Plan ahead of time, and mail-in testing might be your ticket to a trouble-free Hawaii vacation.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
73 thoughts on “New Mail-In/Drive-Thru Hawaiian Airlines COVID Tests + Suggestions”
Comments are closed.
Plan ahead of time, and mail-in testing might be your ticket to a trouble-free Hawaii vacation.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
Comments are closed.
So, if I’m flying to Maui on a Monday morning at 10, with a two-hour layover in HNL, when do I need to do my test? Friday at 10?Do they perform these on weekends?
I received a response from the Governor’s Office in reply to my question regarding the requirement (or not) for printed test results. The response was the Great American Novel which I will share with BeatofHawaii.com if the guys wish me to send it to them but in the meantime, here are the highlights…
“Travelers are encouraged to enter their information and trip details well in advance of their flight. Once their health information is entered within 24 hours of departure, travelers will receive a QR code via email. The QR code on their mobile device or printed on paper gets scanned by the airport screener upon arrival. All passengers will be required to have a valid email address to receive the QR code.” (Is it possible that the “health information” not entered within 24 hours of departure is what is causing the need for authorities to see documentation if Safe Travels is lagging behind?) (NOTE that is states “QR code on THEIR MOBILE DEVICE OR printer on paper”.)
The following defines the 72 hour interval as well as statement regarding acceptable tests. (NOTE: NAAT is the same as PRC!)
“Hawaiʻi’s pre-travel testing program requires persons five years and older to take an FDA-approved Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) from a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) licensed or certified laboratory within 72 hours from the final leg of departure and produce a negative result in order to avoid the state’s 14-day mandatory quarantine. A trained professional must observe the administration of all tests. The State of Hawaii will accept test results from trusted testing and travel partners…. Links and more information for travelers seeking a pre-travel test and a list of approved trusted testing and travel partners can be found at hawaiicovid19.com.”
Hi Barbara.
First, thanks for your more than four dozen comments. Much appreciated. Yes, we are curious and will send you a private email.
Aloha.
Abby going to Vegas in January 2021 are you gonna have pre testing in Vegas.
I completed the American Airlines home test for flight from DFW to OGG and received my test results in less than 24 hours. Very easy.
Vault website has a timetable that states: Flight is on Sat, test and drop off at UPS by 10am Wed to get results on Fri. If the test has to be taken within 72 hours, wouldn’t that mean I have to take the test no earlier than 10am Wed? How do I test and get the sample to UPS in that timeframe? Anyone experience any timing issues with morning flights and using Vault?
Mahalo Beat of Hawaii for being my all time favorite source for things happening in Hawaii!
Hi Kaila.
Thank you. Lots of people here have already used Vault. Hopeful someone will give us a hand with the answer to your question. It does seem from the comments that they are returning results faster than you indicated, but we can’t say with any certainty.
Aloha.
For those of you who have been concerned (as I have) about how to present a paper copy of their (negative) COVID test at the airport when you’ve not had access to a printer for perhaps as much as a day… This is from Christina at the Mayor’s Office on Kauai… (I’ve made the same inquiry to the Governor’s Office and will post if/when I receive a response.)
“Once the traveler receives their negative NAAT test results from a State of Hawaii trusted partner, they must upload those results to their Safe Travel’s profile. The screening team will scan the traveler’s Safe Travels QR code post-arrival to confirm they tested at a correct location and the results were negative.
KPD has reported issues with the State’s Safe Travels software and system. They strongly recommend that every traveler keep a copy of their COVID-19 test results incase manual verification is required. It can be a PDF copy. It doesn’t have to be a paper copy.”
I really appreciate receiving updates on Hawaii travel. Just canceled a long planned trip to Big Island due to lingering uncertainty over Covid requirements and airline travel schedules. From past experience I expect many changes in both, within the next few weeks, with unknown effects on travelers/guests. Hopefully things will settle down within the next couple months, and I can re-schedule for late spring 2021.
Beat of Hawaii will be one of my main sources of reliable information in determining when to go. I want to reduce the chances of spending my time in Hawaii in quarantine to the lowest possible degree. Mahalo.
Hi Don.
Thanks for your update and nice words. Hope things do settle down enough for you to return to the Big Island next spring. Let us know how it goes.
Aloha.
Has anyone found a rapid test place on Kauai? I’m supposed to fly from Lihue to Kona in December. I called Longs and they said the didn’t have the rapid test here in Kauai. Mahalo for your help!
Hi Nani.
There is not one as far as we know either.
Aloha.
Even after trying to make sure their testing was approved beforehand they were rejected. Has anyone else heard of this happening?
I just called Walgreens in Sacramento and they don’t get test results back for 7 days! How can the Hawaii government website recommend Walgreens when they don’t even do the rapid test in a large city like Sacramento, CA?! We live three hours from Sacramento but that is our closest airport for Hawaii. Anyone have suggestions for rapid testing in Very northern California without driving five hours one way?
Hello, just wondering; if I fly into hnl from the mainland to spend a few days and then fly maui, will I need a 2nd covid test before I am allowed into maui?
I can’t find seem to find an answer.
Thanks!
Hi May.
The way read that, is if your travel from HNL to OGG remains within 72 of your test, then no. If it does not, then yes another test would be required.
Aloha.
Still no options to test in Canada?
Your best Option is to stay Home !
I purchased The Vault Test kit shortly after the Governor announced opening the state for mainland travel. At that time Hawaiian Airlines had not entered into agreement to promote the Vault. I took my test yesterday from home. It was pretty easy. Except generating enough saliva as fast as I wanted (LOL). As we were finishing up I let the Vault attendant know I was traveling to Hawaii and how to ensure that my test gets processed. She asked if I had my Stat code on any packaging. I guess this is what some have been receiving if you went through Hawaiian Airlines to ensure the test gets processed in 24 hours. Since I did not she told me to write: STAT Hawaii with a black sharpie on the small sample bag after ceiling and the UPS shipping bag as well. I would suggest the same for anyone else taking the test. Now I await the results.
Tony
Is the immediate results at Walgreen accepted? I see they have 2 types of tests.
Has anyone used Quest Lab for Covid testing? We are driving about an hour plus traffic to get the test. CVS lets u book 3days out, Walgreens i can t get an appointment. Would appreciate any advice, mahalo
Hi Kimi.
We had three comments in the last week that did not rate the Quest testing well in terms of receiving timely results. Perhaps others can comment as well.
Aloha.
Alohaaaaaa Guys
Had a fabulous weekend hope yours went well.
Looks as if many are getting the testing thing figured out where others not so much. Funny thing is here we live in the 5k digital age, yet ink on a sheet of paper is the sure fire way to get you through Hawaiian covid quarantine hell.
Good luck campers hope glad to hear some positive reports let’s pray that the covid numbers stay low.
PS campers on Kauai keep a sharp eye on the weather for flash flood warnings.
Hi Richard.
Thanks. Yes the weather on Kauai this week is somewhat wild. Testing seems to be going better, although getting timely results remains an issue depending on the test company. For whatever reason, the Vault mail-in ones are getting the most good reviews here.
Aloha.
I used Vault. Worked great. They had us write “Hawaii Stat” on envelope and inner envelope to make sure they got processed in 24 hours.
I curious if anyone out there has used the Vault test available by mail (Hawaiian airlines partner). We travel on 11-6 and trying to figure out which option would be best to go with. Vault by mail or a local drive through which ships out same day and emails results within 48 to 72 hours. This is a bit stressful. If you dont get your results back in time you quarantine 🙁
Thanks for your feedback!
I do know one person who used Vault and was successful with getting her results on time. I Agree, it’s all a bit stressful. I am choosing to drive 4 hr round trip to get a rapid test taken the day before we fly out. We are losing a day of the 72 hrs basically because of an early evening flight. I will choose to fly earlier in day next time.
We used vault to get here on 15th from mainland. Worked great!!! They have a matrix on their website on when you should order the test that matches up on when u arrive to Hawaii. The only issue we had is the the Hawaii “safe” website did not have copies of negative test we uploaded. We printed out copies of everything and had digital emails to back up.
Please be careful as most “Rapid Tests” are not acceptable. “VAULT” continues to be the most reliable.
Used Vault. Ordered test on Friday evening. Was delivered Mon. My flight was Friday afternoon. Took test Tuea afternoon on zoom call. They had us write Hawaii Stat in envelope and inner envelope. Dropped at UPS and got results by lunchtime on Wed.
I am looking forward to the at home testing kit.
Thank You
Parvathy S.
I’m interested in the test at SFO for Hawaiian Air.. Is there an address and phone number for this location?
We’re planning to fly to HNL on December 1st. Do you think the prices for the test will go down before then?
Thank you!
Hi Mary Anne.
Just guessing – we’d say not that soon. Maybe early next year.
Aloha.
Can we go to an urgent care that does the rapid covid test with in 72 hrs for the test? We are flyings onNov 4th and plan on getting the test on Sunday pm. Is this going to work?
So do you have to be a Hawaiian Airlines customer to get tested at LAX? What if you are a United Customer flying LAX to OGG? As of today, United is only offering testing at SFO which seems crazy..especially since the testing is pricey. Why not have testing for anyone traveling to Hawaii regardless of carrier? Thank you for the info!
Hi Kim.
Hawaiian does not offer testing at LAX at this time. That will be coming later.
Aloha.
Just sent in for my text through Vault. I will update later to let everyone know how it goes. Traveling to Kauai on 11/9
Does anyone have more information on how easy it is to schedule the zoom supervised saliva collection with Vault labs? The 72 hours start time falls on a Sunday before our flight. Wanting to make sure we will be able to schedule the zoom visit on a Sunday to allow the full 72 hours.
Vault operates 24/7 and is always available to take calls and process results. Just sent mine back this morning. Easiest thing ever.
Thanks for that information Karen C. I just wish UPS shipped on Sunday’s so we could complete the test that day and ship it! No UPS shipping locations are open near us on Sunday. I definitely was to have test results before we board the plane. I’ve heard too many horror stories of people forced to quarantine. We couldn’t even pick up our rental car if the results weren’t available in time.
The situation concerning testing/travel has got to be either ineptitude or conspiracy. Frankly I lean to the former. I can’t imagine that any group would be smart enough to plan such and dumb enough to carry it out. The islands need the visitors, it is the very broad base of economy. Since this leaves only ineptitude, Hawaiians really need to remove the politicians and the tourist board at the first opportunity.
So long as Hawaii and airlines flying there require tourists to pay $100 for Covid 19 tests, many tourists will choose other tropical vacation sites.
Not a whole lot of places that are relatively cheap to get to where Americans are allowed entry for vacation anymore.
Unfortunately for Hawaii….I agree with you….they already lost my 2020 trip…
We are taking a flight from SFO – HNL on a Monday in November. If we get a COVID test on Friday, I fear that the lack of mail on Sunday + weekend hours may extend the “72” hours processing time. Do you know?
No matter who you use, your results come to an email address and can be uploaded via pdf to a phone, tablet or computer. I share your concern as Christmas Day is in the middle of our 72 hours! BTW, the email address is why each person in your party has to have their own “account” for testing/processing. (YOu may get a snail mail copy but that’s not how folks are doing things.)
We had the same schedule last week We used CVS and received all 4 results within 48hrs on Sunday morning. Make sure u use the travel to HI option, pay $139.
Is Hawaii excepting the testing with Walgreen Pharmacy as a valid testing site?
I did the test at Walgreens which accepted by the state of Hawaii. Got my results in 48 hours through the labcorp app and uploaded to the safe travels app.
The Walgreen website makes it sound like you get the results in 24 hours. Did you do the rapid test? What was the cost?
its no wonder liberal state are going bankrupt. Vote those idiots out
If only they really were liberals. Half the “Democrats” here are actually Republicans who joined the DPH to get votes.
Aloha Guys,
Is there an address or contact for the SF location?
Mahalo for.this information
Hi Jim.
That is at 261 Loomis Street, San Francisco, CA.
Aloha.
Thanks, for the info!
At first I was puzzled as to why the mail in testing was a “new” option BUT now I see it – you could, and many did, order the Vault Health Test previously and they would add “Hawaii Priority” upon your request. NOW it seems that if you order directly through Hawaiian Air, that expedite is automatic! YEAH for some good news!!!
What a fraud, charging for tests that are completely worthless on a virus sample that is denoted as unavailable by the CDC and NIAH
What about Canadians?? Half of Maui is from Vancouver..trust me we want to come
This actually has to do with the Oakland Airport. We have had our flights with southwest for Dec.20th since the summertime so we don’t want to change airlines. Oakland Airport has testing which I already scheduled for 72hrs in advance thru cityhealth urgentcare, because even though an article on here said they have rapid testing, and the OAK website says they have rapid testing, it also states that rapid testing is only for customers who have not gotten tested/have not gotten results back yet and that you can’t make appointments for rapid tests only regular 24-48 results. So does that mean they will rapid test us when we get there if we don’t have our results? Also I have read 2 different 72hr information, one that you have to be tested within 72hrs of your flight departure, two that the negative result has to be with 72hrs of your arrival or last leg of flight. We leave from OAK at 9:30am on a Sunday, so I scheduled our tests for 10am on Thursday because i didn’t know if lab results are more difficult goimg into a weekend. Will that be pushing it? Should I schedule later in the day? Thank you for any help.
Hi Lynde.
It is within 72 hours prior to your mainland departure for Hawaii. That part is easy. Regarding the other questions, we’ll refer you back to Port of Oakland and their partner CityHealth or to the state’s helpline, which is at 1-855-599-0888.
Aloha.
Lynde,
I was able to get the rapid test scheduled. You have to say you’re flying out within 24 hours. Then the website let’s you push the date of needed. I was able to schedule 10-31 at 2:25 pm. They will ask for health insurance card and your state ID. Used my phone to scan those in. Lastly the rapid test is only for those flying to Hawaii and it’s located by bag claim between terminal 1 and terminal 2.
P.S. I’m only testing within 72 hours of departure at CVS. Oakland rapid test is my backup in case my results aren’t back yet.
Good luck to you and your family
Regards,
Bryan
“For a fee of $90, this previously announced testing will be available within the required 72 hours, whereas for $150, tests are taken and results returned on the day of travel”. Where? Over a phone app? At the “dedicated portable labs”? This is only adding more confusion to an already confusing situation! Can you just simply explain when, where and how?
Can you please ask your readers if they have flown Alaska Airlines since the Island opened again on Oct 15? It sounds like Hawaiian is way ahead of Alaska in terms of helping travelers obtain a test within the 72 hour window. Alaska has arranged for a test flight out of Seattle but we are flying out of San Diego and I don’t think they have expedited test arrangements. Thanks.
Hi Gary.
Not sure about AS at San Diego either. But certainly, the vault option remains accessible if nothing else.
Aloha,
We had a great experience with Vault. They made everything so easy. Ordered the test on Monday, the 12th, received it on Tuesday, my daughter took the test Thurs on the Vault Zoom, I dropped it at UPS at 4 and we had the results Fri before noon, in time for her to fly out Sunday morn. It’s very important that you write “Stat Hawaii” on the test tube pocket, box and outer package. They also sent a letter for insurance reimbursement with the test results. Highly recommend!
So grateful for both of you and your invaluable website. My oldest daughter is a Sophomore at UH and it’s been so great to have your newsletters to get accurate info during this uncertain time. I’ve shared it on the UH Parents FB page with all of my UH parent friends!
Take care and Mahalo!!
Hi Aimee.
Thanks for reporting on that Vault testing process. We really appreciate your nice words too!
Aloha.
You don’t have to fly with Hawaiian to use Vault. Yes, I went on Hawaiian’s website for the link to Vault, but you don’t have to prove you are flying with them.
Sorry you misunderstood my post… You’ve never had to fly with Hawaiian to use Vault. It’s just that today Hawaiian announced them as a “partner” and if you order your kit through the Hawaiian website, it comes with an automatic expedite when you return it. Sorry if I didn’t make that more clear.
Will there be test’s offered at the Lihue Airport if I’m going to the Big Island?
Last I read there was not testing available at the Hawaii airports.