Four policy changes are coming that could impact your Hawaii vacation to keep everyone safer.
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205 thoughts on “More Changes Coming to Hawaii Travel Rules”
Four policy changes are coming that could impact your Hawaii vacation to keep everyone safer.
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So very sad that people who have provided a tested with results of being clear from covid have to wear a mask on vacation. Especially when you are outside. However we should have a choice to wear a mask. Well my choice is not to go to Hawaii. Most people I have spoke with feel the same way. Like I sad, so very sad. Hawaii is my favorite place to be.
I think requiring a 14 day quarantine if you don’t get test results will kill tourism. I didn’t get my results until I landed in Maui and I uploaded immediately. If I had to quarantine for 14 days I wouldn’t have gotten on the plane. We did do post landing testing on Maui to add to their metrics and reassure ourselves air travel was safe. If we all do this correctly, we can help Hawaii’s economy, but people’s safety must come first. Rules should make sense and the 14 day quarantine doesn’t.
I agree completely. We have a trip booked in January. Cases may be so high by then that we don’t feel comfortable travelling, but the high probability of delayed results and the consequence of such being an inescapable 14-day quarantine would be a complete deal killer.
Complete fear mongering
If it helps anyone, I flew in from Houston and had a relatively easy time getting the rapid test from Walgreens. I did have to stay up until the new times released online in order to get an available appointment. But, I got it scheduled, drove about 30 min to one of 3 around the city offering the rapid test, did the drive up test and the results were in by the time I got back home. That seemed to be the only one on the list that would have the results in by the time I was booked to leave. It was nerve-wracking but has been worth it for this trip.
I thought hawaii doesn’t expect rapid test and if so what type did you take
Aloha and Thank You for reading my question.
Did Lt. Governor Green say how soon the change will be implemented regarding quarantine and delayed test results?
I have family coming to Maui from Texas on Thanksgiving Day, and they are concerned their results may be delayed since they are flying on the holiday.
We assumed if they were delayed, they would only be quarantined at the hotel for a day or two until their negative tests results caught up with the holiday delay.
Mahalo , Kalea
Hi Kalea.
No, we have not heard anything about “when.” We’ll update when we learn more.
Aloha.
Highly recommend Post travel testing for returnee residence. It’s impossible to get a Pre Travel Testing appointment, if you do get appointment, no walk in service, only drive through. I support pre travel testing for tourist.
The timing is tricky for the covid tests. Results also are not guarantee in 72 hours. How will that work? Will 80% of people who fly to Hawaii be quarantined? I tested prior to my Hawaii trip, i got my results within 36 hours which was about 19 hours before the last flight leg of my trip. My husband tested at the same time i did. His results came 64 hours after testing and he quarantined for 2 hours. Yes Hawaii needs to figure out a better plan if they truly want to reopen for tourists. Quarantining someone who has followed the rules and not received results prior to flight is not right when results cannot be guaranteed within a specific time period
Aloha,
In my previous comment I forgot to mention that the ultimate reason for me canceling my San Diego to Hilo travel was: my trip was starting on a Monday. I heard that tests slow down over the weekend. Vault says you get results 2-4 days after arrival of specimen. Who knows how long it would take to ship it to them in the first place? 4 days is the length of my whole trip! I’m sorry, this whole “arrive and possibly wait for your results while quaranteening” is a bit too much. Testing on a Friday to get results on the following Monday (the day of my flight) was just a big “maybe”.
As I did the math, I decided to wait until there’s rapid testing. NAAT is not rapid testing. Hawaii thus won’t accept quick test from their list of providers. Please tell me if I’m wrong, as I lost all desire to visit until quick testing is available, hopefully at the airport and for all Hawaii bound airlines.
Again, Vault who is supposedly “fast”, says 2-4 days after receving test kits.
Thank you, Al in San Diego
Aloha,
In my previous comment I forgot to mention that the ultimate reason for me canceling my San Diego to Hilo travel was: my trip was starting on a Monday. I heard that tests slow down over the weekend. Vault says you get results 2-4 days after arrival of specimen. Who knows how long it would take to ship it to them in the first place? 4 days is the length of my whole trip! I’m sorry, this whole “arrive and possibly wait for your results while quaranteening” is a bit too much. Testing on a Friday to get results on the following Monday (the day of my flight) was just a big “maybe”.
As I did the math, I decided to wait until there’s rapid testing. NAAT is not rapid testing. Hawaii thus won’t accept quick test from their list of providers. Please tell me if I’m wrong, as I lost all desire to visit until quick testing is available, hopefully at the airport and for all Hawaii bound airlines.
Again, Vault who is supposedly “fast”, says 2-4 days after receving test kits.
Thank you, Al in San Diego
Hi Al.
If you read other comments you’ll see people are reporting Vault test results within 24 of receiving the sample. Others may comment on different test options that have worked for them.
Aloha.
Go to Walgreens and get a POC test. You get the results in less than two hours and it says NAAT test right on the results. Hawaii accepted it with no problem.
We are from Chicago. It was kind of risky we felt. But Walgreens got our test results in 2 days. I printed everything. That helped having a whole page qr code. It took 70 minutes after we got of the plane. That includes a brain stap. My GF cried. 240 people United Airlines. Walgreens was easy. Self test qtip 3 times around the inside of your nose both sides. Drive up. No one was around at 9 am.
I’m on the Bid Island now. 11/4 – 11/18
Good luck.
You should lose your desire to travel at this time. We want to see our visitors and spread much needed Aloha but not spread Covid19. So in our(yours and mine) best safest,interest it’s good to stay put. Mahalo
Who will take the chance that a test does not get returned in time to upload before the flight and then have mandatory 14 day quarantine even if their negative test gets reported the day after arrival?
I guess Hawaii is not that serious about wanting tourists to visit after all.
If you get a pre travel test. And the results are not back but the test is uploaded on your safetravels profile, you only have to quarantine until the negative test is recieved and updated in your safe travels. Not the full 14 days. So if you opt in to have the post arrival screening ($150 rapid test, which is converted to a gift card from a list of options), its not that big of risk. You have to quarantine 3 days to be eligible for the post arrival test. So my plan was test the day before I fly, land, quarantine until my results were in, then post arrival quick test with amr. 2 tests 3.5 days. Please correct me if I’m wrong, thank you.
Hi Chris.
Your correct. That is how it is working now. But, what the Lt. Gov. has proposed is not that. We’ll update as soon as we learn more about this.
Aloha.
Thanks
Was hoping to visit my cousin on BI. I’m in California, but can’t find a testing site that will meet HI requirements.Lost my home in fires, but can’t join family there. Very sad.
If you are in California then pretty much any CVS locations and Kaiser hospitals are official centers for testing with Hawaii
Not true. Very few locations provide the service and appointments are so limited that it’s hard to get one before all time slots are full. Very frustrating.
We had good luck with CVS in Manteca, CA. Took test on a SUnday at 11am, got results on Tuesday morning around 9am. Flight was on Wednesday morning so had time to upload results (after converting test results file to PDF!!).
If you are near Oakland, the approved testing site at the airport there is free for anyone! You just have to make your appointment at least a week in advance. My son and I flew back from OAK after attending my other son’s wedding in August. We waited 2 months for the island to open back up!
I would like to come to Hawaii for my 50th anniversary but must learn that no Covid test from a Canadian lab will be accepted. I do not understand that I have to go through a US airport although Covid cases go up the roof in USA. So why do I have to endanger myself instead of doing all I can to protect me and others? Very sad …
Don’t get why 14 day mandatory quarantine is necessary if people took an approved test, but were unable to upload their negative result until they get here. When I did my 14-day quarantine this summer, I got exactly one official phone call one day after I arrived back home, so it’s doubtful that people would not “slip through the cracks” with this suggestion.
Shouldn’t the government provide a monthly supply of mask to each individual if it is requiring it by law. Not everyone can wash reusables IE houseless. They should supply desposiable to everyone.
Aloha, I don’t understand how since March you don’t have it together .
Many partners don’t do the test in certain states . I have gone thru your list . CVS in NJ will not allow a test unless you have symptoms.
So if I have symptoms I would not be traveling . Walgreens only does three days before travel and your lucky if you can get a date . Then you throw in the fact that test has to be time of layover that is a problem . United does not do in NJ. American Airlines does nothing do in NJ. And if your not traveling on there airline you can’t get a test . Kaiser only if your a member . Quest you need a doctors order and they won’t do for travel. Very frustrating like the person above that I need to see my student that I’m paying all this money to attend school there and all these problems are being presented .
I would hope that you get it together soon. Feeling very frustrated.
Hope this goes to proper people as being quarantine for 14 that you need to do and go to see counselors and advisor at
School … this is poor plan
I agree. I’m now calling other states to try to get a test for my family for December travel. A test is a test. If it comes from a medical facility, accept it. You are ruining your economy. I live in a beach resort, so I know what a tourist-dependent economy is like. Make it easier for people to travel and spend money in your state!
A test is a test except it!
Against mask mandate. If im by myself walking, I have a mask with me, if I see people up a head, then i put it on. Im 59 and the mask makes it difficult breathing.
Especially for extended periods. With distancing and if your with your household, it is ridiculous to still have to where.
Get used to it and please don’t think you are entitled…. Cuz you not ! Wear your damn mask and stop grumbling .
Per CDC if you’re in an open area practicing social distancing your chances are very low of contracting covid. People are entitled to their opinions. If Sara J can’t breathe with her mask on then she is entitled to state it in an open forum for comments and opinions as it clearly asked for. One more thing, because you’re not, is how you would write a sentence. (eye roll)
You can always quarantine.
If that is too hard to protect the hawaiians don’t come.
Aloha, your trusted partners on some states only schedule three dates out and it becomes a problem because you don’t know if you will be able to get an appointment. I have a student there that I have not seen in a year and with all this going back and fourth I have had to cancel my flights three times. You should allow people to go to who they are able to as long as it is in there stays and a medical office . Your restrictions are causing family time and money.
And the airports on all the states don’t do the testing with your partners
EWR does not have a resting site with United.
I understand the control but you are making it too difficult for families that have students there. You should let the schools have the parents work with them with your guidance but many more partners . It’s been since March you need to get it together !
Am in total agreement of all of the above. And to your point about locals being the ones not adhering to mask wearing, so true. Yesterday as I was waiting at a red light by the Alamoana center/YMCA, I witnessed 3 men without masks. One stood next to an homeless guy. Not good.They were all gonna be passing each other in the crosswalk.
It’s not a nerve agent and doesn’t float through the air like dandelion seeds. Passing within 6 feet of somebody isn’t going to infect anything. It requires prolonged exposure, not passing by someone outside who isn’t even opening their mouth. Lame.
My husband and I will be visiting my son on Oahu for 4 days , then traveling to Kauai. Will it be mandatory that I test again in Oahu before traveling to Kauai ? If so, are there appointments needed ahead of time ?
Thank you
Hi Diane.
Yes, it will be necessary as testing must in each case be within 72 hours prior to travel. Check the state’s website for the latest on vendors and contact them for procedures.
Aloha.
My son lives in Texas college Station. He and fiancee want to visit in Jan. Could get oked to take the covid test at A&M. A&M are doing research on improving covid testing. So not a fly by night lab but really certified.
Hawaii had a 3 month heads-up the Virus was coming. It is new day-new idea. Yes! let’s get the mask mandate done!!
No. If you want to wear a mask, then wear a mask. But no mandates.
Make sure their lab is an approved partner through the Safe Travels program, otherwise they will be quarantined for 14 days. It’s happened already.
They only except test from “trusted partners” My test was processed my Mit/harvard university lab and it was still not excepted by the official. But they accepted rapid test which is only 50% accurate. Smart right?
I thank this sight for all the information that is needed for traveling to Hawaii. I will be visiting to see family and want to keep them safe. Again mahalo
Hi Yolanda.
Thanks. Have a good trip to visit your family.
Aloha.
Wearing a mask to prevent spreading your germs to fellow citizens is not taking away your rights.
If you want to live in a civilized society there are rules to follow:
You can’t drive while intoxicated, you can’t smoke in public buildings, etc.
Good job Hawai’i, way to obey your colonial slave masters. Last I checked the Hawaiian people were pretty well aware that the US government does not have their best interest in mind. And now you’re begging them to muzzle you and give you a vaccine? Astonishing.
You people are idiots. You’re going to crush your tourist industry for the foreseeable future, for something that has marginal efficacy. You don’t follow the science, you full the politics. Who will come if treated like pariahs. You government hacks don’t miss a paycheck so you have no skin in the game. I’ll spend my money where I can enjoy the beach not be cited or arrested.
Been a resident for over 10 years here. It’s not the visitors, it’s obvious on any island who is following the order and who is not. Many locals don’t care for visitors and think that the visitors make it spread. So not true. I agree with mask’s being law and would like to see the islands residents making a good example for any visitors who thinks they can act as a local and not comply. We need to be more diligent to stop the spread and that means everyone.
Thanks
Mahalo.
The whole “approved partner” only testing is laughable because I called American family health, who is on the list, and they had no idea about the hawaii testing program and were not even aware of being a “trusted partner list”, they didn’t even have rapid testing available. The state needs to be better at being organized.
Great Covid safety program ideas. Implementation will be challenging. Fines & penalties should be a state mandate with some bite. Does Mufi Hanneman have a team of trackers who are asking people on the street if they are locals or visitors? If not, his statement is bogus.
Thank you for providing such valuable info.
Locals bad bad bad.
Wow I am comming to hawaii November 29 and Thursday is thankgive.That would be 72 hours before I get to Hawaii. Big problem trying to find a cvs, Walgreens that does it on Thanksgiving. I live in Illinois
April
Its the usual suspects. Walk around the Oahu and you’ll see what I mean. Most tourist stick out and from what I’m seeing are wearing their masks everywhere. However, many locals especially on the west side are not. But it’s always good to blame the tourists for everything.
I’ve listened to Mr. Green or that is I read his comments most of which I agree.
However concerning mask currently the mass that everyone wears are basically useless. They do not stop a virus. And people use this mass day after day. Again there basically worthless.
Additionally you could have a face shield with the mask that would prove your quality of not getting the fires by 5%.
Nobody was to even talk about that 5%.
But these are just bandaids anyway they do not address the real problem in that is the human amused system 60% of the people do not get the virus
That’s because their immune system works correctly and the mute system is tied to your diet.
As long as the Hawaiian people eat Spam white rice no vegetables no fresh fruit they are susceptible to contracting the virus with or without mass
So perhaps we should look at how to stop the virus in not play games with it encourage people to eat a healthy diet get rid of the Spam get rid of the rice get rid of all processed foods in sugar and sugar and sugar eliminated from the diet.
And I guarantee you that the problem with covert virus will nearly disappear and what is left will not be that harmful unless you already have a life long condition.
Might be radical but I believe this is the path if you are sincerely wanting to stop the virus
I’m assuming that your second paragraph [your diatribe against Hawaiian peoples] is inline with your general comments about Covid and the article we’re all commenting on, and not just a useless smear against what you perceive as our island population.
You should know that, not all Hawaiians eat only Spam with white rice, and no veggies or fruit. Some of them, I’m willing to bet, eat quite healthy and consume copious amounts of veggies and fruits; and might even hate Spam.
Secondly, the population of Hawaii is comprised of around 10% Hawaiian blood; there are twice as many white folks here.
Niel K. Very few of the comments that you’ve made are backed up by science or common sense.
We wear masks because they cut down on transmission to others, the don’t protect you, unless you are wearing an approved N95/N99 tight fitting mask.
There is zero evidence that wearing a mask is detrimental to your health. That’s why medical professionals wear them in hospitals. Do you see them getting sick from wearing masks all day? Do you suppose they’d be worried about their health?
The PCR gold standard test IS specific the this version of this specific Corona virus. Period. Stop.
We have no evidence that the test detects or that the results are false positive from having been exposed to past viruses or flus. Period. Stop.
We have not had a lock down anywhere in the US. Therefore it’s non-sensical as well as wrong to suggest that the courts here have ruled on them. Stop spreading nonsense.
Hydroxychloroquine has not shown any efficacy with Covid-19, and has in fact been shown to be unsafe. Read the evidence from reputable sources. Please stop spreading nonsense. Just Stop.
Your doing the right thing. It is important to protect our people, our Ohana. We must not let this virus diminish our lineage. Let’s continue to preserve our loved ones. Many of us come from huge Ohanas so let’s take whatever step we need to take to care. I thank you for what ever attempt you use to succeed. Aloha!
Don’t come to Hawaii – We are one of the places with the strictest lockdowns. We are also just about to go back into our Tier 1 lockdown where all the restaurants are closed and you have to wear a mask 😷 on the beach. Have a great vacation!!
My daughter is returning from visiting her dad from Vegas and will be in quarantine in our home in Hawaii. Can she bypass the covid test line and leave from the airport? She lives here.
From what I observed, she will still be “processed” and officially put on the Quarantine list, rules, reporting requirements, etc., with risk of arrest/jail/fine for failure to do so.
All this because you have the power over people and scare them with outlandish claims! Over something you have a 99.68% of never getting. Typical Democrats!
You have an over 50% and probably closer to 90% chances of getting the virus at some point. You may have already had it, but did not have symptoms, or at least not symptoms worthy of getting yourself tested over. Many/most/majority don’t have any symptoms, or just have “mild” ones (“mild” is very subjective; severe not so much). You are referring to the morbidity rate.
The morbidity rate for under 50 years old approaches zero (but its not zero), and for over 90 years old approaches 20%. Additionally, there may be long-term health problems for some people, even though they fully recover. Very hard to get any data on that, since this is still so new. This is the first “pandemic” in which the world had so many 80-90 year old people around. Pretty normal to have health problems at those ages. Really, a miracle to still be alive in 80s and 90s.
IMO, we can do all the mask wearing and distance keeping and basement hiding that we please, but sooner or later the virus is going to do its thing. Remember the whole “flatten the curve” stuff? Somehow that morphed into “no one can ever get it or we all die”. But, that’s just my opinion/speculation. Your mileage may vary.
Hi do the covid rules on here apply to
all islands or is ea one different? We have a trip planned to big island in March & want
to make sure there are no glitches is there a phone # I can call & talk to someone about updates do completely understand? Thanks!
Hi Tina.
For traveling to Hawaii from the mainland the same rules will apply. Things could change between now and March of course, as could be the case globally. The state has a helpline for testing tech support, and we can’t say if they would be of any further help. 1-855-599-0888.
Aloha.
Thank you. What is the update on inter island travel
Hi J.
Good question. We have not heard of anything related to interisland travel as far as possible rule changes go. We’d have to think that whatever applies to mainland travel will apply within the state, however.
Aloha.