Rules keep changing and we want to be sure you have the latest information. This week, there were changes affecting three islands, and more information for yet another.
Big Island post-arrival tests to end June 1.
Starting June 1, the second, on-arrival tests previously required for all except those fully vaccinated will end. That comes as over 75% of arrivals are now fully vaccinated. B.I. Mayor Roth said, “With the amount of fully vaccinated travelers landing on our island, airport testing no longer seems necessary for the health and safety of our island.”
Kauai has moved to Tier 4 and eyes a complete reopening now.
Tier 4 now permits higher numbers for indoor gatherings including restaurant seating for up to 10 in a group. The number of people at outdoor events is 25 and at professionally organized events at established venues from 30 to 50 outdoors.
Kauai also unveiled new Tiers 5 and 6 with even fewer restrictions. When implemented these will be based on statewide vaccination rates. Tier 5 is when 60% of statewide residents are fully vaccinated among other things, whereas Tier 6 is following 70% vaccinated. Tier 6 essentially allows all activities to return to full capacity.
Whether Hawaii will see the percentages required to further reduce restrictions is not clear. That, given a significant slow-down of interest in vaccination. And that even though Kauai will bring vaccinations to you for those who can’t get to vaccination locations. Further significant incentives for vaccination are likely to be needed.
Oahu to move to Tier 4.
That is expected to be approved in the next few days. The move would permit additional nightlife and dancing previously restricted, and groups of up to 25 would be allowed in gatherings, including bars, restaurants, and workout classes, among other changes. Commercial boating would also return to 75% capacity. We are awaiting further details from the mayor and governor.
Governor to Maui: No, not so fast.
The state has said no to Maui’s request to further reduce COVID restrictions. The island had requested an increase from 50% to 75% of capacity limits for businesses. The governor wants the state to move in unison on such a change, he said.
Maui will also retain its on-arrival testing requirements at this time.
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On june 15th we are leaving LAX to Oahu I was informed that as of that date we do not need to get a covid test or anything else,can you please tell me if this is correct. Thank You
Hi John.
That is not correct. You must still comply with the state’s Safe Travels testing protocol.
Aloha.
Victorino, only wasted $2.7 million on a second test that produced 5 positives. Out of 93,000 tests, just under 4000 were vaccine exempt. Yet that illustrates the vaccine is working? ( he says) To me that says, “ mainlanders just aren’t as dirty as he thinks.”
When you call the mayors office with real l concerns, they hang up on you after spewing their canned answers. ( which is basically “our hospitals blah blah blah”)
Wonder how much Victorino pocketed out of that $2.7 million?
Aloha! We have been coming to Kauai for 9 years and hope to return in 2022. We have a question perhaps you can help us with.
Re: When should My husband and I get our safe travel Covid test? …at United airlines in Newark, New Jersey at EWR (or elsewhere?) AND will they be a trusted partner in 2023?
We are leaving NEWARK, NJ on a 8:20AM UNITED AIRLINES FLIGHT and flying into Honolulu, HI at 2:15 pm on 1/3/2022. We are THEN flying into Lihue, Hi at 5:30 PM on 1/3/2022.
With 2 Hawaiian Airports involved, a 5 or 6 hour time differential and weekend and New Years Eve holiday hours, it is very confusing.
We are an older couple (fully MODERNA vaccinated in NJ) and REALLY NEED and APPRECIATE your help.
What date/time/place to get covid test? Thank you
Can you help us figure this out?
Hi Karen.
It is too early to know what it will look like in January. Next month the state plans to eliminate testing for those fully vaccinated. Please stay tuned for more on that.
Aloha.
I never receives a reply to my guestion May 30th
Hi Nancy.
Please review our comment policy.
Aloha.
Aloha BOH Bro’s of the 72hr covid test questions..
Holy heck people how many times I mean how many times does the 72 covid test question have to be asked?
The answer is yes has been yes for months will continue to be yes for the foreseeable future.
Fly to Maui from mainland yes you will need a 72 hour covid test. Spend 4 days on Maui flying to Kauai yes you will need a 72 hour covid.
Ahhhhhhhhhh, doesn’t matter vaccinated or not you need a negative 72 covid test.
Hi Richard.
Thanks for helping keep it light. Yes, it is confusing and we are asked that same question many times. We appreciate your more than 130 comments!
Aloha.
I agree. The BOH Bros have a lot more patience than I do. 🙂 However, I retired a couple of weeks ago; maybe I’ll become more mellow.
Hi Mary.
Congratulations on your retirement. And thanks for your dozens of comments and your levity.
Aloha.
Hi, I kept hearing that Maui was going to drop the arrival Covid test on June 4th. Is that not true? I fly out on the 6th and want to be prepared. Thanks!
Hi Kim.
We know that the post-arrival test is listed as continuing through June 4. But there has been nothing we’ve seen nothing to confirm it will be eliminated thereafter. We will post whatever we learn.
Aloha.
Some common sense has finally sunken in.
We went to Waikiki in March and spent a lot of money,In hopes that my little effort would help the local economy.
I said at the time that I would never go back again unless the rules were revamped.
I understand being an island ( my wife is an islander) and having your locals live with no fear…
But you are a tourist attraction and that is your bread and butter.
Hawaii has taken it upon itself to be self-sufficient.
We flew into Maui on May 22nd. They were definitely doing the second test and it was kind of a madhouse there. Since we had been pre-cleared by Hawaiian airlines and we had our vaccination cards we didn’t have to do a second test but they were definitely doing them for others.
Thank you for the updates! We are going to be in Oahu in a couple of weeks. Do you know if the new Tier 4 will mean luaus can allow more people? I tried to make a reservation but all of them were booked. Any info would be appreciated please.
Thank you!
Mary Ann
Hi Mary Ann.
It is not easy to discern that from a reading of the tier 4 rules for Oahu. https://www.oneoahu.org/reopening-strategy.
Aloha.
We are all vaccinated and plan to take the 72-hour COVID test prior to departure for a trip scheduled for mid-July. We are staying in Maui, arriving on a Wednesday, and plan to do a day-trip excursion to Pearl Harbor on a Friday. I’m trying to find clarification regarding inter-island travel…looks like it’s not going to be a problem, but I’m wondering if we are going to need to take another COVID test on Wednesday again (like maybe at the airport)in order to be able to travel to Pearl Harbor (to comply with the whole 72-hour thing again).
Honestly, I’m hoping that it changes prior to our arrival, but I’m trying to plan for the worst. Any ideas?
Hi Amy.
If it doesn’t change, you will need to have a test on Oahu before returning to Maui. It isn’t clear if that can be taken on Maui before you leave for Oahu or if you need to actually take it on Oahu. Suggest you check with the Hawaii Safe Travels help desk at 855-599-0888.
Aloha.
Will do. Mahalo!
Do you still have to take the test 72 hours before coming to Hawaii
Do I still need a cobid test if flying from Seattle to Honolulu with a final in Kona?
I live on the big island. I leave hilo, layover in Maui, then bvb to lasvegas, final destination Illinois. I am not vaccinated. Do I have to get the covid test? I am ok to QUARANTINE in Illinois
Hello,
Could you please tell me if you have Covid vaccination card,do you need Covid test? We are visiting Waikoloa?
Thank-you,
Brenda
Hi Brenda.
At this time, yes you do.
Aloha.
Seems like someone is getting a kick back. I’m traveling with my wife and three grandchildren. All but the youngest grandchild has gotten the vaccine. 750.00 dollars Seems high to get tested. Why get vaccine if still going to be treated like we have leprosy.
Please keep us updated on Maui. At this point, we are uncertain about visiting this island if there are restrictions.
Thank you, Ed
Please tell what restrictions you are worried about? I work on Front Street and see a thousand or more people a day just cruisin and enjoying the island
And I thought other states were overly conservative! The governor is really punishing hospitality and would be tourists. Given the current vaccination rate and the tailing off of new cases, the restrictions seem way over the top! Afterall, Hawaii is not very dense from a population standpoint. Having to get a covid test prior to visiting is borderline moronic at this point. Hopefully people will remember this next election.
It was nice to know everyone on flight had a negative test. We visited the BI 4 weeks ago.
The local people of Hawaii are actually very dense with many three generation homes. Close family and community. Population density statistics don’t tell a while story of a people. When someone gets covid here which does still happen it almost always goes home to other family members. Not even half the population of the US is fully vaccinated yet currently though it is getting out there.I am positive businesses are making money here even at these limited capacities because people are spending money on Maui even at those limited capacities and hours of operation and would even expand hours if they could
If Oahu moves to tier 4, would tat eliminate the pre travel Covid tests?
Your up-to-the-minute coverage of Hawaii travel has been a lifesaver in these confusing times. Thanks for all your hard work in keeping us informed. Aloha.
Hi Jason.
Thanks. We’re happy to hear our work is useful!
Aloha.
Aloha Guys
Thank you for the update. Looks like things are getting a bit better.
Hi Roy.
Thanks. Yes it does. We hope it keeps going like this.
Aloha.
If we have full vaccine.do we need COVID-19 test for travel to Oahu late June?
Aloha!
I’m not traveling til Fall but wanted to thank both of you for all your work on the updates. You’ve done a great job and I know it’s been helpful to a lot of people, including many of my friends!
Mahalo nui!
Lynn
Hi Lynn.
Thanks! We hope you have a great time in Hawaii this fall.
Aloha.
Traveling to Kona on 26 for a wedding thank you for updates
Thank you – we look forward to our month in Kauai next April. A wonderful and great location to celebrate retirement and a 70th birthday.
Sharon/Alaska
Please advise traveling July 1 do we need to get tested? One party has vaccine
Hi Jacqueline.
Yes, you do. There is no exemption for those vaccinated until further notice.
Aloha.
We are landing in Kaui do we still need testing??
Will I be able to travel to Honolulu Hawaii by September Wii just being vaccined.
We went back to Texas for our granddaughters HS graduation. While there, we took in a Ranger-Astros game at the new Ranger stadium. 38,000 people were in attendance, with maybe 5% masked. Because of rainstorms, the retractable roof was closed with a beautiful AC system that kept the temp at a constant 72 degrees. Everybody was keeping distance in the restrooms and beer and hot dog lines. In other words, using common sense. Never felt threatened in the least. This can be done safely.
Thanks again to BOH for keeping us informed on the ongoing drama in Hawaii.
Hi Curtis.
Thanks. We appreciate your nearly 100 comments.
Aloha.
Aloha,
Just for clarification, if we are going to the big island in mid June, and we are fully vaccinated, do we still need to get the covid test prior to flying in?
Thanks,
Hi Mike.
Yes you do.
Aloha.
Where’s all the comments guys?
Is everyone already celebrating Memorial Day weekend?
Now, if you would please speak to Gov Ige and tell him to open up my beloved Maui, so my Ohana can come visit me, I’d appreciate it!
Mahalo and Aloha to you both. Stay safe and blessed!
🌺
Where can we find the most turquoise colored ocean water on Maui, on Kauai and on Big Island?
Can you please tell us where the most turquoise ocean water beaches are found on Maui and Kauai and the Big Island. THANKYOU for your help.
Hi Johnna.
That’s an interesting question. It isn’t always a set location but can vary by season and ocean conditions. Others may give other input, but a few we’d suggest include Hanalei Bay Kauai, Makena Beach Maui, and Kua Bay Hawaii.
Aloha.
Hey guys! BOH
So same rules as far as ore flight testing goes for Oahu sounds like? I’d love to get out of doing that test but I will if I have to. We go Wednesday at the airport
All signed up in safe travels
Tickets confirmed packing underway!
Hi Paul.
Just the same pre-travel test within 72 hours. Have a great time!
Aloha.
We are no longer in a State of Emergency and Kauai will likely never reach 70% vaccination rate. Our hospitals are not overflowing, case counts are down and
this is just another example of how Hawaii’s government are far too overreaching.
m in Florida for the summer…
One key realization: People in Hawaii have literally lost their minds when it comes to testing, quarantines and masks.
The State leaders want the impression of being experts and 1st World, but act like the hospital system is 3rd World. A charade that they have kept up for 15 months.
If the State would drop all mandates, I would bet the farm that nobody would notice a difference with Covid.
Sean,
You are spot on. There is no state of emergency and never was the whole pandemic. Florida is lovely, no masks and everybody is out living their lives freely as they should be. They have been for most of the pandemic. Fear=Control and unfortunately
our government here, especially Ige and Kawakami (Kawadummie) keep spreading fear like wild fire. It’s sad to think that so many people can’t think for themselves and want the government to lead their lives instead.
Enjoy your trip to Florida. In the 30 years I have worked and lived on Kauai I can say, the aloha spirit is nearly gone. There’s a lot of sweet southern hospitality down south! I’m right behind you, leaving Kauai to spend my money in the great state of Florida!
Freedom is amazing.. That and being indoors at aquariums, parks, restaurants, malls. ( way cheaper and much nicer btw) Kids unmasked and loving life.
Anyone who wants kids in masks is a demented individual who needs serious psychiatric help.
Even the elderly are happy here, smiling, unmasked, shopping, dining, golfing.. the list goes on and on.
Meanwhile, 5000 miles away, all Hawaii can come up with is:
“Wear your mask, and make sure to take a second test, completely disregarding any form of social distancing at the airports. We only have a few hospitals and they just might get overrun with Covid by some mathematical phenomenon that didn’t even happen at Covids peak.”
Dreading having to go back there for work.
Sean,
I was there last July helping out my parents, whom btw, didn’t get covid! It was amazing to see people moving about freely, dancing, fishing, boating, exercising. There is no State of Emergency here. Just a massive power grab to try and scare the living daylights out of people. There are some people here that understand the math and know there is really very little threat from covid now. A lot of people can’t wait to elect the Mayor and Governor out of office. There will always be those sheep who don’t or can’t think for themselves, are riddled with fear and just obey commands. It’s truly ridiculous. I’m headed there for the summer and fall because I truly love my constitutional freedoms and refuse to abide by these crazy restrictions.
Funny JT I have many friends on all the islands and to a person they say everyone has been doing the right thing.
Going to Oahu and on to Maui June24. Is a specialCovid test required or just the Q tip up the nose ok if done at doctors office. Have had both vaccine shots.
You have to on there government site. They have a list of who you can use for the 72 hr test. Make sure it’s from last flight your taking into Hawaii. It’s the swab up the nose. The government site lays it out for. Aloha
It is beyond annoying at this point.
When we visited Maui two weeks ago there was no sign of on-arrival testing. Maybe it’s done occasionally, nor not at all? Thanks!
Here In maui now
Definitely being done!
It’s all part if a very scientific, science based, formula.
Tests don’t need to be administered on certain flights or at certain times. They know where the Covid may be. Victorino is that much of an intelligent expert.
That is after all how they found those 2 cases out of 50,000+ passengers. Without Victorino’s knowledge, it may only have been 1 case found among 50,000 tests.
Maui, still the smartest place on the planet.
Really?
Florida and Texas are doing in right.
Stop the nonsense already
We flew into Maui 5/26 from oma/LAS/OAK, no on-arrival tests were administered.
Thank you so much for your continuing updates. I am liking the changes that I am reading in your reports, and finding a great sense of relief and hope that by October, when I am going to be back to “put one foot on the sand” again, normalcy will be achieved. Keep up the great work on keeping us current.
Thanks so much for the updates re Covid. We plan to go to Oahu in Aug so I am constantly reading and looking for updates!
We are flying from LAX to Kona -does this mean June 1st we do not have to get the covid test 72 hours before we arrive?
Also What about Kona to Honolulu and back?
Yes you have to get tested 72 hours before travel to the “rock”.
The post arrival instant test has been eliminated starting June 1st.