Recovery for travel, Hawaii’s economic engine, is nowhere in sight. In fact, the totality of our decimated state economy hasn’t even begun to be fully realized.
Although the holidays are normally the busiest time of year in the islands, we hear that hotel occupancy (other than on shuttered Kauai) at the moment is running less than 25%. It would otherwise be sold out at premium dollar. Last month’s latest data available indicated travel was down by nearly 80% (Hawaii Tourism Authority).
Issues preventing the return of Hawaii travel include explosive mainland COVID cases and concomitant recommendations for no travel, fear associated with travel during COVID, financial hardship among Hawaii travelers, and last but not least, negative PR associated with Hawaii.
2021 Hawaii Travel Recovery | 5 Essential Drivers
1. Massive new public relations and marketing campaigns welcoming back tourists.
You have been vociferous in stating how you as visitors feel, especially that you don’t feel welcome in the same way you were before. Many have questioned Hawaii’s aloha.
BOH: There is much work to bring back that Aloha spirit and to educate visitors on cultural matters. The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) says it is releasing a new website design (for at least one of its two websites) and has hired a new CEO, John De Fries. The site says, “Our site is under construction. Please excuse any incomplete or out of date information as we finalize the redesign of our site.” The Board Chair of HVCB is hotelier Jerry Gibson, a long-time Hawaii hospitality professional and a friend we’ve both known since he was General Manager of the Grand Hyatt Kauai.
In the past, Hawaii excelled through its natural beauty, glorious weather, and community spirit. It’s more than obvious that these just aren’t going to suffice any longer on their own. An ambitious and well thought out plan will need to be hatched and implemented. These do exist. See Ireland’s award-winning marketing campaign. It is a country that gets about the same number of annual visitors as does Hawaii.
2. COVID vaccine travel plan. When vaccinations start to be more widespread, we’re all hopeful that the sense that we can resume travel safely again will return. But in any event, this will take some time, perhaps at least six months, for there to be any real impact.
BOH: We do expect to hear from the governor imminently regarding Hawaii travel rules for vaccinated travelers. Our understanding is that there will be no further testing requirements and that this may commence as soon as February.
3. Change pre-travel testing rules from 72 to 96 hours. The current requirement is for testing to be within 72 hours of the mainland to Hawaii departure. There has been widespread suggestion and speculation that it will be changed to be within 96 hours of departure.
BOH: The governor said, however, he was averse to any more rule changes, at least right now, for many reasons, including not sowing more confusion. This will be addressed, however, one way or another, soon after the new year. Look for something as soon as next week.
4. Eliminate 10-day mandatory quarantine when visitor complies with all rules. This is for those times when, through no fault of a visitor, results from Hawaii trusted testing partners do not arrive in time for Hawaii arrival.
BOH: This too been recommended by many stakeholders and visitors and makes good sense practically and politically. Providing another test on arrival for those passengers (if not all passengers) is also widely suggested, and Honolulu Airport now has that testing capability at its fingertips. The governor last said, however, that he wasn’t inclined to make this change.
5. Statewide symmetry on travel rules.
Currently, there is a huge disparity in regulations for Hawaii travel. The Big Island performs on-arrival tests on some of its arriving visitors. The other islands do not. And Kauai alone has a 10-day mandatory quarantine without regard to pre-travel testing. Kauai has requested a change to a 3-night quarantine bubble, with a second test on the 4th day, which the governor has not approved. In the interim, there is virtually no travel to Kauai.
BOH: Visitors to any one island cannot be expected to understand and adhere to changing rules that vary island-by-island. Let alone visitors who travel to multiple islands, which is not uncommon. The governor has stated his concern about all this confusion as well.
What do you think is needed?
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Scott says
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!
Matt D says
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
Fred P says
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.
Fred P says
Easy a new governor to replace the current moron
Peggy H says
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!!
Beth C. says
Following.
Roy H says
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
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Roy.
Thanks for the BI update.
Aloha.
Kris says
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?
John c says
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
Curtis C. says
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.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Curtis.
We’re happy you’re going to be returning to Maui and we appreciate your more than 70 comments.
Aloha
SnarkyDavidB says
“our darkest days are ahead of us”
I believe he is referring to his administration.
Bob says
Actualky, he was referring to the last 30 days of the current administration.
DeniseK says
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.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Denise.
Got it. Thanks.
Aloha.
Nicholas M says
Going in 2021 hopefully for 3 weeks
Steven S says
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.
Beat of Hawaii says
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.
Kelekolio says
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.
Gerhard says
They just announced it in a televised Press Conference this afternoon.
Lopaka A says
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.
Raymond M. says
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
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Raymond.
Thanks for sharing that idea about more airport based testing.
Aloha.
Suzanna G says
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!
Gerhard says
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.
Aimee H. says
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.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Aimee.
Thanks for your first time comment and interesting insights. We appreciate it.
Aloha.
David B says
“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!
Jeanne F says
Hope for the New Year!!
Thank you!!
Dedra L. says
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.
David B says
“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.
Dedra L. says
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!
Nancy D says
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.
Olga T says
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!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Olga.
Thanks for the feedback. We appreciate your comments.
Aloha.
Nancy H says
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.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Nancy.
Thanks. It’s been widely proposed. Let’s see what happens next week.
Aloha.