It is now getting so close to October 15 that we can feel it viscerally. Reopening is good news for many here in Hawaii and on the mainland. People in Hawaii are excited to return to making a living, and visitors are excited too and many want to be among the first to visit Hawaii again. Hawaii’s economic survival and its reputation are at stake among other things. So the question remains, after so many problems the state had arriving at plans and communicating them, will Hawaii be ready? Can visitors be made to feel safe making travel plans? What about residents? Will the travel industry feel confident in reopening and putting plans and staffing in place?
Communication is still sorely missing. We have not heard from the governor in almost two weeks when he announced reopening on October 15, with very few details.
Last week was the first time since the beginning of the crisis that he didn’t hold a press event at all.
The Hawaii House speaker Scott Saiki noted that this is the most critical time for communications. “It is really important that the governor maintain communication with the public…” The governor has indicated that there will be multiple announcements forthcoming this week.
There are set to be multiple press events with state officials this week, at which we expect to learn much more. We expect at least two updates from the state later this week, and we will let you know as soon as we that happens. Lieutenant Governor and physician Josh Green, the head of Hawaii’s travel testing program, will also address questions on reopening.
Questions we’re seeking answers to include the following.
1. $139 CVS tests for Hawaii travelers ages 12 and over.
CVS said, “We are proud to be able to support the state of Hawaii as they reopen for recreational travel in October… Once the program begins, people requiring a COVID-19 test to enable them to travel to Hawaii will need to register online to schedule an appointment at a COVID-19 test site at select CVS Pharmacy drive-thru locations. Tests will cost $139 per test and we currently expect the majority of test results to be available within two to three days.”
The Hawaii testing details are not available when checking the CVS website today, although the company said that this will be ready in time for October 15 deployment. CVS said that “It will be live in time to allow travelers to schedule a test in advance of their planned travel to the islands and within the time frame required by the state.”
2. Will visitors be able to travel through Honolulu and Maui or simply fly interisland without quarantine?
We are still awaiting word on interisland travel and a testing option to remove the mandatory quarantine. That plan needs to be in place by October 15. For the month of October, and perhaps longer depending on demand, most Hawaii flights will continue to be through Honolulu primarily, and Maui secondarily.
Mayors to decide on interisland quarantine removal? There is apparently no statewide decision on the horizon about interisland travel without quarantine, either in conjunction with mainland travel or not. Lieutenant Governor Green said, “We’ll let the mayors decide….” Hopefully, there will be a cohesive and easy to understand plan.
We need to have uniformity when traveling between all of the islands. Green recently said he has not yet seen any plan for testing for interisland travel in order to obtain a waiver from quarantine.
3. What is the minimum age requiring testing?
Lt. Gov. Green announced that children under age 5 will not require testing or quarantine. Previously the state indicated that all persons entering the state would require testing to avoid quarantine.
4. Which tests have been approved and which are pending.
So far, and subject to change this week, “A negative COVID-19 test result must be provided upon arrival. Hawaii requires travelers take an FDA-authorized nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) from a CLIA licensed or certified lab within 72 hours of departure.” The tests via United Airlines at SFO and Hawaiian Airlines at LAX and SFO have been approved by the state. We await word on the availability of those too in relation to October 15.
Rapid testing may or may not be included initially as an alternative to the NAAT PCR test taken within 72 hours of your Hawaii arrival time. These are cheaper, more readily available, and have about the same degree of accuracy. Those have been approved for emergency use during COVID, but have not had formal FDA approval.
5. Testing within 72 hours from final leg of mainland departure – confirmed.
We had officials contradict each other with regard to whether the 72 hours are from departure or prior to arrival. Now that appears to be clarified. The latest statement is that “Travelers who, upon entry into the state, provide written confirmation from a state-approved COVID-19 testing facility of a negative test result from a test administered to the traveler within 72 hours from the final leg of departure, will be exempt from the mandatory quarantine. Furthermore, “If you have a multi-city itinerary, it’s the departure time at the last city before arriving at a Hawaii airport.”
6. One test or two tests?
This aspect continues to be discussed. The lieutenant governor said regarding the one pre-travel test plan, “I don’t want people to be afraid. If it becomes dangerous in any way, we’ll reassess.” Does that instill confidence in you? It did not us.
On the other hand, former Kauai mayor JoAnn Yukimura said of the single test plan, “The way they’re reopening is not safe and it kind of gives me nightmares sometimes.”
Previously the Lt. Gov. indicated he wants two alternative test tracks. The first is a single 72 hour PCR test. The second is a set of two antigen tests, taken both (72 hours) pre and (72 hours) post-travel. That was prior to his latest and apparently contradictory statement, which was that Hawaii doesn’t have adequate testing capability to perform the post-arrival tests.
7. Testing availability, timeliness, partnerships, locations, and more. We are continuing to await any news on the other testing partnerships including Walgreens, Kaiser, and others that Hawaii plans to have in place. What are the details, how soon will these be available, at what cost and where?
8. What if I get the wrong type of test? Many comments have expressed concern about getting the wrong test. And then what? It is travelers’ responsibility to confirm they have taken the correct test. What happens if you take a non-approved test? With no plan for testing on arrival in Hawaii, the result could be returning to the mainland or entering a 14-day quarantine. Is this possible?
Please let us know your ongoing questions, thoughts, and concerns. Mahalo!
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do you know if we need to pay the $139 COVID test from CVS to meet the requirement…or is the cost-free COVID test from CVS acceptable as well? I’ve been told that they are the same PCR test so I would assume so…but want to be sure that I’m not impacted because I didn’t pay for the test. Thank you!
Hi Mario.
Perhaps someone who has had the free test can comment or you can contact the state’s help desk. We would not like to provide incorrect information.
Aloha.
Hi Mario did you ever find out the answer to this? I’m wondering too and am supposed to leave for Hawaii in 2 days
yes, the free test (as long as it was the PCR) was accepted. Have a great time!
Just two comments re: COVID testing at CVS Minute Clinic Los Angeles (Inglewood location): #1. Signing up for test was easy. Instructions to remain in car with windows up, mask on and NOT to enter the store…need adjustment. After sitting for over an hour in my car as instructed, I decided to go to the Drive-Through Window. Found out that this is what you are supposed to do. So, CVS needs to indicate that if there is a drive-through window, just drive directly to the window at your appointment time. #2. Results were very timely, received in about 36 hours. However, the time stamp shows “ET” and not Pacific time (PST) as appropriate. This would have thrown me outside of the 72 hr window and would have had to quarantine, if anyone at the HNL Airport paid attention. Fortunately I had to change my flight, and I will question CVS about the time zone on their computers for my upcoming test.
hi Jennifer!
Did you pay for the $139 test at CVS or get the no-fee COVID test (where they just bill your insurance)?
Cvs lied. They said we would get results within 2 to 3 days, it’s been 4 days, still no results. We had to fill out forms online and get a code, which wasn’t simple. Took the test on the 13th, traveled to Kauai on the 16th expecting to have our results. We were sent straight to quarantine until we get the results. I took the test within the 72 hours time frame they want. I did everything I was supposed to do and incompetent cvs can’t get it right. I can’t call the cvs clinic, all I get is a recording. This is more than being inconvenient, we can’t leave our room for any reason, not even to get food. We have to depend on a very expensive delivery service. Yesterday we couldn’t get ahold of them in time before closing and we had nothing to eat all day. We are not on vacation, we are here to work and we can’t. Is this all really necessary anyway? A word of advice, get the test done with same day results and don’t go to cvs. Hawaiian Airlines is supposed to have same day testing, but it wasn’t set up in time.
If I am quarantined when I arrive in Maui for what ever rule or reason. How do I get from airport to my hotel if I cànt rent a car
thanks for the post. very informative. i am looking for a little clarification on the testing timeline. if i am leaving dallas at 11am, arriving maui at 2pm maui time, and then transferring to lanai on a 4pm flight….my assumption is that the 72 hour window for test is based on when i leave dallas since that is the last city prior to arriving in hawaii. do i have that correct?
Hi John.
Thanks. Yes, that is correct.
Aloha.
Hello my name is Rod from San Diego California. I’m suppose to visit Hawaii in Nov. but I’m finding it very difficult to get the Naat test. My doctor won’t administer me a Covid test unless I have symptoms of Covid. The state of CA don’t give NAAt test. There are laboritories but they require a doctors order.What am I to do?
I am concerned that the residents of Hawaii are being forgotten. Many of us living on an outer island need to commute once a month between Oahu for work and personal reasons. We need a way to safely solve this problem for residents. Since the Governor is worried about using up all the test kits for tourists wanting to visit other Islands, maybe they should first allow local residents with a local ID to have the opportunity to test on Oahu before travel to Kauai, Big Island or Maui. There are plenty of tests to serve our State population currently. This will allow a safe transition for residents who do need to travel interisland and will pave a way back to normalcy so the travel needs of our Island residents can be addressed instead of being put on the back burner while the needs of tourists seem to be given priority.
We have been scheduled to fly onOctober 14th for 9 months. When Hawaii announced October 15th, we were able to change to the 15th for our flight on United from LAX non stop to Maui. Does anyone know if CVS or Walgreens will be able to test starting on Oct 12th or 13th for that 15th arrival??? Thanks
Hi Dennis.
From what the Lt. Gov said today it would appear to be the case. Awaiting more news.
Aloha.
I am Canadian and home owner on Maui is there plans for a pre travel covid test for us to avoid the 14 day Quarantine?
Hi, I am Canadian, too and spent the last 2 weeks talking to Dep. of Transportation and Health. As of today, they will not accept a Test from Canada, even though our tests , NAAT, are the same as the ones authorized by the FDA and “probably handled by a CLIA certified lab. To my surprise they said no. And this is the case for any international visitors. Maybe they change their mind later, but being not able to handle the present mess, I doubt it. Best is to fly with United to SFO, do the Test there, and continue to whichever Island you want to go.
Aloha and Mahalo for all your communications. Like many others we have been following the info and updates for many months now. Like many, we are weighing all travel considerations both for the safety of the Hawaiian community as well as ours. As a couple, both of us have Alaska Airlines companion fare accounts as well as their credit card. We have traveled to Kona the past 6 years via San Jose, CA (SJC), direct. Currently, there are no direct flights til November 1 and have heard that Alaska may change and route travel via a different city. Even if we purchase direct flights for November, there is a concern that the flights may not be re-routed. If this occurs, and we chose not to accept that option, we would have financial losses to lodging which may be impacted. What do you hear regarding Alaska Airlines travel?
Hi Maggie.
We will have an update coming within minutes on Alaska Air’s plans.
Aloha.
Aloha, can you please reference where you found the 5yrs and under do not need to be tested? I work in hospitality and have been trying to find the answer to this question for my employer for quite some time. I would love to be able to show them where it’s been referenced. Thank you!
Hi Carrie.
That was a statement made by Josh Green.
Aloha.
What about people that have tested positive and recovered? It states on the CDC website that those folks could test positive for three months, elsewhere online says maybe longer. It is discriminatory to force a person with supposed immunity (up to two years) to quarantine.
One other point. These tests are set up to detect viral rna, dead or alive, not as the Governor stated that they test for an active infection…
I’m wondering this too. Both my husband and I have recovered from the virus and have tested positive for the antibodies. I think we might be the safest people to be around! Seriously, I wish I could get a straight answer on this. I miss Hawaii!
Is a PCR test could to go to get in Hawaii without quarantine. FDA approved?
Aloha Guys
What do you think about this comment from the Mayor Kawakami of Kauai
Kawakami said Kaua‘i aims to market itself towards a demographic of wealthy visitors. “We don’t want to be a budget destination,” Kawakami said. “We want to offer that premium experience to people who can co-exist with our way of life.”
Kind of doesn’t fit your BOH budget traveler profile.
Hi Richard.
Derek is certainly entitled to his opinion. That just isn’t how the island is set up. For example, arguably the bulk of the accommodations are at the other end of the market.
Aloha.
Re: covid test required for no quarantine travel. I am bringing my family to Oahu mid December 2020. Don’t know what to do about children 5,7 yrs old? CVS states 12 and over?
All persons over 5 required?
Thanks
Hi Kathryn.
There will be a way. More announcements are pending.
Aloha.
Aloha!! After canceling our Maui trip in August…and rebooking Kauai for Nov 7th-21st, we are flying from the Midwest
Usually Chicago to Dallas to Kauai
The CVS here have NO CLUE what a NAAT test is …even after telling them Hawaii apparently has a partnership with them…
Question is…when we land in Dallas since we usually have 2 hour layover can we get a test IN airport? Or will CVS in Midwest (Michigan) be getting the correct tests?
We will NOT be doing the electric monitor braclet that is nutz
Any help appreciated
Hi Lisa.
Within the next week or so we have to expect much-needed clarification including how the CVS partnership is working. CVS said earlier this week that it doesn’t have that info up yet but will soon.
Aloha.
Aloha,
We are scheduled for a trip to the Big Island over Thanksgiving. While I am optimistic that they can get things worked out by then, as it gets nearer, I am beginning to wonder about what we will and won’t be able to do if we do get there. Do you have any sense of what the availability of excursions and touristy stuff will look like? What are the current rules for dining in restaurants? Are there any restrictions at beaches or other parks? I’d appreciate any insight you have on those topics. Mahalo
Hi Dan.
We too hope to have more clarity on that soon. Parks and beaches will be open. Big Island dining in restaurants will be possible with capacity limitations. Once we get to October 15, and things actually start to resume, we’ll start to get a much clearer but still changing picture. It just isn’t going to be possible to know much before then.
Thanks. Will keep an eye on it. I did go online to reserve a rental car and those prices certainly haven’t changed. 🙂
Aloha- FYI- I heard on the coconut wireless yesterday that our mayor (kawakami) is trying to pass the following for us here on Kauai: 72 hour Pre travel test PLUS 4 or 5 day quarantine upon arrival with a second negative test after quarantine. The proposal is on the governors desk but he has not signed it yet. We will see how this pans out….
That would essentially kill the purpose of a Kauai trip. Most people that come to visit are able to do so for 7 days. If you have to hole up for 4-5 of them, you won’t be getting your local economy going anytime soon.
This was just confirmed in The Garden Island paper today. Now the effort to setup resort bubbles and the comment about Kauai being for “high end” visitors is making more sense.
I hope there will be more details about this soon, in particular if people are required to do the pre second test quarantine at a resort bubble or if they can do it at their own or a friend’s home. And will there be enough tests for all of the people who visit ? Will they need to figure that out on their own just like the pre travel test ?
Looks like Kauai mayor wants to have his own fiefdom. This will guarantee that Kauai will not be on most visitor’s list. He wants big spenders to come but wants them to sacrifice their freedom to satisfy his unrealistic demands. These are precisely the individuals whose time and freedom is valuable to them, so the mayor will have to wait for a long time. Among the total of 59 Covid cases in Kauai visitors account for 9( This probably includes Hawaiians visiting from other Hawaiian Islands)
I am wondering what is the authority of mayors to take actions of this kind.
Hi erdogan- with all due respect, as a health care provider on kauai- I know that we only have a hand full of ICU beds on the entire island. Where, do you suppose, you will go if you get sick or injured on your trip, and all the beds are full? Where will the locals go? If the urgent cares and ERs are overwhelmed, where will visitors go for treatment? Cue the third world country medicine….. Anyway, Kawakami is not only trying to protect us locals, but the visitors, too. Aloha!
1. The current ruling does not specify that a traveler who chooses not to get a COVID test and therefore would be quarantined (presumably on his/her substantial island haven) would not be allowed on the plane. The consequences apply to their arrival, not to the exposure of others flying.
2. Testing 72 hours before does not guarantee that the flier is COVID free. S/he might take the test and go to a wedding that night. I have regular outpatient surgery that requires me to quarantine between taking the test and having the surgery. This is not enforceable for those flying.
3. I take my COVID tests at Stanford Hospital or Sequoia Hospital. I don’t want to risk exposing myself by going to a CVS.
Kindly respond.
Hi Jill.
You can fly with or without a test as that is solely within the purview of the federal government. Where you take a test isn’t an issue, so long as it complies with whatever Hawaii finally decides will be acceptable.
Aloha.
Just so those who live in WA state, Kaiser said NO! They will not be a partner with Hawaii in Covid testing. I talked to 2 different persons, both said NO. I asked if I could pay for one – again NO if for travel. I called Hawaiian Airlines about the test at the airpot and got a lot of if ands and buts if they will have at SeaTec in Seattle.
I was just in Seattle 3 weeks ago. You can do the “free” drive thru testing in SODO. I did before returning home to Kaua’i. Not that is was required at the time, but for piece of mind. Ask for the #1 best swabber, or #2 best swabber Greg 😂 You get your results in 72 hours!
Was at a local CVS this morning talk with the pharmacist and was told test results were taking 3 to 5 days.
Returning to my home in Kailua Kona, next month.From California.
Question why should I have to pay $139 for a test ?
Let’s see. CVS says they can get test results within 2-3 days, and Hawaii requires tests within 3 days of departure. So, I get a test on a Monday for a Thursday departure, and CVS gets me my test result Thursday, the day I leave. But maybe the result comes after my departure time. It’s still within the three days, so everyone is in compliance, but I miss my flight. And if I get a positive result on Wednesday evening, maybe lass than 12 hours before my flight, do I get my money back from the airline? Most likely not, since it’s less than 24 hours. And what about the hotels and resorts? Are they going to give you your deposits back if you cancel less than 24 hours in advance? Testing at “select” CVS facilities doesn’t give people warm fuzzies that their local CVS’s will conduct the test, if they even have a local CVS. In my opinion, this testing protocol is not the answer. Still too many unknowns. It’s too chancy. Hopefully this will all work out, maybe six months to a year down the line, but I envision nightmares and very angry travelers until then. Please keep at it, Rob and Jeff. You’re doing great.
Hi Rob.
Thanks so much for the encouragement! Yes, we concur with your concerns and those of many other commentators.
Aloha.
Have reservations coming in early Novemberfrom Seattle
15 family members including children
Currently no CVS testing in Washington state
What about kids ages 5 to 12