CommonPass, the testing and vaccination passport/digital health app that enables travelers to present verified proof of testing and vaccination, has launched a website all about Hawaii passport travel.
The site reads: “Hawaii’s Safe Travels Program Welcomes CommonPass. Heading to Hawaii? CommonPass has you covered.”
CommonPass Hawaii is currently in a pilot rollout for Hawaii-bound visitors. It has many limitations at this point, but it certainly tells us where Hawaii is headed with CommonPass. Read on for all the details.
Initially for COVID test results, with insights on what’s next.
The site says that CommonPass Hawaii, currently in a pilot, was developed according to the Hawaii Safe Travels Program and permits visitors to access lab options across the United States to satisfy the negative COVID-19 test requirement for entry initially and can enjoy a safe, smooth travel experience. There is no cost for the app or its usage. The next phase will be wider deployment with more airlines, testing partners, and vaccination results.
At this point, it doesn’t YET include Hawaii vaccination passports.
What the pilot side does provide is another set of options for fulfilling 72-hour pre-travel testing requirements.
To use the CommonPass’ pilot deployment, you must be flying on certain airlines and Hawaii routes. You also need to get tested at one of their Safe Travels participating facilities within 72 hours of your departure. At this point, no other facilities, airlines, or flights are included.
Participating mainland labs:
XpresCheck and Vault only. CommonPass is also partnered with testing partners in Japan, UK, Hong Kong, and Germany. The labs will be expanded for full deployment.
Participating airlines and routes:
Hawaiian Airlines between Phoenix and Honolulu. Use invitation code: HAWAII.
United Airlines between Denver and Honolulu, Kona, Lihue, and Maui. Use invitation code: UNITED.
How and why to use CommonPass pilot with the Hawaii Safe Travels Program.
At this point, you will just be giving their system a try while it is in its early rollout. To use it, first, download CommonPass from one of the two phone app stores. You can also download it from the CommonPass Hawaii website. Again, there is no charge for the app or its usage.
Using CommonPass is a bit confusing at this point, but here’s what we were told. Visitors must still register with Hawaii Safe Travels once they have made reservations. Those under age 18 will be included in an adult’s Safe Travels form. Then use the CommonPass app to generate your CommonPass ID. On the “Trip Details” sections of the Safe Travels website, go to the section entitled “Exemptions.” There you will use your CommonPass ID as the exemption.
Your CommonPassID is a 32 digit code found beneath your CommonPass QR code. Tap the copy symbol to capture the ID, paste that into Safe Travels and select “Verify.”
Once it has been verified, you can add other travelers if needed. Also, within 24 hours before departure for Hawaii, you still need to complete the Hawaii Safe Travels health questionnaire.
Where else is CommonPass being used, and how.
CommonPass has also been deployed in the Netherlands Antilles and on flights from Germany to the US. In those places, it is currently used only for COVID test results. The CommonPass website clearly states that it is intended, however, for proof of vaccination in addition to test results.
The first Hawaii vaccination exemptions start May 11.
In another pilot, Hawaii residents, vaccinated in Hawaii, and traveling interisland, not from the mainland, will be eligible to avoid other testing requirements. Children from 5 years to vaccination eligibility age will still be required to continue pre-travel testing to avoid quarantine. Hawaii is still working on verifying vaccinations for those who were vaccinated outside of the state, such as with CommonPass. The governor confirms that Hawaii is working with CommonPass and Clear to arrive at appropriate vaccination validation for visitors from all states.
According to the state, those seeking this interisland vaccination exemption can upload vaccination records to Hawaii Safe Travels starting May 7.
Important note: Those traveling interisland (except to Honolulu) who are not exempt per this limited pilot are still required to test within 72 hours of interisland travel.
When will Hawaii vaccination travel exemptions be available for mainland visitors?
Regarding opening this up to mainland visitors, Governor Ige said it would happen within weeks. Lt. Gov. Green also said, “It won’t be long before it can roll out.” We are awaiting dates, which could still be as early as July.
Hawaii and New York working ensemble.
Hawaii is only the second state to offer this kind of vaccination exemption. That following New York’s program, which went into effect late in March.
Lt. Gov. Green indicated this week that Excelsior, the New York passport developer associated with IBM, is now helping Hawaii with its vaccination passport plans. He indicated July as the target date for the mainland to Hawaii deployment. That, assuming all goes well with the current interisland rollout.
Vaccine cards + Safe Travels will be needed for now.
Passports still aren’t quite ready, according to the state leaders. In the interim, a photo of travelers’ vaccination cards will be required, according to Green. Those will be uploaded to the Hawaii Safe Travels website. On arrival, passengers may also be required to present the actual cards for inspection. Vaccinations will be required to have been completed vaccination at least 14-days before traveling.
Current COVID travel rules will remain in effect for now and will continue thereafter for those who choose not to be vaccinated. Hawaii officials have said that vaccinations will only be an option, not a requirement.
Revised on May 6, 2021, at 11 am.
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David F says
Trying to figure out what is required for trip to Honolulu Sept 6th for 10 days. Will we need COVID- test? Or will proof vaccine be enough? If not can we get test at our local Walgreens rather than test site at Logan airport. Thank you for any help/direction you can offer us.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi David.
The state plans to open travel from the mainland to those who are vaccinated, and that will hopefully come by July. Check back though.
Aloha.
Tammy W says
Aloha! We just got back from our San Diego to Maui trip and stay at Napili Shores Resort. I just wanted to say that the pre-travel Covid tests from Kaiser which were free were back in 22 hours!! They did a pre-screen at the check in desk at the Hawaiian Airlines departure gate which entailed scanning your QR code from the Hawaii Safe Travels website and receiving a wrist bands. Upon arrival we whisked right through the airport with zero problems just waved right through showing our wrist bands. There was hardly anyone arriving, the plane was not full coming or going but the airport was full with long lines going home with overhead infrared temperature checking but the wait was about 15 minutes. Masks are enforced but not outside or in restaurants while dining. We had a great time absolutely easy as pie so have no fears everyone. Thank you BOH for all that you do. I will be following the vaxx passport news as I am fully vaccinated and we will be returning late October for the Big Island. MAHALO AND ALOHA 🤙🏽
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Tammy.
Thanks. We appreciate your many comments, nice words, and the report on your recent trip to Maui.
Aloha.
JohnW says
Shouldn’t Tammy get an award for the best post on here or something?
That was a beautiful reality check. Never forget there are a lot of good people out there and even the pettiness that surfaces on the
Internet is not an accurate representation of reality…
Very well said Tammy
Jw says
@Tammy U.
Thanx for reporting.
We are doing the Maui trip in June,but traveling from the bay area. We also have Kaiser, and from the three different Kaiser COVID tests we’ve done since last October, the time to get the results have ranged from two days to five days.
What was your plan if Kaiser’s test results did not come within 72 hours?
Gloria G. says
So I have the same question as Niki S and I’m stressed out about it. We leave for Maui on 5/19 @ 7:10 am. Does that mean that we have to be tested NO LATER than 7:10 on Sunday , May 17 or ? It is the 72 hour thing that is confusing to me – and I’m stressed beyond belief because of this test. We will not have to test again on Maui before going to Kauai. I know that this sounds like a really lame question. We are double vaccinated as well.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Gloria.
The rule is you need to test with 72 hours of your scheduled flight departure time from the mainland to Hawaii. As for travel to Kauai, if you are just in transit on Maui and don’t leave the airport, then nothing more should be needed. If you are staying on Maui, then you would need to test again before flying to Kauai. That interisland testing rule is unless you are a Hawaii resident, vaccinated in Hawaii, in which case you would not need to test again.
Aloha.
Gloria G says
Yes we are staying on Maui so will need to find a testing place. But it is the 72 hour thing … we can test after 72 hours, but NOT BEFORE. Is that correct … so it could be LESS than 72 hours but not more. Please advise. BTW, thanks for all of this info. You all do a great job.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Gloria.
Thank you. You do not need to be on Maui for 72 before testing. You just need to test within 72 hours of flying to Kauai.
Aloha.
BARBARA M says
I can’t find “Gp”s comment but thought I’d respond anyway. Yes, those of us “sheep” who have given into science and gotten vaccinated, yes, we probably will “have certain rights” over those who have chosen to not receive the vaccine. Darn that “dangerous and slippery slope” – just like that “slipper slope” of having to have a driver’s license to drive a car or a Real ID to get on a plane or showing a valid birthday ID to drink in a bar. There that “slipper slope” goes again! REALLY!?!?!?!?!
Anonymouse says
I couldn’t find it either. I find it ironic that some call us responsible people SHEEP. Guess what have you ever traveled internationally before? I am guessing many have not. Want to travel be responsible. Want life to get back to normal? Be responsible Dont want to get a covid vaccine hide in your home for ever and let the rest of us responsible people get back to our normal lives. You sheep have no right to infect those of us who take responsibility and do the right thing
Nancy D says
Well you got this wrong about infecting other people … if YOU are vaccinated then don’t worry about unvaccinated people. The vaccine will prevent you from getting it from the unvaccinated people. That’s the point of you are vaccinated you are protected says the CDC.
Casey says
Free movement in the US should not be restricted for only those who are vaccinated!
Nancy D says
Yup I agree with ya. Wait until we all start showing them fake vaccine cards to get into HAWAII 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 they think they are “” special “”
Anonymouse says
So you like prison and fines? How will you fake the test?
Nancy D says
The vaccine … not the test. Read the writing. Fake vaccine cards are all over the internet. Open your eyes.
I AM NOT SAYING I WILL DO IT. So don’t be telling me I want prison time. Read the writing
Anonymouse says
It absolutely should be mandatory for anyone in the public and especially traveling. Funny part is you may not have a choice. PS Hawaii is an island in the middle of the ocean so different rules apply. Alaska is doing much the same.
Nancy D says
Yup the choice will be of many fake vaccine cards 🤣
G says
I hope the gov will announce
People with the covid19 vaccine will be available to avoid the quarantine and testing from the mainland travel in June or
July
Thank you
Anonymouse says
YES this is the way it should be for everything. No covid vaccine no travel, no going out to eat no theatres etc etc. You dont want to be safe and cautious and avoid the vaccine STAY HOME and let the rest of us responsible people go about our lives.
Nancy D says
You better stay home since you are even paranoid with you getting the vaccine
JW says
Haha we go to The Islands to relax, avoid and slow pace there. But come on, speed it up and allow us with vaccinations (from the Mainland) țo bypass the testing. Trust the science, simple.
Jw says
June pls. Very easy to start, just use Vaccination card.
Jo M says
Just arrived on the Big Island and process went extremely smooth. Utilized United’s Pre-clear at SFO that was in between a very quick layover. Upon arrival showed our vaccine cards and basically within minutes was on the rental car shuttle bus. No one waiting at the rental office so was off in less than 10 minutes. So far a great experience.
Aloha!
TRACY Y says
Gov says he hopes Vaccine Plan in a few weeks … Lt. Gov says he hopes Vaccine Plan by July … the circus show continues!
Jo M says
Just arrived on the Big Island and process went extremely smooth. Utilized United’s Pre-clear at SFO that was in between a very quick layover. Upon arrival showed our vaccine cards and basically within minutes was on the rental car shuttle bus. No one waiting at the rental office so was off in less than 10 minutes. So far a great experience.
Thanks for all the updates. Aloha!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Jo.
Have a great time. Thanks for the report.
Aloha.
Rickesh P says
I thought vacation planning was stressful before, now it is a total turn off. I have cancelled my flights I can wait until next year to travel
Kristi y says
So confusing still.
D S says
wow – feeling less and less like America these days … what next?
Lynda B says
Hello!! We are traveling to Oahu in August and are planning a day trip to Big Island. Are there any requirements that we would need to comply with for this day trip? Thanks for your input!!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Lynda.
It would be best to check back closer to August since we don’t know what if anything may be required then.
Aloha.
wpc says
Welcome to medical fascism.
Casey says
Yep, looks like we will be taking our family to Florida instead, people are still welcome in that state. Can’t wait to see this backfire on states like Hawaii, what happens when our more constitutional states start playing by the same rules and banning them from coming in???
JohnW says
Actually Casey Hawaii is not banning anyone from coming in, where did you get that idea?
Obviously they are taking precautions to protect itself from letting Covid get out of control and overwhelming the
hospitals. Taking a preflight test before coming here has certainly been effective and it’s certainly not unconstitutional to allow vaccinated
people to skip that minor inconvenience, anymore then having TSA precheck would be as that too let’s you bypass a longer line.
That said, the type of people that “can’t wait to others suffer” are probably happier in a State that put less of a priority on preventing suffering then Hawaii.