Maui is the next site in HI set to have a surge, according to Maui Mayor Victorino.
Quote: “If you’re vaccinated, you still have to wear a mask,” he said. “Masking in combination with vaccines, reducing gathering sizes, all work together to reduce further transmission.”
Maui Mayor Michael Victorino on Tuesday urged residents to get vaccinated, particularly with the Food and Drug Administration’s full approval of the Pfizer vaccine for individuals ages 16 and older.
He also urged residents and visitors alike to voluntarily curb non-essential activities and gatherings for the next 21 days. He asked visitors to remain at their hotel properties, and to not circulate or gather outside of their resort bubbles — in particular, not to go to Hana. He also asked employers to consider reinstating work-at-home policies.
“This is not rocket science, everyone,” said Victorino. “It’s real simple. We’ve got to step it up again.”
Unfortunately, with the governer’s plea, quite a number of visitors cannot cancel their vacation to Hawaii as there is no refund like from airbnb rentals at this late date. This is the case for my daughter’s trip coming up in two weeks.
I have reservations to come the first of Nov and for the 3rd time, it looks like I will delay it. Do I want to? No. I am fully vaccinated, continue to wear masks in stores. I may be one of the minority but I am doing my part. It is the insecurity and all this back and forth; open? closed?, go? don’t go?. I am not put off by being told by the governor not to come. Living in a highly popular tourist area, I totally understand that the Hawaii residents duslike/resent the tourists coming. I hate the influx of tourists where I live as well. And I am not alone in that sentiment. But that doesn’t change anything. Our metchants and business owners and community are the ones happy to see the tourists pouring in. I was hoping to get to Hawaii one more time before my travelling days are over. Hopefully by next year, more people will be on board to do their part. Everyone has the choice to make. Unvaccinated feel their freedom is being taken away by mandating the vaccine. Yet my freedom to travel where and when I want is also being impacted. So we all can “I’m right” and we all lose…
Thanks BOH for being a sounding board for all.
Dear Maur, originally I wanted to go to Hawaii in 2020 but the virus hit. Then I postponed for April 2022, but now I’ve made the decision to postpone again until 2023. I just don’t feel comfortable traveling anywhere where the cases are high. It has been my lifelong dream to go to Hawaii for my vacation, so what is alittle more time?! This is the best decision I can make for myself to be safe & others as well. 🐢🐠🌺🍍🥥🌏🏖🏝🛩☀️🌈🌊🕶👙🛍🩴👒📅 Stay safe & be blessed 😇 Psalms 91:11😍
Aloha Maur, my Grandfather was in the Navy & in Pearl Harbor. I’ve always wanted to go to Pearl Harbor to pay my respects since I have a deep connection to history!! 🇺🇸
The citizens of Hawaii need to remove Mr. Ige from office in order to safe there state from bankruptcy. The federal government is not going give money to Hawaii for bad decisions being made by the government. Why is Ige not mandating that all state employees must be vaccinated in order to continue working for the state. The spread of this virus is an internal issue it is not from visitors.
Bob: the Governor has put a vaccination or test regularly requirement into place as well as the county mayors. I don’t think anyone is disputing we have unvaccinated individuals in Hawai’i and the situation needs to be addressed, we are addressing it. Let’s get back on topic about whether it’s ‘safe’ to travel to Hawai’i, and this resident says yes as long as everyone understands there may be additional requirements in place that limit/restrict activities.
Attributed to Hawaiian health officials on this very website:
“Since vaccination became accepted in place of testing in June, Hawaii travel has soared. Unfortunately, so has the cases of Covid. The state believes that those are largely unrelated to visitors and are likely from community spread associated with residents. Hawaii’s health department maintains that less than 2% of cases are related to visitors.”
Further, if the Center for Disease Control (CDC) accepts full vaccination as an acceptable measure to allow for both intra- and interstate commercial travel, why is Hawaii requiring additional burdensome, off-putting, pre-clearance testing for visitors? And even with this testing, the state further discourages travel to the Islands. With great apologies to the film “Field of Dreams”; If you welcome them, they will come. If you reject them, they will go.
I suggest this appears to be another “Do something; Anything!” panicked political exercise. This is unfortunate as there exist in Hawaii, as with each state, a very unique, delicate, and dynamic balance point between acceptable COVID related risk and the maintenance of quite fragile economies.
I think you may agree that Hawaii’s economy may not long properly maintain itself absent an influx of revenue from visitors. Accordingly, visitor stagnation would seem a poor option, yet it appears to be the preferred choice. I share your concern that Hawaii’s presently fragile and weakened travel and tourism based economy will crater and we will, of course, hear the same political voices that caused this collapse screech for Federal dollars. Most importantly, I suggest that Hawaii, as opposed to the mainland where adjacent states can and do attenuate local economic problems, will bear the consequences essentially unassisted by neighboring activities.
I last visited Honolulu in 2015, and after many personal setbacks, I finally booked a trip in Dec 2020 for this Dec. My daughter and I still plan on going. We are both fully vaccinated and I have booked and paid for my flight & hotel (Luana in Waikiki). I am still hoping for a wonderful, relaxing time and to be able to spend time with my ohana in Ewa.
Airlines are “allowing” passengers to board flights to the islands. Not all get prescreened and get the band to board. Those that don’t (and there are a lot) get screened on arrival in hawaii. What if they have COVID?? No one will know and then they are home and I don’t they are being enforced in a quarantine. No one should be permitted to board a plane without a prescreen band. If they can’t prove the vaccine or a mega COVID test then don’t allow them to travel. It’s ridiculous. What if they have a positive test result and choose not to get screened BC they are going home??? Most THAT refuse the screening are residents of hawaii. Not tourists. Tourists are very compliant And don’t want to risk Jeopardizing their vacations . Go after the ones that are ruining it for others. It is NOT the typical vacationers. My last flight to Honolulu there were at least 25 passengers with no preclear wrist band. Not one should have been allowed on board. Even the flight crew has to be pre-cleared
You are right. Apparently, the Hawaii Government is unwilling to take the steps that would be truly effective because they are favoring political calculations – the residents vote and the tourists don’t. This is not good leadership!
Really? Would you say the same thing about the Polio and Smallpox vaccines too? Neurotoxins? Far from safe? Pfizer was just approved for use to everyone. There has been a large enough study group at this point with hundreds of millions of people receiving one of the three vaccines and the cases you reference percentage wise is tiny. If you’re as healthy as you claim, why would it harm you? Unless medically unable, everyone should be vaccinated or this thing will continue to spiral out of control as the virus mutates. If you’re not willing to part of the solution, then you’re just part of the larger problem. Sorry, but just stay home if you can’t comply and help society vanquish this enemy. Thanks..
How sad people will so easily give up their freedom. Getting the vaccine is a personal choice. Please don’t quote meaningless statistics to me. The side effects can be quite severe. My husband and I are healthy and very active. We both had covid early 2020. I’m sure from someone at the ski resort. Very ill but we got over it. My husband’s side effects from the vaccine have lasted longer than the illness did. I will not get it. I won’t risk a vaccine for a virus that I already survived. I know of 2 deaths from the vaccine. No thank you. We love Napili. We visit every year. We will find a new adventure.
With all due respect, you seem to be talking out of fear without any regard for the myriad of scientific facts that are not being discussed on mainstream media that CLEARLY indicate these vaccines are not as safe and effective as we are being told. People are getting seriously ill from these gene therapy shots ( by true defintion, they are NOT vaccines and should not be classified as such. If you care to discuss the immunologic basis for this comment, please lmk). Do you even know what’s in the shot you so willfully stuck your arm out to get? Were you shown and did you read and sign the informed consent form you were supposed to have been shown prior to getting the shot? Most of the people I have spoken to, including family members, have no answers to any of these questions. Why should we just blindly accept what the CDC,FDA et al says about how safe and effective these shots are? Are you aware of the money that is being made with these pharm companies making these shots? Billions with a B. This type of “vaccine” technology has NEVER been used in humans. We are all just part of a big experiment- the vax and the unvax ( as the control). Time will tell just how “safe and effective” they are. ( btw, what do you think happens when the virus invades the body of a vaccinated individual? In order to survive, it mutates. Can you say Delta variant?)
And if you are unvaccinated you are not welcome back in the mainland!! Goes both ways.. have returning residents test prior as testing was before simple. If it’s proven not visitors then stop blaming the visitors. Mufi that does not sit well with many people I know. If many are cancelling then the stats show it. Lt Gov Green has the idea but really get vaccinated !!
So all those who are unemployed those benefits will run out and will the economy needs to stabilize there not go backward
Here’s a message to Mufi… had been visiting Hawaii every year for about the last 20 years up until the last 2 years. But don’t worry Mufi…. based on your “non-welcome” we won’t be coming back! Mahalo!
Judy – that’s great, thank you for sharing your comment! I get it – and I’m genuinely happy when I hear unvaccinated folks say they won’t be going to Hawaii. Thank you for keeping the rest of us safe!
Hi all
You might want to reconsider your stance of the vaccine is a cure all.
voxday.net/2021/08/25/vaccinated-5x-more-likely-to-die/
Good luck Hawaii.
The article has no proof of this claim. “Naming a source” is not proof. The whole study needs to be publish before you can refer this so called news.
In Ventura County CA where I live there has been 0 hospitalized for COVID-19 who have been vaccinated out of the 111 admitted in the last 2 weeks & not one (self reported) patient has being vaccinated.
thats not typical. in the US 20-40% of the cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in the last month are among vaccianted individuals, where data is available
It sure is fake info. Please, BOH ohana, do not allow the posts that are spreading misinformation. Do your part to keep the news and comments free of the pervasive disinformation that is helping to keep this virus attacking people.
I am shocked by what is going on. Is it possible to get truthful statistics, instead of gov officials just making statements?
When the rest of the world is stating that the vaccine programs have not been successful, Hawaii gov officials are targeting the unvaccinated as the cause.
Is it possible for people to request the TRUE death counts from Covid – pre and post-vaccine.? Flus have killed millions worldwide every year. Last year there were few flu deaths because they were all counted as Covid deaths. With the money and control as motivation statistics are changed.
If we can start with TRUE facts, not just politicians giving their opinions, maybe we can find a solution. Want this to end? Do not blindly acquiesce to the decrees of the politicians. Politicians are not experts. They are voted in by us to help the people, not control the people. They work for us. Ask them for answers. Keep asking questions! This is what our constitution states and our country was founded on. Stand in your truth! This is the way to help our ohanas and our keikis. Together we can figure this out. Don’t quit until the truth is known.
Thanks for allowing opinions on your forum. I appreciate your good reporting. Take care!
“Last year there were few flu deaths because they were all counted as Covid deaths” No they weren’t. As you know you can test to see if you’ve contacted COVID-19 and w
hile the CDC is withdrawing its EUA request for the 2019-nCoV RT-PCR test, it is not because the test is faulty.
Get your facts straight before you claim something.
Nancy, I love your comment. Unfortunately the vast majority blindly believe anything our government says. I keep waiting for people to come to their senses, but I’m starting to lose faith. Just know that there ARE people out here who are thinking for themselves. I won’t lose hope if you won’t. Take care.
Exactly! Facts/fear, Truth/lies….Research the Class Action lawsuit recently filed by over 1,200 Oahu, Hawaii firefighters against vaccine mandates- see Fire Chief break down in tears while speaking truth of what is happening on the ground in Hawaii to friends/family in Oahu. Research Oahu, Hawaii whistle blowers speaking truth about what is happening in the “Covid wards”…listening to political types who always have an agenda (Fauci owns part of Moderna vax, as well as Gates) FDA is hugely funded by Big Pharma ( their funding sources are on their own website)…I could go on, but you get the picture…Please use your God-given critically thinking brain to do your due diligence!…for kicks even look at Harvard’s study on the passive vaccine-injury reporting system VAERS and go into VAERS and read the less than 10% of “adverse affects” that have been certified. I personally know no one who had Died from Covid and tens of people who got it and yeah, had a bad flu, yet 100% survived:) I personally know 4 DEAD within hours of Covid vaccine, 4 young men who had heart attacks/surgeries, and now 5 young women who lost their babies within hours – one lady just got her privately paid autopsy completed and the babies brain had exploded in utero! Maybe these injections are “safe & effective” for the high-risk elderly or maybe not?
BOH Ohana, this is an example of a post that is filled with disinformation about vaccinations and more. Please do not allow comments such as this that perpetuate the lies.
Hanneman running for office again! Wow. Does he mean to clean up the rail debacle he created without proper oversight, lacking background checks on company’s coming to Oahu laying rail? Local jobs? Yeah all the ditch diggers not the clean looking out of state guys driving the nice trucks all around. Oh and Hanneman are you staying in office full term or abscond 2 years early, pockets flush? Just asking, locals only look brain dead to you.
Aloha all, unless they close all the beaches, I plan on traveling to Maui next month, I’m fully vaccinated and don’t feel I’m a threat to anyone, I’ve made all my breakfast and dinner reservations last month so no worries there, I have a pocket full of money that I’m ready to spend to enjoy my vacation, I’m respectful to the local population, my mother was born on Oahu, you really want me to cancel?
I read way too much news just looking for answers. I read way too many comments, because I want to know what people are thinking. What surprises me is that I’m not seeing so much about the thing that I’ve worried about for Hawaii since the pandemic started. Medical care! What if you’re in Hawaii and need hospitalization? What if there’s none available because of covid? That’s my main reason for postponing my visit, other than not wanting my disabled (vaccinated) daughter to catch covid on the flight over.
I also will wait until we’ve had a third vaccination, which should be coming soon.
Under the initials KB I posted a response related to medical care while on holiday, I also am a full time resident of Hawai’i. As we are floating out in the middle of the Pacific the cost of living is quite high, we historically have had trouble attracting and retaining medical professionals, simply we have a very fragile healthcare network. With the advent of COVID our systems held up well until the Delta variant came into the picture. While the state’s vaccination rate is in the mid-sixty percentile Delta has swept through our unvaccinated community and overwhelmed our healthcare network. We are operating at peak capacity and “MASH-style” tents are either in place or under construction on all islands. If a family member has a serious/complex medical condition that may require attention I would suggest delaying travel. Some hospitals are postponing non-essential procedures and some hospitals are either at or over capacity in ICU and ER. While we have fresh front line workers arriving to supplement existing staff, we have not hit the peak and (daily) briefed of conditions and subsequent need for all to take extra precautions, stay home if possible, and avoid crowds. Again, while no one plans fir medical emergencies while on holiday, be aware of the situation, know you are at least a 5-1/2hr flight from the mainland and may encounter long delays if complex care is necessary. And, regardless of the rants regarding natural immunity and lack of need for vaccination, our verified count of hospitalized COVID patients who are NOT vaccinated is currently 90%, and holding firm with an uptick of patients in the hospital not seen since the beginning of the pandemic. You may also check your healthcare insurance coverage in Hawai’i. We are not part of the mainland and some policies only cover emergency care when not in mainland US or airlifting of patients which is rather commonplace in Hawai’i.
I absolutely can concur that there are a lot of cancellations for the fall as I’ve dealt with them first hand yesterday. I am pretty surprised that anyone is paying attention to the governor. My guess is that the more responsible and careful people will be the ones cancelling so it will probably not make much of a difference. There should be a supervised quarantine for anyone not vaccinated.
Thank you for this article, I am speaking for myself and my family who two weeks ago returned from a fabulous stay On Kauai. Prior to our stay we were of course filled with excitement and anticipation. We were not willing to risk the possibility of having to postpone our trip yet again (the first three times do to Covid restrictions) Because of this despite all four adults being vaccinated, we all sort of “laid low” and avoided contact with others as much as possible in the week prior to departure. We also tested twice a week even though it was no longer required for our adults as we are vaccinated. Our kids were all tested twice prior to the trip with antigen test and then also with the required PCR. We see the value in traveling to your beautiful island and do not take it for granted. I would say this is pretty consistent with all of our friends who have also traveled to Hawaii this summer according to the many I have spoken to. While on Kauai all of the locals at various businesses I spoke with expressed relief that their businesses were open and thriving once again. I live in an area of Northern California that is very dependent on tourism so I understand the balancing act that comes from that but ultimately the biggest issue is reluctance to get the vaccine which brings us around to mistrust in our government (local and federal). I’m not sure how to fix that.
Mufi Hanneman seems to be interpreting Ige’s directive in a manner that finesses it, i.e. if vaccinated, come on down. From everything I have read and heard, that is NOT the way Ige intended it to be interpreted. However, Mufi is playing to multiple audiences given his current job AND future hopeful job. Meanwhile, the air carriers have raised their fingers in aloha (not) by pushing cheap fall fares. Most local residents would love the tourists NOT to come whether vaxxed or not simply because our health systems are already WAY overburdened. As far as the question of it all being local community transmission, there is more than a little evidence suggesting this is all “shibai” (you can guess what that means in English with 2 letters, both in the Japanese word). The way the Covid data is collected and accumulated there is ample opportunity for it to be massaged and the Unknown category seems to be statistically out of proportion. It is not hard to believe that many asymptomatic visitors or those with viral loads too early to catch have slipped through the ST program and spread the Delta variant locally. They are too material a component in daily arrivals of 30K or so to not have had an impact. A doctor I spoke to said that there are definitely cases of visitors under ICU care and more that have come into the hospitals and clinic sick. And, the idea that they are all isolated in Waikiki is completely false. I see them daily in my town, in Costco, in Haleiwa, at the beach, on the road. (95% without masks and clearly white visitors as evidenced by clothes, accents, sunburns, rental cars, etc). I have a few staying right in my development in units that are supposed to be for residents not transients. I spoke to one a few days ago and she told me “they were renting for 3-4 weeks and visiting from California. Nice people but that is not the issue. Locals in many cases increasingly dont trust the tourism industry and the politicians to be be for them and telling the truth.
I have to say as a recently returning visitor to Kauai and a person who also resides in a high tourist area of northern Ca, I do find it incredibly disrespectful when people visit an area and do not abide by it’s rules. In this case the mask mandate, no trespassing etc.. When in Kauai I really did not see much of that. I know every one in my party wore our mask in all indoor settings. I think tourist would also appreciate accurate statistics, what ever that looks like, so that we too can make an informed decision.
Thank you
Sad that our politicians make threats to the visitors that come here. “Unvaccinated not welcome” REALLY? Too many political suicide decisions and interestingly they are all in sync.
I will continue my stand as a citizen of our country to support our freedoms.
I plan to come in October. But we’re already prepared for a low key beach and snorkeling relaxation trip. We will eat mostly from the condo. Because as we understand it. It sounds as though capacity for indoor activities is lowered since being there in July. We try to be low impact tourist. And we love the islands so we respect them.
And of the 1,200 First Responders between Fire and Police who are sewing Governor Ige to not be mandated to get the “Jab”, what of they. There are a lot of Medical Personnel that do not get the Vaccination as well, does anyone ask why?
I don’t believe your comment has relevance to the discussion at hand on whether it is ‘safe’ to travel to Hawai’i in light of the recent announcements by government officials and the Hawaii Tourism Authority. What you are highlighting is an nationwide issue facing many corporations, organizations, and yes, first responders, whether any of these organizations have the ‘right’ to insist on vaccinations as a condition of employment OR if the decision is made not to get vaccinated, require testing. Please, let’s not try to divert and throw an unrelated topic into the discussion. Let’s stay focused on the question at hand: is it ‘safe’ to travel to Hawai’i right now? I say yes, as long as everyone understands there may be changes in what is possible and available today versus the future.
I will stay way……until the Aloha comes back. I will spend my money else where I am welcomed. Good luck with the numerous businesses that are going to fail. The state of Hawaii is going to have to figure this out. You are going to have to understand what you have created over the past years, an economy that is dependent on tourism. Once tourist’s dollars are gone, where are the dollars are going coming from. I love Hawaii, I will be one of first to book travel to your beautiful state. You need to look to the leadership and question if they are capable of solving the inner island issues.
As a resident of Hawai’i I will share the positive and the not-so-positive of taking holiday in the next sixty to ninety days, there is risk that what you plan to do during your trip may be cancelled or dramatically modified, you will be entering a State with a fragile healthcare system that is overtaxed and operating beyond full capacity. You may be asked to do things you care not to do, like wear a mask indoors, potentially outdoors, you may have to show vaccine card to enter a restaurant, beaches may or may not be closed. Restaurants you have selected may either be operating at reduced hours or closed on some days of the week.
Do not get caught up in the finger-pointing of whether it is the tourists or residents who are infecting others, we’re dealing with a pandemic of the unvaccinated. Frustration is building as residents are asked to limit their activities and stay at home while charter boats fill shoulder to shoulder with tourists.
Many have asked “should I still plan to come to Hawai’i”? I say yes, if you’re willing to be adaptable to changes in schedules, risk of beaches closing, and waiting in line (as we residents have to do) for an hour or more to eat in a restaurant. I would suggest buying travel insurance that covers medical emergencies as our healthcare network is taxed beyond normal operation. Many hospitals have set up ‘MASH-style’ tents to receive incoming patients to ER, a typical ER that may handle 24 patients is handling upwards of 60-70 patients at a time. Critical emergencies such as cardiac, stroke, or severe automobile accidents are being prioritized however with few to no bed space, there aren’t even options to transfer the patient to another hospital on the island or to another island. The islands of Maui and Kauai only have one hospital. While vacation planning does not typically include what to do in case of a healthcare emergency I suggest adding healthcare to your vacation travel plans as a precautionary measure.
Maui and Kauai have had a year and a half to increase hospital capacity. Hundreds of mainland cities have had to do that. I’m tired of hearing them complain about inadequate “hospital capacity”. What are they going to do when the next pandemic hits?
Curtis, perhaps a few of those billionaires, rock stars, and tech giants can come together and build a new hospital instead of retreating to Malibu or Santa Barbara Ca when the going gets rough.
Where is all this money for these things supposed to come from? Who will support these things in times of no pandemic? Please, unless you are offering up your money to build it, this is not Field of Dreams. It’s real life.
Have had timeshare on Maui since 2005 and visit yearly. Scheduled for end of September, first of October. 3rd scheduled trip since March 2020. Canceled first two, no plans to cancel this trip unless Maui shuts down. I am vaccinated and have had 3rd vaccine as I fall within the guidelines for 3rd dose. I wear a mask. I have done everything that I can do to be safe for myself and others. The city I am from also has a high number of Covid cases, mostly unvaccinated individuals. No restrictions, no mandates and yes the hospital system is overwhelmed. I don’t know what the answer is but it should not be to discourage vaccinated visitors.
You know we all make mistakes and I think the governor has figured out his reverse invitation was not well received. Doors are open to travel and people will pay to do so, especially if they follow the rules. Hawaiian rules are clear and easy to follow. The governor of CA made the mistake of attending a birthday celebration totally against the state regulations that he put in place. Well, he is now up for recall for just that reason and more. Thank you. I am going to Hawaii in a few short days. And, thank you for your candid reporting BOH. Diane
What can you say after all of this controversy about going to Hawaii. Get vaccinated, wear a mask when indoors and near people, enjoy the Hawaii Weather don’t expect anything when you go there, and sing what Danny Couch sings in his song….. “I Love Hawaii, I Love Hawaii”.
Again local racism/class warefare by this Mufi individual. Its ok for unvaccinated locals of course but not tourists?
Why do these stupid people even bother to open thier mouths? How offensive and sickening, especially in a state based on love and kindness? Is this premise a joke now or what?
How is this any way showing openness or promoting diversity on the islands? Is there even a goal or is it just roll with the punches still and just hope for the best?
as someone who is double vaccinated, and has planned a trip to hawaii (Maui) since April – I sincerely hope that visitors are allowed mid october . For those of us planning a trip it is very difficult one to cancel and get refunds and we have waited since March of 2020 to visit.
we are in Accordance of getting test before leaving country of origin and masking up wherever necessary. it certainly would be very disheartening to have to cancel the trip.
Though we understand the concern of the Delta Variant, Hawaii certainly needs tourists so that no more money is lost for Tourism.
Dear Joanie, my original plan was to come to Hawaii in 2020 but the virus hit. Then I postponed for April 2022, but right now I don’t feel comfortable traveling anywhere where the cases are high. So I’ve postponed again until 2023. It has been my lifelong dream to come to Hawaii for my vacation, so what is alittle more time?! 🐢🐠🌺🍍🥥🌏🏖🏝🛩☀️🌈🌊👒🕶👙🛍🩴📅 This is the safest choice I can make for myself & others to stay safe. I’m looking very forward to my trip!! My Grandfather was in the Navy & in Pearl Harbor. He survived Pearl Harbor! I’ve always wanted to pay my respects @ Pearl Harbor since I have a deep connection to history. PH is # 1 on my itinerary & my itinerary has been completed for awhile now😊 Stay safe, take care of yourself, & be blessed….psalms 91:11😇😍
Thank you for doing the right thing, Andrea. You will surely have a better trip when the virus is not raging across the islands, the country, and the world. We in HI appreciate tourists like YOU, rather than the entitled masses who insist it is their right to come and then walk around breaking mask mandates and more.
Aloha Diana,Mahalo for your very kind words. I agree with everything you said. I’m going to enjoy of second of my trip when I do get to come! You are very welcome! Everyone should be taking steps to keep safe & others as well. We as human beings are in this virus situation of a ginormous mess ❤ The lives of people are the upmost importance because once a person has died that is it!! Focus on the important matters of life. A person only lives once on this 🌎. Are you a resident of Hawaii? 🌈 Take care of yourself, stay safe, & be blessed😇 Psalms 91:11, 118:14, & 31:14. I ❤ the book of Psalms.
Dear Diana, lol, oops I meant to say that we as human beings are in this situation together! I’m a daycare teacher so by Thursdays sometimes my mind is scrambled! Guess today is one of those days🤪
As the overwhelming majority of cases are unvaccinated residents we should be asking them to stay home until they are vaccinated and not turning away vaccinated and tested visitors. Why should a recovering visitor industry and the hardworking people who support it take the bullet again. State and County workers, who continued to work during the first shutdown and will continue to collect a paycheck if we have a slow down, should be required to be vaccinated. Someone needs to stand up for the beleaguered tourism workers.
Well I respectfully must say. I for one had covid. I stayed athome and took care of myself. I eat organic, I take many god-given herbs and supplements to keep me healthy and rarely get sick. And I have natural immunity apparently because I’ve been around multiple people who have had covid including three family members who had it a year later and I didn’t get it again. So I don’t see why I should stay away when I’m not sick. Because I don’t go anywhere when I am sick even the slightest. Never have. I don’t want to destroy my natural immunity by putting neurotoxins in my blood from this vaccine that from what I see is far from safe. I personally know people who have died from it and who have had strokes and blood clots from it. And then there are those who have had ringing in their ears 8 months later still from it. What happened to your human rights? Since when did the government become so powerful that they could force people to inject things like this. Including the MRC 5 which is from an aborted fetal tissue. Thank you for listening. Mahalo
Aloha, My husband and I are fully vaccinated and looking forward to our 2 week stay on Maui beginning 9/28. We have the utmost respect for the residents of the island and would not travel unvaccinated. Also, given the Governor’s announcement, we may end up having a quieter, more relaxed time with fewer tourists. Thank you for keeping us up to date, your thorough information is always appreciated.
Do we go, do we go? Yes or no, yes or no? I *hate* this not knowing; departing Oct. 11 for two weeks. We have until Sept. 11 (memorable date, right?) to cancel and only lose $300 in VRBO fees. I just wish there was a clear answer. Any clues??? (we are both fully vaccinated)
The Hawaiian governor, and others, would rather we mail checks to Hawaii and stay home. He is not a welcoming official. His remarks will hurt tourism for a long time.
And, no, my checks don’t come without me. I first came to Hawaii in 1965 and many, many times since – every year for the past 20 years or more (except 2020 and one other year when I was recovering from major surgery). I doubt I’ll come again.
Because of the constant changing messaging coming from Hawaii leadership my wife and I again just canceled our 5 weeks of vacation in Hawaii. That will be 10 weeks in two years we aren’t spending money in Hawaii and spending it in other States that are welcoming to vacationers from the U.S.
Again, no comment and no consideration for those with natural immunity, i.e., those who have had COVID, recovered, and therefore have the antibodies against the virus. And the latest reports indicate that those with natural immunity actually have better immunity than those who have received the vaccine. The total disregard of this by the local and federal governments just amazes me.
Aloha-It seems no leaders are willing to directly address the elephant in the room which, from everthing I read appears to be that unvaccinated native Hawaiians are the group mostly responsible for this mess. And it is not PC to call them out. Is that fair? If it is this problem won’t go away until then
Maui is the next site in HI set to have a surge, according to Maui Mayor Victorino.
Quote: “If you’re vaccinated, you still have to wear a mask,” he said. “Masking in combination with vaccines, reducing gathering sizes, all work together to reduce further transmission.”
Maui Mayor Michael Victorino on Tuesday urged residents to get vaccinated, particularly with the Food and Drug Administration’s full approval of the Pfizer vaccine for individuals ages 16 and older.
He also urged residents and visitors alike to voluntarily curb non-essential activities and gatherings for the next 21 days. He asked visitors to remain at their hotel properties, and to not circulate or gather outside of their resort bubbles — in particular, not to go to Hana. He also asked employers to consider reinstating work-at-home policies.
“This is not rocket science, everyone,” said Victorino. “It’s real simple. We’ve got to step it up again.”
Source: HNL Start Advertister.
I am concerned that October is 1 month away i hope
Honolulu Hawaii doesn’t lockdown again after labor day
Thank you
Unfortunately, with the governer’s plea, quite a number of visitors cannot cancel their vacation to Hawaii as there is no refund like from airbnb rentals at this late date. This is the case for my daughter’s trip coming up in two weeks.
Actually, she can cancel, she will just miss the experience.
I have reservations to come the first of Nov and for the 3rd time, it looks like I will delay it. Do I want to? No. I am fully vaccinated, continue to wear masks in stores. I may be one of the minority but I am doing my part. It is the insecurity and all this back and forth; open? closed?, go? don’t go?. I am not put off by being told by the governor not to come. Living in a highly popular tourist area, I totally understand that the Hawaii residents duslike/resent the tourists coming. I hate the influx of tourists where I live as well. And I am not alone in that sentiment. But that doesn’t change anything. Our metchants and business owners and community are the ones happy to see the tourists pouring in. I was hoping to get to Hawaii one more time before my travelling days are over. Hopefully by next year, more people will be on board to do their part. Everyone has the choice to make. Unvaccinated feel their freedom is being taken away by mandating the vaccine. Yet my freedom to travel where and when I want is also being impacted. So we all can “I’m right” and we all lose…
Thanks BOH for being a sounding board for all.
Hi Maur.
Thanks for sharing your process in all this. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon.
Aloha.
Dear Maur, originally I wanted to go to Hawaii in 2020 but the virus hit. Then I postponed for April 2022, but now I’ve made the decision to postpone again until 2023. I just don’t feel comfortable traveling anywhere where the cases are high. It has been my lifelong dream to go to Hawaii for my vacation, so what is alittle more time?! This is the best decision I can make for myself to be safe & others as well. 🐢🐠🌺🍍🥥🌏🏖🏝🛩☀️🌈🌊🕶👙🛍🩴👒📅 Stay safe & be blessed 😇 Psalms 91:11😍
Aloha Maur, my Grandfather was in the Navy & in Pearl Harbor. I’ve always wanted to go to Pearl Harbor to pay my respects since I have a deep connection to history!! 🇺🇸
I spent my $$$ in Costa Rica this year after cancelling our trip to Hawaii in 2020!
With all the news, I’m not sure I ever want to go again. Negative and unwelcoming feelings plus higher prices make me say-“Adios, amigos!”
The citizens of Hawaii need to remove Mr. Ige from office in order to safe there state from bankruptcy. The federal government is not going give money to Hawaii for bad decisions being made by the government. Why is Ige not mandating that all state employees must be vaccinated in order to continue working for the state. The spread of this virus is an internal issue it is not from visitors.
Bob: the Governor has put a vaccination or test regularly requirement into place as well as the county mayors. I don’t think anyone is disputing we have unvaccinated individuals in Hawai’i and the situation needs to be addressed, we are addressing it. Let’s get back on topic about whether it’s ‘safe’ to travel to Hawai’i, and this resident says yes as long as everyone understands there may be additional requirements in place that limit/restrict activities.
Bob,
Indeed.
Attributed to Hawaiian health officials on this very website:
“Since vaccination became accepted in place of testing in June, Hawaii travel has soared. Unfortunately, so has the cases of Covid. The state believes that those are largely unrelated to visitors and are likely from community spread associated with residents. Hawaii’s health department maintains that less than 2% of cases are related to visitors.”
beatofhawaii.com/officials-cant-agree-on-hawaii-travel-tests-and-other-new-rules/
Further, if the Center for Disease Control (CDC) accepts full vaccination as an acceptable measure to allow for both intra- and interstate commercial travel, why is Hawaii requiring additional burdensome, off-putting, pre-clearance testing for visitors? And even with this testing, the state further discourages travel to the Islands. With great apologies to the film “Field of Dreams”; If you welcome them, they will come. If you reject them, they will go.
I suggest this appears to be another “Do something; Anything!” panicked political exercise. This is unfortunate as there exist in Hawaii, as with each state, a very unique, delicate, and dynamic balance point between acceptable COVID related risk and the maintenance of quite fragile economies.
I think you may agree that Hawaii’s economy may not long properly maintain itself absent an influx of revenue from visitors. Accordingly, visitor stagnation would seem a poor option, yet it appears to be the preferred choice. I share your concern that Hawaii’s presently fragile and weakened travel and tourism based economy will crater and we will, of course, hear the same political voices that caused this collapse screech for Federal dollars. Most importantly, I suggest that Hawaii, as opposed to the mainland where adjacent states can and do attenuate local economic problems, will bear the consequences essentially unassisted by neighboring activities.
I last visited Honolulu in 2015, and after many personal setbacks, I finally booked a trip in Dec 2020 for this Dec. My daughter and I still plan on going. We are both fully vaccinated and I have booked and paid for my flight & hotel (Luana in Waikiki). I am still hoping for a wonderful, relaxing time and to be able to spend time with my ohana in Ewa.
Airlines are “allowing” passengers to board flights to the islands. Not all get prescreened and get the band to board. Those that don’t (and there are a lot) get screened on arrival in hawaii. What if they have COVID?? No one will know and then they are home and I don’t they are being enforced in a quarantine. No one should be permitted to board a plane without a prescreen band. If they can’t prove the vaccine or a mega COVID test then don’t allow them to travel. It’s ridiculous. What if they have a positive test result and choose not to get screened BC they are going home??? Most THAT refuse the screening are residents of hawaii. Not tourists. Tourists are very compliant And don’t want to risk Jeopardizing their vacations . Go after the ones that are ruining it for others. It is NOT the typical vacationers. My last flight to Honolulu there were at least 25 passengers with no preclear wrist band. Not one should have been allowed on board. Even the flight crew has to be pre-cleared
You are right. Apparently, the Hawaii Government is unwilling to take the steps that would be truly effective because they are favoring political calculations – the residents vote and the tourists don’t. This is not good leadership!
Really? Would you say the same thing about the Polio and Smallpox vaccines too? Neurotoxins? Far from safe? Pfizer was just approved for use to everyone. There has been a large enough study group at this point with hundreds of millions of people receiving one of the three vaccines and the cases you reference percentage wise is tiny. If you’re as healthy as you claim, why would it harm you? Unless medically unable, everyone should be vaccinated or this thing will continue to spiral out of control as the virus mutates. If you’re not willing to part of the solution, then you’re just part of the larger problem. Sorry, but just stay home if you can’t comply and help society vanquish this enemy. Thanks..
How sad people will so easily give up their freedom. Getting the vaccine is a personal choice. Please don’t quote meaningless statistics to me. The side effects can be quite severe. My husband and I are healthy and very active. We both had covid early 2020. I’m sure from someone at the ski resort. Very ill but we got over it. My husband’s side effects from the vaccine have lasted longer than the illness did. I will not get it. I won’t risk a vaccine for a virus that I already survived. I know of 2 deaths from the vaccine. No thank you. We love Napili. We visit every year. We will find a new adventure.
With all due respect, you seem to be talking out of fear without any regard for the myriad of scientific facts that are not being discussed on mainstream media that CLEARLY indicate these vaccines are not as safe and effective as we are being told. People are getting seriously ill from these gene therapy shots ( by true defintion, they are NOT vaccines and should not be classified as such. If you care to discuss the immunologic basis for this comment, please lmk). Do you even know what’s in the shot you so willfully stuck your arm out to get? Were you shown and did you read and sign the informed consent form you were supposed to have been shown prior to getting the shot? Most of the people I have spoken to, including family members, have no answers to any of these questions. Why should we just blindly accept what the CDC,FDA et al says about how safe and effective these shots are? Are you aware of the money that is being made with these pharm companies making these shots? Billions with a B. This type of “vaccine” technology has NEVER been used in humans. We are all just part of a big experiment- the vax and the unvax ( as the control). Time will tell just how “safe and effective” they are. ( btw, what do you think happens when the virus invades the body of a vaccinated individual? In order to survive, it mutates. Can you say Delta variant?)
And if you are unvaccinated you are not welcome back in the mainland!! Goes both ways.. have returning residents test prior as testing was before simple. If it’s proven not visitors then stop blaming the visitors. Mufi that does not sit well with many people I know. If many are cancelling then the stats show it. Lt Gov Green has the idea but really get vaccinated !!
So all those who are unemployed those benefits will run out and will the economy needs to stabilize there not go backward
Yay Mufi!! No vaccine? No Hawaii!
Aloha Mau loa!
Here’s a message to Mufi… had been visiting Hawaii every year for about the last 20 years up until the last 2 years. But don’t worry Mufi…. based on your “non-welcome” we won’t be coming back! Mahalo!
Judy – that’s great, thank you for sharing your comment! I get it – and I’m genuinely happy when I hear unvaccinated folks say they won’t be going to Hawaii. Thank you for keeping the rest of us safe!
Hi all
You might want to reconsider your stance of the vaccine is a cure all.
voxday.net/2021/08/25/vaccinated-5x-more-likely-to-die/
Good luck Hawaii.
It’s not a cure all… It’s a safety precaution for everyone.
The article has no proof of this claim. “Naming a source” is not proof. The whole study needs to be publish before you can refer this so called news.
In Ventura County CA where I live there has been 0 hospitalized for COVID-19 who have been vaccinated out of the 111 admitted in the last 2 weeks & not one (self reported) patient has being vaccinated.
thats not typical. in the US 20-40% of the cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in the last month are among vaccianted individuals, where data is available
you need to site you assertions. your numbers are way off
This is false information. Just because something is on the Internet doesn’t mean that it is true.
Instead, talk to your local hospital and ask the doctors, nurses, and therapists who are saving lives. The ones who are dying are unvaccinated.
Vaccines work. Vaccines save lives. Misinformation kills.
It sure is fake info. Please, BOH ohana, do not allow the posts that are spreading misinformation. Do your part to keep the news and comments free of the pervasive disinformation that is helping to keep this virus attacking people.
Yea, talk to a parent of a vaccine-injured child.
I am shocked by what is going on. Is it possible to get truthful statistics, instead of gov officials just making statements?
When the rest of the world is stating that the vaccine programs have not been successful, Hawaii gov officials are targeting the unvaccinated as the cause.
Is it possible for people to request the TRUE death counts from Covid – pre and post-vaccine.? Flus have killed millions worldwide every year. Last year there were few flu deaths because they were all counted as Covid deaths. With the money and control as motivation statistics are changed.
If we can start with TRUE facts, not just politicians giving their opinions, maybe we can find a solution. Want this to end? Do not blindly acquiesce to the decrees of the politicians. Politicians are not experts. They are voted in by us to help the people, not control the people. They work for us. Ask them for answers. Keep asking questions! This is what our constitution states and our country was founded on. Stand in your truth! This is the way to help our ohanas and our keikis. Together we can figure this out. Don’t quit until the truth is known.
Thanks for allowing opinions on your forum. I appreciate your good reporting. Take care!
Mahalo!
Hi Nancy.
Thanks for now more than 50 comments.
Aloha.
“Last year there were few flu deaths because they were all counted as Covid deaths” No they weren’t. As you know you can test to see if you’ve contacted COVID-19 and w
hile the CDC is withdrawing its EUA request for the 2019-nCoV RT-PCR test, it is not because the test is faulty.
Get your facts straight before you claim something.
poynter.org/fact-checking/2021/cdc-test-cant-differentiate-between-covid-and-the-flu-thats-wrong/?__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=pmd_a1evLpkLug5mrxdfW6ibPmxrURj7i7jF9uHazo1o6pI-1629943210-0-gqNtZGzNAjujcnBszQil
Nancy, I love your comment. Unfortunately the vast majority blindly believe anything our government says. I keep waiting for people to come to their senses, but I’m starting to lose faith. Just know that there ARE people out here who are thinking for themselves. I won’t lose hope if you won’t. Take care.
Exactly! Facts/fear, Truth/lies….Research the Class Action lawsuit recently filed by over 1,200 Oahu, Hawaii firefighters against vaccine mandates- see Fire Chief break down in tears while speaking truth of what is happening on the ground in Hawaii to friends/family in Oahu. Research Oahu, Hawaii whistle blowers speaking truth about what is happening in the “Covid wards”…listening to political types who always have an agenda (Fauci owns part of Moderna vax, as well as Gates) FDA is hugely funded by Big Pharma ( their funding sources are on their own website)…I could go on, but you get the picture…Please use your God-given critically thinking brain to do your due diligence!…for kicks even look at Harvard’s study on the passive vaccine-injury reporting system VAERS and go into VAERS and read the less than 10% of “adverse affects” that have been certified. I personally know no one who had Died from Covid and tens of people who got it and yeah, had a bad flu, yet 100% survived:) I personally know 4 DEAD within hours of Covid vaccine, 4 young men who had heart attacks/surgeries, and now 5 young women who lost their babies within hours – one lady just got her privately paid autopsy completed and the babies brain had exploded in utero! Maybe these injections are “safe & effective” for the high-risk elderly or maybe not?
BOH Ohana, this is an example of a post that is filled with disinformation about vaccinations and more. Please do not allow comments such as this that perpetuate the lies.
USA is a free country. Not welcome in Hawaii. Sad
Hanneman running for office again! Wow. Does he mean to clean up the rail debacle he created without proper oversight, lacking background checks on company’s coming to Oahu laying rail? Local jobs? Yeah all the ditch diggers not the clean looking out of state guys driving the nice trucks all around. Oh and Hanneman are you staying in office full term or abscond 2 years early, pockets flush? Just asking, locals only look brain dead to you.
Aloha all, unless they close all the beaches, I plan on traveling to Maui next month, I’m fully vaccinated and don’t feel I’m a threat to anyone, I’ve made all my breakfast and dinner reservations last month so no worries there, I have a pocket full of money that I’m ready to spend to enjoy my vacation, I’m respectful to the local population, my mother was born on Oahu, you really want me to cancel?
Thanks, as always, for the info and perspective.
I read way too much news just looking for answers. I read way too many comments, because I want to know what people are thinking. What surprises me is that I’m not seeing so much about the thing that I’ve worried about for Hawaii since the pandemic started. Medical care! What if you’re in Hawaii and need hospitalization? What if there’s none available because of covid? That’s my main reason for postponing my visit, other than not wanting my disabled (vaccinated) daughter to catch covid on the flight over.
I also will wait until we’ve had a third vaccination, which should be coming soon.
All, please be healthy and safe!
Under the initials KB I posted a response related to medical care while on holiday, I also am a full time resident of Hawai’i. As we are floating out in the middle of the Pacific the cost of living is quite high, we historically have had trouble attracting and retaining medical professionals, simply we have a very fragile healthcare network. With the advent of COVID our systems held up well until the Delta variant came into the picture. While the state’s vaccination rate is in the mid-sixty percentile Delta has swept through our unvaccinated community and overwhelmed our healthcare network. We are operating at peak capacity and “MASH-style” tents are either in place or under construction on all islands. If a family member has a serious/complex medical condition that may require attention I would suggest delaying travel. Some hospitals are postponing non-essential procedures and some hospitals are either at or over capacity in ICU and ER. While we have fresh front line workers arriving to supplement existing staff, we have not hit the peak and (daily) briefed of conditions and subsequent need for all to take extra precautions, stay home if possible, and avoid crowds. Again, while no one plans fir medical emergencies while on holiday, be aware of the situation, know you are at least a 5-1/2hr flight from the mainland and may encounter long delays if complex care is necessary. And, regardless of the rants regarding natural immunity and lack of need for vaccination, our verified count of hospitalized COVID patients who are NOT vaccinated is currently 90%, and holding firm with an uptick of patients in the hospital not seen since the beginning of the pandemic. You may also check your healthcare insurance coverage in Hawai’i. We are not part of the mainland and some policies only cover emergency care when not in mainland US or airlifting of patients which is rather commonplace in Hawai’i.
I absolutely can concur that there are a lot of cancellations for the fall as I’ve dealt with them first hand yesterday. I am pretty surprised that anyone is paying attention to the governor. My guess is that the more responsible and careful people will be the ones cancelling so it will probably not make much of a difference. There should be a supervised quarantine for anyone not vaccinated.
Thank you for this article, I am speaking for myself and my family who two weeks ago returned from a fabulous stay On Kauai. Prior to our stay we were of course filled with excitement and anticipation. We were not willing to risk the possibility of having to postpone our trip yet again (the first three times do to Covid restrictions) Because of this despite all four adults being vaccinated, we all sort of “laid low” and avoided contact with others as much as possible in the week prior to departure. We also tested twice a week even though it was no longer required for our adults as we are vaccinated. Our kids were all tested twice prior to the trip with antigen test and then also with the required PCR. We see the value in traveling to your beautiful island and do not take it for granted. I would say this is pretty consistent with all of our friends who have also traveled to Hawaii this summer according to the many I have spoken to. While on Kauai all of the locals at various businesses I spoke with expressed relief that their businesses were open and thriving once again. I live in an area of Northern California that is very dependent on tourism so I understand the balancing act that comes from that but ultimately the biggest issue is reluctance to get the vaccine which brings us around to mistrust in our government (local and federal). I’m not sure how to fix that.
Hi Lerin.
Thanks for your feedback from your recent visit on Kauai.
Aloha.
Very interesting. Thank you for the updates.
Mufi Hanneman seems to be interpreting Ige’s directive in a manner that finesses it, i.e. if vaccinated, come on down. From everything I have read and heard, that is NOT the way Ige intended it to be interpreted. However, Mufi is playing to multiple audiences given his current job AND future hopeful job. Meanwhile, the air carriers have raised their fingers in aloha (not) by pushing cheap fall fares. Most local residents would love the tourists NOT to come whether vaxxed or not simply because our health systems are already WAY overburdened. As far as the question of it all being local community transmission, there is more than a little evidence suggesting this is all “shibai” (you can guess what that means in English with 2 letters, both in the Japanese word). The way the Covid data is collected and accumulated there is ample opportunity for it to be massaged and the Unknown category seems to be statistically out of proportion. It is not hard to believe that many asymptomatic visitors or those with viral loads too early to catch have slipped through the ST program and spread the Delta variant locally. They are too material a component in daily arrivals of 30K or so to not have had an impact. A doctor I spoke to said that there are definitely cases of visitors under ICU care and more that have come into the hospitals and clinic sick. And, the idea that they are all isolated in Waikiki is completely false. I see them daily in my town, in Costco, in Haleiwa, at the beach, on the road. (95% without masks and clearly white visitors as evidenced by clothes, accents, sunburns, rental cars, etc). I have a few staying right in my development in units that are supposed to be for residents not transients. I spoke to one a few days ago and she told me “they were renting for 3-4 weeks and visiting from California. Nice people but that is not the issue. Locals in many cases increasingly dont trust the tourism industry and the politicians to be be for them and telling the truth.
I have to say as a recently returning visitor to Kauai and a person who also resides in a high tourist area of northern Ca, I do find it incredibly disrespectful when people visit an area and do not abide by it’s rules. In this case the mask mandate, no trespassing etc.. When in Kauai I really did not see much of that. I know every one in my party wore our mask in all indoor settings. I think tourist would also appreciate accurate statistics, what ever that looks like, so that we too can make an informed decision.
Thank you
Sad that our politicians make threats to the visitors that come here. “Unvaccinated not welcome” REALLY? Too many political suicide decisions and interestingly they are all in sync.
I will continue my stand as a citizen of our country to support our freedoms.
(edited – see comment policy)
I plan to come in October. But we’re already prepared for a low key beach and snorkeling relaxation trip. We will eat mostly from the condo. Because as we understand it. It sounds as though capacity for indoor activities is lowered since being there in July. We try to be low impact tourist. And we love the islands so we respect them.
And of the 1,200 First Responders between Fire and Police who are sewing Governor Ige to not be mandated to get the “Jab”, what of they. There are a lot of Medical Personnel that do not get the Vaccination as well, does anyone ask why?
I don’t believe your comment has relevance to the discussion at hand on whether it is ‘safe’ to travel to Hawai’i in light of the recent announcements by government officials and the Hawaii Tourism Authority. What you are highlighting is an nationwide issue facing many corporations, organizations, and yes, first responders, whether any of these organizations have the ‘right’ to insist on vaccinations as a condition of employment OR if the decision is made not to get vaccinated, require testing. Please, let’s not try to divert and throw an unrelated topic into the discussion. Let’s stay focused on the question at hand: is it ‘safe’ to travel to Hawai’i right now? I say yes, as long as everyone understands there may be changes in what is possible and available today versus the future.
Lots of very respectful sheep in Hawaii it seems like. Very complacent. They like being told what to do
I will stay way……until the Aloha comes back. I will spend my money else where I am welcomed. Good luck with the numerous businesses that are going to fail. The state of Hawaii is going to have to figure this out. You are going to have to understand what you have created over the past years, an economy that is dependent on tourism. Once tourist’s dollars are gone, where are the dollars are going coming from. I love Hawaii, I will be one of first to book travel to your beautiful state. You need to look to the leadership and question if they are capable of solving the inner island issues.
As a resident of Hawai’i I will share the positive and the not-so-positive of taking holiday in the next sixty to ninety days, there is risk that what you plan to do during your trip may be cancelled or dramatically modified, you will be entering a State with a fragile healthcare system that is overtaxed and operating beyond full capacity. You may be asked to do things you care not to do, like wear a mask indoors, potentially outdoors, you may have to show vaccine card to enter a restaurant, beaches may or may not be closed. Restaurants you have selected may either be operating at reduced hours or closed on some days of the week.
Do not get caught up in the finger-pointing of whether it is the tourists or residents who are infecting others, we’re dealing with a pandemic of the unvaccinated. Frustration is building as residents are asked to limit their activities and stay at home while charter boats fill shoulder to shoulder with tourists.
Many have asked “should I still plan to come to Hawai’i”? I say yes, if you’re willing to be adaptable to changes in schedules, risk of beaches closing, and waiting in line (as we residents have to do) for an hour or more to eat in a restaurant. I would suggest buying travel insurance that covers medical emergencies as our healthcare network is taxed beyond normal operation. Many hospitals have set up ‘MASH-style’ tents to receive incoming patients to ER, a typical ER that may handle 24 patients is handling upwards of 60-70 patients at a time. Critical emergencies such as cardiac, stroke, or severe automobile accidents are being prioritized however with few to no bed space, there aren’t even options to transfer the patient to another hospital on the island or to another island. The islands of Maui and Kauai only have one hospital. While vacation planning does not typically include what to do in case of a healthcare emergency I suggest adding healthcare to your vacation travel plans as a precautionary measure.
Maui and Kauai have had a year and a half to increase hospital capacity. Hundreds of mainland cities have had to do that. I’m tired of hearing them complain about inadequate “hospital capacity”. What are they going to do when the next pandemic hits?
Curtis, perhaps a few of those billionaires, rock stars, and tech giants can come together and build a new hospital instead of retreating to Malibu or Santa Barbara Ca when the going gets rough.
Where is all this money for these things supposed to come from? Who will support these things in times of no pandemic? Please, unless you are offering up your money to build it, this is not Field of Dreams. It’s real life.
Have had timeshare on Maui since 2005 and visit yearly. Scheduled for end of September, first of October. 3rd scheduled trip since March 2020. Canceled first two, no plans to cancel this trip unless Maui shuts down. I am vaccinated and have had 3rd vaccine as I fall within the guidelines for 3rd dose. I wear a mask. I have done everything that I can do to be safe for myself and others. The city I am from also has a high number of Covid cases, mostly unvaccinated individuals. No restrictions, no mandates and yes the hospital system is overwhelmed. I don’t know what the answer is but it should not be to discourage vaccinated visitors.
You know we all make mistakes and I think the governor has figured out his reverse invitation was not well received. Doors are open to travel and people will pay to do so, especially if they follow the rules. Hawaiian rules are clear and easy to follow. The governor of CA made the mistake of attending a birthday celebration totally against the state regulations that he put in place. Well, he is now up for recall for just that reason and more. Thank you. I am going to Hawaii in a few short days. And, thank you for your candid reporting BOH. Diane
Hi Diane.
Thank you for your feedback on this issue.
Aloha.
So people will still be able to upload their cdc vaccine card to the safe travels website
For October
Thank
You
Hi Greg.
Nothing has changed.
Aloha.
What can you say after all of this controversy about going to Hawaii. Get vaccinated, wear a mask when indoors and near people, enjoy the Hawaii Weather don’t expect anything when you go there, and sing what Danny Couch sings in his song….. “I Love Hawaii, I Love Hawaii”.
Again local racism/class warefare by this Mufi individual. Its ok for unvaccinated locals of course but not tourists?
Why do these stupid people even bother to open thier mouths? How offensive and sickening, especially in a state based on love and kindness? Is this premise a joke now or what?
How is this any way showing openness or promoting diversity on the islands? Is there even a goal or is it just roll with the punches still and just hope for the best?
as someone who is double vaccinated, and has planned a trip to hawaii (Maui) since April – I sincerely hope that visitors are allowed mid october . For those of us planning a trip it is very difficult one to cancel and get refunds and we have waited since March of 2020 to visit.
we are in Accordance of getting test before leaving country of origin and masking up wherever necessary. it certainly would be very disheartening to have to cancel the trip.
Though we understand the concern of the Delta Variant, Hawaii certainly needs tourists so that no more money is lost for Tourism.
Dear Joanie, my original plan was to come to Hawaii in 2020 but the virus hit. Then I postponed for April 2022, but right now I don’t feel comfortable traveling anywhere where the cases are high. So I’ve postponed again until 2023. It has been my lifelong dream to come to Hawaii for my vacation, so what is alittle more time?! 🐢🐠🌺🍍🥥🌏🏖🏝🛩☀️🌈🌊👒🕶👙🛍🩴📅 This is the safest choice I can make for myself & others to stay safe. I’m looking very forward to my trip!! My Grandfather was in the Navy & in Pearl Harbor. He survived Pearl Harbor! I’ve always wanted to pay my respects @ Pearl Harbor since I have a deep connection to history. PH is # 1 on my itinerary & my itinerary has been completed for awhile now😊 Stay safe, take care of yourself, & be blessed….psalms 91:11😇😍
Thank you for doing the right thing, Andrea. You will surely have a better trip when the virus is not raging across the islands, the country, and the world. We in HI appreciate tourists like YOU, rather than the entitled masses who insist it is their right to come and then walk around breaking mask mandates and more.
I hope your 2023 trip here is awesome.
Aloha Diana,Mahalo for your very kind words. I agree with everything you said. I’m going to enjoy of second of my trip when I do get to come! You are very welcome! Everyone should be taking steps to keep safe & others as well. We as human beings are in this virus situation of a ginormous mess ❤ The lives of people are the upmost importance because once a person has died that is it!! Focus on the important matters of life. A person only lives once on this 🌎. Are you a resident of Hawaii? 🌈 Take care of yourself, stay safe, & be blessed😇 Psalms 91:11, 118:14, & 31:14. I ❤ the book of Psalms.
Dear Diana, lol, oops I meant to say that we as human beings are in this situation together! I’m a daycare teacher so by Thursdays sometimes my mind is scrambled! Guess today is one of those days🤪
As the overwhelming majority of cases are unvaccinated residents we should be asking them to stay home until they are vaccinated and not turning away vaccinated and tested visitors. Why should a recovering visitor industry and the hardworking people who support it take the bullet again. State and County workers, who continued to work during the first shutdown and will continue to collect a paycheck if we have a slow down, should be required to be vaccinated. Someone needs to stand up for the beleaguered tourism workers.
Well I respectfully must say. I for one had covid. I stayed athome and took care of myself. I eat organic, I take many god-given herbs and supplements to keep me healthy and rarely get sick. And I have natural immunity apparently because I’ve been around multiple people who have had covid including three family members who had it a year later and I didn’t get it again. So I don’t see why I should stay away when I’m not sick. Because I don’t go anywhere when I am sick even the slightest. Never have. I don’t want to destroy my natural immunity by putting neurotoxins in my blood from this vaccine that from what I see is far from safe. I personally know people who have died from it and who have had strokes and blood clots from it. And then there are those who have had ringing in their ears 8 months later still from it. What happened to your human rights? Since when did the government become so powerful that they could force people to inject things like this. Including the MRC 5 which is from an aborted fetal tissue. Thank you for listening. Mahalo
Aloha, My husband and I are fully vaccinated and looking forward to our 2 week stay on Maui beginning 9/28. We have the utmost respect for the residents of the island and would not travel unvaccinated. Also, given the Governor’s announcement, we may end up having a quieter, more relaxed time with fewer tourists. Thank you for keeping us up to date, your thorough information is always appreciated.
Hi Brenda.
Thanks. We hope you have a great time. Be safe and enjoy.
Aloha.
Do we go, do we go? Yes or no, yes or no? I *hate* this not knowing; departing Oct. 11 for two weeks. We have until Sept. 11 (memorable date, right?) to cancel and only lose $300 in VRBO fees. I just wish there was a clear answer. Any clues??? (we are both fully vaccinated)
Hi Tonya.
You have a few weeks to decide. We’d suggest you hang in there and let’s set what shakes out. Stay in touch.
Aloha.
Why the heck would anyone come here?
The people serving you don’t like you. The State doesn’t want you here.
The Hawaiian governor, and others, would rather we mail checks to Hawaii and stay home. He is not a welcoming official. His remarks will hurt tourism for a long time.
And, no, my checks don’t come without me. I first came to Hawaii in 1965 and many, many times since – every year for the past 20 years or more (except 2020 and one other year when I was recovering from major surgery). I doubt I’ll come again.
Because of the constant changing messaging coming from Hawaii leadership my wife and I again just canceled our 5 weeks of vacation in Hawaii. That will be 10 weeks in two years we aren’t spending money in Hawaii and spending it in other States that are welcoming to vacationers from the U.S.
Again, no comment and no consideration for those with natural immunity, i.e., those who have had COVID, recovered, and therefore have the antibodies against the virus. And the latest reports indicate that those with natural immunity actually have better immunity than those who have received the vaccine. The total disregard of this by the local and federal governments just amazes me.
It amazes me as well. They have a one track mind!
Aloha-It seems no leaders are willing to directly address the elephant in the room which, from everthing I read appears to be that unvaccinated native Hawaiians are the group mostly responsible for this mess. And it is not PC to call them out. Is that fair? If it is this problem won’t go away until then
thanks