedback. We appreciate your comments.
Aloha.
I feel more people would travel to Hawaii if governor changes testing rules from 72 hours to 96 hours, people would feel less stressed of getting results on time. Like reading your articles.
Hi Nancy.
Thanks. It’s been widely proposed. Let’s see what happens next week.
Aloha.
As long time timeshare owners at Kauai Marriott Beach Club(25 years), we are dismayed at absurd entry/ quarantine restrictions now at Kauai. We hold booking still for August-Sept. there. However, even worse, is reported change in mgt. from Marriott to some new independent mgt. company. How will this affect us and our use of Marriott points bookings? Marriott offers No updates or guidance. Yet we get our annual pricey membership dues bill from Marriott with no idea for its value and use. Any possible updates on Marriott? Are other hotels similarly affected, confused?
ROBERT B… This was sent to owners from the KBC Board President via email this afternoon (12/31)… Can’t send the whole things due to 2000 character restriction.
We have received questions regarding maintenance fees for 2021. Due to the Resort closure and restrictions in place from the State of Hawaii and County of Kauai as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we experienced savings in operating costs for 2020. Those savings have allowed us to keep our maintenance fees flat for 2021 by applying a portion of the savings to the 2021 maintenance fee
budget. Secondly, the additional savings will be applied to the maintenance fee budget for the much needed public area renovation that is scheduled for the next few years.
I also need to inform you that there will be a management change with the hotel section of the property. Beginning March 2, 2021, Marriott International will no longer be the hotel manager, and Sonesta management company will manage the hotel property as a Royal Sonesta. Marriott’s Kauai Beach Club timeshares will continue to be managed by Marriott Vacations Worldwide as a Marriott Vacation Club. This change will not affect your ownership or usage rights for your timeshare weeks. Talks are presently taking place with Sonesta and Marriott Vacation Club to ensure that the services you are accustomed to will continue to carry on into the future.
Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! And Hau’oli Makahiki Hou 2021!
I must confess the crazy situation with changing rules caused us to cancel our 2 month trip to Kauai. This would have been our 27th trip. We agree with all your suggestions and thank you for your updates. We are spending winter in Florida this year. We will consider Hawaii again but only if things are clear and fair. It does seem sometimes that aloha has disappeared. We feel a strong kinship with Hawaii and have always respected the aina. We hope to return some day. Hopefully the powers in government will consider your excellent suggestions.
Hi John.
Thanks. We hope you can return again. It has been a stressful time, that’s for sure.
Aloha.
Thank you for your articles keeping us up to date on Hawaii travel info. I think all 5 of the points listed are spot on. As much as I Love the Hawaiian islands (I have made 5 trips to the islands), I do sense a feeling of the residents not wanting visitors to return. This makes me very sad, although I can completely understand their feeling of congestion when visitor levels are in full swing. I hope that once they get the whole Covid testing thing in order and associated rules, that they look at limiting visitors to certain attractions, so that there aren’t hundreds of 1,000s of people traipsing all over the beautiful environment. Better management. I also really hope that a vaccination does NOT become the ONLY factor in allowing travel. I have no intention of getting the vaccination anytime this year, or maybe even ever. I would hate to see our freedom of travel being manipulated by big pharma and their corrupt govt allies. The Alaska Airline sale earlier this week was so so tempting, but I just don’t want to jump through all the hoops right now. I agree with some of the other readers – – Mexico or the Caribbean is looking more attractive these days…sadly…
Hi Janelle.
Thanks for the feedback and for your first comment.
Aloha.
We are anxiously waiting to see if our family in Canada can all be vaccinated by April- May for our large family trip in July. At this point it doesn’t sound so hopeful as things are taking longer with vaccine shipments etc. We will not make flight arrangements until we are vaccinated. We hate to give up our 7 weeks of timeshare! Fingers crossed. Stay well everyone.
We have been coming for decades, and this year we have made a responsible decision to stay home. If everyone was tested before boarding the planes, that would be a good start. The people of Hawaii need our business, yes, but they don’t need arrogant tourists who don’t believe Covid exists and spread it. They don’t have the hospital space for this. The more testing, the better. It’s not perfect but it helps. Their rules are in place for a reason. Just respect them. Travelling is a privilege, not a right.
Well said, Bill. We just returned from Maui and had an amazing time. For the beginning of our trip, we saw probably 90% of people wearing masks when walking on the path in front of our hotel in Kaanapali. The last days of our trip (25-29), I was so irritated that the number of people wearing masks was about 50% on the walking path. People, if you are Walking, you can wear a mask. It is so disrespectful to not wear a mask.
We felt lucky to visit. We jumped through all the hoops and felt blessed and lucky to get to visit. Once we were there we were Grateful to be there.
Bill
Exactly our sentiments. Thank you for sharing them.
We are in the Big Island right now for two weeks. It’s quiet, people are friendly as ever and we are just happy we were able to follow the appropriate steps to be here, get tested, follow protocols and enjoy the island once again.
Arrival was a breeze. A second test performed and contact information provided in case they needed to reach us. We didn’t have to wait for the results to be back before leaving premises.
Hawaii is a beautiful place and we totally understand the concerns. For those who have been able to make it back, it is calm and quiet.
Except for the volcano erupting again :-). Amazing views!!!
Thank you BOH. As for additional comments, #3 is the most critical. We were able to do an RT NAAT certified test at Walgreens and our results were available within an hour. That was amazing. We were expecting a day or so. There aren’t many locations that do have the RT tests available, but if they do that is the best bet. We came from Dallas.
Hi Julieta.
Thanks for your feedback from the Big Island.
Aloha.
Mahalo nui for thinking and acting with pono in your thoughts.
Bill G, I am in total agreement with you. The annual October-November Kauai trip for 2020 was cancelled with respect to the people of Kauai. Hopefully looking to October – November 2021 when I am again able to “put one foot on the sand”. Until then, I shall abide by the need to keep them safe. This all boils down to a matter of respect, especially for the residents of Kauai.
Well put, Bill G. Mahalo for your logical, and compassionate post. Be well!
Aloha and thanks for the continuing updates in the newsletter, it is very helpful as we look forward to our scheduled trip in March. The suggested changes you’ve mentioned to the testing policies and potential for vaccination exemptions are hopeful signs. As for the “Aloha” spirit, we’ll come whether it’s there or not. While we do appreciate interactions with the locals when we travel, it isn’t one of the reasons we come to Hawaii in the first place. If the residents are cool to visitors then we’ll limit our interactions and enjoy the beaches and mountains.
We have been trying to Vacation to Hawaii since last March. The cost to test a family of 7 and then possibly have a false negative is too great. We’ve already lost money from our original trip we had to cancel last March. We finally just gave up and booked a trip to Mexico! Will consider cooking to Hawaii in the future if the government figures things out!
I just read that since Tahiti reopened last summer, they require the pretest, then are handing out self testing kits at the airport for visitors to turn in to their hotel four days after arrival. Such a simple solution! I don’t understand why Hawaii, and Kauai in particular has had to make this so difficult. I also don’t understand why some of the received monies haven’t gone to adding ICU beds to Kauai,so that they could think about reopening.
I plan to visit again as soon as I am fully vaccinated as long as Hawaii waives quarantines and preflight testing. I am in Canada and cannot get preflight testing from my departure airport or anywhere in my city.
We are in the same boat. On top of all of our reasons for not going, the pre-test is very expensive and risky (time-wise) and expensive, when you don’t live in the specified cities.
The Hawaiian government needs to come out with the same rules for each island as it is too confusing to figure out the different rules you hear about and the safe travels website has been too inconsistent. I have family on the islands and my grandma is 104. I went in November to Maui to visit her and had to visit her through a glass window. I think a lot of local people including my family over there are ultra paranoid of the virus as they hear and read things locally. Then visitors come in and they automatically think they could be carriers when in fact they have received their negative test. Also, I have family on other islands but there was no way, I could even think about inter-island travel until things are sorted out and more clear to people coming from the mainland.
Just hope that Hawaii’s government takes the time to read BOH’s suggestions..
Here’s to a better 2021 for us all.
Mahalo for all you do …
Hi Cheryl.
Thanks. They are reading, but beyond that, we’ll have to wait and see what they decide.
Aloha.
Thank you BOH for keeping us all updated.
First, we can all agree we care and want to protect the people of Hawaii.
We had a family trip planned 4-1-20 for five on two islands. One being to visit friends who live there. We are still working on getting our trip costs back. One of our rentals was pushed into spring 2021 but we are not feeling good about traveling. Note some of our family has had covid.
We worked hard to visit a place we love and respect but there are so many mean and crude comments about the Mainland and Hawaii. This pandemic has really divided people and it is concerning.
I live in a state that borders four states. When the other states had restrictions they were all flocking to the state we live in – flooding our parks, lakes, everything. We too were concerned with our safety. So we understand the unwanted feeling regarding mainland travel to Hawaii.
No one has all the answers. I know until things are safe we won’t travel. Its wonderful that some have access to the vaccinne so quickly but most of us will be waiting for it until late spring/summer.
If people do travel – covid testing should be available and done right before you board the plane. I do not understand the logic of 72 hours before the last lag into the island. People should be tested right before flying to prevent infecting others. Temp checks and questions do little. Testing before boarding woukd help.
Hi Sherilyn.
Thanks. You’re the second person to just mention the importance of pre-boarding testing at the airport.
Aloha.
I think that it’s going to be a long time before we can count on vaccination as the panacea everyone’s looking for. Maybe years before efficacy can be quantified.
That being said, what will the policy be towards those that choose not to vaccinate? Back to the antiquated quarantine situation?
Hawaii needs to be moving on this post haste, as Spring Break is right around the corner.
I would love to hear what you guys (BOH) have to say about the obvious elephant in the room.
I wish you were put in charge of bringing Hawai’i tourism back off life support. No one has as much real-time experience as you two.
Now.. what say you?
Hi Pam.
First, thanks, you are very kind! Yes, the elephant in the room situation. We haven’t heard a word about Hawaii travel contingency planning. Lt. Gov. Green is talking about vaccine travel and we are fearful that there could be too many eggs in that basket. Everyone wants to get past this though, so it is understandable.
The islands need to also get pulled together into some form of travel consistency. And either the partners need to be able to guarantee 72-hour results or it needs to move to 96 hours.
Lastly, we concur that quarantines and travel are antithetical.
We’ll see how things unfold in January – both with the virus, vaccines, and updates from Hawaii on travel. There will definitely be announcements and changes next month. We’ll hold back from being overly optimistic, but these are the things we and many stakeholders would like to see.
Aloha.
People are really underestimating the level of pent-up demand for travel that is going on right now. The WSJ has an article today on the big travel plans that people have post-vaccine. The feeling of “not being welcomed” to Hawaii is irrelevant — the general public does not track Hawaii’s affairs enough to see this.
So *if* the vaccine rollout runs on schedule, the summer of 2021 is likely to see the highest travel volume of any summer in Hawaii’s history.
Vaccines are going to add to the confusion. From what I’ve read, it takes two weeks following the first vaccine dose for a person to get 50% immunity since your body has to have an immune response and produce antibodies. Then after the 2nd does is given, a person can expect up to 90% immunity after another 2 weeks. If that’s the case, then I think the rules will state that a person who has been vaccinated will have to supply the date of both vaccinations and will have to wait one month.
Aloha,
My thought is that everyone who lives on the islands should be high on the list for the vaccine given Hawaii’s unique economy and geographic isolation. Has there been any talk of that?
Mahalo,
JK
Hi Jennifer.
We have heard almost nothing substantive about a vaccine rollout plan.
Aloha.
We had to cancel our plans last March to visit Maui due to Covid and rescheduled our trip for this March. Do you think they will have better testing and faster results ready by then? We’re flying from Denver and to do United’s fast test is $200. for each of us. That’s an additional $600 for me and my two kids. I’m debating canceling and finding another tropical place to take them for their spring break. We need a vacation!
Thanks,
Wendy
Hi Wendy.
Let us know how it works out. We get it – that’s expensive.
Aloha.
We need One State travel plan, eliminating the need for Any quarantine, with All islands following the same policy. And, we need it Now. How can any businesses expect to operate under the uncertainly and confusion of the various island policies? It’s madness.
We were extremely nervous and concerned over traveling to Hawaii with the changing rules along with getting our COVID test and results back on time. We traveled with Hawaiian Airlines and used their partner Worksite Labs in Seattle. They made it so easy and we received our results in 18 hours far ahead of the 36 hours as promised. The Safe Travels site was not easy to upload our results from our phone so we had to use a computer. Lots of hoops to jump through but we made it without any glitches. Our kids fly out on Saturday and were tested this morning. We hope their experience is the same. We’ll keep you updated. As a side note the locals have been so kind and appreciative of the business we are bringing.
Good luck to everyone and thank you to BOH! You were my source of info the whole way through.
Hi Dawn.
We’re glad to hear that the testing at Worksite Labs went well. Thanks.
Aloha.
#2 is the one that needs to be clarified by the governor ASAP. We have a trip booked to Maui in late February and we “should” be vaccinated by then. The ability to travel without the hassle of getting tested will be, in my opinion, the best news for tourism not only to just Hawaii.
Now, if only the governor can convince the dictator of Kaua’i to not screw it up…..
Mahalo
Hi Ed.
Thanks for your many comments. The word was let’s not make any changes over the holidays. We’re certainly hopeful of clarification next week. Sigh.
Aloha.
I know that as long as Hawaii is mandating testing and/or vaccines they will no longer get mine or my families travel. Hawaii needs to open up. I beleive that mexico will see a large increase in their tourism as they are open and no requirements. That is where we will be spending our time.
Once a sufficient number of their tourists and locals are able to get vaccinated, you can expect Mexico (along with most other countries) to require proof of vaccination for entry. This is a long-established practice that has been used for many other diseases in the past.
But not for a virus that has a 99% survival rate. This has been so blown out of propotion. And I doubt that mexico will “bite the hand that feeds them” when their tourism is growing and Hawaii is bottoming out. We have family and friends in Hawaii that are really struggleing because they all work in the tourism industry.