526 thoughts on “Hawaii Travel Upheaval: Stakeholders Livid As Adversaries Now Concur”
Lily S
We still have a reservation to travel to Kauai in January. But we are going to cancel our vacation to Hawaii altogether now. Not knowing what the situation will be how can visitors put so much money on the line???
Sharon W
We canceled our trip, following Kauai’s quarantine rule. We also don’t want to be forced to take a second test and wait for the results. Kauai is pretty but there are a lot of pretty places. Good luck Kauai, but I won’t be back. I sincerely don’t feel welcome to any of the islands.
Keith M.
Costa Rica is an excellent alternative to Hawaii and they want tourism dollars.
Chris R
My family and daughter’s family have canceled. We just can’t be guaranteed we can even get the Covid test in the time frame requested as they are backed up on the mainland. Hawaii has had months to figure this out and it is still murky. Can’t trust they won’t close on a moment’s notice.
Mark C
We had 20 nights on Maui booked for May. Going to cancel now. It seems the uncertainty of what Hawaii will do is the only certain thing right now. Going to spend May in the mountains or Florida.
Ryan
Thanks for writing this article. We went to Oahu last year and planned on going to Kauai in February of 2021. When we heard about the shutdown regardless of a negative COVID test we decided to go to Nassau, Bahamas instead. We sympathize with the island and all of those hurt directly by the virus both health wise and economically. We vow to return the following year when the vaccine is in place. Our thoughts are with those who are hurting. Stay safe! -Ryan
Mike & Jean
We canceled our trip, following Kauai’s quarantine rule. We also don’t want to be forced to take a second test and wait for the results. We’ll wait until things get back to normal … and hope and pray that day comes soon enough for those who are affected by the closures. We’re dealing with those at home, as well.
Robert B
I have been going to Kauai for twenty years plus and have always respected the culture and people. I have reservations for eight in late February. All of us are over 65 and extremely careful about being safe. I have supported the local economy with numerous purchases of art and goods. I have introduced many to the beauty of Kauai. It is time for the people of Kauai to return a little respect for us.
Dennis W.
More than 40 trips to Hawaii,Usually Maui. Cancel this year too many uncertainties.
Mark D
When we left kauai last year we were told by the locals to stay away and not come back. So we will take are vacation dollars elsewhere. We loved coming to the island but something changed that day when we left. So I wish the people of kauai all the best and hope you come out of this on the other side.
Barbara M
MARK…
Did you really mean to say last year? We were on Kauai for three weeks January 2020 and met with nothing but the usual Aloha!
Steven M
Arrived big island on Nov 24th. All testing worked well including 2nd test at airport. There are several factors that appeared to be missing and the testing program. Pilots and flight attendants do not have two pretest or test on arrival. They are supposed to quarantine in their rooms until they’re turn around fight but they’re allowed to exercise by going out on to the beach and walking or jogging in the area. These people should absolutely be tested on arrival they could be the significant source of spread. Think about it they get on a transport bus to get to their hotel and expose that driver they also can expose the person checking them into the hotel they also get takeout food from the restaurant at the hotel and can they can expose that person as well. Anyone on the airplane including pilot and attendance should be testing upon arrival plus there should be an aggressive plan to test many more residence than what is currently being done.
Cynthia G.
We are snowbirds to Kauai, cancelled do to locals’ comments on the Kauai FB site not wanting tourist to their Island, and the constant Island changing covid protocols. Don’t want to get there and be put in a lockdown, or have to wear a mask on an uncrowded beach
freedom p.
We are scheduled to go to Kauai in May/June and are hoping we don’t have to cancel or reschedule.
DF
I am writing to plead for the reopening of Kauai. I arrived back on the island in early November, following the lifting of the quarantine, and found the businesses and people barely hanging on to their jobs, businesses, homes and mental well being. The sense of relief was palpable, because after lifting the quarantine people where starting to feel some hope that perhaps they would survive and not lose everything because they may be able to make it through, now that the economy was opening up. Store and restaurant owners and employees where so thankful for re-opening and working.
The day it was announced that the mayor was going to reinstate the 14 day quarantine I saw fear, tears, defeat and anguish as people do not know how they will be able to survive this again. Stores have ordered large stocks to accommodate the holiday season, and nobody will be here to purchase them, and they will be stuck with the debt and many are saying will close, declare bankruptcy to never re-open again. Restaurants went to great lengths to re-open and call their employees back to work. Hotels were starting to have occupancy. People were beginning to trust that they could come to Kauai without issues like cancellations, refunds and rebooking. Property owners where beginning to have renters, the list goes on.
All of this pain and suffering for a virus that has, now, Almost a 100% survival rate. When the second quarantine was re-instated there was nobody in the hospital. It is as if the government is shutting down an entire economy and devastating citizens lives for something less deadly than the flu, or even a bad cold. How can one state be destroyed due to the events happening in other states? How can the government let this happen?
I have heard so many people, many in the service industry, state that they will be forced to leave Kauai as these actions are creating an unsustainable situation and they are on the verge of losing everything they have.
Nita C
All politics are local – you get who you vote for. My brother-in-law runs a hospital, his sister is chief of nursing for seven hospitals in OC California. I know the true stats… it is just like a bad seasonal flu. From what I’ve read more than half the cases are from local residents; most returning to the island. Open up the economy, open up the schools, and protect the vulnerable who are elderly, diabetic and/or obese…The devastating long-term effects & Covid causualties are Way worse than the effective mortality rate.
Nita C.
All politics are local – you get who you vote for. My brother-in-law runs a hospital, his sister is chief of nursing for seven hospitals in OC California. I know the true stats… it is just like a bad seasonal flu. From what I’ve read more than half the cases are from local residents; most returning to the island. Open up the economy, open up the schools, and protect the vulnerable who are elderly, diabetic and/or obese…The devastating long-term effects & Covid causualties are Way worse than the effective mortality rate.
Dn
It is super sad for Kauai…but have you been living under a rock? 100% survival rate? And that explains almost 300,000 deaths how?
Steve S.
We have a timeshare on Kuaui and canceled a trip last minute in August due to the extension of the quarantine. We instead spent our money on the mainland. It is unfortunate that every other state in the union has a consistent message throughout the state even though neighboring states will differ. We would look to sell however you can’t give away vacation property on Kuaui right now.
Di P
Hard to believe that a politician could single-handedly destroy an island’s, or possibly a state’s economy so completely. The islands are off mine, and probably most avid travelers’, list permanently.
AB
I just arrived in Oahu, December 3rd. I came from Maine to see my 20 year old son whom I haven’t seen in an entire year. I cried everyday when they made it impossible for me to come see him, until they reopened, I waited for a ticket price I could afford and filled out all of the paper work tried to get the proper testing done, which there are only 2 trusted testing partners in my state of Maine and I would have had to lie and make up a symptom in order to be tested. So I did what the Walgreens website said to do, which was contact my primary care… As the clock ticks down she was able to find me the proper test plus another test to be sure, both negative. I rented a car and traveled 20+ hours. Only to be put in quarantine 14 days. Unable to cancel the car, and leaving the state on Monday the 7th. I’ve been trapped in paradise in my sons apartment unable to even go to the beach with him. I’ve never been more defeated or depressed in my life. I filed an exemption per the advice of the airport. My son is an essential worker and took Thursday Friday and sat off to be with me, goes back to work Sunday and Monday when I leave.
Lori L
AB are you saying that you have to quarantine in Oahu for the whole time(14days) Even though you had a negative test? This confuses me, as I thought Oahu was open if you have a negative test. No quarantine. Thanks Lori
Chris R
Oahu is open. Also, if you plan to island hop, go to another island first as Oahu does not require a covid test if you are coming from another island. That is of Dec.5th.
AB
They require a test if you’re coming from any place else.
AB
I got the right test, 2 neg tests from the wrong place, my primary care. Trusted tested partners is the only ones they will accept. However where I live there are only 2 trusted testing partner locations, you need to make an appointment and i would have had to lie and make up a symptom in order to get an appointment, which was also impossible because they had none open. So yes quarantine for my whole trip and and a paid rental car, I’m grateful to see my son though. That’s all that matters even if im locked inside.
Destinie S
Aloha,
Thanks for the article. I am a yearly visitor to Hawaii. I just came back from Maui in December. I had no problem or issues with getting a negative COVID test/results within the 72 hr window. I also had a great experience with the Safe Travels website. All my information was there and my arrival experience was fast and painless. I saw and read a news article about Kauai quarantine and had problem understanding that it was for that island only. I think if you love going to Hawaii like I do and stay up on the pandemic information/ regulations they are giving you shouldn’t have any problems.
Mahalo,
Destinie
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Destinie.
Thanks for your report.
Aloha.
Suzanna G
Very encouraged by your comments Destinie. We are flying to Maui Dec 30th. Our only concern is getting our test results within the 72hr window thru Kaiser. May I ask please who you used?
Thank you & thank you BOH. You always have the most updated info.
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Suzanna.
Thanks for saying that. We appreciate your many comments.
Aloha.
Rhonda P.
Hi Suzanna,
Check with Kaiser just before you need to. I just got tested at Kaiser on Wednesday at 3pm and got my results this morning via email at 5:10am. I waited in line for 1 hr and still got results less than 72 hrs. I am a Kaiser member and it was free. Good luck!!
Sarah
The Hawaiian islands take an environmental beating from being too dependent on tourism. Why don’t leaders in the community use this time to brainstorm about developing a more diverse economy? Oh, and by the way, Hawaii is the most isolated island chain in the world, and with only 9 ICU beds on Kauai, I can see why locals are nervous about having a big Covid outbreak.
David B
“Why don’t leaders in the community use this time to brainstorm about developing a more diverse economy?”
The various “government leaders” have been going on and on for decades about “creating” a more diverse economy and reduce tourism. Always magical thinking that goes nowhere. “Government leaders” don’t create anything, except high taxes, high debt, and onerous regulations such as mandatory 14 day quarantines.
See those “government leaders” taking an economic hit as they force the private sector into poverty? Me, neither.
Harold B
What would you suggest to do to diversify the economy?. Sugarcane and pineapple is gone, and the islands are the most isolated in the world as you said.. manufacturing or most products that requires transportation are out. Creating an information based economy takes time and an investment into education
I am sure everyone would love to hear suggestions what they can do to pay rent in January and buy food.
John B.
Mayor Caldwell, Lt Gov Josh Green and Gov Ige have done an excellent job of showing how (not) to lead. They have been unclear, wishy-washy, weak, undisciplined and have shown absolutely no leadership ability whatsoever. Caldwell & Ige in particular have proven that they should be in another line of work.
Jeanne F
Don’t agree Josh Green is trying,to me he is the only leader right now
Comments are closed.
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We still have a reservation to travel to Kauai in January. But we are going to cancel our vacation to Hawaii altogether now. Not knowing what the situation will be how can visitors put so much money on the line???
We canceled our trip, following Kauai’s quarantine rule. We also don’t want to be forced to take a second test and wait for the results. Kauai is pretty but there are a lot of pretty places. Good luck Kauai, but I won’t be back. I sincerely don’t feel welcome to any of the islands.
Costa Rica is an excellent alternative to Hawaii and they want tourism dollars.
My family and daughter’s family have canceled. We just can’t be guaranteed we can even get the Covid test in the time frame requested as they are backed up on the mainland. Hawaii has had months to figure this out and it is still murky. Can’t trust they won’t close on a moment’s notice.
We had 20 nights on Maui booked for May. Going to cancel now. It seems the uncertainty of what Hawaii will do is the only certain thing right now. Going to spend May in the mountains or Florida.
Thanks for writing this article. We went to Oahu last year and planned on going to Kauai in February of 2021. When we heard about the shutdown regardless of a negative COVID test we decided to go to Nassau, Bahamas instead. We sympathize with the island and all of those hurt directly by the virus both health wise and economically. We vow to return the following year when the vaccine is in place. Our thoughts are with those who are hurting. Stay safe! -Ryan
We canceled our trip, following Kauai’s quarantine rule. We also don’t want to be forced to take a second test and wait for the results. We’ll wait until things get back to normal … and hope and pray that day comes soon enough for those who are affected by the closures. We’re dealing with those at home, as well.
I have been going to Kauai for twenty years plus and have always respected the culture and people. I have reservations for eight in late February. All of us are over 65 and extremely careful about being safe. I have supported the local economy with numerous purchases of art and goods. I have introduced many to the beauty of Kauai. It is time for the people of Kauai to return a little respect for us.
More than 40 trips to Hawaii,Usually Maui. Cancel this year too many uncertainties.
When we left kauai last year we were told by the locals to stay away and not come back. So we will take are vacation dollars elsewhere. We loved coming to the island but something changed that day when we left. So I wish the people of kauai all the best and hope you come out of this on the other side.
MARK…
Did you really mean to say last year? We were on Kauai for three weeks January 2020 and met with nothing but the usual Aloha!
Arrived big island on Nov 24th. All testing worked well including 2nd test at airport. There are several factors that appeared to be missing and the testing program. Pilots and flight attendants do not have two pretest or test on arrival. They are supposed to quarantine in their rooms until they’re turn around fight but they’re allowed to exercise by going out on to the beach and walking or jogging in the area. These people should absolutely be tested on arrival they could be the significant source of spread. Think about it they get on a transport bus to get to their hotel and expose that driver they also can expose the person checking them into the hotel they also get takeout food from the restaurant at the hotel and can they can expose that person as well. Anyone on the airplane including pilot and attendance should be testing upon arrival plus there should be an aggressive plan to test many more residence than what is currently being done.
We are snowbirds to Kauai, cancelled do to locals’ comments on the Kauai FB site not wanting tourist to their Island, and the constant Island changing covid protocols. Don’t want to get there and be put in a lockdown, or have to wear a mask on an uncrowded beach
We are scheduled to go to Kauai in May/June and are hoping we don’t have to cancel or reschedule.
I am writing to plead for the reopening of Kauai. I arrived back on the island in early November, following the lifting of the quarantine, and found the businesses and people barely hanging on to their jobs, businesses, homes and mental well being. The sense of relief was palpable, because after lifting the quarantine people where starting to feel some hope that perhaps they would survive and not lose everything because they may be able to make it through, now that the economy was opening up. Store and restaurant owners and employees where so thankful for re-opening and working.
The day it was announced that the mayor was going to reinstate the 14 day quarantine I saw fear, tears, defeat and anguish as people do not know how they will be able to survive this again. Stores have ordered large stocks to accommodate the holiday season, and nobody will be here to purchase them, and they will be stuck with the debt and many are saying will close, declare bankruptcy to never re-open again. Restaurants went to great lengths to re-open and call their employees back to work. Hotels were starting to have occupancy. People were beginning to trust that they could come to Kauai without issues like cancellations, refunds and rebooking. Property owners where beginning to have renters, the list goes on.
All of this pain and suffering for a virus that has, now, Almost a 100% survival rate. When the second quarantine was re-instated there was nobody in the hospital. It is as if the government is shutting down an entire economy and devastating citizens lives for something less deadly than the flu, or even a bad cold. How can one state be destroyed due to the events happening in other states? How can the government let this happen?
I have heard so many people, many in the service industry, state that they will be forced to leave Kauai as these actions are creating an unsustainable situation and they are on the verge of losing everything they have.
All politics are local – you get who you vote for. My brother-in-law runs a hospital, his sister is chief of nursing for seven hospitals in OC California. I know the true stats… it is just like a bad seasonal flu. From what I’ve read more than half the cases are from local residents; most returning to the island. Open up the economy, open up the schools, and protect the vulnerable who are elderly, diabetic and/or obese…The devastating long-term effects & Covid causualties are Way worse than the effective mortality rate.
All politics are local – you get who you vote for. My brother-in-law runs a hospital, his sister is chief of nursing for seven hospitals in OC California. I know the true stats… it is just like a bad seasonal flu. From what I’ve read more than half the cases are from local residents; most returning to the island. Open up the economy, open up the schools, and protect the vulnerable who are elderly, diabetic and/or obese…The devastating long-term effects & Covid causualties are Way worse than the effective mortality rate.
It is super sad for Kauai…but have you been living under a rock? 100% survival rate? And that explains almost 300,000 deaths how?
We have a timeshare on Kuaui and canceled a trip last minute in August due to the extension of the quarantine. We instead spent our money on the mainland. It is unfortunate that every other state in the union has a consistent message throughout the state even though neighboring states will differ. We would look to sell however you can’t give away vacation property on Kuaui right now.
Hard to believe that a politician could single-handedly destroy an island’s, or possibly a state’s economy so completely. The islands are off mine, and probably most avid travelers’, list permanently.
I just arrived in Oahu, December 3rd. I came from Maine to see my 20 year old son whom I haven’t seen in an entire year. I cried everyday when they made it impossible for me to come see him, until they reopened, I waited for a ticket price I could afford and filled out all of the paper work tried to get the proper testing done, which there are only 2 trusted testing partners in my state of Maine and I would have had to lie and make up a symptom in order to be tested. So I did what the Walgreens website said to do, which was contact my primary care… As the clock ticks down she was able to find me the proper test plus another test to be sure, both negative. I rented a car and traveled 20+ hours. Only to be put in quarantine 14 days. Unable to cancel the car, and leaving the state on Monday the 7th. I’ve been trapped in paradise in my sons apartment unable to even go to the beach with him. I’ve never been more defeated or depressed in my life. I filed an exemption per the advice of the airport. My son is an essential worker and took Thursday Friday and sat off to be with me, goes back to work Sunday and Monday when I leave.
AB are you saying that you have to quarantine in Oahu for the whole time(14days) Even though you had a negative test? This confuses me, as I thought Oahu was open if you have a negative test. No quarantine. Thanks Lori
Oahu is open. Also, if you plan to island hop, go to another island first as Oahu does not require a covid test if you are coming from another island. That is of Dec.5th.
They require a test if you’re coming from any place else.
I got the right test, 2 neg tests from the wrong place, my primary care. Trusted tested partners is the only ones they will accept. However where I live there are only 2 trusted testing partner locations, you need to make an appointment and i would have had to lie and make up a symptom in order to get an appointment, which was also impossible because they had none open. So yes quarantine for my whole trip and and a paid rental car, I’m grateful to see my son though. That’s all that matters even if im locked inside.
Aloha,
Thanks for the article. I am a yearly visitor to Hawaii. I just came back from Maui in December. I had no problem or issues with getting a negative COVID test/results within the 72 hr window. I also had a great experience with the Safe Travels website. All my information was there and my arrival experience was fast and painless. I saw and read a news article about Kauai quarantine and had problem understanding that it was for that island only. I think if you love going to Hawaii like I do and stay up on the pandemic information/ regulations they are giving you shouldn’t have any problems.
Mahalo,
Destinie
Hi Destinie.
Thanks for your report.
Aloha.
Very encouraged by your comments Destinie. We are flying to Maui Dec 30th. Our only concern is getting our test results within the 72hr window thru Kaiser. May I ask please who you used?
Thank you & thank you BOH. You always have the most updated info.
Hi Suzanna.
Thanks for saying that. We appreciate your many comments.
Aloha.
Hi Suzanna,
Check with Kaiser just before you need to. I just got tested at Kaiser on Wednesday at 3pm and got my results this morning via email at 5:10am. I waited in line for 1 hr and still got results less than 72 hrs. I am a Kaiser member and it was free. Good luck!!
The Hawaiian islands take an environmental beating from being too dependent on tourism. Why don’t leaders in the community use this time to brainstorm about developing a more diverse economy? Oh, and by the way, Hawaii is the most isolated island chain in the world, and with only 9 ICU beds on Kauai, I can see why locals are nervous about having a big Covid outbreak.
“Why don’t leaders in the community use this time to brainstorm about developing a more diverse economy?”
The various “government leaders” have been going on and on for decades about “creating” a more diverse economy and reduce tourism. Always magical thinking that goes nowhere. “Government leaders” don’t create anything, except high taxes, high debt, and onerous regulations such as mandatory 14 day quarantines.
See those “government leaders” taking an economic hit as they force the private sector into poverty? Me, neither.
What would you suggest to do to diversify the economy?. Sugarcane and pineapple is gone, and the islands are the most isolated in the world as you said.. manufacturing or most products that requires transportation are out. Creating an information based economy takes time and an investment into education
I am sure everyone would love to hear suggestions what they can do to pay rent in January and buy food.
Mayor Caldwell, Lt Gov Josh Green and Gov Ige have done an excellent job of showing how (not) to lead. They have been unclear, wishy-washy, weak, undisciplined and have shown absolutely no leadership ability whatsoever. Caldwell & Ige in particular have proven that they should be in another line of work.
Don’t agree Josh Green is trying,to me he is the only leader right now