We are getting many comments now confirming what our own eyes see. Visitors are returning to Hawaii. If you are one of them, please join our discussion about your experience. We overhear you talking about your testing experience when we are at Costco. And we see and feel your joy at returning to Hawaii in these challenging times. Your support of our local economy is helping all of us to do better.
What has changed?
One of the best parts right now, is that visitors are few enough that it is like having Hawaii to yourself – stepping back in time to something akin to decades ago. When you arrive, you will find a Hawaii unlike what you have seen before. While the iconic beaches are the same, the crowds are far fewer. This is truly a unique opportunity.
There will be noticeable changes. Some places have closed or plan to reopen later, events like Hanapepe Art Night are on hold, masks are required wherever you go, but the natural beauty remains the same and is even more accessible.
You may want to hold on to those Hawaii vacation plans.
For those of you willing to travel now through next spring, perhaps the best experience in decades awaits you. That includes upcoming airfare sales that will of course be widespread to get you flying again. We’re confirming that sub $100 airfares lie ahead.
Visitors report on current Hawaii vacations.
Truly just reported, ” I am currently in Kauai and having a wonderful time.”
Jan added, “We are over in Kona enjoying relatively uncrowded conditions here and the Aloha spirit is alive and well. Our testing prior to and again on arrival all went smoothly and we are feeling blessed to again be in the beloved islands again. Businesses are opening back up (about 50% of them) so there’s plenty of restaurants/bars to choose from and boutiques and shops to go into with masks of course. In reality, no one is wearing any masks at the beach except when walking back to their cars. The tour operators are working again with limited capacity and better safety precautions post-Covid.”
A new to Beat of Hawaii commenter Karen Z. shared, “We were staying at the Marriott Ko Olina and walked down to the beach to check out the chair situation and started talking to two of the young men working there. The one young man said 11/1 was their first day back and he thanked us for being there because if it weren’t for us he wouldn’t have his job. He was so happy to be back to work. Our entire stay was totally delightful and we were always treated well and we were out and about everyday eating and sightseeing. Hawaii was wonderful!!”
Kathleen I. just said, “We just got back from a lovely, restful Maui vacation… Kudos to Hawaiian Airlines for their social distancing and to all the airport workers for being helpful and patient as we navigated unfamiliar territory. We’re used to wearing masks so no big deal. Thrilled to be able to see family and relax on Maui again at last!!!”
And lastly, one of our most frequent commenters, John W. confirms, “As is evident here, plenty of pragmatic thoughtful people are having a great time in Hawaii. Hawaii is as beautiful as ever, some are enjoying a beautiful chain of islands as well as interacting with people that are happy they are here. Tourists that are respectful and caring about others are very appreciated right now during these difficult all times.”
Now it’s your turn. How is your stay going or how was your experience coming back to Hawaii? And if you aren’t here yet, what are your plans?
I visited Oahu in 2018 and loved it. I am waiting for an opportunity to come back and explore some of the other islands. Let me know when you are done with the mask mandate. That’s not my idea of paradise.
Sure wish we knew when Hawaii was going to accept test done in Canada . So all the Canadians who property can come . All we here is what US citizens are supposed to do and there recommend test partners But nothing on Canada . I have emailed. The mayor of Maui with no response. When will Canadians be able to travel the the Hawaii. Governor or Senator of the Hawaii island can you please get involved in this discrimination of Canadians ..
All of this has gone up in smoke with the new mandatory 14 day quarantine if your test results are even one minute late.
Best strategy would be to fly Southwest and don’t book any lodgings. If your test results don’t make the deadline, you can cancel for a full refund or travel credit. If you are confirmed as able to leave the airport, book lodgings.
Given the limited number of gamblers, there should always be last-minute lodgings available.
I wonder what happens if your test results miss the deadline and you still fly. Where will you quarantine for 14 days? or will you be forced to stay in the airport and fly out as soon as possible?
We were just on Kauai for a restful 10 days. For the most part we were welcomed back and folks let us know how glad they were for business trade. In Kilauea, The Bistro and Palate Wine Bar refuse entry for anyone who has been off-island until they have quarantined for 14 days. They say the policy applies to both tourists and locals. I understand their caution but honestly tourists are known to be negative because of testing. Denying entry to restaurants seems a little over-the-top. One tip for folks is make a reservation for restaurants. There are fewer choices and more people wanting tables.
We scored one of those less than $100 flights! Our plans are for close to a month in February at our timeshare condo. We are skipping out a day earlier to get that airfare, but looking forward to 25 days on the Big Island. While a bit apprehensive about how things may be in another 2.5 months, maybe the lesser crowds will be exciting. Still have much to explore on the Big Island. This will be our 4th trip.
I have now been on Kauai for 3 days. The “procedure” to adhere with the health policies has been smooth. I have had nothing but positive exchanges with everyone I have run across. Leaving the smallest footprint possible when active. I hope the local businesses appreciate my patronage. I appreciate how welcome I have been made to feel. It is spectacular to have experienced the beach with so few other souls! I close with one thought about the future…perhaps there should be limits to the amount of visitors at one time on the island… I believe this would appeal to eve
ryone…
Aloha! Planning to visit from Boston. One quick question (if you know!): is a NAAT Covid Test from a hospital an accepted source? We get ours through Mass General Hospital and they use their testing lab. Was wondering if you knew how specific the labs have to be. Thanks!
Hi Dana.
Not that is not. There may be more east coast options announced soon. You can also use the Vault mail in one.
Aloha.
We had a great trip to Maui 10/30 to 11/7. We all took our tests at CVS (TX, CA, and KY) and all six of us had our negative results before the last leg from OAK to HNL then on to OGG. We made an entry into Hawaii Safe Travels for both legs and passed through with our QR codes relatively easy. On Maui we were able to spend lots of time at the beaches where we could always find a parking spot and shade! Restaurants were open although not all. We got in the habit of calling ahead to make sure they were open. We did sunset sail, Road to Hana, parasail, zip-line and Haleakala sunset. We were the only ones at the Haleakala summit to view the Milky Way – fantastic! Always wore out masks except when in the car or on the beach. Don’t hesitate if you want a relaxing Maui vacation!
Aloha,
Had to cancel our trip this past June because of Covid, but already have plans in place to return to the Islands this coming June. Looking forward to seeing and being with family again on Oahu and hopefully being able to take the kids to Kauai for the first time. My daughter was so bummed that we had to cancel our trip this past summer. We love the slower pace of life in Hawaii, but also the sights and people!!
Mahalo for all the great information you provide on your site.
Eric
Hi Eric.
Thanks. Best to you on your upcoming vacation plans.
Aloha.
We are planning a trip to Kona on December 7th. How are things on the big island?
I am here on the big island arrived on November 5th. I took the precovid test with in 72 hours and had a second test upon landing. Both negative and we had to show that to rent a car and check into our timeshare. They are eliminating the second test here except for 20-25% randomly selected. Once you get here everything is great except many restaurants closed and some only open for takeout. Since we have a kitchen I. Our unit no problem for us to cook in our unit. Masks required inside and at stores but at beach or pool not needed if over 6 feet away from others. Enjoying our trip very much do far. Most everyone is happy to have tourists back since our resort was closed over 6 months. Hope you have a great trip.
thank you for this wonderful news and feedback from visitors.
Working on getting there in early spring.
Hi Christina.
Thanks. We hope your spring trip works out perfectly.
Aloha.
The testing process with VAULT was great Monday, (special thanks to our nurse) and we got our results 9pm Tuesday before our early next day flight Wednesday: we were near the front of the plane which made our screening on arrival to honolulu only 10 minutes. One problem – ALL the approved testers still declare results will come back in 3-5 days, making your trip a gamble (stressful) since getting your results is essential in the 72 hour window and before arriving. This needs to be addressed. We love Hawaii and especially our kids and grandkids who live here. Thanks, Chris
Hi Chris.
Thanks for letting us know how it went.
Aloha.
Headed to Maui on December 30th. Hoping there will be New Years festivities. Can’t wait to golf, enjoy the beaches, and Mama’s Fish House!
Bringing two friends that have never been to Hawaii.
We very much hope that an approved test will soon be available to allow us to fly direct from Canada without having to stop in the US mainland. We will book as soon as that happens. Visiting Hawaii will be worth the 14 day quarantine awaiting us on return home.