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129 thoughts on “Important Changes to Hawaii Quarantine Rules Amid Political Infighting”
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Don’t plan to leave for Hawaii until you are aware of this.
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I hope they get this figured out by February. So if my flight leaves at 10a for Maui with a 1-hour layover in Honolulu, I have to have the results by the time that second flight leaves, correct? And if not, they are going to make me quarantine in HNL? I don’t think so. I will turn around and go home. Vault says they will definitely have my results to me in 48 hours but I don’t know how they can guarantee that. How are these “trusted” partners? Trusted to gouge us?
No, you just need a negative test within 72hrs of your last “mainland” flight. So if you have a layover in HNL you just need the response before your departure from your home airport. I also have a layover in HNL and we have our tests scheduled for 71hrs before our scheduled flight. It is also supposed to be by your “scheduled flight” so if flights are delayed you aren’t dinged.
So I just read you have to have your negative test in hand before the last leg of your flight. I take that to mean that I would have to have it before I board the flight to Maui from HNL, correct?
No, the last leg of your mainland flight. Like I fly from Oakland to honolulu then kauai. I have to have the test before my oakland flight because its my mainland flight into HI. I think thats something that will really confuse people
My wife and I had been planning a November trip to the Big Island. We cancelled the travel plan after testing positive for Covid19.
We have rescheduled our trip for January 28 – Feb 4.
We are wondering if we can provide Hawaii with an antibodies test in lieu of another pre flight test? We can chow the lab results for the positive test as well as an antibodies test if that will work.
have been a subscriber to BOH for several years.
I see no provision for “antibodies” test only on Safe Travels web site. You’d still need to obtain a negative test from trusted partner under the current rules. No doubt these rules will be changed by Jan 28. Probably multiple changes if the past is any indicator.
FWIW, I’ve read that some countries do let you in with post virus antibodies test. Brazil comes to mind. Don’t know the details. Your mileage may vary. Check out your options.
The test has to be a true PRC test not an antibody or antigen test. I asked that question of the State recently and received a response which I posted about a week ago.
From the start of the virus the Govenor and others have been slow to repond to the virus and have been confusing when rules are implimented. Soon there will be at least one possibly two vaccines. Is there any discussions being had about new rules for travelers should they get the vaccine prior to their trip to Hawaii? Does it even make a difference? Will Hawaii still want a negative test result? Will Hawaii still require 14 day quarantine if there is no negative test result but there is proof of vaccination? It would be nice to see the Govenor and others thinking about this and be ready for it with a plan when the vaccine does become available to the public.
My son did the cvs test 3 days before. He had an appointment 72 hours ahead at cvs and they accidently took his name out of the system so it took them 2 hours to fix it and then he did the test.
However his test results were not in when he left, they came through when he turned on his phone at landing in Hawaii.
How can a passenger know if their test will get done in time? We are coming from southern california and don’t have kaiser so don’t know what else he can do and he is going to school over there now so he will be going back and forth.
Aloha Susan,
Since you live in Southern Cal, I suggest you use AFC since you can get results back in 30 minutes. They now let you book appts pretty far in advance. Most locations are in LA and SD. Only one in OC. I’ve used them before and it was less stressful than using vault.
Good luck
Susan… Just a suggestion for the future. The test kits that you can order from Vault or Costco/Azova have a 2 year expiration so you can stock up on them. They are the online, Zoom call tests so he can take them from anywhere.
I realize someone has recommended you use AFC for a 30 minute test result but the test(s) acceptable to the State of Hawaii are not any test that is turned around in 30 minutes. The “rapid” tests are antibody and/or antigen, neither of which are a PRC test.
Please make sure you check information before giving information. AFC offers a rapid Molecular test to Hawaii travelers just like Cityhealth urgent care for OAK airport. You still have to make an appt for your free 48hr test and when you arrive you can pay extra to get your results same day. It states on the healthcare websites and I called Cityhealth. They may want to call AFC to make sure.
If I will be arriving on a Tuesday, does this then eliminate the 72 hr testing before arrival? So I can test on say, Thursday for a better chance of receiving the results before landing? Thank you for clarifying.
Hi Jeff.
It is not 72 hrs before arrival but rather within 72 hours of the last point of mainland departure. No, this requirement is not eliminated.
Aloha.
Everyone should keep in mind that the approved mail in testing sites are quoting results available within 2 days after the sample is received in their lab (not counting incoming delivery time for the sample). Many of us that don’t live in an urban center do not have access to a fast test from an approved provider. CVS an Walgreens are quoting up to 4 days to receive results (even if they offer the testing). That means, aside from in-terminal fast testing, it will be essentially impossible to present a negative result from a designated source prior to boarding if the flight is boarding on a Monday or Tuesday and unlikely for a boarding on Wednesday or Thursday.
I was thinking same thing. Demand, ticket prices (and packed planes) will increase for in-bound Thurs-Sat flights, and the inly ones flying in-bound Sun-Wed will be the people who pay the freight for at airport instant results testing. Outbound day of the week doesn’t matter, unless you have the same rules at your destination.
Two things… We live in an 850,000+ urban area and neither CVS nor Walgreens test in our state! And do not rely on a Rapid Test as that is an antigen test which is not acceptable.
We made reservations on the Big Island before Covid-19 began and it starts Jan. 30, 2021 for 13 days. So of course we don’t want to have to quarantine that whole time. Are the VRBO’s understanding and giving back our money if we cancel?
Thank you.
Hi Bev.
We cannot speak to cancellation policies of vacation rentals. But that would certainly be good to know in advance. Another thing to consider is travel insurance with the specific cancel for any reason clause.
Aloha.
I had reservations for 2 VRBO units for September and got all my money back when I canceled. One of the owners even wrote me and was understanding.
Depends. If you are referring solely to rentals via VRBO, then check what you agreed to and cancellation policy. But if you are referring to a STVR, then that will also depend on cancellation policies or may be up to the discretion of the owner. Mostly in speaking with property management folks and realtors, there is no reimbursement. We had to cancel a short stay at Kona Billfisher in Kona and although it was within 60 days, the owner stated she would try to refund if she could find someone to rent it. That didn’t happen and we were not reimbursed. Concur with BoH that CFAR insurance is an option if you are concerned about getting any refunds.
I can’t speak for VRBO but we did AirBNB and I have constantly been going back and forth with her and we’re ok if we want to reschedule. I know that doesn’t help with people who want to cancel all together. When we looked, alot of airbnb where free cancellation up to 3weeks before, and half or fees after that.
The state says that negative covid test results must be “in hand”. Does that mean an upload of results to the Hawaiian regulatory authority, which could add significant complications for those getting tested at the airport, or just be able to show a negative result to boarding agents?
Per a message I received from both the Governor’s Office and the Mayor or Kauai’s Office, a pdf on phone or tablet or computer is acceptable. Try to upload to Safe Travels but they are often running a 24 delay. HOWEVER< having said that, the recent revision (last week) says "uploaded to Safe Travels" and the article I posted from The Garden Island reiterates that requirement. BUT that sounds like a law suit about to happen!
I watched the news where the governor announced the new policy and that was brought up. He stated on TV that a pdf was ok since there are lags in the uplaod system. It just has to be in hand.
Great! common sense prevails!
Well, even with all the brouhaha, on CBS last night, Hawaii was the only state in the Union with no increase in COVID positives! Maybe you are on to something!
Why can’t trusted testing partners who are no charge (such as Kaiser for members) add a surcharge to guarantee a 72 hour response? We understand that cases are rising on the mainland and acute cases should be first, however if a traveler checked a box that identified the test as for travel then they could add the surcharge for guaranteed 72 hour turnaround. I am in Honolulu currently and my test did arrive before I boarded my flight however I’ve heard about travelers having to quarantine for a day or two.
Thanks for acknowledging the surging cases on the mainland and suggesting the surcharge to try help make it so people can get results quicker along with providing priority to testing being doing for medical reasons. But anyone who is traveling during a pandemic and participating in a safe travels program must acknowledge the risk of not having the test results back before flying and be willing to quarantine if a lab can’t get the results back to them in a timely fashion!
If it was a day or two, and if you can do it at the place you are staying at, anyway, OK. But if its two weeks locked in an hotel room – why would you get on the plane?
Easy to reserve a rental car without paying in advance. Easy to cancel a flight at last minute, and at least get to reuse the ticket fare in future (at least on SW airlines), but very difficult to cancel lodging at last minute with no penalty. It could be that the hotels and vacation rentals will adjust and start allowing people to cancel at last minute. A big hotel can pull that off, especially since the number of tourists is down, but would be harder for vacation rental.
By the way, the owner of a vacation rental management business in Hanalei just told me she’s been getting “a lot” of last minute renters for her properties who are people wanting to extend their stay on island. She said this is not something that happened much in the past.
Personally I’m thrilled at the requirement for a negative test before you get on the plane (even though it will be a logistical nightmare.)
What I don’t get is why you would have to quarantine for the entire 14 days if your results aren’t available at flight. How can you quarantine if you can’t get on the plane.
DUH!!!
Hi Barbara- it was stated in the announcement if you have issues uploading you can provide the hard copy. I would suggest doing both no matter if you have issues or not. Upload, keep a copy on your phone, and have a print out.
Lynde C… Thanks. I think I may have inappropriately focused on the word “uploaded”. I actually at one point posted on BOH the quote from the email sent to me by the Mayor of Kauai’s office stating that what you said is indeed the case – paper, phone, tablet – they’re all acceptable. And I also received a similar confirmation from the GOvernor’s Office. Sorry for any confusion I caused!
Perhaps BOH can delete my post from 11/20 4:34am (their time!!!!) as it does cause confusion.
Hi Barbara.
It is conflicted regarding the SafeTravel upload. Some people have reported it is necessary to also have it available in another form as there have been issues. We don’t know further details, yet.
Aloha.
Am I glad that I have abandoned my plans for a Hawaiian vacation? I just used my AA airline credits to book another destination. I don’t have to worry about all this nonsense (which seems to change daily) any more. Sorry but the answer is “YES”.
Great!
Aloha!
I land Monday and it’s looking like results will either get to me Monday night or Tuesday. Does anyone know if I will be affected by this or Would I be exempt since I land on Monday.
Mahalo!
Hi Dylan.
This goes into effect Tuesday so you should be okay on Monday.
Aloha.
Mandatory 2nd test!!! That first negative test won’t matter if you sat next to someone who is planning to quarantine and never had a test – and happened to be carrying the virus or was asymptomatic.
I’ve been concerned about this second test upon arrival. From what I read today, it takes 2-14 days to have symptoms. If you test negative before you leave, even if you were to sit next to someone on the plane, that should not show in a second test upon arrival….but don’t quote me….I’m just a traveler who wants to come to Hawaii, not a Doctor!
I think this decisions instead of the extra testing will at least weed out at least half the positive cases that are falling thru the cracks. Inknow there are still false positives but half the cases being called have been from people not having results. And as they said, if people can’t get a test in time because of rise in covid & tests, then that also helps regulate the amount of people going. I know this may not make kaui residents as happy as having a second mandatory test, but I think this is a good compromise. I do wish they put this in place when they first started, I know they have to give passengers time before changing rules but am afraid not changing it till tuesday with rising numbers and Thanksgiving coming up, the next few days are going to have high counts. I have my fingers crossed for passengers and the islands that this helps dramatically and am patientally awaiting till my trip in late December to see how this rolls out.
Hi,
Thank you for your updates! I am wondering if you know of any plans for the trusted test sites to have service over the Christmas holidays? For example, the 72 hour required testing falls over 12/24 and 12/25. I am worried that my test results will be delayed because of services not being available on Christmas Day – Friday 12/25. Any information you have or ideas are grateful.
Have a nice day!
Cheryl D.
Hi Cheryl.
We do not know what partners are planning in terms of working over the holidays unfortunately.
Aloha.
I have the exact same problem. I’ll try contacting Azova as they are the only ones we can use. Will let you know. We have to test on 12/24 so as to get results before 8:00 12/27.
I will be having the same problem. we are testing on 12/30 and flying out 1/2. So we have a holiday in-between our testing. Can’t find an answer if they process over a holiday. please post when you or if you find out. we are using City Health urgent care in Oakland, CA
We have an appt for OAK for our Dec.20th flight as well and I called a week ago to ask if we can get the “sameday” test during our appt and they said yes. Regular test is free, you can opt to pay $120 for day of results. Of course with all this craziness of hoards of people testing during holidays I’m trying to contact them again to make sure they don’t run out of those same day tests. So that could be an option to request if you already have appts.
Cheryl D…
I’ve tried to contact AZOVA as I have exactly the same situation. I’ve tried a few times and can only leave a message. If/When I get an answer, I will post.
So, if a family of 4 we’re traveling & staying together, and 1 member of the family didn’t get their negative test result prior to boarding their aircraft, wouldn’t the entire family of 4 be required to quarantine for 14 days?
Hi Channing.
Good to hear from you. It’s been a long time. Great question. We do not know the answer, but it would seem to be as you stated.
Aloha.
If Air Canada and Westjet are resuming flights I would think Canadian testing partners would be in the works?
Dynalife in Alberta will be doing the testing
I hope Ige will also change that the 72 hour mark is from your flight departure not arrival because logistically this is going to be very difficult for travelers.
Its never been from arrival time. It is from your departure time.
Knowing everyone on my flight from SFO has already tested negative is a relief. I’m aware there can be false negatives but this makes the flight over much less risky.
I bet you were far more comfortable with the new regulations! We would be as well – big time!
However, you flew out of SFO. For those of us who can’t, the new rule is a logistical nightmare!
We live in an 850,000+ Metro Area so we don’t live in the boonies! We have four options: CVS (which doesn’t test for travel in our state), Walgreens (which doesn’t test for travel in our state), Vault (which is not licensed to test in our state) and Coscto/AZOVA (which is our only choice).
Using a mail in test is daunting although their result turn around appears to be really good. But we have to travel to our Hawaii point of departure the day before we fly and to get there having spent those $$$ and find out we still don’t have results in time – well, we truly don’t know what we’re going to do!
sorry but you don’t know that. there are people that come without a test and plan to quarantine.
Ane T… Don’t the new regulations require you to have a negative test in order to even board a flight? IN which case, you should not have such a concern as you stated above.
There is no requirement to test negative in order to fly to Hawaii. Just means you have to quarantine on arrival if you don’t have negative results in advance. According to the article, 30K people still had to quarantine since Oct 15th. Many people that fly here, live here, are moving here, or otherwise plan to spend several months here, and will just put up with quarantine rather than go through the test ordeal/expense, especially those who have a residence so they are not stuck in the Tip Top jail cell.
But I agree this should eliminate non-resident short-term tourists that do not already have test results received and uploaded from flying over. It will also deter people from planning
a trip to begin with, unless everything refundable/cancelable at last minute.
For the people with the time/cash, I could see making multiple flight reservations over two or three days in a row, then taking tests three days before each one, until timely results received. If your Monday test results not in time for flying Thursday, perhaps your Wednesday test results will still be in time to fly on Saturday. Not practical for many people, though.
Sadly not everyone will have tested. There are those that choose not to test at all and go directly into 14 day quarantine. So, travelers that test negative can sit next to “unknown” travelers. This is where the implemented plan fails.
You would think that “trusted” guarantees timely results.
Hi, I remember you posting a link to approved testing sites. Could I get that link again please? We’ve had a trip booked in January for about 8 months now and we keep hoping things will get figured out by then. Any advise you could give us? Thank you so much!
Hi Charlton.
Here’s where the list is found. https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel-partners/.
Aloha.
Thanks, as always, BOH for the info! I read about this yesterday as my Resort sent me the info because of my upcoming trip. Can Hawaii legally enforce this? If a visitor follows the “rules” by pre-travel testing but the so-called Trusted Testing Partners cant deliver quick results, why penalize the visitor? Hawaii gives visitors the option to pre-travel test. If results arent obtained in 72-hrs, why treat the visitor as if he didnt test all? Hawaii is basically saying “if our trusted test partners dont get your results to you within 72-hrs, you must have Covid.” As a child might say, “this is not fair.” Again, I dont think they can enforce this from a legal perspective” Thanks, again!
Hi Tracy.
Thanks. This is a mess.
Aloha.
How about you stop thinking of only yourself and don’t come to Hawaii right now! There problem solved!
Is anyone in the Hawaii administration aware of how small the window is to get a test taken and processed in less than 72 hours before estimated arrival? When you are supposed to arrive on a Monday and the labs don’t process on Sunday this may be VERY CLOSE to impossible. My estimated arrival is 11/30 and unless these bureaucrat/politicians clarify this “plan” I am probably going to have to cancel the trip for my wife a me. At some point I will stop paying my taxes and sue under the federal “takings” clause.
Hahaha You just go ahead and do that!
Sorry, this is happening. I think many people will not test for COVID before coming to Hawaii at all. What is the point of testing when many facilities cannot promise you will get you results within the 72 hour time period? This might open Hawaii to many more people arriving with COVID, or not coming at all.I pray Hawaii can withstand the economic disaster the virus has brought upon them.
My wife and I rescheduled our October trip to March and now I’m thinking that it is not worth the risk of getting stuck. Our plane leaves California in the late afternoon so the 72 hours will be based on Pacific Time so I’m assuming that we’ll lose a day of testing result time being located in Wisconsin and having to get the test after 6PM. We were hoping that a vaccine might become available but that’s no longer likely in that timeframe. With all of the political drama going on, I almost think that there’s someone hoping to hand off a worse situation to the next administration.
So let’s see. The tests are not 100% accurate (false positives are happening), the test centers are being overwhelmed because of the drastic increase in cases and you may not get your results before you travel, you may get an erroneous negative test result less than 24 hours before you travel and you therefore can’t get your airline charge refunded and possibly your car rental if you prepaid and your condo or hotel deposit, and you didn’t purchase “cancel for any reason” insurance……..Sounds like a no brainer to me. If money is no object for you, go for it. But I’m willing to bet this will, as BOH says, put the kibosh on travel plans for many prospective visitors.
There was an article on BOH recently that mentioned that most, if not all, of the Trip Insurance “cancel for any reason” policies are excepting COVID. IN other words, if you have to cancel due to Covid related reason(s), you won’t be covered.
Wonder if BOH could post that information again.
Hi Barbara.
Cancel for any reason means there is no asking about why you are canceling. You simply changed your mind is adequate. Keep in mind that virtually all CFAR coverages require you to cancel 48 hours in advance of the trip start. Here’s a link: https://beatofhawaii.com/new-essential-for-hawaii-cancel-for-any-reason-trip-insurance/.
Aloha.
Aloha.
BOH, I was unaware of that. A 48 hour cancellation restriction for CFAR insurance is even more reason not to risk a positive test result, false positive of otherwise.
I for one am happy for the adjustment to fly only if test in hand. How many were on the planes and were exposed to those landing to find out their test was positive? Do they notify the other passengers the possibility of exposure? Why not testing for travel anywhere?
Then they MUST give you more than 72 hours!! How ridiculous.
No worries we won’t be coming with all your lunacy
Thank you Beat of Hawaii for always keeping us updated. I was on the state website yesterday and of course they haven’t updated it based on these new rules even though people have flights for next week and have tests already lined up (with partners that may not turnaround the results in time!). My son is scheduled to arrive on Wednesday (the day after the rule changes) and I am now fearful he won’t get his results back. We are using Vault but since UPS doesn’t ship on Sundays, we only have 24 hours to get the results back in time. I’ve used Vault in the past and their turnaround was quick. But I think they are overwhelmed right now. I waited an hour for my zoom appt yesterday (last time there was no wait). I also need to fix a registration issue and they will not respond to calls and emails (it’s been 5 days!). My daughter has an appointment today with AFC and they called to tell us they ran out of tests! So if you’re traveling soon, you may need a backup plan based on the new changes. It will be really difficult with the increased demand to get your results back in time. BUT Kauai is great and everyone has been very nice and friendly as long as you wear your mask and respect the island! I was there in Oct and did not feel any negativity from locals.
Hi Macie.
Thanks. Yes, it is challenging given the problem with testing availability. This is the first time someone has mentioned a Zoom appt. delay.
Aloha.
We did 3 tests yesterday with Zoom. One person waited 10 minutes, one person waited 30 and one person waited 60 minutes. Just a heads up that you will want to allow extra time to drive the test to UPS before they close!
Ok, it’s early, and morning cup hasn’t yet kicked-in, so please feel free to correct me if my ‘rithmetic is flawed. Isn’t 16 out of 10,000 = .16%. If yes, is that not equivalent to an “acceptability” rate of 99.84?
I suppose we’re all entitled to our own definition of a Perfect World….
I have no problem with this policy – if, and only if, the “trusted testing partners” can guarantee your test results in a timely fashion. Can you imagine taking several flights to get to the west coast (as we have to do from the majority of locations in the country) and then not have your results before boarding your flight over the ocean? Now what? It’s too late to change any types of reservations you have (hotel, time share, car rental, etc.) much less jump through hoops to even think about what would be needed to do regarding airline reservations! In theory, I believe this new rule is a step in the right direction – but the State of Hawaii needs to exert some pressure on their “trusted partners” to fulfill their obligation to their customers (the travelers)!
Politicians can do whatever they want. The virus will do what the virus wants to do. The virus doesn’t listen to politicians or read tweets. Only a vaccine can stop it.
We have been visiting Maui for 30 years and are kind and respectful. We live in Montana where we also rely on the tourist industry. We need the visitors but sometimes we wish they weren’t here. So we understand their desire to protect their people and environment. Stay healthy. Aloha
I have no issue with individuals having their test results prior to arrival in Hawaii but the trusted partners need to improve their performance. CVS and Walgreens can not be counted on to provide test results in 72 hours and they need to be either removed from the list or improve their performance. Unfortunately they are some of the few partners which do not charge for the test. This will ultimately increase the price of a trip to Hawaii and be a further disincentive to travel to the islands.
“CVS and Walgreens can not be counted on to provide test results in 72 hours and they need to be either removed from the list or improve their performance. Unfortunately they are some of the few partners which do not charge for the test.”
Get what you pay for??
And do be careful with CVS and Walgreens. When you attempt to schedule an appointment, you may get “time unavailable” over and over. I finally did some “in the car visiting CVS and Walgreens” research only to find that the “time unavailable” actually meant they don’t test in my state! We had been in another state recently and had occassion to see what a CVS test facility looked like (signage, etc) and sure enough, none of our CVS locations had that facility! For us, they are the only “Trusted Partners” that don’t require mail in testing! (And BTW – even though Vault was our choice, when we attempted to order a kit we found out that they aren’t licensed to test in our state – so try to order a kit just to make sure they test in yours!)
Vault says they are licensed in every state.
This is precisely why we cancelled our annual Feb. trip to the Big Island. Twice in the same week the rules have changed. There are no guarantees that test results will be returned in time especially since testing facilities are bound to be extremely busy due to the recent increase in cases on the mainland. Add in an unhealthy dose of political posturing and the level of uncertainty increases well beyond what we are willing to risk. What a great way to kill remaining tourism based businesses.
94% of people have been able to get their tests in time. I had no issue scheduling an appt 3days before my Dec flight. People just have to be organized. It is frustating so if people don’t want to worry about all the extra rules than they will cancel.
If the State of Hawaii taught us anything, It’s what not to do.
Aloha! Does anyone know if the trusted partner testing sites will test children under 12? Or is it only adults that must be tested for Covid prior to flying?
Mahalo!
Hi Jen.
Tests are needed for ages 5 and above. Many partners test children.
Aloha.
As the other person stated, 5yrs and above and it depends on the trusted partner. They state in their description who they will test. Most will, but make sure you check becuase there are some that won’t test under 12 without illness cause.