Federal government rules will now impact Hawaii Safe Travels.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
112 thoughts on “Expect These New Hawaii Safe Travels Rules Starting This Week”
Comments are closed.
Federal government rules will now impact Hawaii Safe Travels.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
Comments are closed.
To confirm, If I am traveling from the Mainland to Hawaii I need to provide a negative test within 24 hours of departure?
Thank you!
Hi Jeanette.
The testing exemption requirement is within 72 hours of travel. The specific rules that need to be followed start here: https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel/.
Aloha.
Jeanette, if you’re not vaccinated then re-think your trip. Most restaurants and venues in Hawaii require proof of vaccination. A lesser number require a test within 48 hrs of the event. You’d be testing to go to a luau, etc.
This is what no one tells the unvaccinated visitors before they arrive. I live here and I’m appalled at all these restrictions.
I uploaded a Negative antigen test and my medical evaluation that showed my temperature and oxygen rate to show I had no symptoms. I even received my qr code as well. Nothing I presented was accepted. It was either quarantine or fly back to California to do another nasal swab. For 10 days of our vacation I was on a different island than my fiancee.
But now Hawaii might start accepting the very tests that caused me to quarantine. And my test clearly showed I was negative. Totally unfair
The State publishes the rules, you follow the rules or you don’t. What throws many is you have to use a Hawaii State approved partner for tests at present. It is done to protect Kama’aina, Malahini Military and Visitor. After 9/11 TSA and security was set up to protect us and I think following Covid we will all have to get used to additional steps to fly. There is currently a move to have all US air travel to comply with common health rules.
Lol. Rich some of the Hawaii chosen vendors, CVS and Walgreens, can’t guarantee a 72 hour turnaround! My kids took the tests at Walgreens and their flight was in 2 1/2 days and neither test came back before their flight from LAX to HNL. They were forced to quarantine even thought the tests came back as negative. All that money for nothing.
Hawaii doesn’t realize they need to expand the Testing capacity Base, as what worked in June of ’20, is not the return of Tourism in 2021-2022! A free plug for Infusable Care of Phoenix-Scottsdale, I required a Negative Test for my Annual Physical with-in 72 Hours, had scheduled 24 Hours ahead, and all knew in 15 Minutes, with same Nasal Swab as was done at the Hospital before a Surgery in May ’20!
How about consideration of good old natural immunity that provides broad based and robust immunity? Especially if someone could provide the positive antibody test! 😊
You all need to stop . My months I have been receiving information that Hawaii doesn’t want visitors. The restrictions are terrible. Locales to not want you there. To the point I was ready to cancel my trip. Was it a pain to get all the safe travels ? Yes.
But the people of Hawaii was wondering. They were kind and couldn’t be more welcoming. Most are small businesses and they were happy to see tourist to come back and spend money.
Quit making people think the worst.
What a great post Diane! Couldn’t agree more that it’s silly to judge an entire state by a few Internet posts. You bring on the experience you have by how you approach it. Your having a great experience in Hawaii defines what kind of person you are. The ones having a problem bring it upon themselves then blame others.
I’m flying to Oahu from the continental US in a week. Just to be clear besides my vaccination, is there anything else I need? Do I need to be covid tested?
I’m planning to travel to Oahu in February or March of 2022.
My wife and I are fully vaccinated and have the cards.
Can you please tell me if the rules will change by then, where we don’t have to upload the vaccination cards?
Thank you.
Hi Victor.
No one knows the answer to that yet. We’ll update you as soon as we learn more.
Aloha.
Resident of Oahu who quarantines (and sits in 1st class individual pod), will quarantine still be an option for me? I cannot test using nasal swabs due to some of the chemicals on them, due to my conditions, same for the injections. Where may one find these “exemptions” for the test and vaccination that was mentioned in the article? My Dr & Specialist nor I have any idea where to find said exemptions for travel restrictions. Mahalo
Hi Tonya.
Best bet for you might be to contact the Safe Travels help desk at 855-599-0888.
Aloha.
I believe that being fully vaccinated and filling out a questionnaire stating a person has no symptoms of having the Covid Virus should be sufficient to travel to and from Hawaii, including in between the islands. Having a covid booster shot shows even more that the risk of having covid is significantly reduced. Going thru a covid test within the 72 hours of travel is not necessary.
So when do you think that Governor Ige announce what the state is going to do with the current travel rules and the Federal travel rules? I have read that he wants to have a clear plan before november 8.
This is great information ‘could you please tell me the rules for minors 5-11 years old. Do they still have to test neg 72 hours before arriving?
Hi David.
Thanks. Yes they still require testing within 72 hours, in compliance with Hawaii Safe Travels. Be sure to comply with the rules in terms of the provider and test type, etc. Best to start here: https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel/.
Aloha.
Does this mean no unvaccinated visitors period? No more ability to provide pre-flight negative test results for those who are unvaccinated?
^^^I’m referring to domestic/US Mainland travelers^^^
Considering this disease is now endemic getting tested all the time is insane. People need to grow up and stop acting like scared little children.
Aloha! Hoping to go to Oahu in December. Is the mask mandate for indoor (public) and outdoor activities? Does it apply to hiking and going to the beaches? Also, do you think the 50% restaurant capacity will be lifted by beginning of December? We really appreciate Beat of Hawaii! Because of you we’ve been able to go to HI safely!
Hi Kristi.
Thank you. So as of today, yes there is a mask mandate indoors except when eating or drinking. Hiking outdoors or at the beach, there is no mask requirement. We do think the restaurant capacity could be lifted sooner than later. There is so much clamoring for that from every direction.
Aloha.
So my question is my family amd i are not vaccinated… can we travel to another island lkke oahu with anu vaccinations needed going and coming back home???
Thanks for the update. I enjoy seeing progress on all fronts. It’s sure has seemed like a long haul but if we pull together we can make it through this worldwide nightmare.
Looking forward to returning to Hawaii, it remains to be seen what the next several years will hold in store.
Hi Peg.
We appreciate your positive attitude. Thanks for sharing.
Aloha.
So what about restaurants… unvaccinated still can’t go without a test 48 hours prior???
Thanks for the update. I’m looking forward to further updates. I plan to visit your beautiful state in March of 2022.
Hi Peter.
Thanks. Glad you’ll be visiting in March. What islands will you see?
Aloha.
Looking forward to our 2022 visit. Thank you for allowing us to come and celebrate 50th anniversary and 70th birthday. We are fully vaccinated and registered on website. We appreciate all you are doing to keep everyone safe. Hoping to enjoy the restaurants
Hi there! Just happened upon your site! What a great resource!
Question: We are coming in a few days with a small group. Some of us are not vaccinated. I’ve tried calling restaurants about accepting the at- home tests as I saw a news video about that. but it seems many restaurants don’t accept it? Do you have any feedback about this? Thanks so much!
Hi Maryann.
Thanks for that and for your first comment! Great question. The Oahu rules in that regard state “the negative test result required under this section B must be from an FDA approved, or FDA EUA approved, molecular or antigen test). In checking online, some at-home tests are of that type. We don’t know what result you would be able to provide as proof however, so that could be another issue. Please let us know how that goes.
Aloha.
Hi Maryann
Please check out this site on Instagram
alohalibertyhawaii
They have a directory of every business and restaurant that is non discriminatory to those who have chosen to not be vaccinated
I live in Pa, and do not have the vaccine. Can I still come to Hawaii if I take the covid test 72 hours before my flight?
I appreciate the updates and your candor regarding the state of Covid restrictions. We are visiting next week.
Hi George.
Thanks. Have a great time visiting our state from Texas next week!
Aloha.
Aloha!
Can you please confirm?
So there will be no changes for international travellers in regards to the 72 hr testing? Specifically, having to have it done only in Hawaii approved labs partnered by the airlines? The specific tests themselves are no problem, it’s not having an approved lab anywhere nearby that is an issue unfortunately for most Canadians.
Mahalo
Hi Jean.
Yes that is a big problem and one of the things we expect to see resolved by the state in the next week. So please stay tuned.
Aloha.
When do you guys think that there be any more news? Governir Ige has said recently that he will have a appropriate plan prior to november 8.
Can you island hop without getting a covid test?
Aloha Rob & Jeff and all at BOH…
Thank you for your reply and you’ve no idea how cheerful your latest posting made me feel. I was so fearful that things might just go against me, but let’s hope that the new Federal rules will apply to the Islands and make things just a little simpler.Those mai-tais don’t seem so far away!
Mahalo for your help and I hope I might get to share one of those rum concoctions in person.. and share some Irish ‘craic’ (fun, good times, in Gaelic), too.
Mahalo.
Hi Michael.
We’re awaiting a great report from your next trip to Hawaii. Regards until then.
Aloha.
I am traveling to Maui from the Mainland in late January 2022. I am triple vaccinated. I have all flight and accommodations data completed. When should I begin the Safe Travels enrollment process?
Thank you.
Hi Andy.
That is a personal choice. You can begin sooner and then complete it later. Or just wait. It doesn’t matter. You’ll still need to complete a health questionnaire within 24 hours of travel (unless that changes).
Aloha.
Sounds like business as usual from the governor / state of Hawaii. Their one-size-applies to all methodology during the entire pandemic has resulted in billions of lost revenue–for an already insolvent state–and the permanent closing / bankruptcy of countless business and individuals statewide–while having little if any measurable results in terms of infections or loss of life.
Islands like Hawaii and Kauai have had dramatically lower infection rates than Oahu and mortalities from day one.
We have been following BOH for many years and appreciate your comments and info. I question, if fully vaccinated people can still get and spread Covid, which according to the numbers they can and do, why don’t they have to be tested if everyone else does? They can get on a plane ill with other healthy people. Is that OK?
Current Rules:
Mainland Travelers – Vaccination (Only if administered in the US) or Covid Test within 3days
*Europeans Currently Banned from the US
New Rules:
Mainland Travelers – Vaccination (Any authorized by WHO) or Covid Test within 3days
*European travelers allowed into the US incl Hawai’i
Therefore if you’re from the UK for example. You could fly to LA with a Covid test + your Vaccination record. Then when you fly to Hawai’i with just your Vaccination record.
Aloha! So are you saying that we headed toward only vaccinated US citizens can travel domestically soon or after Jan 1?
I’ll never visit Hawai’i again in my life. The reality of that sad fact just hit me. I have a free first class trip saved up since like ’15. Couldn’t care less. Not gonna live like that, uploading papers, etc. I don’t know how the place survives, but no longer matters to me. Europe might as well not exist, either. Close to relocating to Switz before this mess started. Switz reaction to this mess not much different than China. No thanks. Glad I learned that place’s true character in time.
Well said. I agree 100%. Whole thing is just sad. And Hawaii used to be my fav go-to spot.
Do you happen to know current travel requirements for residents travelling out of and returning to the state? If fully vaccinated, do you also need a negative cobid test to return?
So sad you feel that way and will not enjoy the exquisite beauty and aloha of our state. As a health care worker here, I can say that the concerns around resources for our islands during the pandemic require us to have greater restrictions for the protection of our residents. I hope you change your mind and visit one day.
Hi Kimberly.
Thanks. We appreciate your input and first comment.
Aloha.
Can I have your ticket? I don’t mind complying with the requirements!
These policies are so neurotic and conflicting it feels more like propaganda than science 😯 it doesn’t make sense to me
To me, it still doesn’t make sense.. you have to be covid tested if you’re not vaccinated but not tested if you are vaccinated. It’s been proven that even if you do get vaccinated you can still get or transmit covid. So… if you’re worried about covid spreading then it would seem to me all would be tested because just having the vaccine doesn’t necessarily mean you will alleviate it.
It’s all about risk reduction. A vaccinated person is less likely to get infected and is then infectious for a shorter period of time. Wearing a seatbelt doesn’t prevent you from being injured or killed in a car crash – just improves your odds.
I agree, i ask anyone vising my refuge to be vaccinated AND show neg covid test within 48 to 72 hrs of coming to my refuge. I dont care what state says. You can still catch covid vaccibated.
Clarification please…As a US traveler I plan on having my negative Covid test within 72 hours of my departure with my arrival date of 11-9-2021. Is this still acceptable if I have not been vaccinated?
Thank you
Hi Linda.
Yes, the rule is either vaccination or testing per Safe Travels rules within 72 hours of mainland to Hawaii departure.
Aloha.
Thank you so much for your prompt reply…I can HARDLY WAIT to spend more time on the Big Island – my favorite place (so far) on the planet!!!
And just remember, Linda… it has to be the RIGHT test… not just any ol’ test… and that specific test can often be very hard to get results back for EXACTLY during the 72 yr window. So really vet that process / test out thoroughly beforehand. In April I was flying back from Utah to the big island and could not find a single local testing facility that could guarantee my results would be back in time.
Unvaccinated are permitted with negative test result, or 10 day quarantine at the place you stay at. I just arrived here yesterday, but I also came back in May (I live here). I would ask your lab tech to make sure your nasal swab doesn’t say STERILE EO on the package. EO, or ethylene oxide, per CDC, is a carcinogenic, and I’d rather not be shoving that up my nose. Have fun on your trip.
If Sinopharm is accepted but natural immunity from previous infection is not, then we know this is theatre and not science
Right on Kevin. More theater
Sinopharm and Sinovac are inferior “vaccines” and anyone flashing a PRC vaccination approval should not be accepted.
Am I reading this to say that it will be vaccinated people only that can come to Hawaii or will they still be allowing negative Covid testing as part of an exemption?
Hi Linda.
Either one or the other; both are accepted to avoid quarantine.
Aloha.
So, after Nov 8, or after announced change date, quarantine will still be an option, then?
Same for inter island ?
Mahalo?
Hi Tonya.
That is not clear yet and we’ll await clarification from the state. By the way there is a saliva based PCR test!
Aloha.
It depends on from where you are coming. If coming from outside the US vaccination is required. If coming from another state to Hawaii only testing is required. The right test at the right time. Make sure that you have the specific test required by Hawaii safe travels.
From the information above, it appears that only international travelers will have to test prior to arrival? For US travelers the uploaded vaccine card will suffice for admission to the islands? We were there last week for a meeting, and it went very smoothly. Hawaiian cleared us at the airports and the Safe Travels website worked pretty well. Just need clarification on the testing matter.
Thanks for the information you provide BOH. You are the very best source of info on Hawaii travel.
Hi Lee.
Thanks for saying that. And for your 90 comments over the past four years!
Yes, the vaccine card is still acceptable and we don’t see that changing to require testing. It could only happen if mandated nationally by the federal government.
Aloha.
I agree. They are the best, no doubt.
Hi Mike.
Thanks. <>.
Aloha.
So Unvaccinated Citizens of the U.S. travelling from the Mainland on U.S. Carrier’s, will still need the 72 Hour Test as of right now, for entry in January? I understand with the Ige-Scale, this could change after January 1, 2022.
Hi Randy.
Yes that’s correct. We don’t anticipate anything changing in that regard.
Aloha.
Or quarantine, correct?
Mahalo
Aloha,
The truth is always scarier than fiction.
Mahalo
We are Flying Delta to Maui in December, Is Delta Airline participating in the Pre Clear Program? If so, How do we get the Pre Clear bracelets?
Mahalo,
Deb
Hi Deb.
We understand that Delta is now participating in Pre Clear. Wrist bands are frequently distributed at the boarding gate, but in some instances there is a customer service kiosk that does that. Just be sure to ask upon check-in.
Aloha.
Not sure which airport you’re flying from, but from my experience from OAK to HNL, there is a kiosk on the wing near the flights that you present your QR code to. It is optional. Just makes process a little smoother. They essentially do what would be done in Hawaii anyway. You link your approved test results to Safe Travels website, you present the QR code they provide you to the person at the kiosk, they refine the process, they give you an entrance bracelet to bypass that exact kiosk in HI.
Hi,
So as of next week, do domestic travelers who are vaccinated still need to register on Hawaii Safe Travels website? Also,do you know if American Airlines participates in the Pre-Clearance program?
Thanks,
Hi George.
Yes Safe Travels is not going away at this time and all Hawaii arrivals must comply with those rules. And, yes it is our understanding that AA does have Pre Clear.
Aloha.
BOH thanks for all the current info. We flew DFW – OGG on 10/19 and precleared with AA. All went well. Enjoying Maui for 5 months.
Hi Dan.
Thanks for your many comments! Glad to hear that you are here and enjoying Maui.
Aloha.
For the state of hawaii to get in line with the federal rules by November 8 they would need to stop the safe travels program requirements for the 72 hour testing and or proof of vaccination for all domestic travelers. So far they have given absolutely no indication whatsoever that they intend to drop those requirements and if they intend to do so they need to announce this ASAP so that domestic travelers have some idea what to expect other than they are now “welcome back”.