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Hawaii Travel Ban | Updates

As of 3/28/20, 9am HST. Alaska Airlines Hawaii cuts have been announced that will result in Hawaii flights being limited to “critical travel at this time. The same has happened at Southwest. .

Beat of Hawaii: If you are holding an airline ticket between now and May, please see what to do at the bottom of this post. 

Hawaiian Airlines‘ CEO Peter Ingram indicated this week that he expects flights to Hawaii will remain suspended until May 20, 2020, unless the state indicate otherwise.

That was confirmed earlier here: Hawaiian Airlines Flights Cancelled Through May 20 | Will Resume With Sale.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority said, “We still have many visitors who arrived before being informed of the state and county directives. With airlines cancelling more flights every day, it’s vital these visitors arrange for their return flights immediately.”

Beat of Hawaii: First, we are still trying to absorb all of the changes taking place so rapidly. The island state of Hawaii is a fragile environment, and the best aloha visitors can share at this moment is to stay home. We need to take care of the people who live here. 

The State of Alaska joined Hawaii with a 14-day mandatory arrival isolation. All Hawaii arrivals will receive a Department of Agriculture form with a date stamp which must indicate where they are staying. That will be monitored. If it is a hotel, guests must remain in their room. This will probably be changing soon, as we don’t envision most hotels remaining open.

Governor Ige said that this is “the first of its kind in the nation.” Failure to comply will result in up to $5,000 in fines and one year in prison.

The state indicated that those taking connecting flights will isolated at the last point of arrival, rather than the first.

Fast moving closures and changes.

Also in effect, all commercial ocean and trail tours/activities and all Hawaii State Parks are closed. That includes things like surfing and stand-up paddling instruction, boat tours, whale watching and dinner cruises.

Non-commercial use of beaches statewide will be permitted according to Governor Ige. Kauai starting charging for non-resident beach parking.

Included are all theaters, entertainment venues, bars, clubs, dine-in facilities and other attractions in the closures.

The Prince Waikiki is remaining open at this time in order to serve essential airline personnel. Other major Honolulu hotels, including but not limited to the Halekulani, Halepuna Waikiki, Hale Koa, Ko Olina, The Four Seasons, Disney Aulani, Prince Waikiki, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort are either closed or are closing.

Kauai also on curfew.

Kauai also has a mandatory island-wide curfew that started last week. It runs from 9pm to 5am daily. Mayor Kawakami said, “In order to ensure that the public is properly protected, it is prudent that we take bold steps to ensure our public safety officials and first responders and healthcare workers have the necessary environment in which to keep us all safe.”

Airline updates | How Long? And what to do if you have tickets to come to Hawaii between now and May 20, 2020.

Airlines will fast be updating their policies and flight schedules, and their change and travel credit/refund policies. We are awaiting the next round of changes that include a refund option for cancelled flights, as is required by the US DOT.

Alaska Airlines (checked 3/25) is offering waivers for tickets purchased through February 26 for travel through May 31 and tickets purchased since then for travel through February 28, 2021. Changes are free (except for fare changes ). If you cancel, the funds are redeposited for future travel without penalty. New travel must occur by February 2021.

American Airlines (checked 3/26). If you bought before March 1, 2020, for travel through May 31, 2020, you can rebook without change fees. If you purchase between March 1 – April 15, 2020, for travel through January 30, 2021, you can change your reservation at a later date without change fees. Award tickets do not appear to be included in waiver. Fare differences apply.

Delta Airlines (checked 3/25) changed its policy today. Delta offers a fee waiver for changes on tickets purchased between March 1 and March 31 and for tickets for travel in March, April and May. Tickets can be cancelled as well, with value to be applied to new ticket within one year of original purchase. Fare differences apply.

Hawaiian Airlines (checked 3/25) is in the process of updating their fee waiver and cancellation policies for both trans-Pacific and interisland flights. They have also been contacting guests. We do expect to see changes based on their near universal flight cancellations announced yesterday. The airline has asked that you only attempt to reach them by phone if you have a flight within the next 72 hours.

Southwest Airlines (checked 3/25) does not charge change or cancellation fees. Funds redeposited that have expired or will expire between March 1-May 31, 2020, will now expire June 30, 2021. Fare differences apply.

United Airlines (checked 3/25) is waiving change fees on tickets issued March 3 through March 30 and tickets for travel purchased before March 2 for travel through May 31. Fare differences apply. Tickets may also be credited for future travel.

Note: It is very difficult to reach the airlines by telephone at this time. Check your carrier to see how to best reach them online.

When will flights to Hawaii officially stop? 

As you know, flights are controlled by the federal government. Thus far, federal officials at Department of Homeland Security say they are weighing all options, including the possibility of halting all domestic air travel.

Aviation industry gurus say a ban on domestic flights for up to one month is highly likely to occur. Multiple sources have indicated that the government and the airlines are working out the details of a ban. We could learn more on that at any moment, with it to take effect in the days ahead.

Empty planes and cancelled flights become effective total travel ban.

Until flights are finally cancelled, airlines can’t afford to fly planes that aren’t at least reasonably full. Thus, flights are ending, be it by further government action, or by market forces.

We will continue to update you from our perch on Kauai, and look forward to welcoming you back to Hawaii with Aloha.

146 thoughts on “Hawaii Travel Ban | Updates”

  1. We’ve scheduled a family trip to the big island from 5\31 to 6\7. This is a big deal for us and we’re so excited for the visit. I understand flights to HI have been suspended until 5\25. Is there any more news or thoughts re: post 5\25 travel? Thanks so much. Scott S.

    1. Hi Scott.

      As frustrating as it is, we don’t know any more yet. Our gut says that when we get to the beginning of May, we will learn a lot more about what comes next. Hang in there.

      Aloha.

      1. Hi Scott.

        We replied to your comment. If you don’t see it, this was it:

        Hi Scott.

        As frustrating as it is, we don’t know any more yet. Our gut says that when we get to the beginning of May, we will learn a lot more about what comes next. Hang in there.

        Aloha.

  2. We need to fly to Oahu in August to drop our son off at college. Right now it does not seem like many flights are being offered for August. Do you anticipate the number of flights to increase if this has passed?

    Thanks,
    Laura

  3. My husband and I purchased airline tickets for travel to maui end of August. I bought travel insurance and it covers flights canceled due to things like this. When I called the airline they said it was too soon to tell if an august flight would be canceled and the owner of the condo we rented in kihei said the same thing. I have never been to the islands. My brother was killed by a hit and run driver in kihei a year ago. It’s taken me this long to work up the courage to visit the island he adored so much. I understand the importance of protecting residents, and their ohana at this time. The world is in chaos and we need to be proactive in stopping the spread. I do hope by August this will all be over and I can visit and heal emotionally from the loss our family has faced.

  4. My aunt to myself dosent have insurance on our trip to Hawaii in May. What do we do now? It’s not our fault that we may not be able to go. Does that mean we’ve lost the money for the trip

  5. Please, let’s all just breathe for a moment and realize it is not an us against them mindset. As tourists it is our responsibility to not put anyone at risk by traveling to the islands. That is anyone from airport/ airline/ resort employees to the residents who are only trying to protect their loved ones. Likewise, locals should not be traveling and bringing disease back to the islands. Yes I cancelled my plans to travel over this year but will gladly return at a later date. Unfortunately, when the agricultural businesses saw that their land was worth more sold and used for tourism, the plantation jobs were no more. However with the progress of tourism came additional jobs for many more locals, such as moms, young entrepreneurs, property maintenance etc. This is now the lifeblood of the islands. We have to figure out a way to work in harmony. Unfortunately, with many jobs being so affected by this pandemic back on the mainland & worldwide, it could be a very long time before tourist dollars ever flow as freely as they have in the past on the islands. May we who love Hawaii always positively promote it, and may those who live there welcome us who love you back.

    1. I am a resident of Hawaii (Kapa’a) currently visiting family in California. (San Jose). My return was open. Now, do I have to wait two months before I go home? I love my kids, but – – – –

  6. I have a question about AirBnB. We have a trip planned for May 6-13. Should I cancel/reschedule? I need some suggestions. Thanks!

    1. Hi Amy.

      Yes it is our suggest that you should either reschedule for later or cancel. May is not likely going to work well. If you’d prefer to wait until we learn more in all regards, that should work too.

      Aloha.

  7. Tom you should be ashamed. I don’t know where you live on the mainland but all states now have infected people. I live on the mainland and I understand why Hawaii has implemented these restrictions. I had a trip planned for May and yes I am disappointed but honestly I don’t want to travel because of the situation. Hawaii DOES NOT have the medical resources we have and need to protect their people. Think of how many visitors they have coming in just one day. You have no right to be upset. If you don’t appreciate what they are doing then just stay away because you have no respect for the people.

  8. No one is unique in this challenging time.
    Remember to support your local businesses
    Best wishes and good luck
    JM

      1. I had plans of moving out here in May and booked my flight May 20th and it still has not be cancelled. I am moving out here due to a job, as well as to be with my boyfriend will I still be able to fly out?

    1. Hi my fiance lives out there. I had plans to move out there in the beginning of next month. Am I and my son still allowed to fly out there to be with my fiance and his children? Thank you..

      1. Hi Ivana.

        You can come as long as there are flights, but you will need to enter a mandatory 14-day quar antine upon arrival.

        Aloha.

  9. Stay off of our mainland, especially Las Vegas. Stay out of our state-supported universities. Do not accept any food grown on the mainland. Do not accept any manufactured goods from the mainland. Petition the federal government to close all US military bases. We’ve been coming to Hawaii for 40 years. The spirit of Aloha left about 10 years ago.

    1. Tom, I also have visited the islands for 40 years, but you really need to understand what Aloha means. The Hawaiians simply want to protect their citizens & their beautiful state. I also am under lockdown at home except drugstore, doctor visits, & grocery shopping when necessary to protect my family & strangers. It isn’t fun for sure. When this plague finally disappears, you’ll be welcomed back with true Aloha.

    2. Sadly, your comment illustrates that the spirit of Aloha is something you never understood. From the true spirit of the beautiful and unique islands of Hawaii, I hope you come to learn it in your lifetime

    3. Hey Tom S., don’t know what’s got you so upset, but if you really want to talk historical facts Hawaii was overthrown by you Mainlanders so if anybody has a beef with someone it would be the native Hawaiians! But at any rate, in case you didn’t know this fact, but the Hawaiian archipelago is the most isolated island chain in the WORLD. We have the least amount of medical assets available as well having to have all essential supplies barged in from the Mainland and it’s upsetting to see all the tourists disregarding all safety measures being put into place by the state and local government. I live here and seen it first hand. There are photos posted on social media daily of tourists going around/under barricades to enter areas that have been made off-limits. Parking illegally because the closed off areas have the parking lots blocked off as well. I’ve heard the comments made by tourists that show blatant disregard for Hawaii residents. How about getting upset with these Mainlanders instead of the residents of Hawaii!? If they followed the guidelines established then maybe it wouldn’t have to get so strick! My wife works at the airport and has seen numerous visitors leaving the island with suitcases packed full of nonperishable foods stating that they can’t get it it back home on the Mainland because the stores are sold out… Again, Hawaii is the most isolated island chain in the WORLD!!! Moreover, do you really think now is a good time to take a vacation?! You said that you’ve been coming to Hawaii for 40 years so that logically means that you are up there in age and in one of the more vulnerable brackets. Is your life really worth a vacation right now!?! How dare you want to put locals at risk because they have to service you here on vacation during this time! Many of us take care of our Kupuna and if we were to contract the virus where would we go to quar antine when we live at home with our Kupuna? So instead of only thinking of yourself how about putting your self-centered pride aside and think of the folks that have to survive here in Hawaii. Do you think we’re happy about losing our jobs and having to miss mortgage/rent payments or get loans to get us thru this crisis?! I really hope you look back on your comment and reflect on how heartless you were and maybe change your views on why we Hawaii residents are asking to not have visitors come here for the time being. Oh and ALOHA to you!

    4. Wow, Tom. While I appreciate you’re disappointed, you should realize Hawaii is pretty isolated and cannot handle this pandemic. We cannot be selfish at this time because our vacations are cancelled. The spirit of Aloha is alive and kicking, and they are practicing it now to keep their residents safe and healthy. Perhaps you should look to yourself to see whether you still have that spirit. Think about others. Regarding killer viruses, read the novel ‘Hawaii” to see how our presence on their island killed thousands of Hawaiians. I wouldn’t want to see that happen again. Mahalo.

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