Is It Safe To Travel To Hawaii Now: Anxiety About Hawaii Vacations?

Safe To Travel To Hawaii? Anxiety About Shutdown Amid All-Time Record Covid

Can you travel To Hawaii without stress given the latest unprecedented Covid situation?

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351 thoughts on “Safe To Travel To Hawaii? Anxiety About Shutdown Amid All-Time Record Covid”

  1. We leave for Maui in 13 days. Hopping this scare subsides by then. Fully vaccinated and boosted! Would hate to miss out again this year.

  2. I want to know how anyone knows that it is the omicron variant that people have. The test for Covid 19 does not tell what strain of the virus is positive; it just tells that one has SARs virus. I have researched many sites and haven’t found one that said any testing could tell whether the person has the original Covid, Delta or Omicron. I’d like to see a link telling where you found that statistic.

    8
    1. Omicron moves really REALLY fast. Where Delta took 5-7 to rear it’s ugly head. Omicron takes 24 hours before it starts showing symptoms. Luckily the symptoms are mild. How do I know? My husband caught it.

      1
      1. Virology shows that as a virus mutates, it becomes more contagious but far less deadly. I read about. the omicron variant in a country in Europe and it said no one was hospitalized even though many had that strain of covid. That is typical. A local person here was fully vaccinated with a booster and he tested positive for SARS, but was asymptomatic. The flu can kill someone with co-morbidity as can any strain of Covid. Eat well, exercise and breathe fresh air!

        3
  3. 13 days to go til we leave and living on a knife edge! Vacation is supposed to something you look forward to not live in angst for day after day! Here’s hoping!

    3
    1. I’m in the same boat! We leave for Maui on January 16th then move on to Oahu on the 21st. I’m double vaxxed and boosted but I’m on pins and needles daily. Talk about stressful!

    2. We leave for our Maui vacation in 4 weeks. Fourth trip to Hawaii since this all started, and this is the most apprehensive we’ve felt, only because there’s no telling how the governor might overreact.

  4. I’m 50/50. Planning to visit Oahu late October. I’m fully vaccinated and follow all protocols. I have zero interest in bars or crowded restaurants and am happy as a clam being a total loner and appreciate social distancing 🙂

    I guess I’ll just keep an eye on how things unfold over the next few weeks and make my decision closer to October

    3
  5. I feel strongly that visitors should get the covid test prior to visiting.
    The vaccine doesn’t prevent spreading and if you have symptoms its too late.
    I feel more responsible traveling with a vaccine to help protect me…and covid test to assure people we dont bring it over.

    5
  6. My husband and I are vaccinated and getting a covid test to make sure we don’t carry the virus to Hawaii. My Job will require me to get a post vacation covid test too. We have cancelled trip 3 times. I need to go to Hawaii. I need out of the smoke over here.If I dont our air quality is going to kill me. I made several reservations incase limited seating for dining. And planned our activities. We would be a help to Maui economy.We are not a threat we know how to wash our hands. This may go on forever because some people just dont understand how its spread. I hope residents don’t treat us poorly.It will only shoot them in the foot.Maui needs tourism.Even now…but they need responsible tourists. The sad part is children are super spreaders and They wont wear masks They touch everything and pass it along ..im hoping that going during school time less people are out and about. We are going to go and enjoy our honeymoon. Smell the flowers and relax.

    3
  7. At the moment, we are still planning on coming October 14. Most of our activities will be outside and private to our family of 3 vaccinated adults. Our concern is about food. We want to support small local restaurants and hope they can remain open. If they have to close, we may have to rethink our plans. We’re hoping!!

  8. As a resident of Kauai I don’t believe promoting that the current problem is with residents, which may make tourists feel that their vacations are not bringing any virus to the islands. Any form of travel moves the virus…it does not recognize a resident nor a tourist. Please realize that Kauai had very little virus prior to opening up to travelers.

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    1. Hi Kathy.

      That is what virtually all state officials and health departments have said, and we are merely reporting that.

      Aloha.

  9. Aloha, still going Kauai mid Sept. After living there and visit every year(except 2021) we don’t do many touristy things. We don’t eat out,and are loners on the beach. I think if you do luau, restaurants, concerts, mall shopping, or use crowded pool/bar areas, or are visiting crowded cities like Honolulu,you might want to reschedule.
    Malama pono,
    Aunty K

  10. Hi BOH,

    We decided to reschedule our trip from September to April. Our very nice VRBO host allowed us to reschedule without penalty, even though we were well past the time frame to make changes.

    Here’s hoping next Spring the world will be in a better spot.

    Thanks for all the updates and info!

    Jessica

    1
  11. At some point we need to lead our lives. If your vaccinated, you may want to just come to Hawaii and chill out and enjoy your life. If not, you may want to stay home as we don’t know if proof of vaccination will be required to eat or do activities and that could all change on a dime. If there are no lockdowns, my 90 year old father (Vaccinated) will be flying from Florida in 2 weeks and we intend on enjoying our time together on Kauai.

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  12. We are booked at Kapalua Jan. Planning on going. Not crowded there. Know our way around as we have been many times. Hopefully things will be much better then.

  13. We have planned a trip to Maui in the middle of the month for 4 people. We would still like to visit. 2 of us are fully vaccinated 2 won’t get the shot(??)…

    As long as we can have dinner out a few times that would be fine with me.

  14. We’re working hard, jumping through all the hoops to take a relaxing and safe vacation.

    Trans-Pacific Mainland Travelers to the island are Vaccinated or getting tested for COVID before getting on a plane. Is that 100% effective? Well, no, nothing really is… BUT, then we all have to wear a mask on the plane… This drives the safety factor even higher to closer to 100% safe!

    We’ve filled out “Safe Travels” questionnaires. Uploaded vaccine cards or Test results. Filled out Health Questionnaires. It took time, money and effort… a RESPONISIBLE effort to achieve all these goals to get to Hawaii.

    Travelers arrive to islands in a pretty safe condition. 100% safe? No, but according to all the data since the start of COVID, travelers only bring in 1-2% of all positive cases and then its quickly addressed.

    What does this all mean?

    WELL… It means these travelers are NOT the problem. They’ve put in the work to be safe and responsible. If not, send em back!

    In the meantime…. COVID’s Delta virus spreads rapidly through the UN-Vaccinated masses in every state in our country. So, these words really apply to travel anywhere in the United States. Most of which DO NOT REQUIRE all the responsibility of hoop jumping to get in the door safely.

    Anxiety in travel or Anxiety of those LESS Responsible for their family, themselves or their community? Hmmm… Yea, I’d have to say, I have more anxiety with the LESS RESPONSIBLE. I’ll wear my mask and Ive been vaccinated…. What have the those Irresponsible ones done to help anyone’s cause? I think we see the results in many places and yes, even on the islands.

    Hawaii’s Hospitals are not filling with Tourists with COVID.

    It’s apparent the answer to the current surge on the islands is NOT to point the finger outwards, but in may help to look around to see if you or others are part of the solution or the problem.

    I’d like to thank BOH for giving everyone this forum and best source of objective information.

    1
  15. Came to Maui in April went thru testing even thou we were vaccinated, I felt that it was a good idea to keep everyone safe.
    We do have another 10 days planned for Kauai first of October (trying to use our timeshare from last year) again looking like we will have to test before we come, which again we are OK with.!
    So my whole point is we were all asked to get vaccinated, we did what we were supposed to do and penalizing the country again is just wrong
    I also understand people do not want to get vaccinated that is their right and I do no people who for various reasons won’t get vaccinated! I also understand some people can’t get vaccinated due to health issue. So why are the people that have been vaccinated getting punished for the non vaccinated people? They should be the ones that don’t get to travel!
    Like I said we are ok with being tested along with being vaccinated to come to Hawaii but don’t punish the people that did the right thing.

    1
    1. No one should be punished! This shot should between the patient and their doctor. We were there last November and were tested before and after.
      A University of WA study concludes that people who have Covid now have life long antibodies. This should be a recognized fact. Follow the science. theepochtimes.com/if-youve-had-covid-youre-likely-protected-for-life_4169013.html

  16. We have a trip booked for 3 weeks, over Christmas, and have been traveling to the islands for 35 years. We generally stay for a month and we love participating in local events with the local community. Please note that we are very respectful of the land, the people and the culture. Truthfully, more so than some full time residents. We generally eat most meals at home and almost all of our time is spent enjoying outdoor activities. We truly understand the concern in regards to the virus. We are fully vaccinated and have no issue wearing a mask where required. When we step out of the airport and feel the island air, smell the flowers and salt air and see the smiles of the local people we feel we have come home. Please don’t judge us with all “tourists.” I believe we are less of a risk than the travelers going between Hawaii and Las Vegas.
    Thank you

    1
  17. We canceled our 2 week trip last November. Then again in March. Now going late October. We are vaccinated and have no issues masking up.
    The artical says that it is mainly locals that are sick. Hope all get well.

    1
  18. Planning trip in November to Big Island. We are worried. 50/50 if we go. We want to.
    we will wait and see how things are closer to our trip.

  19. I’ve never once had an issue traveling, or encountered anyone, while traveling, that I knowingly had Covid…at least until after they were not contagious, or after someone who was exposed completed their quarantine, and I have never knowingly been directly exposed or infected. I test before I go every time; I’ve never tested positive; I’ve never been quarantined; I wear a mask in appropriate places; I maintain social distances (as much as humanly possible), and I’ve been to Hawaii 3 (working on 4) times since Covid started. I definitely don’t plan on stopping, until I am forced to, since I have property and personal business to take care of there.

    I’m sill looking forward to getting to Kauai eventually (after all this hopefully blows over), and having that conversation and coffee we are supposed to have, Rob & Jeff, but until then, I look forward to the sometimes a tad crazy (material wise), and always educational information you pass on.

    Mahalo!

  20. Here today gone to Maui. We literally wanted nothing to do with the vaccines, and only got them because we already booked a trip. So we surely are going. If i look back at this and know i got a vaccine that i didnt believe in in the first place for nothing, then you might as well put a plastic bag over my head. I already had major qualms with said vaccine and only did it for said trip.

  21. We have had our Hawaii vacation planned for over a year. We’re visiting in October, both of us are fully vaccinated. Even though we think the masks are a pain in the neck, we have no problem masking up.
    The only way we will cancel our plans is if Hawaii goes into full lock down again.
    Thanks for allowing me to post.

  22. Thank you. We had to cancel a trip last year but received travel credits from airlines that we needed to use or lose. A week on the Big Island in late September/early October 2021 seemed safe when we booked it as both my wife and I are vaccinated. But I am concerned at the level of uncertainty regarding Covid protocols and wonder now whether restaurants, attractions, and activities will be fully accessible for our visit. I also wonder how welcome visitors will be to the locals.

    1. We have 10 days to Oahu planned November 26. I still plan on going, the three of us are double vaccinated and will get a swab done before we go of course. I am obviously ready to have to cancel if things change drastically.

  23. My husband and I are booked for the month of October. We are celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary. We are vaccinated and have no problem masking. We will test before getting on board airplane. We are still planning on going. Our trip was cancelled last year to Europe we will be praying to be able to still go.

  24. Hi guys ☺️ So I have been reading all the comments today and what I find interesting is that many people have already been there during covid and they are going back again. Well gee, wasn’t the one time enough? No wonder this virus won’t slow down. It’s apparent the only cancellations come from people who have decided not to come out of respect for the island residents. And some of them have already re-scheduled 2-3 X’s. No wonder everything is so overcrowded and hectic. Maybe if everyone limit their visit to 1x a year, if at all would give the island a chance to get back on its feet. Think about it frequent Hawaii travellers.Thanks for the daily posts guys and stay safe and happy. Aloha

    1. Aloha Debra,

      You should realize that there are more than just “tourists” that fit your narrow description of “frequent Hawaii travellers [sic]”. Some of us frequent travelers actually have property, maintenance and business to take care of while there. With the exception of costs of hotel rooms and rental cars, we spend as much or more than the average tourist/vacation traveler at local businesses, in the longer periods we are there. We are continually helping the local and state economy, while we live in and maintain our properties. We also pay property taxes on our own places, and we typically aren’t on a true vacation at all. In many cases we are part time residents.

      Mahalo. 🤙

    2. Dear Debra, originally I wanted to come to Hawaii in 2020 but virus hit. Then I postponed for April 2022, but now since the cases are very high I just don’t feel comfortable traveling anywhere cases are high. I’ve decided to postpone again until 2023. This is the safest choice I can make for myself & others. We as human beings need to be taking steps to keep each other safe because we are all in this together. It has been my lifelong dream to come to Hawaii for my vacation, so what is alittle more time?! 🐢🐠🌺🍍🥥🌏🏖🏝🛩🌞🌈🌊🕶👙🛍🩴👒📅 I’m getting very excited for whenever I do get to come!❤ Take care of yourself, stay safe, & be blessed 😇….Psalms 91:11

  25. Please don’t come to the Islands. Our children under age 12 are at high risk, as are those with underlying health conditions, such as myself. Use wisdom and postpone your trip until its safer….Thank you.

  26. We have a Hawaii vacation planned in 2 months and 1 day. We booked this month’s ago. We are not the travelers Hawaii has to worry about. We are vaccinated. Will test before flying,and have no problem wearing a mask. We did book a place with a kitchen so if getting into a restaurant is a problem,we will be okay. Just thankful to be getting away, and will not be the demanding or entitled tourists.

  27. We have a group of friends that were going to Oahu October 6th for a week. We aren’t sure yet what we are going to do. We thought we would wait at keadt a week. But we seem to be leaning towards going to Puerto Vallarta instead.

    1. We rescheduled our trip to Hawaii to be responsible for ourselves and others.
      God’s Blessing to the people of Hawaii to overcome this virus.🙏🏼
      We are looking forward to visiting next year, according to God’s will

      1. Dear Edward, That is exactly what I’m doing also. I had my 1st trip planned for 2022, but have decided to postpone for the 3rd time until 2023. I just don’t feel very comfortable traveling anywhere where the cases are high! We as human beings need to be taking steps to keep everyone safe. We are in this together. Stay safe & be blessed 😇…psalms 91:11

  28. My son and I are both vaccinated and have a 9 day trip planned in Oct to Oahu. As long as there isn’t a shutdown we will be going.

  29. My husband & I are booked to come last week of September and are still on the fence. We’re both vaccinated. We aren’t so much worried about the virus as we are about being able to enjoy everything we want to do. Like beaches and tours being open. We’ll see in the next couple of weeks. Clarification would be great!

  30. I’m on the east coast of the mainland and haven’t seen family for over 2 years. We are all vaccinated but my 80 year old parents (living in Waianae) begged me to cancel my September visit. I was very reluctant to cancel, but acquiesced to their wishes. The airlines were very good about letting me cancel and since I was staying w family I didn’t have to deal with hotel cancellation. Hoping I can plan a trip for January, but who knows. Gotta keep our ohana safe.

    1. Dear Ann, I had my 1st trip to Hawaii planned for 2022, but that is just too soon for me seeing as how the cases are high. I’ve decided to postpone until 2023. Stay safe, take care, & be blessed 😇….psalms 91:11

  31. We have plans to go to Maui for three weeks at the end of November. We have stayed at the Maui Sunset 13 times in the past. The condo has everything we need to have a safe vacation for the two of us. We are both vaccinated and are filling out the necessary paperwork, including copies of our vaccination records, flight numbers for dates of arrival and departure, the address of our condo and phone numbers. We have no plans to attend any enclosed venues or places with groups of people. Most of the people at the Maui Sunset are retired people who live there year round. You basically can’t rent a condo there unless you know someone who owns a unit.

  32. I have a 10 day vacation planned in Honolulu. Grand islander. Are there any suggestions or heads up we should be aware of. We are fully vaccinated and have pre registered on travel requirements. My concern is obtaining food, beach access and other amenities.

    Do we cancel?

    1. Hard to say if beach access will be open. They have had to close Oahu’s beaches suddenly twice during COVID. I know the govt. wants to keep thing open but a huge concern is the hospitals. We are already hearing some really sad stories of ambulances driving from hospital to hospital in Oahu trying to get help for a critical case (non-COVID). I’m vaxxed, masked up and am extremely cautious, I try to stay off the roads as much as possible. I’m less worried about getting hospitalized from COVID right now than having an accident or other medical emergency. TBH, if I had any guests coming, I would tell them to cancel. Hawaii will still be here.

  33. We are planning to travel to Waikiki on October 5th through the 11th. My wife and oldest son and myself will be fully vaccinated by then. The only question is our youngest daughter who is 9. We are planning to test her and the rest of us 72 hours before our flight with Alaska. We feel that if we try to cancel that we will not get anything back. So, we are coming.

  34. We have plans to travel to maui end of September. We don’t plan on cancelling and I don’t think we can anyways at least our hotel! We are both vaccinated

  35. My wife amd I are fully vaccinated; however, we are cancelling our booked Hawaii vacation even if we lose what we’ve spent already on airfare! Hope we get it back, though, so we can book again next year!

    1. Thank you for cancelling.I really hope you can get your airfare back or change your trip dates. A lot of airlines right now are being really good about allowing cancellations and giving you credit toward a future flight.

    1. For Costco travelers, I just got off phone regarding cancellations. Within 4 days of travel Option 1; get full refund on car and hotel, full price of flight applied to trip to be booked AND traveled by Feb 24 2022 I believe the date was…Option 2; take a $200 dollar hit for each traveler and the rest is fully refunded…

      1
    2. I just looked at Hawai’is COVID case count today, I think it’s a new record. Honestly you are taking a huge risk by coming right now. As much as the govt. wants to keep things open, we are in an acute medical crisis that does not look like it’s slowing down. So basically you are at risk of things suddenly closing AND are at risk if you have a medical crisis, COVID or non-COVID. In addition to that, with Delta and the level of community contagion right now, there are a lot of vaccinated people getting sick. Spending a week in bed is not the way I’d want to enjoy an expensive vacation. As much as it stinks to have to reschedule, I’d wait at least a couple of months. I’m frustrated with the state govt. not doing more to stop tourists from coming, for a number of reasons. They should let tourists know that they cannot promise you decent medical care if you have an accident or emergency.

      1. Aloha Jodi, I had my 1st trip planned for Hawaii(Oahu) for 2022, but that is just too soon for me. I don’t feel very comfortable traveling anywhere where the cases are high. I’ve decided to postpone again for the 3rd time until 2023. That is the safest choice I can make for myself & others. We as human beings need to be taking steps to help keep others safe because we are all in this together. It has been my lifelong dream to come to Hawaii, so what is alittle more time?! 🐢🐠🌺🍍🥥🌏🏖🏝🛩🌞🌈🌊🕶👙🛍🩴👒📅 I’m getting very excited for whenever I do get to come!!❤ stay safe, take care, & be blessed 😇….psalms 91:11

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