91 thoughts on “2021 Hawaii Travel Recovery | 5 Essential Drivers”
Steven S
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
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
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
They just announced it in a televised Press Conference this afternoon.
Lopaka A
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.
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
Hi Raymond.
Thanks for sharing that idea about more airport based testing.
Aloha.
Suzanna G
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
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.
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
Hi Aimee.
Thanks for your first time comment and interesting insights. We appreciate it.
Aloha.
David B
“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
Hope for the New Year!!
Thank you!!
Dedra L.
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
“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.
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
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
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
Hi Olga.
Thanks for the feedback. We appreciate your comments.
Aloha.
Nancy H
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
Hi Nancy.
Thanks. It’s been widely proposed. Let’s see what happens next week.
Aloha.
Comments are closed.
Aloha!
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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.