We are getting the feeling that Hawaiian Airlines may be having second thoughts about just how well the state is going to reintroduce tourism when it begins reopening without mandatory quarantine starting October 15. The dates on which Hawaiian is bringing back flights keep getting pushed out further, as they begin to more accurately assess demand.
Even more interesting perhaps, is that we are awaiting news on what the mayors and the governor have in mind regarding interisland travel. If the quarantine is not lifted in some way for those flights (with testing), it will essentially preclude travel to those neighbor islands. Mayors have expressed a desire to have on-island testing for interisland travel, but word is that the capacity does not exist for that to happen. Please stand by as we await confirmed updates on this important development.
Hawaiian plans to restart flights between Honolulu and Las Vegas starting October 1 (that is not a typo), and between Honolulu and Oakland, Phoenix and San Jose airports effective November 1, rather than as previously indicated would take place on October 15.
Mainland flights to neighbor island flights are being pruned too.
Note that there are no mainland flights currently set to be on schedule either to Kauai or Kona for both October and November. In addition, flights to and from Long Beach, New York and Boston remain suspended. This is reflects a change in prior plans.
By November 18, Hawaiian plans to fly once again to 10 West Coast cities. Those flights will include Los Angeles to Maui, Oakland to Maui, Portland to Maui, Seattle to Maui, San Jose to Maui and Sacramento to Maui. At the same time (mid-November), Hawaiian will increase flights on existing services between Honolulu and Los Angeles, Portland, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle.
We’re encouraged by the positive response to the state’s decision to welcome travelers back to Hawai‘i, and we are resuming service to key markets to give our guests more options to visit our islands. While our onboard experience may look a little different these days, we’re excited to share our signature Hawaiian hospitality with our guests and encourage everyone to travel pono (responsibly) to keep each other and our communities safe.” — Brent Overbeek, senior vice president of revenue management and network planning at Hawaiian Airlines.
Two options for COVID tests. Hawaiian’s guests departing from LAX and SFO will have access to convenient drive-through paid COVID-19 tests. The other option is for free COVID tests.
Free COVID Tests.
Hawaiian Airlines guests (and those of Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines) will now be offered free COVID tests for traveling to Hawaii from Oakland. Oakland Airport announced yesterday it would free, rapid-result COVID-19 tests to the public. This is a great move to win back some Hawaii traffic that has moved across the bay to SFO.
Our take on this is that it is just the beginning. We are about to see much more free testing offered.
“The expansion of the airport testing program reflects our commitment to the health and well-being of both airport employees and OAK travelers.” — Port of Oakland Director of Aviation Bryant L. Francis.
The press release said that “Port of Oakland invite(s) those planning travel to the Hawaiian Islands under the program to use the planned in-terminal testing facility, if needed, in order to meet the State of Hawaii requirement. Day of departure testing will also be available for those not able to do so in advance. CityHealth and Oakland International Airport will offer pre-travel testing to Hawaii travelers at no out-of-pocket cost making it unique from other programs charging as much as $250 per person.
Specific details about the October 15 Hawaii Pre-Travel testing program at OAK are set to be released later.
The types of tests offered include FDA EUA rapid testing as well as lab-based nuclear PCR testing. Which of those will be accepted by the State of Hawaii will hopefully be made clear soon
Complete flight schedule.
Hawaiian Airlines mainland flight schedule updates as of September 30, 2020
Beat of Hawaii © photo on Maui.
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CG says
Has there been any confirmation with regards to inner island travel that originates from the main land. For example, would a traveler who has an acceptable 72 hour negative test who has a flight on October 16th from LAX to Oahu to Kona (all the same day and same itinerary) automatically constitute a 14 day quarantine in Kona because of the last inner island Oahu/Kona leg? Thank you!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi CG.
That isn’t clear quite yet.
Aloha.
CG says
Thank You we will stand by. I assume you’ll report on this when it’s available. By the way your organization seems to have very good information AND in a timely fashion. Have you considered running for office…:)
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi CG.
Thanks for that. Lol!
Aloha.
donna v. says
will there be free testing from Hawaiian Airlines out of Las Vegas?
Casey O says
Aloha, Oahu is the hot bed. Really sad that no direct flights to the neighbor islands, to avoid exposure. Mahalo for all you do
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Casey.
There should be more news on direct neighbor island flights coming up this week we believe.
Aloha.
Lisa H says
We are flying from Denver to Hawaii nov 24 is this allowed?
Cheri F. says
Great news, Guys! I’ve been holding my December reservation for a few months now. Hope to see Alaska Airlines offering “complimentary” COVID tests for San Diego non-stop into Kona. Also, keeping my fingers crossed for a saliva test. The last thing I need right now is a bamboo skewer with a layer of cotton up my nose! HA!
Thanks again for keeping us informed!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Cheri.
Thanks. Jeff went through that test – and it wasn’t horrible, just not great. LOL.
Aloha.
Kyle M says
This is the straw that broke the camels back for us. We have been cancelled and rebooked multiple times. Finally there was a light at the end of the tunnel. Quarantine lifted effective 10/15. Testing options lined up for us. House booking made. Rental car reserved. All set for 11/20-11/29 visit. But now in yet another baffling move to upset and keep tourists away Hawaiian airlines cancels all flights from the east coast because they don’t see it as profitable? So we are allowed into the state, have a beautiful rental, can get tested but can’t get to Hawaii? Amazing. Unless we pay over $2000 to get to California and convince Hawaiian airlines to replace our Boston flights with flights from California? Going to be tough to rebuild travelers confidence in Hawaii. It clearly is not a matter of just flipping a switch. What a mess.
And to make matters worse, we were contacted today by a rental company that previously cancelled our rental for November and said it is available now for the same dates we previously booked but at $600 more a night. That is not a typo. $600 more a NIGHT for a reservation we already made that they cancelled. I have contacted vrbo and will warn whomever I can about Kema Kama Resort Properties. Avoid them at all costs unless you want to be gouged and experience fraudulent rental practices like we have.
Mahalo. Here’s to hoping better times for all in 2021.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Kyle.
Yes, wishing for a better 2021.
Aloha.
rita says
Hi Kyle,
I suggest you also report this as a complaint to the Better Business Bureau and have them explain to you why this is happening to you. This is due to a pandemic ( book, cancel, rebook, cancel, rebook…..and
can be very frustrating have a moving target for dates….but if there is any price gouging it should reported asap.
Mila says
Forget going to Hawaii. There are other places that treat tourists better. Go to the Philippines, Australia , New Zealand or Florida. Why Hawaii they hate tourists there. They are lazy & just waiting for bail out which will not come. The Governor & mayors think it’s their private island it’s not it’s part of the USA. Give them a lesson boycott Hawaii.
Tim Z. says
Is there really free testing when you fly on Hawaiian Airlines,I had booked Hawaiian Airlines,LGB to OGG for nov 14 th last week and they cancelled all flight from LGB, in fact ( Beat of Hawaii ) told me before the airline did, would think they would compensate since deleting my flight, Tim……..
Deb P says
Good Information for Hawaiian Airlines, What about Free Testing in Seattle for those of Us that will be Flying Delta in December?
Mahalo, Deb P.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Deb.
This will be evolving and the price dropping.
Aloha.