Turbulent times As Questions Remain.
131 thoughts on “Testing Approved As Hawaii Visitors Demand Essential Information”
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Turbulent times As Questions Remain.
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Sadly, yesterday we finally cancelled our annual trip to the Kohala Coast. We were to travel in July but without knowing how we are able to move about the island (I’ve heard rumors of ankle bracelets)or our resort, no buffet breakfasts, maybe no pool or beach access, we thought the better of it and will plan something for 2021. United charged us $250 per person to cancel and Hawaiian (inter-island flights) let us keep the credit for 2 years. Not happy about that, but it is what it is… Praying Hawaii heals all around and you are back to the vibrant beautiful place we all know and love. Thanks for your daily posts!!
The thing about getting a test on Monday, to travel on Saturday, is that test on Monday could be negative (or a false negative), but by the time you travel on Saturday, you could be infected and asymptomatic. So, how safe is that?
Then there’s the whole question of antibodies. We still do not know definitively whether antibodies give immunity or for how long.
Of course, your fun trip and tourist dollars mean way more than my life or my neighbour’s life, so have fun.(Good thing we’re not fighting something like WWII, or we’d be the losers.)
Josh Green is amazing and on the right track. Yes, every person traveling to Hawaii at least until there’s a vaccination, should prove their tests results PRIOR to getting on a plane. Similar to what is required to bring a pet into our state. But that needs to be decided upon and announced federally NOW, so people have time to acquire the proper tests and paperwork. Otherwise be prepared for another 30 day shut down in June…
I am a Native Hawaiian and I spent much of my childhood on Maui and Big Island. I now reside on the mainland and have brought my family of five (3 small children) to the islands as often as twice a year for the last 8 years. And sadly it seems as though that is all coming to an end. I have been stunned by the attitudes and actions of many of the “residents” of Hawaii. Confrontations with people because they may not be “locals”? National Guard checkpoints? Tourist bans? Hotels reporting on customers? Nah. Not for me. Hawaii for Hawaiians? It’s all yours. I am Hawaiian and quite happy spending $12k a year in Mexico or the Caribbean.
I just read your article About travel to maui opening at the end of May and possibly Having to get a test before being able to visit Maui. I have plans to visit the first week of June and this is the first I heard of this and I’m concerned there would be no time to do this. If this is their plan may need to announce this right away.
I am supposed to fly to Hawaii on May 24. My condo is up for sale and we need to remove belongings and a car. I need to change my reservations but unsure if I can even fly in June. I do not think Hawaiian airlines and United will let us keep changing flights with hefty change fees .
Thank you very much.
Sherry D
Hi Sherry.
Thanks. We should know more about June very soon.
Aloha.
We cancelled our 5/31 arrival. Just too much up in the air on what would our trip look like once we arrived. It was to be our first trip and we are so sad. No idea when we will be able to reschedule.
I believe blood testing on arrival for a fee is the right path. Foreign visitors will either be unable to get a suitable test or it will not be acceptable to Hawaii authorities. That is why I do not think it can be done at airport of departure as California, Texas, New York, Nevada, Georgia, Illinois, Washington and DC will likely have different tests, The latest ones give a result in 35 minutes, So there may be misunderstandings between states. Paying for a test on arrival, distancing, wearing a mask etc and proof of accommodation such as hotels for the duration fo the stay that can provide accomodation and facilities with 6 ft distancing. Stores and restaurants will need to impose limits on customers at one time to preserve the distancing. The worry is that stupid folks will treat it as a joke like some do with the agriculture and animal forms, so there need to be immediate return to airport fo departure for breaking the rules whether visitors or residents so they understand it is not a joke and second getting foreigners with little English from CHina, Korea or Japan to understand and stick to 6ft distancing will be hard.
Hello!
Quite honestly, given the tone on many of the local social media pages by the Hawaiian people, I wouldn’t plan on travel to the islands for quite some time. Rightfully so. The damage done by over tourism has really put the disdain and dislike for tourists over the top. Not by all, but by many. Can’t argue the point. I’ve been travelling to the islands once or twice a year since the mid 70’s and even as an outsider, I’ve witnessed and felt the changes over the years.
Maybe it IS time to let the islands and the people of the islands heal from the abuses to their land. I realize that without tourism, the islands fail. To an extent. Might be time to look at limiting the numbers some.
Just a thought and thanks for listening.
Hi Michael.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Mahalo nui, Michael for your thoughtful and kind comment. You’re so right. We need to really rethink the way we do tourism here. I hope that our leaders have the political will, and strength (because they’re under a great deal of pressure from the industry) to take us into a different, more sustainable, direction with tourism. More quality over quantity.
Again, Mahalo.
Thank you this insightful comment. Hawaii currently hosts 3O million visitors a year! This is considerably more than when the jet age began in the early 60’s. I was born and raised in the 50’s when tourism had a very different look in Hawaii. I just wish more tourists had your knowledge regarding Hawaii and it’s resources and the dangers they are facing.
Mahalo,
Maleko
Hi Michael
What I find more damaging is the “development”. The gradual desire to turn the Islands into Southern California in the Tropics. Tourists can be a pain at times but they do bring jobs and money to the islands. Developers knock down the history and put up a new high rise and take the profits back to California or New York and most of the properties are at prices that local people and businesses cannot afford. IF we are to protect Hawaii and Hawaiians from cultural pollution it is redevelopment that needs to be much more carefully evaluated.
While I don’t disagree with most of your comment, it is too late for Oahu. Heading that way for Maui as well. IMHO. Save the others while there is still time! And remember, it’s not just the mainland where the $$$$ are going to.
Thank you Michael. We actually stopped going to Maui after 20 years because of overcrowding and the unpleasantness that comes with it. IMHO giant hotels and cruise ships are somewhat at fault. We love the older and quieter areas. Don’t know when we can return. Love our memories. Who remembers when no one ever honked their car unless they knew you!
Could not agree with you more.
Aloha Micheal,
You couldn’t more RIGHT about letting the Island and the Hawaiians heal from the long time abuse to the Island! However, the correction would be this….. Without tourism the Islands certainly won’t fail, the large corporations and resorts will fail and the economy will “suffer”…..but the Hawaiians are VERY strong and very connected to their Land and Culture and this “little reprieve” JUST MIGHT give them the breathing room, to get back to their roots of being more self sustaining, like their Kapuna were and to be able to take care of their ocean land, ….so that it can in return, take care of them! It’s quite remarkable for us to witness the dedication as we live here!
Aloha. I did say “to an extent” and I believe that to be true. Quite honestly, it wouldn’t be a bad thing for some of the aspects of the islands to fail. I immediately think of a few of the shops on Front Street.
As of today, tourist numbers are climbing, from what I’ve read. The governor wants to open the islands again. It won’t be long before hundreds become thousands. There is no time for breathing room.
Changes need to take place now.
Be safe. Be healthy.
American Airlines canceled our flight when they did away with the Phoenix-Kona hub. If they had notified me when they canceled it, I would have been able to get a full refund on my rental. Since I didn’t learn until 58 days prior to arrival, I only get 1/2 the deposit back. I am not getting anything back on the 2nd rental I had booked. No cancellation refunds. We were scheduled to land June 7th. After I learned the flight was cancelled, I decided to wait to see how things played out with the pan demic before rebooking the flight.
I check all my flights every 3-4 weeks and AA had canceled my June flights and put me on connections that did not work. Called them up and I was offered an instant refund without asking as they had canceled flights. Will rebook when we have some clarity in Hawaii and US rules. As usual AA could not have been more helpful.