New order will impact all arriving mainland visitors to Maui.
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135 thoughts on “Maui Adds Mandatory On-Arrival Testing As Rules Change”
New order will impact all arriving mainland visitors to Maui.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
Has anyone taken an inter-island Covid test on Maui? We are planning to arrive on Maui on May 5, depart for Kauai on May 8, which means we have to get that inter-island Covid test right after we land in Maui. CVS Minute Clinic is listed on the inter-island trusted partners website with a cost of $139. (Not to be confused with Minit Medical which charges $175). I cannot find a phone number to ask how long results are currently taking. The website has the usual 1-3 days, but I would like to know if anyone has had a test there and how long it took for results. Really appreciate any input!
We are vaccinated and will take the vault test be fore arriving in Maui, Now I understand we have to take an additional test on landing. This is ridiculous but we will do it since we have no choice.
I want to know how this works and what happens if we test positive. Do we get to take another one? I ask this because the rapid test has a big percentage of false positives and we are going through a lot to get there and would no want to have it ruined by a false test.
Well, it is hard to stay on “travel” when we all know this is “politics”. Bunch of hogwash.
My family of 5 is booked for an early June trip to O’ahu for 6 nights, then 6 nights in Maui. So does this mean all 5 of us will have to get a second round of testing prior to leaving O’ahu to fly to Maui?
All the reading I’ve done on this subject indicates that it’s only for trans-pacific arrivees at Kahului. So will island hoppers who visit one of the other islands be able to skip this additional test?
My husband and I are going to Maui from 4/24/21 thru May 1st so we will probably have to get the second COVID test when we land in Maui. Is the test at the Maui airport a rapid test so we get our results in 15 mins? Do we wear a band on our wrist showing that we were cleared from having COVID?
Aloha BOH Bro’s
Heads up to those planning travel to Maui in the next several months if your plans include dining at one of the islands iconic restaurants you’d better make your reservation months ahead of time. One of Maui’s most iconic restaurants is already almost fully booked for July and most of Augusts early sunset bookings are filled.
Hi Richard.
Thanks for the heads up. That’s what we are hearing as well.
Aloha.
I was in Maui last month and had a great time. I was empathetic and respectful to the locals, and they were wonderful in return. It is obvious a sustainable model needs to be adopted that works to balance the high demand of those wanting to travel to this beautiful place, with the needs of the locals. My advice to visitors to ensure a fun trip, is to start with a bit of empathy for the locals. Imagine if your home town experienced the kind of influx they are seeing. My point here is to just provide some perspective, not to preach. Mahalo, Maui for welcoming me last month! The warmth of the island and the locals is much appreciated!
Funny how that the Lt. Governor who is a ER doctor has been muzzled and seems to not have any input, just Maui Mayor Victorino and Governor Ige. This has turned into a political good ole boys network. I guess the 18 billon dollar tourist industry (pre covid) doesn’t matter to a lame duck governor. Just follow the medical science!!!! It’s bad enough going thru OGG with all the construction and “show me your papers” checkpoint took us 45 minutes to get thru. A supervisor took half the line to another checkpoint to reduce the wait time.
Not a comment but a question: are there allowances or procedures for those of us who have been fully vaccinated? What about other islands? Thanks
Hi Pam.
Not at this time. That will be forthcoming.
Aloha.
Aloha, this is as unfortunate as the pandemic itself.
Our family on Maui have worked since the mid 70s plus generations of visitors to all the islands.
If we could “wave a magic wand” to ease your fearsof visiting any of our islands, we certainly would!
We miss our visitors in hospitality. We have always supported our neighbor islands of The Big Island of Hawaii,Oahu, Kauai, as well our Maui Nui.
Those of us fortunate enough to live & work here with visitors to enjoy the awesome beauty of each island within the Hawaiian Islands chain await with the world & bless everyones’overall health & happiness.
That day will come.
When it does for our family, Maui, we look forward in assisting our visitors again to enjoy the many awesome, historical & cultural sites
of very many beauiful places to visit on each of our islands.
We know each island is “unique” in their own right.
It is important we direct our visitors to whatever, where ever they request, to fullfill their dreams.
Regardless of which island.
Of importance to us are our “island visitors” to assist them in creating the best ever vacation in “sharing the beauty of each island.” It will be up to us to point our future visitors to places they ask or dream. We realize the vast significance each islands’beauty & cultural differnces as each presents themselves.
Island visitors spend a lot of time & more livihood,(many saved years),important we each devote our best overall knowledge each wish we can assist them with regardless of which island, each island “magnificent in its’ own right”, share our knowledge, culture, beauty & undying love within
Afterall, the pandemic,many visitors deserve the eternal love & grace within us all fortunate enough to live, work & make dreams come true whereever that may lead.
Each island bursts of its history, beauty & culture with appreciation & Aloha.
We are grateful so many visitors believe enough in us to persevere dignity & loyality to them as we do daily to one another.
Aloha & mahalo everyone from Maui.
It was our understanding “especially throughout the islands”, we were “all in this together:, I guess not”!
Mahalo for letting Mauians know how the Big Island of Hawaii and Oahu residents truly feel about the “people of Maui”. Unbelievable, not even in our hands, thanks everyone.
Mahalo! Your information, input and wisdom is priceless. We could not plan a trip to Lihue and Honolulu in September without your help. Aloha!
Hi Carl.
Thank you! Safe and happy travels to Oahu and Kauai.
Aloha.
We will be traveling to Kauai in June and was wondering if the Saliva test or mouth swab is acceptable for the COVID NAAT pre-test?
Thank you
Nancy
Hi Nancy.
Yes there are. Check out the Vault tests for example.
Aloha.
We used the test through Vault and it worked out well. Just have be careful if you are Are arriving on Tues or Wed due to weekend shipping.
Go to the OFFICAL Hawaii site for authorized providers.
David R, Dude, when did Hawaii become it”s our country. It’s part of the USA. Remember those checks people keep getting from the feds? (My taxes dollars) Your allowed to visit the mainland without all the restrictions.
I’m a resident of Kauai. My mainland family cancelled their trip to Kauai because of the unreasonable travel rules. Met them on Oahu and spent last week and our money there. It is sad to see so many closed Kauai business and restaurants. Got my required COVID test for the return to Kauai at the Kidney Foundation site at the Hawaiian Monarch Hotel with same day results. Highly recommend them. Very friendly and helpful staff.
My husband and I returned from our vacation in Maui on April5,2021. The restrictions imposed on incoming visitors regarding getting a Covid test from one of Hawaii’s authorized “ Trusted Travel Partners” within the specified timeframe was a hassle and expensive ($200.00 each) but we managed. While waiting for our results a woman and her 9 year old child came to the test site asking about getting a “ Third “ Covid test for her child. Apparently mother and child tested positive on their first test but husband was negative.Mother was negative on her second test but daughter was still positive.. All were asymptomatic. It made us wonder how many “ False Positive” tests have caused vacation plans to be cancelled at the last minute and how we would feel if we were one of this false positives. It gave us pause for sure and would probably make us rethink Hawaii in the future if these restrictions continue. Not worth the stress. Our hearts went put to that poor family.
When we were there last October, just after the Safe Travels program started, we waited in line over 2 hours just to show our negative test results. I can only imagine the wait times with this!
Did this mayor take some “acid” and screw her mind up? She acting as asinine as that idiot mayor in Kauai. Why do these politicians want to keep tourists away? They are showing their true colors Aloha is a joke….
We are going to be traveling in a week to Eugene, Oregon, to visit my 97 year old dad.
Both my husband I completed the Pfizer vaccination 2 weeks ago. As far as I know, we do not need to pre-test to enter Oregon but please let me know if we need to take the Covid NAAT pre-test before flying back to Oahu.
Mahalo
Lucinda
Hi Lucinda.
Yes you do.
Aloha.
Well, we’ll have to cancel our trip scheduled for May. After reading this we canceled our Luau, our 2 sailing trips and our Mothers Day dinner. Since the city and county of Maui cannot answer our questions about how long we will be forced to quarantine until the results return, we cannot hope that our excursions go as scheduled as we wait out the results from our resort. We have much kuleana for the islanders, already postponing our annual trip twice from last year, we were hoping that since more than a dozen mainland states have reopened no more restrictions would be added, just weeks before we arrive. We got our vaccinations for covid. We were ready for the pretrip test. But now, we are being asked to be locked up in our room for 48-72 (or more) even with these compliances. It saddens us and we wish those affected by the loss of income the best.
Aloha Nui to everyone who made the last 10 years wonderful.
But there are other places that needs our support instead.
I thought the second test at the airport was quick? You mean that we will have to quarantine until results come back from that? I’m not sure that I want to travel to Maui if that’s the case.
Do children under 5 have to be tested before arrival?
Clearly the COUNTRY of Maui doesn’t want visitors! I will take the hint and spend my vacation and cash elsewhere!
Ok, we’re fine with that. Thanks
Maui was well worth it when we went over the New Year. Everyone was kind & gracious The same with our Feb 2021 trip to the Big Island, where we did have to do an additional Rapid test upon arrival at the airport. We are going back to the Big Island in May to celebrate our 35th anniversary, again happy to comply with the state & individual island requirements. We will both be fully vaccinated & be still be taking the 72hr pre-departure Covid-19 tests for our QR code. We appreciate that health safety is a priority & makes us confident to visit. The hoops are a small price to pay to experience the island aloha. We make sure we thank all the people who are working hard to create a wonderful visit for us. Don’t blame the people for govt ineptitude. We are all free to spend our vacation dollars as we choose. Mahalo for all the info you provide us as visitors.
Hi Suzanna.
Thank you. We appreciate you sharing about your recent and upcoming experiences on the Big Island and your dozens of comments.
Aloha.
You have to “deal” with the “aftermath” of whining tourists? I’d say you must be wealthy enough to not care about the Hawaiian people needing to get back to work. If the islands would just quit changing the rules on a weekly basis it would make it easier to make decisions on whether to travel there or not. Whining, huh? I think I’ll spend my money where it’s appreciated.
Amen to that!
Cool, have a great time. And stop using our economy or lack of work to justify your selfish thoughts. After your lovely little 7 day holiday is pau, we, as residents still need to live here. We try our best to manage the caseload we have, and yes…many of the cases are returning residents or community spread…but not all of it. You expect us to show you Aloha, now return the favor and show us some. Thanks
Aloha and thanks for ALL of your timely updates! I was wondering if there is the option of not testing on the mainland and just testing once upon arrival? Please and mahalo niu for your answer!
Hi Sharon.
Thanks. No, that is not an option.
Aloha.
If Maui County requiring a post arrival Covid test, it seems to me that they don’t trust the pre-travel test from the mainland. So why bother with a pre-test? Just get tested upon arrival and save the cost and hassle of a pre arrival test!!
I’m fully vaccinated. CDC says I’m safe to travel without testing to Any State in the US. Last I checked Hawaii was a US State. Why vaccinate if your local government officials don’t follow CDC guidelines. Enough said.
I agree.What a waste of resources to mandate testing on those who are fully vaccinated.Let science and CDC determine how to proceed.
The mainland tourist are not the ones spreading COVID-19. on Hawaii. Do they have to test to come to Las Vegas?
The CDC also says to avoid all unnecessary travel. Thanks!
You can still be positive for Covid with a vaccination, it’s not foolproof!…
Excellent point
The Marriott Maui Ocean Club has been at 95% occupancy for the last two weeks, plus this upcoming week they are at 95% occupancy per the front desk staff. I can’t wait to see if there will be a major spike in positive tests in the next two to three weeks. To the people that are saying we don’t want you here is my 2 cents worth. I have owned my timeshare in Maui for 20+ years, I have invested in the island real estate. I had a choice of where I wanted to invest my money and choose Hawaii. My family and I have followed of the protocols for travel and enjoyed our last trip last week, and planning to can back at Thanksgiving this year. All of my traveling family have all of our shots and no positive covid tests over the last year. Thank you for reading my post.
One can only imagine the chaos that will ensue wherever they plan on doing the tests. There is NO area within the Kahului terminal large enough to pull this stunt off. So travelers luggage will be sitting on the carousels going round and round except NO carousel is big enough to handle an entire wide body aircraft’s full load of luggage without some bags being removed. Is his excellency going to provide additional security for the luggage area too? The power trips that the governor and mayors are on is beyond Ridiculous! Just more of “respect my authoriti”.
Please…tell me…what next for Maui to keep visitors from enjoying the beautiful island? The goalposts keep moving. Guess vaccinations aren’t good enough!
Thank you, BOH, for keeping us informed.
Hi Vicki.
Thanks. We appreciate your comments.
Aloha.
All children should be tested too, pre and, post arrival if under new rules.
Growing population of positives I hear.
This is exactly why I decided to give up on Hawaii 2021. How long before Maui or another island changes an “entry rule”? Now I am starting to think Hawaii will maintain an every changing landscape of entry barriers well into 2022…long after the pandemic ends…
From the CDC Website:
“Updated Information for Travelers”
Fully vaccinated travelers are less likely to get and spread COVID-19.
People who are fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine can travel safely within the United States:
Fully vaccinated travelers do not need to get tested before or after travel unless their destination requires it
Fully vaccinated travelers do not need to self-quarantine
Fully vaccinated travelers should still follow CDC’s recommendations for traveling safely including:
Wear a mask over your nose and mouth
Stay 6 feet from others and avoid crowds
Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer
It’s bad enough that one is instructed to wear a mask and social distance – even after vaccination – but this?
My question: WHY WOULD HAWAII REQUIRE FURTHER TESTING if you have had the vaccination?
We thought the paranoia would end with vaccination. But, NO, it continues with more restrictions. Why would anyone in their right mind want to visit under these circumstances? I guess Hawaii got enough bail out money to see them through all this.
We certainly won’t be coming. We are VERY disappointed. Thought we would finally get back with some semblance of normalcy. I Guess not.
The CDC also says to avoid all unnecessary travel. Thanks!
Thanks once again for your updates. I scheduled a Maui vacation for my family of five several days ago for the end of May. I sure hope I don’t come to regret it. I will be watching this closely. I can cancel our condo up to two weeks before for no loss. Car can be canceled. I guess our money spent on flights can be spent another time. I felt comfortable scheduling this as all of us are vaccinated. We sure would like to stimulate the Maui economy but I may pull out at the last possible minute if there are too many ifs. It would be nice if maybe they did not have to re-test fully vaccinated people. Our flight arrives at 10:30 a.m. Maybe we can miss some of the crowds if we must test. I understand the concerns of Maui govt and if this is what they need to do to protect Maui then I get it. Maybe I jumped the gun on our vacation plans. We miss you Hawaii. Once again, mahalo for your timely articles.
Hi Tammy.
Thanks for your input.
We sure hope it goes well for you guys on Maui later this month. Please let us know.
Aloha.
How’s your economy been doing without tourists?
Towns are packed. Lots of tourists here and car rental companies can’t keep up. I miss the days of quiet but it comes with living here.
We actually have a ton of tourists here and while the have been businesses that didn’t recover, we have several that opened during the middle of the pandemic and are doing quite well.
That is great to hear that the economy went from 0 to 100 these last few months. I lived on Maui years back and have many friends still there. We will be there in June. Maui no ka oi
The mayor already knows that most of the positive tests from the local people on Maui. The last incident with a large outbreak came from a church. Why hasn’t the mayor not shut down the church? This appears to out apply to people staying on Maui, but not sure. If I’m going onto Lanai will I need to have a rapid test done? Since there are more false positives’ with this test and that is why the state requires the PCR test, is the state prepared to do multiple tests on arriving passengers at least two if not three times before they tell you to quarantine? We are suppose to go to Lanai, and normally do some shopping on Maui before taking the ferry, if we are required to take the 2nd test upon arrival and this may create an issue of being able to shop before taking the ferry; we will reroute ourselves through HNL and if we have time do our shopping on their before taking the flight to Lanai.
This is not done in the name of safety, this is because the mayor and the locals want to limit number of visitors. I was in Maui last month, the hotels on Ka’anapali were pretty much full with spring break visitors. The road was crowded and if you don’t book your activities in advance, there’s no available spots. Most locals do not like visitors (except business owner), but they like visitors’ money.
The COVID is just an excuse and the mayor will milk it dry, does not matter what CDC guidance is.
I went to Maui because I booked with cheap HA points in 2020 (have to re-booked 5 times), but this is my last time I’ll go to Maui. I was in Maui 11 years ago and this time I did not have the same feeling.
Aloha Maui
Yes you should definitely start visiting Oahu or the Big Island from now on! Better everything. Leave Maui behind.
As the “people of Maui”, if you’ve been around the islands long enough, All islands, the PEOPLE have no control over what the government chooses to do.
Why blame the people, the businesses of Maui for what is out of their control! MAUI NO KA OI!!
Naw, on the BI everything is on back order….I hear O’ahu has plenty tho, try check. Thanks
I don’t know why people would plan to vacation in Maui with this latest change, especially If you are vaccinated! The only reason I am going to Maui in May and will continue my three visits a year is because my family is there.
That airport is small and I can just picture the cluster that is going to happen with the testing.
Actually most Hawaiians are welcoming to visitors as long as they are respectful an follow the rules of wearing a mask (not a face shield or a mask pulled down under the nose). If you are not experiencing Aloha, take a moment to ponder if there is something you could have done better with an unpleasant encounter. That being said, there are some Hawaiians who have become jaded because they have been treated poorly by visitors. If you really want to enjoy the islands, look into the culture by reading a book about it or doing some research on the Internet. Aloha!
Considering the large number of visitors who are fully vaccinated, this 2nd test at the airport is nothing more than a waste of money (Maui’s money) and valuable/already-paid-for vacation time (visitors). If Hawaii is looking for post-arrival positivity data, it won’t be obtained this way unless only non-vaccinated folks are 2nd tested. Not rocket science here!
Hoping that persons having received complete COVID vaccines (x2 for Moderna) are exempt from testing on arrival🙏🙏. We will be leaving on the 19th of April. Love The Hawaiian Islands🌴🏄🏽♀️👌
Georgine D.
Georgine, it doesn’t appear you are understanding the requirements for travel as of now. Please check the requirements before your trip to avoid a big surprise when you arrive.
Having your vaccination completed doesn’t get you anything upon arrival. It was just communicated a couple days ago that maybe sometime later this summer it may go into affect and your vaccination will be all that’s required. You still need to have a covid test prior to departure by the trusted partner as we’ve been required to do for some time now. This new test they are talking about, if it’s implemented by the time you are traveling, will be in addition to the one you just took hours before your flight.
Hope it all works out for you and you have a wonderful vactaion!
This testing on arrival is ridiculous. Especially when clients have already tested prior to boarding. There is always a chance of false positives. And will deter people from coming to Maui or even canceling. Thanks
Cross Maui off my list. Had my second vaccine shot and would e willing to pre test, but not on arrival.