Will Hawaii follow Alaska’s model? If so, this isn’t going to be easy.
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110 thoughts on “Hawaii Travel Won’t Open Until After July”
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Will Hawaii follow Alaska’s model? If so, this isn’t going to be easy.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
Comments are closed.
So….Hawaii State leaders just extended travel quarantine thru end of July. I guess we won’t be coming this year. I hope the good people in Hawaii can survive the actions of the elected leaders. Stay safe and healthy, and take care of each other.
“Stay safe and healthy, and take care of each other.” That’s exactly what the elected leaders are trying to do.
Unbelievable. Ige extended the quarantine without providing any plan for reopening even with testing. I so much want to travel to Maui in Oct or Nov but am coming to think it won’t happen. Hawaii can’t just keep extending the quarantine without a plan. Hope someone challenges the quarantine in Court. Seems clear that Ige doesn’t want to reopen until there is a vaccine. He needs to just say that and take the consequences.
14 day quar antine extended to July 31st per IGE today.
Mainland states, like California, that have opened up (to one degree or another) are already seeing increases in C0VID cases. It’s not feasible (possible) to do much opening up without this happening. In any case many people still don’t want to fly. The problem is that those who do want to fly also tend to be those who don’t take precautions. They seem to think the virus is over, or they’re tired of taking precautions. We’re already seeing this in San Diego: people don’t wear masks and don’t maintain 6ft distance at parks, etc, even though it’s mandated. Both tourists and locals are doing thing like this now. They don’t want to be bothered, and they don’t care about others.
Aloha,
We have lived in Maui for 8 years and have rental property there as well as our home. We left when Maui became a prison island in March, and are stunned at the ease with which our mayor and governor have taken away our Constitutional guarantees.
We have had our income from rental “taken” by the authorities without due process; we have had our right to peacefully assemble truncated; we have had our right to interstate commerce abrogated, and all for a “infection model” that has turned out to be astoundingly wrong, but is still being followed as if it had the slightest shred of credibility.
Hawaii has destroyed its reputation for aloha and the income that came with it. Very sad.
Hi Michael.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Anyone can go to Maui at any time. Anyone can leave Maui at any time. Hardly a prison. No one has taken your income; if people choose not to go to your property at this time, that is their decision. Same for the interstate commerce issue. You also can peacefully assemble while observing guidelines. Not sure what “infection model” you’re referring to; most people are far more concerned with the fact that *at least) 115,000 Americans (including over 600 health care workers) have been killed, and many more have been left with blood clots and other long-term problems. Hawai’i has an exceptionally low rate of infection and death, and there’s no reasonable doubt that the quar antine has been the reason. No one’s rental income is worth risking even one human life.
Wow I am SURE that Hawaii wont miss your privileged white self. WOW Aloha and income wow. Thats what you equate with Aloha? Please sell and dont go back
Our flight leaves at 6 am on a Monday.
Arrives Kauai at 2:30 on Monday.
How can we get a test 72 hours in advance.
The Friday before, but ? When results are gotten.
Condo requires full payment 60 days in advance of
Arrival. So……hope all works out by sept 4 or we do will
Cancel everything!!!!
If you’re a mainland US resident, It’s pretty clear you need to cancel . You need to quar antine 14 days if you’re arriving anytime before Aug 1. Taking a test won’t exempt you from quar antine. You didn’t indicate where you’re coming from .
we have family trip in july flying on a sunday
if testing before leaving is required it needs to be five days to allow time to receive results. lab tests and medical offices are not sending results on weekends . ( offices are closed on friday afternoon to monday) many people travel to hawaii friday saturday and sunday for weekly hotel checkin dates
type of testing availability depends on if you are showing signs
we have purchased numerous masks, hand sanitizer, clorox wipes etc to be prepared and responsible visitors.
please hawaii decision makers consider this in plans
thank you from annual hawaii visitors
Hi Alb.
Thanks.
Aloha.
The 14 day quar antine is in effect until at least August 1st. If you arrive before then, testing isn’t an option. You need to reschedule.
Casting a net and guessing when Hawaii may reopen can be an expensive proposition. We got caught by the close down and only the rental car offered us a 100% refund. The airline would only issue us a future credit, good for a specific length of time and the condo kept a portion of the deposit for THEIR administrative fees.
This has left a bad taste in our mouths. We can understand the need for the close down, but I am not feeling the love with them keeping and tying up my travel funds. This shut down was and still is beyond the travelers control.
I cannot in good conscience, even consider returning to Maui until I am 100% sure that it’s a go, and I honestly don’t think that’s before we have a workable vaccine. I predict several shutdowns in the islands until then, so my plans, for the here and now, do not include Hawaii.
Please find out what happens to your Hawaiian airfare& accommodation purchases if your test is positive & you can’t travel. Will trip insurance cover this or will hawaiian & accommodations credit you
Hi Diane.
Sorry that we don’t yet have any clarification on how airlines, accommodation providers and others will handle this situation.
Aloha.
So we’ve got dates already set for the dec 3-10 259 kids and parents for their band trip it’s been postponed once already, is that something that may happen again?
a quick google search shows that Oregon indeed does have testing available at pharmacies and other locations
https://www.google.com/search?q=are+there+covid+testing+sites+in+oregon+at+pharmacies%3F&rlz=1C1GCEV_en&oq=are+there+covid+testing+sites+in+oregon+at+pharmacies%3F&aqs=chrome..69i57j33.10006j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
Hawaii must also realize that many people come to see family, and may not be staying for 14 days, 14 days is very expensive in any reasonable accommodation, and longer than most families would be able to accommodate guests. There should be an additional category for visitors who are staying with family. Pre- testing….not an issue for me, if you can get tested . Right now, testing is still only available for high risk or exposed individuals in many states.
Perhaps now is not the best time to travel to Hawaii. Waiting will allow the islands, states, and countries to get a grasp on the new “normal”. JMO.
My husband and I and his mother have a trip to Maui planned in september. We will be there for a week. How are we supposed to quar antine for 14 days?
Testing of visitors in order to avoid the 14 day quar antine seems semi reasonable to me. Here in Arizona C0vid tests are readily available. My only concern would be the 3 day turn around. There would be a lot resting on the lab that receives the test. With only a 3 day turn around there would be no room for error, or slow processing of the test. As far as traveling with airline passengers that could have the vi rus; it’s the same chance we take everyday when we’re out in the public. We all need to be vigilant in wearing our masks, not touch our faces and clean our seats and immediate surroundings ourselves.
Aloha
Have you heard of this latest announcement by WHO?
https://www.naturalnews.com/2020-06-08-who-obliterated-argument-mandatory-vaccines-contact-tracing-asymptomatic-carriers-covid-19.html
Keep up the good work!!
Thanks Nancy. Other than this reason….. There’s the obvious point, I can test NEGATIVE Yesterday. Board a plane. Get to my destination and then become positive at my destination. All while being infected before I travel. Haven’t we all heard of Viral INCUBATION PERIOD?
Testing for travel is not really the answer….
The comment you cite has been retracted by the WHO. The WHO has been very poor with this pandemic, issuing statements and later retracting or modifying them. They also refused to call it a pan demic or urge various steps until too late. They really have lost almost all credibility. (BTW, vaccines have saved countless lives and this disease would be no exception if a vaccine is developed.)
I had a vacation to the islands planned since 2019 and everything went terrible with the current events. All of my reservations cancelled themselves and all were refunded without questions. Needless to say the disappointment was huge and I can’t wait to reschedule my future trip. I will patiently wait for Hawaii to set the rules and will accept the new normal.
I just need my “Paradise Fix” that only Hawaii can offer.
Mahalo. Jerry G.
Hi Jerry.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Hello, Thanks for all your hard work on updates. To be honest, if this is the approach going forward it makes me not even want to visit Hawaii. It’s really unfortunate that it’s come to this:(, it’s just too complicated.
We’ve heard so many things from the CDC, WHO, DOCTORS etc… and then it all changes. I work in a hospital and I know this is real but I think we’ve really gone overboard now that we have some REAL numbers rather than guesstimates. Just my humble opinion and too, I think the old fashioned tried and true hygiene and disinfecting methods work along with common senses. If you’re sick just stay home and do not travel.
Hi Julie.
Thanks! We hope travel globally can get back to some kind of new normal, something consistent, predictable, and reasonably comfortable.
Aloha.
I am a Hawaii resident and have to travel to Orange County California frequently. There are numerous places to get tested, and the one I went to in Tustin was 50 dollars with printed results in 15 minutes. This would not be prohibitive to most travelers to Hawaii, however would be a very reasonable way to keep out infected visitors. It isn’t 100 percent, but nothing is! Give it a try, and perhaps require a temperature check 3 days into the visit, and call in and report. I believe most visitors would be more than happy to show some Aloha and comply. As i have repeatedly said, the economic effects of C0vid will far outweigh the actual direct cost! Thank you for keeping the discussion going!
Hi Daniel.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Wow, only 15 minutes in Tustin! In Arizona, it often takes 7 to 10 days to get a test result back. Certainly, three days seems extreme. I understand Hawaii’s concern being on islands in the middle of the Pacific. It’s not like you can send excess virus patients to a city an hour or two away.
Hopefully, the governor will come up with a policy that makes sense for Hawaii. Hope to see you in December!
Aloha Daniel J.
We live just up the road in Brea. Can you advise where in Tustin you get tested?
Thank you.
Good Evening!
I am so thankful that I have access to BOH. I have Ohana on Kauai and have been trying to plan a trip since January – then before I knew it the pan demic hit. It appears that the state government is almost quashing the idea of travel to the Islands until a vaccine is available, which is probably another year at best. The news changes daily so it would be unwise to, (1) set travel tickets; (2) accommodations; (3) car, and then be hobbled at HNL or LIH because of some extreme rules and end up sitting in a room and unable to even eat because I cannot go to Safeway. I certainly hope that BOH will continue to advise those of us on the mainland so we can either “live” with videos or wait until after the 2021 New Year.
Thanks so much.
Dale
Hi Dale.
Thanks so much. It seems you won’t have to wait much longer to know what the plan is, so that you have something to work with. It needs to be announced and the governor said it will be this week.
Aloha.
A decision by the Governor is coming this week? I have heard that for the last few weeks. This weak minded individual can not make a decision (good or bad). We have changed our flights already but this is the latest we can come (July 25). So let us all know. We can’t get even get refunds for our accommodations until we know one way or another. Grow a pair and decide.
You can order food online to be delivered, from Safeway and other sources as well.
The testing 3 days before departure is problematic. At best, the results seem to be coming back within 48 hours. That leaves you 24 hours before departure knowing whether you can go or not. Will the hotels and condos give refunds if a positive result pops up 24 hours before arrival? Nobody is going to book without assurance that if they get a positive result that they can cancel and get a refund. Same for the airlines. I wonder how this will fair in Court. States do have a right to insist on quarantines, but it has to be balanced with the right to travel between states. Same rules apply to Hawaii/California travel as does California/Oregon travel even though there are a 2,500 miles of ocean difference.
Sounds like it is very unlikely we will be coming to Hawaii as scheduled in October. Will likely need to cancel our trip and reschedule for a couple years down the road. With all the anticipated restrictions, it just isn’t worth spending the money for this kind of hassle and a ‘tainted’ Hawaiian experience.
Mahalo for the great information.
Hi Doug.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Wow! This is so complicated and arbitrary that it’s nearly impossible to achieve.
Due to my employment, I’ve been tested for the virus and the antibodies. Both negative, with a testing rate for false negatives at between 20-70%, no comfort in the test results.
I hope that everyone knows, especially Governor Ige, the “rushed tests” aren’t reliable enough to count your life on.
We’re hemorrhaging income everywhere, someone’s going to have to realize the the C0VID virus is morphing already.
What’s the answer? I don’t know, but what I do know is Hawai’i can’t survive without tourism. We’d lose everything without it.
I remember the days that we had no Walmart or Costco. I liked it better that way, but it’s unrealistic now.
Though decisions are ahead.
Mahalo for this website, Beat of Hawai’i 🌺
Hi Pam.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Could Hawaiian air maybe arrange for tests in a timely manner, that would let a traveler get the results and a certificate to prove it, and just add the cost to the ticket?
What is the shortest result time for a test currently? Does anybody know?
Mahalo
Bill
Hi Bill.
We don’t have the sense that the airlines plan to be involved in any way with this.
Aloha.
Hawaii doesn’t need to worry about my coming back. There are many other beautiful places to go. I won’t get a test and I won’t self quar antine or be spied on by hotel staff. As an American citizen, the US Constitution is my right to cross state lines with out restrictions. Also, their idea of a bubble with Japan is repugnant. They don’t remember December 7, 1941 and all the lives taken by the Japanese. If they do that, it will guarantee I will never return to Hawaii.
“They don’t remember December 7, 1941 and all the lives taken by the Japanese.”
Rest assured that everyone who lives in Hawai’i is well aware of the events of Dec 7,1941. And thereafter.
We fly out on a Tuesday so if we get tested Friday or Saturday maybe won’t get results back in time
Good Evening,
I understand the importance of health and safety since everything is already open I feel that just getting tested for those that are truly wanting to go to Hawaii from the Mainland is the way to go. I am feeling very anxious about this whole situation my Sister having her first baby and her Family not being able to be there due to the Self Quar antine. So many time consuming was done to get these tickets getting the ok from work and kids not being in school it’s just sad all around. I am looking constantly for updates for the approval to be made for travel. I am still keeping fingers crossed and I hope for a miracle!
Gina
The thing is, not everyone has the time to go and get tested right before a flight to Hawaii. In my situation, I work full time almost all of the time, including some weekends, so there just isn’t time – I get done with work on one day, and leave on vacation the next, and I’m not alone. The 14 day quar antine remains a non-starter for many of us. I completely support Hawaii’s desire to keep its residents safe, but until this blows over, for many of us Hawaii will be but a dream.
A better idea would be to limit the number of inbound flights (and, therefore tourists) for a month or two to see how the infection rate changes, if it even does. After that, the data could be analyzed and decisions about allowing more flights could be made. This would also allow restaurants and other tourism related businesses to gradually ramp up and start to recover.
Hawaii officials that continue to mandate aggressive quar antine, pre-testing, and visitor tracking will destroy Hawaii’s fragile, tourist dependent economy. This is the problem with epidemiologists and medical “experts” advocating for well-intended actions, which ultimately have disastrous economic impacts.
Many folks will not take the risk of booking expensive vacations only to be told in the last 48 hours before travel that they will not be allowed to take their vacation. As well, I don’t know many people who would consent to contact tracing of their every move, again with the risk that part way through their vacation they will be quar antined because they MIGHT have come in contact with a POTENTIALLY infected individual. No doubt that will be a risk that visitors will have to accept – book a 14 day vacation but be prepared to spend a portion of it locked up through no fault of your own.
Add to all of this, the distancing limits that will be imposed on restaurants, shows, and even lying about the pool or the beach, it makes Hawaii a complete bust for any type of relaxing vacation.
Until Hawaii goes back to a pre-C0VID state of mind, Hawaii residents, businesses, and the entire travel industry will suffer.
Maybe by November, Hawaii residents will have had enough of their short-sighted, self-serving government leaders and vote in all new leadership that care about the people and will restore Hawaii’s economy. Until then, it’s going to be rough in the islands.
Hawaii should implement the same model as Alaska, our big brother in the north. Coincidentally, Alaska is another state largely dependent on tourism, but I digress…
Have incoming tourists show proof of negative test results prior to arrival. If they can’t, then implement the 2-week quar antine. However, if Hawaii does that, there is going to be such an influx of tourists that it will likely be next to impossible to ensure people are adhering to the 2-week quar antine. So what do you do? ‘
Honestly, at this point with Hawaii’s unemployment rate so high, I don’t think Hawaii can afford to isolate itself for much longer. At some point soon, it has to open up. And with how difficult it will be to ensure travelers quar antine when they do arrive, you might as well just open everything up. And let’s be honest, tourists don’t come here to quar antine. Lol To believe otherwise is naive. A “gradual” opening will be anything but.
Lastly, the local economy should’ve opened up months ago with health measures still in place (i.e. mask wearing, social distancing, etc.)
Aloha- We booked our June Maui flights before the pan demic hit. I wasn’t too concerned when the 14 day quar antine was scheduled through May. However, when they moved it into June, I rescheduled our flights to July. Then once the governor started talking about extending it, we re-booked our trip to the beginning of Aug. I’m all for getting our family tested before our flights, assuming we can get tests scheduled and results returned before getting on a plane, let alone arriving in Maui within 72 hours. Since we arrive in Maui on Monday afternoon, we will need to get tested Friday afternoon, then hope and pray that they can process our results over the weekend. We can’t push our trip out much further since the kids start school in mid-August. We are keeping our fingers crossed that the Governor comes out with a reasonable plan for mainland visitors. Mahalo!
Hi Rob.
We hope to have news later this week so you can know how to proceed. That’s only fair.
Aloha.
Aloha. Thanks again for always keeping us informed on what’s going on. You’re insight is very much appreciated. I have a question that I can’t seem to get a straight answer for, and I’m hoping you can give me some direction. Hubby and I have rented a condo for 4 months beginning in August. The trip is mostly for business, but, of course, there will be some pleasure. We are aware of the 14-day quar antine and fully intend to abide by the rules. The condo is considered a vacation rental since it typically rents by the week. I checked with the Kauai Visitor’s Bureau before renting and was told that it’s okay since we’re not renting short term; that short term is anything less than 30 days. We went ahead and booked it. Since then I’ve been doing some online research and have found conflicting (and confusing) information. Hubby thinks I worry too much, but I don’t want to be denied entry upon arrival and turned back at the airport because we’re not allowed to rent the condo. I’m at a loss as to where to get the correct information. Do you have any suggestions? Mahalo nui.
Hi Pam.
We are hearing that vacation rentals will begin to reopen soon. These have been closed both for less than and more than 30 days as far as we know. First, it will open for Kamaaina with the interisland travel resumption coming and then upon resumption of mainland travel.
Aloha.
Mahalo. I continue to get mixed responses. I contacted the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association last night and was told that we would be okay. They gave me a link to Governor Ige’s order. I think it’s being interpreted differently by each organization that I’ve contacted. Hopefully we won’t be put on a return flight to the mainland after traveling for 14+ hours to get to Kauai.
“Hopefully we won’t be put on a return flight to the mainland after traveling for 14+ hours to get to Kauai.”
Why on earth would that happen? You get off the plane in Kaua’i, go to your lodging, stay there 14 days. No one would send you back.
Wow! This sounds like we are in for a tough go. If they can’t mandate a test to board an aircraft, then what does that accomplish for those who do test, and If you test within the 3 days prior to departure, and are one of the many that get a false negative, you could have an entire aircraft full of infected people.
What a mess
Aloha to everyone like us that are trying to return to Hawaii.
Hi Bill.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Sent with much Aloha from Canada to one and all anxious readers. I would like to ask if ‘Beat of Hawai’i’ could possibly drill down and put something hopeful in print for Canadian travelers as we make up a good portion of Hawaii’s tourist each year. Canadians usually clear US customs while still in Canada before boarding – either if they are flying direct to Hawaii or to mainland airport and then onwards to Hawaii. How will we navigate testing as Canada likely won’t be operating anytime soon or perhaps never with a Walgreens/CVS quick testing model based just for travelers. While I want/need the Hawaiian reopening model once released to go well and be well received and work as best as it can with tinkering along the way that will be likely, but as things move forward Canadians needs some answers too. Could Canada or some provinces be deemed to be a low risk country as B.C. has been having very few new cases each day now for a while.
Hi Lyn.
Good points. As far as we know there isn’t testing for travel yet here either. Also, as far as we know there is no pharmacy testing in Washington State, which could be a travel point for many Canadians. Wish we had answers, but we do not. As far as a travel bubble goes, we don’t know if that will ever come to pass.
Aloha.
Hello
Where in Southern California would I get a test ( not recommended by my physician ) that will get paperwork back to me within the 2 days because the 3 day will be the flight day.
Thanks 🌴
Seems to be a little nerve racking. 🌺
Hi Gary.
We aren’t sure ourselves. The state thinks that can be done at CVS pharmacies.
Aloha.
I own a business in Hawaii. I travel 4-5 times a year staying 3-6 weeks at a time. I hire all local folks for my business. Most of the money I do net out stays in Hawaii. I bank on the island. My business is dying, No income, no checks to the employees. Local economy will suffer greatly. My last trip was In Feb, I just got out before the State locked down.
When the State opens back to tourism. I don’t think I will travel. For the first time in 30 years. I feel unwelcome.
Hey guys,
Long story short, my flight to Hawaii is June 19th with United to visit my brother. In order to not pay any fare difference, I could reschedule one week prior or after from the 19th (still would have to quar antine). They did change my flight and now my straight through going there from NJ has a layover. I still want to go but obviously after the quar antine ends but they’re not letting me change it for free past the 26th. You have any recommendations?
Thank you!
Hi Dylan.
We’ve had a lot of comments from visitors about what has worked. One of the standouts has been direct messaging via Twitter and Facebook. Not sure that will work, but it only seems reasonable to allow that change. Regarding a fare difference, if that is the only obstacle, just wondering how low can that be negotiated? Good luck and let us know how it goes.
Aloha.
Thanks for the recommendation! DM’ed them on twitter and basically they said I could reschedule with no change fee or have to pay a fare difference. The only thing I have to do is reschedule before the 30th. If the governor decides to extend the quarantine(not sure if you’ve heard anything), I’ll deal with that when the time comes but i couldn’t be happier. Thanks for everything!
Hi Dylan.
So happy that worked out. Thanks for letting us know.
Aloha.
I am a frequent traveler and have been to Hawaii numerous times our 6/20 trip of 8 has been cx and as for a future trip
To Hawaii, no thanks! We will be spending our $$$ in CA!
If you come to CA, please follow the rules, including masks at beaches and parks and stores, and keep a 6-foot distance from others. We already have a much higher death rate per million than Hawai’i.
Would an airline, such as Hawaiian, United, SW, be able to say ‘no test no ticket’ in the same way they may require masks on the plane? If so, maybe they could have a contract with a testing agency and the test cost built in to the ticket price. The state could still require 14 day quar antine for all travelers who are not flying in on planes where all passengers were not tested.
Thank you so much for the info. My family and I have reservations to Honolulu during Thanksgiving; with airfare purchased for that time, also.
I hope that everything works out so that we can visit. BTW, I met my wife in Honolulu 17 years ago and it would be nice to visit again.
Hi Reg.
Thanks.
Aloha.
I like the Tahiti model. If this could be applied to Hawaii I’d be on my already booked flight for August. However, as you note I doubt it will be. So I suspect I will not be on my August flight. Pre-flight negative testing is the way to go.
If Hawaii were to “want” testing prior to boarding a plane, can the airlines either require a negative test or, for those with no proof of test, require that they all be seated together so as to isolate the “clean” passengers?
I agree with exposure prior to getting to Hawaii. We live in San Antonio, and have to travel to Denver, LA, or San Fran to meet a flight to Hawaii. It’s usually a smaller plane, so there will be lots of chances to “mingle” with infected people before getting on the flight to Hawaii. Not to mention to airports when initiating the travel, and when waiting on connecting flights. We go to Hawaii for five weeks every year, and have multiple intervals we’ve purchased. We’re watching your columns with bated breath and crossed fingers, wondering if we can leave on July 17. Thank you for the wonderful website!!! Mahalo Nui Loa
Hi Kathy.
Thanks so much! We really appreciate that. We won’t even try to predict what the governor will do, but at least we expect to know within the next few days.
Aloha.