I didn’t read all the comments so I don’t know if someone else caught this.The waiver info on Alaska Airlines is out of date. I just cancelled tickets for May 14th. The funds were deposited into my “wallet”. I just have to rebook by the end of the year not complete travel. Hope this helps.
We’ve been on the big island since early March and have tickets to fly to Maui for another month stay beginning 4/4. Will SWA still be flying to Maui then? It’s safer to SIP at our condo on Maui than to fly back to the mainland. Yes we are visitors, but not a week type of visitor, a month on each island type of visitor and one who is staying in place and just taking walks with social distancing (we don’t even use pools). The environment is better for the body (we’re getting exercise and fresh air) and the mind, plus the soul. We find ourselves in a quarndry.
The idea is to save scarce resources for those who live here. We do not need you in our health care system should you get sick. You feeling good about being here is not the point. You staying in your hotel room is not the point. Our resources come by barge or other means from elsewhere in most cases. Do you really want us to be ok with your staying here just because you feel safer? We do not feel safer having you here, right now you really need to go home. A host who has a pandemic to control does not need visitors to use the scarce resources we have. Where you are staying will likely close as they follow the stay at home orders and then someone will have to figure out how to get you out of here. You want the attention on you and a pass because you believe being here a month is better than visitors with shorter visits? That just gives you more time here when our Governor has asked you to make arrangements to leave ASAP. Come back later, please go now.
We have 1st class tickets on AA Flight #6 on April 8 from Maui to Dallas then Dallas to Austin. We used Aadvantage miles to book. What are the chances that we will be able to go and do you know what AA’s policy will be for cancellations if they don’t fly?
So we fall into this category of the Hawaiian Airlines waiver:
Tickets purchased before March 1, 2020 with travel dates between March and May 2020: No change fees for rebooked travel that begins on or before Dec. 31, 2020. Tickets must be changed no later than Dec. 31, 2020 or one year from the original ticket purchase date (whichever is earlier).
Does that mean we would have to travel by the end of the year? Or just need to rebook by the end of the year?
We were hoping to still be able to go on our 5/13 trip but things keep getting worse and worse. It’s better to be safe and keep everyone else safe by staying home, I agree. Stay safe.
We also booked our condo last year and flight on Hawaiian Airlines in Feb 2020 for flight to Kauai from 5/2/20-5/9/20. According to Hawaiian Airlines you can cancel your flight and re-book for another time. But I see Beat of Hawaii also posted that if your flight is cancelled and you choose to cancel your flight you are entitled to a refund, including your baggage fees and any extras that you paid for. I looked on Hawaiian Airlines website, there is a page to cancel flight and rebook, but there is nothing about cancelling and requesting a full refund. Hopefully, they will update their website and include “refund” in the cancellation page. Has anyone else been able to get a full refund instead of having to re-book flight? Thank you Beat of Hawaii for this helpful info!!!
Our flight are in May too. I think the smartest thing is to wait until our dates fall under the ever evolving policy. We will have a better chance of getting refunded if our flights are cancelled. Good luck!
Aloha, We are flying in early May also. There was a list of the suspended flights. Hoping for a refund since our timeshare does not give refunds. I hope the Hawaiian people make it through this terrible time. Good luck Hawaii! You are a wonderful place that I will return to when this is over. I am sheltering in place.
Mahalo
We have a winter home in Hawaii, and our home on the mainland. We have been here a while now and think the odds are better hunkering down and complying with every bit of advise makes more sense than flying anywhere right now. I am getting tired of hearing the bickering about visitors vs locals.we are all in this together. Be smart and safe, and have aloha!
Hawaiian Airlines has done nothing but take advantage of the people in our steady since The demise of Aloha Airlines. Totally jacked up prices and ridiculously Hugh cards were the norm until the arrival of Southwest. I couldn’t care less if this drives them out of business.
We have found Hawaiian to be great over the past 10+ years. If you are flexible with your travel, there are good prices to be found. Like many of the airlines, though, the food is not what it used to be. I used to love getting a flavor of the islands coming and going.
We booked a condo from April 25 through March 1st through VRBO. Maui Gold Condos is the Management company. Obviously with the new 14 day mandatory quar antine policy for travelers, we are forced to cancel. Sadly Maui Gold Condos is only willing to give us 50% of our money back and is stating the owner will be selling the condo so rebooking is not an option. Our family has saved over two years for this trip and will now be out $2000.00. This leaves us unable to find another place for our family to stay in before our airline vouchers expire. we are truly disappointed and will continue to fight for our full refund. We are truly sick to our stomachs over the loss of our hard earned money and the family vacation we have been dreaming about for over two years.
I’m so sorry, that’s awful you are only getting half. I know it’s up to the owners discretion. We have to cancel 2 VBRO as well but luckily both owners are bring really kind. I hope something can happen in your favor.
We had a similar situation for a trip to Spain that we had to cancel because of Spanish government mandated. No complaint about the mandates. We booked Airbnb. One host refused to grant us a full refund. We contacted Airbnb and they arranged a full refund. They converted our service fees for 5 bookings to Airbnb coupons. A little petty but acceptable. I suggest you take your complaint to VRBO. I believe they will refund your money. When you rebook in the future do not book with this profiteering host. And be sure to review them on VRBO and everywhere you can.
Update: Condo did let us rebook our vacation. We couldn’t be happier. We hope everyone will find a solution that will allow them to reschedule their trip to Hawaii.
This a pandemic, People have been laid off and are losing more than $2000, They are losing everything. I am truly sorry for your loss but In order to fight this pandemic in Hawaii we are all sacrificing in the hopes that lives may be saved.
Contact VRBO again and tell them you’re going to contest this thru your credit card company then contact your credit card company about the rental. It probably won’t do any good but you never know. Also mention to VRBO that AirBNB is refunding full amounts to customers so guess who you’ll be using for future trips. Good luck.
We made plans to visit Hawaii in early June. We made the reservations before all this was known about a virus. Do you think we will be able to come in June or should we cancel?
We cancelled our trip to Kauai that was supposed to start in June. We were going to stay a month. I personally don’t think things will be back to “normal “ at that time. Looking at China/Italy & now the US, I think it will be 3 or more months before things start improving, especially if people don’t take this seriously
It seems odd to close Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Closing the visitor centers made sense, but I was there Friday and Saturday and was rarely within a quarter of a mile of another person, let alone 6 feet. Closing the Thurston Lava Tube would probably be a good idea, but that appeared to be literally the only place in the entire park where there was any significant number of people congregated (and I avoided it as such.) Even it was far less crowded than normal, but probably still too many people for it’s close quarters. Most of the parking lots in the park were either completely empty or had 3 or 4 vehicles at most – including the main parking lot at the visitor’s center.
I don’t know of many ways to practice social distancing better than wondering around a trail somewhere between 1/4 mile and 5 miles from the nearest other person.
The problem with this virus is: highly contagious, 2 weeks before symptoms appear which means you’re walking around infecting others when you feel perfectly healthy, flattening the curve by completely staying home and NO travel is the absolute ONLY way to not have an Italy. The U.S. is number 3 in the world. I am a nurse. I am going to see more cases boom here in the next couple weeks due to people thinking it’s ok to go to the park, ok to travel and ok to think it won’t be me!
The issue with the park is they won’t have rescue services avaialable, if anyone got hurt out on the trails. It is more about that than social distancing. Aloha!
On Maui, the police force will using the National Park Police to help maintain order on other areas of the Island. Perhaps this is why they are also closing the Volcanos National Park. Hawaii is redirecting their law enforcement where it is needed most. Hawaii is just prioritizing. Also, if “non-essential” traveling is in effect, this means no traveling about sightseeing. It’s going to be difficult to enforce if we have a bunch of tourists wandering about when everyone else is “Sheltering in Place.”
This is awesome for Hawaii. We canceled our trip in February and it was right thing to do. Do what you gotta do to protect the island and people of Hawaii. It’s sad that businesses are closing down and I know a lot of people rely on tourism, but need to protect people first. Stay safe and stay positive. Just can’t wait til we can visit Hawaii again. Mahalo.
Sounds like it’s time for the “natives” to have their land back and stop being supported by the U.S. government. Good luck with that after not allowing U.S. citizens to disembark from a {disease}-FREE cruise ship. At least we weren’t exposed to all who were allowed in from countries with active cases of the virus at your airport.
what a terrible thing to say. I would hope that if you knew of the history of hawaii and the native people that you would think better about writing something like this.
I doubt Hawaii and the Hawaiians will miss you or your money.
I totally agree with you. We survive on tourism but not at the cost of lives. Having grown up in Hawaii and being a local Haole I’m saddened by the hardship the island people are facing. If you knew the history of Hawaii losing hundreds of the natives to something as simple as the measles all due to outsiders coming in, you might have a different, more simpathetic understanding of the cruise ship incident.
So to the person that wasn’t allowed off the ship, please take your attitudes elsewhere….or better yet, nowhere. Compassion, love and kindness are just part of the translation of the word, “Aloha”.
You do KNOW that Hawaii is one of the 50 “United States” right? So what ever you are referring to with “being supported by the U.S. government” relates to every other one of the 50 United States.
And I’m sure you’re also aware that at the time that these ships were not being allowed to disembark, there were already active cases in the mainland USA, right? Along with the fact that the US was not taking swift and massive testing actions to fully understand the extent of infection in the USA. Now that the US is finally able to ramp up testing there are over 27,000 confirmed cases in the USA. This is up from the low number of cases just a week ago – much can likely be attributed to the increase in testing. The idea that the entire ship is/was “disease free” is not likely provable. Were all passengers and crew screened, testing, quar antined for the 2 weeks prior to travel, and the ships disinfected? I’d have to say NOT LIKELY.
Not to mention the recent issues/concerns with other cruise ships.
All things considered with the spread of this virus, it’s entirely reasonable that remote island locations such as Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Fiji, even New Zealand are wanting to take precautions.
We are all facing many disruptions in our lives due to this pandemic and hopefully all the efforts being taken will lessen the time that everyone has to severely modify their lives. Nobody wants to be forced to self isolate, but if it helps stem the tide on this virus and gives our heathcare system and providers the ability to treat people with the virus and all other health afflictions without being overwhelmed or becoming infected themselves, then we as citizens need to do our parts. The sooner we can get a handle on this the better for all.
One final point I’ll make is that we were at a good friend’s house a week ago here in southern California. Her dad is an upper management official in a Hospital on Oahu and while we were there, her dad called her to see how she and her family were and make sure they were taking precautions. He was very concerned because as he indicated, “this virus is very bad”.
Dawn R, your post is totally devoid of Aloha. Like all STATES Hawaii must take precautions for the health and safety of everyone. Your money is less important than their lives.
I was waiting for some {deleted} to mention politics and there it is. This has nothing to do with politics, maybe you should continue to stay home after this crisis is over, scary to think about sharing a road with someone like you.
Dawn that is a terrible and selfish comment. Have you not heard that you can still spread this unknowingly?? Just because people on the ship, as you claimed, were “virus-free”, you do not know for a fact that anyone on that ship was not contagious because they were not yet showing symptoms. The islands, the STATE of HAWAII is isolated from the contiguous US and getting supplies and resources there is already a slower process than living in the 48. I’m sure Hawaii will do just fine without your money because the rest of us will be there to support tourism as soon as travel is allowed. Flatten the curve and do your part!
For anyone who does not understand the meaning of “Aloha”, care about the Hawaiian people or know it’s history, doesn’t need to come to Hawaii, ever. Also, people did disembark from the Ship to seek medical attention–both State Residents (American Citizens), and the people who were in need of medical care (also Americans).
You are totally right Dawn. White people have never ever brought deadly diseases to Hawaii by boat. And yes, this is sarcasm. Perhaps you should open a history book while you are sheltering in place.
My family and I visit Hawaii every year in April and willingly cancelled our travel plans when Governor Ige urged visitors to stay away from islands. Now with the Quar antine for arrivals, I’m so glad we are not going.
Folks, it’s in your best interest to cancel plans for March-April travel. Not just to risk exposure but Would you really want to spend your entire vacation in your hotel room, restricted from enjoying all of the things you love to do in Hawaii? No visiting friends/family, no beach, no pool time, no restaurants, no sightseeing of any kind. Yes it sucks, we are also not able to get refund for our lodging but it’s a sacrifice for the greater community. Stay wee all of you.
Glad seps are being taken to protect Kama’aina and especially Kupunas. Love Hawai’i and Hawaiians and glad they are being protected. Not returning until it poses no threat. There are too many selfish idiots who only think of themselves., like the Children ignoring requests and rushing to Florida for spring break.
Sending ALOHA to all people on our beautiful planet. We are all in this together regardless of where you live now, were born or what our ethnicities may be.
You should make arrangements to cancel your Hawaii plans. If you can even get here, you may not be able to return home . Hawaii is closed until further notice. We are on lockdown.
I’m a homeowner at the Beach Villas at Ko Olina and as of March 24th, the Ko Olina resort will be closing, which includes the Disney Aulani and the Four Seasons hotel. All lagoons, the golf course and marina are also closing to guest traffic. The Marriott Beach club will be open for their timeshare owners and the Beach Villas will be open for it’s homeowners and their guests. Never seen anything like this and we’ve been renting out our condo to guests since 2008. First time the entire Ko Olina resorts has ever closed. Unreal.
My family adores the Ko Olina beach villas! The best vacation we ever had was renting a condo there. Hope to return someday. We currently have a trip that had been booked to Maui staying in a timeshare. Hoping the timeshare company will be friendly about us canceling the May 31 check in date. I already know canceling our Southwest airlines flights will be easy.
Why Hawaiian continues to insist upon travel credit due to cancellations be used by December 31, 2020 is beyond me. I received an email from Southwest last nightof Southwest’s new, enlightened policy:
If you decide not to travel, as long as you cancel your flight before its departure, the funds used to pay for a nonrefundable ticket are normally valid for one year from the date of purchase. However, in recognition of the current travel environment, we are extending the expiration date of some travel funds:
o
Customers’ funds that have expired or will expire between March 1-May 31, 2020, will now expire June 30, 2021.
o
Any travel funds created because of a flight cancellation between March 1-May 31, 2020, will have an expiration date of June 30, 2021.
Hawaiian is very reluctant to go the extra mile for their customers, and it dismays me.
That’s We fly Southwest whenever we can. Because of the recent cancellation of Arizona spring training we had to cancel our Southwest flight. They issued a voucher for one year and it only took about two minutes, no questions asked.
United is the same way. We have cancelled (with no problems at all) everything for our trip scheduled to start April 9 EXCEPT our flights. We purchased the tickets in September, and will not be able to use them by the expiration date. I feel like I’m playing a game of “Chicken” with United, waiting for them to have a more appropriate deadline for using our tickets.
Aloha and mahalo for your continued efforts to keep us all informed. I hope your governor will initiate a travel ban to our beautiful islands so that everyone stays healthy.
Thanks for your comment. The airports are federal and not state. At that level, there is nothing he can do. We aren’t sure about an enforceable quar antine as was proposed by Josh Green, Lieutenant Governor.
On Kauai, walking the Hanelei Bay before curfew…maddened to see a large family of teens, parents and elders gathered and drinking.
I know it’s local style but another group gathered together on Pier talking story. Guess their Kapuna aren’t that valued. I miss my family and granddaughter but, for all of us..”Staying Away”
Kathryn O
I live in a small mountain community with a heavy inflex of tourists..and I totally understand how everyone on the islands feel. We dont want the visitors whit there germs either, right now. Stay healthy! aloha to everyone there.🌺🙏🙏🙏
My 88 year old mother has lived on Oahu for over 20 years and our family has been fortunate enough to visit a few times each year.
We just left for home (Canada) on March 17th after a 3 week stay.
The Hawaiian people have always treated us with such welcome and respect.
It’s time for us mainlanders to do the same.
Stay safe Hawaii!
Aloha and Mahalo.
Jen W
Our VRBO is being very unreasonable about refunding our rental on the Big Island. We are scheduled to go on March 26. It is a property management company. They will not contact the owner on our behalf but will only go with their policies despite VRBO encouraging a full refund. If we try to rebook within the year, it would cost 3 times the amount and they won’t cover the difference. I am so frustrated. I spent 4 hours on the phone today. I will never rent any property from that company. Their canned, impersonal response via email and condescending tone to me on the phone were horrible customer service. We are from WA state and we know the severity of these closures that are coming your way. I can’t believe this property management, that is not even based in HI, is doing this. Other people I know that were traveling are getting full refunds from owners.
We are having the same exact experience. I am wondering if it is the same company. It is super frustrating and unfair. I’m sorry this is happening to you.
Please contact the airline directly. It looks like you should have several options if you purchased on or before March 14, 2020 for travel between March 14-June 30, 2020:
1. Change your flight to new travel dates that begin by Dec. 31, 2020 to have change fees and fare difference waived.
2. Change your flight to new travel dates that begin after Dec. 31, 2020 to have the change fee waived, but pay the fare difference (if any).
3. Cancel your ticket and the unused value of the ticket may be applied toward the purchase of a new ticket for a period of up to one year from the original ticket purchase date.
Have you heard if there are contingencies for those of us who own property and live there part time? I’m scheduled to come in mid-April, and have not been cancelled yet. Since I’m technically not a “tourist”, although I don’t reside there permanently, would someone like me be considered for “essential travel”, since I need to take care of my properties?
Mahalo, I read your update for last night. We really appreciated your updated info! Is there any way to find out, since there will be a 14 day quar antine on arrivals, how that process works in more detail? Would someone like me be able to stay at my property? Can I get medical clearance to travel, if I have already been in self-quar antine for more than 14 days here in California? Will there be a Hotline to contact for property owners who are part time residents, and need to get there to take care of stuff there? I know it’s subject to a total domestic flight ban, but Any questions like this that can be verified, would be greatly appreciated! Again, Mahalo for your awesome support and updates!
I saw that it’s likely that I can stay ay my place on the Big Island. But, if in quar antine will there be a way to access food, money and supplies for the 14 days. I have good neighbors that will likely help out, but I’m looking forward to finding more of these answers for property owners like me. I’ll be paying attention daily to your updates!
Aloha to you guys!
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Jim.
Yes, we are all in the same boat in the sense of waiting for more information. We saw that we may be able to swim in the ocean for exercise, but perhaps not be permitted to drive there as an example.
Aloha.
Lisa
We are flying from Oakland to Maui on March 27,2020 though Hawaiian air. We had a package deal which includes flight, hotel and car for a wk. but havent heard from Priceline travel company. Our trip is 7 days away. Would you know if we will be to get full refund or credit for future travel back to Hawaii?
Would be great if there was a domestic travel ban. It would help travelers get refunds on flights. As of now, most airlines are providing fee waivers AND travel most be completed within one year of ticket purchase. Since I purchased tickets on July 11, 2019, I’d have to re-book to complete new travel by July 11, 2020. The reports I read expect the government not to initiate any restrictions as airlines are expected to cancel flights based on lower occupancy.
Now if we could get VRBO owners to do what AirBnb and Hotels are doing and refund guests for their stays. A lot of owners aren’t doing refunds or only 50%.
Why should 100% of the burden and loss from the issue be placed on hosts only. It is more fair to share in this loss together and a 50% refund for those reservations that do not typically qualify for any refund is quite conscientious. For hosts that have “strict” cancellation policies, I feel they have made it quite clear that this is income that is relied upon, it’s not just a hobby.
So me and my friend have travel plans from April 17-25. At this point I’m assuming it’s in our and the islands best interest to reschedule for a further date?
My daughter is a UH student who came home for spring break (Oklahoma). Now she needs to go back to pack up her dorm room and return home again to finish her semester online. I am worried about her getting stuck in Hawaii. She is scheduled to fly to HI tomorrow 3/21 and return to Oklahoma on 3/28. Think she will be able to do that before everything shuts down?
We are traveling to Oahu and Maui mid-June. We bought our tickets through Alaskan from San Fran to Oahu and then Hawaiian Oahu to Maui. Hope it is all good by then.
Please tell me what a curfew starting at 9PM will do to stop the coronavirus?
I love Kauai, but somebody got hit in the head with a coconut!!
Thank you
Aloha! Here is the link for direct information regarding Maui:
Clarification issued on Public Health Emergency Rules for businesses and the community https://www.mauicounty.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=9928.
Lynda C
We are in Kauai at this time and have a interisland flight to Maui on March 20th and leave Maui on Friday March 27 to the mainland. Will we have any problems with our travel plans? I have not heard anything from the airlines regarding flight cancellations for my travels.
Aloha! We have been looking forward to our July trip to Maui and Kauai since last year. I am very nervous to purchase our plane tickets even though our trip is four months out. Do you suggest we buy now or wait? Hoping everyone can weather this difficult time smoothly. Mahalo!
Read the rules carefully, and if you buy now you should be able to change or cancel later. So if the price is right, and you are comfortable with the terms and conditions, you might just buy now.
I’m scheduled to travel to Honolulu for business Mar 28th and return San Diego Apr 1st. If or when the Hawaii state governor impose travel ban, would that include business traveller?
We were on a 2 week trip for our 30th Anniversary. I am so happy we were able to go before of of this happened.
It was the trip of a lifetime for me. We came back to Michigan on March 9. Still on self isolation.
Aloha! I’m currently here in Texas for a visit and I’m coming back to Honolulu Hawaii on April 13th 2020 , am i still able to travel my flight schedule ?
I was bringing 26 people to Oahu this Friday and had to cancel the 6 day trip. This was an almost $30,000 trip. So far the airlines have been great and so has Hilton. Our Go City passes are not refundable! Even with telling them that the majority of excursion were gone, they only offered to extend the use of them for a year to the same city. I am sorry, but I really feel they are being unreasonable.
Great job on reporting to those of us who love to travel to Hawaii. I will visit again and again, but will never utilize Go Oahu passes again.
I didn’t read all the comments so I don’t know if someone else caught this.The waiver info on Alaska Airlines is out of date. I just cancelled tickets for May 14th. The funds were deposited into my “wallet”. I just have to rebook by the end of the year not complete travel. Hope this helps.
Hi Patricia.
Thanks. That was an error and we corrected it.
Aloha.
We’ve been on the big island since early March and have tickets to fly to Maui for another month stay beginning 4/4. Will SWA still be flying to Maui then? It’s safer to SIP at our condo on Maui than to fly back to the mainland. Yes we are visitors, but not a week type of visitor, a month on each island type of visitor and one who is staying in place and just taking walks with social distancing (we don’t even use pools). The environment is better for the body (we’re getting exercise and fresh air) and the mind, plus the soul. We find ourselves in a quarndry.
The idea is to save scarce resources for those who live here. We do not need you in our health care system should you get sick. You feeling good about being here is not the point. You staying in your hotel room is not the point. Our resources come by barge or other means from elsewhere in most cases. Do you really want us to be ok with your staying here just because you feel safer? We do not feel safer having you here, right now you really need to go home. A host who has a pandemic to control does not need visitors to use the scarce resources we have. Where you are staying will likely close as they follow the stay at home orders and then someone will have to figure out how to get you out of here. You want the attention on you and a pass because you believe being here a month is better than visitors with shorter visits? That just gives you more time here when our Governor has asked you to make arrangements to leave ASAP. Come back later, please go now.
Aloha nui loa to you, too!
We have 1st class tickets on AA Flight #6 on April 8 from Maui to Dallas then Dallas to Austin. We used Aadvantage miles to book. What are the chances that we will be able to go and do you know what AA’s policy will be for cancellations if they don’t fly?
So we fall into this category of the Hawaiian Airlines waiver:
Tickets purchased before March 1, 2020 with travel dates between March and May 2020: No change fees for rebooked travel that begins on or before Dec. 31, 2020. Tickets must be changed no later than Dec. 31, 2020 or one year from the original ticket purchase date (whichever is earlier).
Does that mean we would have to travel by the end of the year? Or just need to rebook by the end of the year?
We were hoping to still be able to go on our 5/13 trip but things keep getting worse and worse. It’s better to be safe and keep everyone else safe by staying home, I agree. Stay safe.
Mahalo, Erin
Hi Erin.
Their fee waiver says “No change fees for rebooked travel that begins on or before Dec. 31, 2020.”
Aloha.
Thank you, I’ve never had a cancellation so I’m a bit overwhelmed and confused. I appreciate your response.
We also booked our condo last year and flight on Hawaiian Airlines in Feb 2020 for flight to Kauai from 5/2/20-5/9/20. According to Hawaiian Airlines you can cancel your flight and re-book for another time. But I see Beat of Hawaii also posted that if your flight is cancelled and you choose to cancel your flight you are entitled to a refund, including your baggage fees and any extras that you paid for. I looked on Hawaiian Airlines website, there is a page to cancel flight and rebook, but there is nothing about cancelling and requesting a full refund. Hopefully, they will update their website and include “refund” in the cancellation page. Has anyone else been able to get a full refund instead of having to re-book flight? Thank you Beat of Hawaii for this helpful info!!!
Hi Kay.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Our flight are in May too. I think the smartest thing is to wait until our dates fall under the ever evolving policy. We will have a better chance of getting refunded if our flights are cancelled. Good luck!
Aloha, We are flying in early May also. There was a list of the suspended flights. Hoping for a refund since our timeshare does not give refunds. I hope the Hawaiian people make it through this terrible time. Good luck Hawaii! You are a wonderful place that I will return to when this is over. I am sheltering in place.
Mahalo
Hi Msconk.
Thanks again!
Best Aloha. R/J
We have a winter home in Hawaii, and our home on the mainland. We have been here a while now and think the odds are better hunkering down and complying with every bit of advise makes more sense than flying anywhere right now. I am getting tired of hearing the bickering about visitors vs locals.we are all in this together. Be smart and safe, and have aloha!
We are in the same boat. We were supposed to go home 3/31 to Seattle, but feel safer in Maui. Hope we are making the right decision.
Thank a for all the news, Beat of Hawaii. You update is better than the “regular” news outlets.
Hi Lanell.
Thanks very much! Please stay in touch.
Aloha.
Hawaiian Airlines has done nothing but take advantage of the people in our steady since The demise of Aloha Airlines. Totally jacked up prices and ridiculously Hugh cards were the norm until the arrival of Southwest. I couldn’t care less if this drives them out of business.
We have found Hawaiian to be great over the past 10+ years. If you are flexible with your travel, there are good prices to be found. Like many of the airlines, though, the food is not what it used to be. I used to love getting a flavor of the islands coming and going.
What a horrible thing to wish on the employees and employees families at a time of global crisis. Shame to you.
We booked a condo from April 25 through March 1st through VRBO. Maui Gold Condos is the Management company. Obviously with the new 14 day mandatory quar antine policy for travelers, we are forced to cancel. Sadly Maui Gold Condos is only willing to give us 50% of our money back and is stating the owner will be selling the condo so rebooking is not an option. Our family has saved over two years for this trip and will now be out $2000.00. This leaves us unable to find another place for our family to stay in before our airline vouchers expire. we are truly disappointed and will continue to fight for our full refund. We are truly sick to our stomachs over the loss of our hard earned money and the family vacation we have been dreaming about for over two years.
I’m so sorry, that’s awful you are only getting half. I know it’s up to the owners discretion. We have to cancel 2 VBRO as well but luckily both owners are bring really kind. I hope something can happen in your favor.
We had a similar situation for a trip to Spain that we had to cancel because of Spanish government mandated. No complaint about the mandates. We booked Airbnb. One host refused to grant us a full refund. We contacted Airbnb and they arranged a full refund. They converted our service fees for 5 bookings to Airbnb coupons. A little petty but acceptable. I suggest you take your complaint to VRBO. I believe they will refund your money. When you rebook in the future do not book with this profiteering host. And be sure to review them on VRBO and everywhere you can.
Update: Condo did let us rebook our vacation. We couldn’t be happier. We hope everyone will find a solution that will allow them to reschedule their trip to Hawaii.
This a pandemic, People have been laid off and are losing more than $2000, They are losing everything. I am truly sorry for your loss but In order to fight this pandemic in Hawaii we are all sacrificing in the hopes that lives may be saved.
Contact VRBO again and tell them you’re going to contest this thru your credit card company then contact your credit card company about the rental. It probably won’t do any good but you never know. Also mention to VRBO that AirBNB is refunding full amounts to customers so guess who you’ll be using for future trips. Good luck.
We made plans to visit Hawaii in early June. We made the reservations before all this was known about a virus. Do you think we will be able to come in June or should we cancel?
We cancelled our trip to Kauai that was supposed to start in June. We were going to stay a month. I personally don’t think things will be back to “normal “ at that time. Looking at China/Italy & now the US, I think it will be 3 or more months before things start improving, especially if people don’t take this seriously
It seems odd to close Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Closing the visitor centers made sense, but I was there Friday and Saturday and was rarely within a quarter of a mile of another person, let alone 6 feet. Closing the Thurston Lava Tube would probably be a good idea, but that appeared to be literally the only place in the entire park where there was any significant number of people congregated (and I avoided it as such.) Even it was far less crowded than normal, but probably still too many people for it’s close quarters. Most of the parking lots in the park were either completely empty or had 3 or 4 vehicles at most – including the main parking lot at the visitor’s center.
I don’t know of many ways to practice social distancing better than wondering around a trail somewhere between 1/4 mile and 5 miles from the nearest other person.
The problem with this virus is: highly contagious, 2 weeks before symptoms appear which means you’re walking around infecting others when you feel perfectly healthy, flattening the curve by completely staying home and NO travel is the absolute ONLY way to not have an Italy. The U.S. is number 3 in the world. I am a nurse. I am going to see more cases boom here in the next couple weeks due to people thinking it’s ok to go to the park, ok to travel and ok to think it won’t be me!
The issue with the park is they won’t have rescue services avaialable, if anyone got hurt out on the trails. It is more about that than social distancing. Aloha!
On Maui, the police force will using the National Park Police to help maintain order on other areas of the Island. Perhaps this is why they are also closing the Volcanos National Park. Hawaii is redirecting their law enforcement where it is needed most. Hawaii is just prioritizing. Also, if “non-essential” traveling is in effect, this means no traveling about sightseeing. It’s going to be difficult to enforce if we have a bunch of tourists wandering about when everyone else is “Sheltering in Place.”
This is awesome for Hawaii. We canceled our trip in February and it was right thing to do. Do what you gotta do to protect the island and people of Hawaii. It’s sad that businesses are closing down and I know a lot of people rely on tourism, but need to protect people first. Stay safe and stay positive. Just can’t wait til we can visit Hawaii again. Mahalo.
Hi Gina.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Sounds like it’s time for the “natives” to have their land back and stop being supported by the U.S. government. Good luck with that after not allowing U.S. citizens to disembark from a {disease}-FREE cruise ship. At least we weren’t exposed to all who were allowed in from countries with active cases of the virus at your airport.
We’ll never spend money in Hawaii again.
what a terrible thing to say. I would hope that if you knew of the history of hawaii and the native people that you would think better about writing something like this.
I doubt Hawaii and the Hawaiians will miss you or your money.
I totally agree with you. We survive on tourism but not at the cost of lives. Having grown up in Hawaii and being a local Haole I’m saddened by the hardship the island people are facing. If you knew the history of Hawaii losing hundreds of the natives to something as simple as the measles all due to outsiders coming in, you might have a different, more simpathetic understanding of the cruise ship incident.
So to the person that wasn’t allowed off the ship, please take your attitudes elsewhere….or better yet, nowhere. Compassion, love and kindness are just part of the translation of the word, “Aloha”.
What a comment…obviously you don’t even know Hawaii is a state of the United States of America.
oh well then. do not come back if that is how you feel. my family lives there and is on the frontlines.and when It is safe to go I will be there.
You do KNOW that Hawaii is one of the 50 “United States” right? So what ever you are referring to with “being supported by the U.S. government” relates to every other one of the 50 United States.
And I’m sure you’re also aware that at the time that these ships were not being allowed to disembark, there were already active cases in the mainland USA, right? Along with the fact that the US was not taking swift and massive testing actions to fully understand the extent of infection in the USA. Now that the US is finally able to ramp up testing there are over 27,000 confirmed cases in the USA. This is up from the low number of cases just a week ago – much can likely be attributed to the increase in testing. The idea that the entire ship is/was “disease free” is not likely provable. Were all passengers and crew screened, testing, quar antined for the 2 weeks prior to travel, and the ships disinfected? I’d have to say NOT LIKELY.
Not to mention the recent issues/concerns with other cruise ships.
All things considered with the spread of this virus, it’s entirely reasonable that remote island locations such as Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Fiji, even New Zealand are wanting to take precautions.
We are all facing many disruptions in our lives due to this pandemic and hopefully all the efforts being taken will lessen the time that everyone has to severely modify their lives. Nobody wants to be forced to self isolate, but if it helps stem the tide on this virus and gives our heathcare system and providers the ability to treat people with the virus and all other health afflictions without being overwhelmed or becoming infected themselves, then we as citizens need to do our parts. The sooner we can get a handle on this the better for all.
One final point I’ll make is that we were at a good friend’s house a week ago here in southern California. Her dad is an upper management official in a Hospital on Oahu and while we were there, her dad called her to see how she and her family were and make sure they were taking precautions. He was very concerned because as he indicated, “this virus is very bad”.
Dawn R, your post is totally devoid of Aloha. Like all STATES Hawaii must take precautions for the health and safety of everyone. Your money is less important than their lives.
How truly sad! Aloha to all our other US citizens in Hawaii from the 9th island. People like Dawn should be ashamed of themselves. Good riddance.
Hi Karen.
Thank you.
Aloha.
She must be in the Trump Family….It sounds very familiar to what flows out of his mouth.
I was waiting for some {deleted} to mention politics and there it is. This has nothing to do with politics, maybe you should continue to stay home after this crisis is over, scary to think about sharing a road with someone like you.
Don’t think they will miss you with a self obsessed attitude like that.
Dawn that is a terrible and selfish comment. Have you not heard that you can still spread this unknowingly?? Just because people on the ship, as you claimed, were “virus-free”, you do not know for a fact that anyone on that ship was not contagious because they were not yet showing symptoms. The islands, the STATE of HAWAII is isolated from the contiguous US and getting supplies and resources there is already a slower process than living in the 48. I’m sure Hawaii will do just fine without your money because the rest of us will be there to support tourism as soon as travel is allowed. Flatten the curve and do your part!
Thank you! We will not miss you, Dawn.
For anyone who does not understand the meaning of “Aloha”, care about the Hawaiian people or know it’s history, doesn’t need to come to Hawaii, ever. Also, people did disembark from the Ship to seek medical attention–both State Residents (American Citizens), and the people who were in need of medical care (also Americans).
You are totally right Dawn. White people have never ever brought deadly diseases to Hawaii by boat. And yes, this is sarcasm. Perhaps you should open a history book while you are sheltering in place.
Good luck to all Kamaaina.
Hi AW.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Hi!
Wow! Wild times. You are doing a GREAT job outlining changes in Hawaii. Hard to be 10,000 miles away from family in Hawaii, waiting it out.
Have you heard anything about China Airlines change policies?
I have tickets from Asia in Dec.
Thanks for any info.
Nancy
Hi Nancy.
Thank you! No we have not seen anything re China Airlines.
Aloha.
My family and I visit Hawaii every year in April and willingly cancelled our travel plans when Governor Ige urged visitors to stay away from islands. Now with the Quar antine for arrivals, I’m so glad we are not going.
Folks, it’s in your best interest to cancel plans for March-April travel. Not just to risk exposure but Would you really want to spend your entire vacation in your hotel room, restricted from enjoying all of the things you love to do in Hawaii? No visiting friends/family, no beach, no pool time, no restaurants, no sightseeing of any kind. Yes it sucks, we are also not able to get refund for our lodging but it’s a sacrifice for the greater community. Stay wee all of you.
Hi MN.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Good for you, being responsible & reasonable!
God Bless
Glad seps are being taken to protect Kama’aina and especially Kupunas. Love Hawai’i and Hawaiians and glad they are being protected. Not returning until it poses no threat. There are too many selfish idiots who only think of themselves., like the Children ignoring requests and rushing to Florida for spring break.
Sending ALOHA to all people on our beautiful planet. We are all in this together regardless of where you live now, were born or what our ethnicities may be.
We are leaving the 18th to Maui for 4 days,then Waikiki for 3, then up to makaha for 2 weeks. Will be okay?
No, you won’t be ok. You will be under quar antine. Cancel now
You should make arrangements to cancel your Hawaii plans. If you can even get here, you may not be able to return home . Hawaii is closed until further notice. We are on lockdown.
I’m a homeowner at the Beach Villas at Ko Olina and as of March 24th, the Ko Olina resort will be closing, which includes the Disney Aulani and the Four Seasons hotel. All lagoons, the golf course and marina are also closing to guest traffic. The Marriott Beach club will be open for their timeshare owners and the Beach Villas will be open for it’s homeowners and their guests. Never seen anything like this and we’ve been renting out our condo to guests since 2008. First time the entire Ko Olina resorts has ever closed. Unreal.
Hi Alfred.
Thanks for the update.
Aloha.
My family adores the Ko Olina beach villas! The best vacation we ever had was renting a condo there. Hope to return someday. We currently have a trip that had been booked to Maui staying in a timeshare. Hoping the timeshare company will be friendly about us canceling the May 31 check in date. I already know canceling our Southwest airlines flights will be easy.
Why Hawaiian continues to insist upon travel credit due to cancellations be used by December 31, 2020 is beyond me. I received an email from Southwest last nightof Southwest’s new, enlightened policy:
If you decide not to travel, as long as you cancel your flight before its departure, the funds used to pay for a nonrefundable ticket are normally valid for one year from the date of purchase. However, in recognition of the current travel environment, we are extending the expiration date of some travel funds:
o
Customers’ funds that have expired or will expire between March 1-May 31, 2020, will now expire June 30, 2021.
o
Any travel funds created because of a flight cancellation between March 1-May 31, 2020, will have an expiration date of June 30, 2021.
Hawaiian is very reluctant to go the extra mile for their customers, and it dismays me.
That’s We fly Southwest whenever we can. Because of the recent cancellation of Arizona spring training we had to cancel our Southwest flight. They issued a voucher for one year and it only took about two minutes, no questions asked.
Thank you for keeping us up to date.
Hi Curtis.
Thank you.
Aloha.
United is the same way. We have cancelled (with no problems at all) everything for our trip scheduled to start April 9 EXCEPT our flights. We purchased the tickets in September, and will not be able to use them by the expiration date. I feel like I’m playing a game of “Chicken” with United, waiting for them to have a more appropriate deadline for using our tickets.
Aloha and mahalo for your continued efforts to keep us all informed. I hope your governor will initiate a travel ban to our beautiful islands so that everyone stays healthy.
Hi Debi.
Thanks for your comment. The airports are federal and not state. At that level, there is nothing he can do. We aren’t sure about an enforceable quar antine as was proposed by Josh Green, Lieutenant Governor.
Aloha.
On Kauai, walking the Hanelei Bay before curfew…maddened to see a large family of teens, parents and elders gathered and drinking.
I know it’s local style but another group gathered together on Pier talking story. Guess their Kapuna aren’t that valued. I miss my family and granddaughter but, for all of us..”Staying Away”
Kathryn O
I live in a small mountain community with a heavy inflex of tourists..and I totally understand how everyone on the islands feel. We dont want the visitors whit there germs either, right now. Stay healthy! aloha to everyone there.🌺🙏🙏🙏
Hi Marcia.
Thank you.
Aloha.
My 88 year old mother has lived on Oahu for over 20 years and our family has been fortunate enough to visit a few times each year.
We just left for home (Canada) on March 17th after a 3 week stay.
The Hawaiian people have always treated us with such welcome and respect.
It’s time for us mainlanders to do the same.
Stay safe Hawaii!
Aloha and Mahalo.
Jen W
Hi Jen.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Our VRBO is being very unreasonable about refunding our rental on the Big Island. We are scheduled to go on March 26. It is a property management company. They will not contact the owner on our behalf but will only go with their policies despite VRBO encouraging a full refund. If we try to rebook within the year, it would cost 3 times the amount and they won’t cover the difference. I am so frustrated. I spent 4 hours on the phone today. I will never rent any property from that company. Their canned, impersonal response via email and condescending tone to me on the phone were horrible customer service. We are from WA state and we know the severity of these closures that are coming your way. I can’t believe this property management, that is not even based in HI, is doing this. Other people I know that were traveling are getting full refunds from owners.
We are having the same exact experience. I am wondering if it is the same company. It is super frustrating and unfair. I’m sorry this is happening to you.
Hi,
I am flying with Hawaiian Airlines from Sanjose to Sydney on the 8th of May. Can I reschedule the ticket with the fee waived?
Thank you
Hi Huong.
Please contact the airline directly. It looks like you should have several options if you purchased on or before March 14, 2020 for travel between March 14-June 30, 2020:
1. Change your flight to new travel dates that begin by Dec. 31, 2020 to have change fees and fare difference waived.
2. Change your flight to new travel dates that begin after Dec. 31, 2020 to have the change fee waived, but pay the fare difference (if any).
3. Cancel your ticket and the unused value of the ticket may be applied toward the purchase of a new ticket for a period of up to one year from the original ticket purchase date.
Aloha.
Aloha Guys,
Have you heard if there are contingencies for those of us who own property and live there part time? I’m scheduled to come in mid-April, and have not been cancelled yet. Since I’m technically not a “tourist”, although I don’t reside there permanently, would someone like me be considered for “essential travel”, since I need to take care of my properties?
Mahalo, for whatever you can find out!
Hi Jim.
We have heard nothing about essential travel at all. Our sense is there may either be flights or no flights at all.
Aloha.
Mahalo, I read your update for last night. We really appreciated your updated info! Is there any way to find out, since there will be a 14 day quar antine on arrivals, how that process works in more detail? Would someone like me be able to stay at my property? Can I get medical clearance to travel, if I have already been in self-quar antine for more than 14 days here in California? Will there be a Hotline to contact for property owners who are part time residents, and need to get there to take care of stuff there? I know it’s subject to a total domestic flight ban, but Any questions like this that can be verified, would be greatly appreciated! Again, Mahalo for your awesome support and updates!
Hi Jim.
Thank you! Excellent questions. We are looking for answers on this situation and plan to post updates later today.
Aloha.
Thanks again!
I saw that it’s likely that I can stay ay my place on the Big Island. But, if in quar antine will there be a way to access food, money and supplies for the 14 days. I have good neighbors that will likely help out, but I’m looking forward to finding more of these answers for property owners like me. I’ll be paying attention daily to your updates!
Aloha to you guys!
Hi Jim.
Yes, we are all in the same boat in the sense of waiting for more information. We saw that we may be able to swim in the ocean for exercise, but perhaps not be permitted to drive there as an example.
Aloha.
We are flying from Oakland to Maui on March 27,2020 though Hawaiian air. We had a package deal which includes flight, hotel and car for a wk. but havent heard from Priceline travel company. Our trip is 7 days away. Would you know if we will be to get full refund or credit for future travel back to Hawaii?
My gf is trying to fly to Hawaii on March 25th from Sacramento with Hawaiian airlines. Do you think her flight will be cancelled?
We sure hope so. What part about Hawaii is Closed, we don’t want visitors do you not understand?
Would be great if there was a domestic travel ban. It would help travelers get refunds on flights. As of now, most airlines are providing fee waivers AND travel most be completed within one year of ticket purchase. Since I purchased tickets on July 11, 2019, I’d have to re-book to complete new travel by July 11, 2020. The reports I read expect the government not to initiate any restrictions as airlines are expected to cancel flights based on lower occupancy.
Now if we could get VRBO owners to do what AirBnb and Hotels are doing and refund guests for their stays. A lot of owners aren’t doing refunds or only 50%.
Yes!!! I even have an owner trying to say its still just fine to travel.
Why should 100% of the burden and loss from the issue be placed on hosts only. It is more fair to share in this loss together and a 50% refund for those reservations that do not typically qualify for any refund is quite conscientious. For hosts that have “strict” cancellation policies, I feel they have made it quite clear that this is income that is relied upon, it’s not just a hobby.
We pushed out our June vacation to Maui until September. Hoping all will be ok then.
So me and my friend have travel plans from April 17-25. At this point I’m assuming it’s in our and the islands best interest to reschedule for a further date?
My daughter is a UH student who came home for spring break (Oklahoma). Now she needs to go back to pack up her dorm room and return home again to finish her semester online. I am worried about her getting stuck in Hawaii. She is scheduled to fly to HI tomorrow 3/21 and return to Oklahoma on 3/28. Think she will be able to do that before everything shuts down?
Is there someone you can hire, or does she have a friend in Hawaii that could pack everything up for her? That might be the best bet?
We are traveling to Oahu and Maui mid-June. We bought our tickets through Alaskan from San Fran to Oahu and then Hawaiian Oahu to Maui. Hope it is all good by then.
Please tell me what a curfew starting at 9PM will do to stop the coronavirus?
I love Kauai, but somebody got hit in the head with a coconut!!
Thank you
Hi John.
We have our suspicions what it is about, but concur that it doesn’t seem to make sense.
Aloha.
Please tell me what a curfew starting at 9PM will do to stop the coronavirus?
I love Kauai, but somebody got hit in the head with a coconut!!
How is may 1st looking for a trip to Maui?
Aloha! Here is the link for direct information regarding Maui:
Clarification issued on Public Health Emergency Rules for businesses and the community https://www.mauicounty.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=9928.
Lynda C
Hi Lynda.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Aloha!
Here is the link for the Mayor’s declaration on Maui.
Stay safe!
Sorry! The touch link wouldn’t copy.
https://www.mauicounty.gov/DocumentCenter/View/121453/County-of-Maui—Public-Health-Emergency-Rules?bidId=
Can folks still fly OUT of Hawaii back to mainland?
We are in Kauai at this time and have a interisland flight to Maui on March 20th and leave Maui on Friday March 27 to the mainland. Will we have any problems with our travel plans? I have not heard anything from the airlines regarding flight cancellations for my travels.
Aloha! We have been looking forward to our July trip to Maui and Kauai since last year. I am very nervous to purchase our plane tickets even though our trip is four months out. Do you suggest we buy now or wait? Hoping everyone can weather this difficult time smoothly. Mahalo!
Hi Audrey.
Read the rules carefully, and if you buy now you should be able to change or cancel later. So if the price is right, and you are comfortable with the terms and conditions, you might just buy now.
Aloha.
Why is Hawaii letting passengers off cruise ships?
My guess is they are kama’aina.Locals who live there.
I’m scheduled to travel to Honolulu for business Mar 28th and return San Diego Apr 1st. If or when the Hawaii state governor impose travel ban, would that include business traveller?
Please advise and thank you.
Mr. Ae
Hi Abner.
It does not look good for your trip. Sorry to say. All travel will be impacted.
Aloha.
We were on a 2 week trip for our 30th Anniversary. I am so happy we were able to go before of of this happened.
It was the trip of a lifetime for me. We came back to Michigan on March 9. Still on self isolation.
Aloha! I’m currently here in Texas for a visit and I’m coming back to Honolulu Hawaii on April 13th 2020 , am i still able to travel my flight schedule ?
Hi Mariz.
No one knows the answer at this time. Sorry.
Aloha.
Due to fly out March 26 ( have been on island for 6 weeks). Will we be able to fly out?? When should we be notified of changes??
I was bringing 26 people to Oahu this Friday and had to cancel the 6 day trip. This was an almost $30,000 trip. So far the airlines have been great and so has Hilton. Our Go City passes are not refundable! Even with telling them that the majority of excursion were gone, they only offered to extend the use of them for a year to the same city. I am sorry, but I really feel they are being unreasonable.
Great job on reporting to those of us who love to travel to Hawaii. I will visit again and again, but will never utilize Go Oahu passes again.
Hi Lisa.
Thank you. Sorry to hear about your trip!!
Please come back again soon.
Aloha.
Good grief ! It’s a crisis going on ! You’re taking a small hit compared to most people who lost their jobs! Be glad your group is safe and healthy …
I’ll buy 5 of those go city passes 🙂