A date certain is set, while legal and other issues remain on Hawaii travel reopening.
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210 thoughts on “Hawaii Travel Reopens on August 1”
A date certain is set, while legal and other issues remain on Hawaii travel reopening.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
How can we get a test within 72 hours prior to departure when it takes up to 10 days for the results?
Hi guys,
Thanks for the time and work you put into the blog for the benefit of so many. I heard Gov. Ige say that testing will cost $160 per traveler. Any other info about this?
Thanks!
Hi Daniel.
That yet another aspect of the plan to be nailed down, and it is a significant one. We’ll have an update shortly.
Aloha.
I have called every lab, pharmacy, including CVS in my area regarding C0VID testing. All with the same response that results take at least 3 to 5 business days to come back. Only 1 place had rapid testings but it was not a nasal swab but a sample of blood which I believe is not what Hawaii would find acceptable and also not a CLIA certified lab.
Very discouraging as it appears most of us would not be able to meet requirements to not have to 14 day quar antine. Maybe that was Governor Ige intent
Aloha!
Thank you for the info! I booked a flight for August 9th, which is a Sunday. Do you think I should change that to a midweek flight? 72 hours prior would Thursday and I’m concerned that I won’t get my results in time due to the weekend.
Thank you for your input!
Hi Jessica.
Fair question and unfortunately we don’t know the answer. We are hoping for more clarification, as least so far as the acceptable test types, and how Hawaii’s partner CVS will be handling timing.
Aloha.
Will masks required at the beach when you stay around your own family and keeping social distance with others?
We have been fortunate that we were not required to be wearing masks at the beach since the beginning of this!
You can get a test online that said you passed!! FYI so I hope the hawaii keeps a look out for those counterfeit tests
Hi was wondering if test needed 72 hours before traveling
But the test take 1 week to get the results so I’ll be off couple days ? Plz
Let me
Know
What about short term rentals like AirBNB? Are they going to be allowed to make bookings? We prefer that to staying at a hotel or resort. Thank you!
Hi Julie.
Yes, vacation rentals will also be available starting August 1.
Aloha.
Hmm? What are the most recent expectations for face mask 😷 wearing??? I don’t see myself visiting Hawaii anytime soon because of the chaos of Hawai’i’s governmental management of C0vid- sensible and safe guidelines need to be adopted to reopen Hawaii’s economy ASAP. You isolate the vulnerable you do not quar antine the healthy… Having said that I will not wear a face mask on the beach -ever! I live in Southern California our beaches are wide open- no masks! Because they have greatly increased testing more cases are being identified, but hospitalizations are down ICU’s are empty and many relatives in healthcare are losing their jobs, because this really bad flu never justified a complete shut down of our economy.
” I live in Southern California our beaches are wide open- no masks! ”
Sorry, not true. You are required to wear a mask within 6 feet of anyone not related to you or living in your immediate household. you can look it up on the state website.
This is why we’re having a surge in CA – people who make up their own rules instead of following the state rules.
Any word on the testing of children? Currently CVS only tests people 18+. Good idea… I’m just a little worried about all the details. THANKS EVERYONE!
Hi Jenn.
Very good question. We’re awaiting answers.
Aloha.
This must mean at the last destination. I only have 45 minutes to get from AA to Hawaiian air to get Molokai and it’s the last flight out. I will have no place to stay if I miss that flight
Thank you for the updates. I’m wondering if children are required to pre-test? It’s even more difficult to secure pediatric tests. Or will the testing of the parents be enough? Just hope all these details will be clarified by government. It’s the lack of clarity that is challenging from a planning standpoint. I hope the governor puts out a clear plan to follow. Thank you.
Hi Carrie.
We concur. The state said details will follow soon.
Aloha.
My advice to all tourists is cancel all future trips to Hawaii Hope is not enough and there is too much uncertainty. States that have 14 day quar antine now are not as restrictive and enforced as hawaii. Im really dissapointed and dissatisfied that there is still no clear plan for reopening on aug 1. Also that date is months later than most states that have reopened in may or june. I think its rediculous to think Hawaii can sweep all the negative PR and no aloha under the rug.
And also posters here like to bash tourists that don’t agree. Its pretty much reverse racism as ive stated in other posts. I feel the hatred and intolerance is going to further erode Hawaiian culture because people will not forget and will be much less likely to care about or preserve the culture. Its shooting yourself in the foot. We know how the government of Hawaii feels and i think it would continue how it was had the federal govt and other lawsuits not come to light. C0vid is overblown especially in Hawaii
Families of the 120,000 dead people nationwide would disagree.
“States that have 14 day quar antine now are not as restrictive and enforced as hawaii.”
In other words, you recommend going somewhere else because you can ignore the rules. Hawai’i is better off if you do that.
C0VID sure isn’t overblown to the families and friends of the 120,000 Americans who have died. Nor to the hundreds of thousands more who have been hospitalized, who are facing huge medical bills, who have bad symptoms and aftereffects (damage to brain, heart, kidneys, liver, GI tract; blood clots, etc.).
The disease is getting worse again on the mainland, thanks to people who won’t cooperate. Hawai’i is doing so much better than the vast majority of states.
These people are out of work. Do you know for a fact they dont want to work? If it’s “free” money to you, never cash your social security check. Stick to your principles.
Who are you responding to? Sounds like a real sweetheart.
My question would be if we can show a paper copy of test results from our local hospital system as our closest CVS which is in a Target does not do any testing. Any thoughts? Thank you so much in advance for any guidance 🙂
Hi Nicole.
We’ll have clarification on the testing requirements going forward. Certainly, it won’t be limited just to CVS.
Aloha.
I am happy that Hawaii is reopening to tourists August 1
I appreciate your efforts to keep us informed. This is a disturbing piece of potential legislation. Could they “isolate” people? Camps or what? Thanks.
https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2020/Bills/HB2502_SD1_proposed_.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1L3RASeinU0x4aAdMSw-TOUYbd0QPbMPG1F8x4Jour-95MmNuMYPYfMiE
Hi Gary.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Holly Smokes
Plaese tell me this is a spoof, no legislation was ever proposed or God forbid ever passed like this?
Normally, “quar antine” is used to describe restricting the movements of people who might be carriers. “Isolation” describes measures to keep actual sick people with symptoms from contaminating other. Full isolation might being in a hospital room with positive pressure, with access limited to medical personnel in protective gear. In other words,
Isolation and quar antine are public health practices used to protect the public by preventing exposure to people who have or may have a contagious disease.
Isolation separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick.
Quar antine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick. These people may have been exposed to a disease and do not know it, or they may have the disease but do not show symptoms.
Both of these actions are quite common and are used all over the world including the US mainland.
I just got off the phone with CVS in Ithaca, NY (my closest location that tests). I explained about the testing requirement for our trip on August 15. They said “no problem”.Call for an appointment 2 days prior. They said it takes 1 to 3 days to get results. This seems too good to be true. I will be cautiously optimistic. Please, let us know what you hear about how this will work. For instance, how do we time the testing? 72 hours prior to landing in Kaua? or 72 hours prior to take off from NY? big difference when you are flying from rural upstate NY with three layovers.
Thanks so much for keeping us posted!
Lisa
Hi Lisa.
Important questions. We’ll do it best to get answers ASAP.
Aloha.
Thanks so much. I appreciate all you do. If you could please let us know if you here anything about rental cars. Tried to rent one for August 15 and I am getting a message that there is no available cars.
Hi Lisa.
We are not finding any issue with rental car availability. Please try again or give us the specifics you are looking for and we’ll look further.
Aloha.
you are correct. I was putting 9pm in the search engine. That’s when our plane is supposed to land but the rental companies close at 8:30. That was the problem. i figured it out. Thanks for your response. I rented a car today. Is this really going to happen? I am cautiously optimistic and nervous about the potential risk.I just couldn’t let all the money we invested go to waste since I could not get a refund or voucher from Delta and Marriott. Hoping for the best.
Aloha,
Lisa
Hi Lisa.
Have you considered trip insurance with “cancel for any reason” coverage? In today’s crazy unpredictable world, it seems like something worthy of consideration no matter where you are traveling to.
Aloha.
good advice. Please, can you recommend a travel insurance plan such as you describe. Thanks
lisa
Hi Lisa.
We’ve bought trip insurance including cancel for any reason from Insure My Trip. Of course you can find many other sources.
Aloha.
There are many other states which have (or had) similar restrictions.A few weeks ago I was considering a road trip to Yellowstone NP. I was amazed to find out that entrance was restricted via Wyoming entrances only, as both Montana and Idaho had 14-day quar antines in effect. Delaware had one, not applicable to those simply driving thru. Florida had one for visitors from the New York Tripstate area, and Louisiana. My point being, this was not unique to Hawaii.
Thank you for reminding all the complainers and Hawai’i bashers that there is not evil, incompetent or abnormal about quar antines and travel restrictions due to C0VID! And of course it’s not a racist, personal plot aimed at them.
Hi Dave.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Where is the beautiful beach pictured on this website today? I’m thinking Ko’olina?
Hi John.
Yes it is.
Aloha.
There may soon be a better way to test incoming visitors. Dogs have been used to detect other diseases, such as malaria and cancer, and researchers and trainers are working to see if they can be trained to detect COVID-19. Here’s an article on the topic:”Winning by a nose: the dogs being trained to detect signs of Covid-19.” It appears in the Guardian online (guardian dot com) and the Observer.
So the test is required no more than 72 hours but it can take up to a week to get results. How will that work?
Dog sniff test is instantaneous.
Hawaiian airlines flight 7
LAS Vegas TO Honolulu SEPTEMBER 29 is still a go .cause Honolulu opens up for tourists August 1.
Thank
You
Aloha,
Does this mean The State of Hawaii is dealing with CVS pharmacies to conduct C0vid testing for Hawaii travelers to ensure the results will be available in within the given time frame? if so, that would be great. My family is scheduled to arrive in Kauai on Sept 19. I wouldnt mind paying a reasonable Covid test fee.
Thank you,
Hawaii has come back down to earth and back to reality. You need tourism and still no sustainable model with alternatives proposed. So locals will continue to feel wronged and upset with tourists in thier land. This situation is far from over or resolved even after c0vid is gone
“Hawaii has come back down to earth and back to reality.”
Meanwhile, back on the mainland, hospitalizations are soaring. That’s the reality.
Aloha,
I appreciate the update. Is there any information about whether a positive serology test showing immunity will be accepted? The CDC recently stated that they estimate 2 million Americans have had C0VID-19, many of which were mild or asymptomatic cases based on serology studies.
Also, is there a metric for when the testing will no longer be required? For example, a dramatic decline in critical cases and deaths. Or if cases continue to decline in Hawaii after tourism resumes?
Mahalo,
Becky
Hi Becky.
We’ll need to await clarification. There has been no mention so far.
Aloha.
Please let us know if the restaurants on Maui will be open for inside dining starting on August 1. Thank you!
Hi Linda.
We’ll know more soon and will be reporting. Restaurants are already open for inside dining.
Aloha.
Thank you for the information. I would think many Hawaiians are financially strapped and this opening should give them some hope. I tried twice to get to Kauai but was unsuccessful due to the ongoing restrictions put into place. I will go back to Maui in Feb as I do every year.
Hi Steve.
Thanks.
Aloha.
If it takes 72 hours or more to receive my test results in Northern California, how will I be able to comply with the 72-hour test requirement? We just want to get back to our townhome in Ewa Beach.
Another option mentioned was to get tested upon release from the airport. There are mobile testing locations even on rural Big Island. That would require, assuming a negative finding, ~three days of quarantine.
A question about the reopening of Hawaii to visitors and the required testing that must be completed within 72 hours of arrival.
Will a Hawaii resident who travels to the mainland and returns to Hawaii also be required to have the proof of testing within the 72 hour window, or can the just self quar antine at their home upon their return?
How is that going to work when it takes 5 days to get your results
Aloha. I would suggest that tourism has been successfully eradicated in aHawaii. Congratulations.
Too late, we already changed our trip that was scheduled for 3 weeks beginning August 1. We are heading to Florida instead. Our doctor told us yesterday that if we have no symptoms, we can’t buy a test. So something needs to change on that issue.
Someone posted, I think on here. “Hawaii will reopen when the extra $600 a week free money from the Government expires”. I guess they were spot on. How funny.
Yes, Greg, other people’s financial suffering is a real joke, eh?
So many unanswered questions.
1. Where to get tested.
2. When will tests be available to those not showing symptoms?
3. Will tests and their results be available within three days for those traveling Monday’s, Tuesday’s, or Wednesday’s?
4. If tests come back positive, will travelers get their airline payments, rental car prepay’s, and resort/hotel deposits returned to them?
5. Will resorts, hotels, vacation rentals waive cancellation fees if travelers test positive?
6. Will airlines require tests before returning to the mainland and if so, will CVS and whoever else have enough test kits to handle the 30,000 average number of travelers per day?
7. How much will the tests cost, especially if you want a less than three day turnaround?
Lots of things to address before this is implemented.
This is good news, although “the devil is in the details”. There are some great flight deals to HI in August (at least as of two days ago. Getting a 72 hour commitment on a C0VID test is a challenge – in NH (metro Boston) you still need a referral because of some compelling medical reason.
From the East Coast however – if I’m going to bother with the C0VID test I can go to other islands (e.g. St. Lucia) for half the flight time than HI.
I hope that HI can get back on its feet quickly.
-GregS
Southern NH (metro Boston)
Looks like I’ll be redeeming my original cancelled tickets for another destination. Too much uncertainty. This could crush the local economy over there. Sad
If you want are bessness in hawaii. Why should we pay for the test. Maybe you should look in to hawaii should pay for them
Finally! This is such good news! We own vacation rentals on Maui and the financial impact has not only been devastating to us, but our cleaning crews, maintenance and landscapers. Each reservation that has been canceled affects the lives and dreams of the visitors who were coming – many were coming for weddings, some as a last vacation because of terminal illness, others it was a trip of a lifetime.
We’ve watched local restaurants and businesses close their doors & have seen many lose jobs and homes. FINALLY is the only word that comes to mind! It’ll be good to be back again. 🌺
Just a comment. I think Hawaii is doing well compared to so many other states and hope they will continue with the self isolation for now. Safety and stopping the spread of c0vid is the priority, unlike in so many other states. We are hoping for travel in the spring, from Canada. Thank you.
Hi Cyndi.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Aloha, As usual I appreciate your notifications and updates. I’m sure it takes a lot of “on your toes” due to quick changes during this difficult time. I am flying to my condo I purchased finally! When they say 72 hours prior to travel, meaning if I leave August 13, then have ‘results’ 3 days prior to that date? So I can get tested a week before and hope for results within 3-4 days? I understand things might change again, but trying to arrange my testing here in the Virgin islands early. Mahalo for all your hard work keeping us informed.
Hi Jodie.
We will have clarification on testing and timing requirements very soon.
Thank you.
Aloha.
So that means Hawaiian airlines flight 7 las to hnl on September 29 is a go
If Hawaii opens for tourists on August 1
Thank
You
Hi Greg.
We believe so.
Aloha.