We’ve had many questions recently from those of you who have had and are recently recovered from COVID-19. You want to visit Hawaii but it may not be entirely clear what the rules are that will pertain to you. Here are some answers. Also, here you’ll find the latest on Hawaii travel information following vaccination.
If I’ve recovered from COVID, will additional testing be required?
No additional testing is required if you fall within the guidelines. If you receive an exemption under this category you are not required to have pre-travel or post-travel testing.
If I’ve recovered from COVID, is any quarantine required?
No, again, so long as you follow the state’s guidelines below.
Guidelines for applying for a COVID-19 exemption to the SafeTravels rules.
1. A “positive” molecular COVID-19 test result (NAAT or PCR) from a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified laboratory that is no more than 90 days and no less than 11 days prior to your departure date.
Note: When you send the results, please provide enough information so that the state can determine the type of test and that the lab is CLIA certified.
2. Signed letter from a medical provider stating that you have not exhibited symptoms and are fully recovered – this letter must be signed at least 10 days after your positive test and no more than 14 days from your departure date.
3. Lastly, To request an exemption, go here. The state says to please allow a week for processing.
Summary of rules in effect.
The state says that, subject to change, you are clear to travel to Hawaii (except Kauai) without further testing or quarantine. That is so long as you have recovered within the last 90 days, have a positive test result from when you had COVID, and have a doctor’s letter within 14-days of travel. One commenter said they had first-hand experience that indicates Kauai is also permitting this exemption.
These rules could change again as more is learned. A recent article indicates that immunity following infection could last eight months or longer.
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.
If you have traveled to Hawaii with a COVID-19 exemption, or plan to, how does this process work for you?
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PAM M says
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 🌺
Beat of Hawaii says
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.
Paul C says
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.
Beat of Hawaii says
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.
John says
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.
Beat of Hawaii says
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.
stephanie says
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!
Laurie M says
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!
Stephanie says
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!!
Laurie M says
Thanks so much! Have a wonderful trip!
Rachel B says
How did this go for you? My husband and I have it and leave on Tuesday. Thank you!!
Stephanie says
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. 🙂
Rachel says
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!
Stephanie says
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.
Rachel B says
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.
Brandy R says
Aloha,
What is the policy for flying once you get vaccinated?
Lauren B. says
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?
Angie L says
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!!!!
Beat of Hawaii says
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.