In a flurry of hundreds of comments, there was confusion this week about Hawaii rules on face coverings among other things. We’ll do our best to sort it out island by island. It isn’t all consistent, even when visiting the official government websites, so know that in advance, and err on the side of caution. We will continue to update you as changes are made.
Big Island.
Face coverings required when indoors and outdoors in public settings. Exceptions include when actively engaged in exercise so long as physical distancing requirements are maintained or when exclusively with members of your own household. The maximum gathering size is up to 10 people.
Honolulu.
Face coverings required indoors and outdoors in public whenever social distancing is not possible, including with members of your own household. The maximum gathering size is up to 5 people.
Mayor Caldwell clarified this week that “Members from the same household are required to wear masks in public if they’re within six feet of each other.”
Kauai.
Face coverings required indoors and outdoors, whenever social distancing is not possible. The exception includes when with those in your immediate household. And at all times inside any establishment in which close contact may occur. Exceptions include when consuming food or beverage, or when engaged in outdoor exercise. The maximum gathering size is up to 10 people indoors or 25 people outdoors.
Maui County (Maui, Lanai, Molokai).
Face coverings required indoors and outdoors, except when exercising. The maximum gathering size is up to 10 people both indoors and outdoors.
Mayor Victorino said this week, “Mandatory wearing of masks when you leave your lodging and wear it until you return unless you go to the beach and go swimming. But when you come out and get dried up, put your mask back on, even if you are with family.”
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thx for all you do! it’s very helpful!
Hi
Any, Any, Any word on residents returning from Asia to the Big Island? Soon I need to figure out changing tickets, for Dec. I have been going to websites and instead of answers, I have a headache.
I know that I have to have a PCR test within 72 hours to board the plane. Arriving in Kona, will they accept a government-approved test from Asia? I am a resident and US citizen.
Please give me your take on things. I really don’t know where to turn.
I feel I need to make this trip to see keikis – before the added craziness emerges for vaccinations. With 3 canceled trips it will be 18 months since Tutu saw her precious family!
Mahalo for any ideas or where I should go for answers!.
Hi Nancy.
There will be an update on Japan at least coming out the beginning of the week. We will update you as soon as we get that.
Aloha.
Thanks guys! Your info is invaluable. I’m sure if they approve Japan there will have to be some testing at the Japanese airports before boarding (while transiting). I really appreciate your accurate information, in a sea of speculation. I’ll be watching…………….. Take care!!
If you really want to get back to Hawaii and you are a US citizen, then I think your best bet would be to fly to the west coast (maybe SFO) and get a rapid test at the airport (like United is using), then fly to Kona. Who knows when travel from Japan will be approved…
Thanks. I am having trouble finding any flights going. All canceled but I will try this approach.
Mayor Victorino said this week, “Mandatory wearing of masks when you leave your lodging and wear it until you return unless you go to the beach and go swimming. But when you come out and get dried up, put your mask back on, even if you are with family.”
Hmmmm, spend $$$$ and be treated like a leper. Mexico, here we come.
Hi Guys!
Why on earth, in Maui, would you need to use a facemask, if you are outdoors and not around people (like driving in your car). That makes no sense.
Mahalo for the update, you two!
Hi Jim.
We don’t make up that rules and merely try to get them straight and report them. Have a good weekend.
Aloha.
Hi Guys,
Yes, I definitely understand you guys don’t make the rules, it’s just the crazy idea that this government thinks that masks have that much influence on catching this virus, when it clearly does not, based on scientific evidence.
But, it’s also the lack of consistency, amongst the Islands, that only complicates the issue of travel around the State, and wearing a masks while alone, no matter where you are has zero scientific basis.
Plus, these rules say nothing about those who have medical issues wearing masks?
Appreciate you guys for the info! ❤️🤍💙
Hmm…so I read Kauai’s rules. So if my husband and I are outside in public and can social distance 6′ away from other people we arent required to wear a mask? That’s what I got out of it. Thank you.
Hi Kym.
That’s correct.
Aloha.
Do you have to wear a mask when riding in a car with others? Are police pulling unmasked drivers over?
This is our state stupiditu in action no logic just over reach of power
Let me know if this is correct.
In Maui County:
As long as you stay in the water of a pool, hot tub, spa, ocean, or another body of water, you don’t have to wear a mask.
If you’re laying out on the beach, or poolside, you must wear a mask.
If you’re in a restaurant and don’t have food yet, you must wear a mask.
Mahalo Beat of Hawai’i 🌺
You’re the best!!
Aloha and blessings to all
Hi Pam.
Thanks. That is our take as well. Have a great weekend.
Aloha.
So then you get a mask tan on your face if you’re not constantly in the ocean or pool😂 I have this vision of people packing a resort pool for hours in order to avoid wearing a mask while laying out and then spewing germs around because they’re too close to each other in the pool drinking and socializing. Thanks but no thanks.
Thanks for the update. I didn’t see anything for Molokai. I usually do Maui and Molokai for up to 10 weeks. Aloha Jim
Hi Jim.
Molokai is listed in the article as part of Maui County.
Aloha.
Hi Guys
As of this morning 10/23/2020 it’s been reported that 7,902 people are quarantined on Oahu. Mostly tourist who either did not pre-covid test, did not use approved test facility or did not get negative test results in time.
Better have your ducks in a row before travel to Hawaii.
Couldnt this problem be resolved by tourists being required to have proof of their 72hr negative results before they board the plane on the mainland? Why board a plane hoping to get your results before you land or hoping the results will be negative? Thanks to all for updates
Hi Kym.
Only the federal government can mandate that proof requirement. Not the airlines.
Aloha.
If I’m with my family at hotel pool or beach and we are away from other people(more than 6 feet for sure) on Kauai, do we have to keep our masks on?
I see flights listed direct from Asia transit Japan to KOA. (Japan Airlines). Are they really flying and is Hawaii accepting local government Internationally approved Covid tests, within 72 hours, for no quarantine entry? Everything is so confusing and I must decide on tickets (my 3rd set). Where are the answers? Thanks
Hi Nancy.
We’ve heard that Japan will be starting soon but have seen no details yet. Sorry to not have more information.
Aloha.
Thanks for updates…where can I get a pre flight test on Maui to get back to big island. Mahalos
Hi Philip.
The state website at https://hawaiicovid19.com lists the testing partners for both mainland and interisland travel. Since these are changing frequently still, best you check there.
Aloha.
Don’t people understand the logic of this situation? We have politicians and psychologists directing the herd actions, without the herd questioning or researching or demanding safety/clinical tests or scientific facts. 2+2=3 And it is working! Wow! Interesting times and you guys have to try to make sense of it!! Thanks! Good luck!
Hi Nancy.
LOL. Thanks.
Aloha.
So a mask is required if I’m lying on the beach? Dumb. Mahalo.
Different rules for different islands???
This is madness … complete and utter madness.
Au’e Hawai’i …
Well it’s the same on the mainland, different counties set their own rules. But I do agree. The whole thing is madness
Goodness. I guess my dear Friend and I will sit on our Lanai with mask on 14 floors above ground at $459.90 per night at Waikiki Beach Resort Marriott. It is worth the trouble. No place like the Islands.
I don’t think I have seen the “rules” for traveling from HNL to Maui, after spending a week in Honolulu. We are doing a week in Honolulu and will get a COVID test prior to that trip, then a week later we are flying from HNL to Maui to spend a week there. So, do we have to get another test prior to that flight?
How sad it is that even family members who live together are forced to social dist when out and about and wear a mask. Where is the justification for this? Where does it indicate in the covid rules nationally that family members living together are required to comply in this fashion? More indicators in my view that there is an agenda far beyond what is sensible
Sadly, I do think it has to do with what others are seeing. Outsiders who do you know you or your family may think it’s okay and they’ll assume it’s okay to not wear theirs. Herd mentality perhaps?
Totally agree. There is an agenda.
Family do not need to socially distance from each other when outside, but they do need to wear masks. The wording isn’t as clear as it could be. While asking family members to wear masks if they are 6 ft away from other people may still seem excessive, it is because it is impossible to tell if people congregating on the beach or hiking together are from the same household just by looking at them. Hawaii values its citizens and we will only stay open if we can do it safely. So please follow the rules so we all can enjoy the benefits that tourism brings. Mahalo
Still not clear on mask requirements on Big Island. Does this mean masks are required while at the beach, hiking alone with family, or at a golf course (are any open?)I understand while at the markets, shopping, restaurant waiting areas, etc. Have plans for the Big Island in December but sure would like more anecdotal information on the experience before fully committing.
We don’t wear masks out in public when we are walking down the street. Only in stores do we put them on
Aloha! We wear masks on the streets and in stores. At the beach, we wear the mask until we set up our spot with our chairs, towels, etc. Then we take them off until we are heading back to the car. It’s just like at restaurants where you have to wear it until you are seated. I would think not while hiking alone with family but I’m not sure about the golf courses. It’s all a little crazy but we don’t mind doing our part if there is a chance it keeps others safe!
So what type of testing requirements are there between the islands? Like you live on the Big Island but want to visit someone on Kauai.
The 72hr rule negative testing still applies for interisland travel…..
I am a doctor.
A Virologist friend (Infectious Disease Virus SpecialistMD) informed me that paper masks or cloth masks DO NOT stop a virus.
Only KN95 masks do.
He stated that “stopping a virus with a paper or cloth mask is like stopping a mosquito with a ‘chain link fence’.”
You know that and I know that but apparently we are in the minority. Those who set the rules obviously do not
Stopping and reducing are two different things.
My daughter is an accredited microbiologist with over 25 years in various disciplines that include gene therapy, microbiology, virology, R&D, production … and she has lectured (now that she’s out on her own) all the way from Australia to Amsterdam …
But she’s not a bureaucrat w/ an agenda.
And she agrees w/ you 100%, Doc … thanks for posting.
That is why I think a global SIP is what is going to do the most to get this under control. It is not under control and hasn’t been. When we get the vaccine there will be many who refuse it. We need to burn it out in massive numbers so we can get a handle on it.
Quang N (posting below)explained the difference between “stopping” and “reducing”. Even an N-95, by it’s branding, stops up to 95% of .025-size micron particles. It protects, reduces, but cannot “stop” the virus by itself.
Ask your doctor friend why he wears a surgical mask during an operation or when around a sick patient. Better yet. Give your doctor friend this analogy and ask his opinion. Were he a policeman, would he agree to engage in a no-knock warrant without body armor, or would he simply take his chances?
Put simply. You wear a mask and social distance to reduce the spread of COVID-19. You wear a mask because you may be an asymptomatic carrier, you respect your neighbors and friends, and practice consideration for others rather than only thinking about oneself.
Reducing vs. stopping. I think you’re playing word games on this one. I think Drew’s point is that cloth or paper masks are darn near useless and are giving people a false sense of security.
Viruses or “do or don’t”…they are binary. Nothing reduces it only stops!
Thank you.
Maybe double up your cloth mask, or even wear three at the same time. The disposable masks are lightweight. Think of the Nike slogan and the swish symbol, “Just Do It.”
It’s not hard to understand, or confusing- just wear a mask when you walk out your door. Period. And forget the “if social distancing isn’t possible”. People do not judge distances very well (I’m trying to be diplomatic); and aerosol studies suggest that in outdoor activities, there’s more aerosol spread, making 6 feet too close a distance. Wear a mask. I know 4 people who took all the precautions, wearing masks, distancing, sanitising and yet became infected with covid anyway because people around them were not wearing masks. So, wear a mask.
It’s just not hard! The life you save might be your own or that of a loved one.
Well said!
Wow! Wearing a mask while hanging out at the beach does not sound very enjoyable to us. Here is SoCal you can take mask off outside if you are socially distanced from those around you. I’d appreciate your thoughts, Thank you 😊
Hi Cheryl.
Really no thoughts on this other than we’re just trying to stay abreast of the rules and help answer visitors’ questions.
Aloha.
We are leaving Oahu today after 4 days. No one wears a mask when swimming or laying on the towel either at the pool or beach. No one. Waikiki has more locals than tourists and they don’t wear them either. Lifeguards never said to put them on. Everyone socially distances when on the beach. This will not be possible when hotels start opening up. It is not going to be pretty when tourists realize they have to book pools for an hour at a time, and there is no where to lay on beach per the guidelines.
We are blessed we came when we did. We would return until 2022.
Mahalo,
Hi Stacey.
Thanks for the update.
Aloha.
On the Big Island, are masks required when walking or jogging outside for exercise? Riding road bike?
I know on the Big Island the “face diaper” in public rule hasn’t been followed in weeks and weeks.