With more visitors arriving following Omicron, last week the state updated its exemption for Hawaii travel after Covid recovery.
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284 thoughts on “New Rules For Hawaii Travel After Covid Recovery”
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With more visitors arriving following Omicron, last week the state updated its exemption for Hawaii travel after Covid recovery.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
Comments are closed.
Aloha,
I just wanted to know if labcorp covid test results are accepted for covid screening. Thanks so much in advance.
Hi Taylor.
Here is the list of Hawaii Trusted Partners. That company does not appear on the list.
Aloha.
It looks like Maui recently added a post arrival rapid test requirement, in addition to the state’s safe travel program. If we receive the exemption from the state (because of prior covid) I assume it also exempts the individual from Maui’s post arrival test?
Thanks for your guidance.
Hi Paul.
As we indicated, there is no longer any testing on arrival. That has ended. You just need your exemption if you’ve recovered within prior 3 months.
Aloha.
Hello,
I am planning on travelling to the big island here on June 27th for my honeymoon. I am currently sick. I dont think its covid, I have yet to be tested and I have already received the vaccine. If I receive a positive test result back tomorrow and then receive a negative test result back after that when I have recovered between now and June 27th, will I be able to come to Hawaii? Thankyou!
-Davis
Hi Davis.
The rules are stated and you will need to apply for an exemption if you have COVID. Otherwise, you need to comply with the testing requirements exactly. Vaccination doesn’t count for anything at this time in terms of Hawaii travel. You can also check with the state’s Hawaii Safe Travels help desk at 855-599-0888.
Aloha.
Where is the best place to receive the letter of recovery? Will a place like AFC provide me the necessary documents? What have been your experiences?
Hello,
I was wondering if the positive test has to be from an “approved test” in order to get the exemption? We leave in a few weeks and I am wondering if I have to get retested since I was already positive or if the test I already got will be enough to upload..
Thank you.
Hi Jasmine.
No it does not.
“Positive Covid 19 Test. The positive Covid 19 test result MUST be: A molecular test (NAAT, PCR, or RNA);
Processed by a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA) certified lab OR Department of Defense Clinical Laboratory Improvement Program (CLIP) lab with the name and CLIA/CLIP number of the lab clearly printed on the result; and Dated no more than 90 days and no less than 11 days from your departure date for Hawaii. If the laboratory name and CLIA/CLIP number are not on the lab result, you must obtain this information and include it in the “Details” section of the application.”
Aloha.
Aloha Again,
PS – I just sent you an email & have a quick f/u question – As an last minute back up plan, if we don’t get a response from the state before my daughter flies out on 5/19/21 can she just bring her documents with her (her positive, PCR Covid test from a CLIA approved lab along w/letter of recovery from her Doctor) & present them directly to the airline in Boston & Denver and then again to the state upon arrival in Hawaii??? Praying the answer is yes (as a last resort) & that she won’t lose the $3000+ that she spent on this vacation!! Thank you again so much for your time & attention to this matter!! Mahalo ~ Karen
Hi Karen.
The safest answer is to present your issue to the state at the number you already tried calling. Suggest trying again. We don’t have any definitive answer to provide and it would need to come from the state. Others may add their own experiences.
Just FYI, we are not able to respond to emails from visitors, merely to comments, as is indicated on the contact form.
Aloha.
Aloha.
Hi Karen, I’m curious how this worked out for your daughter. My 15 year old daughter is in the same position. We are not getting consistent and timely replies from the Attorney General Office.
Was your daughter able to get the exemption upon arrival at the airport with the paper documentation?
Thank you so much for your thoughts.
Hi Karen, how did it go with your situation below? Did ur daughter able to make it to Hawaii? Did she get an approval from the state?
Aloha,
My name is Karen and I am reaching out on behalf of my daughter who tested positive for Covid on 4/23/21 (it was a PCR test & was processed @ a CLIA lab). She did her quarantine & then got a Document of Recovery letter from her Dr. (all within the appropriate time frames) and then uploaded the documents to the state @ travel.hawaii.gov on 5/10/21. It said to allow one week for the state to review & respond and today is one week but she still hasn’t heard anything. I am extremely nervous b/c she is scheduled to fly out in 2 days on 5/19/21 and also b/c I noticed a previous Q & A from Stephanie who said she rec’d her response within 2 hours. Is there anyone I can call or email to politely request an urgent response based on this tight time constraint? I called the Safe Travels help desk at 855-599-0888 but got a recording that basically reiterated what forms she need to submit (which she’s already done) & unfortunately I wasn’t able to speak with someone directly. And my daughter sent an email to [email protected] & although she did receive a response, it appeared to be a generic one that referred her to another website for FAQ’s but that’s not what we need. My anxiety is through the roof, so any help you can provide to hopefully help us obtain a response from the state about her exemption before she flies in 2 days would be greatly, greatly appreciated!! Sorry to bother you & thank you soooo much!!! Mahalo ~ Karen
Hi Karen.
We do not know how to be of any further assistance. The state offers email and phone support. Perhaps, however, due to unexpectedly high demand that they had not anticipated, they are not reachable. Suggest you keep trying. We are very sorry to hear this.
Aloha.
Did you apply for the ‘Recovered from Covid Exemption’ at the following site: ag.hawaii.gov/travelexemption/
The Attorney General’s Office handles these types of exemptions. I applied for the exemption through this site by providing the positive Covid Test Results and a Doctor’s Letter, and received an Exemption Approval ID via email within hours. I would then PDF this email that you receive and upload it to the Safe Travels website as a PDF if ‘Other’ uploads. This worked perfectly for me, and I was able to travel to Maui and Kaui with this exemption.
Without the approval from the Attorney General’s Office, not sure if you can just show up at the airport with the positive test results and the doctor’s letter. At the airport they expect to see that approval ID. Good luck. Mahalo!
If received covid recovered exemption how do we put it in the safe travel. Do I need to upload any documents
Yes, PDF the email that you received that included your approved “Recovered from Covid Exempton” and the approval ID. Upload that PDF in ‘Other’ documents for each Trip you are required to make in Safe Travels. This will help the process go very smoothly. Safe Travels may or may not actually accept the approval ID from the “Recovered from Covid Exemption”. But if you upload the approval ID to the website you will be safe. Good luck! Mahalo!
Hello! My wife and I are heading out next weekend and I will likely be needing a covid exemption. Is there any word on their denials? Should I be concerned at all if I meet their guidelines? I’m post 10 days from collection and have no symptoms along with the test results from a CLIA and doctor’s note. Just looking for an answer to ease my anxiety!
Thanks so much
Hi Rob.
As far as comments at least, we have not seen anything about denial of Covid exemptions. Obviously, as you said, the guidelines need to be adhered to.
Aloha.
Hi Rob H –
Make sure you have submitted your positive test results and your doctors letter to the Attorney Generals Office and have received the official ‘Recovered from Covid Exemption’ and have the approval ID. This is the important piece that the officials at the airport will expect to see. Apply for the actual exemption here: ag.hawaii.gov/travelexemption/
Mahalo!
Hi Bob.
Thanks for helping.
Aloha.
Hello!
I am traveling to Maui, Kauia, and Big Island on May 8.
I was covid positive one week ago (no symptoms at all) . Having a negative test 72 hours before arriving in Maui is enough to by pass the 10 day quarantine?
Is there any restrictions for people that tested positive recently but recovered before traveling?
I am fully vaccinated.
Thank you very much!
Carolina
Hi Carolina.
The rules for those who have recently recovered have not changed from what is included in the article. If anything isn’t clear about that please let us know or contact the Safe Travels help desk at 855-599-0888 between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time.
Aloha.
How did it turn out for you
Hello – Does anyone know how the ‘Recovered from Covid Exemption’ works with the Safe Travels Program website? I am planning on travelling to Maui and then to Kauai from Maui. Do I need to submit 2 Recovered from Covid Exemption applications? Or can I use the one Recovered from Covid Exemption on both of my ‘trips’ in the Safe Travels website? Worried about what dates to put, and how this all works. I have all the required documentation for the exemption. Thanks!!
Hi Bob.
Others may share their experience. Safest bet is to also reach out to the state’s Safe Travels help desk at 855-599-0888 between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time.
Aloha.
Mahalo Beat of Hawaii! Very helpful information. I am wondering about the section of the covid recovery exemption that asks about reason for exemption.. is saying that I’ve recovered enough? I am going for my friends wedding who lives there. Is it okay to be traveling for pleasure rather than business? I am in the wedding and have been so nervous I’m going to mess things up for her.
Additionally, I have a copy of my positive test on MyChart and it states the name of the processing lab in the fine text but I did not see a CLIC number clearly indicated. How did those who received exemption obtain that information?
Hi Jennifer.
We would suggest referring your questions to the office as indicated on the exemption form. https://ag.hawaii.gov/travelexemption/. Yes you can be traveling for pleasure. Many others who have done so using that exemption have reported on it in comments.
Aloha.
I recovered from Covid in January.
So if I go off island, I’ll have to test for covid before returning home?
These arbitrary “rules” are hard to keep up with.
Pretty sure I’m just going nowhere until 2050. Maybe by then we’ll have it all worked out.🤗
Mahalo Beat of Hawaii.
Also, is it still correct that flying into Oahu and spending 3+ days, you’ll still have to test on Maui before coming home?
I know a lot of people that had covid when I did, and still pull up positive without a reinfection or symptoms. The level of antibodies can show up a positive.
This mess is a mess for sure.
Haven’t seen my family since December 2019.
Please let me know if you have any thoughts on these questions.
Mahalo Rob and Jeff.
You’re absolutely the best 🌺
Hi Pam.
Thank you! Yes if you’ve recovered within the past 90 days you can use that for an exemption to the testing rules both interisland and from the mainland. And yes the interisland rules for testing would still apply if you go to Maui, at least as of this morning. Did that answer it? If not, please let us know.
Aloha.
I would love to see the science behind this immunity comment. I pay close attention to all of the Covid19 information and I Dont recall seeing this before? Also so someone who HAS tested positive is allowed to come after recovering but me being fully vaccinated has to test to come? Seems backwards to me. More details please.
Hi Paul.
Thanks for your more than 300 comments to date. We appreciate it. Not sure what you would like us to comment on. If it seems backward, you know we just report it, we didn’t make it.
Aloha.
Please confirm, does the quarantine exemption work in Maui. I had COViD Within 90 days if travel and plan to apply but a little confused with information I saw on the Maui County website. Thanks for help.
Hi John.
Yes, it does. https://ag.hawaii.gov/travelexemption/#:~:text=There%20is%20an%20exemption%20for,Positive%20Covid%2019%20Test. You can also confirm that with the Hawaii Safe Travels help desk at 855-599-0888 between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time.
Aloha.
Hi! thanks for posting this. I got approved for this exemption since I have recovered from Covid in the last 90 days. I was curious if you know anyone who has used this exemption and how it worked. We are flying Hawaiian in a few days to Oahu. Thanks!
Hi Stephanie,
Can you tell me how long it took you to receive your excemption? We are traveling to Hawaii on 4/2, and my husband had Covid in January, and we have uploaded all the documents, and are hoping to get an exemption.
Thanks!
Once I uploaded my drs note and positive test results from January, I got my approval letter in about 2 hours!! We just got to Oahu yesterday and the process here at the airport is amazing! They are doing such a good job of making it super quick. I was super impressed! I had an exemption and my husband had his negative test results. We uploaded everything to safe travels website and got our QR code the day before we flew out. We flew Hawaiian. I thought that everyone got pre-screened on the mainland but the airlines will only do as many as they can before they start boarding. My husband got a wristband for his pre-clear but they didn’t give me one bc they said Hawaii handles exemptions once you land. Made me nervous, but when we landed they just scanned my QR code and sent me through. Literally took 5 seconds!!
Thanks so much! Have a wonderful trip!
How did this go for you? My husband and I have it and leave on Tuesday. Thank you!!
The “recovered from Covid” exemption was an easy process. I got my exemption about 10 days before the trip and put my approval id in to the safe travels form. 24 hrs before your trip you will fill out a health questionnaire and then You will get a QR code. Once you land in Oahu they will send you through the gate and will scan your QR code and let you go. It was very streamlined and easy. 🙂
I’m traveling to Kauai in 10 days, before April 5th so I do not qualify for that. I’ve gotten my recovered from COVID exemption code through the state, uploaded to Safe travels and it shows verified. Does anyone know if there is anything else required for Kauai. The exemption email I received even said I was cleared to rent a vehicle. I responded asking if that was straight from the plane, they said yes. I’d feel more comfortable hearing from someone who has recently done this to make sure I’m not missing a step or not asking the correct questions.
I’m going crazy with worry 😂
Thank you!
This is exactly my question too! I have all the emails from the attorney general and it shows “verified” in the safe travels, but I want to make sure I have done everything and that they will in fact let me on the plane on Monday. We are going to Oahu.
For Oahu you’ll be fine. Kauai is the one doing the bubble still until April 5th. I’ve talked to several ppl who have used it for other islands. Their only advise was print all emails and reservations so you have a hard copy just in case.
Aloha,
What is the policy for flying once you get vaccinated?
I’m already in Honolulu after testing positive. I arrived March 7 and received an exemption because I tested positive in February. I have been planning to travel to the big island but can’t find out what to do. It will be more than 10 days after arrival, so I’ve been told I need to reapply for a new exemption, but all info is saying it has to be through the specific county, and the county of Hawaii site seems to say quarantine is only for a negative test or certain essential worker options. I know I may still test positive and am very torn on if I should move forward with planning this trip or not. Do you know if there’s any way to get this same exemption for having recovered from COVID for a trip from Oahu to the big island?
Hi, I love your website! It keeps me up to date all things Hawaii! I have shared it with so many of my friends and family who travel to Maui.I was wondering if you could please help me understand the Covid positive and no additional testing?
If my husband tested positive in November and recovered and has tested positive for the antibodies. I did not get tested for Covid,I did get it from him, recovered and just tested positive for the Antibodies do we have to take another Covid test say at Walgreens and test negative to travel to Maui? Or can we both get a DR. Note and our paper work that shows we test positive for the Covid Antibodies?(and note have to take an additional Covid Test at Walgreen to travel to Maui in March) Thank you so much for all of your help and all of the amazing and helpful information you provide!!!!
Hi Angie.
Thanks. Having recovered from COVID is only valid for testing exemption within the first 90 days. So the answer is yes you will need to test again with an approved test from a Hawaii trusted partner within 72 hours of your mainland to Hawaii departure.
Aloha.
Just wanted to update that Kauai is accepting the Covid recovery exemption as well! Just passed through security at Lihue and had to verify my exemption from the Attorney General application that we submitted using the link above! They are aware of and accepting this exemption. Thank you for all your info, it was very helpful planning for this trip!
Hi Jordan.
Thanks. We appreciate you sharing your experience with that exemption.
Aloha.
That’s amazing news, thank you! I leave in 10 days and my mind is consumed with worry that I will have to spend my whole time in quarantine. I noticed on the exemption email it says I’m cleared to rent a car. Did you run into any issues getting a rental vehicle?
Thank you. I can share my experience in regard to this requesting of a travel restriction. I tested positive in Dec and fortunately was not sick at all. I would not have even known except that I had to be tested prior to a minor medical procedure. So when I saw this as a possible option I gathered the info they request for the waiver and submitted a week ago. I did receive a confirmation # that they received the request. My trip is tomorrow and I have not heard back. They requested a reason for the request which I gave as difficult logistics for me to get a pretravel test. .I did go to the trouble of getting a test which came back negative because I wanted to cover all the bases. So I will be traveling tomorrow. If I did not have family in Hawaii and being a former resident I would go elsewhere. I am from Minnesota and like to visit annually. I hope this helps.
A add to my previous post. I did call the Hawaii safe travel hotline in hopes they may free up my waiver request. They do not have access. The request goes through the attny generals office.
Hi James.
Thanks for the feedback on the exemption process. Please let us know how it all works out.
Aloha.
I am so thankful to BOH for this information! I received my exemption email due to ‘recovered from Covid’ but now I am unsure what to do with it. Of course, I will keep and present it for travel, but is it supposed to be uploaded to the safe travels account? How do I get a QR code for travel this way? Any info you have is appreciated. Thanks!
Hi Shelley.
Perhaps someone else can give us a hand. As far as we know, this exemption is not a part of Safe Travels. You can also call the state at 1-800-GOHAWAII.
Aloha.
Yes…upload into safe travels. Bring hard copies of both your positive test from initial infection and Dr note…my daughter did not get a clear from safe travels site even though she talked to several different people. She showed her hard copies to the airport check point. If you get a worker that doesn’t know what to do ask for a supervisor. She came to visit December 28th and there were a lot of workers that didn’t know what to do about history of + covid-19 travelers. My son-in-law had no issues with his exemption.
Had Covid test at Walgreens on December 27 for family of 4 had a wait for one person
but made it to Hawaii had a wonderful 16 day vacation. Sad to see many businesses
closed but wonderful weather and all in all a great trip. Hope to be able to
go again in the next few years. Thank you for being there with advice pre-trip.
Jean
Hi Jean.
Thanks for letting us know. Glad you had a good time and that everything went well.
Aloha.
sirs an idea i have that would help get people in calif to come to hawaii. a small discount or some kind of carrot to be given to people who got the vaccine.that would make people want to get the vaccine and protect people who live in the islands..the more who want the vaccine the safer we all will be many thanks robert from calif thank you again
Hi Robert.
Interesting idea and the first time we’ve heard that.
Aloha.
I live in Hawaii and don’t understand this exemption…someone could get the germs and carry it here, so how does having had Covid clear them? Do they mean they would have to get a negative test within 90 days? Please explain!
Hi Sharon.
Those are the rules in effect. Not a negative test, but a positive test, base on the state believing that the immunity is at least of 90 days duration once recovered.
Aloha.
Because, that’s not how viruses work. You can’t “get the germs and carry it here”. If you have Covid-19 or any coronavirus (which there are many), you are only infectious while you have it. Once you recover because your body has produced antibodies to fight it off, you can’t pass it on any more. One does not “get the germs and “carry them”.
Mahalo.
Good question, thanks for posting it! I had the same question back when I recovered from COVID-19. The doctor explained that you can only carry the virus if you’re infected with it. If you have immunity from having recovered you can’t contract the virus (for at least 90 days – new research is showing 6+ months) and therefore can’t pass it along to others.
Hi Beth.
Thanks so much for your first comment, and a most helpful one. That was an error and we have corrected it. The booking window is until May.
Aloha.
Following
Question. I own a condo in Kauai. If I get a negative COVID test 72 hours prior to arrival can I quarantine for 72 hours at my condos instead of a resort bubble?
I live on Kauai and just sent an email to the Mayo’s office to find that out…the way it is written, we either have to quarantine at our house/condo for 10 days or stay in a resort bubble for 72 hours-or stay on another island for 72 hours! Either way, that may end up costing more than the original plane fare to and from the Mainland! Why penalize residents or condo owners?
The answer is NO. Only for the full ten days.
The only way to avoid the ten days, including residents and non-resident property owners, is resort bubble or three days ++ on another island.
The mayor is quoted in the Garden Isle, acknowledges the resort bubble is not “suitable” for most returning residents, and that’s why they added the three days on another island. I think he was more focused on inter-island travel.
Thank you Sharon. If you find the answer I would appreciate knowing
We are going to Maui first for two weeks and then on to Kona for five days. Will the exemption work for the whole trip?
My daughter and son-in-law came to visit me after having COVID the beginning of December. They received their exemption but my daughter could not get cleared on the safe travels app. She even emailed and called for assistance. She brought her paperwork with her and was cleared without too much problem. Just be aware there are not a lot of workers that have had to deal with +COVID histories so they may have to speak to another worker….and carry hard copies!
Thank you for this. I’ve been wondering if and why those who had the actual virus would have different requirements, and possible more stringent requirements (ie no more than 90 days) than those who get the vaccine. There is still so much we don’t know, but I’m trying to follow a logical argument.
Hi Alicia.
Thanks. We feel the same way as more is revealed.
Aloha.
“but I’m trying to follow a logical argument”
I think I see the problem.
Has the state of Hawaii and/or Kauai specifically, developed rules/regulations on admitting visitors that have received both vaccine shots?? If so, what proof will they require, if not………..???
Just saw where most countries will require and 72 hour test regardless of if u had covid or have been vaccinated and yes you will always need to wear a mask. This should help travel pick up.
What about once you get Covid vaccinated? Will that make a difference in travel?
My wife had the virus in November & tested positive at time. We submitted the test results and a letter from her doctor & received a Hawaii quarantine exemption and was not required any further testing.
We traveled to Maui on January 3rd on Alaska Airlines & checked out of the Maui airport in minutes.
My Covid test was done at Walgreens in Milwaukee & I got the results in less than 3 hours.
After our required Covid test on the mainland, We will be in Maui 2/20 – 3/6. We will be flying to Kauai on 3/6 for 3 weeks for our stay in Poipu. What & when additional testing is needed? If negative, is there any quarantine needed or do we continue to car rental and timeshare? Thanks
Hi Patty.
You will need to have a test on Maui within 3 days of departure for Kauai. https://beatofhawaii.com/kauai-go-it-alone-resort-bubble-approved-next-proposal-announced/
Aloha.
I know first hand that Kauai is allowing the Covid positive exemption. There are 2 visitors renting a short term rental at my condo complex in Poipu. They have no quarantine requirement at all. I was extremely surprised, as I am stuck on my balcony for 10 days, watching them enjoy the pool and island.
Next time, get COVID (and recover) before flying over …
Thanks for posting this; is there any official resource that I could contact in kauai to be able to validate this information?
Hi Sheena.
Here’s the county website. https://www.kauai.gov/covid-19.
Aloha.
So, if you’ve had Covid it’s just as confusing to travel to Hawaii as if you never had it. You won’t be exempt if you’ve had Covid 91 days or more from your travel date and, if you had it 90-days or less before travel, you have to have a certified doctors note no more than 14 days before you leave. Most who have had Covid didn’t see a doctor, yet you have to bother your medical professional for “proof” even though he/she likely didn’t even know you had it. AND, all these rules are subject to change.
You don’t have to have a Dr note from when you 1st tested positive…just within 14 days of travel.
Thank you, BOH, for posting this. You helped me by directing me to the proper site so we could follow the procedure for my husband who had a mild case of Covid in October. We traveled in December. As long as you follow everything to the letter, my husband was granted an exemption. The only “hiccup” was when we arrived in Maui. The person at the airport wasn’t familiar with this exception (despite my husband showing her the Safe Travels portal showing he was fine to visit without a quarantine), but her supervisor was. All was good, and we had an amazing visit. Thank you BOH for keeping us to date on everything happening in Hawaii!
Hi Elaine.
Thanks. Glad to hear that exemption worked reasonably well for you guys.
Aloha.
Why am I not surprised that “Kauai does not appear to provide any exception from its 10-day mandatory quarantine rules other than its Kauai resort bubble and interisland travel exemptions”?
Agree with your comment. No surprise here either.
🌺
Aloha Rob and Jeff!
Mahalo for all the latest, all the time. Beat Of Hawaii no ka oi
Hi Pam.
Thanks, as always. Over 100 comments to date!
Aloha.
…and why am I not surprised that Kauai is still fairly safe, unlike California where according to today’s article one person dies every 6 minutes. Mahalo Mayor Kawakami.