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.”
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?