The County just announced free Kauai COVID tests for those who do not have any health issues or symptoms. Why is this important news for visitors? Read on because tests are available to both residents and visitors. The county says that “you can get tested in the morning and get results that afternoon.”
Free Kauai COVID tests work with Kauai Bubble Resorts. Mostly.
That’s right. The free COVID tests “can be used by participants in Kauai’s Enhanced Movement Quarantine (EMQ) ‘resort bubble’ program as a post-travel test needed to be released from quarantine.
How you get there to obtain the free test is dependent on where you are bubbling and that could be a real problem. The county said in that regard, “Travelers currently in a resort bubble should refer to their resort property for more information and transportation options.”
Another issue is that these tests are only available on weekdays. So if you’re looking for one on the weekends, it is going to get costly.
These tests are for anyone who thinks they may have been exposed.
If you have any concerns but aren’t sick, these also work for you, no matter whether you are a visitor or a resident.
Visit the War Memorial Buiding in Lihue.
Tests are being done by the District Health Office and are offered weekdays from 8 am to 3 pm. No appointment required or a doctor’s order. The address for the War Memorial is 4191 Hardy Street in Lihue.
Tests aren’t valid for travel to Maui or Big Island.
That’s the downside that it can’t be used for travel purposes. These tests (we aren’t sure what kind they are) “Cannot be used with the State of Hawaii’s Safe Travels program for travel to and exemption from quarantine in Maui County or Hawaii County.” For people traveling to those islands, pre-travel COVID testing must still be done by a Hawaii Trusted Partner to avoid quarantine.
An alternative to Kauai Resort Bubbles does not require an on-Kauai test.
There is no test needed on Kauai for those of you arriving following a 3+ night stay on another island. Instead, after 72 hours in Hawaii, travelers can be tested on whatever island they are on, and once they receive a negative test, they can travel to Kauai with no further requirement.
For more, go to the Kauai County information.
Will these new free Kauai COVID tests work for you?
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Phillippa K says
Does anyone know what brand/technology of test this is? We need something valid to test out of quarantine in another state when we leave here – and have to see if this test is valid. I can’t find any place on https://www.kauai.gov/COVIDTest to find out, and I’m not super-keen on showing up as though for a test just to ask this question (though I will if I must). Last time we took a test we paid for it and it was great (amazing PPE on the health worker who helped us) but free is always better when possible! Thanks.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Phillippa.
We aren’t sure and would be hesitant to recommend this for your travel requirements. I think emailing or calling the county would be indicated.
Aloha.
Lorraine Ann G says
thanks
Jim R says
Wow Teri, This should be 100% illegal. It’s basically legal racketeering, and should be investigated by state and federal authorities, in my opinion.
Gerry S says
Will be staying on Big Island for 7 nights, then flying to Kauai if we get a negative test prior to arrival are we free to explore the island or are their still some restrictions
JOAN B says
I have confirmed that bubblers are not allowed on any public beach or in the water at Kalapaki. The county wants pictures…If you see anyone with a bracelet on that is in the sand or water (not the grassy area as thats part of the Marriott property), please send it to BOH or post it if possible.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Joan.
Yes you are correct that beach access is not permitted. Please don’t send photos to us, however, just to the County.
Aloha.
Jim R. says
So, now they now have asked Kauai residents to be spying on and taking pictures of people in public places, to turn them in?
What’s this country coming to, if you feel the need to stoop to this kind of unethical appeasement to the State? I could understand if people are committing serious crimes, but sitting on a beach, several feet from the next person/people, or swimming in the ocean, where it’s perfectly safe to do so, while away from people…this is Just Ridiculous. 🤦♂️
LOL, now people are requesting you Guys to be the Gestapo police for Kauai? I don’t think some people grasp what your role is here, BoH…
🤣😂🤣
Thanks for shedding some light on this and leting people know this isn’t your request or responsibility, Rob and Jeff. 🤙
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Jim.
LOL. We told them not to send us any photos. Beyond that, it isn’t up to us. Thanks.
Aloha.
Cynthia H says
Wow, not we are encouraging people to rat people out. Not good, let it be.
Joan B says
If you are in a bubble resort, you CANNOT go to a public beach…period…. The geo fence prevents it so if Marriott people are able to touch the sand and go into the water at Kalapaki they are breaking the fencing. Koa Kea folks cannot walk to the Poipu Beach. Hanalei Bay Resort’s geo fence ends at the pathway to Puu Poa Beach where the sand begins. Timbers does not have a beach but they are able to play golf at the course next door certain times of the day. So if someone tells you they have been going to Kalapaki Beach, they are in violation of the EMQ bracelet and Marriott is not monitoring them and can get kicked out of the program and fined. Mahalo.
Brian M says
So…that’s very different from the rest of the Hawaiian Islands. Sorry. You won’t see us traveling 15 hours to be bubbled away from beaches. That is not happening where were are now…USVI. Sad, but so long Kaua’i.
Jim R. says
Maybe you should ask before you volunteer where people should send pics of visitors committing violations…just an obvious observation.
Are you stalking the beaches with your telephoto lense, trying to catch people too, Joan? 🤦♂️
Kathy B. says
Another quick decision they think will magically make the resort bubbles more appealing. *headslap* The continued extra costs and inconveniences of back & forth Uber rides, lack of weekend testing, restaurant & grocery delivery fees, an overcrowded resort and lack of being able to walk Kauai’s beaches for a good portion of our stay still makes staying in a resort bubble NOT an option for our family.
Brian M says
Agreed Kathy B. Not really doing anything to help matters. As owners in Princeville as long as Mayor Kawakami insists on this expensive option we will be taking our business elsewhere…such as right now. We are currently in St. Thomas USVI with none of his nonsense; test for Covid 5 days out, negative results-travel portal, present paperwork, enjoy paradise.