As Hawaii travel restrictions show signs of lifting on September 1, and before we fatigue further with the situation, many of you are eyeing a Hawaii vacation as soon as is practical. But when is that? And of course, it brings up issues and concerns that we’re thinking of in terms of our own travels.
For now, air travel remains a somewhat riskier proposition than a road trip. That given how many people you will encounter at airports and safety on board.
One bright light is that air on planes is not a significant factor.
That is as a result of the HEPA filters used for circulating air. The CDC says, “Most viruses and other germs do not spread easily on flights because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes.” That’s good news since flights to Hawaii range from 5 to 10 hours domestically.
Airlines are doing what they can in terms of at least temporarily spacing out passengers, universally requiring masks, providing sanitizing wipes, minimizing food and beverage service interactions, and revising boarding processes.
Alaska, Delta, Hawaiian, and Southwest all use electrostatic antimicrobial sprays to thoroughly disinfect planes between Hawaii flights while American says they do so every seven days. (Sorry for the inadvertent earlier omission of Alaska in the list).
When it comes to the plane itself and touch-surfaces, while the latest news says it isn’t the greatest concern, we are still using sanitizing wipes for things like restrooms, overhead bins, armrests, and tray tables. We’ve done that for years and years, and that hasn’t changed. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons we haven’t gotten sick on planes. Who knows?
What are the potential areas of concern with flights to Hawaii?
• The closer you are to people and the longer the duration of time, the higher the risk.
• Add to that the issue that you are mixing people from high and low-risk areas on one plane.
• Any time all parties are not wearing masks presents additional risk. That’s the case when eating or drinking obviously.
Most experts are saying that it is the airport experience that may be more dangerous than the airplane itself.
Photos we see show people congregating too closely still at airport check-in counters and elsewhere. Then what about at TSA, Starbucks, restrooms, etc.
“Airports have constant traffic going through them with travelers coming to and from various locations around the globe,” according to Neil Brown, M.D., emergency medicine physician. “We cannot be sure everyone is using the same precautions as we are, nor if they have been advised to.”
Some airports are trying to help minimize interaction between passengers. At Seattle, as an example, many seats at gates have been removed.
As with the airlines, airports are rolling out brand plans to emphasize their commitment to cleanliness and safety. Check your local airport websites to see what they are doing. If you’re flying from Las Vegas, for example, you’ll find the first vending machine filled with personal protective equipment, as part of a campaign called “LAS All In.”
It’s always a good idea to pack your own food. Now, you’ll also avoid potentially crowded lines to buy food. But keep in mind that TSA will require food packed in carry-on bags to be removed for scanning.
What can you do to minimize your risk on flights to Hawaii?
1. Pick nonstop Hawaii flights whenever possible.
2. Try to choose seats carefully. Some airlines are still blocking middle-seats while others are not. Since that’s fast-changing, check first.
3. Avoid full flights if possible. American Airlines said, for example, it will notify passengers at check-in when flights are crowded and provide the opportunity to switch to flights with more empty seats.
4. Bring your own sanitizing wipes to clean everything you touch.
5. Consider that mucus membranes in the nose dry out and become more disease susceptible in the super-dry environment on planes. Jeff has for years lubricated his nose with jojoba oil on Hawaii flights.
What’s your take on when it will be safe to travel to Hawaii? Also, what will you do to make the experience safer?
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
I’d say…. Sit in a comfortable chair. Grab a Mai Tai. Turn on a heat lamp and a fan…. Then, Watch [Edited – video would not play] a good Hawaii travel video.
Done till 2021……
You are either concerned about C0VID 19 or you are not. Sooner or later everyone will get it, symptoms, no symptoms, asymptomatic or not, vaccine or not. While it is great airlines are taking further steps to sanitize their airplanes,I question were they not doing this to begin with? Why now? If traveling scares you, stay home. If it doesn’t, enjoy at your own risk.
I’m sorry but I can’t see half of what is written, while trying to read it on my phone. Was the subject of a bit in this into the State of Hawaii from New Jersey addressed. Y seems to be changing its mind on restrictions. Do not want to go to hawaii to have to pay quar antine for 14 days. Getting a negative test 72 hours prior is no problem. What happens if we buy a plane ticket and hawaii changes the restrictions?
Thanks for posting advice on traveling to Hawaii.
Hi Adenike.
You’re welcome.
Aloha.
If u may please ask. I am planning a trip to Hawaii in October. Do you think it would be better to reschedule for next year? Thanks
Hi Jane.
All things considered locally and globally, that seems like a good move to us.
Aloha.
Their is the same risks flying anywhere for a few hours..you are making Hawaii flights more risky which is fake news. Removing seats at gates is just overkill..where are the disabled and elderly to sit? High to low risk passengers are on all flights to any where.Dry nose??? Really even Dr Fauci didn’t know that.
To be honest I thought this article was ridiculous.
Aloha
Why with the hate? This is a site for traveling to and from Hawaii. Most of the comments I read, appreciate the information we get. I’m guessing if looked at sites catering to trips to Europe, might be a better option.
Mahalo
Hi Sam.
Thank you.
Aloha.
We have reserved Condo in Waikiki for Dec 31..final payment us due Dec 1..we normally fly non stop from Vancouver..Can you please advise whether or not we should cancel or do you think we will be able to get to Waikiki? Thanks in advance Don
Hi Don.
Unknown at this time, unfortunately.
Aloha.
thanks — if anything changes can you please let me know. Don
Thanks for the updates. Frankly, you’d have to be pretty selfish to want to fly in a plane for 5-10 hours to a destination with an already fragile infrastructure and uncertain future. Best to wait until things are under control and looking ok, which is not going to happen until people start masking up and following the advice of doctors and scientists.
Until then, be patient and think of others and the impact this is having on everyone.
And Jojoba? Haven’t heard that since the 70’s
Aloha A Hui Hou
Hi John.
Thanks. It’s as relevant today as ever. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/jojoba-oil-for-face.
Aloha.
Good to know. Mahalos
Practicing and utilizing all tools available is very wise. I travel often and have been wearing a mask on flights long before Covid19. I have not had a common cold in 20 years. I have passed out packs of tissues to so many people on flights coughing and sneezing on me. I had to simply say when they turned down the tissue “you are offending me” please use these tissues. Wake up America. Follow the scientific advice and you will live long and healthy.
We were originally due to visit Maui back in March, but obviously had to reschedule. Since part of our stay was booked through Home Away, we weren’t given a refund, but were allowed to re-book.
Our new dates are 9/2 to 9/11, and we’re now pretty much assuming that won’t happen. Hard to believe this is the last extension as everything keeps pushing out, but we’re keeping our fingers crossed…
California has just implemented a four tier testing program. Those wanting a test for travel would be in Tier 4. “Tier Four would be implemented when the state’s testing turnaround time, as monitored by CDPH, is less than 48 hours.”
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Updated-COVID-19-Testing-Guidance.aspx
Those wanting to fly will not be tested at all until the turnaround time for all others us under 48 hours. Then we will still be at the bottom of the priority list (as it should be). Results in 72 hours is becoming more of a problem.
My son is in the military in Hawaii. We plan to go over xmas and New Years for eight days. Any advice when to purchase tickets and the room on the base?
Aloha Jeff and Rob!
“5. Consider that mucus membranes in the nose dry out and become more disease susceptible in the super-dry environment on planes. Jeff has for years lubricated his nose with jojoba oil on Hawaii flights.”
That’s and Excellent Tip! Nice Article, Guys!
Hi Jim.
Thank you!
Aloha.
Staying away indefinately. Why would I want to spend my time in a place that feels like prison. Thank Governor Ige.
Once we have a proven vaccine. Why would anyone chance getting C0VID ( and worse hospitalization) for a “vacation”. It’s just not worth it. And denies reality. Sorry
You’ve convinced me it’s still not safe to fly now or in September,
thank you so much for keeping us updated. it cannot be fun. am hoping to come in march. maybe then it will be fine. thank you again
Hi Mary.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Since we travel with our grandson, we always wipe down everything we could possilbly touch, and use hand sanitizer after every trip down the aisle to the toilet. We NEVER use the seatback pocket since we don’t know what others have put into them. We always carry our own food, as we are gluten free and Hawaiian doesn’t have GF meals. We will purchase drinks before boarding so we don’t have to rely on the airline to provide them. I got sick several years ago after a flight from Orlando, so we’re very, very careful. We also adjust the overhead vent to flow just in front of our noses. Read that on The Middle Seat from WSJ.
We hope to be able to make the trip we have planned to visit family in November. It will have been a year since we saw the kids due to C0VID. We miss Hawaii–my husband’s birth state.
As of now, what are the states requirements starting September 1 ? Thank you
Hi Bob.
We’ll update as soon as we have solid information. It isn’t fully cooked yet.
Aloha.
Thank you
Will Hawaii have figured out the testing problem so that travelers can be tested, receive results and eliminate the 14 day quar antine? We have moved our trip multiple times and are scheduled for early September. We were hoping to see how August went with testing but now that that has fallen apart our concern is that Hawaii will not be ready for visitors September 1st.
We love Hawaii and the Alohas we have always received. Our heart goes out to the people of Hawaii and the struggles they are having due to the closure of the islands.
Thanks for the tips. If only we could be assured that September 1 is a date to be counted upon. I was burned when Ige reversed course and rescinded the August 1 opening date. No doubt I am not the only one.
Good idea about nasal lubrication. Perhaps the jojoba oil (or vaseline) might also act as a physical barrier to pathogens.
Do you know if airlines are allowing plastic face shields instead of masks? A seven-hour flight from Denver to Kona is a long time to wear a mask.
Hi Mike.
Thanks. Yes we understand the obvious concern about meeting the 9/1 date. As far as we know face shields are fine. That seems like a good idea.
Aloha.
You can remove your mask when eating and drinking.
I am not as concerned about the flights to and from Oahu. My concern is with the hotels and the local government policies. Until we have a vaccine or a regement of medicines that can be prescribed in the interum why consider traveling to Hawaii? Until I know hotels, restaruants and bars in Waikiki are opened there is absolutely no reason to plan a trip. I honestly do not see how much longer the economy of Hawaii can sustain without a minimum 70% tourist occupancy. I think your Governor Ige has done a poor job managing this crisis.
Geoff, I have to disagree with your comment about the Governor doing a poor job managing this crisis. Hawai’i has very low rates of C0vid19 infections compared to the mainland USA. The Governor has done an exceptional job keeping the people safe. The disgruntled tourist is the least of our worries at the moment. Visitors should be prepared to self isolate for 14 days or stay home. The economy will rebound when this disease is under control. If everyone would wear a mask the experts say it would be under control in two to 6 weeks. We are supposed to be intelligent so why not wear a mask and stop this thing in its tracks?
Those of us who live here totally disagree with you. We like the fact that this state like many others has a 14 day quar antine. We DO NOT have the healthcare capacity to deal with thousands of tourists coming here from the covid infected mainland.
Stay home! If you come enjoy your balcony and view for 14 days.
Geoff, you are entitled to your opinion, and there are others here that would agree, but a survey today showed 71% agree with the 14 day quar antine Ige imposed. Due to his actions we have low case counts and deaths. As he, and the mayors say, the health of Hawaii residents are their primary concern. We are looking forward to welcoming visitors back, but only how and when it is safe to do so, and not at the expense of our Hawaii ohana.
I think your Governor has done a great job protecting his people. I have had 2, 3 week vacations cancelled, but I also realize that the tiny, beautiful, little islands cannot contain an outbreak of this. Am I sad that I can’t eat at the Tin Roof, Roy’s Maui Fish Market, the Old Lahaina Laua, the Triology 3 sunset cocktail cruise, Me so Phat, and all the beauty of Maui, yes, but I know the wonderful people of Hawaii are safer. I will wait until all my Hawaii Hana can be safe. Aloha to the Islands.
You’re welcome to go to other states whose governors did better jobs, although I can’t think of any. Florida? Oklahoma? Georgia? Absolutely ridiculous to say our governor has done a poor job. We residents are grateful. Yes, many are suffering financially, but the large majority agree we should not open quickly without better treatments, testing, or a vaccine. Any tourist chomping at the bit to get here before then is obviously trying to run away from their own sorry State or is insanely selfish, caring only about their VACATION. Don’t say you’re trying to help our economy. If so, just send us the money instead…then maybe we’ll believe you. WHAT IS SO HARD ABOUT WAITING TIL NEXT YEAR?! PLEEEEEASE tell us! Sorry, I’m just so sick of hearing all this whining about delayed VACATIONS. First world problem!!!
I would actually be surprised if “many” residents are truly suffering financially. Business owners, probably. Now, once the federal unemployment boon ends, people will become more desperate. Right now it sounds like the islands’ residents are the ones on a four month paid vacation. How are new cases even appearing on the islands if the 14 day quar antine works and is being observed by residents? As far as selfishness, you could say the same about many normal human activities. Is buying toilet paper really THAT important that you’d risk exposure when you go to Costco? Nothing we do is 100% safe, whether it is going on vacation or grabbing a hamburger from Wendy’s. And you’re right, people are not trying to be charitable when they spend money on a vacation. I get tired of seeing that claim, too, but let’s not pretend that it’s not transactional on both sides. If Hawaiians were not dependent on tourist dollars and associated taxes, how many tourists would be tolerated, much more welcomed? The spirit of Aloha is so often faked or outright missing now. How many Hawaiian residents truly “welcome” tourists to the islands? Everyone or his ancestors arrived at the islands at one point or another but tourists are seen as invaders. Most of us go home, wallets significantly lighter. And developers didn’t buy their land from tourists. I see overdevelopment as a problem permitted by Hawaiian property owners, not tourists.
The problem for us whiny tourists is that we have made plans and spent significant amounts of money, months or years in advance to visit “your” islands. Now we’re being asked to have yet another part of our lives uprooted and subjected to massive uncertainty often at great personal expense. Because of the work I do, my trips are usually planned for 8-12 months in advance. I wasn’t boooking this September 1st trip at the beginning of the C0VID outbreak.
We do look forward to these trips and many wish to return to Hawaii to relax and restore a sense of normalcy. I can do that quite happily in isolation at the beach in front of my condo, if only I were permitted. Relaxing is the last thing that these trips have become as we have to daily check to see if your bumbling governor has a plan or a new plan or any idea what he is doing. It is easy to throw rocks, but he is exposing his complete lack of qualification to handle something like this. He’s not an aberration in that regard though, so don’t feel like you’re alone.
I could have hunkered down at home and stayed relatively safe from c0vid, the flu, pneumonia, and the common cold,too. But the reality is that many of us don’t have, or weren’t given that option and that all decisions in life must be made in consideration of risk/reward.
Where will the money come from to pay for your rail project, roads, government, unemployment benefits, and pensions if most economic activity remains stunted? Enjoy the empty beaches, and pray that they don’t stay empty for long. I’ve been coming to the islands for two weeks at a time almost annually for 35 years, and between dealing with the airlines, TSA, and the confiscatory taxes and fees of the Hawaiian government, I may be done. Good riddance to me, right?
This is exactly why I will happily wait to go back to our favorite vacation destination. We wish our Governor had not caved to the tourist economy pressure. While we are disappointed to have to put off much earned vacation, we support and understand Hawaii’s decisions to maintain a safe state for their residents. In fact, one of the few things we can do is “vote with our wallets” meaning we won’t be taking any trips to GA, FL, and many other states. While they don’t need my money, if all of us pushed back using the only thing that matters to these politicians: MONEY, we’d be able to have an impact. Support smart states and businesses, boycott those who jeopardize the health of the community as a whole, by fighting or ignoring reasonable rules/orders.
Aloha,
Do you foresee any good deals coming out of CA once we are allowed to travel?
Thank you,
Erika
Hi Erika.
Yes definitely.
Aloha.
Yesterday we received an email from Hilton saying our reservations have been canceled due to the quar antine. We were scheduled to leave August 26th until September 1st. Unfortunately neither the hotel or Hawaiian Airlines was willing to give us a full refund. The airline said they didn’t cancel our reservations the hotel did. I wanted to know what we were suppose to do? Just wander around the airport for 7 days? They said we could have a credit to travel up to 2 years. Sorry but we were going to Hawaii for our 50th wedding anniversary on the 29th of August. So as the saying goes that ship has sailed. I am very disappointed in how Hawaiian Airlines and Hilton Resorts handled this.
Go to your credit card company, and save all your flight and hotel expenses. I used screen shots of flight billing and upgrades. You will need to send copies once CC has opened a dispute. CC works for you. Worked for me back in May. Good luck. Mike
I agree with you Alaska airlines did the same to me. Only “” credit “” for future travel. I fought and fought with them to get a refund and had no luck. “”” sorry ma’m they said only a credit “”
This is my 3rd try to get over there now new ticket Dec 1st and each time I have to change it Alaska says ok here is the credit for the ticket so you need to pay the difference since the ticket went up…. they are really bad Alaska Air…. I even called Seattle. Just horrible the game airlines are playing.
We were in the same predicament but our hotel (condo) didn’t cancel and neither did Hawaiian Airlines. In May2 weeks prior to our flight we went to their Twitter account (instead of waiting g forever on hold) and pled our case of the “potential” cancellation. Maybe due to the forum being public they shortly reached out and we got a refund in full.
A couple weeks later they came out with a fare sale and we rebooked for 9/1. Now with the new “opening date” being 9/1 we knew testing requirements would never happen we cancelled and rebooked in the same phone call for Thanksgiving. The online fare was $20 each difference. When we got our confirmation we noticed they charged us $98 each. When I called the polite 1st line operator said that because the ticket was already issued we were basically screwed. I asked to speak with a supervisor. A you g man came on a d explained the fare I saw online was for only one passenger (all the seats they had allocated) and for two it was the $98 difference. I explained there was a cheaper fare available and I was under the impression I would be given that, or at the least explained there was another option. He stood his ground.
I then heard a dog barking in the background and told him “I’ve never spoken to anyone working from home!” We both had a chuckle and talked about his 3 dogs for a while. He then said “Tell you what, let me look again. I can make a onetime exception” and refunded $110! The downside is we have an extra 45 minute layover in Honolulu, which means 45 minutes less time on the Garden Isle. Guess it pays to play nice.
Mahalo Hawaiian Airlines and Mahalo Beat of Hawaii. Hope everyone’s outcome is as pleasant.
Hi Gary.
Thanks for the update.
Aloha.
So glad that your persistence paid off, Gary! Certainly that young dog owner appreciated your congeniality and pleasant discourse. I recently had a great conversation with a SWA employee when I learned that our September flights had been cancelled. I thanked her for taking my call on a holiday (July 4) and remarked on how well she handled my indecision as we discussed re-scheduling options. It was a lengthy phone call and although this is what she experiences nearly every day, she said that she was glad to have the opportunity to help others.
Appreciate the sharing of positive experiences, and as always, appreciate the updates from Rob & Jeff! Mahalo folks!
Hi Theresa.
Thank you.
Aloha.
100% in agreement with you Annmarie! We were scheduled to be there September 2nd! Hawaiian won’t budge and this is the only time we have for the next several years. Florida will get our money instead!
JW
Aloha-All very good advice! The lack of reliable testing with results back within 72 hours is one part of why they pushed this back. What do you think the odds are this will be improved by September 1? If they get that figured out it seems the choice is to keep the islands locked down until a vaccine is available or open up. What do you think? If you were betting men what would you say the odds are September 1st happened or does it get pushed back? Full disclosure we have a trip planned for Kauai mid-October.
Mahalo!
Hi Jon.
Thanks. We wouldn’t even guess as of today regarding testing. The state botched that entirely by putting all their reliance into a failed agreement with CVS. Will they learn from that and what other places are doing differently?
Aloha.
Does anyone truly believe we will be able to visit Hawaii in September? Curious what other possible travelers think about this news. I am holding a Maui hotel, but…. so uncertain of Hawaii’s government; not a great track record with regard to honest communication. I get it, it’s not easy. It’s also not easy for us planning, postponing, canceling, re-booking, canceling, repeat. Thank you.
Hi Valerie.
Will have to wait and see. More information on what the basis of reopening will be, whenever that is, would be most helpful to everyone.
Aloha.
Valerie,
We rebooked our Kauai trip twice with the latest date of arrival being September 1st. Now we don’t feel like Hawaii will be ready to reopen by then. Rather than take a chance on losing even more money, we cancelled once and for all. We were about to be charged for the remaining balance on the condo rental and decided to cancel before that happened.
Hi Valerie,
We are holding our Big Island hotel and flights for the beginning of September. I upgraded to first class seats for my husband and me on our return non-stop flight to SAN for $399 just yesterday! Worst case scenario is I have a credit to use in the future and our hotel deposit is fully refundable 24 hours prior.
Some people are disgusted with the change of plans for August 1 and are cancelling, but that’s Hawai’i and Ige wants to keep his people safe. If you lived in Hawai’i (former resident here) or have been to a hospital on the outer islands you would know that they simply do not have the capacity and resources that we have here on the Mainland. If Ige doesn’t open on September 1st, that’s OK, rebook when you can. Turn on Keali’i Reichel and make a mai tai at home.
Stay healthy!
Ha! Good music
Are cruise ships going to be allowed in Hawaii in October? We have a cruise booked on Pride of America on October 10th?
I saw on Facebook that the CDC said no cruise ships were to sail until mid 2021. Didn’t know CDC had that power.
As of this week, cruise ships are not allowed in US waters through September, 2020.
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2020/s0716-cruise-ship-no-sail-order.html
“This Order will remain in effect until the earliest of:
1. The expiration of the Secretary of Health and Human Services’ declaration that COVID-19 constitutes a public health emergency,
2. The CDC Director rescinds or modifies the order based on specific public health or other considerations, or
3. September 30, 2020.”