Restaurants and other gatherings will also be expanded.
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99 thoughts on “Hawaii To End Testing July 8 For Those Vaccinated”
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Restaurants and other gatherings will also be expanded.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
Comments are closed.
Welcome news which I’ve patiently been waiting for. Now just need Hanalei Hill repair to be completed.
This is great news for the State! Unfortunately, for us, we leave the day before on the 7th; is there still a chance it could open sooner if the State hits 60% before that? Fully vaccinated family ready for our first vacation since the pandemic and first timers to Hawaii, a dream come true!!
Thank you for sharing this information.
What does FULLY VACCINATED really entail, how do we get the uploaded data ?
Thank you
Kwan K.
Hi Kwan.
Fully vaccinated means 14 days following final vaccination. You upload here: https://travel.hawaii.gov/.
Aloha.
I was elated to hear today’s news. It has made no sense at all to me to not allow fully vaccinated travelers into Hawaii. Those of us who are vaccinated cannot have nor transmit the disease, as I understand it, so what difference does it make what percentage of Hawaiian residents are vaccinated?
In any event, we are scheduled to fly over on July 9, so the timeline is perfect for us. Is there any word on when we can upload our vaccination cards to the Safe Travels Hawaii website? As of a few minutes ago, it still allows you to upload only if your were vaccinated in Hawaii.
Scott,
Your incorrect about that. You can potentially still get it and still spread it however you are in a much safer place because if you do get it it will seem like a mild cold.
What difference does it make? Anyone not vaccinated could get a variant from someone who is vaccinated. Thats why it matters how many Hawaiians are vaccinated.
I found the answer to my question, for any who are interested. From the Safe Travels “help” site:
“Beginning July 1, travelers who were vaccinated in the United States and U.S. territories will be able to upload their vaccine document into the Safe Travels digital platform beginning for trips scheduled to arrive in Hawaii on July 8 and beyond to bypass quarantine. Trip information in Safe Travels needs to be associated to the document upload. This phase of the Safe Travels Vaccine Exception Program goes into effect on June 8.”
Team BOH,
You may have some insight on this and I’m sure this affects lots of BOH readers….I’m vaxed and flying Hawaiian Air next month. I booked a Covid test via HA at LAX (worksite labs) and now I don’t need the appointment. Problem is the vendor made you pay upfront and it’s nearly impossible to reach the companies involved. Is anyone getting refunded from HA/worksite labs???
On a related note, we booked everything via Costco travel, including rental car from Alamo (Maui). Any stories of existing reservations getting hosed with no rental upon arrival??? I spoke with Alamo and they’re a little non-commital when pressed if id have a minivan at arrival (mid July). Thoughts?
Socal Matt
Aloha BOH Bro’s
Well I’m ready for my props, looks as if Ige and his staff must be reading my comments on the BOH. Hahahaha
But really the handwriting was on the wall it makes sense to open up when the majority of your senior and vulnerable population is vaccinated.
I can still see 60 percent as a possibility, but 70 percent is unlikely. It would not surprise me if all travel restrictions were dropped when 60 percent is hit and there’s no summer covid spike.
What about children? Do they still need to be tested?
Yes, please comment on Canadians!!! We can upload upload proof of vaccination to the state’s Safe Travels website!
Hi Donna.
Today’s announcement clearly states it only relates to those vaccinated in the US. That’s all we know at this time.
Aloha.
Thank you BOH for your constant update. I am a long time follower but first time commenting. My family of 7 is flying in on July 12. What are the chances of your governor changing his mind. I am afraid to cancel my Covid testing appointments at the moment because I might not be able to reschedule it if the July 8 date gets put out later.
What are your thoughts?
Thanks in advance
Hi Vu.
Thanks for your comment (actually this is your third comment). That would seem very, very unlikely.
Aloha.
Thank you for words of encouragement 👍🏼 and also for keeping ttackmm no of me 😂.
Thanks again for so much helpful info over the years.
Mahalo
Hi Vu.
You’re funny. Thank you too. We enjoy hearing from you and hope it will be more frequent.
Aloha.
Hawaii is at the point where the economy is being held back by 20-30% of the population not wanting to get vaccinated. That’s fine if you don’t want a vaccine don’t get one. The danger is not the vaccinated tourists, the danger now is the unvaccinated to each other. You cannot force people to get vaccinated but they should not expect the whole Hawaii economy to slow to a crawl to accommodate them.
Yeah! We’re arriving on July 19th and were worried we would have to get COVID tests/results during our weekend layover in Seattle. This will remove a lot of stress!
We really need more info on this. We are arriving July 11…do fully vaccinated Canadians meet criteria to avoid testing? I’d love to be able to save the $200 pp testing fee and spend it on the island!
Kelly, unfortunately it appears in the news release that the exemption, starting July 8, is only for those vaccinated in all U.S. states and territories “
Not to mention the timing pressure to get it done within the 72 hour window, especially if you are taking 2 flights to get there!
Thank goodness at last! After canceling and rescheduling 5 times, we can confidently come in November with our vaccination records or not at all if Hawaii reaches 70% by then. Finally a vacation without stress. I can’t wait to be back in the islands!! Mahalo!
Hi Lori.
Glad to hear you can return again this fall.
Aloha.
Aloha Guys,,
Yeah!!!! I hope everyone gets their shots.
Has accommodation been made for children under the age of 16? We plan to travel to Hawaii this Christmas to celebrate our 50th anniversary. All of our family members will be attending, including children. All adults have been vaccinated. Children haven’t.
This needs to happen. Traveling with my wife and 8 year old to Kauai in August. We are both vaxed – not even an option for the 8 year old. Wish common sense would prevail. Kids are not major vectors.
It’s beyond absurd that the restaurants will not be allowed to open at full capacity. They should be allowed today! We were on Maui and the Big Island last month and finding a place to eat is just a nightmare. Between the capacity restrictions and the labor shortages, every restaurant was fully booked and walk-ins were an hour or two minimum, if they were even taking names.
Will the legislature ever step in and tell Ige the emergency is over? Why on Earth are these governors allowed to continue unilaterally making up the rules as they go? 75% capacity? Based on what?
What a crock.
Sounds like a mess once youre there no matter what, especially if youre simply trying to find food? I’m borderline diabetic and hate to be in a situation where I cant control getting at least a basic meal or burger, you have too, or you sugar will crash at some point and you can pass out, I did before. Why I hate traveling now, you never know where youre next meal is going to be, even if you bring an emergency sandwich which every time Ive flown in the US Ive needed to eat before landing, and that’s after eating first before flight. And I’m not heavy or anything. Then youre at the mercy of the food prices because you need it now, no matter what.
I’ve traveled with a type I diabetic and I sympathize with your situation.
FWIW if you’re in a populated area, it’s always easy to find somewhere like a gas station to grab a snack.
But don’t expect to find a full service meal without a wait or reservation.
once again Google earth your location and then zoom to Hawaii and you will have your answer. They are islands literally in the middle of the pacific ocean. Its not like they can just drive to the next state easily if they were to get overwhelmed.
That was a valid explanation six months ago.
But now? There is zero reason to think hospitals will be overwhelmed at this point. It’s not a valid reason any longer. >90% of Hawaii’s 65 and older have received at least one dose. The remaining 10% have had almost five months to get the vaccine and have made their choice.
It’s time to move on.
You do realize that Hawaii are actually islands in the middle of the pacific ocean a 5 hour flight to anywhere from there? The hospitals are limited. If even 5000 were to be hospitalized it would overwhelm the entire islands so yes it is a valid reason.
yeah! Yeah! Yeah!
Great news as I arrive July 13th. Ex-local
resident in Oregon 4 years now. Save on no
covid pre-flight testing, although I’m fully vaccinated.The covid “variant” will
come during summer: another pandemic could
happen for those not protected.Just feeling
ripped off by car rental. Hope other local
businesses keep prices reasonable.
wallgreens has free expedited covid testing that is accepted by safe travels. Also an Oregon resident
As a Canadian who has been to Hawai’i eleven times, I find this discouraging. I have been vaccinated twice (both Pfizer), but that still leaves me at the back of the line. Maybe next winter, I should be going somewhere else.
Too late we already canceled our June trip to Maui. We were fully vaccinated already and could not understand why we needed to retest and then retest again
You missed a great time
Doesn’t help me unfortunately. I traveled to Oahu in April and will be leaving Kauai on 7/8. Fully vaccinated, 2 trips. and 2 tests. Darn.
I’ll admit, I didnt think he’d lift them, especially not early. 70% is still not realistic ( 82% of elligable people) I admit i was wrong..
Still believe it is political Ige vs. LG Green.
What Id like to know is…
According to articles, this was because of public pressure.. So pressure takes precedents over Covid Safety? Not that I belive any of this us about safety 15 months later, but it is interesting that many Governors changed the rules when they were in political hot water. Or in Ige’s case, pressured.
Kawakami confirmed my assumption yesterday… Limiting tourism via safe travels is what the programs goal is now. Not so much about Covid cases
that entire thing is a ridiculous comment to make.
Thank you for keeping us up to date !
Thanks for some good news!
What about masks? Will there EVER come a day when we can shed them………?
Hi Colleen.
We’re only seeing them indoors at this point. Hope that they won’t continue to be required much longer.
Aloha.
yes once you are willing to prove that you have been vaccinated I dont know for sure about Hawaii but where I live Oregon you can show your vaccination card and go in without a mask. Thats still fairly rare here but I am guessing more and more it will become the norm everywhere
Mahalo Beat of Hawaii for your steadfast commitment to getting the information to the people!
What does Governor Ige’s latest statement mean to Ohana coming here with family under 17 or for that matter, under 12?
Still testing, still same things same timeframe?
We appreciate you so much!!
Aloha 🌺
Hi Pam.
Thanks for your unwavering support. That means a lot to both of us.
Those age 5 and above who are not vaccinated will still need to follow the current testing protocol as far as everything that we have heard
Aloha. R/J
Great news. Does anyone know if children who can not yet be vaccinated (example: a 7 year old) will need to be tested 72 hours prior to arriving in Hawaii even if their parents have been vaccinated? What are the rules for children. Thank you!
Hi Sharon.
We do not believe that aspect is changing, Children ages 5 and above will be required to comply with the current testing protocol in order to avoid quarantine.
Aloha.
May I ask – what about an unvaccinated person? Will they be allowed to travel to HI, as long as they do the testing?
Yes you will be. I have a friend who was just there recently before we were in Oahu who was not vaccinated. He did have to pass the covid test but no other restrictions. Be safe.
In our part of the Big Island the vaccination rate is less than 35%. Other places including Puna are similar. Admittedly these are less populated than other areas but it could be a long time before the mythical and magical 70% vaccination rate is achieved.
It seems distasteful to many of us that those visitors making their own personal health decisions are being marginalized in this way.
Thanks as always for your timely updates.
Does anyone know if MAUI restaurants and Luaus will actually increase their capacity now that the gov is allowing them increased capacity?
Just wonder what the governor will change his mind about tomorrow….
Does that mean there will remain quarantine for those arriving unvaccinated or without proof of vaccination? Will the unvaccinated still need negative COVID test results within 72 hours of arrival from an HI approved testing source? 2nd test after arrival? What is the mask policy on July 8th? Thanks for ALL your updates!
Hi CC.
Mask policy and options for testing or quarantine will remain unchanged.
Aloha.
Science.
Just call it OFF, already. Gouging of those of coming to support locals… this makes me want to just cancel my whole trip. It was targeted for 7/1 — we book after and of course, he moves the target! NOT FEELING THE ALOHA!
Perfect timing! We fly to Honolulu on July 8th, and then to Maui on 15th… Will be uploading (and bringing) our vax cards and hope all goes without a hitch!
Dear Linda, Have a safe & fun trip! I’m planning my life long dream vacation trip to Oahu next year & I’m getting very excited & can’t wait!!♡♡♡ Blessings to you & Aloha!
Dear Shelley, no not yet.
It is slowly coming!!
So no news yet on vaccinated Canadians? 🙁
“He said that at that point, “The Safe Travels program will end, and we will invite everyone to be able to travel to our islands.” We read that to mean at that point, international travel will resume.”
Mahlo which safe travel app is this please. Mahlo
Hi Larry.
There is no app. Just the website https://travel.hawaii.gov.
Aloha.
Thank God. We arrive July 17 and look forward to our 15 days there with great Joy.
Dear Bob, I’m planning my life long dream vacation trip to Oahu next year & I very excited & can’t wait!! ♡♡ Have a safe & fun trip!♡♡ Blessings…..Aloha!
Yeah the LT governor isn’t playing politics at all. Wow
At this point I am ready for natural selection to take over. If your not smart enough to follow science and get vaccinated. And end up getting it I won’t shed a tear for you but it was your decision not mine.
NOT vaccinated , no plans too. Definitely not allowing my kids to be either. Hope you don’t cry too much.
Visit me in the cockpit of your next airline flight, we can discuss natural selection.
I will be happy to send a friend who has covid to breathe on you and your kids and then speak about natural selection. What a dumb uneducated comment to make.
My sentiments exactly! The anti-vaxer’s unwillingness to be vaccinated is already harming the rest of us so forgive me if I have a hard time feeling bad for those that don’t take this whole thing VERY seriously!
Don’t take it very seriously… Just spent weeks at theme parks, actaully packed theme parks, aquariums, water parks restaurants, bars, stores, airlines and beaches. And… gasp.. unmasked…
You’re vaccinated. You feel safe. I’m unvaccinated, I feel safe.. So what’s the problem?
The falicy is that a State needs some magic number to open. Or that people won’t venture out without vaccine passports.. All false.. States that opened months ago gave been booming for months. And I guarantee you, NY and MI will be booming shortly. Vaccinated or not.
Same question I’ve had before…what about the under 12 yo population? They can’t be vaccinated but the rest of the family may be…does this mean they still need to receive a negative COVID test result before returning to the islands with their family? I have an upcoming trip soon so clarification would definitely help.
I arrive the 7th we’ve been waiting for this annoucement….day late…$ short. Perfect! 🙁
Agree. I think the test should ended earlier. Not fair for people traveling prior to the 8th to be forced to pay for the test. The money can be used to help businesses in Hawaii.
There are many places that you can get this testing done for FREE. We decided it was easiest to go ahead and pay right at the air port via Hawaiian airlines.