Some hiccups to Hawaii reopening were to be expected, but some came as a surprise.
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96 thoughts on “Hawaii Reopened: Some Places Have Visitor Restrictions + New Kauai COVID”
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Some hiccups to Hawaii reopening were to be expected, but some came as a surprise.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
Comments are closed.
We flew in 10/21, did everything by the book. Our test results did not show up until 6 hours after landing at HNL. Was directed to self quarantine until we had results and given a phone number to call to get us off quarantine once we had them. No one answers the phone, message says to leave personal info and they will get back to us. Have had results now for 30hrs +. Here we sit quarantined at their mercy. We have all required paperwork and negative test results. Anyone have the magic answer so we can enjoy our time here?
Pita Paradise in Kihei on Maui also turned away people that have traveled outside of Maui in the 14 days prior to their dinning experience! They would only do take away if you had. Food wasn’t the best anyhow so I’d suggest a pass.
This looks like a good site for information on Hawaii! Mahalo.
Hi Martha.
Thanks for being a visitor and your first comment. We appreciate it.
Aloha.
I came back to Maui last Friday. Partier. Maui mayor said 10 or more checkers at airport. No way I counted 7 people. Waited in line 1.5 hours. Oahu on that Friday had separate lines for those that had done the QR paperwork ahead of time and those that didn’t. Maui had all of us in one line. Maui doesn’t seem to think ahead about what could be issues and prepare. Mahalo.
Hi Alan.
Thanks for the update.
Aloha.
When will Canada and Europe be included in the “great opening” which excludes everyone except Americans ?
PS: BOH, keep up the good work!!
Russ
Hi Russ.
Thank you. We’re somewhat surprised to not have heard details about Canada and Japan yet. Hopefully soon. We’ll keep updating.
Aloha.
My wife and I are visiting her Dad on the BI, leaving this Friday the 23rd. Got tested today ( within the 72 hrs). Our flight has a 2hr 30 miniute layover on HNl then boards to KOA. We have heard that many people do not get their testing results back in this time period. We can not find any information regarding, what happens if, when we land in HNL we still do not have the test results BUT need to board a plane to get to KOA. I understand we need to quarantine until we get test results But does that mean we cant leave the airport? Will we have to stay in HNL, cancel our flight to KOA ? Will they let us get on the plane to KOA and quarantine at our family’s house until we get test results? Does anyone know the answers to these questions ?
Thank you
BradF
Hi Brad.
Because this is so new and has been changing, maybe others can chime in with their experiences. You will be able to change flights and fly on to Kona. Then if you don’t have a test result, you’ll still receive an additional test there and be in quarantine until your negative test result is uploaded. You should be able to quarantine at your family’s house, as has been the case. But not at a vacation rental.
Aloha.
Aloha Again Guys
I just read that thousands of visitors to Oahu have been warned or cited for not wearing masks or failing to social distance.
They’ve already issued 4,500 warnings and 470 citations since the launch of the traveler testing program on Oahu alone.
The poster is located on Kauai and said that she has already has witnessed several confrontations between locals and non-mask wearing tourist on the island.
I don’t want to over stay my welcome on BOH, but thought this was important info to share.
Thanks Richard
Hi Richard.
Thanks. We’re thinking alike obviously.
Aloha.
This says it all. Victorino wants the police to enforce mandatory mask law and hand out tickets. Even on the beach. Just great! Welcome to Paradise!
“I want to remind the residents that we have to do our fair share to protect ourselves, our families and our community. I’m going to be sending out a notice to all of the hotels once again that are open, all the vacation rentals that we know of, and put it on our webpage again–mandatory wearing of masks when you leave your lodging and wear it until you return, unless you go to the beach and go swimming. But when you come out and get dried up, put your mask back on, even if your are with family,” said Mayor Victorino.
Is there any experience yet with how precisely the airport screeners in Kahului are enforcing the 72 hour window between giving the test sample and boarding the last leg to OGG? For example, my nonstop from San Francisco departs at 11:00 a.m. (California time) on Thursday, so 11:00 a.m. on the prior Monday would be exactly 72 hours before departure. If I show up with test results indicating a sample given on that Monday at 10:00 a.m., that is technically 73 hours before departure. Are they enforcing the 72 hour rule this strictly?
Aloha Guys
Well it didn’t take long, less then a week, for anti-tourist activity to be reported.
The excuse of keeping employees safe from getting covid to bar tourist from using your business is validation of anti-tourist sentiment on the islands.
My feeling is locals could take this anti-tourist sentiment farther when they declare this is a locals only beach, hiking trail or even Costco. Especially on weekends where I’d be careful not to find myself on a beach full of liquor fueled young locals who decided tourist don’t belong here.
For the foreseeable future it will not be business as usual for tourist on the islands.
For the foreseeable future
I kinda of expected this. This doesn’t happen just in Hawaii. Lots of people openly hate Californians who move to Texas or Oregon. People on the east coast are openly hostile to New Yorkers. Yes, some Hawaiians do not like mainlanders. But I haven’t found a problem with most people there.
I don’t see anything wrong with a restaurant having extra safety precautions. They are not discriminating against tourists since it applies to residents (1/3 of passengers were returning residents). I’ve been in Kauai since Thurs and most restaurants have made some adjustments to safety protocol, operating hours, menus, etc. If you don’t like their changes, go somewhere else. Don’t bash a restaurant owner for trying to keep their employees safe. Maybe they have a lot of employees that are ‘at risk’ or caring for others but are just trying to stay open?? I’ve been met with nothing but Ohana since arriving and am so glad I came!
Thank you for you information. I am still a bit perplexed on how to get to Maui safely for all concerned. We drive to LAS and stay overnight then fly out at 6 AM. (Alaska Airlines) No 24 hr testing in So. Utah and 1 24 hr in LAS. Any ideas? Staying 2 days in LAS doesn’t seem reasonable. 48-72 hr tests probably won’t work either. Please let us know how this can work for us.This will be our 30th year traveling to Maui and the most difficult.
Hi Lawrence.
Perhaps the mail in test from Vault might be easiest under your circumstances?
Aloha.
I echo the above comment. We’re in the same situation (just PHoenix not LA). We’ve investigated every option and came away thinking that Vault will be the best, safest and more reliable option. $11 more expensive per person but it could be worth it. You have to have the test 72 hours before your departure for Hawaii.
WOW! I understand concern, but this feels very wrong and discriminatory. If people are coming with a negative Covid test why treat them this way? I don’t think any other state requires proof of a negative Covid test, that should really help, no? Hope this doesn’t catch on as a way to treat visitors. WOW!
The problem with both our pre-testing program and the quarantine program is that the pre travel test is not always able to detect the infection, if its in its early stages. Secondly, I know for a fact that the visitors that are quarantining for two weeks, are NOT in FACT quarantining AT ALL! Our version of quarantining (the rules) are they are to remain in PLACE for14 days, NO food shopping, sightseeing, not even allowed to go to the beach/pool at your hotel. Would YOU stay in your B&B or hotel after spending thousands on travel/lodging?? NO, and they DON’T! Very few of them get caught breaking quarantine, and that means they’re out possibly spreading Covid to our essential workers and residents that they come in contact with. The plan to open Hawaii, & especially Kauai island right now, is a BAD PLAN!!
Yes stupid Hawaiians, Californians, anyone who thinks covid is the real danger. The 230k that died are the lucky ones i think. Many more are coming along the way when the foreclosures of rental buildings start happening and Hawaiian homes. Heart attacks cancers and neglected dental care will kill lots more in the next 2 years.
There is supposed to be a economic Great Depression like in the 1930s again in Late 2021. That could easily spark a ww3 or similarly deadly conflict to fuel economic recovery. The usa has unnessarily spent trillions of dollars on the pandemic, and it has already mutations so good luck with making tons of vaccines in timeline people expect 💉
See if your masks and discrimination and hiding under a rock will save everyone from that. Death valley now in winter would be like a vacation then! No aloha and no mahalo to idiots telling tourists that they should be conservative etc! Chew on glass instead. Become an A l o h a spirit!
I see many negative comments on “Hawaiians” please stop showing ignorance! Living in Hawaii does not make one Hawaiian!
We have enjoyed relative normalcy on Kauai during these stressful times, a lot of worry surrounds the availability or lack of availability of medical services
I many friends who dearly miss talking story with people they meet through working in the tourist industry, many have long term friends that they keep in touch with often..
Still no one wants to be sick or be that guy who spread it to friends and family.
I talk story with my mask on or at a safe distance, I eat where I like and like where I eat, any negativity is no go and a no go back!
One restaurant I loved, was doing take out during quarantine, it was so bad I probably won’t go back.
Aloha’s not dead, it’s just trying to stay healthy!
Hawaii is reopened but they are still holding unemployment payments. Many of us are still waiting, they hope we stop asking and just forget about it. Karma works slowly but it does work.
Does anyone know if masks are required lounging at the pools and on the beach in Maui or Kauai?
Thanks!
Hi Gigi.
No, they are not.
Aloha.
“I want to remind the residents that we have to do our fair share to protect ourselves, our families and our community. I’m going to be sending out a notice to all of the hotels once again that are open, all the vacation rentals that we know of, and put it on our webpage again–mandatory wearing of masks when you leave your lodging and wear it until you return, unless you go to the beach and go swimming. But when you come out and get dried up, put your mask back on, even if your are with family,” said Mayor Victorino.
Thank you for your comprehensive summary on the current status of the travel restrictions.
I wanted to comment on the tier system on Kauai. I believe the issue is daily cases sustained over a 7-Day period, not a certain number of active current cases. So if Kauai had five new cases in one day, wouldn’t we need multiple new cases each of the next 6 days as well?
According to https://www.kauai.gov/covid-19, it is determined by two criteria: (1) the 7-day average number of daily cases reported; and (2) the 7-day average test positivity rate. From that website, scroll down and under “Mayor’s Documents”, click the “Emergency Rule #19” link.
Hi Jeff.
Thanks. You are correct.
Aloha.
The Westin in Princeville says masks must be worn while lying by pool and can only come off while swimming. Can they make up their own rules?
Pretty close to cancelling our trip to Maui from Oct 24 into mid-November. Local hospitals, Walgreens, Quest Diagnostics keep you on hold for hours. Finally drove to one hospital this morning. They can provide the PCR test but hawaii.org states every incoming visitor must have the NAAT test. No one in the city thus far knows anything about NAAT. Now we’re reading of restaurants closing. Will be inquiring tomorrow if masks are required on beach, hiking and lounging at the pool. If so, will definitely cancel and head to Mexico or Croatia. So frustrated and disappointed.
No, you don’t need masks out in public, but all of our stores like Walmart, Grocery stores, etc are requiring masks for entrance since March. I recommend getting the pre-testing, and not trying the “No, we don’t have a test, but promise😉to quarantine approach, many of our local population are the ones reporting the quarantine breakers, just get the test.
The 4 travel related covid-19 cases reported on Lanai has residents super scared…..hope the safe travel program is working for the entire State….stay tuned everyone & stay safe please.
PCR tests are a type of NAAT testing and are the most common type of NAAT in current use. These tests use a process that takes a small amount of the pathogen’s DNA or RNA and make enough copies of it so that it can be detected with the lab test. So yes, this is confusing for the general public, but I think the Lt Governor is trying to make sure that any type of NAAT test is included.
GIGI… The PCR test IS an NAAT test!
Just read Mexico is second highest nation for Covid cases.
Your Reality Check is spot on!….looks beyond politicians spinning. Btw, many UI have not received the $500 restaurant card as of Oct 21….maybe a followup story end of month? Thank You
Hi Wendell.
Let us know if it does finally show up or not.
Aloha.
Have been on Kauai since Friday. Have not personally experienced any anti-tourist sentiment. Have visited restaurants with outdoor seating. Mask wearing is happening most everywhere. Great time to come back.
A huge mahalo to Beat of Hawaii, keeping me informed of all that’s been going on. We are part time residents on Oahu and also live in SF bay area. We were scheduled to fly from SFO to HNL on Oct 17, on Hawaiian Air. For the past few weeks, we had planned on taking the Covid test via HA. HA sent emails, more info coming soon. Going to their partner’s website, ‘we are not doing tests yet’. Fortunately on Mon 10/12, we scrambled and was able to make an appointment at CVS (must be a drive through). Whew. The wait begins, two of us finally got results on 10/17 at 1:30am and 1 at 8:30 am. Very stressful awaiting the test results and the testing partners should have been ready by 10/12 for the 10/15 flights. We’re here, enjoying our Kapolei home and the Aloha spirit. We were also happy to see the many flight attendants we know on our flight. The checkout process at HNL was easy peasy. Just awaiting for the test results and finding an appointment opening was very unnverving.
Hi Ed.
Thank you! Glad everything ultimately worked out. Thanks for sharing the details.
Aloha.
Need simple cheap Covid test partners on mainland. Right now it’s like a scavenger hunt to find testing for travel .
Had to cancel our upcoming trip this Wednesday to the Big island where we own a home because the small town we live in half the year in the lower 48 doesn’t have their trusted approved test sites even tho they are covid approved test sites for rapid testing. Very disappointed.
Thanks for all the great coverage of this moving target. I thought that the triggers were dependent on a 7 day average of new cases and positivity testing not a single day event. I think that Maui has established 4 levels where the 1st 2 kept the “testing out of quarantine” in effect.
Hi Dan.
Thanks. That is correct.
Aloha.
Thank you, Beat of Hawaii. Thanks to you all, I have been up to date on entry to Hawaii happenings. I arrived to the Big Island on Sunday. It only took one hour from landing to luggage. The arrival test was easy. The longest wait was the line to check the results of first test. Once that was completed I went straight to testing. Well done, Hawaii. Let the diving begin!
Hi Sandra.
Thanks for letting us know. Glad it went well!
Aloha.
Mahalo. I will never eat at Bistro again and it’s one of my favorites. I will not patronage Saenz as they discriminate based on my zip code. A HI resident can eat there even if they tested or not. I have been here 3 days and have nothing but positive things to say about residents. A big shout out to Hanalei Gourmet for being filled with aloha. Marks Place too. I have money to spend and it won’t be at locations that discriminate. Shame on them. Thank you
Hi Joan.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Actually, the bistro does not discriminate locals vs residents. Anyone who has traveled outside of Kaua’i in the past 14 days is asked to return after the 14 day mark. Thanks !
Sure that’s what they say..
But how does it really go down?
Local doesn’t get asked any questions, walks in and eats. Tourist cant even get in the door.
Both could have been on the same inbound flight 2 days ago from the West Coast.
Thank you so much for keeping us informed. We clearly understand how difficult it is to keep up with the variations in ‘requirements’ coming out of the state government. We have reservations for Mid Feb through mid March on Kauai. Having cancelled 2X in the past 6 months (including one for mid Oct through early Nov, we are really looking forward to the 2021 trip.
Hi Guys.
Thank you. We appreciate your many comments and hope your trip is great.
Aloha.
Around and around we go… again
Please keep posting guys! Beat of Hawai’i is the “only trusted partner” for the latest happenings in the Islands!!
Mahalo and Aloha 🌺
Hi Pam.
Back at you – thanks!
Aloha.
Aloha! Agreed! If it was not for Beat of Hawaii I would have to search online for news, updates, changes, news, updates, changes = utter confusion! BOH Mahalo for keeping it real and keeping it all on one awesome, timely blog!
Hi Nita.
Thank you. We appreciate your 50 comments!
Aloha.
Thank you! I wholeheartedly agree with your statement about Beat of Hawaii! 🌺
Hi Lee.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Aloha,
Are huli chicken stands going to reopen also?
Mahalo!
Hi Chuck.
LOL. No idea. Maybe someone can give us a hand.
Aloha.
If it’s the stand in Anahola, I heard Keo and his wife closed permanently.
Here on Kauai we have Chicken in a Barrel through out the Island and they are all open!
Hi Teri.
Thanks for the levity. If you ever need extras, let us know, as we have an abundance.
Aloha.
What I keep looking for us info in where to get a Covid test for travel (72hrs) please post updates on any info and partners the government has set up , this is my obstacle.
Hi Laura.
The state’s travel website on testing has all partners listed. https://hawaiicovid19.com.
Aloha.
People are so selfish and entitled.
Half the state thinks it’s a hoax. The other half understands the risky reality that is occurring with visitors who just can’t wait.
What do you expect from a country that bought a rock for a pet?
Its well past time for people to stop freaking out over a virus. You have to learn to live with it. Live or die thats it. Sick or not life goes on. Just need to get fearful people out of lawmaking and politics asap
Tell it to the 220K who have died … *sheesh*
Exactly! Self entitled individuals do not consider anyone other than themselves! No integrity!!
The Kauai restaurants declining tourists should be applauded. Until the confusion abundantly evident in testing clears, any conservative measures appears laudable and entirely appropriate.
As far as confusion regarding testing and any conservative measures being laudable – I agree … and all tourists should be conservative and stay away from Hawaii in the interim. It works both ways.
I have asked anyone and everyone to explain the Tier System to me because it says over a week’s time, an average of 2 to 4 (or 5 to 8) ACTIVE cases. Does this mean NEW reported cases? When Dr Berreman explained on an Update last week she used this as an example, “If we have 8 per day, that would mean 240 in a month. 10% would end up in the hospital. …”. This seems to imply new active cases. Perhaps you can get clarification of this. Mahalo.
Hi Rae-Marie.
We’ll publish any clarification we can get, as you are certainly not the first person to ask.
Aloha.
Thanks for keeping us updated. Any news from the arriving visitors of any surprises regarding the Covid testing timing of 72 hours?
Hi Annie.
Thanks. There’s nothing we have heard of thus far. Today is we believe the first day of it.
Aloha.
Yes. Tested through CVS in Los Angeles 72 hours prior to my flight on Saturday. It is now Monday and no test results. I called the mayors office prior to leaving and an employee instructed me to still get on my flight and my results would likely show up by the time I arrived.
Called MyChart, CVS minute Clinic and the local cvs I was tested at and was passed around for about 2 hours with no answers except it could take up to 10 days to receive your results. Not to mention I could have gone to one of the 100s of locations in Los Angeles to be tested, for free and would have received my results back in a day or two but none of those places were approved by HI— should have gone as a back up.
After being passed over the phone via CVS, etc, I then called the mayors office who did not have answers and then was passed to the county who laughed at the situation with no answers. Also called the local minute clinic to see if they would accept a rapid test in the interim, they advised it would not.
Seems like they really don’t want the business back in Hawaii. The entire program is a mess.
Stupid Hawaiians cant stop causing problems for tourists and cant show any respect for America. No surprise! Reopening on island time.
Hopefully those that are quarantined will break the rules and give these jerks covid. Especially the restaurants that say no visitors from off island.
Try to sue for discrimination or otherwise fight the rediculous policies and restrictions.
We are part of America! Must be a Trump supporter!
I’m wondering if the locals realize that the mainlanders have been dealing with Covid on a much bigger level for half a year now. . We have not been allowed to go out in public anywhere without a mask since April and have gotten used to wearing them everywhere. We don’t go anywhere without them. Certainly it’s not to be taken lightly, but some Hawaiian’s seem paralyzed by fear. You need to start slowly opening before your economy is dead. Remember, treatments are better and hospitalizations are down. We own here and are so glad we came on Saturday as our fridge had died. We just need to have some common sense! All we need are masks and smiles.
Really, stupid Hawaiians? I live in California where it is not much better in freedom. We have been locked down and have thousands of businesses closed for good. If you do not like what Hawaii is doing, do not go. My Hawaii trip was canceled back in April, but I am not blaming Hawaiians for it. They have a right to be safe just like any other state or country. How about some Aloha spirit here?!
You must be from CA. I apologize to my Hawaiian friends for this Mainland Haole. The locals on Kauai are genuinely afraid. And they should be. They do not have the healthcare available on the Mainland. A massive outbreak would be devastating. They need to stay safe.
I just wish more people would keep in mind the over one million deaths globally from this dreadful disease! Here you are traveling, like nothing is going on! Your comments should reflect the fact of how very, very privileged you are. Please be grateful for any opportunity Hawaii has so graciously given to the world to come visit. Be happy our government is doing anything to accommodate travelers at this time. Nothing political about covid19. It can kill anyone who gets it
Hawaiians are not stupid. They are just trying to keep the virus from traveling to Hawaii and infecting us.
How irresponsible of you to promote the breaking of quarantine and passing the virus to the local people. Don’t even think of breaking quarantine because if you get caught you will face arrest and severe financial penalties.
Please stay where your are.
Someone doesnt get their poi and needs a timeout. You are and embarrassment to the written word and should vacation in Death Valley where you’ll be more than welcome…
When you folks get over the covid heebie newbies, I’ll be back.
This sounds like a complete mess. I’ll wait until quarantine is off the table
Been here in Kauai since Thursday and been healthy so far. I was leery about catching rona on the plane but used a powered HEPA filtered respirator/face mask. Friday was kind of dead but steadily noticing more tourists out and about. I am so glad to be hear and am happy to wear a face mask .
How selfish to be calling out restaurants that want to give locals a safe zone to enjoy a meal with their families. That attitude is exactly why they worry. They have been in one of the safest in the world. They don’t owe you anything
The CDC says your chances of catching the virus on an airplane flight are 1 in 4400. That means you would have to be on 22 flights with 200 passengers on board to possibly catch Covid.
We live in an area of California that also has a huge tourist influx. Although we’re eight months into this pandemic, I have yet to meet a person who has contracted the virus. We take it seriously, but tourists aren’t the bogeymen that they are made out to be.