We’d heard rumors and now it is confirmed. Kauai will rejoin the statewide Safe Travels program, starting April 5. The county has asked the governor for his approval, which will undoubtedly occur.
Starting April 5, the only requirement to visit Kauai will be, as with the other Hawaiian islands, to have a negative result from a “trusted partner” COVID test taken within 72 hours of departure to Kauai from the mainland. There will be no further requirements for travelers, according to the latest update. We assume that this will also eliminate all interisland requirements, but there was no update on that thus far.
This will also mark the end of the Kauai resort bubble program. That’s another issue in that hotels have invested in being part of that program, and in fact two hotels are just joining the program this month. They are Hanalei Colony Resort and the Lawai Beach Resort.
Kauai is rapidly performing vaccinations and the mayor said his request is based largely on that. Already, those in the hospitality industry have begun receiving immunizations. Mayor Kawakami said, “Kauai remains one of the safest places in the United States throughout the pandemic, thanks to the efforts of our community-minded residents and health-focused travel restrictions… At this time, more than 24,000 doses of vaccine have been administered.”
As you know, Kauai has been operating under its own rules since it requested to no longer be part of the state’s program.
Kauai’s economy is decimated, and should this reopening occur as planned, this will be great news for workers on the island.
Additionally, many Kauai hotels will be offering post-travel testing to those who want it. These will be optional.
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Peter G says
Thank for the information I have been going to kauai for 35 plus years . I love the place and the people. The last year has been rough I look forward to coming back. Thanks to all the people of kauai for having us back.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Peter.
We’re glad you will be returning to Kauai. Hope you have a great time.
Aloha.
Claudia S says
I’m on Kauai, but traveling tomorrow to see my nephew in Honolulu. If I come back on April 5, does that mean I don’t have to get a covid test to return to Kauai? Mahalo for all of your information!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Claudia.
We have seen no rule changes on interisland yet. Therefore, a test would be required within 72 hours of travel to Kauai (or Maui/Big Island).
Aloha.
Claudia S says
Mahalo. We were able to get our tests, to the tune of $125 apiece. Ah well. It was worth it to come to Honolulu to visit my nephew! (And my son’s cousin!) Aloha!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Claudia.
Thanks for letting us know. we’re happy your trip to Honolulu went well.
Aloha.
Scott Y says
Hello, I am flying with my family to Kauai On April 15th, we have a direct flight from SLC to HNL on delta then fly Hawaiian Airlines from HNL to Kauai 2 1/2 hours later. I am worried about testing with the intra-island quarantine. I read that I need to do two trips within the safe travels website, but does my test need to be within 72 hours from the time my flight takes off in HNL or just within the 72 hours of flight leaving Salt Lake? Also, worried that if I check bags and have to leave security in HNL that I will no longer be “in-transit” Anyone have any experience with this?
Marla S says
Go to FB and join the group Kauai community. The people in that group may be able to answer your concern.
Claudia S says
It’s within 72 hours of boarding your plane to Honolulu. Just remember to download your QR code, and I suggest you print your test results and bring them with you. Safe travels and have fun! Aloha!
Shanna K says
Greetings,
We are traveling from California to Kauai April 16th, and from what I am reading we will need to have documentation showing we are negative of COVID 19 72 hours prior to arriving. Is there anything else we need to adhere to? Are we good to stay at an AirBnB? Any tips, info is greatly appreciated.
Thank you so much.
Cheers!
Shanna
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Shanna.
The current program details are found here: https://beatofhawaii.com/ultimate-guide-to-hawaii-travel-during-covid/.
Aloha.
PJ A says
Hello! We are planning on arriving on Kauai on 4/4 and were planning on being part of the resort bubble program. With this program going away on 4/5, will this mean that as long as we have a negative test upon arrival that we our resort bubble will end on 4/5? I have been getting conflicting information from the hotel that we are staying about this. Thanks for any clarification you can provide…
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi PJ.
From our understanding, you will still be in the bubble resort for 72 hours from your arrival on 4/4. You can certainly check further with the hotel or with the County on that.
Aloha.
Cat W says
Alaska airlines cancelled our flight SEA-LIH for 4/4 so we are now flying direct ANC-OGG then spending three days and traveling to LIH from OGG. Where can I find inter island Covid rules? I understand LIH is open like the rest of the islands for arriving from the mainland. Now I’m just concerned about our time on Maui then to Kauai. Can anyone shed some light on this? Thank you in advance!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Cat.
At present, traveling from Maui to Kauai will require testing per Safe Travels within 72 hours of travel in order to avoid quarantine.
Aloha.
Nicole says
Does anyone know if a test will be needed though if time is spent on Maui first, then Kauai after 4/5? For example, if you are already tested before you leave the mainland and then stay on Maui. Then three days later you go to Kauai, do you need to take another test? There doesn’t seem to be any information on this anywhere!
JoDee P says
Yes you will have to test on Maui, most likely when you arrive so you have it when you leave the 3rd day for Kauai. Keep in mind you have to pay for the tests there too.
Nicole says
Thank you for the info! Does anyone know if you need to get a test if you are leaving Kaua’i and then passing through Maui airport back to the mainland? We wouldn’t be leaving the airport in Maui….it’s more like a layover but with a different carrier. We’re potentially looking at three different tests within a week so trying to be sure what the exact rules will be.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Nicole.
You should not require anything so long as you stay in transit. If in doubt, you can always check with Hawaii Safe Travels.
Aloha.