A bill just put before the Hawaii legislature seeks to provide vaccinated visitors the ability to come to Hawaii without further testing. Hawaii still has mandatory mask wearing for locals and visitors. You have asked about this repeatedly, and the State Senate wants to put pressure on Governor Ige to act sooner than later.
Senate Resolution 53 says it is “Urging the governor to allow travelers arriving at points within Hawaii, including interisland travelers, to bypass the mandatory ten-day quarantine if they provide proof that they received both doses of a covid-19 vaccine.” (We think they forgot to include the one dose, Johnson and Johnson).
One of the bill’s authors, State Senator Donna Kim, wants to help reopen Hawaii travel safely. The only requirement would be proof of completed vaccination. Kim said, “With over 400,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine administered statewide, our policies need to be reflective of not just our mass vaccination efforts, but of the medical advice from the CDC. By easing travel restrictions for vaccinated individuals, we can provide a safe approach to reopening our tourism industry and rebooting our economy.”
Governor Ige and Lt. Governor Green, to our knowledge, has not yet commented on the bill, which is intended to allow both mainland and interisland travel exemption for fully vaccinated individuals.
The resolution would not be legally binding by itself but rather is intended to put pressure on the dawdling governor, who has been ruling via his emergency powers regarding COVID in the past year.
Yesterday’s CDC Update omitted Hawaii travel guidance, although both had been expected, and it is slated to happen soon. Governor Ige said yesterday that a change to Safe Travels to include a testing exemption for vaccinated visitors could come as early as May. Previously he’d intimated a timeframe of from spring through summer. For now, there is no assurance of any date for this change to occur. The governor said yesterday that he expects to see widely administered vaccinations by May, which will be his signal to make changes in the Safe Travels program. He said, “That’s about the timeline that we may be looking at changes when the majority are vaccinated, and we don’t see the spread of the virus at the levels we are (at) right now.
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I know that this is off subject, but we’re wondering why rental car prices are double what they were for our last trip in 2019. We are planning an August trip to Maui. Do you think prices will come down eventually?
Had to cancel 50th Anniversary trip for this past November. Still looking to get to Maui in May, and both of us will be vaccinated with both doses before then. We will be traveling from East Coast of Mainland USA, and the current pre-flight testing requirement is confusing. Is it 72hrs before we begin our trip, or 72hrs before our final leg that we must test negative? A vaccination passport would make this a lot easier, as the need to get the results before starting the travel will be difficult.
Hi Joseph.
Without any plans for a vaccination passport yet, you will need to comply with testing to avoid quarantine. You need to test with a Trusted Partner only within 72 hours of your flight which goes from the mainland to Hawaii.
Aloha.
I just got the one dose J&J vaccine yesterday. Knowing Hawaii they will not put the J&J people in their no quarantine bill. Hawaii needs to get up to date with science.
Please answer. Will an 18 year old need vaccinations to travel to Hawaii??
Hi Julie.
At present, the exemptions to quarantine are for those tested, and there is no vaccination exemption yet. Having said that, yes, the minimum age for required testing is 5 years.
Aloha.
Hi!
My daughter is 4, how does this policy apply if children are under 5? Do they automatically have to quarantine or does this mean they do not have to take the 72 hour test and will not have to quarantine once on the island? Thank you for clarifying! Also, what is the most accurate website for Hawaii travel information (besides your site of course). I have found conflicting information on the Hawaiian governments’ own COVID webpages.
Hi Linsay.
Under 5 will have no requirements for testing or quarantine at this time. The most authoritative site is https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel/.
Aloha.
Thank you so much!
Vaccines are available to 16 and older so yes they would need to be vaccinated.
I’ll be visiting my daughter in Maui in May and I must say your requirements are certainly confusing. I’m fully vaccinated and very healthy. Can you help me?
Dear Marlene, as of right now in order to travel to Hawaii you have to supply a negative covid test result.
Excellent. The vaccine passport is a great idea. We are hoping to come in June and supposedly we will get our vaccines here in oregon in may! Do your part. Wear a mask, socially distance and get that damned vaccine! So we can all get back to normal finally
Darn looks like we will miss the vacciation passport! We will be vaccinated by the time of travel. Interval Int told me that I would lose my two weeks at the Ko Olina Marriott if I didnt use them now. They were already rescheduled from last year which was covid cancelled. So now we are planning on coming on April 24 for two weeks. The resort only lets you use the pool or a beach chair for two hours a day. You have to make the reservation 24 hours in advance.fun times. We will wear our vacay masks and deal but the bigger issue is finding a trusted testing partner in rural upstate NY where there are more cows than people. the only test I could find that promises results in time is in Rochester NY and will involve four hours in the car. ugh I wish I could just go to my urgent care but they arent on the list. Local walgreens says results in 7 days.If I wasnt so averse to losing our vacation weeks, I would just stay home. Crazy time to travel. Are there any restrictions at beaches like Kailua or turtle bay’s beach? If we bring our own chairs will we be able to swim and snorkel like usual?
Aloha
The update is welcome. I , too, wonder about the expiration date of a vaccine. I was led to believe by CDC and Dr Fouchi, that a vaccine would protect a person for a long time- maybe a year or more.
The scientific information is lacking on the timeline of protection a vaccine provides.
Wish we knew more….
Judy R
Aloha🌸 So if you don’t want that poison and experiment Vaccine in your body you need to quarantine for 10 days? What about the PCR test 72 hours is that still going to be good? I hope They are not going to punish people if they don’t want the vaccine. Mahalo
Hi KD.
Yes, testing is the only current exemption to quarantine. That has not changed.
Aloha.
why do you not want the vaccine? Do you not believe in science? I suppose you have never been vaccinated for anything? Seems very unsafe to me
These vaccines are experimental, have only Emergency Use Authotization (EUA) and only a few months of safety and efficacy data. We have no idea what longterm complications there may be. Add to that the fact that the pharm companies are protected from lawsuits under the Emergency Preparedness Act of 2005, and that protection is permanent, I see lots of issues with taking these vaccs. If the J&J vacs looks good in 2 to 3 years, I would consider it, but I will never take any mrna vaccs. Miss Maui and Kauai but I will not risk my longterm health to travel.
Aloha Lynn. Your mostly intelligent observations came close to the anti-vax cliff in your misunderstanding the science and development of mRNA. The idea of introduction diving an antibody alert protein into the spike of the CV has been around since 2000. Your opinions should be heard, just not your complete understanding of microbiology. The mRNA is higher in efficacy because of its approach to defeating the virus.
Thanks James for the information and thanks beat of Hawai’i for this great Hawai’i travel blog , I do think that if you don’t want the vaccine then of course don’t get the vaccine but don’t expect the state of Hawai’i to cater to your beliefs , you will for the foreseeable future need to quarantine or get the pre travel test . With so much of the population deciding on not getting the vaccine the possibility of a third wave of covid as Europe is experiencing now is quite possibly in the USA soon . Hawai’i must protect is vulnerable residents and travelers can come to Hawai’i but don’t expect Hawai’i to adjust their safeguards . This is just a guess but I expect the quarantine to be in place for all of 2021.
Hi Tim.
Thanks. Appreciate the input on vaccine travel and quarantine.
Aloha.
Wasn’t it VP Elect Harris who told us a few short months ago that “she wouldn’t be getting the Trump Vaccine anytime soon”. I wonder how many thousands of people are not getting the vaccine because of her irresponsible statement?
Aloha Curtis. Memories may be short. Context matters. Harris observed Donald’s irresponsible intrusions into vax development in an obvious attempt to juice his failed run for a second term. Personally, if Donald had stamped his approval ahead of the FDA, I would have taken that same action. Would you take his word over the FDA?
no she never said that stop watching fixed news and get some real news, PS this is not supposed to be a political site. Dont like the vaccine or dont want to get it fine by us but stop complaining about it
I’m getting my second dose of Pfizer this coming Monday Paul. I’m a firm believer in vaccines, no matter who is in the White House. Unfortunately, VP Harris didn’t feel that way a few months ago and did a disservice to the American public.
can you source that comment you indicate she made? I did a full search for it and didn’t find anything connotation wise that way?! Good for you on the Vaccine. I cannot wait. I miss my granddaughters most!
Once again let provide the actual contest of her remarks. At the time Donald declared that he wanted to rush the vaccine out of production. What Harris said was that in no way would she submit to a vaccine that was rushed or politically influenced. She would wait for a full, FDA sanctioned vaccine.
Thank you so much for keeping me updated on all the changes that are going on. However it looks like I will never be returning to Hawaii as I refuse to get the vaccination and I feel it’s extremely unconstitutional to tell me that I am mandated to get a vaccine that can harm me just to be able to travel to one of the 50 states in the United States. If you truly do the research getting the vaccine does not stop you from carrying the virus and or getting the virus again. They have stated many times getting the vaccination does not mean you can go out in public without a mask without social distancing and you still can’t have large groups together. So why would Hawaii think being vaccinated is going to protect them.
good glad you are not coming back ever. Guess what this is going to spread across nations and even in our own country so I would advise getting the vaccine
Agreed 100%!
The Big Island of Hawai’i needs to speed up the process of having their residents and long term stay 70 plus residents get vaccinated.
At this moment, it is a not moving quickly enough.
We registered through the proper site and we have to wait 5 days just to get a call to make the appointment.
Please let me know if there is a quicker way or place near Kailua Kona to get the vaccine.
We have been here 2 and a half months.
Thank you.🌺
I certainly hope by May this happens. We have 30 people coming to big island and a covid test is so stupid. The day after a test you can get exposed. It’s extreme expensive as well. Most of our group will be vaccinated so hope a vaccination passport will be accepted. Having to get a test is discouraging tourist to visit the islands. After all…Hawaii is part of the USA and we don’t need tests to travel from state to state.
Thank you!
Diane
Understand your frustration, but would probably avoid travel to Texas, Florida and 14 other pandemic denying states as well.
Diane,
The vaccine should not cost you a thing. Neither should the covid test. I have taken several covid tests and not paid for one. Also Hawaii is an isolated island much different than the rest of the USA. So to say just because they are part of the USA that they cannot have different rules. Several states are requiring quarantine not just Hawaii.
Thanks Paul! I hope you are right. A friend said their test to travel to Hawaii was $120. We live in a small coastal town on the Oregon coast so we will have to research what pharmacy’s are approved for the StaySafe website.
On another note…so happy we reserved our car last May! Costs of car rentals have doubled! Unbelievable.
Diane K
Mahalo…long over do. I have two related questions:
1. I am assuming visitors/family can arrive without a negative COVID 19 test result and
2. What evidence will be valid for proving one has had both shots.
Aloha, Snap
Kaneohe
Hi Snap.
Those who arrive without an approved negative test result are required to quarantine at this time. We too assume that will no longer be the case for those fully vaccinated, in the near future. As for evidence, we will have to wait, but we know that Hawaii plans to implement CommonPass.
Aloha.
Thank you for updates
From above: “The governor said yesterday that he expects to see widely administered vaccinations by May, which will be his signal to make changes in the Safe Travels program. He said, “That’s about the timeline that we may be looking at changes when the majority are vaccinated, and we don’t see the spread of the virus at the levels we are (at) right now.”
From the State. Positivity rate 1.1% (Kauai 0.3%)
would you rather it be 10 or 50%? There is a reason its that low.
Mandatory Vaccines on it’s face are wrong.
You dont want to travel or leave your home fine DONT get one. Otherwise you need to get one so we can all get back to normal life
There is no mandatory vaccination discussed. The subject is exemption from other processes (quarantine, negative COVID test).
Vaccine will be option not a requirement I think in order to travel to Hawaii
But wondering if the bill will still include only vaccinated folks within the past 2 or 3 months? Will we need to get vaccinated again if we want to return in a year? So many questions!
Dear Joy, yes I think the covid vaccine will be an every year thing so yes you will most likely have to do it again. I’m planning my life long dream vacation trip to Oahu next year & I’m a teacher so I’m now fully vaccinated(for this year).
Who are the visitors likely to be? Elderly people who have had their vaccines. They have money to travel, and once vaccinated, feel they can do it safely. The state of Hawaii needs to realize that vaccinated tourists (visitors) will begin pumping $$$$ into their economy. Time to move forward…..as for me, I am flying to Kona in the early morning hours! Aloha!
I am not “ederly.” Not everyone who has had the vaccine fits in this category.
Dear KL, have safe travels! I’m planning my life long dream vacation trip to Oahu next year!!♡♡♡ I’m so very excited I just can’t wait! I’m a teacher & fully vaccinated now. I definitely will be helping the Hawaii economy by spending $$!! God bless♡♡
Following
For those decrying Hawaii’s approach to resident and visitor safety, I can’t help but observe that ALL mask mandates, social distancing and restrictions on indoor crowd size will become history soon (tomorrow in Texas). What these pandemic deniers fail to realize that they are simply inviting more cases, more costs, and one more reason for Hawaii to be cautious about allowing mainland visitors. Even a vaccinated individual can get infected, and there is no guarantee that such infections are not transmitted during a five-nine hour flight from the pandemic denying states.
As for the vaccine passport, IMHO there needs to be one more layer beyond travel. In those pandemic denying states, businesses should unite and require a mask as the price of admission. If said businesses don’t unite around a universal masking policy, they are likely to confront 2nd Amendment types that get huffy and begin to take their “freedom” message to extremes on employees. Has already started to happen in Texas. Costco and Walmart better beef up security beyond elderly greeters.
What will the rules be for children.
Instead of following the CDC, that follows politics not science having flipped flopped on many issues, the science says you’re very unlikely to get the wahun flu if you have been vaccinated so how about no tests, and no masks, That would drive the tourists numbers up to refloat HI economy and put the state on equal footing as FL, TX, and soon to be NV.
Remember I have been saying Ige like a deer in the headlights? Total incompetence. Killing the good folks of Hawaii. Shame on him
Not to look the proverbial gift horse in the mouth … but will the Vaccination plan still be under the “must be fully vaccinated no more than 3-mos before travel?” If so, the Vaccination plan, while great, will be flawed for those who have received both doses already. In other words, anyone fully vaccinated now, for example, will still have to be pre-travel tested if they have a trip booked in July.
Hi Tracy.
Yes, that is one of the pivotal issues the state is facing. We hope to know more soon.
Aloha.
aloha thanks for the info
so whats the plan, do we just need to provide a copy of our vax card?
Hi Jamie.
We will have to await updates from the state as their plan comes to fruition.
Aloha.
Governor Ige is making it impossible for Hawaii to rebound!!
Crossing our fingers for our two week trip to the Big Island in the middle of May. This is such promising news. We will still wear masks and practice social distancing – it’s become our new way of life!!!!
YES!!! Sooner rather than LATER!!! Many of us are fully vaccinated and own homes in the islands. It is unfair to penalize us to further expense, testing and stress. Totally out of line!! We want to come and support the islands we love. Now that KAWAKAMI has come to his senses after ruining the Garden Island and as other states are opening traveling and easing restrictions it is time to rebuild our American economy !!!AMEN
Hello my name is Andrea & I’m planning my life long dream trip to Oahu next year! I’m a teacher in daycare & now fully vaccinated! I’ve been waiting on the vaccine passport because I’m using the rest of this year to save $$ & plus too I don’t want the extra stress of worrying about getting my test result in the 72 time frame! This will most likely be my only opportunity to come to Hawaii for my vacation & I’m definitely not going to miss my trip.Stay safe & healthy:) God Bless you:)
I also cant wait to come to Oahu to help boost the economy!!:)♡♡
Have they eliminated having to be within 3 months of being fully vaccinated?n Thanks for any info!
Hi De O.
The state has made no decision and is awaiting word from the CDC on the duration of vaccine effectiveness. Hopefully soon.
Aloha.
Until the wonderful residents of Hawaii start pushing back at the governor immediately the state will not move forward. With an attitude of what are the locals going to do, FIRE ME. Please speak up for your rights.
Thank you for all your updates.
Why wait till May for vaccine passports for Hawaii?Many people have already been fully vaccinated.
Hi Sally.
We just report it, we don’t make the decisions or even fully understand the state’s process.
Aloha.
Other states are also starting the vaccine passports so I think that is a great idea!
I won’t be coming back to the Hawaiian Islands if vaccination is a requirement. I can accept evidence proving I do not have Covid, but requiring a vaccination is a violation of my human rights.
I think it would be an either/or. Vaccination would mean you wouldn’t have to test. Test would mean you wouldn’t have to vaccinate. Aloha!
Crystal Cruise line, and a few others, are requiring both vaccines and negative Covid tests. Even with vaccs, we know covid can still be contracted and spread. While we can take some precautions, viruses spread. It is simply a fact of life. Hawaii’s biggest problem, frankly, is a very poor-mostly Kaiser-medical system. We had planned to retire to Maui but the medical care simply is not good enough. So, just 2 or 3 trips per year of about 1 month each. When this mess is cleared up.
I think that it probably would be an option not a requirement. I read an article about that. Yes I do agree that it is the person’s choice.
SMH, can’t this Governor just make up his mind and realize he’s just crippling his own
state’s economy?? As much as I want to visit his state again I’m hesitant to do so because he can’t seem to make up his mind and make an executive decision about anything. It’s bi polar behavior on his behalf — one minute he says late summer, now maybe (and that’s a BIG MAYBE) it will happen this late spring. I have had both vaccines but refuse to visit for fear that he won’t change his mind yet again. I feel sorry for the resident’s of his state because they are the ones hurting, not him. He still draws his salary regardless, meanwhile; it’s hurting everyone else. Sounds like the residents need to rethink having him at the helm and maybe recall him.
Has there been any announcement about how children factor into all this mess? My husband and I are fully vaccinated but since there is no approved vaccine for children, they are not. Would we still have to quarantine? Is there a child exemption?
Our federal, state, and local governments need to recognize the vaccine as the most significant step one can take to prevent the spread of Covid. If the vaccine is not recognized as such, there is not much that has that potential.
I will be impatiently waiting for a pass prior to May 13. I truly hope that Hawaii government makes the vaccination a viable reason to be allowed to travel freely.
I think they will. Other states are now starting the vaccine passport. I’m planning my dream life long vacation trip to Oahu next year!! Take care of yourself, be safe, & healthy! God bless ♡♡
Seems very East German’esk to me. No Thanks. A lot more could be said and I’m sure will. Mahalo.
Aloha-I’m not sure how many people this will really help since I am guessing it will be for only travel during a period at least two weeks after your last shot to no more than three months after.
Jon
I read any article that Dr. Facui said the vaccine is good for 6 months but that hasn’t been official yet.
Mahalo for your continued updates. I don’t understand why the Governor continues to make such a mess of all of this, but the legislature needs to rescind his emergency powers, pass the “vaccine passport” legislation and get this moving (safely). People’s businesses are dying.
Hi Bill.
Thanks for your input on this vaccine situation.
Aloha.
Amen Bill!! I agree with you:) I’m planning my dream life long vacation trip to Oahu next year♡♡ I can’t wait. I’ve been waiting for the vaccine passport myself. Take care & God bless♡♡
Governor Ige needs to pull up his big boy pants and realize he needs to sign off on this. At least the travelers are being responsible