This is the most discussed aspect of Hawaii travel planning for now. Some form of Hawaii vaccination passport travel will be required for Hawaii vacations to resume to anything like normal. Visitors and residents are anxious to travel more freely and without all of the current encumbrances. Vaccines hold the hope of that happening. For those who choose not to be vaccinated, we believe that the current COVID travel rules will remain in effect either as they exist today, or as they may be modified.
Hawaii officials haven’t yet fully agreed on everything but this is definitely about to happen, and now we have more details. Do keep in mind that the state has said that vaccination will only be an option, not a requirement. That means that testing and quarantine are likely to be the other options for the foreseeable future.
Three criteria must be met to bypass quarantine according to CDC: 1) Be fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior, 2) remain within a 3-month window following receipt of the last vaccine dose, and 3) be asymptomatic since the current COVID-19 exposure. Note that this guidance, issued last week, relates only to COVID exposure and not to travel. It does however provide an indication that at this point CDC is saying that vaccine validity can be assured for 3 months. How that will relate to travel is still to be announced. At the same time, Hawaii currently has an exemption from Safe Travels requirements for those who have recovered from COVID. There too, it is exclusively for those who have recovered within the past 90 days, reaffirming that interim thinking.
Three phases to Hawaii vaccination travel from Lt. Governor Green.
Dr. Green yesterday revealed his latest plans for vaccination passport travel.
1. Essential workers who have been vaccinated will be allowed to travel without other conditions first. That could be announced at any time, and his suggestion is it will be quite soon.
2. Interisland travel will follow, and here too, it is expected soon if the Lt. Governor gets what he wants from the Governor. He said that should happen between March 1 and April 1.
3. Mainland travel will be last, and on that front, Green says he would like to see that come to fruition by May 1.
Before his latest update, Green said, “This demonstrates that they’re not worried about people, once they’ve been vaccinated, they’re not worried that they’re going to catch COVID, they’re not worried that they’re really going to spread COVID.”
Green also stated that Hawaii is awaiting a CDC report results to confirm that those who have been vaccinated are not carriers. It remains unclear whether the latest news from the CDC is adequate confirmation or not.
For now at least, CDC appears to say vaccinations valid for 3 months.
Last week, the CDC said that quarantine should be avoidable for those fully vaccinated within 3 months of the last vaccination and are asymptomatic. There was not travel guidance, as the information was related only to COVID exposure. They said, however, “Individual and societal benefits of avoiding unnecessary quarantine may outweigh the potential but unknown risk of transmission (among vaccinated individuals).”
It’s up to Governor Ige now.
The governor has yet to announce plans for vaccination-based travel and last said that Hawaii was “waiting for the science.” Ige said that the state was working on vaccination verification with two companies in the marketplace for whenever vaccine passport travel is feasible. We now know more about which company they are likely to choose.
CommonPass vaccination passport verification.
It appears that Hawaii will select CommonPass from the three companies most involved in vaccination verification. Those are Verifly, IATA Travel Pass, and CommonPass. Vaccination and testing verification are coming to Hawaii travel, whether we like it or not.
How will Hawaii vaccination travel work?
How vaccination results get integrated into the state’s present Safe Travels pre-travel testing program and website isn’t yet clear. Hawaii established that system to track test results digitally. It is considered more secure than paper results, although it is clearly not the long-term solution.
Will mask mandates remain?
Regarding masks, Green continues to say that while vaccinations will be a great boon, he anticipates Hawaii will nonetheless keep its mask mandate and other health safety measures in place for the foreseeable future or until there is herd immunity in the islands. As he pointed out, we won’t know whether someone has or hasn’t been vaccinated, and vaccination will not be required.
Are you planning a Hawaii vacation without quarantine or testing? As it’s looking now, you’ll need to do it within three months of your vaccination. Hopefully, with more guidance, that will be extended soon.
Revised on February 16, 2021
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Robert D. says
According to Lt. gov Green, they are not worried over peoplewho are vaccinated or to catch
COvid from them. So why is Gov Ige so stubborn in not accepting those who have the shots.
I want to make a trip to HILO where I once lived. Hope it opens up soon.
Aloha Bob
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Bob.
We don’t have an answer. The governor says he is waiting for the science. Don’t shoot us – we’re just telling you what he said.
Aloha.
DavidSomuchScience B says
Ige has blinded us with SCIENCE!
Ken S says
Thanks
Paula M says
We are looking forward to the new guidelines for mainlanders/ folks who have been vaccinated and are traveling to Kauai. We appreciate your efforts to keep Hawaii safe! Thank you for response,
Mahalo
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Paula.
We’ll be updating as soon as there is definitive information from the state.
Aloha.
Beata H says
Hello,
Three of my family members are in healthcare and fully vaccinated; my trip is a redo from last year scheduled for end of July. If what you’re saying; then will we all need to be re-vaccinated prior again? There is a high demand for first timers getting a vaccine, I cannot see people needing 2nd and third rounds to travel; especially with some people not even being able to get first round in some places. I really hope you can please clarify this information . Thank you so much!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Beata.
The clarification on vaccine validity for travel will need to come from federal guidance and the state of Hawaii. Since your trip is about five months away, there should be many changes by then.
Aloha.
Jane s says
I’m sorry beata but if you think they’re going to stop demanding you take this experimental gene therapy shot over and over again just because “ you can’t imagine them expecting it since you allready got it once and recently “: boy are you in fir a rude awakening. My family will refuse to do any more shots. And we will never fly or travel again based on these requirements. I care about our family’s lives and health more than traveling.
Andrea B says
Dear Beata, I’m planning a trip to Oahu next year because I want issues to calm down & I’m using the rest of this year to save $$. All my life I’ve dreamed of going to Hawaii for a vacation! My Grandfather was in Pearl Harbor & he survived. I’ve always wanted to pay my respects. I already have my itinerary all completed! Good luck.
Brenda S says
For using proof of vaccination to travel to Hawaii, is the First Phase being presented for Essential Workers, only mean Hawaii Essential Workers traveling or all Essential Workers that fly in from the mainland as well?
MarshallGulch says
Aloha
My wife and I are both vaccinated as of March 8. Our plan now is to return to Kaua’i in September or October. No reservations yet at our timeshare in Kapaa. That’s way beyond a 90 day window. I wonder how they will handle visitors like us.
Shots again, or test before departure like now.
I can’t really commit to a schedule until details like that come out. I know we won’t be alone on this. Technically, it will everyone getting shots by March.
Barbara B says
So..I have downloaded the app for Maui…it doesn’t give me a place to sign in…I have pushed a lot of buttons…how does it know me….but, I did it on my husband’s app I downloaded and after pushing and touching a lot of things, it took him to the State of Hawaii app that we used in November when we went…so, they must be connected??? I wrote earlier and forgot to put Thanks…just having trouble understanding the Maui app…
Thanks….
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Barbara.
We have not used the Maui app ourselves. Both this page https://www.alohasafealert.org/ and this page https://www.mauicounty.gov/Faq.aspx?TID=137 have extensive information. Also, the county has a list of phone numbers if you need to speak with someone. The mayor’s office number is (808) 270-7855.
Aloha.
Charlotte L says
Thank you
Daryl R says
travel info for fully vaccinated people please
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Daryl.
There is no further information from the state at this time.
Aloha.
Garth S says
I have had Moderna vaccine x2 3 wks ago and traveled to Maui and was placed in 10 day quarantine. I didn’t know about safe travels prior to travel. We also had a State sponsored NEG rapid covid before travel. By CDC guidelines I do not feel I should be quarantined as this is the criteria they are letting travelers proceed to their desired travel destination.Is the Starr of Hawaii unwilling to look at the SCIENCE? Feel all of this has been overplayed and have been victimized. Do we have any options to be released from day 8 of quarantine?
Jaime A says
Hi There! Could you please tell me if there’s rumor that the Covid Vaccine will be mandatory for a trip from Texas to Oahu in June? I don’t mind getting a test to show negative so as to not have to quarantine when I get there but I’m thinking it would be unconstitutional to make a vaccine mandatory to visit a state in my own country. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you so much and have a blessed day!
Jaime
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Jaime.
The Lt. Governor has said repeatedly that vaccination will only be an option, not a requirement. We will undoubtedly have changes in the Hawaii travel rules before then, so stay tuned for updates.
Aloha.
Beverly says
We are in Maui now and applied for an exemption with the Attorney General’s office We sent a copy of our positive Covid tests and a letter from our physician saying we are fully recovered. Very easy process snd they responded with an approval very quickly. Unfortunately, due to snowstorms in Texas we had to reapply twice due to cancelled flights and new arrival information. They responded to both very quickly as well. This is an option for anyone who has already tested positive for Covid. We are also exempt from the daily check-ins. The Attorney General’s office is doing a great job!
Nicole P. says
Thanks for sharing this Beverly. I’m recently recovered from covid and testing negative ahead of the trip and out of the bubble has remained a stressful topic for me since I’m at the mercy of my own body. I did see the section on the attorney general’s website but didn’t know if it applied to Kauai and their more intense rules.
Lori L says
My second shot was 2/4, my husband’s 2/16. When can we travel to Oahu without quarantine or testing? Reading the whole article seems confusing.
Andrea B says
Dear Lori, as it stands right now you still have to test in order to bypass quarantine & yest be negative. Right now they are working on vaccine passport but it isn’t official yet.
Carol r says
These comments on travel well r U saying the vaccine is only good for 3 months first I’ve heard that sounds awful 😢 we love maui this is such a terrible thing for travel Thanks
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Carol.
Everyone is awaiting further guidance on the duration of vaccine validity. We’ll update as soon as the state provides more information.
Aloha.
Chris M says
Requiring vaccinations will limit travel to Hawaii. Not everyone wants the vaccine. Suggest you keep the testing option in place for those who don’t want the vaccine.
Andrea B says
Dear Chris, yes I think they will leave the test/ quarantine as an option for people.
Mark M says
Aloha, I plan to be vaccinated two weeks prior to my trip in the middle of April. It makes little sense for me to scramble around to get a covid test in NYC prior to my flight. It will be negative. Will my vaccination card as completed by the state of NY be sufficient to avoid quarantine. Further, we are not staying in a hotel. We have a private home in Kamuela on the Big Island. I appreciate your guidance.
Mahalo,
Mark M
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Mark.
As of today, there are no exceptions to the Safe Travel testing program. That means vaccination does not matter. We will update as soon as that changes.
Aloha.
Andrea B says
Dear Mark, the card they gave you when you get vaccinated is the “proof” you need. I called my local health department here in Alabama & the lady said yes the card is the proof.
Patricia says
It might be considered proof in Alabama per “the lady”, but that doesn’t mean it is considered proof in Hawaii. Each state has its own rules, and currently, Hawaii does not recognize ANY proof of vaccination until they finalize their vaccine passport program. Testing continues to be required.
Dennis T says
To Governor
Consider a resent negative COVD 19 test and having been vaccinated as passport to Hawaii. How much safer can you be.
One dose alone is 85% safe. Forget the 3 month expiration. CDC has said nothing about when together next vaccination.
Donna J says
We are planning a large extended family trip to Kona in late June. What are testing requirements for our grandchildren aged 12, 7 & 3?
Michelle M. says
Hi we are coming April 11-18th with negative CoVid test we will be okay to come right? Or do we need vaccine?
Please clarify this third time traveling
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Michelle.
The current rules are here. https://beatofhawaii.com/ultimate-guide-to-hawaii-travel-during-covid/.
Aloha.
Andrea B says
Dear Michelle, yes that is right. In order to bypass 10 day quarantine a negative test is a must.
Darryl E. says
My wife and I recently completed our covid 19 vaccines and have CDC cards. We are planning to visit Kauai/Waikiki May 4th -19th will covid testing & quarantine restrictions apply? Thank you very much Darryl E. p.s. Hawaii is our favorite to visit ,we get excited just planning our trip.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Darryl.
It isn’t possible to say what those circumstances will be in May. As soon as they are known we will be publishing updates.
Aloha.
Joni G says
Both my husband have completed our Covid vaccine. We are planning to travel to Maui June 18. Do we need to do anything else is
Andrea B says
Dear Darryl, as of right now a negative test is a must in order to bypass 10 day quarantine. They are working on a vaccine passport but it isn’t official yet. All of my life I’ve been dreaming of going to Hawaii for my vacation but I want some of the issues to calm down. I’m planning a trip to Oahu next year& just like you I’m getting very excited planning my trip!! I’ve already completed my itinerary:) My Grandfather was in Pearl Harbor & he survived. I’ve always wanted to pay my respects so I’m definitely going there!! So, for now I’m dreaming of the day when I’m sitting on the airplane waiting to arrive in Hawaii. Aloha, Andrea:)
Dennis T. says
When Your governor first came out with the 72 hr rule , one could arrive in Hawaii to get the report. That amounts to 4-5 days. .
Then he said you must have a negative Test 72 hrs before arriving. That is strictly 3 days. Impossible to do in MN.
CVS, Walgreens and Vault tell You right up front they cannot do it.
Please relay this to Dr. Green And the Governor to at least give us one more day to get a negative test. 1 or 2 days will make all the difference to get the test. I doubt that one more day from the rest will make that much difference.
I have been vaccinated plus a negative test 4-5 days out would be good protection for Hawaii.
Biden wants to have all people over 65 vaccinated by the end of March. That means that none of us could travel to Hawaii after June 30.
Dennis T says
So. Let me get this straight. CDC and Hawai’i says I have to get a vaccination every 3 months to be safe. I will have my second shot ion Feb. 23. I have reservations over 4th of July. . You say I am going to have to get another 2 shots all over again to come to Hawaii.
Flu vaccinations are good for one year why not COVID 19
JWU says
Maybe COVID-19 is different from the flu? Just guessing here
Dennis T says
Well comment on adding a day to get the test done. 96 rd instead of 72. What is so important about 72?
Just think of being vaccinated AND test. How safe do you want it. My wife is Hawaiian . Part of the Smith boat service on Kauai
And needs to get home.
We know another lady from MN who tried to get home cause mother was dying. She missed on the 72 rule and mother died ..
dad Give us a couple more days to get the test done.