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Hotels Require Hawaii Vaccination Passports + New Maui COVID Rules Detailed

September 8, 2021 by Beat of Hawaii 2,838 Comments

Hotels Require Hawaii Vaccination Passports + New Maui COVID Rules Detailed

The first Hawaii hotels to implement a Hawaii vaccination passport mandate have just announced that starting October 15, all persons entering their properties must provide proof of full vaccination. That includes employees, guests, and others. The news comes as Hawaii announced 380 new Covid cases today, which, if accurate, is significantly lower than what we have been seeing recently.

The included hotels are the Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach, Ambassador Hotel Waikiki, Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel, Courtyard Marriott Waikiki Beach, Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach, Park Shore Waikiki, and Pearl Hotel Waikiki.

This is the first of what we expect will be more similar announcements. It was unveiled today by executives of Highgate Hawaii at a press conference attended by the Hawaii Tourism Authority and Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Assn., and government officials.

The company said it is contacting upcoming guests to advise them of the policy change and requirements. The mandate will apply to all employees as well, with limited exemptions for religious or medical reasons. The rollout was spurred by the Safe Access Oahu vaccination passport program, which starts on September 15 (see details below).

Maui officially announces vaccination passport requirements.

Yesterday, Maui joined Honolulu in formally mandating proof of vaccination for entry to some businesses. The Safer Outside program was revealed yesterday and will, like Oahu’s program, go into effect next week, once formally approved by the governor. The rules are set to be reviewed in 30 days.

Safer Outside includes a reduction in capacity for commercial boating, ground transport, and commercial tours. No spectators will be allowed at indoor and outdoor sports events. “We are calling our new set of rules Safer Outside… This means that all gatherings up to a maximum of 10 should be held outside whenever possible. We are modifying social gatherings inside five people, outside up to 10 people… For outside shared areas, individuals must comply with physical distancing requirements of at least six feet of physical separation from all other persons who are not part of the same household. And this goes for everyplace that you’re at.” — Sandy Baz, Maui County.

Maui’s Mayor indicated they might have additional guidelines to be announced subsequently. Also, employees can either be vaccinated or be tested regularly. Details of that are forthcoming. In addition, any event of more than 50 persons must obtain an exemption.

All customers over age 12 must provide proof of full vaccination. Those younger are exempt.

Maui restaurants and bars will now need to close by 10 pm. Guests are to remain seated and not socialize.

Those not fully vaccinated can only be served in outdoor dining areas. They can also access takeout and drive-thru services.

All gyms and fitness centers can continue to operate at 50% capacity indoors, with the same vaccination requirement for those over age 12. Facilities must verify vaccination status.

Violation of rights – not according to Maui and ACLU.

Sandy Baz, Maui County’s manager, said, “for those claiming that vaccine mandates compromise civil liberties, the American Civil Liberties Union does disagree.” The ACLU says, “Far from compromising civil liberties, vaccine mandates actually further civil liberties. They protect the most vulnerable among us, including people with disabilities and fragile immune systems, children too young to be vaccinated and communities of color hit hard by the disease.”

What proof is acceptable on Oahu and Maui?

Vaccination cards, including images or in digital form, will be acceptable proof on Oahu and Maui for now. The state is planning for some form of an electronic verification system, which has not yet been announced. Last week, Ige said that, for these new vaccination passports, the state would have the ability to verify those vaccinations which took place in Hawaii. Still, he did not discuss those vaccinated elsewhere.

Each island can implement its own rules.

The governor reiterated last week that each island could move separately. And Oahu and Maui have already done so.

Mitch Roth of the Big Island said, “we have been looking at it (vaccine passports)… We don’t have a lot of the (financial) safety nets we had last year… We have not decided yet… We are also waiting to see what happens with Honolulu.”

Kauai is also contemplating a vaccine passport and is looking first to see what happens with Honolulu’s implementation. “We’re taking a look at it,” said Mayor Kawakami.

Why vaccination Passports for Hawaii restaurants?  20 Covid clusters at restaurants just occurred.

As the country is hit by the latest wave of COVID-19 courtesy of the Delta Variant, Hawaii is again looking to roll out restrictions to prevent further virus spread. It was reported by the State Department of Health last week that at least 20 recent Covid clusters in Hawaii in a recent two-week period are related to restaurants.

Recently, renowned Hawaii restauranteur Peter Merriman said that all staff and customers would be vaccinated against Covid.

The use of commercial vaccination passport apps is up next.

We believe Hawaii will soon move for verification to the three state-approved commercial vaccination passports that thus far have been solely used as options for Hawaii travel. Lt. Gov. Green confirmed that idea, stating, “all we really have to do is, work with either Clear or CommonPass, who we already have a deep relationship with, who are helping us with the Safe Travels program to show that people are vaccinated. He said it would make life easier in Hawaii.

These are the Hawaii-approved vaccination passports.

BOH note: In terms of travel to Hawaii, registering and complying with the requirements of the state’s Safe Travels program remains the only current requirement for all arrivals (not required for interisland travel). Safe Travels is needed to create your trip, link and obtain approval of these vaccination/testing passport exemptions, and lastly, complete the required health questionnaire within 24 hours of travel. The passports below are simply options. 

CommonPass Hawaii – SMART Health Card.

CommonPass said that “U.S. visitors with a ‘SMART Health Card’ digital vaccine record can use CommonPass to verify that they’ve been vaccinated and waive the testing requirements… When travelers use the CommonPass exception to confirm their vaccination status in Safe Travels, they will be instantly verified, rather than needing to wait for verification as they would when uploading a paper CDC card.”

First, you download the CommonPass App, available for both iOS and Android. Finding it in the phone stores can be confusing, so we found it easiest to start here.

Next, either 1) scan your vaccination record directly into the app. “Note: CommonPass does not accept CDC vaccination card uploads.” Or, 2) for test results, “select the lab where you were tested and log into the lab portal through the CommonPass app or scan or import your SMART Health Card QR. Note: you must get tested at a CommonPass compatible lab.” Then, use the CommonPass and the pass ID number as the exception method in the Safe Travels Portal.

CLEAR Health Pass.

CLEAR Health Pass can be used by all passengers 18 and older. CLEAR’s no-cost mobile phone app’s health pass allows 1) vaccine verification or 2) negative test results to be uploaded.

To use CLEAR, upload your proof of vaccination or COVID test result on the CLEAR app and then go to the Safe Travels website and apply for quarantine exemption via the CLEAR Health Pass. Also, complete the health questionnaire on the Safe Travel site within 24-hours of travel.

AZOVA Simple Health Pass.

AZOVA offers expanded Covid testing options. You can also get vaccinated through AZOVA’s vaccine network or get your digital vaccine record confirmed by them to obtain your Simple Health Pass. You must link this pass with Hawaii Safe Travels. All adults 18 and over must still register with the Hawaii Safe Travels online system. Each child traveling with an adult should be included in the adult’s Safe Travels form.

As with the other vaccination passports, once you have you apply for Exemption/Exception from Quarantine and in this case, choose the AZOVA Exemption and select your trip and enter your name. In the AZOVA Exemption, enter your Credential ID and press Verify (you will see a verification status once completed).

Updated 9/8/21.

Note regarding comments: Your comment must relate specifically to Hawaii and comply with our comment policy in order for it to be considered for publication. 

 

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Comments

  1. Irene S says

    February 18, 2022 at 6:34 am

    If you want to eat at restaurants, you will need to show your vaccination card. We are currently here. Not all ask but just letting you know.

    Reply
  2. MJ says

    February 17, 2022 at 7:23 pm

    Not anymore! Hawaii has joined the rest of the country in suspending all Covid related travel restrictions.

    Reply
    • Charles says

      February 18, 2022 at 2:13 am

      Please provide sources, as the Hawaii website and news do not show that it has been suspended.

      Reply
      • Diana says

        February 18, 2022 at 6:20 am

        It doesn’t start until sometime in March.

        Reply
  3. Rich says

    January 28, 2022 at 7:33 am

    Having been vaccinated and bolstered in UK, I uploaded it to the New York City NYCCOVIDSAFE App along with my Passport Picture for use in Manhattan. It was accepted everywhere on Oahu wit no trouble. Free and easy to use.

    Reply
  4. Lopaka15 says

    January 27, 2022 at 9:36 am

    Does CLEAR, or Common PASS make entry into Hawaii faster, and easier, or is the card just as fast? (I am vaccinate and have gotten the booster)

    Also, if you want the Common Pass, or CLEAR pass do you get it before you register on the Hawaii SafeTravels and add it then, or do you register on SafeTravels and get the pass after you are registered.(I contacted the State and did not get a clear answer)

    Reply
    • BARBARA M says

      January 27, 2022 at 1:01 pm

      LOPAKA15… Be aware that both programs are limited. Can’t remember which but one only accepts “digital” vaccination proof and last I knew only California and one other state issued “digital” cards. As for the other one, again it is limited – I think it requires proof of where you were vaccinated and even one of the three largest providers in our state was not on their list. Since you need to show your vaccination proof on occasions other than flying, upload it to your phone and then to Safe Tra

      1
      Reply
      • Lopaka15 says

        January 28, 2022 at 2:29 am

        thank you .. I guess that I’ll just load the card, and bring the card with me.
        I have digital proof(Excelsior Plus ) from NY showing my vaccination and booster It’s on my phone as a backup to prove that I was vaccinated.I know Hawaii does not accept that, but I figured that it can;t hurt to have it since it’s verification from my State that I was vaccinated.

        Reply
    • Kristie D says

      January 27, 2022 at 2:48 pm

      We are on Maui now and the only thing you need to do is go to Hawaii safe travels and update with your vaccine card. No other site is needed. Safe travels will send you a QR code via email. Then you show it to the airlines and they give you a wrist band. Easy…

      3
      Reply
  5. Stacy C says

    January 24, 2022 at 6:07 am

    We just returned from Maui. The Safe Travels site was a a little confusing. We did AZOVA (don’t waste your money😡). Best thing to do if you have time is the Clear Health Pass. The common Health Pass has you do a couple of things in the last 24 hours before your flight. That is when things are the busiest. It was worth the effort 🥰

    Reply
  6. Lin Y. says

    January 21, 2022 at 10:56 am

    Why do so many not get it that a “vaccine passport” is your immunization. The airlines may require a test for COVID in order to control passengers spreading the virus even if vaccinated. (You can pass on the virus even though you are not ill.) So I see a couple of steps. Make sure you have had all three vaccine doses, carry your card with you, get tested if your airline requires it, get enough N-95 masks for your trip. We’re 77! Not computer savvy? Use a travel agent who can do it for you!

    2
    Reply
    • BARBARA M says

      January 21, 2022 at 12:40 pm

      LIN Y… Brilliant!

      1
      Reply
  7. Gin M says

    January 19, 2022 at 4:01 pm

    Incredibly hard to keep up with the ever changing requirements. (Even for someone who’s had the shots) 3rd and final cancelled trip to Hawaii happens tomorrow. Sad, but we wish the islanders much wellness and better leadership. Thank you BOH for all the updates on Covid the past 2 years. It must be exhausting. You did well keeping us informed as best possible. Aloha.

    2
    Reply
    • Beat of Hawaii says

      January 20, 2022 at 7:00 pm

      Hi Gin.

      We hope that you can return again soon!

      Aloha.

      1
      Reply
  8. Jon M says

    November 14, 2021 at 5:42 pm

    My wife and I have been tested several times for travel as well as to have heart procedures done in the hospital. We have been fully vaccinated and also had our booster vaccine. We are very confused about how to aquire these passports. A lot of travelers in their 70’s are not that computer savvy. We return to Hawaii every year for at least 30 days. Are you trying to prevent seniors from coming to Hawaii? Please set up a help line for seniors to get through this.

    3
    Reply
    • Beat of Hawaii says

      November 14, 2021 at 6:32 pm

      Hi Jon.

      For restaurants and other venues, just bring your proof of vaccination with you.

      Aloha.

      2
      Reply
      • Sharon K says

        December 14, 2021 at 10:16 am

        You did not answere Jon’s question as to help with the process.

        Reply
        • Joerg H. says

          December 14, 2021 at 12:42 pm

          By proof of vaccination, I believe BOH meant the vaccine card. No technology is required.

          1
          Reply
    • BARBARA M says

      December 14, 2021 at 10:50 am

      JON M… YOu do not need a “vaccination passport”. You just need to be able to show proof – hard copy card (not advisable!), Immunaband, photo on your phone, etc.

      1
      Reply
    • Liam G says

      December 14, 2021 at 11:37 am

      Bring your therapy card aka vaccine passport

      2
      Reply
  9. Paul L says

    November 3, 2021 at 6:43 pm

    We have been on Maui now for four weeks. We dutifully got the CLEAR vaccine passport prior to traveling thinking that it was exactly what we needed and wouldn’t have to hassle with our vaccine cards. The vaccine passport is useless. We have yet to have it accepted by any restaurant. They all want to see your vaccine card. Most of them don’t even know what the vaccine passport is and the ones that do claim they don”t have a scanner to read it. What a waste of time.

    4
    Reply
    • Steve R. says

      November 6, 2021 at 5:27 am

      Good to know. Maybe Honolulu will be different. We’ll see.

      1
      Reply
  10. Stephanie M says

    September 27, 2021 at 8:19 pm

    Aloha,

    Everyone else is censoring.

    That’s.
    Why.
    Here.

    Mahalo to BOH for respecting the 1st amendment. I hold you in the highest regards for that, no matter how painful this must be.

    True journalism at its finest.

    SHINE ON BEAT OF HAWAII.

    XOXOOXOXO

    2
    Reply
    • Beat of Hawaii says

      September 28, 2021 at 10:30 am

      Hi Stephanie.

      Thank you! “Respecting the first amendment” has nothing to do with us or other publications. We can publish comments or not as we choose. Unfortunately, we have deleted more than 400 comments in the past month, edited even more than that, and permanently banned a number of commentors. Just a sign of these challenging times.

      Aloha.

      3
      Reply
      • Diana says

        September 28, 2021 at 10:37 am

        Hooray! Finally! Mahalo nui loa.

        1
        Reply
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