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See the latest delay on reopening without Kauai Resort Bubbles.
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It looks like the insanity of traveling to Kauai persists. Unfortunately we have no choice since we have already paid for a vacation rental there and cannot get a refund. We will be going to Oahu first and then to Kauai. Hopefully the Kauai rules will be more workable by April. What are the current testing rules for flying into Oahu? Since we will have our vaccinations before going, does this make any difference? Thanks for the information source you provide.
Hi Stephen.
Thanks. We appreciate your feedback and hope you have a great time here on Kauai.
Aloha.
If we have been vaccinated prior to arriving on Kauai what are the requirements?
requirements are the same as above until proven scientific results are presented that vaccinated people cannot be carriers and re infect our island
Since not one of the 1400+ bubble “graduates” have tested positive after the 3 days, this Proves that Kauai’s bubble program is unnecessary. Kawakami, time to swallow your pride and rejoin the state’s Safe Travels program immediately!
on the contrary, it proves that it works and keeps us safe. Mahalo.
It doesn’t prove that it’s unnecessary. If I were going to Kauai and knew I’d be tested three days into the trip with all the cost of flights and hotel already spent, I would be more careful ahead of time. The bubble resorts are a strong deterrent.
The 3 night stay on Oahu prior to going to Kauai is currently my plan. Already have it in motion with 3 nights Hyatt Regency Waikiki already booked, followed by 3 nights Grand Hyatt Kauai. Yes, I know Kauai Hyatt is still closed, but it should re-open by March. “Should.” This would be a family of five, arriving from San Diego via Hawaiian Air non-stop, then booking an inter-island flight, then flying home from Lihue via Alaska non-stop. Only $99 from SD to Oahu and then $129 from Kauai back home. Great prices!
I guess my only question is what’s the best way to get tested once on Oahu? I imagine it would be the first thing we do, probably get the rental car, head to clinic and then head to hotel? Just for peace of mind and avoiding processing delays, right? Also, where can I test for free on Oahu? Anyone know? I’m thinking CVS/Walgreens or something like that. In San Diego, all testing is free in County facilities and even at some Walgreens. Hoping for similar situation in Honolulu.
Thanks for all the help BOH Family!
Hi Rob.
Here how it works (from county website). “Take a pre-travel test from one of the State of Hawaii’s Trusted Testing and Travel Partners after you have been in Hawaii for more than three days, but within 72 hours of departing to Kauai: https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel-partners/.” So when you get to Oahu, do go ahead and set up that test, if you haven’t done it even before. Than test after 72 hours.
Aloha.
You will have to stay in Oahu for 4 days. You can get the test AFTER you have been in Hawaii 72 hours. The fastest and cheapest test site I have found here on Oahu is at the airport. It is run by the national kidney foundation of Hawaii (Kidneyhi.org). They are located outside of terminal 2 past baggage claim…same place as group tours. They say they will post results in 2-6 hours but the 3 times I have used them it was never in that time frame. Hence why you will need the additional night stay on Oahu. You can sign up and pay online and go at any time…they are open until midnight. They also have a test site in Waikiki but I am not sure of the location and the hours are more limited. Good luck!
Rob
As far as I know, both CVS and Walgreen’s don’t offer a Rapid test in both the states of Calif or Hawaii. Most likely you will need to find a Rapid test at another location in Honolulu, maybe the airport. However, it’s probably going cost $$$.
Aloha
I’m in HNL now, and just scheduled my rapid test with Kidney foundation. They provide the test at the airport and Monarch Grand Hotel by Waikiki. Cost is $125. They stated it’s a mid nasal swab test. Results take 8-12 hours! NOT the 3-6 advertised on the internet. FWIW
Also, I wouldn’t count on that nonstop Alaska flight home from LIH to SAN. Had exact same flight planned for March to San Diego and back home to Kauai and both legs of our flight were changed to going through Seattle, one being a red-eye. We were going to cancel anyway since it’s nonessential travel but good news is Alaska will let you bank the money you’ve spent to put toward a future flight for anyone you’d like, anywhere they fly. Might try Seattle seeing as it’s a guaranteed direct flight. 😉
There are no free Covid tests on Oahu,for travel,for visitors or inter-island resident travelers. My best experience has been with Kalihii Urgent Care Clinic at The Hawaiian Monarch Hotel-120$ results same day.
All of it is a no go for most people. Run them out of office. Shameful and pathetic leadership in hawaii. Real ugly, real bad.
worry about your own leadership, we love our Mayor! Mahalo
Who’s the “we”? Everyone on island that I’ve spoken to is so angry with him they don’t what to do. They are out of jobs. Broke and just want some visitors back!
Hi! I think you guys do a fantastic job in keeping me informed. You really do great work and I am so grateful. Thanks, Mike.
Hi Mike.
Thanks so much for the nice words, and for your first comment. We appreciate it.
‘
Aloha.
Please clarify! Your comment “If you stay 3 nights on another island first, then test and come to Kauai, you will not be subject to any quarantine. To qualify, visitors must be “Be physically present in the State of Hawai‘i for more than 72 hours before flying to Kauai to qualify as an inter-island traveler.”
Furthermore, you must provide proof of a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of interisland travel to Lihue. These test results need to be uploaded to the state’s Safe Travels website/program.”
I landed on HNL on 2/2, and have 4 nights booked downtown. I’m scheduled to depart to LIH on Saturday. My interpretation was I had to wait 72 hours from the time I landed in HNL, before I could take my Covid retest. If I was able to take the test the same day (or next) from when I arrived here, then I could be running around Waikiki for 2+ days, come in contact with Covid and carry it to Kauai, I would think it would be safest, to postpone the test until AFTER 72 hours on an island, before flying to Kauai? It likely does not matter though, since the CDC states the optimum time one would test positive if they had contracted covid, is at the 5 day mark, not 1 day, or even 72 hour!
My direct flight to LIH was cancelled by AA, The best I could do is fly to HNL (arrive unable to make connecting LIH flight the same day/night, then take the connecting flight the next morning. Kauai County told me I could NOT be in the bubble program if I did this, I would be required to have a 10 day in room lockdown at my resort bubble.
The only solution to this, was to qualify as an inter-island traveler – one who had been on a different island for 72 hours prior to Kauai departure AND a negative Covid test taken 72 hours before Kauai departure.
Hi Mark.
Not sure what clarification is needed. The county website states what you have quoted above. Once you have been physically present on Oahu for 72 hours you can take the test and fly any time after that, so long as you fly to Kauai within 72 hours of that test. Let us know if that isn’t clear.
Aloha.
That’s the part that needed clarification! Should not take test until AFTER being on island for 72 hours! Based on the quote I lifted from your article, I saw two comments indicate you could test immediately upon landing in HNL, then wait 72 hours to travel.
The key is in the first sentence… “IF you stay 3 nights on another island, THEN test and come to Kauai”… If one reads the “to qualify” part following, that leaves out the waiting 72 hours before testing part!
Again, not trying to pick nits with you or readers, just trying to make things as clear as I can for everyone. Based on the ordeal I’ve gone thru trying to get to Kauai with different advice from the county everytime I called them, just trying to minimize the pain!
BOH, truly appreciate you mediating everyone’s questions and trying to help us all. Kauai and most of it’s people, are a beautiful creation to come and visit and support!
Hi Mark.
Yes, we’ve stated that many times now, but it is understandably still confusing. You must first be on another island for 72 hours, then take an approved test, then once you receive a negative result you can travel to Kauai.
Aloha.
After cancelling our Jan. trip to Kauai I still keep up with the great info. you all provide.
With all the current info. all I can say is.. Am I hearing what I just read??
Hi Ed.
Thanks for all your comments. Appreciate the bit of levity too!
Aloha.
AMEN! We’ve cancelled our semi-annual trip(s) to Kauai three times already including our January trip. Kinda gave up following the site for a while as we couldn’t figure out what the latest was and also figured we aren’t going again until July (guess I should say TRYING to go again!) and by then, the rules will have changed another – let’s see, there are 22 weeks til we go – probably 20 times!
Mahalo for explaining travel requirements. I am confused about information in the article. I believe, to meet the requirements for Kauai, inter island arrivals need to confirm that they have been in the State of Hawaii for the past ten days.Perhaps worth checking out!
Hi Lauryn.
Here is the entire quote from the county website: “Inter-Island Travel. Travelers flying to Kauai from Oahu, Maui County, or the Big Island of Hawaii, who have been in the State of Hawaii for more than 72 hours before departing for Kauai, can avoid quarantine by taking the following steps: Create a Safe Travels account and complete the mandatory State of Hawaii Travel and Health Form at: https://travel.hawaii.gov/ Take a pre-travel test from one of the State of Hawaii’s Trusted Testing and Travel Partners after you have been in Hawaii for more than three days, but within 72 hours of departing to Kauai: https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel-partners/. Upload negative test results to your Safe Travels account. The Safe Travels program is currently being updated to accommodate Kauai travelers. For now, travelers should plan to present a hard copy of their negative test result for review at Lihue Airport. Safe Travels records will be used to verify that you have not traveled out of state in the past three days.”
Aloha.
Aloha! Just yesterday hubby and I decided to change our two weeks on Kauai in August to Maui. Just no good feeling about Kauai travel, even though August some time out. We dearly miss Kauai and look forward to the time we can freely travel without resort bubble. Good news, we get our first vaccine Friday as 65+. Mahalo for all you do.
Hi Susan.
Thanks for that, and for sharing your plans to go to Maui. We hope you can return to Kauai again.
Aloha.
I’m in Waikiki right now on my way back to Kauai. You still have to stay 4 nights because of limited flights and minimum 6 hour test results.
However, on Oahu you can move freely and the lodging is much more affordable. I haven’t spent this much time on Oahu in years so it’s been nice to reacquaint myself.
It’s an extra $1,000 tax (cheap lodging, meals, transportation and an extra COVID test, but the flights are still cheap.
Yes Oahu is cheap,open,diverse, and Waikiki is beautiful and welcoming.
Aloha,
Please clarify re “If you stay 3 nights on another island first, then test and come to Kauai, you will not be subject to any quarantine. To qualify, visitors must be “Be physically present in the State of Hawai‘i for more than 72 hours before flying to Kauai to qualify as an inter-island traveler.”
Do you also have to be present in the State for more than 72 hours before obtaining *a test* to be cleared to travel to Kauai?
Mahalo for your excellent coverage of this topic.
Hi Peter.
Thanks for the nice words and your comments. Yes, you need to be on another island for 72 hours first. Then test and travel. That’s our interpretation of the county guidelines.
Aloha.
You can quarantine in your own home but you are literally a prison within your walls. You cannot quarantine in a vacation rental if you don’t own it unless it’s in a bubble. Thanks BOH.
I haven’t been able to find any Current information regarding the Option to Quarantine in your own home apon arrival. We plan to arrive on Kauai from the mainland ( we are not Hawaii residents) , and would rather stay “Shut-in” our own home for 10 days of Quarantine ,rather than to jump thru the hoops, and ridiculously high rate of the resort bubbles . As a Kauai property tax payer and home owner are we allowed to arrive with a Negative Covid test and just quarantine in our home without having to waste time and money in a “Resort Bubble ” ? Thank you in advance for any factual information and input .
Hi Chris.
Suggest you check with the county for a definitive answer. Our understanding is that it could not be a vacation rental even if you own it. That Kauai needs to be your primary residence. Not wanting to steer you in the wrong direction, however, so again, do check.
Aloha.
Hi Chris,
As a Kauai homeowner (but not permanent resident), you can indeed quarantine in your own vacation rental condo. You don’t even need to take a Covid test, as Kauai does not check or care.
I arrived on January 10th and quarantined in my own vacation rental in Poipu. I did bring papers showing my proof of ownership, but the National Guard didn’t ask for them. Be warned though, the National Guard did knock on my door after 3 days to make sure I was really staying there.
Yes, you can quarantine in your own home even it is typically a vacation rental. Have done it several times… you need to quarantine for 10 days now.
This is also my understanding, although we did not have to quarantine back in early November so we never put it to the test. It should not matter whether your home is a vacation rental when you are not in it. But, the blog guys have a good point. Just confirm with the county in advance.
Also, be sure to have your vehicle delivered to LIH for you if you plan to drive yourself home. You cannot rent a car, or go to the store, so you also need someone to get food (and booze!) to your place for you. You can order a lot of things on line and have them shipped in advance. It’s just “perishables” you need help with.
Whoever runs your vacation rental operation ought to be able to help you out.
Thank you BoH for trying to keep us informed of Hawaii’s regulations. I’m sad to say, at this point, for our family Hawaii is out of the question for vacation. In spite of your attempts to keep it simple, the program is not simple. Too much risk of rule change and innocent mistakes. I’m not going to risk spending half or all of my vacation confined in a ‘Resort Bubble’.
Again, Mahalo. You are working hard to support and promote tourism for the local businesses that are sadly enduring a slow death.
Cheers,
MJ
Hi Mitch.
Thanks for the feedback. We appreciate it.
Aloha.
Kauai is still a cluster….
Until they get in line with the rest of the islands re: covid they will continue to lose lots of tourists dollars which cannot be recovered. I don’t know why the people don’t rise up and run the mayor out of town.
We are hopeful that by May a completed round of vaccinations will suffice for entry to Kauai with no other restrictions. We have our lodging and air fare booked. Otherwise it’s a no go; we can cancel without penalty up to mid-April. It will kill us to not to go to Kauai again this year after having the bottom fall out on us last May, but hey, there are plenty of other places we have yet to see.
I opting for no island at all. So sad. This is ridiculous.
We’re scheduled to come the last week in March and ultimately decided to stay in a bubble resort (The Marriott). We changed our flights on Alaska at no charge to extend our trip and the hotel was about $1000 for 3 nights (would have been $800 if we chose non-refundable). The testing will be an additional $600 for our family. I know it makes more sense to others to just go to another island, but for us that likely would be even more of an added cost (we’re traveling with another family of 4) not to mention finding flights from the mainland to another island and then the cost to fly between islands. The Marriott resort and especially their pool is large enough to keep the kids (ages 7-10) happy for a few days until we can test out. The bracelet cost is not that bad considering the Marriott offers the first at no charge under the resort fee and kids under 15 don’t have to have one. So $75 for our family of three since one bracelet is $100 and includes a $25 food credit. They also have a few more on site food options available compared to others, some of which have none at all. They also have 2 testing times available (8-9 and 5-6 onsite for a flat $200/test), so we won’t have to book a fourth night unless our incoming flight is significantly delayed.
Our direct flights were canceled this week but we were able to find connecting flights from California through Seattle that weren’t too bad duration wise. Trying to stay positive and hope that everyone just tests negative both times, that’s more stressful than anything else in my opinion. Never worked so hard for a vacation, but I can’t complain as we’re opting to travel during this mess.
No vacation is worth the hassle being presented by hawaii….
Ah. Such a tangled web we weave.
If according to the statement in your article. “Furthermore, you must provide proof of a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of inter-island travel to Lihue. These test results need to be uploaded to the state’s Safe Travels website/program.”
Circumstance: I have been on Kauai for more than thirty days and travel to the big island for 7 days and return to Kauai.
Do I have to get another COVID test?
Is a COVID test required my all people returning to Kauai from another island?
Yes…you will need another test (as well as the one to get you to the Big Island) but you won’t have to quarantine. I live on Oahu and have to get a covid test for any other island. Thank goodness, I don’t need a repeat to come back here.
We are flying to Maui from Phoenix in April. Can you recommend a testing site that is best to return results in 72 hours in the Phoenix area?
Thanks in advance.
Hi Anne.
Perhaps someone else who is familiar with the Phoenix testing options can give us a hand.
Aloha.
We are getting tested at PHX airport through Hawaiian Airlines. You need an appointment. It is in terminal 4.
I would advise going a day or two before you fly.
They test 9-5. If you have an early flight it won’t work same day. Check the airlines website.
Mahalo.
Hi Denise.
Thanks for the update on PHX testing.
Aloha.
Get tested at the airport 72 hours in advance of your flight. They guarantee the results in less than 72 hours. Walgreens and CVS wouldn’t guarantee the results in time. Make an appointment!!! I we got our results in an hour! Xpress clinic is a trusted testing partner for Hawaii.
Xprescheck at the airport.$200.00 but results in 30 minutes just used them flying to kona.
Anne
I noticed that Walgreen’s has 10 locations in the Phoenix area for the, ” Covid Rapid Diagnostic Test (ID NOW)”. Results come back in less than 24 hours, usually 2/3 hours. Go to the Walgreens.com site and look under, Covid 19 Testing & Locations. Start with your state and city you live in. The red button will show you the locations for the rapid test, do not use the PCR test. There’s going to be a 72 hour sign up before you need the test.You will be competing with others. You will need to time your test, as to be within 72 hours of your flight departure time to Hawaii. As you look at the questionnaire pages you will have a better understanding. Your test results will need to uploaded to your Hawaii Safe Travels site and 24 hours before you leave, Safe Travels will have a questionnaire for you, that’s how you will get your QR code. Also, make sure you print out a hard copy of your tests results, you will want it. Walgreens also has a 800 number. Many of the airlines also offer Rapid covid test
Aloha and good luck.
ANNE and ROY H…
Thanks, Roy, for the info but I’d like to clarify a few things for Anne. #1: Check your locality for Rapid Testing. In our state, neither CVS nor Walgreens offer Rapid Testing anywhere in our state including our metro area of 900,000! #2: At least in our state, Walgreens and CVS only allow for appointments 2 days in advance so they are useless as a source. #3: Upload your test results ASAP but don’t fret if you can’t do it 24 hours in advance of travel – the site has actually had issues with uploading – but DO MAKE SURE to carry a hard copy you can present to the officials. #4: Yes, many of the airlines offer Rapid Testing but only at major – major – airports like LA, etc. Even in Phoenix, there is no Rapid Testing offered by an airline. In Phoenix, there is an Xprescheck location in Terminal 4 available for any traveller and, the last I looked, you can make reservations months in advance. They are expensive, however and, again, last I looked, are only open Thursday-Monday. HOWEVER!!! Kauai will honor test results from other than “Trusted Partners” and here locally, I got my test results in 36 hours from a pathology lab conducting testing. Please verify that is still the case and check out local labs. Good Luck!
I hope I’m wrong, but here is my take: Kauai’s mayor Kawakami has dug himself so deep into this bubble (he’s got special deals with these hotels and labs perhaps?) that only way he can save face is to keep Kauai in isolation until the legislature forces him to go with Safe Travels. Then he will continue to be the “hero” to those frightened locals – he “tried” to save them, right?
He continues silence, except to read the same 0 Covid numbers each day. He did suggest to local businesses to join a webinar to find ways to get more federal government loans and grants. What a leader…
Yep, just like the Michigan Governor! Dug hole too deep and won’t let up as to look “weak.” Ridiculous and very very sad.
If you only have 6-7 days to stay for your entire vacation the stay on another island prior to flying over to Kauai doesn’t pencil out well. If you can stay longer than the inter island transfer thing seems less stressful and easier. However, I am leery of how much the hotels charge for their testings – $200 or more seems quite high. But then again if you can afford $800/night plus taxes, resort fees etc. than the high cost of the tests are probably a moot point. Thank you.
We’ve opted to forget Hawaii altogether. Maybe, and that’s a BIG maybe, 2022.
For spring break, we decided to go to Maui instead of paying the high rates at the resort bubbles and to possibly spend an extra night in quarantine. The flights are cheaper to the other islands which offsets the cost of the inter island flight. My biggest issue as a Kauai homeowner is that they won’t let us quarantine in our home. I’m sure Maui will be more than happy to have us spend money on them anyways!
Ok. Tried the bubble. Not impressed. Not safe. People congregate together. Kauai marriott guests can go to dukes restaurant. And sit with other guests. Hotel staff do not stay at hotel to keep people safe. They leave work. Go home. Go to costco. Go to walmart. Get gas. And then associate with eqm guests!!! People would feel and be safer in their own home or condo or rental for 3 days with a quarantine bracelet. You are much safer. The mayor is taking advantage of the tourists to gouge them. Not helping the homeless. Not helping the small business. They are being encouraged to file for bankruptcy. The island of kauai is dying a slow death.
Thanks Marjorie. This is what ive been complaining about with Hawaii since the beginning.
The focus has never been in the right place on the issues facing Hawaii. Hawaii would rather bite the hand that feeds them by blaming the usa and tourists for all the problems.
Hawaii has never addressed the inability to lead during a pandemic and even normal times. It makes people like me sad to have lived in a place that is not progressive or making any positive changes.
The message has been received and clearly understood. Kauai doesn’t want tourists. I and my credit card will be vacationing elsewhere.
While I love visiting Kauai and it’s my favorite Island, I usually only am able to stay for a week. I usually go every other year, with 2020 being a year to travel. Well we all know how that turned out. I guess it’s safe to say that I won’t be heading back anytime soon despite being completely vaccinated. Apparently that doesn’t even factor into the equation. A 4 night quarantine would be ridiculous for vaccinated guests who can bring proof.
I would hope that, at some point, Hawaii will accept proof of vaccinations, in lieu of negative test results, as criteria for travel to the islands.
For those coming to Kauai, can anyone supply a list of where to get tested on the other islands that have a fast turnaround time? Molla
My wife and I did our honeymoon on Maui over 40 years ago. We had planned to go again last Fall. We thought things would be better for this year but it’s not looking so. Not going if we have to spend lots of time (and money) getting tested and retested or quarenteeing.
Can you go to Maui take the test anytime 72 hours before you go to Kauai? Or do you have to wAit 72 hours before you fly to Kauai then get tested? Is there a rapid test anywhere there?
I will not spend one night in quarantine! I’ll take my vacation money to a Mexican resort!!!
Yes or usvi or Florida keys or orlando. Hawaii really missed a golden opportunity to boost tourism dollars. It could then use these dollars to help feed people and pay unemployment and build affordable housing for residents.
Instead of keeping their mouths shut or encouraged tourism, tourists and usa get the middle finger because of hawaiian cultural beleifs. They cling to the idea that hawaii was stolen around 100 years ago. Most of those people are now dead so really its a moot point.
My head is spinning from all the changes and conflicting rules.
How about people flying into Lihue who already have gotten 2 vaccine shots?
I own a condo on Kauai and may sell it unless the major of Kauai and governor both lose their next election.
Really a sad state of affairs.
We are rescheduled from last April to this April. I just changed my flight to come 3 days earlier and we plan on staying in Honolulu. This way we can go to the beach and and enjoy the warm fresh air. Coming from Alaska we are ready for the heat. I would assume not many people will do the resort bubble option. I would rather Kauai get my money but as of right now Honolulu will be receiving the money.
What if you got Vaccinated? do you still have to do the bubble?
KIM
Mahalo. Are there any plans to allow air arrivals to Kauai directly from the mainland. Like Dallas or Phoenix? I have reservations for Feb 24 from Phoenix to Kauai. Thanks!
Hi Joy.
There is no word on any changes to Kauai’s current situation. We’ll update you with anything we learn.
Aloha.
Kauai’s inimitable travel restrictions have significantly reduced the availability of direct flights. It was announced a couple of days ago that Southwest Airlines has discontinued direct flights to Kauai between March and May 2021. If you fly SWA to Kauai, you have to fly first to HNL and take an inter-island flight to LIH. (Not sure how their schedule is affected for Feb – the announcement didn’t specify).
American Airlines’ March schedule also shows reduced direct-to-Kauai flights, but they are still offering direct flights from LAX and Phoenix.
As long as the “stay 3-4 days on another island first and get a second test” program is in place, it’s a much better bet to fly to HNL first in any event – rather than take a direct flight to LIH and quarantine either 10 days in a hotel or 3 days in a bubble….
I believe SWA canceled most to all of their non stops to LIH back in early December, after the opt-out. They are just extending their “opt out” through May. I don’t blame them, but it sucks for us, because we prefer to fly them back to mainland. Last time I checked, their earliest daily LIH to HNL flight is too late to make the connection for same day flight from HNL to mainland.
Rob & Jeff: Maybe you know the answer? Which if any airlines are currently flying NS from LIH to mainland (anywhere), and which days of the week?
Thanks!
Hi David.
Thanks for making it an even 225 comments 🙂 Delta from LAX daily and from Seattle some days (schedule so weird making it hard to say how many times a week). Also United daily from SFO.
Aloha.
Ended up booking AA redeye nonstop from LIH to PHX (then PHX to LAX, LAX to JAC).
Based on the seat selection menu, it will be a mostly empty flight. Hate red eyes, but beggars choosers, etc.
Thanks for the updated information. My wife and I are Covid-recovered. We have also now been vaccinated with the 2 Pfizer doses. Will this be factored into the bubble policy moving forward? We plan to visit in August.
Hi John.
We are waiting for more information on travel for those who have been vaccinated. It was last stated that it could begin in spring (earlier it was to begin in February). We’ll update as soon as we learn more.
Aloha.
Mahalo.
Who really cares about the resort bubbles? You could 100 more and no one will come.
thanks, I am considering changing my plans to stay on Maui for 3 nights prior to heading to Kauai however I am concerned about the availability of testing on Maui on the third day and of course the uncertainty of turn around time with test results. I wonder if in the near future there will be exemptions for those who have been vaccinated or if a reduction in case numbers will make a difference. There are so many hoops to jump through we may just take our family of five to Maui or even the Caribbean instead. So sad. I don’t blame the people of Kauai for wanting to remain safe I just wish it was a bit more organized to ensure a smoother program.
Hi Lisa.
Certainly, changes to Safe Travels lie ahead. It doesn’t seem as though those with be forthcoming for a period of time yet. That will include travel rules for those who have been vaccinated. The latest word is that could occur by Spring.
Aloha.
I think I have a minority viewpoint here, but I am impressed with how Kauai has kept COVID off their island. Sure business is hurting because of the lack of tourists, but back home in California where Covid is running rampant and travel is unrestricted, businesses are also hurting and people are getting sick and worse.
In Kauai, schools are open and people who are high risk can be out and about.
We visited Kauai over the holidays and it was great. It was uncrowded and many places were open. It was wonderful being in a relatively covid-free place. I’d go back in a heartbeat if I could make it work and wouldn’t mind wearing a bracelet for three days while lounging at a pool.
If we arrive in HNL and stay for over 72 hrs, is there a Hawaiian Airlines testing site at HNL Airport to get a quick COVID test to travel to Kauai?
There are several test sites in Honolulu but I think not inside the airport itself. We opted for a test close to our condo in Waikiki since it was walkable and we could schedule it exactly at the 72 hour point.
Yes at the end of terminal 2 past baggage claim. Same area as group tours. It is run by the national kidney foundation of Hawaii. It is the fast test…you get the results the same day. Here is the website…You can pay in advance but it is walk in.
kidneyhi.org/covid-19-testing-screening
thanks, Does anyone know if there is a test site in Maui that gives same day results?
Thanks to Christine. Those tests in the HNL airport are a lot less expensive than the one we took at Urgent Care Hawaii in Waikiki, but have limited hours of availability (mornings only at the airport): kidneyhi.org/covid-19-testing-screening
I’m also interested in whether there’s a rapid test available in Maui (or one might get started up soon). There are various providers in Maui listed at hawaiicovid19.com/travel-partners/#partners-hawaii but so far I am only seeing PCR testing (which is not rapid) there. This makes the option of spending a few days on Maui ahead of Kauai less attractive (unless you want to spend a lot of days on Maui).
Phillippa K
Actually hours at the airport are until midnight…not noon.