We warned just days ago that visitors had one week to start planning their Hawaii vacation. That is, prior to Governor Ige officially welcoming back tourism. That has just occurred as the governor said this afternoon, “we want to invite and encourage fully vaccinated visitors and residents to travel for business or leisure, Transpacific or interisland.”
The announcement, a reversal by the governor, was made at an event at Kona Airport. Ige did not provide many other details or how the information pertains to those who opt for Covid-19 testing instead of vaccination. Big Island mayor Roth addressed that topic as well and said he wants “healthy, vaccinated travelers to return to Hawaii as soon as possible.”
What is needed are clearly crafted messages from the State of Hawaii.
Ige had said last week that he was “working on the timing and the message right now.” The focus is on getting the state’s on-again, off-again tourism engine restarted in preparation for the return. So while today’s announcement is clear in that visitors are encouraged to return starting November 1, further details are still pending. Coordinated communication from the mayors is also needed.
Furthermore, among other things, will there be any changes to capacity limitations, and to the rules for those vaccinated outside the US? Stay tuned as today’s announcement was just the beginning.
Hawaii Tourism crush resumes November 1.
BOH: Thanksgiving and the Christmas/New Years holidays will be especially busy this year. Perhaps the busiest ever. If you still plan to come then, there is a fast-closing window of opportunity to book.
Ige said last week he wanted travel stakeholders to have the “time to rehire people back” and to assure that “we have restaurants and other activities for them to do.” How this is all going to play out is what remains to be seen. Restaurants and other Hawaii businesses are having unprecedented difficulty in hiring people.
Is it too late to plan your Hawaii vacation?
We have anticipated this announcement, knowing that with it would come many more visitors. Concerns continue regarding the lack of and pricing for car rentals (especially during the holidays). Restaurant reservations have already been a problem, and those could get worse. Sought after Hawaii vacation rentals and hotel accommodations will become harder to secure.
Tip: Hawaii planning should include booking Cheap Flights to Hawaii, and at the same time, Hawaii car rentals, accommodations (hotel or vacation rental), and any must-have activities or restaurants.
Welcome back to Hawaii!
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Sherry R says
What about unvaccinated people are they allowed if tested prior?
Karen M says
If unvaccinated you must have negative test to board or you’ll be in forced 10 day quarantine. However, you must have neg test (taken within 48 hrs of entering) for restaurants and excursions. Many places only accept Vaccine cards to enter, no testing accepted. Unfortunately, the Safe Travels site and even BOH don’t publicize this enough and we have unhappy visitors.
MarshallGulch says
Will the vax card in hand be all we need to do to land at ogg in December. As opposed to using Safe Travels info required and upload.
Very difficult to use.
Randall R says
I have a trip planned for November 3rd.
It would be great if the state would provide the information. Letting each island decide has created a lot of confusion. Also,this Covid is never going away we need to learn how to live safely together.
Living life in fear is not an option.
Debra F says
CDC says vaccinated can contract and spread Covid so why are those vaccinated so much better than those of us that have had Covid and have antibodies? I’m getting tied of this treatment that vaccinated people are so much more desired.
Roy H says
Yeah. It’s probably going to be a difficult fight back to normal, given all the disruptions in Hawaii’s tourist economy. But, I for one look forward to are return. Mahalo Guys for all your great timely info.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Roy.
Thanks. Please give us a shout-out when you’re heading back our way.
Aloha.
Frances A says
He welcomes fully vaccinated, not one of the sheep so i cant return
DebraM says
Aloha Rob and Jeff I finally arrived here in my beautiful Kauai. A few new changes. The roundabout at Kealia. Great improvement to reduce speeding and accidents. Haven’t been down Hamalei way yet. Actually cstayed 4 days up in Kekaha. What a nice change. Quiet and laid back. Close to Kokee and Waimea Cyn for hiking. Great weather right now. No one wears masks outdoors, but always indoors.No incidents or problems there. Alcohol was available on Hawaiian Airlines. No problems there.All is A-OK. Al
Karen M says
Please let visitors know that a negative Covid-19 test to board flight to Hawaii is just misleading. You will NOT be welcome at most restaurants and venues which require a Covid-19 vaccination card. The rest require a Covid-19 test within 48 hrs of your reservation. So please plan on getting tested every 2 days. Total waste of time and money
Tamela R says
This is incredible news! We booked our second visit to these gorgeous islands (1st Oahu next Kauai) scheduled for February. Flight, room and rental car! Husband and I are fully vaccinated and can not wait to visit, all though I could just stay forever! I have been keeping a close eye on all your posts and all the ever changing rules for visitors. February seems forever away, Dreams coming true ❤️
Robyn W. says
Adding the Japanese, Canadians, and others to the tourist load is going to result in massive traffic disruption. Kama’aina retirees better plan on stocking up once a month on groceries and necessities and staying home the rest of the time. Just like the pandemic.
Mary W says
My husband just traveled to the Big Island. Unfortunately, when we were vaccinated back in January and February, the lot numbers of the vaccine were not recorded on our vaccine records. Safe Travels requires these lot numbers. If you do not have them, you will be on quarantine for 10 days. However, one may still take the Covid test within 72 hrs and travel with negative results. Just FYI.
Helen R says
Where would the lot number be at we were vaccinated in February
PAMM says
Oh my goodness!!
Mahalo Jeff and Rob for this news.
Fully vaccinated. How’d that work out for General Powell?
I don’t know what the answer is, but friends and family members in hospitality in three different Counties here are seeing reservations skyrocket.
I’m dying to travel abroad too, but don’t feel comfortable yet. This world is ever changing. I’m over it.
Stay safe and blessed.
Much Aloha always 🌺🌺
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Pam.
Thank you. We are both waiting for the travel bug to return as well. Until then, this is a great place to be stuck.
Aloha.
Lori L says
General Powell (God bless his soul) was already suffering from a rare and aggressive blood Cancer and his doctor noted that his immune system was already so compromised that he was unable to benefit from the vaccine and build up enough antibodies. He didn’t stand a chance against Covid, vaccinated or not.
Kat says
General Powell had cancer and his immune system was very low. I know so many people that were vaccinated and that have underlying problems and got through so far we are lucky that a vaccine was developed. They do work
Scott L. says
I have sent this message to you and your readers a few times already… Please require All departing passengers to show proof of a negative test 72 hours prior… Vaccinated or Not!!
Darlene D says
Just returned from Hawaii the Island was Maui. Complete the safeHawaii travel before you leave . If you are fully vaccinated you do not need a COVID test. Mask are required for indoors, and indoor dining you need a vaxs card. Did luau, and dinner cruise and dined out had no issues.
Lana H. says
I am a fully vaccinated resident of Kona. I am on the mainland and will be flying home to Kona on November 1. Will I need to get tested before returning home?
Thank you so much for your help!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Lana.
The Safe Travel rules currently provide quarantine exceptions for both vaccinated and for tested individuals. So proof of being fully vaccinated will suffice.
Aloha.
Frank P. says
“time to rehire people back”
Ha! Hire who? I’ve had open positions I can’t fill (unskilled) since January.
Heather M. says
That was my first thought as well. We are short and we cannot fill positions either. The visitors will start coming back then everyone will get bad reviews as restaurants have no openings up to 6 months out, just like the luaus. Landscaping and the like have also been impacted.
Marc C says
ALOHA!
Let me start with a huge MAHALO to BOH for your timely tips, information and news!
Had a trip planned to Waikiki last month, but rescheduled due to pandemic concerns etc. I rescheduled for November 11th, so the timing of this announcement is perfect! Itching to feel the gentle breeze to whisk the stress of work away!!!!
Mahalo!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Marc.
Thank you. We hope you have a great time in Honolulu. Please let us know how it goes.
Aloha.
Bill M says
I’d like to welcome unvaxxed visitors too..the Governor missed this segment.
Tricia K says
Glad to hear this news. We are arriving to Kauai on Oct. 22 and staying till November 19th. We have been coming to Kauai every year as a family since the late 1970’s. We have local friends and can hardly to see them and just enjoy our kauai home. Aloha
B L says
So what capacity are the restaurants going to be?
Linda H says
Im planning a Christmas trip to new york to see my family. Its been 3 years!! Have my ticket. Got vaccine in May J&J…what does “fully vaxed” mean?
Will Hawaii let me come home in January?? Scary!!!!