Is this the future of Hawaii travel? Back in the news again today.
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2,829 thoughts on “Hotels Require Hawaii Vaccination Passports + New Maui COVID Rules Detailed”
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Is this the future of Hawaii travel? Back in the news again today.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
Comments are closed.
Thank You for updating the travel to Hawaii
Will a vaccine certificate issued in Canada qualify? We are hoping to Travel to Waikiki in January so want to know before reserving..thanks Don
Hi Don.
It’s too soon to know. We’ll keep and eye out though.
Aloha.
Is there any chance of an exemption for children? My wife and I are both vaxxed, but our 8-year old traveling to Kauai with us in August obviously isn’t and won’t be in all likelihood by that time. I read that 5-years old is the limit, but am wondering if that is current info?
Fauci, the CDC and vax manufacturers all have stated that the vaccines are not proven to stop the spread of the covid from those who are vaccinated. The government is basing its policy on the incorrect thinking that those vaccinated don’t spread the virus.
Hi DJD I think you have misunderstood the CDC recommendation. Vaccinated travelers present a mitigated risk and should not represent a major risk if they follow the mask, social distancing, personal hygiene and other requests. Unfortunately many here have adopted binary positions which oversimplify. No one knows for certain what degree of immunity is effected for what time period as we are in a new area. All the experts can do is extrapolate from other Corona Viruses. Vaccinated travelers who test negative repeatedly could still carry the infection. If you think of vaccination as if it was changing your brake pads when your car is serviced. You would not then turn off the anti lock brakes, rip out the air bags and the seat belts and then blame the manufacturer if someone ran into you.
Hawaii is heading to herd immunity which may not prevent infection but is medically proven to dramatically reduce deaths and hospitalizations, protecting the most vulnerable from the worst effects of the infection. Hope you enjoy your trip to Paradise when you choose to make it.
I have said it before and I will keep saying it that national governments and leaders should be showing leadership and example in this space. It is not a US problem but affects many nations where leaders are more scared of being blamed for a bad decision than not doing anything about the ill effects on jobs, incomes and state borrowing. Blaming State Governors when they have no Federal Government policy to follow is unfair. I think the Governor and Lt Governor are doing the best they can. I am still undecided about some of the Mayors’ activities. Given the terrible rates in California and the number of travelers resident and visitor going back and forth the State should be commended for keeping the rates low.
Rich, I agree with much of what you wrote, except you are factually incorrect about California having a terrible rate of Covid infection. In fact, California has the lowest positivity rate in the nation, at 1.5% as of yesterday. The county in which I live (Santa Clara County) has a rate of 1.1%. Almost 40% of Californians have at least had one dose of a vaccination, with over 23 million doses administered. You may have been recalling the surge we had last winter. But we do not have “terrible rates” at all.
Hi Barbara K, I apologize if I did not express myself clearly. I was referring to the rates of infection when I was in Hawaii for the holidays and there was talk of banning travel from California and endless reports on the news. From 12/15 to 1/15 when I was in Hawai’i, California had a big problem which Governor Newsom wrestled with, notably in the San Fran Metro area and Southern California. Big doings was made of some Malahinis from Kauai who flew back from Oakland or San Fran with their kids carrying positive test results. I believe they are still awaiting trial on Kauai. Governor Newsom imposed Stay at Home orders (which unfortunately some PD’s refused to enforce) along with other travel restrictions and efforts to reduce infection. As you rightly say, the situation in California has now been turned around. I am sorry if I implied anything negative about the good work the Governor of California has done in getting the rate down or any current high levels of infection there. Though I believe there are some issues in the non legal population in parts of LA and amongst the homeless but that is the same everywhere s people are reluctant to engage,
Dear Jo, Amen! I agree with you! I’m planning my life long dream vacation trip to Oahu next year ♡♡
Thanks for this update – I’ll be anxiously waiting for some official word on exemptions from Covid testing for inter-island travel. Our family is going to Kauai on May 8, but my son and his wife will be spending 3 nights in Maui first. That means they will be tested before they depart from San Francisco, and then get tested at the airport upon arrival in Maui — and then drive directly from the airport to get tested AGAIN so that they will have results before departing for Kauai. This seems excessive, especially with 2 tests within hours in one day! And expensive too. All this, despite the fact that both of them are fully vaccinated. I do understand and want Hawaii to stay safe and I have no problem with pre-flight tests from the mainland and the requirement that masks and social distancing be observed. We’re from Northern California and it’s uncommon to see someone without a mask, even on our hikes. But really – 2 tests in one day? Excessive! Hoping for good news tomorrow.
Weeks ago there were concerns of “forged” Vaccination Cards, now all of a sudden a photo of the card (uploaded) will be acceptable??? These guys must be rehearsing for a comedy show.
ok you know what? I just got vaccinated. I would love to see how you would forge what I got? And really why would someone do that or even know how? Give me a break
Read the Wall Street Journal from yesterday. Selling fake certifactes is big business.
Aloha! What happens if one recently had covid? Can they be exempt and if so how?
Thanks for the updates.
Hi Joan.
That is found here: https://beatofhawaii.com/hawaii-travel-after-you-recover-from-covid/. We aren’t aware of any changes being discussed for that.
Aloha.
My husband and I are on the island of Hawaii now. Our second trip to Hawaii after recovering from Covid. Very easy process to get exemption and the Attorney General’s office responded very quickly with approval. Also, no problems once we arrived and we were also exempt from daily check-ins on Maui snd random testing on arrival in Hawaii. We just had to submit a positive test within 90 days of flight and a letter from physician saying we are fully recovered dated within 14 days of travel. Easiest way to get here in my opinion. No Covid testing required.
Beverly,
We’re really glad that you survived the virus, but it’s not really the best way to get past the testing.
Mahalo Beat of Hawaii!
Hi Pam.
Thanks for your input.
Aloha.
Definitely not the best way to get past testing. Just letting others that have recovered within the last 90 days know that they have an option since they could test positive for over 90 days due to having the antibodies. This is in no way exposing others.
Beverly please elaborate on this. Are you seriously saying you got away with NOT testing because you already had covid19? You got to bypass all protocols because you supposedly already had covid? You do realize you can get it again, that you can be asymptomatic spreader? I actually do not believe what you are saying is true. Please fill in the missing details here.
Hi Paul, I have no reason to offer information that is not true so what I wrote is definitely fact. It depends on who you listen to as to what you believe. I am a recent breast cancer survivor and choose to take the advice of my team of physicians at MD Anderson Cancer Center. I was informed that I could test positive over 90 days due to having antibodies to the virus. I was also informed that I can not be a carrier with the strong antibodies I currently have. Also, I followed protocol required by the Attorney General of Hawaii to be exempt so I did not get away without testing, I was not required to test. You can find the information the AG’s website. Have a great day and I’ll continue enjoying my time on Hawaii! All of the people I have spoken with here are very welcoming and want tourism to resume!
Hi Beverly. Fair enough. I have done some research and maybe you are right after all. DO DO DO enjoy your time there. I meant no ill by my comment. We cannot wait till 6/4/21!
Yes my husband and I just got to visit Maui and we got a travel exemption due to recovering from the virus in early February. We had to be under 90 days recovery and over 14 day isolation. I was worried it was gonna be a while but the state of Hawaii was extremely efficient and I had all paperwork downloaded and printed out before we flew.
So does this mean you didn’t have to do the 72 hour pretest?
Can people that get the covid19 vaccine February and March still be able to come to Honolulu in October
Thank you
P.s keep me updated
Hi Greg.
We’ll update you as soon as we learn more.
Aloha.
Thank you for your continued updates on traveling to Hawaii and the changing landscape. I’m coming in July (after the 4th) and hope the vaccination passport (or something similar) is in effect by then. Much cheaper than another COVID test.
Hi Thomas.
Thanks. We hope to have good news coming up.
Aloha.
Dear Thomas, that is exactly one of the reasons I’m waiting for my trip next year. I’m planning my life long dream vacation trip to Oahu!!♡♡
A third exception added in Monday’s proclamation will waive the quarantine mandate for any travelers who can provide documentation that they received a COVID-19 vaccine.
Travelers will have to show proof either by uploading it to the Safe Travels Program website or presenting it in person upon arrival.
Could it be… sane minds prevailed… finally? No more testing for the vaccinated to travel to hawaii? I need to see it on BOH before I believe it.
Dear Jared, I know right!! I’m planning my life long dream vacation trip to Oahu next year♡♡♡ I’m getting very excited & can’t wait! 🙂
What about military personnel traveling from Asian military bases and have received our vaccinations?
Will my vaccination for corvid card along with my driver’s license
l is to trave June 18 – 28 to Maui allow us to travel without being quarantined?
and big Mahalos to Beat of Hawaii for your coverage throughout this whole ordeal. As more and more people get vaccinated
our issue will be crowds not the economy here.Hopefully positive solutions will come out of this.
Hi John.
Thank you! We appreciate your input – nearly 200 comments to date.
Aloha.
Let vaccinated people in no restrictions. Test unvaccinated people. Hawaii is a relatively safe state and what we have been doing is working.
For those that think that’s too restrictive, go to Florida, they have the hospital space to accommodate spikes in cases.
Tourists that respect the fact that we are an island and that want to help us stay safe are more then welcome and will find the Aloha spirit in abundance.
I agree John W.
I agree with John also. I’m planning my life long dream vacation trip to Oahu next year ♡♡ I’m getting very excited & can’t wait:)
Agree
John W couldn’t agree more! I will be fully vaccinated as of May 4th and our Trip a glorious ten days in Hawaii starts 6-4 thru 14th! I would love to be able to come without the worry of testing!
We love Hawaii and will do anything it takes to come! We plan to spend our money and hopefully feel the aloha spirit which we all desperately need right now!
Aloha,
I just got the jnj jab so
1. does that mean I will fail a test going forward?
2. any idead how long HI will accept the cdc vaccine card (ie 3,6,9 months)?
3. how do I prove to clear other providers that I have been vaxxined so I can use the app?
thanks,
terry
Hi Terry.
Answer to first question if no. And the answer to following two is that we don’t yet know. We will keep updating this as we learn more.
Aloha.
We have a trip for 10 in June that actually was paid for in July 2019. If we could have received our money back instead of vouchers, we wouldn’t be going to Hawaii. It’s costing us more and more and more. We’re all vaccinated. But, with testing required, we now have to change flights for some as we will not be able to meet and fly together to adhere to the testing requirements. Changed flights, testing fees, shuttles or ground transportation costs as people will arrive and depart at different times, etc. are making what should be a wonderful trip to a beautiful place, a nightmare. And, this whole scenario makes it appear that the governor has little if any integrity, or is inarguably inept. The database idea is not what the CDC intended. They said start simple…a card. Governor Inge said he was waiting for CDC guidance on travel and it has been given. Now his statement is that record keeping on vaccination was not a priority. What? That’s either a lie or he has failed at one of the most important things he will ever undertake as governor. If the worry is about fraudulent cards, in an hour a law could be passed in Hawaii that would impose jail time and fines for that. Additional charges for contact tracing that caused illness, injury, or death with fraudulent documents could be included in that law. Who would object? Everyone wants people to stay healthy. Instead, he is using fear and unchecked power to abuse not only the people of his state, but visitors that are trapped in a commitment made long before Covid-19 existed.
Hawaiian people – consider removing/reducing the Governor’s emergency powers.
Latest Brew Ha Ha on Kauai North Shore: Dinosaur Rock Star’s wife requires her bar/restaurant workers to be vaccinated, thereby causing many to lose their jobs.
It’s her restaurant; she can do what wants. Lot’s of comments on the GIN story. All over the place with lots of vitriol and smugness. Sort of like the comments on this post.
Different situation than when the Bistro owner wouldn’t serve “safe travels” tourists last October (not sure if he’s doing that again?), since this policy is aimed at the workers instead of the customers.
Are you talking about Tiki Iniki? Good for the owner.
We will be sure to stop in for some Mai Tais on our next trip out in May!!
Knock yourselves out. We went there a few times when they first opened the place. That was many years ago. Wasn’t impressed and haven’t been back. Our neighbor, a pakalolo enthusiast, likes using their biodegradable drink straws as “cigarette” holders. At least they’re good for something.
Thanks for the update. We are traveling to Kauai from Indiana on June 6th and will have our second phizer shot on April 16th. Seems like Hawaii should be able to get their ducks in a row to accommodate responsible travelers. Heck I would provide pictures and videos of us getting the shots to go along with the vaccination card in order to skip a test that may or may not have the results delivered by the time we land.
Hi Dave.
Thanks From everything we’ve heard, there will be no exemption for vaccinated travelers until early July.
Aloha.
Thank you!
I hope the gov
Will lift the restrictions for mainland travel soon by July 1
for people with the covid19 vaccine will be available to avoid the quarantine and testing
Thank you
I people 50 and older get the covid19 vaccine April 12
And 16 and older April 19
since CDC said fully vaccinated people could travel in the United States,Why is Gov Ige not
letting people into Hawaii. Is not Hawaii part of the United States?.
Wake up Ing.
It is up to the individual states not the Federal Government. In addition you should be tested. I am absolutely on board with the Mayor of Maui to introduce second testing upon arrival. The vaccinations don’t say anything.
Gerhard, if “the vaccinations don’t say anything”, why get them?
Ed D. I think you already know the answer, but if you are in FL I can understand why you may not know. The vaccines are respectively 75%-95% effective in keeping you from a more severe reaction to infection and nearly 100% effective to keep you out of the hospital. Though research on those already vaccinated (Israel/medical community)indicates that the vaccine also protects you from infection, and that the effectiveness lasts at least 6 months, it cannot guarantee that you can’t be an asymptomatic carrier. Thus, the need for testing to protect everyone.
If the vaccines are 90-95% effective then out of 1 Million vaccinated people entering Hawaii 50,000 to 100,000 could still test positive and transmit the virus.
All the vaccine does is protect you from getting seriously ill. Therefore testing has to and hopefully will stay in place which in turn could catch another 95% of those mentioned above.
And if the vaccines are that effective, and everyone, especially the vulnerable population of Hawaii gets vaccinated, doesn’t the risk of infection and death drop significantly? It isn’t just about vaccinating the potential carrier of the virus, it’s also about vaccinating the potential receiver of the virus. At some point, the vaccine gets us to where Covid 19 is nothing more than any other virus going around.
Mike
You’re absolutely correct!
Plus, many people cannot get the vaccinations due to pre-existing conditions that are contraindicated by the vaccine itself.
Testing to keep Hawaii safe is extremely important!
because its an island with limited resources. Derr.
PS for the talk about insecure websites this one keeps popping up that its not secure
Aloha guys!
I wanted to get your opinion on what’s happening today with Maui County.
We have family coming over next month to visit us here in Honokowai, and apparently anyone arriving directly from the mainland will be subject to a second Covid test upon arrival.
If a positive, 10 days quarantine.
Didn’t we just get over this stuff??
Mahalo for your help and opinion.
Hi Pam.
That is correct per the governor’s approval of the mayor’s request for a mandatory 2nd test. It is of course challenging for everyone when there are different rules island-by-island.
Aloha.
Mahalo for your help in understanding the situation.
Would you agree that the key words are “traveling directly from the mainland”?
Does that mean if our family travels to Oahu and then connects to Maui, it doesn’t apply?
I just can’t believe this is happening.
Mahalo again for all your help.
Hi Pam.
We do believe that connecting passengers going to Maui will be treated the same as passengers flying directly there. Until it starts or the county releases more information, however, we won’t know for sure.
Aloha.
Hello! My new hubby and I are considering taking our honeymoon in HNL. How likely do you think the Governor will stick to this July 4th Date? I had to cancel our honeymoon once already and with airfare more than doubling I am not too keen on the possibility of doing it again… Especially since I have to use the credit by the end of the year or I’m out almost $2000.
Just got back from Maui and Oahu on Tuesday. If you follow all the guidelines (safetravels), get your PCR test from the approved Hawaii testing sites within the 72 hour window with a negative test you should be good. Just make sure if you are making a connecting flight to Hawaii, your negative test result needs to reflect 72 hours from your departing flight to Hawaii. I went from Las Vegas to Sacramento , Sacramento to Honolulu on Southwest, my negative test was with in the 72 hours from my Sacramento flight to Hawaii. I was lucky to get pre approval wrist band at the gate in Sacramento, I did not need to stop at he screening line at Honolulu. Good luck in your travels and enjoy your trip.
Serious…that is my husband and I, too. We were planning on coming in December. If we have already HAD the virus and are advised NOT to get the vaccination due to that fact, what is our next step?
Traveling with 2 children to Oahu. We will all covid test before departing. Adults are fully vaccinated. We are spending 3 days on Oahu & will then depart for Kauai. Will the children need to covid test again on Oahu to avoid any quarantine on Kauai? If they need to test again can they immediately test upon arrival on Oahu?
The Governor said Hawaii would follow CDC recommendations. Well it is not so we have no confidence in this Governor.
Waiting to build the perfect database is not acceptable.
I have a card that says I am vaccinated. Could it be forged? Of course it could! Just like the $20 in your wallet could be forged or your drivers license.
Vaccination cards have always been accepted at face value until proven wrong. This should be no different.
Take my card or lose my vote.
Hawaii keeps shooting itself in the foot with talk of a Vaccine Passport. This is America. Yeah, some people may be willing to take this experimental vaccine in order to travel to Hawaii but a lot of others won’t. In fact, if Hawaii makes a Covid Vaccine mandatory in order to visit the islands, I will be one of the first in line to file a Class Action Lawsuit for Discrimination and in violation of HIPAA.
Nowhere will make it mandatory as certain individuals should not be vaccinated but some carriers and countries will not allow you to enter or travel which they are entitled to do. Covid Vaccine Certification like Negative Testing is a way to limit the risk of infection to the residents of a state or country. It is similar to the Yellow Fever mandatory Requirement in certain countries. HIPAA and consent are not of relevance as the vaccine certificate or passport holder maintains control of the information. All the certificate does is substantiate the data owner’s claim to being a lower risk of infection. But hey I guess your attorney needs a new Mercedes. Sounds like you could do with a few weeks in Paradise to destress as we all could with the lack of direction currently in this space.
There are no plans to make vaccinations mandatory to go to Hawaii. Get vaccinated or not. Or just don’t go!
I don’t understand what all the fuss is about the vaccination. Complete nonsense. Just get tested 72 hours before and you are fine.
This is america where there are choices. Hawaii has made a choice which is well within their rights to do so. Dont like it dont come. Go to Covid Ravaged Florida
Just returned from my seven day stay in Oahu and one day in Maui. Flying to Oahu from Las Vegas with connecting in Sacramento on Southwest went really smooth. Thank you Southwest for the pre-arrival bands to avoid the mess arriving at HNL. Four of us were able to get the bands, and I had issues that no-one could tell me why. Checking in at HNL went ok, just needed more people doing the checking in. Had all my paperwork and QR code and off I went, wait time about 10 minutes. Next stop Maui, Walgreens did not have any times (72) hours for the free Covid PCR test. Had to go the CVS and paid $139.00 ($695 for the five of us) that put a big dent into doing other activities like going to to a nice dinner in Maui. Rented a car from Hertz, counter check in staff really great. However at drop off a smart ass remark about the very empty gas tank. By the way I did pre purchase a tank of fuel from Hertz.
Wow, that seems quite a hassle for that one night in maui .
Yes, Grand kids wanted to see the aquarium, and to see if they wanted to go back for Thanksgiving
This seems a ridiculous timeline when the CDC has said it is safe. Also an added cost for all travelers as the CLEAR site is priced between $125-$200 annually.
Creating issues for travelers and airlines alike is not good for Hawaii tourism. We were planning to come in May and are all vaccinated. Cost of testing or CLEAR may be a dealbreaker when CDC says it is ok in USA.
Wende C.,
Hawaii is part of the USA. It may not be “mainland USA, but it is part of the USA none the less! These restrictions and hoops that people are being forced to navigate, are beyond atrocious. My wife and I were going to go to Maui and Kauai but have since changed our minds. Just not worth having our freedom, as Americans, be infringed upon because of a false narrative. Whatever you decide, good luck!
Thanks Ed D. for confirming that you will not be visiting. Your comments illustrate that you are the very visitor that beautiful Hawaii can do without.
True comment about Ed…… Ed, you don’t like Hawaii and yet you are posting on here multiple times??
Have to laugh about one of your pro Florida anti Hawaii rants and then had the audacity to say how their are so many gullible
people,……yet you seem to be buying the narrative that discounts the reality of the pandemic…a lot of people with your perspective actually believe it….who’s gullible?
exactly. I think he is a paid troll. Floridas governor yesterday indicated that he would NOT ALLOW private business to decide how they would run their business? Is this the new way? Telling Business what they can and cannot do? WOW.
Excellent comment. Even worse for residents returning home@
Good Ed I’m glad you and the wife are staying home! That means more of my friends can come. We are enjoying our freedoms while your whining about yours. Enjoy home and please take leave of this site for those of us who are coming to Hawaii this year
If the folks who do not appreciate Hawai’i and the Hawaiian culture go somewhere else we will all be happy,; the visitor numbers are rising rapidly and we will soon be complaining about crowds again. As they say in France “à chacun son goût”, each to their own taste. As long as everyone is happy, all good.
For me, Hawai’i is where my soul rests no matter where my body may be on the planet. When the wheels touch down in Lihue the world seems a better place.
well said
Dear Rich, I agree with you. I’m planning my life long dream vacation trip to Oahu next year! ♡♡ I’m getting very excited & can’t wait:) I’ve waited all my life & I will be making my dream come true! I will be the best & most respectable visitor Hawaii has ever seen♡♡ God Bless & stay safe!
If have Delta miles account or United miles account you can like those accounts with clear to receive a discount. You can link thru the clearme website. Hope this helps. It’s to bad HNL,OGG don’t have clear. Maybe the guys from Beat Of Hawaii help to get clear to come to Hawaii
I am very excited about my upcoming trip in May. We will both be vaccinated but will happily take our tests before if that’s what it takes. Fortunately we we have a trusted partner lab in our town and tests have been coming back within 24 hours. I’m looking forward to it because based on these comments only the happy people will be there. Thank you for all the updates.
Hi Jo.
Thanks. Glad you are returning to Hawaii next month.
Aloha.
Dear Jo, Amen! I agree with you! I’m planning my life long dream vacation trip to Oahu next year ♡♡
I am traveling to Hawaii on May 7,2021. I have been vaccine as well as the guy that will be traveling with me. Do we still need to be have the 72 hour Covid test? And what else. There is so much out there that it is confusing.
Thank you,
Donna
Hi Donna.
Testing within 72 hours of flight departure to Hawaii is still required until further notice.
Aloha.
It sounds like if we have been vaccinated we don’t need to have a negative covid test prior to travel. What does this mean for our children that will be traveling with us?
Incorrect. Even if vaccinated, you still need a negative covid-19 test result within 72 hours in order to fly to Hawaii.
I want to go to hawaii in August this year but too many unknowns, I don’t want to have to cancel again. Hubby and I are going to plan a vacation to the Florida Keys. Maybe 2022 Hawaii will have their act together.
Welcome to Florida. Where we have a sane, logical and reasonable Governor! Hop you enjoy your vacation here. We were going to go to Hawaii for 2 weeks this year but have decided not to. We are over the covid over reactions by certain Governors!
After pretty much the Islands being empty for a year, visitors are returning to Hawaii in full force. The Safe Travels program has been working very well since Oct 15th, 2020. Many airlines are also pre-screening passengers at the departure gate which alleviates the bottleneck when landing in Honolulu. I believe the appeal is that we’re an exotic local far far away, not on the mainland but it’s still part of the United States and a 1st world location with a tropical vibe.
Dear Mona, I’m planning my life long dream vacation trip to Oahu next year! I’m getting very excited♡♡
The NY Covid passport program is a failure.
New York’s rollout of its vaccine passport already has the markings of a five alarm dumpster fire. The New York State “Excelsior Pass” vaccine passport system, which was created by IBM, has so many issues that I wouldn’t be surprised if the program was scrapped altogether before the end of the calendar year. It has massive security flaws, a shrinking customer base by design, it remains incredibly impractical, and it’s incredibly easy to manipulate. Excelsior Pass sucks, thanks to the idiocracy that was responsible for its design and implementation. dossier.substack.com/p/new-yorks-vaccine-passport-program
I have the NY State Excelsior Pass. I don’t care if everyone finds out that I was vaccinated, I tell everyone anyway. It was easy to get and aside from the words “COVID-19 Vaccination”,a Q code, my name and d.o.b. it has less of my personal information about me than my N.Y. fishing license, which lists my address. I have to write in my social security number on my Hawaii hunting license, I’m not sure why, but I don’t care. If I didn’t like it then I wouldn’t get a hunting license and I wouldn’t hunt.
So where is the privacy issue with the Excelsior Pass. Exactly how is it a failure ?
Unless someone can document specific security issues and show me evidence based claims of security problems I am in favor of it.
How can anyone manipulate it, the info comes directly from the State not the person who applies for it.
I hope that they can use it as a “Vaccination Passport”. I’d rather show a Pass then have to get tested at various places.
The Pass is voluntary and no one is mandated to get one, it’s “freedom of choice”.
Thank you for the timely update. I’ve been following some of the updates in the Honolulu paper but, your usually better at updates. It would appear to me that Ige is taking what he considers to be the safest route whereas, Green tends to look at the overall picture. Certainly getting everyone vaccinated will be helpful, all one needs to do is look at what happened with polio. I’m still not certain about the need for a passport especially if a high percentage of people get vaccinated.
Aloha Guys
Hi Roy.
Thank you again. This will remain an important Hawaii travel headline for the foreseeable future while everyone waits to get to some new normal.
Aloha.
I noticed today that Josh Green in his daily covid updates said he wanted people to upload their CDC covid vaccination card to the Safe Travels Hawaii site. That should be a good thing, it would also allow the state of Hawaii to screen for fraudulent cards. I’m not sure if or when this could happen but, I think it would make travel to Hawaii more convenient.
This just in:
A “Double Mutant Variant” has been detected out of Europe or India or something. 1 out 330+ million people in the US has been diagnosed with it. It is vaccine resistant.
I guess 4 of July will be nixed, now.
And you think vaccine passports are the key to the chains? Have you ever seen those ponies attached to a merry-go-round with a carrot dangling in front of its face? Yeah? Well, we’re the ponies and freedom is the carrot.
We need new ideas here. We’re the people, they work for us. Think smarter.
Kimberly T.,
There are too many sheep, that will voluntarily and without question, follow the directives of the Government. It is a sorry state of affairs that our country has evolved into.
To whom it may concern,
Me and my wife are traveling to Maui for our 35th wedding anniversary that has been planned for years, it was rescheduled last year due to Covid. We leave LA at 1:30 pm on Monday April 26th which means we need test Friday at 4:30 pm and by the way we are both vaccinated
Our problem is our daughter is getting married on Saturday the 24th in the mountains in Georgia, we found a CVS (1) hour away and are pushing back the wedding rehearsal and 100’s of people so we can drive 1 hour each way Friday to get test at 4:30 BUT CVS cannot guarantee results by our flight Monday at 1:30 PST as they say the lab takes 2-4 days
This is SO DISSAPOINTING as we have saved for years for this trip & wedding and both might be ruined due to this issue!
We prayed hard that the Governor would comply with new CDC rules on travel being vaccinated but does not look like that happened. Is there anyway to get Rapid test due to being vaccinated? I do not know what we are supposed to do as if we fly to LA and do not get results from CVS for 4 days then what can we do as rules say within 72 hours but we cannot control that, PLEASE HELP as this was supposed to be such an exciting time and we are completely stressed
Hi Mark.
There are supervised tests by mail that might better accommodate you. They just need to get to UPS timely. These are from Vault. Costco also has a mail-in option.
Aloha.
The problem might be our flight is at 1:30 pm pst so we cannot test until 4:30 est on Friday so hopefully UPS can get to them Saturday
Is there anyway to get exemption to test earlier Friday?
@Mark G – Sorry to tell you, no exceptions, no exemption. You don’t have to believe me, but this is from the BeatOfHawaii.com web page every Hawaii traveler should bookmark and follow:
“Follow all rules closely to avoid ending up in quarantine.
‘When first announced, Hawaii was more flexible about those who didn’t get test results on time, or even those who obtained them from the wrong source. Starting November 24 [2020], however, that changed. The state no longer makes any exceptions.”
https://beatofhawaii.com/ultimate-guide-to-hawaii-travel-during-covid/
@Mark G – Let me also share an option that I just experienced yesterday. I drove 25 miles away to a Walgreens pharmacy because my local Walgreens pharmacy does not offer the “Rapid Diagnostic Test (ID NOW)” [Walgreens name for the test) that another poster on this site said he used to get into Hawaii. He had his results delivered to him in less than 24 hours. Walgreens web site says typically ID NOW results come back in 24 hours.
My experience was even better. Before I left the Walgreens drive-thru window I confirmed with the tech the ID NOW test was approved by the State of Hawaii for exemption from the 10-day day quarantine; she said, “Yes, it is.”
Good news: within one hour, by the time I drove home, I had a result in my email Inbox. The not-good news: the result was “positive.” It’s a good thing my next Hawaii trip is not until August 2021, after two trips there in the past five months had negative results.
So if there is a Walgreens near your daughter’s wedding site that has ID NOW testing, four or three days before Friday you will need to make an appointment on the Walgreens website for Friday afternoon after 4:30 P.M. The last appointment of the day when I made my appointment was 4:00 p.m., so this may not work for you.
If I were in your situation I would also consider flying to the West Coast on Sunday, find a Walgreens that does ID NOW testing on Sundays, and board your Monday 1:30 P.M. PDT flight with results in hand.
Good luck!
Jump through a few more hoops for the governor of hawaii and maybe you might gain his favor.
Why are you here still? You’ve stated your not coming to Hawaii. Your advertising covid19 heaven which is Florida why are you still here?
We had a similar timing problem with our covid test in January. We opted to drive a few hours each way to a test site that could give us an immediate result. It cost us $200 each but was worth paying the money and not wondering if our test result would get back in time. I suggest you find a place that gives immediate results and be there Friday afternoon with your credit card.
But they said we could not get a rapid response
I will not be traveling in May as planned due to the covid-19 test requirements. The cost of the testing is more than my airline ticket and I’ve had both vaccines more than 6 weeks ago.
awe too bad for you. There are places you can get the tests free you know?
I’ve heard Walgreens has a quicker turnaround time with the RapidID Now test. Do you have a walgreens you can go to instead? Wishing you the best!
Well I guess I should congratulate the Governor. I have been following The Beat for a while. At first the reason vaccinations were not an exemption for entry was the Gov was waiting for CDC guidance. Well that came out last week and was quite specific. I thought that was the end of it and my planned trip was a go. Not so fast, now the reason to still keep the islands closed to those vaccinated is the speed that Hawaiians get vaccinated (how this relates to the vaccination of people coming in is beyond me) and the availability of a national database. I guess the Gov should be congratulated for finding a new reason. I have not heard of the current administration developing a national database. If they do I wonder how they will enter the data of those that were vaccinated prior to the system being developed. Also in the past the App of choice for verification was Common Pass, then last week it was First Vitals, and now appears to be Clear Health Pass. Who will it be in July? Besides, if there is no national database being developed where will these Apps get their data from? Maybe you will be required to send them a photo of your hardcopy CDC card.
My state used the VAMS system and for me it worked smoothly. I have a digital file that has my name, DOB, date of vaccinations, type of vaccinations, lot # of the vaccine, Clinic where I was vaccinated, and a unique VAMS ID#. How much else is needed for verification?
Well I have to go now and cancel my Hawaii trip because in July I will be outside the Governor’s 3 month window for the vaccination.
Aloha BOH –
Thank you for all of your posts regarding everything that has happened this year. The news looks good, in the end, and I am hoping that we are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. I hope others can see this as well and not be so hateful towards people who are not of the same opinion as them.
I really appreciate all of your updates and get excited every time they pop into my inbox! I hope to be back on the islands next year.
Mahalo!
Hi Jessica.
Thanks. We hope you can return to the islands as planned in 2022.
Aloha.
This is crazy. To have passports to travel within the US as a US citizen. I don’t remember having someone tell me, “Papers for TB or smallpox vaccination please.”
Roy H,
That is exactly the point. I have said the same thing. How come when the H1N1 came along, we didn’t need passports to travel? This is a Government dupe! And many people have fallen for it, hook, line and sinker. What gullible people this country has produced!
h1n1 was taken seriously right away by scientists and by those in charge. It was stomped out quickly and no where near as contagious or easy to spread as Covid19. Please do some research and stop spreading lies and misinformation
Ige’s moving targets keep on moving…and they will move yet again & again…I gave up on Hawaii 2021 (since summer travel is my only option & I’m vaccinated while not wanting to do a covid test)…plenty of other places to spend my vacation dollars on…hopefully Hawaii 2022 will be doable…hopefully doable the old fashioned way…get on a plane unencumbered by “big brother”…Aloha…
Great comment. Agree 100%