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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Taylor b says
Aloha,
I just wanted to know if labcorp covid test results are accepted for covid screening. Thanks so much in advance.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Taylor.
Here is the list of Hawaii Trusted Partners. That company does not appear on the list.
Aloha.
Paul H says
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.
Beat of Hawaii says
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.
Davis S says
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
Beat of Hawaii says
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.
Nick says
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?
Jasmine says
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.
Beat of Hawaii says
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.
Karen B. says
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
Beat of Hawaii says
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.
Todd A says
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.
Karen B. says
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 covidexemption@hawaii.gov & 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
Beat of Hawaii says
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.
Bob D says
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!
Christy says
If received covid recovered exemption how do we put it in the safe travel. Do I need to upload any documents
Bob D says
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!
Rob H says
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
Beat of Hawaii says
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.
Bob D says
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!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Bob.
Thanks for helping.
Aloha.
Carolina R says
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
Beat of Hawaii says
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.
Christy says
How did it turn out for you
Bob D says
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!!
Beat of Hawaii says
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.
Jennifer H says
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?
Beat of Hawaii says
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.
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.