What’s ahead for Hawaii visitors as Covid cases approach 500 per day.
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What’s ahead for Hawaii visitors as Covid cases approach 500 per day.
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“Hawaii will likely implement some form of post-arrival testing. Initially, that may be for those who have opted neither for vaccination nor testing. That could be applied to those who are choosing to quarantine instead, and the tests might happen three days after arrival.”
I don’t understand the point of testing someone who is stuck in quarantine, unless a negative test let’s them out early, as with the “bubble” resorts? Is that what you mean?
Hi David.
Unclear for now how the state might plan to roll this out. Your point is well taken.
Aloha.
this is obviously because they are not testing people who are vaccinated
vaccines do next to nothing to stop infection and spread. they need to test all people regardless of vax status
Science proves you wrong. Vaccines stopped the spread of polio and chicken pox. And many other diseases.
Unfortunately Delta is partially vaccine resistant and in many parts of the world is spreading through the vaccinated population. The UK Health Secretary has just tested positive having been fully vaccinated (check the international news).
This means that you have to test everyone.
The vaccinated are less likely to catch the virus and spread it, but it’s still highly possible.
You can’t compare the covid vaccine to the measles vaccine as they are completely different viruses.
Thanks
just because previous vaccines reduced spread of disease doesnt mean that this ‘vaccine’ does. reduction of infection and spread is not claimed at all by the manufacturers, only attenuatuon of symptoms. this has been true since day one although any people are misinformed about how these ‘vaccines’ actually work.
I’m not sure why it is you keep putting ‘vaccine’ in quotes like that. It appears that you don’t think that the current COVID vaccines aren’t vaccines in the traditional sense. However, the current COVID vaccines fit the definition of a vaccine exactly. Vaccine – “a substance used to stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity against one or several diseases”.
its because these covid ‘vaccines’ really dont fit the classic definition of vaccine, which up until a few months ago, specifically were defined as agents which provide immunity. This was the common defintion, as well as the medically agreed upon term
Merriam-Webster feb. 5th:
“a preparation of killed microorganisms, living attenuated organisms, or living fully virulent organisms that is administered to produce or artificially increase immunity to a particular disease”
Feb. 6th:
a preparation that is administered (as by injection) to stimulate the body’s immune response against a specific infectious agent or disease”
this may seem inconsequential, but right in these comments you see people saying “well all vaccines are good, see:polio”
if i punch you in the arm and then go have merriam webster change the definition of vaccine to encompass that, did i just impart immunity to you?
You must have missed the quotes in my posting. That was another definition of vaccine that’s out there. It seems that there are a number of slightly different definitions out there. Here’s the one that the CDC uses: “Vaccine: A product that stimulates a person’s immune system to produce immunity to a specific disease, protecting the person from that disease. Vaccines are usually administered through needle injections, but can also be administered by mouth or sprayed into the nose.” By this definition all of the current COVID vaccines are vaccines.
But, beyond this semantic argument. The fact is that the current COVID vaccines protect you against COVID. Like many other vaccines, they are 100%. In the case of the CODIZ mRNA-based vaccines, they protect you VERY WELL against severe illness and death. Less so against just plain illness. That’s the reason that there are some breakthrough cases occurring right now, especially with the Delta variant that’s running around. That variant BTW is more than 2 times more contagious than the original.
So what it all boils down to, is you can take the jab or not, your choice. But please don’t play semantic games with people’s lives. Right now the VAST majority of people who are in the hospital with COVID are unvaccinated. Nearly ALL deaths from COVID are people who are unvaccinated. If you want to roll the dice for yourself, well, that’s up to you. However, the fact remains, if you catch it, you can spread it. Which means you can give it to your friends and loved ones.
Joerg H. you said, “Here’s the one that the CDC uses: “Vaccine: A product that stimulates a person’s immune system to produce immunity to a specific disease, protecting the person from that disease. Vaccines are usually administered through needle injections, but can also be administered by mouth or sprayed into the nose.”
You go on to say, “The fact is that the current COVID vaccines protect you against COVID. Like many other vaccines, they are 100%. In the case of the CODIZ(sic) mRNA-based vaccines, they protect you VERY WELL against severe illness and death. Less so against just plain illness.”
Since no Covid vaccine produces immunity, at this point, then it does NOT meet the definition. You seem to push contradictions here, which makes your entire premise false. Way to spread misinformation…🤦♂️
Don’t want to get the vaccine don’t. But stop spreading misinformation
Byron B,
You are comparing apples to oranges. Polio and Chicken Pox are vastly different diseases than Covid 19, and their respective vaccines are nothing like the mRNA vaccine designed for.
Vaccinations do limit the spread level. It is unfortunate those without facts or knowledge to support their case opine as fact. What is true is that no vaccination will completely remove the possibility of passing on the infection. Hence we have the “why should I wear a mask on a plane as I am vaccinated”, which is like saying “I have air bags fitted to my car why do I need brakes?”
Is Hawaii allowing visitors from countries other than the USA ?
we are traveling to Kona Hawaii in November 2021 , can you predict what will be happening then? thank you
Hi Laura.
No, we simply cannot predict. We’ll will all have to figure this out together
Aloha.
Iceland will be ‘back-tracking’ starting July 27th. Starting July 27th they will require everyone (once again) to get a PCR/antigen test 72 hrs prior to departure to Iceland. On July 1st they had dropped that requirement for fully-vaccinated individuals along with the need to get tested at the airport upon arrival to Iceland.
Wouldn’t be surprised to see this occur in many more places including Hawaii.
Aloha BOH Bro’s
Question to the vaccinated…..
How long will your vaccination continue to protect you from covid?
Answer: Nobody knows…..But I know it’s not lifetime protection.
Are early vaccinated individuals now the ones getting infected with covid?
There’s a nursing home in California where vaccinated and non-vaccinated patients all tested positive for covid. The vaccinated patients were some of the early receivers of the vaccine.
Just food for thought.
People who are vaccinated can still get COVID and/or test positive for COVID. Please don’t forget that the vaccines don’t completely prevent you from getting COVID. What it does is build up the antibodies in your system so that if you are exposed to COVID they are ready, willing, and able to fight it off. So, if you are vaccinated, you can still get COVID, however, your chances of being hospitalized or dying are very low (nearly zero). We see that from the current hospitalization rates. They are almost entirely made up of unvaccinated people. What we don’t know is how that affects the spread of the virus. Logic would suggest that that means that someone who’s been vaccinated and catches a breakthrough case of COVID might be asymptomatic, and thus potentially spread the virus. But that’s speculation since there aren’t any current studies published that have looked at that. However, I can see where, out of an abundance of caution, Hawaii may choose to bring back pre-travel testing in order to catch those “end cases”. I’m keeping a close eye on all this since I have plans to travel to Kona near the end of August, so thanks for keeping us al informed BOH!
Hi Joerg.
Thanks. Happy travels next month.
Aloha.
The narrative is slowly eroding.. first it was 99% of vaccinated people don’t get Covid.. Bow its slowly eroding.. LG Green is at 97% now… factor in all the highly public breakthrough cases( NY Yankees, TX Dems. Pelosi’s staffers)
Soon Biden’s admin will succumb to Isreal and Britain’s realization.
Too bad Kamala was so against the vaccine before the election. As well as Cuomo.. oh well
Enjoy the suck.. Cheers from Florida
Boy. You sure have a bee in your bonnet about a highly effective vaccine. As soon as you show me a double blind study that comports with your ad hoc examples, you might have a point.
As for your political dig at VP Harris, what she was against was the proven pressure that Trump was putting on the FDA for early approval in July and August 2020 run-up to the election.
Be cheerful from FL. leading the nation in new infections 21,700 today. Since your Gov. remains at the boot of his dear leader, if I were you, I would stay inside for the remainder of the year. Hope you don’t have children returning to school.
hes not wrong, they are constantly moving the goalposts. CDC currently estimating 35000 breakthrough cases *per week*
FL also is still #26 in deaths per capita, despite being wide open for over a year now, and having a much older population
this is all just shots at front-runner desantis. kids still arent dying
Let’s be honest about the FL “success”. Basically, Florida’s government has prioritized Florida’s economy over human life. But what has any of that to do with BOH? Well, the difference between the two states is that Hawaii has decided to prioritize human life over its economy. You can choose to agree or disagree over the approach each has taken, but they are what they are. BTW, July 31’s death toll in Florida was 108 people, but their infection rate is up to over 21K. That’s the highest since Dec. 2020. Keep in mind that deaths are a lagging indicator. That’s the reason we also watch infection rates and hospitalization rates. Both of which are exploding with the advent of the Delta variant in Florida. What’s really important is the hospital beds. This is where you can really see the difference in approach. When normalized for population (specifically per 100,000 in population) today’s rate for Florida is 43.85, and Hawaii’s is 6.61. That would suggest that Hawaii is doing a much better job of “keeping people safe” than Florida as I read these numbers. Again, in keeping with how all this matters in regards to BOH, I’m watching the numbers in Hawaii because I have a trip planned there near the end of August. Specifically to the Big Island. So, the way that Hawaii is keeping people safe, infections down, etc. is important to me since I will be going there, and I want to be sure that everything that can be done to keep everyone safe in Hawaii is being done so I can feel comfortable going. Yes, some of it may be a bit of an inconvenience, but at least they appear to care and aren’t hiding their heads in the sand and pretending that nothing is wrong. I also believe that part of the reason that travel to Hawaii has exploded is that people DO feel safe in vacationing there right now. Personally, you couldn’t PAY me to go to Florida.
You could not pay me enough to visit that state. Talk about a tyrant dictator. This man has written executive orders that NO city county or school be able to have a mask mandate. He has chosen politics over health. Yet is fully vaccinated himself.
Vaccination is key! Hawaii has been so careful, so I don’t understand why you’re allowing unvaccinated travellers to come there! We are watching Hawaii’s Covid-19 statistics very closely, as we hope to be back in 2022. We are fully vaccinated and hoping to travel again soon! Thank you! Bill
“so I don’t understand why you’re allowing unvaccinated travellers to come there!”
Your lack of knowledge is astounding. Try going back to 5th grade and learning about the US Constitution.
I believe they said it was returning residents who chose quarantine at home over testing or vaccination. Not vacationers from the mainland.
They said “the bulk”, not “all”. However, this suggests to me that Safe Travels is working…
yeah Millions of visitors showing up has nothing to do with it. Blame the locals. Wow. Please stay away from Hawaii.
Yeah you do need to do that. Go read your constitution again. NO WHERE in the Constitution does it say your at liberty to spread a virus or a disease.
you better end society, then. your colds and flu literally kill some people. dont get me started at how many lives you risk every time you get behind the wheel
restrictions without limiting principles are fundamentally problematic
I have been vaccinated and have encouraged all of my friends and family to do so as well. But before you condemn all of the anti-vaxxers, take into account the recent trip to Washington DC by Texas politicians. A member of the delegation was covid positive and has already spread the virus to a number of others(seven and counting). All of them had been vaccinated. Vaccinated people can spread this virus as well as un-vaccinated. My point in saying this is that science is not perfect. You’re never going to have a 100% solution to this problem.
Right Curtis, and you’re Never going to have 100 of the population vaccinated…and, you’re Never going to force people to get vaccinated, while there is any percentage chance (no matter how small) that it can KILL THEM.
I keep driving, eating bacon cheeseburgers, swimming in the ocean, hiking, drinking too much beer, using power tools, and forgetting stuff my wife tells me to do – although usually not more than two of these things at the same time, even though there is a percentage chance, however small, that any one of these things will KILL ME.
We are all going to die at some point; relatively soon in the big picture.
Hi David.
Thanks for your frequent injections of levity.
Aloha.
Sure thing, blog guys. We’re heading back to the island for most of September, all of November and Jan-Feb. This covid panic just keeps going. So, who knows. We have a collection of Vault tests (they give them out like candy in Wyoming) in case we have to do that again. I hope not, but hope is not a business plan….
It’s the “forgetting to do what my wife tells me to” part that’s probably going to get me in the end…
Understood. My biggest vulnerability, for sure. If only there was a vaccine. Maybe one with frequent boosters. Perhaps wearing a mask or two would help?
David, isn’t it fantabulous you have the freedom to Choose to do all those things…even to forget to do the things your wife tells you to do?! 😉
Think of it this way, the risk of getting seriously ill from COVID is much higher than the risks that the vaccine poses. Therefore, the smart thing to do is get vaccinated. Look at what’s happening in all of the “anti-vax” states like Florida, Louisiana, Texas, etc. The hospitals are filling up with people who haven’t been vaccinated.
😂 Joerg, so you have access to the long term scientific data/studies that proves “the risk of getting seriously ill from COVID is much higher than the risks that the vaccine poses.” 🙄
You do comprehend there’s literally Zero evidence that proves your opinion here, right? It actually will require years of monitoring and testing those who have taken this barely tested vaccine (and it’s boosters), to make sure it doesn’t have long term negative, potentially deadly, side affects. Acting as if your opinion is factual, when you can’t prove your case, shows me how little you really understand what’s happening. The “smart thing to do” would actually be to further educate yourself.
Jim you skipped all the vaccinations as a kid didnt you? Was science denying something you have always done or is this a new political thing for you like half the country?
Yeah as you stated the smart thing to do would be to educate yourself. Look in the mirror
“Half the country” is a sales pitch. It is a useless group of words.
It’s not my opinion, it’s the “opinion” of organizations such as the CDC, the WHO, NIH, and nearly every other public health agency in the world. As opposed to the opinion of some pimply-faced COVIdoit posting videos on YouTube from his mother’s basement. So, if you want to “do your own research”, then look at what those organizations have to say about it. They are pretty much unanimous in saying that the risks involved with contracting COVID are much higher than the risks associated with getting the vaccine.
Joerg, Thanks for making my point crystal clear…”It’s not my opinion, it’s the “opinion” of organizations such as…”.
Yes…It’s an OPINION, based on Zero scientific evidence, because they have NONE. Strange, how you say it, but your mind doesn’t let you believe it. 🤷♂️
We can argue people’s opinions all day, but you don’t get to say WE have to believe other people’s opinion’s, because you think “they are pretty much unanimous”, when there are hundreds of millions, and likely more, in first world countries (with people who are allowed to think for themselves) who don’t believe them, because it has no Factual scientific basis, at this point.
Again, like I told the “other guy”. This isn’t your Bully Pulpit to push your opinionated beliefs, backed by Zero scientific evidence. Let’s stick to actual TRAVEL on this Travel Blog. Nobody here is an expert on any of these topics, let alone has the knowledge of what’s going on “behind the curtain” in OZ…
Joerg
Its not OPINION its SCIENCE something some cannot stand because there are facts behind their studies.
” it’s the “opinion” of organizations”
I agree Bill. Tahiti only allows vaccinated visitors. And they have kept deaths down. There is nothing in our US constitution that says we should let people die or live with long term side effects from a pandemic.
I assume your comment was targeted for an earlier reference to the constitution. I believe you are correct when pointing out the specific language you refered to and the conceptual nature of those comments is not present in the US constitution. I would also assume most of your personal commentary from day to day is also absent from that document, as well as cows mooing.
I wouldn’t be too bothered by it dear, you’ll simply have to find a way to enjoy the day.
Dear Bill, I’m planning my life long dream vacation trip to Hawaii in 2022!! I’m hoping all this will have calmed down by then!! Stay safe😃 God Bless you, Psalms 91:11 🍍🥥🎫🎉✈🌍🏖🌈
Dear Bill, I will have a backup plan just in case! I’m trying to be patient waiting my turn to go to Hawaii for my beautiful vacation🌍🏖🌈😍
Originally my plan was to go in 2020, but then covid hit the world:(
Hawaii needs to do what it needs to, to keep their citizens safe. Get the damn vaccine already so we can beat this stupid virus!
For those of you who dont believe in Science please stay in your basements.
actually reverse that.. Those of us that are not vaccinated aren’t shaking in our boots over Covid. You can stay in your basement like you all did over the last 18 months.
It is not medically necessary for me to be vaccinated. ( didn’t spend the last 43 yrs eatimg.McDonalds and sitting in the couch) Also not my 7 and 12 yr olds responsibility to make adults feel warm and fuzzy.
You are vaccinated and therefore deemed safe from death. Great for you. I fail to see what the problem is. Except you’re part of the brainwashed establishment that thinks your neighbors and their kids are diseased killers.
Drink that koolaid Sean
Nice. Mahalo for that.
Simple common sense is not politics, establishment, or brain washing… Let’s keep biased rant from extreme left or right off of this forum. Let’s just keep Hawaiian safe and available to all.
That’s the best idea, thank you!
I really try to keep my politics to Twitter, not my “fun” social media sites. I love Hawaii and appreciate BOH for all the info and interesting stories.
Know what Sean?
I worked thru this entire thing. Every single day. You wont be shaking in your boots until your in the hospital intubated and dying but I expect that of people who refuse to follow science and instead follow youtube scientists and propaganda artists.
Sean I have had two friends who were in fantastic health, exercised regularly and seemingly were doing the right things as you seem to insinuate you have. Both are now DEAD> Understand that?
Brainwashed establishment. I never said anything about the kids or neighbors. Thats your comment not mine.
Why are you even here? Are you going to Hawaii or here just to spread misinformation?
LOL SEAN
Your assumptions are just that. I have worked every single day during covid. And I dont have a basement. We have been cautious and careful and gotten vaccinated so yea there is that.
Wow diseased killers huh? LOL who the hell said that? Once again BOH someone has gone political here which right in the comment policies says NOT TO DO. Please BOH do something about this “No profanity, rudeness, personal attacks, or bullying. Stay on travel – not politics!”
Please…as if the context of this topic isn’t or hasn’t been politically motivated by different sides all along? 🙄
When you stop pushing your beliefs, others will too. Let’s skip the “tattle tale” theatrics, and be the Example, which you are asking BoH to set for you, and which you have yet to be, PaulC.
This is not political to me but yall have made it that way.
Paul C is right and Sean is wrong. It’s the unvaccinated putting others at risk. Therefore, they should be the ones made to stay at home, or excluded. They are doing something like this on cruises; the vaccinated are free to go everywhere, the unvaxxed cannot access all areas of the ship. Also happening in Europe; you can’t enter certain establishments/events if you’re not vaxxed. Seems sensible to me.
Especially in Hawaii. It’s isolated, so it would be worse if a lot of people get hospitalized. Also, the hospitals (at least the one I dealt with) are not the most modern facilities; you should want to stay out of one. Perhaps they should go back to requiring testing for all, whether or not you’ve been vaccinated, and you can’t opt out of it. That would also simplify things; everybody takes a test, period.
Have a trip planned for November, but even when I booked I wondered if it was too soon. Wondered about whether to get both the vaccine and a pre-test just to cover myself. Don’t mind taking a test, just isn’t always clear which is the right test, plus there’s the expense and getting it back on time.
Hope things go well for Hawaii. Have a number of friends there. Cases going up where I am too, but not nearly as much as in Hawaii.
Hehe… enjoy your vaccine that will last 7 months or so, then need a booster, then need a new shot when a different variant arises… Those that need a vaccine should get it and have had plenty of time to do so.
Forget the fact that Isreal is reporting a high level of transmission to their highly vaccinated society. Or that various locals are reporting 20%+ ” breakthrough cases” in their counts. Or that LA and San Fran are having their own bug issues even.though they are soon heavily vaxed.
News flash: vaccinated can still spread the damn bug. Your virtue signaling, ” earn freedom back with the vax” is laughable at best. I can’t help if some of you have no ability to.come to.your own conclusion and see simple facts layed before you.
Instead keep thinking Covid is an automatic death sentence and our kids are all in danger. All roughly 350 child deaths in 18 months… Food for thought… H1N1 in 2009 killed roughly 12,000 kids an teens… Remember all those masks on kids and closed down businesses and mandates… yeah me neither…
Enjoy your year… I’m sure this will all end in a few weeks of masking up. Oh wait, Hawaii has been masked at 95% and nothing has changed.
I said it before.. 70% will do nothing and Ige will change his stance. Anybody wanna put $100 on it? I’ll even accept welfare or UI payments. Heard those are abundant all over the West and Hawaii.
Sean. I appreciate the fact that you were not present at the outbreak of WW II. Then we asked ALL Americans to ration gas, black shade windows and turn off street lights on the west coast, refrain from purchasing metals vital to the war effort, etc.
Today, asking Americans to do two simple, harmless, personal actions to tamp down an invading, invisible enemy — vaccinate AND continue indoor masking — we are met with irrational rants that unfortunately are part of a political, rather than science-based understanding. Lack of responsibility ensures that states like FL will put “freedom” ahead of common sense.
newsflash if you and your people were vaccinated it wouldnt matter! I see a day soon you will be the one hiding in your basement until you get vaccinated.
sean
JULY 26, 2021 AT 1:33 PM
Hehe… enjoy your vaccine that will last 7 months or so
“Efficacy testing is showing no sign of losing its strength”
then need a new shot when a different variant arises…”
IF yall would just get vaccinated there would be no more variants SCIENCE
orget the fact that Isreal is reporting a high level of transmission to their highly vaccinated society. Or that various locals are reporting 20%+ ” breakthrough cases” in their counts. Or that LA and San Fran are having their own bug issues even.though they are soon heavily vaxed.
“once again its the unvaccinated who are causing this issue. Sure it can be spread. This is why we are wearing masks to prevent you unvaccinated from getting it and dying but hey.
“News flash: vaccinated can still spread the damn bug. Your virtue signaling, ” earn freedom back with the vax” is laughable at best. I can’t help if some of you have no ability to.come to.your own conclusion and see simple facts layed before you.” HAHAHAHAAHAH seems you have an issue with seeing those very simple facts.
“Instead keep thinking Covid is an automatic death sentence and our kids are all in danger. All roughly 350 child deaths in 18 months… Food for thought… H1N1 in 2009 killed roughly 12,000 kids an teens… Remember all those masks on kids and closed down businesses and mandates… yeah me neither…” That is because we had a president and administration who took it seriously immediately and knocked it down. They didnt call it a hoax they got right to work on it. Oh and how many died in the USA? Bet you dont know that number do you?
“I said it before.. 70% will do nothing and Ige will change his stance. Anybody wanna put $100 on it? I’ll even accept welfare or UI payments. Heard those are abundant all over the West and Hawaii.” You really love looking down your nose at others dont you. Put on a damn mask over that nose and get vaccinated already.
Not an uncommon point of view, and not so popular at the moment. People are protesting all over the world in response to the ideas you’ve expressed. People are unlikely to assume the role of livestock willingly, you’ll be forced to beat them into submision if you wish to impose your solution upon them.
I agree with you. I’m tired of being “locked down” because some people just won’t get “the jab”. But vaccine hesitancy is nothing new, nor are its consequences. Check out: sciencenews.org/article/vaccine-hesitancy-history-damage-anti-vaccination .
Unfortunately, vaccine hesitancy has more to do with distrust of science and the government than anything else. Which means that coercive measure by the government basically won’t work, or will at least be met with resistance. Look at what’s happening in France right now for example. We need to build trust in the vaccine by having trusted leaders, such as people’s personal physical (GP) push it. The more difficult part is that we also need to stamp out all of the conspiracy theory, info that’s floating around out there, mostly on social media. That’s going to be REALLY hard to do. As it stands, because of all this, we are doomed to have to continue to fight this virus for years to come. Welcome to the “new normal”, where, just like with the flu, we are all going to have to get a yearly shot to handle the latest variant that’s caused by the fact that we can’t get enough people to take the vaccine in order to stamp this thing out once and for all.
You don’t seem to Grasp that there’s nothing in place to even suggest it will ever be “stamped out”. It will be around until there is a vaccine that gives a 100% cure and lifetime immunity. What makes you believe they want that? When was the last drug created that’s been a true cure that “stamps out” anything? We ARE talking about an industry that thrives on keeping people alive and taking their drugs! What part of that do you not comprehend, Joerg??? 🤷♂️🤦♂️
Of course they are gonna go back to lockdown! The fake pandemic is being stoked to grab back power
Tourists not welcome!
oh knock it off with the conspiracy stuff.
Thank-you!
We’re here on Oahu now, 9 days into our vacation. The Covid cases are definitely increasing, and much of it if not all is the local people, unvaccinated and traveling to places like Vegas. But I know personally 4 people back in California, fully vaccinated who have contracted Covid. One person just started going to indoor dining and thinks that’s where she got it. She did not transmit to her husband, or anyone else but was pretty ill for a full week. So I do think Covid testing will return, I’m glad we just squeaked by with the vaccine.
Things here are busy, the busiest I have ever seen it but the restaurants are struggling with reduced capacity and not enough help. Double whammy. We have been coming here for years so we know where to go that’s off the path but for the first week I had made reservations, (thanks BOH) to all the go-to spots like Duke’s so that went well. Hula’s is the only bar/grill that required us to show our vaccine to get in, but all of them did some variation of contact tracing forms. For those who are here now or coming, there are places where you can get a seat at the bar – Strip Steaks inside the International Marketplace; Tiki Grill (small bar seating), Hula’s, Appertito. But go outside Waikiki to places like Kona Brewing in Hawaii Kai, The Shack in Kailua, and if you want a nice gorgeous rainforest dinner, get to Haleiwa Joe’s Haiku Gardens (get there by 3:30-4 pm to get in line for a table, they do not take reservations). We’ve had no problems getting fed here and we love the ABC store’s california rolls for breakfast.
I’ve seen a long line at all coffee shops in the morning, but we always buy a cheap coffee maker and get our own Hawaiian Coffee and make it ourself …
It’s different right now, so crowded but still a lovely visit. Good luck to all who are still coming.
For some reason it brings to mind the quote, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results”.
I hope the fully vaccinated people will be available to avoid the quarantine and testing with the proof of the covid19 vaccine
In October
Thank
You
P.s I hope people won’t have to get the negative test
Even though people are vaccineted
In October
We are looking forward to returning to the Big Island in October. We were there in May and had a wonderful time. I was hoping for no testing but it is quick and easy where I live and now I know what to expect so it isn’t that stressful. Thank you for all the updates, you have helped tremendously over the last few months. Mahalo
Hi Jo.
Thanks for your many comments We’re glad to hear you were on BI recently and can return again soon.
Aloha.
We will be visiting in Sept we have had vaccine and praying that we do not need tested im not worried about the test itself I am worried about the 72 hrs and what if they dont get your results back in time any help with this.
The 72 hour requirement really is tough to live with – from hour 72 until hour 24. Walgreens has gone from two pickups to lab per day to one – making matters worse. Testing appointments 72 hours before afternoon departures are hard to come by. A real drag.
Don’t put yourself through the stress. Just stay home. The island is already too crowded
It doesn’t appear that masks, testing, restrictions or vaccines are working. Maybe they should just try letting us live life freely. Who knows, Maybe it will work?
What’s that saying…. oh ya……. “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.” I think we are hitting insanity.
Actually, insanity is sticking your head in the sand and pretending that a deadly virus doesn’t exist.
Also, insanity id continuing to parrot anti-vax rhetoric in the face of common sense.
I don’t understand why there is resistance to receiving the vaccine. Our family of five had COVID a year ago, and still, a year later, occasionally have wheezing and tightness. We received the vaccine as soon as we were eligible even though we had COVID. We don’t want to experience that again!
People believe they are invincible, they’re not! Having crazy excuses like there are magnets and microchips in the shots and citing rare side effects are ludicrous. All the new cases involve unvaccinated people and our states with the lowest rates of vaccination are experiencing the highest cases.
I would love for travel to become normal again, but until everyone gets their shot, it’s never going to happen.
The 5 State Senators from Texas who were among those travelling to DC, were all Vaccinated, and tested Positive on arrival into DC, when meeting with VP Harris, who went to Wlter Reade Sunday, unannounced and now is not saying what the results were! Before the Vaccination, there was Hydrochloroquine and Invermectin which was used and very successful, those people all survived and have natural Immunity now.
Stop spreading the remedy lies because that is exactly what they are. No one said it was impossible to get covid when vaccinated. I am betting you also think that condoms dont work right?
Yikes. Please do not play doctor. Ivermectin is used to prevent parasitic infections in animals. Please see this link “fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/why-you-should-not-use-ivermectin-treat-or-prevent-covid-19”
You clearly don’t understand how vaccines work. The vaccine doesn’t prevent the first, it just readies the immune system to fight it. That means you CAN still get sick, you just have a much better chance of not getting hospitalized or dying. That’s why 95%+ of the people ending up in the hospital are unvaccinated.
Dear Beat of Hawaii! You should remove Randy’s comment above for reporting false information about Hydrochloroquine and Invermectin. People have become seriously ill and died from taking the latter drug irresponsibly, and your site is spreading this false and dangerous information.
Your choice “irresponsibly”, it was always prefaced under one’s Dr.’s care. The Vaccine is Experimental, it is not approved by the FDA, as this takes years, not bested on # of Those Injected, but predicated on years of results, compromises, etc.. One only has to look at the Disclaimers nightly on Drugs, that are approved. The harsh reality and true Science, when the panic started, Ventilators aside, there was no initial treatment to arrest the the Virus. Hospital First Responders were left with nothing, now if one reads anything about this, those who prescribed and treated with the aforementioned early had astounding results, positive. It was, as all will find those involved with the Vaccine Development for Profit, that put all the negative talk out on what has been a successful initial treatment if used early under Dr.’s care. Follow the Science, does not mean follow the CDC, their own Dr. Redfield now retired has come out and said as much. Dr.’s Bhattacharya, Ioonides and Atlas of Stanford, as well as Yale’s Dr. Risch, and Dr. Makary of John’s Hopkins have been but a few of the brave Physicians who have gone against the common dialog. “Canceling” my comments in context will do nothing to solve the situation, only cloud and shade what is going on.
Randy go spew this somewhere else. Don’t believe in science fine by me but no need to spread it here. It has nothing to do with cancel culture it has to do with science and facts. And no its NOT experimental. They have been working on MNRA vaccines for years.
As for A FEW doctors spewing their own politically driven message for attention and money they are literally killing people with disinformation just as you are. So STOP please.
Paul C, you really should check your facts more thoroughly…
Reality check…this vaccine is only approved as an emergency use drug. Not one Covid vaccine went through the clinical trials required to be properly approved by the FDA, ergo the blanket immunity to prosecution for big pharma.
Human testing of mRNA vaccines only began in 2013, and at the beginning of 2020, only a dozen mRNA vaccine candidates had been tested on people. These mRNA Covid vaccines were not tested on humans in near enough clinical trials before mas release, and they are absolutely an experimental process only recently going through human clinical trials. The stone cold reality is people taking the vaccine are technically Guinea pigs. Some are willing, and in some cases, they are coerced and bribed, which is scandalous. And, even though it “may” be fairly safe according to preliminary studies, it is having adverse affects (including death) in a small portion of the population.
That said, the real (and potentially deadly) issue is that we have Zero clue what the long term side effects really are…nobody does, and this is why the FDA requires the long testing process and human clinical trials to be actually FDA approved.
No government should have the power to force people to take a drug that’s not been thoroughly tested and may have (or in this case has) killed people, which is why they haven’t (forced people). Besides the fact that it’s illegal, its unethical and immoral.
Maybe you should practice what you preach…go spew your rhetoric somewhere else too. 🤷♂️
Looking at all the new cases on the islands, it appears the majority are coming from the Community and those traveling to Vegas vs. being brought in by tourists… 😮
Precisely.
you have some proof of this? I am guessing not
I’m still waiting for the government to follow the latest science (note the Cleveland Clinic’s report on COVID) and allow those that have had COVID and recovered, thus having at least as much and possibly more immunity as those who have had the vaccine, to not be tested. A validated serology test proving antibodies should be accepted at least as much as the vaccine cards for vaccinated people. My wife and I both had mild cases of COVID, but testing requirements, as well as new mask mandates which Hawaii may impose because of the uptick in cases, will most likely convince us not to go to Kauai in February, which we have been doing annually for 12 years. And BOH, sorry, but that may preclude me buying you cocktails at Keoki’s that I promised you a year or so ago. 🍻
I agree.
Having had COVID does not preclude you from getting it again. Both my daughter and son in law had it twice, four months apart. They live in Idaho. They are now fully vaccinated, as well.
I am curious why getting a pre flight test and wearing a mask would convince you to not go to Kauai, a place you apparently enjoy since you have been here “annually for 12 years”?
Those of us who are residents of these beautiful islands you like visit are happy to do what we need to do to keep our community safe.
It is evident vaccination does not preclude you from “getting it again.” By the way, since you speak for the entire community, how about encouraging them all, every one, to get vaccinated? Be the leader you were born to be.
Since you cited the Cleveland Clinic, you might want to read this.
health.clevelandclinic.org/when-should-you-get-vaccinated-if-youve-had-covid-19/
Eeeek! My anxiety level just rose a bit! And I’m wondering if our late Jan/early Feb Maui/Big Island trip will work out ok. Given all we’ve been through with Covid, I can no longer think things will be ok by that time, because who really knows. I’m very sorry to hear about the increase in Covid cases in Hawaii – and everywhere else. I hope more people get vaccinated, but at this point I already know 6 people personally who are fully vaccinated and just tested positive for Covid – most likely Delta variant. Given that, I think Hawaii would be wise to require testing as well as vaccination proof. As several people have said, this is our new world, and we need to accept it and find ways to make the best of it. As always, huge thanks, BOH, for all of your information and updates. Oh by the way, I have a good friend in Maui now – first time for her and her family – she thinks she’s in heaven so it can’t be that bad, right?! She was born and raised in Alaska so she knows a little about heaven! Thanks again.
Hi Glenna.
Thanks. Glad to hear your friend on Maui is having a great time. We see a lot of visitors and they seem to be as well – just our take.
Aloha.
This is not our new world. Stop repeating mainstream crap.
We’re from Utah, which has five national parks, make state parks, and five canyons in Salt Lake City. All parks charge a daily fee per person and per vehicle. Not withstanding that, some parks are full by 8AM and new arrivals must wait (sometimes for hours) for others to exit. Zions National Park has shuttle buses to ease traffic load on narrow roads. One small Canyon leading into Salt Lake City has a gatehouse at the entrance – with per vehicle fees. Not withstanding that, the canyon reaches capacity nearly every day. It seems reasonable that road to Hana have a gatehouse with fees per person and per vehicle and a car count capacity; when full later arrivals needing to wait in line until other vehicles exit. The line should deter even the most ardent from trying Hana road at busiest hours. Also – waive fees for those with hard proof of reservations at Hana hotels and rentals, and/or checklist of registered guests provided by Hana hotels and rentals.
Hi Fred.
Thanks for your comments and for sharing how that is being handled in other places.
Aloha.
Fred F, we think that is a great idea to limit the traffic. I’d rather pay to be on it and know that it isn’t crowded.
I like the idea, but the permitting for anything more than a card table and folding chair will take a couple of years. At least. A permanent structure? We might get everything lined up for Covid-27.
Just keep on keeping us informed!
We’re vaccinated and scheduled 9/9. If we have to test too, so be it.
Mahalo for all the updates.
Hi Barney.
Thank you for your dozens of comments. Happy travels!
Aloha.
I do not forsee us hitting 70% here period. The folks who wanted to get the shot did, the folks who do not want it won’t get it. We will most likely be stuck at 60-65% for, eell, maybe forever….setting up a weird showdown between the GOV and LTGOV. Should be interesting.
And quite frankly, I am surprised we have not reverted to more strict COVID measures yet.
I agree. The non-vaccinated fall into four groups: (1) those who do not want to get vaccinated, (2) those who cannot because of a pre-existing medical condition, (3) those who are too young presently and (4) those who are more afraid of the vaccine than they are of Covid-19. I have had Covid-19 and am fully vaccinated; however, some people may see very little reason to get vaccinated. They may be afraid they will have an adverse reaction or they could get Covid-19 anyway after vaccination, so what’s the point? Damned if you do, damned if you don’t. Anyway, I doubt many states will reach 70%.
Aloha BOH Bro’s
Covid-19 which will soon be determined to be an engineered virus released into the public from the Wuhan lab in China is mutating at an ever increasing rate, so yes anytime restrictions are relaxed we will see an uptick in cases.
I currently have an un-vaccinated daughter who tested positive last Friday in Cancun Mexico. She re-tested on Sunday still positive probably will not get to return until Tuesday July 27th.
It’s always great to hear “You were right Dad” by the way she isn’t having symptoms.
We do a lot of business with our local nurses and doctors. I had 2 nurses and a doctor drop off their vehicles today for servicing. All said they’re seeing a spike in Delta cases and folks that have been vaccinated are having symptoms.
Over the past several weeks we’ve seen little mask use in our business by consumers. Today the first four customers came in wearing masks.
My guess is soon CDC will do an about face and recommend covid vaccine booster shots. Going forward new updated vaccine booster shots will continue to be needed as the virus mutates.
It will be interesting to see if covid cases continue to rise. If, so than yes will will see travel restrictions back in place.
Hi Richard.
Thanks for your comments. We hope your daughter will be recovered and can return to the US soon!
Aloha.
The media and politicians/experts are all saying breakthrough cases are rare… and then 6 vaccinated Yankees get it, and 5 TX Dem. politicians ( I’m sure all were vaccinated)
Politicians say one thing (unvaccinated are causing cases, let’s shame them all) and then the data and stories say another..
It’s all a joke now… thinking you could get a viral infection to zero.. Has that ever worked for the flu or common cold?
Aloha Beat of Hawaii,
It sure would be nice if you labeled you super nice photos as to where they are located as to which specific island and spot where taken. Some places I can recognize but most I can’t. If you have to credit the photographer that is fine also.
Mahalo from Arizona
Hi John.
A lot of times we simply forget. The photo here is at Ko Olina Resort on Oahu.
Aloha.
I am concerned. I am more than willing to comply with restrictions and I want to be safe and keep others safe. However, the closer we get to our early August trip to the Big Island, the more difficult it will be to jump through hoops to get our family of 5 tested if that is added back as a requirement for fully vaccinated travelers. I like to have a plan, and reading that requirements could change definitely adds a level of stress to our upcoming trip. (This trip was postponed from last summer, due to COVID.)
We’re in the same boat. 3 out of 5 of us are vaccinated and have a trip there in mid august for family that was rescheduled 3x. I kept all of our covid test appts incase, but I told my husband he didn’t have to take that day off. It will be hard to get him to take a test if they revert back on vaccines. Honestly I don’t think reverting on vaccine allowability is the answer. They should have never fully reopened without capacity limits. Limit the accomodations, limit capacity of excursions, limits the planes, limits the visitors, limits the crowds, limits close contacts. Unfortunatley states have not done this and people are surpised rising numbers
No it’s not surprising. Duh. People test positive but over 98% survival rate.
Don’t cry Wolf when the wolf doesn’t come more than 2% off the time.
are you a mathematician? If so take 6 billion and divide by 2% its not a small number. Hope you dont get it and suffer like a number of my friends have with long covid
Amen, the Test has inherently produced ‘False Positives’, the. cure Rate, those that have gotten immunity and the reality that deaths have been older then the Aging Tables, so most deaths are coming to those, who in fact have exceeded the Longevity Tables!
They opened the state to early, Hawaii was not ready nor did they want all these people! I would rather be home, in our own state, than dealing with all of this!!! Frankly we are downright “Hungry” in Paradise, we can’t get into any restaurants with a diabetic in our group and this is causing major problems and grief! Don’t come to Hawaii for a couple of years, they are not ready or prepared for this many people! And frankly the people have been very unkind. I only wish someone told us all of this. Vacation ruined! :-(((
Thank you BOH for your frequent updates. I always check your site to plan for our travels. These ever changing rules always worry me as we get closer to our travel date. I can only hope that things will calm down by the time we leave for Kauai & Maui. Mahalo
Hi Inah.
Thanks for all of your comments. Yes, travel is definitely still stressful. We suspect that will be the case for some number of months at least, and it isn’t just traveling to Hawaii.
Aloha.
Aloha,
Yes, I’m very concerned about the changing rules for our upcoming trip (9/2-9/13). The fact that the rules keep changing constantly is a big worry for us. We are hoping since we are vaccinated, we will NOT need to have the added STRESS, EXPENSE AND HASSLE of testing. That is why we have rescheduled our trip 3 times already. We do not want to go on vacation stressed and worried about testing. We are going on vacation to relax and enjoy the beautiful islands and spread some aloha spirit. We have been to Hawaii about 15 times. We love it and treasure it.
Mahalo
Hi Janet.
Thanks for your comment. It seems that worries like these will be part of travel for a while still. We’ll stay on top of it and let you know as soon as we learn more.
Aloha.
Mahalo BOH. We have always said we’ll wait and see what the status is for our late August Maui vacation. Just hope they don’t implement new testing or something else the day before our flight!
Hi Susan.
Yes, we sure get that. Honestly, we believe (maybe naively), that should anything change, there will be more notice than that. Thinking good thoughts for your August trip to Maui.
Aloha.
“According to the governor, the good news is that thus far, there has not been a noticeable increase in hospitalizations or deaths.”
All government restrictions were to protect healthcare services from becoming overwhelmed. They never were and are not threatened now. Lockdowns have destroyed lives and livelihoods. It’s time for all restrictions to end. Everyone at risk has access to the vaccine.
Mahalo
Thanks for the update. We are watching this. If restrictions return – we will not.
Thank you for updating the covid issues. We are not going until November, however, we are concerned about changing requirements. Also, we just visited Belize and, since we were vaccinated, we did not need testing. However, we did need to test to return to the U.S.
Aloha, Yes we have been Fully Vaccinated for MONTHS. We are doing our part to ease the Spread of this Highly infectious Disease.
Thank you as always BOH for keeping us posted on the latest Covid-19 info. We are traveling to Kauai(1st time)early Sept & even though we are fully vaccinated, I had made appts for the 72hr test. We were considering cancelling the appts this week after all the changes, but now I know it’s wisest to keep them just in case. This is our 3rd trip to Hawaii this yr & we are always happy to comply with Covid-19 restrictions to keep ourselves & others safe. Everyone is always so gracious when we visit, we can’t wait to return. Mahalo!
Hi Suzanna.
Thanks for all your comments! We’re happy to hear you are returning again for the 3rd time this year and that your experiences are positive.
Aloha.
Hello thank you for the Beat of Hawaii
I read it all the time
Can you please help me understand the covid guidelines
I have a trip planned and paid for to Kona
I’m a bit confused as to what is required for visitors
Thank you
Hi Zel.
Please start with this: https://beatofhawaii.com/ultimate-guide-to-hawaii-travel-during-covid/.
Then let us know if anything needs further clarification.
Aloha.
The unvaccinated should not be permitted to go the islands.
Why would vaccinated ones suffer thru testing when those anti-vax are making numbers go up!
Since the sticking point is unvaccinated RESIDENTS, not unvaccinated visitors, should unvaccinated residents be thrown off the islands? This is several hundred thousand people we are talking about. Where will they be sent? Maybe repurpose Molokai as “Deplorable Island” and relocate (by force) the unvaccinated to live there in the squalor they so richly deserve.
And, at least for the time being, the superior-in-all-ways vaccinated people (not all heroes wear capes!) finally do not have to suffer thru testing; only unvaccinated must continue with said suffering, and deservedly so, eh?!
As to the last question posed, and ‘”planning’ a trip to Hawaii”, given we are now onto the 4th Reservation from the Original of 2/20, which initially was re-scheduled for 9/20 (Hotels not re-opened), 5/21 (before Mask Madate dropped, threw-in the towel, realizing from Departure Airport to Arrival in Hotel Room, 10+ Hours of Masks, would by itself, not be healthy, then the realization that Facilities at the Resort itself were still not up and running, had U.S. push back to 1/22, now, given Hawaii’s position on Tourism, having already paid an additional Add-Collect on Hawaiian Air, having been to Hawaii over 80 times since 1986, maybe, just let great memories be the Rule, instead of dissapointments on issues we cannot control and diminished Value!
Thanks for your continued reporting of this crisis. I feel for the residents who just want their lives back. This is one pesky virus.
We were fortunate to visit in late June and early July, under the previous Safe Travels guidelines. The extraordinary number of tourists was jarring. I hope those vaccination numbers keep improving so Hawaii (and all of us) can beat this thing.
We’re going to Kauai in late August and will go no matter what (as long as they don’t shut the island down again). We went to the Big Island in April and did the whole COVID test / safetravelers thing, no problem. If we have to get tested again, even though we’re fully vaccinated, we’ll do it.
Yes I am concerned about changing regulations. But this is the fact of modern life. If you can’t deal with it you can always stay home. I want to travel to HI, and will do (almost) anything to make that happen. You may choose otherwise. Good either way. Aloha!!