Excited as visitors and many if not most residents are about the return of Hawaii travel, lack of an essential, comprehensive marketing and arrivals campaign has resulted in visitors not knowing what to do. The state’s failure is also resulting in unneeded frustration for residents.
These police actions have been a result of not wearing masks or failure of social distancing, according to the Honolulu Police Department. This has already occurred in the past five days, since the pre-travel testing program allowed visitors to the islands without mandatory quarantine, for the first time since March.
Honolulu’s mayor is frustrated, and while not specifically pointing fingers said he was “Discouraged by the fact that our partners in the visitor industry have not started to educate visitors.” Adding, that this is “Going to create resentment between local and visitors.”
Some are suggesting a video played on all flights to Hawaii delineating the otherwise uber confusing island by island rules.
Beat of Hawaii: The mask policy is mostly the same on all of our islands. If you leave your room, house, or condo, mask up at all times if you are 5 or older, because you can’t guarantee there will always be 6′ social distancing. That means wearing a mask when you walk around your resort or on our streets, while visiting stores, going to the gym or beach, and dining at restaurants. Exceptions can vary by island. For example, Oahu requires masks even when you are with your family. If in doubt, wear a mask. It keeps everyone safer, both visitors and residents, so we can all work together and enjoy Hawaii.
It should be remembered, however, that visitors may in some ways be actually less of a concern than residents that gather in larger groups and have not themselves been tested one or more times the way visitors have.
John W. wrote this comment: “All Hawaii has to do is set up a good testing program, keep the mask and social distancing message going and we would be in a great position to get through this as well as possible. Nothing is going to be 100% full proof, you cannot totally eliminate the conspiracy nuts and some people just don’t care about anyone but themselves…….it’s up to the rest of us. Aloha to all.”
Hawaii Lodging’s Mufi Hannemann said, “I think what the test does from a perception point of view and the science ― at least no one is going to come in here without being able to verify some shape or form from this test that they are COVID-free.” He said that hotels have implemented education programs for guests. We have not heard what accommodations are doing in that regard, but please let us know.
While the lieutenant governor said that the state is doing the best job possible to inform visitors, a quick visit to the state’s visitor website paints a different picture. There we found little actual information, and nothing island-by-island to help. The site’s COVID page was largely related to testing procedures and timing, and the only a mention to “Socially distance, wear masks covering nose and mouth.” Green said, however, “We have made it very clear that upon entry that everyone has to wear a mask while they’re in Hawaii. They get instructions from our National Guard.”
Honolulu’s mayor and gubernatorial aspirant Caldwell believes “It’s incumbent on the visitor industry if they want to spread aloha, they have to make sure their guests are following all the required rules.” BOH: Our take is that the responsibility starts first with the state, followed by education at the stakeholder level.
Those of you who have already arrived and those who are coming, please let us know how you think we are doing here in Hawaii, and what suggestions you have for what is needed.
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Common sense tells us to wear a mask when we are indoor or outdoor close to one another,where I get annoyed is the mask wearers that come up on ya,like this is the solution,the mask is a layer of protection,but stop crowding because it’s the distance between us that is important, atleast until they have a better way…
A mask outdoors when your can keep a safe distance is a little much. I think I know how to be responsible
Hello, we are a family of four with a 4 year old and 1 year old. What is your advice for families traveling from California to Hawaii during the the December holidays? Shall we bypass it this year or go for it?
Best to reschedule it will be like a vacation at a detention center violate or state rules and they will bleed you bind
HAWAII: “Our state borders are closed, unless you follow very specific rules and fill out all of the required paperwork ahead of time. This is for the best interests and safety of our residents. If you dont want to follow the rules, don’t come.”
Are we all going to really act like this is not the EXACT SAME THING as the border wall between the US/Mexico and people being required to fill out the appropriate forms?
You can’t be against “border walls” for some but be for it when it benefits you.
Give Hawaii sovereignty back and cut the bank roll, if that’s what the people want.
Hello, I arrived on the 15th of October. I took my covid test on Wednesday and received my results on Sunday. I did the required check in daily with the state of Hawaii and quarantined at my sister’s house until I received my negative results which I received from the partnered company quest diagnostics on Sunday. I submitted my results to the official website and did not receive any further instructions o. What to do. I printed out my results and left quarantine, because I did have my test within the required 72 hr timetable. It would be nice to know specifically the rules o what to do with a negative test. When I arrived I asked the gal who administered my arrival and she said that I can travel after I receive my rwsults.
In regards to the mask policy, order 5 from the October 20th release by the Mayor’s office states
“ Order 5: Face coverings.
All individuals within the City shall wear face coverings while outdoors in public spaces when maintaining a physical distance of six (6) feet from other individuals (who are not members of the same household or living unit) is not feasible.”
This contradicts the information in this article, and may be some of the reason for the confusion.
I think that if everybody can get on the exact same page, it would be extremely helpful for locals and visitors going forward.
We all want to be safe and keep others safe.
It’s heartening that most people here are not anti mask narcissists and even some that appear anti mask seem to qualify it
with some of the over the top mask wearing going on …….driving alone in a car with a mask? I get it. You are not against masks, just how they are used.
If our country hadn’t devolved into such a divided politicized mess we could have come up with a unified strategy that would have had us working together, more people would be applying common sense mask and social distance usage and we could have been much further down the road on this.
Gotta love Sam Elliots message no matter who you are!
I call anti maskers Maskholes 🙂
Or holemasckers
Interesting that the Hawaii Visitor Association has put out a video promoting Hawaii and wearing masks yet no one in the video is wearing one, except a person at the end showing how to put a mask on.
We are going to Maui on November 7th. This has been a helpful article.
Thank you
Hi Matthew.
Glad it was useful. Have a great time on Maui.
Aloha.
No mask in the water, right?
How does one eat/drink with a mask?
Perhaps best to wait for a real vaccine…
Why is it HI is so far behind to actually learn the masks are totally ineffective . Seems like a concerted effort to mislead the people there. I wish that they would read and do the research for themselves . Sad to see the masses being deceived by their own leaders and local media
research clearly clearly shows that masks do help. I have been wearing mine 10 hours a day since March.
And I haven’t hardly used mine except for shopping, dont take this personal. But none of this seems to have a logical conclusion
If you have to have surgery you might want to tell the Doctors and Nurses that routinely wear masks that they can skip it.
You may be surprised by their answer…..all credible research states masks will greatly reduce the spread of the virus, no one says it’s 100%. The only sources debunking that fact are the conspiracy sites that are not based on science and research.
It’s so simple, if everyone was very diligent about common sense mask wearing we would have far fewer cases and far fewer deaths.
Incredible that we can’t all just wear our masks, practice common sense social distancing and get on with it.
That’s all we can do till there is a vaccine….Don’t get me started on the anti vax nuts, I guarantee the Q-anon/plandemic terrorists are already gearing up for that misinformation campaign. Sadly, while it’s easy to depersonalize statistics the reality is they will kill Americans with their misinformation.
Good luck to all, including those of you who have been victimized by the conspiracy “researchers”
Actually, they wear masks in surgery to protect them from splatter and patients with open wounds from bacteria.
Of course they do! And also for viral infection prevention, it’s why they wash their hands too.
I’ll put it another way, call your Doctors office, tell them you have a high fever and a cough and would like to come
in and don’t want to wear a mask…tell them they don’t need too also…..see how that goes.
Wearing a mask helps, a lot…..just because it’s not foolproof doesn’t mean it’s not a good idea.
It’s the best weapon we have.
Aloha Andrea! Hawaii is actually far ahead of the Country. Just look at their per capita numbers. According to the leading infectious disease specialist wearing masks along with hand washing and social distancing is the most effective tool we have to combat the Coronavirus. We may feel like we want to be over this virus but yhe virus isn’t over us. If people can’t comply to protect their fellow man they should stay home and stay safe! Mahalo!
Exactly! The problem with people “doing their own research” is that there is a lot of misinformation floating around out there.
To me it seems like using fear to condition training for obedience
Aloha Andrea,
Mask do prevent the spread and in our island we wear mask. If wearing a mask something you are unable to follow and comply please do not visit at this time
mahalo
We recently arrived from Massachusetts on the 16th. It was never explained that we should be wearing masks even when out walking around the city. It did become obvious to us just from looking around at everyone else wearing them. So we have. However, when visiting other parts of the island, where we could be assured we could maintain 6 feet or more of social distance,we would remove our masks.
Massachusetts has been very successful in keeping our rate low. At home we only wear masks in stores and buildings, wash/sanitize frequently, and maintain social distance. Outdoor mask wearing is not as common as it is here. While I don’t think it is necessary, I respect and will follow your States guidelines to help you lower your rate.
We have enjoyed our visit. Thank you for opening back up and we wish you much success.
Hi there aloha! So wearing a mask for sure is mandatory if u can’t social distance,that includes almost everywhere. But in Hawaii correct me if I am wrong u have to wear a mask going for a walk outside?,thanks dave
Hi David.
Are you talking about walking on a remote beach or in busy Waikiki? It is safest to assume you need a mask unless you are sure you can keep social distance.
Aloha.
okay i see so basically anywhere people r wear a mask ,but if totally alone not aloha thanks i love hawaii!!!
First, a huge thank you for all agencies and our government officials for keeping Hawaii the only state in the nation to be on the decline, as mentioned nightly on CNN. That being said, this is simply a matter of communication, not rocket science. No flight can come here without a fuel up, right? Then no flight should leave its airport until a gate announcement is made, then every pilot/ flight crew should read a script, every passenger should be given a printer set of rules while on board, and every hotel or other destination should have a basic discussion upon check in and another printed list of rules. Business begged to reopen; residents begged to go back to work. Then be responsible and just do it! And where is our visitors Bureau in all this? A video on board, a coordinated announcement at departure, on board, upon arrival, at check in? Why is that so difficult? Think, Act, Follow up. So irritating to hear something so simple become so Duh!
Hello, current traveler here. The rules are clear and readily available. There is zero excuse. People are lazy, and exploit situations when they are allowed. I say fines are the way to go.
Aloha! We plan to come very soon and infuse the Hawaiian economy any way we can. Shop & eat local for starters! I come from the restaurant industry and we have been through the ringer trying to adapt to all the mandates while keeping our doors open to support our economy, customers and staff. There are things to learn from mainlanders who having been doing this for the last 7 months. Have some conversation, let go of blame and try to support one another! Amongst the blue collar folks there are no winners. Just all of us in trenches together! One love my friends!
That’s laughable. Hawaii has the lowest rate in the nation and has kept it under control better than any state by far. The “mainlanders” have messed it up almost everywhere, and it’s getting worse.
Thanks.
exactly! And rates are going to go even higher as we go into the cold and flu season. Maybe we just have to let Covid19 and nature take its course with those who refuse to use mitigation measures that protect others. See thats the entire issue the mask protects others from you and I. Those anti maskers only care about their own selfish lives. Apparently they dont care if they kill grandpa and grandma as long as it doesnt affect them. I have 3 personal friends who have died from Covid19 its real.
I am glad you included the statement that incoming persons have been tested, in some cases, multiple times. In fact, visitors have more knowledge about their status than most residents. Hawaii’s numbers were increasing daily due to residents, not tourists.
Not all have been tested. We have been misled by our” representatives” Overand over. You can understand our trepidation.
Let’s cut to reality.The mask policy is pure propaganda and unenforceable. If your given a citation ask for a jury court. They will throw the ticket out.Happened to thousands of residents in Oahu already.
Secondly the mask does not protect you. It is NOT scientific. Take some water and drop it on your mask. It will go right through your mask. That’s why dentist wear shields. The virus is at molecular level. Smaller then a drop of water.It is pure propaganda to make up revenue. Sorry,but even Dr. Fauci and the CDC on their website agreed. But changed it for politics. Do not be harassed
The mandate has nolegal legislation to enforce in a court…Period
Aloha Franklin R. – I and many other fellow Americans and in particular Hawaiian residents do not share your viewpoint. Your mask protects me and my mask protects you. It is a sign of respect for you to wear your mask when you are in public. Dr. Fauci does believe in wearing masks and in social distancing. If you have been following the news, most recently his interview on 60 minutes, you would know what he believes. The reason why some of the smaller, less populated islands have not had a large number of infections is because we wear our masks in public. The islands are extremely isolated and do not have the resources to save the people should there be a large outbreak. If you do not want to be respectful and wear a mask (a simple request) then perhaps the islands are not the type of vacation you are looking for.
AMEN thank you for this comment. selfish self centered people think the world revolves only around them. Simple wear a damn mask.
Mahalo Donna!
It is the spirit of Aloha that will help us get past this nightmare. Show respect for one another and for the love of this beautiful gift from God wear a mask or stay home!
Sorry Donna but I disagree with you Franklin has a good argument. For one the so called Dr Fauci is a political fraud he has condoned madk wearing and had also stated they dont help that much and so has the cdc. Fauci has also been seen in public not social distancing at parties and at major sports events sitting with friends with masck off
I love Hawaii. This island state is unique in that it can realistically close its borders. Hawaii has rules for the safety of their island. If you don’t like / agree with the rules, you are free to stay home.
We must respect the rules/laws of any place we visit. That is common courtesy. Thank You.
Correction: the mask is made to protect others from you! And if everyone does it then the risk of infection is lower. That is is fact scientifically proven.
Also once in Roma do like Romans. Hawaii enforces masks, if you do not agree, do not travel to Hawaii and take your vacation somewhere flexible with this.
so Law and order unless you disagree with the law or order. Got it
I fully support masks outside if you can’t maintain social distance from strangers. But let’s get real masks being worn if you and your spouse are away from crowds is crazy.
Rob H – Mahalo for being supportive of wearing masks in appropriate situations. I, too, early on struggled with where and when to wear a mask. I am a hiker and it seemed silly to wear a mask on a trail when you are hiking. So, I always had my mask in my pocket, but if there were people coming towards me, I would put my mask on and try to step off the trail as far as possible as a sign of respect. When to wear a mask is really common sense. Again, mahalo for your aloha! You get it!
Thank you for providing comprehensive travel info.
CAn you clarify the mask policy. Do we have to wear masks when in the water?
Hi Paula.
No, you do not wear masks in the water. Everything else that we know is already listed.
Aloha.
Hawaii is doing a great job of figuring out and publishing what the people have to do who did not get their negative results right away. Thanks..Mahalo!
If you need to be masked everywhere outside your condo door, what do you do about snorkeling? Do you wear your mask over the top of your snorkel and snorkel mask? The same question applies to scuba diving. Do you wear your mask over your regulator? My condo doesnt offer diving or snorkeling inside the condo so it must be done outside the door. It’s a real question.
The research shows that masks are ineffective and actually cause bacterial pneumonia and other health problems so its ridiculous that people wear them. Just keep your distance and enjoy!
The mentality of fear and that everyone is our enemy will harm us in more ways that the virus!
Thank you
Stop spreading lies and propaganda. That is simply 100% untrue. Diane you are the very reason I wont be going anywhere because you have zero care in the world about anyone elses health. The mentality of do whatever the hell you want will harm you in more ways than the virus but Covid19 likes you.
Wearing a mask at the beach?? Are these people for real even fauci said that’s completely pointless! Symbolism over substance
Is the mask requirement a ‘law ‘,?
Greater success rate if so.
I think its selfish and ignorant of the tourists they know the rules get with the plan and be respectful..Your privileged to be there when so many suffering worldwide. Aloha.
Another thought, a lot of folks are totally on board with trying to do the right thing and are also realistically rolling with the punch’s
while traveling in an imperfect system. I would guess that’s most people from what I’ve seen. It’s called Aloha and it’s all about respect. They are being rewarded with an uncrowded Hawaii and wonderful people that appreciate you coming and have the time and motivation to make your experience a great one. Hawaii is a beautiful as ever, more so without crowds!
Sadly, in America there is currently a wave of narcissism and anger sweeping over it and it’s reflected in some some pretty ugly behavior. At it’s most extreme it surfaces as armed militia that are willing to kill politicians over the mask issue fueled by overt racism and hate.
Suffice to say that’s the total opposite of what Hawaii stands for and the Aloha spirit.
So if you are so angry about how Hawaii is dealing with this…..(and make no mistake the leaders have made some major screw ups on this, however, that said there was no rulebook going into this, they were all blindsided and just trying to do the best they could)……then you really are the kind of tourist that the locals are complaining about. It could be a win win deal if the majority of returning tourists are the ones with Aloha and we we lose the ones that think narcissism and hate are just fine and an effective way
to go through life.
I couldn’t have said it better!
Just a thought on the “Masks are stupid” folks on here….The testing is not 100% reliable, masks are not 100% reliable
and finally human nature being what it is, people are not 100% reliable to do the right thing. There are people that will flaunt the rules, there are people walking around violating the quarantine rule, there are people that believe the Q-anon “facts” or other conspiracy theories that prey on some peoples need for whatever……there is nothing that can 100% fix any of these issues. But the combination of testing and common sense masking and social distancing will keep us as safe as humanly possible. Every life saved is important.
Make sure the most vulnerable are protected and we can start the rebuilding.
Hawaii needs to make sure solid information is being given on the news and on planes and hotels. Make a film for travelers to see. Have an informative pamphlet available everywhere for people to receive. You must market the rules just like you market everything else.
I have been at the Kaui Marriott since October 9th. It was quiet and peaceful until October 15th. From my lanai now I see guests walking without their masks. I fear we will lose our privilege to be here if selfish people cause the Coronavirus to spread because they don’t like to wear a mask. Please stay home if you won’t wear a mask to protect others. We can all enjoy this beautiful place if we show Love and Aloha for all of our brothers and sisters. My quarantine will end @3:30 Friday afternoon. It will be well worth the wait to make sure we are all safe. Please wear your mask and social distance. Mahalo!!
Hi Nani.
Thanks for that update.
Aloha.
Thank you for being so respectful. I think it is worth mentioning that we have ONE HOSPITAL and that is a big concern for many.If you can understand that you will understand residents concern. Welcome to Maui🌺
The need for masks is because people with Covid19 can be showing no symptoms but are very contagious. You can also take your Covid19 test on the mainland and in the days between taking the test and traveling here you can contact the virus and not know it but be contagious! That’s why everyone needs to wear a mask. It’s not that hard.
Maybe the State should include COVID safety rules with the agricultural form. That would communicate the requirements at the onset of travel. Alternately, the airlines can make an announcement before landing outlining the safety rules.
“Exceptions are at the beach and while eating.” Why is there a photo circulating of Caldwell handing out masks on the beach?
The exceptions are “at the beach”, they are “while swimming”, and “when the mask could get wet”. At least according to the state website.
If we are at a resor at the pool, not the beach, do you have to wear a mask? Rules state no mask at beach only. Do we have to provide our air carrier with our negative test results in our to board our outgoing flight from the mainland? Heard some restaurants on Kauai refusing to let tourists dine there. Love a your updates but various factors still so fluid will put off coming until problems are worked out. Thank you.
Hi Kym.
This is still confusing for sure. We aren’t sure about the resort pool, so always be prepared to wear a mask. Oahu beaches do require masks when in close proximity with others.
Aloha.
so funny to see all thsoe y-anks whining and complaining.
You don’t like it, stay home and shut the f up
Leave those travelers who want to go, alone… and stop blaming the Hawaiian people
Masks are to protect others, the testing is not 100% accurate but it reduces the probability that you have it. Essentially the state has accepted the risk level of the test accuracy but by no means does it mean it is fool proof. Hawaii has been in lockdown for months and still have cases on the island so clearly it isn’t gone. The idea is risk management. And in the end, it shows respect to the law and regulations to the state.
Don’t know what is being communicated, but the pandemic is still here, so mask up, keep your physical distance. What’s so hard? We have been at this since March…
It boggles the mind how our state has had seven (7) months to prepare for this and we’re not prepared. Surely someone thought through how the return of our visitors could affect our island home and its inhabitants?! Task forces or committees of some sort ought to of been created to address at least the basics of how our islands have changed and how to disseminate that info to the masses?? E just can’t get out of our own way.
The government has been divided by Governor and lt governor who are obviously more rivals than working together. They have been pressed by business and citizens and all of us impatient Hawaii visitors to open. There is no easy answer here. I believe anyone violating mask rules or violating quarantine should face heavy fines and potential jail time. I live in Oregon and EVERYWHERE you go there are signs saying mask required to enter. Its as simple as each business airline you name it to make sure people are educated. Problem is the anti maskers the ones who no matter what dont care and wont follow any rules
Funny yall were complaining about Hawaii not opening up now your complaining now that they have opened up. Why does this all fall on the government? Why not everyone who wants to be open help educate visitors. And guess what if universal testing was available the locals could get a test too.
All I ask is be safe. Wear a mask Socially distance and sanitize sanitize sanitize.