Hawaii travel now delayed until at least October 1.
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183 thoughts on “Hawaii Further Delays Reopening. Is October Even Possible?”
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Hawaii travel now delayed until at least October 1.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
Comments are closed.
We have been very disappointed in the lack of creativity in Hawaii that other states and countries have managed to employ. My husband had a great idea that the hotels could foot the bill for testing for those coming to stay with them. If the testing proved someone was ill with covid, the quarantine would happen in a special section of the hotel set aside for that. It would be costly for them, but they could at least manage to stay open. Before we finally secured a flight out of Kauai in early June, the sight of the empty parking lots at the hotels was just heartbreaking knowing how many jobs had been lost. Pathetic lack of ingenuity and interest in the well being of the people of Hawaii.
Which states are the ones you mention, that have been creative? Florida (474 deaths per million and rising, vs. Hawaii’s 32 deaths per million)? Arizona (644 deaths per million – above the national average – and rising)? New England (which has quarantines for inbound visitors)? TX and CA and other states that have had to clamp down after trying to reopen? What creative actions have been taken by the states you refer to? So far Hawai’i has done a great job of not letting its citizens die. We know that too many selfish jerks from the mainland refuse to cooperate on any restrictions. what ‘creative’ actions do you suggest?
At this rate, there will be nothing left for visitors to spend their money on in Hawaii once it does open. Thank goodness David Ige is term limited.
Yes, the day he leaves office the virus will disappear. Just like magic.
I seem to remember when Hawaii was only going to allow Montana and Alaska to travel to the state, based on their COVID numbers. Looking at the current numbers, there are quite a few states that would not allow Hawaiians to flight into THEIR state… Yikes! 😉
Several weeks ago I received a direct email from Lt Gov Green in response to my email about saliva based fast testing. He stated that my testing suggestion of before boarding was good plan but the use of the saliva based test was a no-go without an EUA (Emergency Use Authorization). Last weekend the FDA gave such a test protocol the EUA. And it’s expected cost is less than $2, and the required reagents are commercially available and not in short supply.
The Lt Gov has not responded this time to my emails. What is going on with our Government?
If a saliva test is good enough for sporting events to startup, why aren’t they good enough for our travelers?
Sports? Entire collegiate conferences have cancelled all sports. MLB games are being cancelled because of infected players. And the stands are empty except for cardboard cutouts. (In Korea,for soccer matches they use blow-up dolls in the stands!) Whatever test you’re referring to, it doesn’t seem to have much effect on collegiate or professional sports. So why would it have an effect on Hawai’i?
Thanks Beat Of Hawaii!! Thanks Hawaiian Airlines!!! Thanks VRBO for all the Credits I have for the next 2 Years!! My Wife and I will try again in February during Whale season For Maui and Oahu!!
Stay Up Hawaii and don’t let the negativity discourage you!!
#BEFlexible!!
Quit Crying About Refunds!!! All companies above have been WONDERFUL!!!
Aloha and Mahalo!!!
Ian P.
Hi Ian.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Hi Ian,
I was just sitting here in smoky Colorado dreaming about February in Maui and whales. I think I’ll go ahead and book my trip. Last 2 years was wonderful time to be there.
Mahalo,
Susie
Hi Susie.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Well I canceled our late September visit today. I hope the government of Hawaii can get together soon and develop a plan. I just don’t know how much longer the people of Hawaii can survive. I understand being cautious but you need to open.
All about attack Orange Man Bad
The trend has been there all along although never acknowledged by the Governor…IMO here is the likely end game…reopen when (1) A vaccine is available and determined to be highly effective; (2) Require a “Certificate of Vaccination Identification (COVID)” to enter the state (is that even legal or constitutional?); (3) Create additional entry barriers to eliminate all perceived risk even with (1) and (2) in place. Sadly, I wrote off 2020 long ago. Wondering if 2021 is already in great peril? Also, I have no appetite to put prepaid monies at risk with these uncertainties. I pray for the people of Hawaii to survive this health disaster (that will improve as all pandemics do) & economic disaster (that may take a decade to fix).
I expected the extension to October. I rescheduled for May 2021 but I now realize that date may be overly optimistic There doesnt seem to be any evidence Hawaii will reopen for tourism as early as May 2021.
Same here I just canceled our late October trip to Maui thru Costco Travel package will be refunded in full. Flights were booked with Southwest using points. All points have been credited back to my account.
When speaking to the rep at Costco Travel she indicated that after this latest travel delay members are canceling future travel to Hawaii at a record pace.
She stated that members have no confidence in state government having a plan to reopen any time soon, restricted travel to island destinations and closing of so many restaurants and local businesses were the main reasons for canceling.
Thank you for doing such a great job of keeping us informed!!!
IMHO everything rests with the governor… leadership listens and communicates direction. When there’s a lack of communication, generally there’s a lack of listening.
Thank you Beat of Hawaii for your leadership in communicating what you learn! Without this great information, I would have no idea what is going on or what plans to make!
Hi Jerry.
Thanks so much!
Aloha.
Aloha,
I’m amazed and very disappointed that no mention was made of our hospital status. Maui ICU is full and all the major islands now have back up canvas facilities on “stand by“. Hopefully we will remain closed until we can care for guests who require medical assistance and all deferred surgeries or procedures have been completed for our Residents.
Mahalo.
Thank you for the medical update. And thank you for injecting a note of common sense and reality into the conversation.
If Hawaii wants to get tourism going again, why can’t airlines serving its destinations simply do the body temperature scan, plus require everyone to be taking the hydroxychloroquine/Z-pack combination in order to visit? To board the plane, also require a current statement of good health from one’s doctor dated within 7 days of embarkation. Countries like Uganda with high malaria risk are using hydroxychloroquine and have low levels of Covid-19 for their populations. Let’s get busy living again and get companies back in business.
Hydroxychloquin has not been proven to be effective for Covid, although it is a proven treatment for malaria and lupus. Using it for 10’s of thousands of people per week who simply want to vacation would create a shortage of the drug for the people who need it to live (I have 2 nieces with lupus, who take it, and this has created shortages for them). PLEASE, follow medical advice. Only take those drugs or treatments that are PROVEN effective in the treatment of Covid. There ARE side effects to this drug. Some people die.
Hydroxychloroquine Indeed has been proved effective For Covid and saved lives Ur ill informed
U suffer from bureaucratic fauci-itis
Drs have used it many times saving lives recently
Can you show me the link for the scientific studies or is this just more “I heard” evidence. My father was a scientist (was on the team that developed the heat shield for the Mercury space flights). Everything is test, test, test. Peer review. You don’t just say, “Hey I heard the guys down the street thinks chewing gum can hold together in high heat – lets try that when we put the astronaut up in orbit”. No. You test. All the tests with hydroxy didn’t work. They had one that looked promising, but it couldn’t be duplicated. When it went before review, they found out that the reason was because he only gave it to people who weren’t very sick. In other words, it wasn’t a BLIND study. He gave it to people who he knew were going to get well. All the other studies came out the same. No benefit.
U must be a flat earther
Ill informed Re hydroxy dr-patient usev
Dr testimonials all over planet been saving lives for 5 mos with hydroxychloroquine +\- azithromax/ zinc.
Where have you been?
Main Stream Media rejects anything President endorses
Ur unaware of that fact
4-7-20 Detroit Free Press
Dem Lawmaker thx hydroxy and Pres for saving her life. There 1000s others thankful for the drug saving their lives
I rest my case
Unfortunately, that is not scientific proof. Lots of people survive the virus without any treatment at all. Lots of people die being given quack medicine. The president is neither a scientist nor a doctor, although he likes to refute the evidence based research of both. I have believed in science my whole life – my father was a scientist. I will always follow the science. No flat earther here. That belongs to your president to wants you to inject disinfectant into your body and brings a woman doctor who believes in demon sperm to tout his beliefs.
Please site your proof. I think it is fair to wonder who is falling for what. The medical evidence via trials disagrees with you. I would appreciate you sharing why you have come to this opinion. Thank you.
Plenty of drs out their Using it and successfully saving infected ppls lives in many countries
Find the many online evidences of such
Uve been brainwashed and propagandized By the bias Radical left media
7-2-20
“Henry Ford health system study shows hydroxychloroquine significantly reduces death rate in COVID-19 patients“ 91% success rate Re study
And many other web stories from physicians over last 5 mos using the rx with high% success rate when treated early within 48 hrs of known virus contraction
Key is early rx trmt
That was the study I was talking about that was not blind. If you only give it to people that aren’t that sick, that you figure are going to survive, well guess what? You’re going to have good results! The only way to tell if something works is to have a totally randomized trial. They didn’t do that.
Amen! Mark, you hit the nail on the head! The left has made this drug political. If the president hadn’t endorsed it the drug would be used without controversy. What a shame!
Mahalo,
TJ
Actually TJ, if Trump didn’t have such a strong record of deceitful, petty, vindictive behavior he might be worthy of listening to. I prefer to believe experts that know what they are talking about and have experience in the field over a narcissist who thinks his hunch’s are more valid then expert opinions …..it’s real easy to find support for any argument you want to make on the internet, doesn’t mean it’s true………everyone on the left and the right is sick of this and want it over, I seriously doubt anyone in the press is trying to stand in the way of anything that would be a legitimate “cure”. If there was a cure out there any reporter would love to bring it to light if it could be proven to work. It would not be possible to get every reporter in the country to sit on news as important as a cure that works just to spite Trump…..Fox News if anything would be gloating about how Trump was right. Beside Trump, another reason we are doing so poorly in the battle against Covid is the conspiracy theorists and anti mask brigade…..big road block to working together as a country and putting this behind us.
It doesn’t work!! Wake Up!!
“why can’t airlines serving its destinations simply do the body temperature scan, plus require everyone to be taking the hydroxychloroquine/Z-pack combination in order to visit? ”
Because neither of those measures is very effective. The scan misses a lot of fever; many people with COVID have no fever, and the drug combination is sketchy at best. It seems to alleviate symptoms; it is not a cure.
Just cancelled my third attempt to visit the Islands since this began. I totally understand the need to protect the community, but to keep moving the bar without a plan to actually restore the economic health of the region is just beyond belief. I hope that a vaccine is developed, tested, and released soon. I don’t expect I will rebook until at least 6 months after Hawaii reopens, to allow time for the industry of tourism to recover, and people who work in it to figure out the safety and logistical issues. Stay safe and healthy Hawaii.
Completely agree!!
My Homeowner’s meeting has already been canceled for November and now we have to have the meeting via Zoom! Have cancelled all of my trips to Kaua’i for this year… and this will be the first year of not visiting the islands since 1989 Property taxes coming due with “0” rental income is a tough pill to swallow. Watch for the “fire sale” of vacation condos in the coming months for owner’s who don’t have enough funds in reserve.
Thank you for all you do in keeping those of us that love to read Beat of Hawaii. You’ve always been informative, shared great places to visit, have the best tips and ideas. Thanks…I really enjoy your communications. I look forward to the day with Kauai is open to travel again; it’s my family’s favorite vacation spot. God bless you, and have a blessed day.
Hi Sherry.
Thanks so much! You just made both of our days.
Aloha.
This Governor has no idea what he is doing, unless he calls Bankrupting the state successful.
Why in the world would anyone believe that the politicians would have answers?
They’re all being paid, fed, transported, protected, and have better medical care than any of us peasants.
This is ludacris and the people need to rise up and demand answers.
I’d like to say that I don’t care, but I do care. I love Hawai’i and pray every day for our people and families.
Again, mahalo to Beat of Hawai’i for always informing the people about the abhorrent behavior of our elected officials.
God help us all.
🌺
Hi Pam.
Thank you.
Aloha.
This is all just sad!! I am just trying to come home to bury my father… And now with all the new restrictions I don’t even think we can have the funeral.. Not to mention the quarantine rules..
Suprise! Really? Thanks…..
I think the primary failure is the federal government failure to give concrete guidance to the states. State Health departments traditionally rely on federal guidance for these sorts of large scale serious health crises.
So, I don’t blame Hawaii at all. Most states are struggling to figure this out. I will be back to Hawaii in 2021 after this passes. I wish all the best to Hawaii in fighting this pandemic.
TL
When the President said that the federal government would be in charge, there was a huge outcry of overreach and demands that he allow the states to deal with the pandemic in whatever way they see fit. Well, he gave them what they wanted….control, and now look what is happening to Hawaii. The truth is, there are states that are doing very well at handling this and Gov. Ige would benefit from following their lead. South Dakota is just one of those examples they could learn from. There is also no reason why the Gov. could not request from the federal government the use of the USS Mercy or the USS Comfort to handle any overflow issues they may have with the healthcare facilities, but he has not done so. To blame anyone other than your governor is just passing the buck and giving Ige and his administration a pass for destroying the livelihood of so many Hawaiian citizens.
What is happening to Hawaii is so very sad and the longer this is permitted to go on, the more damage is being done to the tourist industry. And, while many detest the tourists, the hard truth is that those tourists keep a roof over the heads, clothes on the backs and food on the tables of the majority of Hawaii’s citizens. There will be a number of visitors who will find somewhere else to spend their winter months and may never return, because let’s face it….the Hawaii that they know and love will not be the same place they had visited all those years in the past. The number of homeless will undoubtedly increase substantially….a large portion of the businesses they frequented will be gone for good, and there is now a huge undertone of resentment and hate that is being directed at those who do visit the islands. It may make people feel better to let Ige off the hook and blame others for the misery and suffering that is going on in the state, but the only way to end it is for the people to put unrelenting pressure on him to do what is right.
South Dakota: 180 deaths per million population.
Hawai’i: 32 deaths per million population.
South Dakota: 10.7 people per square mile.
Hawai’i: 223 people per square mile.
It’s well known that population density is a major factor in the spread of disease in general and C19 in particular.
So with a fraction (1/20th) of the population density, SD has managed almost 6x the number of deaths per million.
Not a good model to follow.
After Governor Ige’s announcement today that he would be pushing the re-opening for tourists to at least Oct. 1st, I went ahead and cancelled my reservations. I haven’t heard from the condo owner yet, but I had until Sept 11th to make final payment or cancel, so that shouldn’t be a problem, and Hawaiian Airlines issued me a travel credit good for 2 years. I’m very happy with that – they were non-refundable tickets, and they didn’t charge me a fee. I know none of this is anyone’s fault. I just hope I can get back to Hawaii before I’m too old to enjoy it. Mahalo, and stay safe everyone.
Hi Eve.
Thanks.
Aloha.
As predicted
Hawaii Reopening will be post Nov 3
Found him! The guy who knows everything
While I still believe the Governor is a good man and he bears the concerns of caretaking for all Hawaii residents and visitors, I ALSO feel that perhaps emergency management is out of his wheelhouse. To simply state that planning is essentially based upon what is going on in the mainland is effective management. At the same time, while the idea of replacing public officials be it Gov. Ige or the Dept of Public Health May sound attractive, we must accept that replacement may prolong the situation more than pushing for adjustment.
Dealing with emergency management is to manage the associated risks. It can be compared to gambling, only involving the very highest risks. Hawaii needs to really take in the tally of risks to waiting compared to risks of gradual reopening. Important factors are community education and compliance, medical and social support, effective transportation and infrastructure, and to a very small degree- enforcement and prosecution as a last resort.
Risk should also be measured from individual islands because each island has its own risk factors and abilities to handle anticipated spikes in cases. What must also be discussed is the need for family disposition if a visitor passes. Each island has a slightly different subculture that must be respected.
Hawaii needs to make moves to reopen, taking risk into account, With this in mind, a month to month assessment and evolving action plans are critical. It is my belief that government leaders should create and then communicate a basic action plan to residents. Such a plan would list options for introduction of reopening travel and commerce along with risk factors under consideration.
To say “This is global” is absolutely true. But, risk is best mitigated by analyzing a working area- Kauai for example. And list off the infrastructure capabilities to react to medical spikes and weigh that against factors such as unemployment, bankruptcy, mental health complications from extended quarantine.
Governor Ige is going to give me a heart attack, real talk. I rescheduled a multi-island trip from May until October 28th.
Every time he comes on with the reopening dates (Aug1 then Sept1 and now Oct1???) I get a little excited that this trip could be possible. Now, because I only have until September 20th to cancel part of the trip, I have to forfeit 50% of my timeshare money for something that’s not my fault. Plus, deal with the airlines.
I have until October 20th to deal with the first island trip but it’s such a goat rodeo I’ve completely lost faith, and quite honestly, respect for the Hawaiian government.
With millions of people in San Diego, we just got off the state watch list and everything is business as usual for most of the population. We’ve had to work this entire time.
As long as social distancing, face coverings, and hand washing continues with everyone in the community adhering to those rules, the infection rate has little chance of increasing.
Seriously, millions of people in San Diego out working and enjoying life. What is Hawaii’s problem with confirmed test results before arrival?
It feels like this is another opportunity for Hawaii to control the population and make money off of another catastrophe. I’m sure that’s what this is about. They want the Cares Act COVID funding at the detriment of their own economy. It’s almost comical. Except it’s not. Thanks BOH. Truly appreciate you for keeping us informed.
Hi Tammy.
Thanks again.
Aloha.
When will Hawai’i QUIT voting for corrupt, clueless, self-serving politicians and their bureaucrat cronies???
THAT IS WHAT’S CREATED THIS DYSTOPIAN, DYSFUNCTIONAL NIGHTMARE !!!
I’ve lived in the Territory and State since the ’50s and I KNOW whereof I speak.
Hawai’i and politics since Statehood = a classic case of a self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
Believe it.
Like the song says … “When will they ever learn … when will they EVER learn … “
Face it Ige….you are not opening up tourism, until a vaccine is available and those arriving can prove they have had the shot. You don’t have the stomach to take any risk other than to bankrupt Hawaiian citizens.
As with the rest of the country and the world, Hawaii is continually learning how to deal with this pandemic, as we have all never had to deal with something like this before. Politicians, business owners, citizens, travelers, even our pets, are in a constant state of flux with so much uncertainty. Having said this, we shouldn’t cast blame on anybody for oversights, second guessing, and changing the “rules” as we move along. Everyone is doing the best the can. I don’t think any mistakes are intentional.
Aloha! I’m more interested as to when they will open without any restrictions, including no masks. We’re booked for May 2021, but will cancel again if we can’t visit without restrictions. We won’t travel anywhere if masks are required. Don’t get me wrong, right now we wear our masks, stay home, etc. But once we venture out to travel, we want to do so unconstrained. Stay well. Aloha.
Then you might as well cancel for May 2021. There is no way that Hawaii is going to allow tourists without masks in May. They are too full of fear. I seriously doubt they will open in 2020.
Aloha Sarah, We will wait until January 2021 to see how the restrictions are playing out, and will make the decision then. Mahalo for your feedback.
BOH:
Always great to receive your unbiased and helpful news on Hawaii travel. I have surrendered to the fact I can’t come visit my grandkids on Kauai until travel restrictions of any kind are lifted. The airlines AND hotels are taking money for tickets and accommodations and when the dates are canceled by the State, only give a “voucher” for a future date. Problem with that is there’s always a catch – later. Prices skyrocket at hotels, and if one has paid a deposit at the 90-day prior mark the chains take the ENTIRE projected vacation cost if you haven’t canceled yourself. Both airlines and hotels are paying the cash flow game. As a businessman I really don’t blame them but the hotels (especially) are not being up front with the small print. Has anyone else heard of this unfortunate monitization?
Thanks for your updates.
Hi Dale.
Thank you.
Aloha.
I have no confidence that Hawaii will open October 1st. when the governor of the state is not doing a lockdown of a restaurants or spas everything has to be shut down is the only way to control thid virus. I think the mayor should take over running each of the islands and if they get under the control then flights can fly into Maui to the big island or Kauai and forget anybody flying to Oahu. And there could be no inner island flights to Oahu either.
No one should be surprised by this announcement it’s October 18th and there still isn’t a testing protocol in place.
There will be no tourism on Hawaii until the islands residence overwhelmingly push to reopen and that hasn’t happened.
Also as has been reported it will take large resorts 4 to 6 weeks to gear up their operations to reopen, so unless there’s a testing plan in place by the end of August or first week of September you can kiss October goodbye.
I meant August 18 without a testing protocol
Calling Marriott Vacation Club to see if I can move my home resort in Maui to some where else other than Hawaii. I have been an owner for 18+ years. I totally understand, but this lack of communication is just beyond comprehension. Yes I do pay taxes for my two weeks.
Thank you for this great site.
Hi Mark.
Thank you!
Aloha.
Democratic Control of Hawaii and in California where I live is Killing business in the name of safety for a virus that has a 99% survival rate. There has to be a balance.
Right on!
They have to keep the charade for a little longer…with mail in right around the corner…
99% recovery rate, nobody is dieing from Covid this is not a pandemic by any standard!!!
It is offensive when you say nobody. You should think and choose your words more wisely to make your point. If you truly believe nobody then it is time to come out from under the rock you are living and take a broader look at your world.
I believe you are trying to say the impact isn’t as severe as the actions being taken as a result. That would be a better way to make your point. But since you have also tied this to mail in voting it is clear you are not a logical thinker and you may be a lost cause?
Nobody is dying from Covid??? I know people that have died from it.
Absolutely!!!
Aloha, very sad for Hawaii – I canceled trip to Kauai in May hoping to go In may 2021.
Mahalo
Hi Marilyn.
Thanks.
Aloha.
I’m really sad but not surprised to hear this. We have a trip to Maui booked for early December but at this point I am doubtful that anything will change that will make it possible for us to go.
While I understand the caution needed, it would seem more helpful to tourists to just say January 2021, rather than pushing it out each month. As much as I love the islands, as a visitor and a former resident, it’s sad to read comments from islanders who bash the tourists and celebrate their absence. The islands truly depend on tourism, like it or not, and I know people who are literally abandoning their homes and moving to the mainland for work. Don’t forget, you’re the “aloha” state. We want the best for you and we long to enjoy your beautiful islands again, as soon as it’s feasible. Mahalo.
Hi Debby.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Considering it is now anticipated that Covid-19 will last until 2022, I’m not sure what is best for Hawaii. For us in Canada, they told us that we will not shut back down. We have to learn to live with this virus and follow guidelines strictly, social distancing, masks, constant hand washing and regularly disinfecting surfaces. I don’t think I’d be comfortable travelling during that time as there are still idiots out there who refuse to believe Covid is a real problem and will not follow guidelines.
Sad but true about the selfish idiots. I have flight attendant friends who come back from their flights with numerous tales of passengers who do everything they can to not wear masks even when requested.
That’s fine to say no vacationers however what about the returning residents and those who own property on the islands? Why not allow them to test out of quarantine? Isn’t it safer to have travelers get tested prior to arrival then risking bringing it in to their families? Why can’t the Hawaii government get their act together?
Ok, They need to tell us then.Hawaii will not survive with out Tourism. There will be more deaths if they can’t feed there Families. Then this dam China Virus.. Let’s get with our lives..
Enough with the racist China bashing. There is no such thing as ‘China virus.’ There is, however, an ugly ‘American virus’ of small-minded, self-centered thinking.
It is not racist. It is a fact, The virus originated in Wuhan. period.
Well said Kalani!
Didn’t you know libs hate facts Kalani?
well said kalani.
Meanwhile, in Wuhan, they are partying like it’s 1999. Look up Wuhan water park.
Well said Dave.
Talk about beung in denial! China sprung this upon the world so they own the recognition of that too!
She didn’t call it a “Chinese” virus, she called it the China virus because it originated in Wuhan, China. I called it the Wuhan virus for a long time, but then “Covid19” caught on so I went with that. Let’s be kind to each other and not be so quick to judge and condemn.
Kalani is right, try some critical thinking. Enough with the self-loathing America bashing.
Just a PSA: Even though the Zika virus came from the Zika Forest, the Ebola virus near the Ebola River, the West Nile virus came from the West Nile District in Uganda, apparently now it is considered “harmful” to name a virus after the place it originated. Of course, those viruses are still referred to as Zika, Ebola and West Nile along with a host of others still named after the places where they originated. 🤷🏼♀️
Thank you Tamara.
Mahalo still awaiting our March 28 50th anniversary trip anxiously awaiting safety and full amenities aloha
Hi Michael.
Thanks.
Aloha.