The mayor of Honolulu has issued a statement that indicates that Oahu plans to soon offer yet another new option for avoiding quarantines in Hawaii. The city plans to ramp up to be able to provide passenger-paid testing for those who have not been able to pre-test before departure from the mainland, and for those wishing to travel interisland. Arriving passengers would remain at the airport while awaiting results within 1-6 hours.
This is an interesting testing development and something we suggested as an adjunct to pre-travel testing months ago.
Mayor Caldwell said in that regard, Honolulu “Plans to request approval of a post-arrival test for those who have not received a pre-travel test. Once the mobile lab is up and running the post-arrival test would be conducted at the airport, and would be administered by a third party, and paid for by the traveler. The City and County is working to procure a mobile testing lab that would be able to conduct up to 10,000 tests a day. This post-arrival test would require arriving passengers to remain in quarantine until they receive negative test results within 1 to 6 hours. In addition, the City and County of Honolulu supports the implementation of an inter-county, pre-travel testing program and would look to use this same mobile testing lab to conduct the test upon request by the inter-island traveling public.”
There will obviously be much more on this coming out soon. This brings up the question about what happens when you travel to Hawaii and then turn up positive on arrival? The options aren’t good, with either a 14-day quarantine or a quick and expensive return to the mainland.
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I am confused about travel to Kona. The post says that if you transit through Honolulu with a negative test and retest in Kona, you do not have to quarantine. My transit is through Maui. No stay over. Do the same rules apply?
Hi Chris.
Yes the same rule should apply.
Aloha.
Hi, I’ve been following you throughout this pandemic and appreciate the information you have been sharing. I will be traveling from Phoenix to Hilo with a plane change in Honolulu. Will my pre-travel (72 hour) test be all I need to change planes in Honolulu?
Hi Judi.
Thanks. Yes, that is all that is needed.
Aloha.
Aloha guys, many thanks for such a great website. Best info to be found about the opening up of the islands. I do have a travel question that even Hawaiian air could not answer. A friend will be returning to the mainland… His flights are Ogg-Hnl-San Diego. Does he need a COVID test before leaving Ogg and does he need to fill out The Safe Travels forms for both segments..Thanks
Hi Dick.
Thanks. There is no quarantine flying from Maui to Honolulu (only the other direction). So nothing should be needed, and as far as we know, Safe Travels is not related. You can always check with the state, although comments say that they cannot be reached.
Aloha.
Many thanks for producing such an informative website. This is my go to spot for reopening information. I have noticed that several people are having trouble filling out the Safe Travels form, especially the trip log. Do you happened to have a copy of the form and the medical form so that I can review prior to travel. Thanks very much. Keep up the great work. Mahalo, Dick A
Hi Dick.
Thank you. No sorry to say we do not have copies of those.
Aloha.
Full time legal Hawaii residents should be given the tests for FREE. We pay Hawaii Income Tax and are not allowed to travel FREE to, from, or around our HOME state. Please tell me why we should have to pay to come home? Thank you.
Hi Lala.
Perhaps ask your state representatives, since we have nothing to do with it. It did strike us as odd that you can probably fly interisland for $30 but will have to pay $130 for the test. On the neighbor islands, you may also have a lot of time spent, since, on Kauai, the only testing site is a 45-minute drive from here.
Aloha.
We should be on Kauai now. Glad we rescheduled for feb. Hope the dust settles by then. Pur 54 years of marriage celebrating will have to wait till then
Hello, we have a vacation planned for December. Can we be tested at our local cvs an it count? If our flight leaves on a Thursday we would need to be tested by Sunday?
“This brings up the question about what happens when you travel to Hawaii and then turn up positive on arrival?” Or – if you’re passenger number 10,001? What if the flight arrives late at night?
How would a senior disabled citizen who traveled from the East Coast with several flights taking 18 hours to arrive cope another 6 hours for a test result?
???.. I need to have a doc visit on Oahu. I wld be flying too & from Maui on the same day, going back and forth from the airport to Kaiser. Will one test suffice for me? Just have here in Maui & that’s it? What is procedure for same day travel? Mahalo
Hi AZ.
We wondered the same thing, which has not been clarified by the state at this point. Our assumption is one test would suffice.
Aloha.
Where is the fastest place to get s travel pretest in Honolulu?
Aloha Guys
Along with several other comments from valued BOH follows I keep asking this question.
Why?
Unless you have pressing business, family issues or complete loss of all travel money spent on a booking why would you go to Hawaii tomorrow?
My thought is as many good experiences there will be an equal amount of horror stories, so why are so many compelled to make this journey with so many questions still unanswered.
I’d love to hear from people as to why.
Thanks Guys for letting me comment on your wonderful site.
Aloha
Richard
Hi Richard.
Thanks. Yes, unless you need to be here today, that makes sense to wait until all of things gets ironed out a bit. Crowds won’t be rushing back so there be many opportunities to visit Hawaii. And if airfares help, we have hardly started yet.
Aloha.
There should not be a quick return to. The mainland as positive Covid-19 patients should not travel on planes.
Thank you for providing such an iformative website..this is the only way to know what is going on for the re-opening. I would be truly lost without this site as my I trying to bringing my kids and grandchildren to e islands. Do you happen to have a screen shot or copy of the Safe Travels website in order to see what info is needed to be entered for flying to Maui?
Hi Dick.
We do not. Have you used the https://hawaiicovid19.com website, which lays out the requirements? Then you set up the Safe Travels part when you are ready to fly, upload your test results and complete the health questionnaire. If there’s anything else, just let us know.
Aloha.
My husband and I questioned this very thing. It makes more sense that EVERYBODY boarding a direct Hawaii bound flight be tested, preferably at the airport, and only be allowed to board with a negative test result. This makes more sense to have this done on the front rather than the back end.
When does this start? We are due to arrive on Oct. 16th and have not been able to get the test. Our final destination is Kauai and we will be there for two weeks.
Hi Susan.
The Honolulu mayor did not indicate when it will start and it probably isn’t that soon. Suggest you get tested before leaving the mainland or you’ll be in quarantine the whole time.
Aloha.
Where will hundreds of people be held for 1 to 6 hour test results without jeopardizing their health in case someone is positive?You want to test them but what if 700 people need the test are you prepared to comfortably detain them until results?
Go the the Vault Health site and order! You still have time and you’ll get the results in 24hrs or less from when they get the overnighted test back from you.
Dear Aloha and Beat of Hawaii,
I am in Tucosn, too, scheduled to depart 29 Oct.
Are you saying that we cannot use the free test option that CVS provides, and have to use the pay test?
Scott
Hi Scott.
What we are suggesting in order to provide most accurate information while this is just coming together, is to check directly with the state’s help desk. 1-855-599-0888.
Aloha.
Someone needs to think outside the box. Hawaii airport can bearly accommodate travelers much less hold hundreds of people comfortably after they might have traveled 18 hours to island.Your testing needs a much quicker time result!!
To ask Scott K: I live in Phoenix area. I also have a planned trip to Hawaii. I too, have been looking into testing here in Arizona. Everything that I’ve researched tells me that we can NOT use the free CVS test. We need to make an appointment and obtain the “travel” test. I looked at appointments last night at both CVS and Walgreens only to find zero available appointments for travel testing. In my opinion, these two testing companies aren’t ready for testing and that’s probably why they haven’t opened up any appointment times. At this point it’s looking like the “Vault” test is probably the best option. Vault is one of the “Trusted” partners listed on the Hawaii site. Hopefully they will soon add more testing partners. It makes absolutely no sense to me why they won’t accept tests from any company that is CLIA approved. I could get a test from the Mayo Clinic today and have results by the end of the day. But yet, Hawaii will not accept the results. Mayo Clinic is world renowned in healthcare yet the state of Hawaii won’t accept test results from them. Not much about this program makes any sense. I wonder if Hawaii government is trying to make things so difficult that it will lessen the number of visitors.
On that same note, I believe that we need to appreciate the fact that Hawaii is opening up and at least, as difficult as it may be, we have options that do allow us to visit these beautiful islands. Hopefully as time goes on on things will become easier.
Mahalo & Aloha,
TJ
Hi TJ.
We mentioned the same thing about Vault appearing to be a good option based on others comments this week.
Aloha.
Hi T.J.
Walgreens does not seem to make a distinction between “FREE COVID-19 testing” and “Travel Testing”, as far as I can tell.
Availability is good, as long as checking for 2-3 days in advance — at least here in Tucson. Choice of 2 different tests: PCR and RAPID POINT OF CARE.
Let me know what you think…
About time….! This could have been implemented back in Aug. Remember my comment about same during the last part of July and beginning of Aug? Oh well, at least one of the key players is listening. My question is: where was the influence of the Lt Gov during the last 2.5 months?
Risk: As to your question if testing positive upon arrival….well, that should encourage a traveler to test before flight. Because the reasonable response should be to quarantine until testing negative or going back home. That would be the travelers choice and if they knew the risk, and took the chances, it should be on them for the consequences.
Logistics: Some travelers are indicating a problem getting testing from west coast cities. Suggestion: fly thru Oakland, deplane, get tested, if neg continue to HI. If pos, return home. Oakland is using the same testing protocol as Honolulu proposes.
Flexibility: This protocol and mobile lab could be also used interisland. Test before flight.
And my last point is Economic: Setting up a mobile lab is a no brainer, just costly. But I’d bet that the hotel industry would easily collaborate and pony up enough money to build such mobile labs (which can be done inside a self contained container) if it would bring back the tourists. And we could have started this months ago. What do you think?
If you arrive positive… Shouldn’t everyone on that entry plane be retested at some point?
😉 Just playing devils advocate…
Exactly. I think it’s ridiculous to let anyone on a plane that hasn’t been given a negative test result. It will put everyone the airplane at risk. I got one today so I can fly to Maui on Saturday. I had to drive about 30 minutes and wait an hour and a half but I got my results immediately after the test. Negative!
I canceled my trip …too much confusion….maybe if i had known testing after arrival was an option, i might have reconsidered….but the game changes ever day….and they had months to figure it out…..i could no longer bear..trusted verses non trusted but naat and clia compliance….too many of us reserved confident we conformed to regs, only to have the rug pulled out a few weeks ago. This has saddened me beyond their comprehension…..we lost loads of people here, and now we are statistically doing fine….so my efforts were an affront to safe protocols…i did all expected and still you changed the game plan…i have too few days of my life left to play unstable politicians games…Hawaii is my 2nd year home…as measured by time spent there over 35 years…maybe no more.:(
Just wanted to recommend Vault! For my sons 10/16 flight, I ordered the test on 10/9. Received the test on 10/10. My son took the test on Tuesday afternoon and sent it back via UPS. I received an email this morning (Wed) letting me know that they received the test. Got the negative results back this afternoon (less than half a day after it was received). The turnaround may get longer as more people use their service but their communication and process was great. The only thing now is I just got an email saying he was negative. Not an official looking test result. So I’m following up with Vault to see what I need for Hawaii.
That sounds great! How much was it?
$150/ea person
Aloha BOH and thanks for keeping everyone updated. If travelling from the mainland with a layover hopper from Oahu to another island, is another test needed in Oahu before getting on the last leg?
Mahalo,
Rick
Hi Rick.
Thanks. If you’re just at the airport the answer is no. But if you’re talking about an overnight stay, then yes another test is needed, at least as it stands now.
Aloha.
We have traveled to Maui for many years. I was wondering about the 72 hour COVID-19 test. We live in southern Minnesota and the places Hawaii has set up for testing we don’t have here or they don’t give the test.We do have Mayo Clinic and it’s satellite clinics. Mayo is known world wide as the best in healthcare. Would it be possible to have are test done there. Thank you
Hi Gary.
That will not be accepted. We just had two reports of successful testing this morning from commenters. Both used https://www.vaulthealth.com/covid which can be done from anywhere. Hope that helps.
Aloha.
Tested at CVS in Tucson Arizona with no issues already got results back. You need to follow the link in the travel webpage to get access to the pay for service travel option.
Hi Aloha from Tucson.
I am in Tucson, too. CVS is offering free tests, but are you saying I need to PAY for a test, to qualify for the Hawaii quarantine exception?
Thx,
Scott in Tucson
I’m still waiting on an answer. We are traveling from Nebraska to Denver then to Hawai’i. We are getting tested at an urgent care facility that follows all the guide lines. Will this test be accepted or not?
Why are those imposing travel mandates not concerned about those on flights who choose NOT to be tested before boarding a flight and without having first received negative test results, and for that matter before entering airport terminals? Okay, they are willing to take the chance that they’ll need to quarantine when they arrive; but why do they get to choose to possibly infect others onboard, those who have completed their due diligence to protect themselves and others with negative COVID-19 test results before travelling? The risk is not only during flights.
Hi CC,
These are valid questions, indeed. If the mayor of each County were truly concerned about the well-being of their residents they would insist that ALL travelers (visitors and residents) be tested 72 hours prior to departure. I am going to go out on a limb here, but I believe that HI does not want to impose the financial burden of testing prior to arrival on it’s residents, only on visitors. Not that most residents can’t afford the fee, but some simply cannot especially with the slump in tourism.
I was heading to Hapuna in December and willing to get the COVID test prior to flying, but after the mayor imposed a mandatory test upon arrival to avoid the quarantine (I thought that was the purpose of the first test)– I was out. Cancelled my flights and reservations at Hapuna, Merriman’s, etc. The good news is the Fairmont Mayakoba is open and I even get to catch the end of the PGA Tour. 🙂 BTW, to the poster who stated that “HI doesn’t rely on the Mainland, really, since the Islands have their own ecosystem and fresh water”, I would suggest a course in Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. Reading is fundamental.:)
Rob and Jeff- Thank you for your informative website. The BEST resource for Hawaii Tourism!
Hi Cheri.
Thanks for your many comments!
Aloha.
I don’t believe that Hawaii can require a pre-flight test. My understanding is that the flights originate in other states and fall under interstate commerce which is federally regulated. Hawaii doesn’t have the power to mandate what travelers do until they arrive in Hawaii. Hawaii can impose quarantines or testing upon arrival but not before.
Thanks for all the updates on the website – it’s very helpful!
Hi Eric.
Thanks. You are entirely correct about that. This is exclusively within the purview of the federal government.
Aloha.
My husband and I questioned this very thing. It makes more sense that EVERYBODY boarding a direct Hawaii bound flight, be tested, preferably at the airport, and only be allowed to board with a negative test result. This makes more sense to have this done on the front rather than the back end.
Its because they are Americans. Unfortunately, only the US government can shut down interstate travel (which isn’t happening) and NO ONE can stop an American from traveling from one state to another, nor require they be tested, bathed, or anything else? Isn’t it great? You can be assured you’ll have non tested individuals on virtually every plane…either because they don’t want to pay, or because they simply don’t care about their potential to infect others. We see them every day all over town, and if anyone thinks those same folks won’t be on your planes to Hawaii (or elsewhere)you really need to get a reality check.
If you turn up Covid-positive upon arrival in Hawaii but were negative before departure, what airline is going to allow a Covid-positive person to get on a flight to return home? And no one with any integrity would get on a commercial flight knowing they are positive. Seems like the only option would be a 14-day quarantine – or maybe antibody test after any symptoms end to prove the person is no longer infectious, which could be shorter than 14 days? It all seems pretty dicey to me. We will forgo our annual Hawaii trip for another year, and are doing some on-line shopping at Hawaiian-owned businesses which we hope will help, even tho it’s a very small contribution to the economy. I appreciate all that BOH is doing to keep everyone as informed as possible. Tough job! Thank you!
Hi Glenna.
Thank you. You make very good points. We hope you can return to Hawaii again soon.
Aloha.