Hawaii travel will resume October 15, as previously planned.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
114 thoughts on “Breaking: Hawaii Travel Starts With NO 2nd Test/Quarantine”
Comments are closed.
Hawaii travel will resume October 15, as previously planned.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
Comments are closed.
People from the mainland should give up coming to Hawaii in 2021 and just stay home. There are plenty of other places to vacation. Why would you want to go to Hawaii for a pleasure trip now? It won’t kill you to wait another year.
Don’t believe it. You get there and all is bogus…
It’s a shame that the residents of the Hawaiian Islands pay the price for the elected officials not having a plan in place for retesting visitors to our Islands. This has been a mess from day one. Thousands of us continue to be on unemployment while the elected government officials continue to collect full pay. Teachers included. We have to get back to business and step up to the plate like the mainland has.
Stop playing with the lives of thousands of residents who voted you in to office.
its a shame that people such as yourself thinks the mainland is any more organized than your state is. Its not! Most of us are still not back to work. i have been fortunate as I am an essential worker but I am really not sure where you get the mainland is all back to normal. Places that have opened up are spiking with cases of covid all over the place. I want you to get back to work as well but do you really want millions of visitors bringing the virus to your home islands?
Heck No. I don’t want visitors here until there is two step testing, a trial period of interisland travel only, and better quarantine tracking and case tracking. I hate that the governor is giving in to $ over safety of our people. We’ve been sacrificing since March, and until July we were doing pretty well, while places on the mainland went loose and stats went crazy.
So what happened that caused all the cases in Hawaii from July onward as there was basically no tourism to speak of?
Harry … You took the words right out of my mouth!
You have access to google. It’s all out there.
Yes and don’t forget…if it’s on the internet is has to be true!
John, newspapers are on the internet. The same ones we locals get. Enough with the sarcasm.
Responding to Paul C. Actually, the mainland “is”getting back to normal. With the exception of a few democratic run states, the rest of us are almost back to normal. But much like Hawaii, who is also a democrat run state, there are some states on the mainland that are still being locked down. Fortunately the majority of mainland states are being carefully reopened and I might say doing VERY well! Paul, you say states that are reopening are spiking Covid cases. What you neglect to mention is that a very large percentage of those testing positive are either A-symptomatic or are experiencing very minimal symptoms. Much has been learned since the pandemic began earlier this year. Treatments and protection protocols have advanced very quickly. Currently, those under 65 that contract Covid have a 99.025% of complete recovery. Those over 65 have a 98.083% chance of complete recovery. Being that such a small percentage of those that contract Covid become very ill, that should not be a reason to close down entire city’s and states. Let’s be realistic about this and do what is right for everyone. It’s senseless to destroy both the economic viability and the lives of those living in democratic controlled states based on such a low percentage of Covid deaths. Yes, even one death is too many. However, we all take chances everyday. When we get into a car we’re risking auto accidents. When we cross a street we risk being hit by a car. Life is full of risks each and every day. We need to live our lives. Being confined to our homes is not living. Let’s all be smart about Covid but continue to live. Life is too short as it is.
ENJOY LIFE!
Aloha & Mahalo!
TJ
TJ do you even know what Asymptomatic means? It means you have the virus dont know it and spread it to others unless your using mitigation. So you actually made my point for me. If you are asymptomatic you above all others need to stay home.
And the mainland is getting back to normal? Ok Florida, Texas and Arizona and a number of red states cases are spiking. I live in Oregon we never fully shut down here but we did put strong regulations into place. The places that continue to have covid cases are directly because people flaunted the fact they were not going to follow the rules. One of our biggest spikes was a church group in eastern oregon. 250 cases in one small town.
You say we all take chances every day. Ok sure when you speed down the road your taking a chance but thats a choice. You dont know who is asymptomatic and who could share the virus with you. Then your asymptomatic and share the virus with others.
So many have no choice but to go to work sick or not. Thats how colds and flus spread and also now how the virus will spread. Its in the white house the safest bubble on earth. And your cool with that and just willing to take a chance? I would like to see my granddaughters grow up. Be safe. Wear a mask. Socially distance and wash your hands often. Its not political its the right thing to do
Well said, Paul C. It’s not political, the virus doesn’t care who you vote for, and the state COVID maps show that. I live in Texas, a “red” state, and our COVID cases are rising. Masks, social distancing and hand cleansing is the key right now.
thank you
Well said. In Texas we had an 18 day period in Dallas County with 1000 to 1800 cases per day. After that spike we went down every day. Our restaurant and churches are open at 75%. The largest hospital in Dallas has closed their Covid ward because it was empty. The cases are so low now that they do not report the numbers daily. The death rate is down as well.
As I understand it. The mayor of the Big Island has opted out of the 72 hr pre test program. You can no longer go to the Big Island without that 14 day quarantine issue period. From what I have read, the governor of Hawaii has allowed the mayors to opt out of the pre test program if they wish. Do you know anything more?
Mahalo Guys
Hi Roy.
We just don’t think this will be the last word. That’s about all that we know beyond this: https://beatofhawaii.com/big-island-wont-reopen-october-15-could-honolulu-offer-on-arrival-tests/.
Aloha.
Hello, I hope everyone is well. I am a Mom wanting to get to the big island since May. I know that not seeing my children is small potatoes compared to the pain some people have had to endure because of covid, however, we have rescheduled multiple times. I thought November would work. I have a flight for November that it now looks like I will have to cancel or change. I was coming alone in November and my husband and I are planning a trip in January-who knows if that will be allowed. We would be respectful of everyone’s health as we are here. Here, we can go to restaurants, doctors and the store we just wear masks and in some cases we are screened and our temp taken. (This is not Florida, but Democratic run IL). We can even visit our 95 year old Mother in Nursing home, with proper screening. That senior living /nursing home has had a flare up with staff, quickly handled it and no seniors have contracted covid there. I urge the leaders in Hawaii to carefully open, put precautions in place that people can honor. Our restaurants and such are allowed 50% capacity or outdoors 6 feet apart. It seems the gears are starting to turn ever so slowly and it gives hope. Also, I know young people who have contracted covid. They are fine. Many of their friends have taken their turn with it and again are fine. I personally don’t know anyone who has been hospitalized. I don’t have the answers, just venting my opinion. It’s not just rich people missing out on their vacations, some everyday folks just want to visit you good people in Hawaii.
Is Hawaii island really able to opt out of the pre-testing program? This is getting crazy.
Josh Green has continually directed folks go to the website hawaiicovid19.com for all the latest, most central information. The questions I am seeing on your own webpage regarding HNL connections is answered on that site. They have been good on keeping it updated.
Wow. Star Advertiser saying Big eye Mayor Harry Kim sticking to 14 day Quarantine, after Ige “GAVE THEM THE OPTION…!” Please tell me I heard wrong, is that what you heard too? Good grief.
Thank you guys for being on our side.
Hi Dan.
Yes, you heard that correctly, which we just posted among other changes of the day.
Aloha.
I am super excited but you know how they like to wait till the very last second to change their minds. If this isnt pushed back or a second test required on Oct 14. I will be amazed.
This is absolutely ridiculous. Too many politicians there more worried about business than people and not really concerning themselves with the virus. As of today we have put off our 2021 plans out to 2022. Its just not safe and when millions start to pour into Hawaii the virus is going to get out of control.
I checked with CVS today and they said the results can take 3-4 days. If 4, does that mean I will be permitted in but have to wait a day in quarantine to get results?
This new update to allow tourists en mass just goes to show that Ige does not care to listen to the mayor’s of the islands concerns and through that the residents of those islands. Regardless of a pre test you can still catch it on the flight. It is an airborne virus and the fact that there is no after flight test just goes to show how much he rather boost tourism than keep his people safe. There is no getting back to normal, there is just looking out for one another. But he is looking out for Hawaii’s shareholders instead. So please if you are not a resident or don’t have family here stay home. You will bring new unwanted strains to the island that we cannot properly take care of. We do not have medical facilities that are on the same scale as your hometown.
I agree
Perhaps the Mayors could join together and create a voluntary program so The Travelers wishing to comply with their reasonable, more stringent rules could pledge to do so. At least then all the systems would be in place if it became necessary to force compliance. is it possible right now to get a covid test with a 48-hour turnaround time in Hawaii for someone who is asymptomatic?
Hi, thank you for the great information. Today my sister tried to book a flight from the main land to kauai in November with southwest airlines but they wouldnt let her. She was able to book with them to honolulu but once she lands there does she have to follow inter island rules?
Hi Rhonda.
Thanks. The next update from the state this week “should” include how connecting flights will work and what will happen with the interisland quarantine.
Aloha.
No, as long as you are just in transit at HNL and don’t leave the airport, then your test is valid for your final island destination. Here is the info from the State of Hawaii:
“If you have just a layover in Honolulu then the negative test result is good through to your final destination. If your break in Honolulu is more than a layover, then you are captured by the interisland quarantine.”
Kauai should not open with oahu. We have 11 hospital beds for something like Covid. The cases are going to explode on Oahu and anywhere that people come. Kauai is not equipped for this
So clarification please! My direct flight from California to Maui was changed by the airlines last week and is now going through Honolulu with a 4 hour lay over before departing to Maui. Must I take another test in Honolulu before departing to Maui and quarantine in Honolulu until test results come back??
Hi Fran.
As we just mentioned, we do expect the next update from the state later this week to include how connecting flights through Honolulu will work.
Aloha.
Hi, it actually already explains this on the faqs page of the hawaiian goverment web page. It says that as long as you arrive to honolulu only to get on your next flight, layover included, you can fly to the next island without quarantine. However,you will need a separate QR code from safe travels for each leg of the journey. But don’t expect to leave the honolulu airport for the day and come back to get on your flight to Maui and not have to quarantine because you will.
How is anything settled ? The airlines don’t have any kind of reasonably scheduled flights offered yet.
The Mayors aren’t on board , what kind of guarantee do we have if we get there on the 16th , a Mayor takes it upon himself to deny services, like car rentals, or orders restaurants not serve off islanders meals?
This is beginning to look like more trouble than it’s worth.
People are not going to CVS to get a coronavirus test. They are going to get a negative result so that they can come to Hawaii. Self administered testing is pointless. I’m for opening tourism, but this is a major flaw in the plan. We will see cases of coronavirus in hotels within 2 weeks of opening and it will be mayhem.
WRONG!!! Out of respect for the Hawaiian government’s request and for keeping my brothers and sisters of Hawaii safe, my entire family WILL take COVID tests if requested/needed. It’s not a big deal for us since it is one (of several) factor ensuring the safety of a fragile ecosystem (Hawaii) that my family have control over. We also will wear masks and practice physical distancing when in public (non of that 6 feet nonsense, more like 12 or more when possible.
Agreed. There are many of us who have second homes\businesses on the islands. We are willing to do what it takes(ie. having our whole families tested) to make sure we are negative so that may we may come over, take care of our businesses, check on our properties, and in the meantime help by spending some money at local businesses that are open. All the while using our masks and social distancing as we’re used to doing here on the mainland. People all over the country are needing to start slowly and safely opening up their businesses. Too much longer and we’re all going to sink with the ship. We need to work together by wearing masks and social distancing. There’s no guarantee of a vaccine so we need to take it upon ourselves to learn how to operate in this new environment.
Not sure how you can “Self administer tests”. Who does the lab work?
I am still confused: “A single approved test within 72 hours of travel to Hawaii will be required to avoid quarantine.” seems simple enough, but does that mean before landing, before departure, or after arrival (with a negative result of course)?
And which tests are OK: nasal swab (PCR) with 3 day turn-around (if available); or quick-test (aka rapid-test) with 15 minute results such as being used by Oakland Airport, and United, and Alaska, and a couple other airlines?
Sorry if I’m such a dunce!
professor jimB
Hi Jim.
Yes this is all confusing. Test is to be taken within 72 hours prior to the point of departure just before Hawaii. Yes we certainly believe and have been told that the airline tests will be accepted. For more specifics on tests types and partners we suggest waiting until the state has that up on their website.
Aloha.
I hope it’s the faster (less than one hour) one because 1) the nose swab one is “little in unpleasant” 2) test results timing seems to vary even at given locations due to numerous factors.
To be in the safe side, before our planned trip near summer, I plan to quarantine myself as much as possible a week or two before departing the Mainland.
It states it on the states website. It has to be a PCR (nasal swab) rabid testing will not be accepted.
Thank you for this information! We have a trip to Kona scheduled for October 22nd. Any idea if any of the airlines are providing pre-travel Covid tests and also will a list of partners who will perform Hawaii pre travel tests be provided online?
Mahalo! We are so looking forward to visiting your beautiful State!
Hi Lisa.
Alaska, American, Hawaiian and United have all announced COVID test partnerships that we understand will be part of Hawaii’s approved vendors. There should be comprehensive information from the state on this later this week, we hope.
Aloha.
Thank you… Is it true that CVS and Walmart will be offering pre-travel testing as well?
Hi Lisa.
Yes, that is our understanding. The state (via Lt. Gov. Josh Green) indicated their partners will all be listed on the website.
Aloha.
I have been very critical of Governor Ige in the past, however props to him (and lt. gov. green) for sticking by their guns and opening up. It is the beginning of economic recovery and that should be celebrated by all! Aloha to all.
So if I live on Maui and work on Lanai 3 days out of the week, I will have to take a 72 hour pre travel test every week. fun times for my sinuses.
I suppose this is good news, but I was forced to cancel my trip to Maui (originally scheduled for 10/23, and then rebooked to 11/8 – until Hawaiian Airlines cancelled that flight to.) This (particularly on the Hawaii govt side, but also now Hawaiian Airlines) has sowed nothing but confusion. Sorry Josh Green, I’ll rebook for May and hope things work out. It’s really too bad; Hawaii is going to lose ton of tourist revenues from Nov to April if they had straightened this out. Thanks again to BOH for the updates.
Hi David.
Thanks. Sorry that this has been so confusing. We sure hope for more clarity soon.
Aloha.
Aloha Guys
Hawaii’s mayors should send a big thank you card to Governor Ige for rejecting their second test requirement.
Kauai’s Mayor Kamakami comment said as much pinning all blame on Governor Ige if covid cases surge after reopening.
I don’t know why I wrote “If covid cases surge” when it should read “when covid cases surge”.
Lucky you live Hawaii! Just remember he is one of those Democrocks!
I would love to go but it looks like the islands are going to become a cesspool for covid. Come negative leave positive? Not worth the risk.
I think this risk is inherent to travel regardless of location. You don’t have to come. But at least we have options.
Welcoming tourists doesn’t necessarily mean covid cesspool.
I suppose anywhere that people venture out of their home is a cesspool of Covid. Not sure why flying is any more risky than congregating in a grocery store.
you obviously have never flown in a plane if thats your true belief.
So as a Kauai resident, if I want to visit family on Maui after the 15th without quarantine, I need to fly to the mainland, test, fly to Maui then fly back to mainland to test again and fly home to Kauai? Would that also mean no island hopping for visitors?
I am totally for opening up; however not having a second test is dangerous and negligent. Our ICU beds are few on Kaua’i. We simply will not have the resources when our numbers go up. Mayor Kawakami has done everything g to protect us, only to be thrown under the bus by political incompetence. Thank you.
Hi Pat.
Always good to hear from you! Our best to you and your family.
Aloha.
I agree. As do 72% of respondents to this:
HNL star advertiser-TODAY’S BIG Q:
In addition to a clear COVID test 72 hours before flying into Hawaii starting Oct. 15, should a second postarrival test be required?
Only a very small percentage of people who contract the virus require ICU.
and if the normal millions of tourists show up that percentage would easily and quickly take up any beds they might need for covid.
Can proof of a positive test, and clearance from my local health department allow admittance to HI? Your current policy ignores CDC guidelines regarding retesting after a positive test. Some of the safest travelers are those who have had the virus, recovered, and are still in the 3 month window where they can’t contract the illness again or pass it on to anyone. It is likely that a person will test positive within 3 months of contracting covid, but the virus is no longer contagious. Local health departments issue letters with dates of when a patient’s isolation is over and they can return to work, public, etc. Thank you for any further information regarding this scenario.
Mahalo
Hi Shelley.
That has never been mentioned by the state as acceptable. It could change, but we just can’t say.
Aloha.
The real question facing Hawaii visitors is what will happen if you contract the virus and need to be hospitalized? Can you get quality care on all islands? Are you covered in terms of insurance? Do you have a plan in case someone in your party is infected? Where will you lodge if you contract the virus or after a hospital stay? The questions are many and profound. Hawaii is a wonderful place to aspire to visit, but the things that make it wonderful should also make any visitor ask these questions in a rational and sensible manner. The Hawaiian Islands are truly the most isolated islands on the planet and visiting during an upswing or second phase of the pandemic is a serious and calculated risk no matter how much we desire to open the islands.
You need to clear these concerns with your health insurance provider. This question apples to all illness/injury and is not unique to covid.
This is great, but any suggestions on where one can get a covid test.all sites in our area want you to be symptomatic. We will be flying out of Sacramento and no one is taking appointments .help we fly on the 18th to Maui
If you are a Kaiser member, email your primary and ask him/her to make an appointment for testing for travel to Hawaii. I was successful in Sacramento. If not a Kaiser member, CVS supposedly (per HI Dept of Health FAQs) will begin taking appointments on October 10.
Keren,
Thank you for the post on Kaiser. We live in the Sacramento area also & my last msg from them said they would only test members who thought they had the virus. I’m glad to know it’s changed.
There are options for a mail in test with results within 48 hours. In addition, CVS (and, I assume, Walgreens) will start scheduling testing for travel on the 10th.
Hi Kathy.
I’m north of Sacramento and I know this has been a huge challenge. If you are a kaiser member – just last week they have the covid for travel starting. It’s a month out. Also CVS has finally added to its site fir a COVID travel test. I think it’s still not fully up but sounds like it will be soon. Good luck. We are hoping all goes as planned for our November trip. We almost cancelled it but are seeing some positive movement to actually happen.
Best wishes
We have the same problem in another part of the Bay Area. + The manager of CVS reported test results are taking up to 5 days.
Can proof of a positive test, and clearance from my local health department allow admittance to HI? Your current policy ignores CDC guidelines regarding retesting after a positive test. Some of the safest travelers are those who have had the virus, recovered, and are still in the 3 month window where they can’t contract the illness again or pass it on to anyone. It is likely that a person will test positive within 3 months of contracting covid, but the virus is no longer contagious. Local health departments issue letters with dates of when a patient’s isolation is over and they can return to work, public, etc.
Good question. The policy guidance for pre-travel is pretty clear. You need a negative test within 72 hours of flight departure.
Suck it Kawakami and Victorino… Your 11th hour request to completely destroy the previously agreed upon test program didn’t work.
Agree completely! This was the longest 2 weeks to flatten the curve.
Aloha,
Thanks for all the updates! Hope, everything will work out this time for the people of Hawai’i and us visitors of the islands. Hope that we can help stimulate the economy for everyone and at the same time not spread the virus to anyone.
Can’t wait to visit Kauai again for Christmas 2020.
1st, we are flying in to Molokai thru HNL on the 17th, when do we need to get our COVID-19 Test done? October 14 or October 15?
Mahalo!
Hi Lou.
It will be 72 hours rather than 3 days. So whether it is the 14th or 15th depends on your flight time. Good luck.
Aloha.
Do they think we tourists are made of money. Hawaii isn’t worth it
They are certainly hoping 😛 $$$
I am beyond disappointed in Lt. Gov Green and in Governor Ige’s decision. So much time has been wasted at the State DOH level, in bickering and in the arrogance that everyone had this all under control. An added safeguard was extended which would have offered some additional safety to communities on the outer islands that have much less critical care capacity than on Oahu. I think that Governor Ige and Lt. Governor should be prepared to face the families of those who are going to become critically sick and possibly lose their life and explain to them why a three-day quarantine and second test was not worth their loved one’s life. I also suspect the state will further be drained financially from the lawsuits and legal fees that are coming their way. The pre-test by itself is worse than a joke, it gives people a false sense of security that will encourage disregard of safety protocol and full interaction in communities that are ill-prepared to weather the onslaught. This is going to be a very, very short economic relief that ends in utter disaster. Mahalo Nui to all of the doctors, nurses, hospital support staff, senior care/caregivers, contact tracers, the men and women in all of the police/fire/and ambulance departments, teachers, postal workers, and grocery clerks for all of your past long hours and hard, dedicated work. I hope every one of you makes it through this next awful phase.
I still applaud gov. Ige. By keeping the islands closed, he has kept the virus at bay and saved thousands of lives of islanders and visitors. One question: what about the flight crews when they land? I understand full well that the residents of Hawaii need to open businesses: however: personally I would be alive than dead.
Meanwhile, I am ready for the all clear so my family will be able to visit. Crossing my fingers for islanders as well.
This could have been policy months ago!!!!!!
Sounds like Ige is finally showing some leadership….. tourists who have been tested are less of a threat spreading covid
then the residents who gather in groups and ignore mask wearing protocols.
Nothing is 100% effective, obviously shutting down the island didn’t do it. Best we can hope for is keeping the spread down
by wearing masks, avoiding large crowds and using common sense, residents and tourists alike.
If we were to postpone the opening again the blow to the Hawaii economy would be incredible, many many lives would be ruined.
It’s time to take what we have learned and move forward.
Wear masks, avoid crowds and protect the Kapuna.
This news doesn’t reassure those of us willing to hop a plane 11-1-2020 to HI that the Hawaiian business owners’ will reap the benefits of tourism, or that will get our monies worth at this time.
Oh I am so thankful a decision has been made.
I just want in writing that flying through HNL without leaving the airport to the outer islands because of no direct flights means we are exempt from the quarantine.
Mahalo
Hi Joan.
That is certainly our understanding and we look forward to providing more details.
Aloha.
I hate this. So irrepsonsible. No regard for residents. We cannot go to another island but people can come here and have no second test, potentially infecting us.
DEEJ, Go close the doors and windows and tape them shut. Close the curtains and wait for the “All Clear” siren.
Mahalo.
Your sarcasm is truly laughable.ill pass.
You’ll get over it. Stop being such a crybaby.
We have an October 19-25, 2020 trip scheduled for Kauai. Am I correct in assuming that a CLIA and CAP accredited facility providing proof of a negative NAAT test within 72 hours of trans pacific travel meets the COVID-19 pre-test criteria?
Stop your whining. I hope if you ever think about traveling to the mainland you are forced to test twice and face a quarantine between tests. You are the one who should be tested or quarantined before the tourists travel because you may pose a far greater risk to them than they would to you. It’s people like you that have caused Hawaiians to line up in mile long food lines and caused businesses to permanently shut down. You probably are some rich retiree with no regards for anyone but yourself.