Governor Ige, Lt. Governor Green, and other Hawaii officials have just completed a press conference on October 15 reopening, now just over one week away. Green said there will still be more information in the coming days. Unfortunately, many of today’s answers were still unclear!
Ige said, we are “just one week away from October 15 and the start of our Safe Travels program.” As we know and Ige reiterated, airlines will increases schedules mostly starting November 1, and hotels and other accommodations will be opening incrementally through the month of December.
“We are committed to continually improving the program as we move forward. I am confident that we will launch a program on October 15” — Governor Ige.
Ige on interisland quarantine.
There will be no quarantine when simply changing planes in Honolulu. How that will be managed was not made clear since a 14 day quarantine is in effect for interisland flights. Ige said that there is frustration regarding the interisland quarantine and on that note added, “we continue to work and find a solution.” Beat of Hawaii: We will still need to await more news on this impediment.
Will islands actually be able to opt-out of the Hawaii travel reopening?
The governor did not offer specifics one way or the other but said that he is continuing to work with all the mayors. When asked directly about the Big Island’s mayor saying they would not participate in the reopening, Governor Ige said, “I was not informed that the Big Island was not participating.”
An on-arrival program to retest 10% of all arrivals may hold the answer to the mayors’ concerns. See more on that below.
Ige said “I am committed to the mayors. We all know that bringing back transpacific travelers is essential to our community.” He was vague on whether in the end, counties will or will not be able to opt-out. Ige reiterated that “None of the mayors have told me that they will opt-out.” Beat of Hawaii: The governor is clearly trying to reopen all islands in a mutually agreeable way, rather than by dictating a decision. We will still need to wait to see how this all shakes out. Regarding the Big Island, Ige said he and Mayor Kim are trying to find a way to reopen on October 15.
Specific approved testing partners only!
Lieutenant Governor Green confirmed, as we have stated multiple times, that only specific trusted partners test results will be accepted. “The test has to come from a trusted partner.” These partners are those companies that have already worked through the details with the Department of Health.
All transpacific travelers will complete the mandatory health questionnaire and upload their test results here: https://travel.hawaii.gov/#/
The list of testing partners is as follows: We are updating this with direct links to the specific testing partners’ travel testing web pages as soon as we have them.
Alaska Airlines (still being finalized)
American Family Care
Carbon Health
City Health
Color
CVS
Hawaiian Airlines
Kaiser Permanente
Quest
Southwest Airlines
United Airlines
Vault
Walgreens
Beat of Hawaii: Green has stated that there will be more trusted partners added once the pre-travel program gets underway.
Trial pre-travel testing program to start prior to October 15.
A program to test all procedures will begin prior to the October 15 reopening date. It is set to begin between Vault and Hawaiian Airlines several days in advance “so that we can test out the program,” according to Green.
Post-arrival pilot 2nd test program.
A post-arrival 2nd test being panned plan will offer what is being called surveillance testing in order to find any additional cases of the disease. It will not be fully randomized, and 10% of all arrivals will be re-tested. It will take place four days after arrival and will be done as a pilot. It is not clear yet who will pay for those tests.
Lt. Governor Green spoke with the mayors today about this new surveillance testing program and they asked for more information. He believes all the counties will participate although confirmation of that is still to be confirmed. Other details too are still being finalized. The state will allow people to ask for their results although the primary purpose is to understand the success of the primary pre-travel testing program.
How many travelers will Hawaii get at the outset?
No one is quite sure. Hawaiian Airlines Avi Mannis said, “We continue to expect the recovery to be slow and gradual. We are encouraged by the interested. It will take time.” He said there is some increase in demand following October 15, but from his comments, it did not appear to be substantial. Beat of Hawaii: We expect Hawaii will start at a base of 3,000-5,000 daily arrival and grow from there depending on how things go.
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I’ve been seeing mixed answers regarding the big island. Will it be opting out for sure or still undecided? I read an article that said they agreed but we must take another test upon arrival. I will be travelling there on the 22nd any info will be appreciated.
Hi Marlen.
We are all awaiting an update on that. We’ll put it up as soon as we know definitively.
Aloha.
Does anybody have any info on The testing for minors in Colorado? There’s no CVS in Colorado and Walgreens will only test adults. Can’t seem to find any of the other partner ones are available there. We have a layover in LA and I know American Airlines is offering testing there. But are they going to except a test for American Airlines? Did they get that sorted out? Our flight is October 22.
Just finishing visiting the various sites listed above to find a covet test in San Diego county. There are none available. In fact none of the facilities will give you a test if you are not sick, been exposed to someone who is sick, or work in the field or you’re exposed to people who have covid 19. So it appears that Hawaii is not ready for any travel for any customers unless you’re flying out of Seattle, San Francisco on United. The other airlines are currently not offering testing. Don’t understand why Hawaii is controlling who you can get a test from, instead of letting the customer find a facility that does the specific test that the state wants. The state is pushing all customers to United and you have to fly through San Francisco.
Could anyone please tell me if a person still has to take a covid test preflight if they’ve already had covid and are past the 14 day quarantine period and can provide proof of their positive test result?
Hi Kym.
Yes, you still need to be tested.
Aloha.
Please update us on Kauai and big island Hawaii status. Will they accept no quarantine with negative test?
Hi Pat.
Yes it is virtually a certainty that they will. More details will be coming out.
Aloha.
Hi
I learned that Hawaiian Air is discontinuing O Hana flights yo Lana’i.
What options are available to get to that island?
unfortunately if your travel to another island you must quarantine 14 days once you arrive there
Ohana everyone. Does someone know which walgreens test is the one we’re supposed to take 72hrs before? They provide 2 different ones. The RT-PCR diagnostic Panel results in 3 days and the Rapid Point of Care (POC) test results given within an hr. I have a flight on the 22nd and want to make sure I take the right one. Mahalo
Hi Marlen.
There is a phone number for asking technical questions on the state’s website. Suggest contacting them. Our take is that is the PCR test
Aloha.
We have now re-booked 4 different times due to updates from the state government which has cost us dearly. We were to get tested on Tuesday next week for a Friday arrival. We had appts at an approved NAAT CLIA lab and now are forced to test at an approved partner. There are none in our state (Utah) that will test minors so I assume we’re out our luck again? Am I missing something? The test from the home option requires a govt issued id, which no minor can get unless they have a drivers license, which is not something my 11 & 14 year old have. Thoughts?
Aloha!
My family of 6 booked a trip to Kauai Nov. 12. We have four kids 5-13 years old. We live in Utah. We have all already had Covid so we thought it a great time to go worry free of getting or spreading the coronavirus. We are now trying to find a place that aligns with Hawaii’s regulations, but also tests kids. Do you have any idea if any of those partners listed will test kids? Does Walgreens?
Thanks so much,
Kate
Hi Kate.
We’ll have an update on testing today.
Aloha.
Kinda stupid, I cane in sept on the 1st and as I got on plane they said my 2 separate covid test was invalid … so I follow the stupid state Prior Covid (72hrs negative results) rules to have them change the damn rules on the day I flew into Hawaii … get your together, cause only you loosing tourist and the money they spend , and locals think it’s stupid !!! Your own website is so dumb and non compliant !!! Either get it right or get outta office and let somebody that knows what the he’ll is actually going on !!!!
Returning from mainland to our home on the Big Island October 12. Could we get test after we arrive. For example 3 days after are arrive?
Mahalo Jacob
Hi Jacob.
Unless something changes, you will still have to be tested on the mainland.
Aloha.
One additional comment… Jacob, you stated you are returning October 12? If so, you’d still fall under the 2 week quarantine, vs testing out starting October 15.
Is that correct BOH?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Julieta.
That is correct, as per current state plans.
Aloha.
Aloha folks, I am a resident of Seattle, and have starting testing that the city of Seattle is providing. What is missing is the certification seal of approval CLIA. I read each islands newspaper to stay abreast of each islands desires for “opening”, and am planning on landing in Kauai on 10/19. The preferred test sites don’t specify that they are CLIA certified, but the assumption is that they must be. So, what happens when you try to fill out the SAFE TRAVEL, and you can’t enter the the special words that will let you step foot on the island without being quarantined? Most of these preferred testing sites don’t have testing yet. I have practiced filling out the SAFE TRAVEL, and have had to ask for technical help, which I got a week ago. Now, not so much, they are overwhelmed and understaffed for the onslaught of emails and calls.
Here is the conundrum, where is the certification listed that the state of Hawaii will recognize? The test must be a NAAT, which must be certified, but without the CLIA certification from the testing site, what does this all mean?
Sorry for being long winded, but I don’t want to be quarantined for lack of due diligence. I don’t want to be a spreader, I am an essential worker, and I want to remain that way and to respect the islanders and their elders. Drew
Hi Drew, From what I was able to determine, the city’s tests are processed by the UW lab which is not directly certified by CLIA. WA state has an exemption from CLIA since the state MTS does the certification and CLIA recognizes this. I worried about whether the state of Hawaii would also recognize this but at this time it is a moot point. The state will only accept tests from the specific partners listed on the state website. Since I am flying on Alaska, I was able to book appointments with carbon. And Walgreens also seems to be an option. And THANK YOU for working through this pandemic.
Hello, you are very correct about the state of Washington. I just found that buried in the UW Medical lab certification. I fly Hawaiian, and their test sites aren’t up and running yet. Walgreens only goes out 3 days, so you can’t plan, other than on a wish and a hope. Not open on Sunday.
Hi Drew, I just noticed that the hawaiicovid19 website added a new testing partner Discovery Health that does testing at the Doubletree hotel by Seatac. I didn’t dig deep into the specifics but might be an option.
Hello folks who live in and near Seattle. I have been able to get an appointment with WALGREENS, and have made an inquiry with DISCOVERYHEALTH.COM.I plan on testing the WALGREENS site in advance,this Sunday morning, tomorrow, to see what the turnaround time is. Then I am going to go online everyday to WALGREENS, so that I can time my last and final covid test to comply with the 72 hrs. You can only plan 2-3 days out with WALGREENS.
I am also hoping to hear from HAWAIIAN AIRLINES, and DISCOVERY, since redundancy and the oh poop factor can sabotage 3 days of my 10 days on the island. Drew
Hello Andrew,
Which of the 2 test are you taking 72hrs prior? I’m having a hard time figuring out which one is the right one since walgreens provides 2 different ones. Thank you
Hello Marlen, Have you done your research to know what the difference is in the two tests? You need to meet the NAAT criteria. Once you understand that, then you will know which test to take. I have been doing my research and learning what my responsibilities are as a safe traveler, and also, I hope, being welcomed once I land in Kauai.
Hi Drew, I just noticed that the hawaiicovid19 website added a new testing partner Discovery Health that does testing at the Doubletree hotel by Seatac. I didn’t dig deep into the specifics but might be an option.
This is the best website dealing with e coming travel to Hawaii. Great job guys, best information around period. My question, a flight LAX to HNL to OGG. When does the 72 hr start for testing?is it at departure LAX or departure at OGG. Please somebody find a correct answer. Many thanks.
Hi Dick.
Thanks so much for that. The answer is it is 72 hours before your flight from LAX to HNL.
Aloha.
Hi
So I’m suppose to fly to oahu on oct 30 and stay there for 5 days then fly to Maui for 5 days is it possible to do with a negative covid test or no since inter island travel has different rules?
Is Westjet going to be a partner? Are there other rules for Canadian visitors?
Canadian airlines WANT to fly to US holiday destinations but I think it’s complicated by the border closure.
Pre-travel testing is already available in Canada it’s just not widely available or advertised yet (Soon!). Most Canadian labs also have American certification, so a travel test done in Canada would meet requirements. I am certain there are negotiations with the Hawaiian govt to get this rolling asap.
This administration is not dealing with reality. There is no way that the state can monitor every passenger that arrives to the islands. It is beyond comprehension that every arrival will be stuck in a deadlock at the airport while all their personal information is verified. Absolute insanity. Do they real think that all these issues will be worked out in the next five days?? This group of leaders has been at odds since March, the governor, it. governor and the director of health. Now the mayor’s all want their two cents included. It’s a never ending mess.
I flew in on 9/29 and complied with all required to do. I am a returning resident/taxpayer. Spent over an hour in line, had Bar code, ID and cell phone. However I was not to be believed. Hope to never go through that again.
Do you have any more info on Southwest being a testing partner? As far as I can find, you guys are the only ones reporting that. Thanks much.
Hi Tom.
Southwest was listed yesterday in the state’s presentation. That’s the first we have heard of it.
Aloha.
Hi, great website. Thank you.
Hawaiicovid19.com doesn’t say anything about Abbott ID now test. It would help to clarify if this test is acceptable- of course from authorized vendors only. I think the Lt governor said last week (press briefing) that IdNow is acceptable.
Thanks,
Anil
Hi Anil.
Thank you. Good question. Yes, we too recall the lieutenant governor mentioning that test. We don’t know what happened to that but we know for certain that more tests and testing partners will be added. So we’d assume that is where the IDNow tests fits in.
Hello and Aloha!
The Travel Hawaii site wants the visitor to upload a Negative result within 72 hours of arrival, not just to take the test within 72 hours of arrival.
CVS told me ot takes “about” 3 Business for the results. So let’s say in my case I fly to Hilo via Honolulu from San Diego on a Monday. I must test the previous Friday and pray to have results by Monday.
What if my test results take longer and I just landed in HI?
I think only Airport testing on the mainland before the flight would make sense.
Thank you!
Hi Ariel.
Understand your concerns. There’s nothing much more we can add.
Aloha.
Will the 72 hours required to test start the day you take the test, or the day the lab tests the sample I was told the testing site forwards the sample the day after the test is taken, therefore they suggested to take the test a day before the 72 hours requested by Hawaii
Please reply to my previous question regarding required testing we have confirmed airline to Maui Oct.20,thank you
Hi Erika.
Our understanding is that the test needs to be “taken” within 72 hours of the final point of departure to Hawaii. It looks like you might be flying from the Bay Area, so that would be within 72 hours of that flight. If someone has connecting flights, then it is 72 hours before that final leg that goes between the mainland and Hawaii.
Aloha.
Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami said Wednesday he has not yet decided whether to opt out of the program and added that he recognizes “uncertainty is a big problem for our community.”
Thank you very much for this information and the other great resources and information you have provided on this website. As a non-science-talking-guy, I’m wondering if you could please assist me in understanding something:
Walgreens is offering two different testing options, with one available at some locations and the second offered at the other: (1) “PT-PCR Diagnostic Panel” and (2) “Rapid Point of Care (“POC”) Test”. I cannot find on the Walgreens website whether either or both are the “NAAT test conducted at a CLIA-certified laboratory” as required by the Hawaiian authorities. Do you happen to know whether one or both of the test options offered by Walgreens meets the requirements for Hawaii’s travel program?
Hi David.
Thank you. Great question. We added it to today’s article and look forward to more clarification soon. It looks like another press conference will be needed and many changes to the state’s website.
Aloha.
Proceeding with the current reopening plan and improving from there is the only way forward out of this economic disaster for both businesses and people that work for those businesses that have been affected.
What gets me is that I had to go to Oahu this week, back to the BI in less than 24 hrs and I have to quarantine for two weeks. I should be able to get a test here as a resident and not quarantine (if I test ok).
The way it stands now I would have to board a plane to the mainland, test and board the next flight back after Oct 15th to not have to quarantine. I cannot be the only one here that thinks this is nuts.
So many people from the BI travel to Oahu for work, medical care etc that are severely inconvenienced needlessly when testing is available to be safe, and not have to quarantine. Really not that difficult. Let’s get it together Gov Ige and Mayor Kim!
A problem I have come across is that both CVS and Walgreens will not test children under a certain age. Was there any mention of children being tested? I am assuming they will have to get a test also? Thank you for providing this information.
Hi Amber.
Thanks for asking that. Yes children need to be tested starting at age 5. It is our understanding that children’s tests may need to be done using the test-by-mail option. We too had a hard time finding anything on the trusted partners’ websites as of this morning to confirm availability.
Thanks.
Aloha,
I have heard that American Airlines is not on the list yet, because their test did not meet Hawaii’s requirement and they have to go back to the drawing board.
Mahalo
Hi Joan.
Yes, American’s testing partner isn’t approved. Thanks for mentioning that.
Aloha.
Aloha to all
I just got off the phone with AA and they have a site where it now provides more details on steps to take for traveling to Hawaii… (still vague on Kona though)
The site is aa.com/covid19testing
It takes you to a page with links to their partners and more information.
They will keep updating this page as information Is updated.
Hope it helps.
Thank you Stacey and everyone.
Hi Julieta.
Thanks so much. We responded to this in today’s article, just published.
Aloha.
Will the jacuzzi by the pools and Breakfast buffet be open at motels oct. 15th or nov. 15th or remain closed. P.s. i also contacted cvs and walgreenss and they dont test 10 years olds any ideas. Thank u again
Hi Robb.
We’ll be updating shortly on testing partners. Regarding what will and won’t be open, it is too early to know, things are opening gradually, and you are probably safest checking with those places you are thinking of staying.
Aloha.
Do we know if a quarantine is mandatory until test results are received? If so, do we know if the testing partners are going to be able to turn the test results around within 72 hours? I may reschedule if this is the case, as I’m only going for a week and don’t want to risk having to spend half of it in quarantine. I’ve had bad luck in the past with my test taking 15 days to get results.
Mahalo for staying on top of things BOH!
Hi Stevi.
Thanks. Great point. No one wants to go into quarantine because test results aren’t timely. We need to hear from the state and its “trusted partners” to clarify where they are will that.
Aloha.
Thank you for the info, we had plane tickets to go to Maui last May but had to cancel due to covid 19,it was my boyfriend brothers 80th Birthday and he was going to have a party but due to social distancing, there was no party so hopefully we can go this May coming up we are all really sick of covid 19 and want it gone
Is the Abbott ID Now an accepted test for entry into Hawaii
So, confusion reigns. I read this in the October 8th Garden Island newspaper from Kauai:
“Next week, incoming travelers to the state can bypass the mandatory two-week quarantine with evidence of a negative U.S. Food and Drug Administration-authorized NAAT (nucleic acid amplification test) result from a certified lab administered within 72 hours of arrival to the state.” Within 72 hours of arrival? I thought it was 72 hours of departure for the islands. So that means you can get a test two days after arriving? And how do you rent a car after arriving at the airport, when the agencies require proof of a negative test?
Please tell me what I’m missing.
Hi Rob.
That information is wrong. The state corrected itself weeks ago and has been saying it is with 72 hours from point of departure from mainland to Hawaii.
Aloha.