Yesterday, the Hawaii Department of Health announced the first confirmed and three suspected Omicron variant cases in Hawaii and said it expects there are more cases here that remain to be identified. “This isn’t reason for panic, but it is reason for concern. It’s a reminder the pandemic is ongoing. We need to protect ourselves by getting vaccinated, wearing masks, distancing as best we can and avoiding large crowds.” — Hawaii DOH.
The person infected is a Honolulu resident with moderate symptoms who is unvaccinated and previously had COVID. With no history of travel reported, the case is considered community spread.
What this means for Hawaii visitors.
Below is a list of things on the table for Hawaii travel specifically and for domestic travel overall. Until now, all recent changes related to travel have been for international arrivals to the US, but that is likely to change. Because of Omicron, rules were tightened this week to require testing within 24-hours of the departure time of international flights to the US. That is true for all passengers arriving in the country.
Will testing of all passengers, vaccinated or not, occur?
The answer is maybe and it is growing more likely, with that possibility confirmed yesterday by the White House. Press secretary Jen Psaki was asked whether testing and vaccine requirements would be applied to all domestic flights. She replied that “nothing is off the table.”
Regarding Hawaii, it remains unclear whether the state can or will attempt to move on its own without the federal government in terms of requiring that all passengers be tested, whether vaccinated or not. Until now, only a very small percentage of cases have been related to visitor travel, but a significant number have been returning residents. This is a new situation with Omicron, undoubtedly requiring new rules.
Could a vaccination validity period be on the table?
Some countries have already begun specifying a duration following vaccination during which travelers are considered fully vaccinated. Israel says that is six months. European countries are considering setting a maximum validity of nine months. We don’t know what is being planned in the US, but it is likely that something will change.
Will boosters be required?
The definition of fully vaccinated could change. It isn’t clear with this issue, whether that will need to move nationally first, or whether Hawaii can again move in its own direction in relation to Safe Travels rule modifications. Hawaii still has a quarantine requirement but there are exemptions for those either fully vaccinated, or PCR-tested per its strict Safe Travels rules.
What about Hawaii’s 3-day testing rule.
Since the US now requires that tests be within 1-day of travel for international arrivals, it appears plausible that Hawaii could move in a similar direction. The concern here is in part how onerous it might be for visitors to obtain tests in a timely way, especially as this new Omicron variant infiltrates the country and requires more overall testing capacity.
Could the “trusted partners” requirement for Hawaii testing change too?
At present Hawaii requires that travelers obtain PCR type tests only from approved (“trusted partner”) vendors. We don’t envision that condition changing at this time.
How to be prepared.
1. When booking your Hawaii vacation, looks for and select options for Hawaii flights, accommodations, and activities where you can cancel or change your reservations with little or no cost, should it become necessary.
2. For expenses that are not flexible, trip insurance with a specific cancel-for-any reason clause is an excellent idea. Other trip policies (not cancel for any reason) will most likely cover you for medical including actually having COVID, but not for wanting to cancel due to fear of getting COVID. Carefully read policy terms and conditions before buying.
3. Also consider what you would do if COVID testing becomes a requirement for Hawaii travel. Where would you go? That is in the event that testing becomes required even for those fully vaccinated.
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Talk about over reacting. The “science experts” all say that Omicron is a weak variant with mild symptoms. Viruses don’t want to kill the host so they mutate in to new weaker strains that can be spread easily but are completely survivable, you know, like the common cold. We leave our house by 3:30 AM CT for our 4 leg flight that arrives in Kona @6PM PT. No way will a 24 hour test be possible. We are fully vaccinated w/booster. Once again, punish the visitor, not those responsible for the spread.
Who is responsible for the spread?
I am so OVER all this crap. I had Covid last December. I recently had the antibody test (natural immunity) and I tested positive for Covid antibodies, almost a year after having the virus. Our government, and Hawaii totally ignores those of us that have natural immunity and still wants us to take the ‘jab’ even though it doesn’t work and you can still get, and spread, Covid. I own 3 timeshares, 2 on the Big Island and 1 on Kauai that I have not be able to use since this started.
Stop spreading lies. The vaccines work very well and prevent almost all severe illness and death. And yes, you still need it if you had Covid already. Also, just because you have some antibodies doesn’t mean you’re fully protected. Antibody levels wane with time. If you cared about other people, you’d get the vaccine. Why can’t you go to your time share? You can get tested and go without quarantine. It’s not that hard. I did it many times before the vaccine exemption in July.
JasonG,
We’ve got to stop accusing each other of lies.
The reason everything is so confused is because info has often been contradictory and nonsensical. The Lancet and the CDC have published studies showing that the vaccinated can transmit similar viral loads to the unvaccinated. npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2021/07/30/1022867219/cdc-study-provincetown-delta-vaccinated-breakthrough-mask-guidance
This really concerns me from a completely selfish standpoint! We are flying to Maui in 3 days. We are fully vaccinated, but the 6-month mark from vaccinate occurs while we are in Hawaii. If they do change to require a booster within 6 months, or require testing for vaccinated persons, how many days notice will they give?
I appreciate Hawaii doing such thoughtful work in their attempt to keep locals and visitors safe and healthy. For those whose comments are sarcastic and nasty, I am certain they would not be happy if they contracted Covid while here!
Exactly. Hawaii is absolutely ridiculous. Their economy will continue to decline. So sad. And what about older people who have never used the interne?
I use to go to hawaii every year for a week or 2. My dad and other relatives a month. They wont go anymore because they are in their mid 70’s and early 80’s all vaccinated but said it’s to confusing. They still have flip phones never used internet. So sad.
Not sure about Omicron however,on Maui we surely did get very wet.
Aloha Guys
Thank you for the updates on travel to Hawaii. Continue to follow this as I am traveling in January to Maui.
I traveled to Hawaii in Sept. Went the extra step of getting tested 72 hrs before flight, am fully vaccinated. Hawaii should require 24 testing require all businesses have hand sanitizers at entrances monitor temps. Protect your residents they are there 365 days not a week or two at a time.
No travel restrictions please. Do you want to tank Hawaii’s economic conditions to the ground?
The symptoms for Omicron are mild. People recover from it.
My wife and I are planning a trip to Hawaii in January.We own property on the big Island and travel back and forth.Keep us up to date on safe travels.Mahalo
I don’t plan to travel anywhere within the islands or to anywhere abroad until everything goes back to how it was in 2019.
I’m planning on coming to Kauai from Canada in January. I’ve read conflicting information about requirements for testing. Do I need a PCR test or is an antigen test ok? I know that it has to be 24 hours before.
The HawaiiCOVID19.com/travel site has stated that international travelers must only follow CDC (federal) guidelines for entry to the country, and that Hawaii’s travel rules will not apply. Therefore, an antigen test within 24 hrs plus proof of full vaccination will suffice.
Note that if you have any connections in the US, then travel to Hawaii, you will need to follow Hawaii’s rules as you’ll be considered a domestic traveler, like taking a PCR test from a Trusted Testing Partner within 72 hrs
I propose that all residents of Hawaii must be fully vaccinated and have a negative PCR test 72 prior to arriving in any of the other 49 states. They must also fill out a health question sure and digitally upload all information on a new Safe Mainland Pass. Let’s see how they like being treated like lepars as the mainlanders are when they come to Hawaii.
Thanks. Hawaii residents have the same travel requirements when when we are returning too the islands from anywhere. It’s a way to keep residents and visitors safe in the islands.
Residents have the option of ‘self quarantine’ aka come and go as you please once you land. No one makes sure they go directly home and STAY THERE until their time is up. No, the residents are not treated the same. Visitors who choose NOT to be vaccinated and tested must quarantine at very expensive hotels and foot the bil or GO BACK HOME.
From Eu direct flight doesn’t exists. If we want to avoid caranteen the only possibility is (for unvaccinated child-9 year’s) to have trusted traveler partner PCR test.Am i right? In Eu such place doesn’t exists so the only chance which we have that she must do this test at airport during flight change on Us mainland. Is there any (trusted travel partner) exception for international travelers? Thx
Hi Stan.
There is no such exception. For non-direct international travel, Hawaii requires compliance with Safe Travels rules.
Aloha.
Does a 3 year old child need a Covid test prior to travel to Hawaii from Alaska in December 2021? They are not eligible for vaccine?
Only children 5 years and older are required to take a COVID-19 test.
“I think given what we know about the transmissibility and a likely transmissibility advantage of Omicron … once it gets in there, it will likely, under the radar screen, be spreading no matter what you do to keep people out or not.”
– Anthony Fauci, 3 Dec 2021, FOX NEWS.
Given this, one might inquire what Hawaii’s travel restrictions are actually designed to accomplish?
A Day Late and A Dollar Short.
Community spread by definition means that there are at least 2 cases in Hawaii.
If the person who was identified never traveled, someone else must have brought this variant to the State to infect him (unless the variant developed in several regions at the dame time
There is no way a 50 mutation strain developed in 2 places.
Thanks!
We just returned from visiting our daughter and family on the Big Island. Great trip, friendly locals, no issues whatsoever. However, if testing returns for the vaccinated, then it will be a long time before we return. We will let the youngsters travel to the mainland to visit and jump through the hoops. Seems this “O” variant has been around for awhile already; South Africa says people present with mild symptoms (as does the example in the story). For now, seems an excessive over reaction.
Hawaii really needs to start requiring returning residents to be tested before boarding the plane. It’s really ridiculous to allow residents to return without testing! They infect all of us conciencous passengers and then they balme us for infecting Hawaii residents.
Irresponsible returning residents are the biggest problem!!
Everyone should be vaccinated visitors and returning residents.
I also think besides vaccinated visitors, all returning residents need to be vaccinated and tested before
The virus is here and it is community spread, not tourists and not returning residents who have to comply with safe travel rules for testing and vaccinations. One look at the crowds and parties on the beaches and you see the problem. Businesses are doing their best to comply with all the rules. I would agree that everyone should be fully vaccinated or tested before getting on a plane. Not likely to happen in this political climate. The number of new infections in Hawaii is too high.
For many of us, we are past the point of cancellation. For Our January 1 trip we had to cancel 60 days prior for our Kona part of our trip and by November 15 for our Maui part of our trip. Both of which are far behind us. Our only way out is if the Vrbo hosts are gracious enough to let us cancel outside of these due to obscene circumstances, the only thing we can cancel last minute is expensive car rentals.
As for testing travel partners hard to find for 3 days in MN much less 1 day!
PCR test from a limited set of partners within 24 hours, results available before boarding? Lol. Rapid antigen could work, that’s what has worked for us for three international trips during covid. I hope the omicron nucleocapsid is reliably detected by antigen assays. Abbott and Quidel say yes…
Enacting a requirement for a test within 24 hours for domestic travel will be a nightmare for many people. I hope that legislators think carefully before considering such a regulation.
I hope that considerations for any legislation for travel domestically distinguishes between vaccinated and the non vaccinated
We’ve used Walgreens for testing and have results back within 2-hours, every time.
At this juncture it appears Hawaii may contemplate putting another coat of testing and vaccine paint over what is an already deteriorated surface.
Testing permits us to know exactly where the virus has been. It is imprecise as to where it has gone or is going.
Vaccines are not defeating virus spread.
By now we should realize these two are not a solution.
However, they are a reinforcement to the illusion that Hawaii is currently accomplishing that which in fact it cannot.
Well. HI is going to have to change its stance on trusted partner PCR only. That is antiquated and most people can’t get them back that quickly. There are several new tests in the market that are quite effective. HI just needs to get with the program and do what the rest of the world is doing. If not then they have clearly let everyone know how they feel about tourists. And maybe that is what they want. Keep the rifraff out and cater to the Larry Ellisons and Mark Zuckebergs.
That’s what’s happening to our dismay. Our precious islands are being sold to the highest bidders. And us local folks are having to leave. Heartbreaking and tragic.😥
The madness continues…
Hi MIKE S
There is no stopping a highly transmissible respiratory illness. See: flu.
With each wave Hawaiian politicians impose new restrictions and actions. And each time these restrictions and actions fail, the public loses faith with politicians. Cue a new round of restrictions and actions to restore confidence. The circle is complete.
While Hawaii’s economy stands still, weighed down in chains of anti-virus restrictions, Hawaii itself spins ever faster chasing its own tail.
Requiring a test 1day before travel is unworkable. 3 days was tough enough last year. Example: Wallgreen could not guarantee that I would have my results before 3 days had past. So, I went to our local hospital to get my test even though there was some concern that my Hospital may not be considered a “Trusted Partner” What? A Dr. Is less qualified then a tech at a pharmacy! Good example of Politicians making wrong decisions.
Aloha BOH Bro’s
My belief in the coming days and weeks it will be discovered that Omicron variant has being circulating through out the world for some time. It’s the latest Boogie Man variant allowing Governors to retain emergency powers over citizens.
Like flu and pneumonia there will be years of bad strains and mild strains of covid. People at risk will be required to vaccinate every 6 months. Young individuals will use new viral medications to deal with infection.
Aloha BOH,
Well….good luck Hawai’i. I don’t think you will ever return to normal. Take some advice and learn.
New variant is overreaction. I don’t think I will ever return to Hawai’i. Far too many restrictions for me. Keep up the good work.
Thank you!
Yep! Lived in Hawaii most of my life. Been in WA since 2018, gave notice on my Kirkland apartment Jan 2020 moved out last day of Feb 2020 getting ready to return to da islands. Bought a ticket to Oahu for March 9 2020, but have yet to make it back to Hawaii.
Both Intuitively and based upon experience with Hawaii ‘governance’ I knew Hawaii was NOT the place to go during such times. (Police threatening my 72 year old Mom as she walked alone in a park next to her home. “GO HOME OR GO TO JAIL!”)
Moderate symptoms because they’ve had Covid before. Natural immunity is just as good as vaccines or better as hundreds of studies show. Anywhere from the same protection and the latest Israely study on Covid shows it to be 13 times better than the vaccine.
The fact that a limited amount of cases are from tourists is a lie because our numbers were down to 20-30 before tourists started coming back over the summer then they exploded then when Governor Ige asked tourists to stop coming again in the fall numbers started declining again so who is really to blame here? It’s what they want you to believe but the government lies. I believe all tourists whether vaccinated or not should be tested we are an island we are not part of the mainland
Not part of the mainland?!? Ohhhh only when you want Federal tax $$$ because as we all know Hawaii is farrr from self sufficient, especially if tourists aren’t allowed!! Regardless of how much we all want to believe this is a worldwide issue, not one where some of us can just put our head in the sand and demand people stay away from there little corner of the world.
Perhaps it would be wise to wait until scientists have more information about this variant before changing rules. This is nuts!
With the constant changes being made I travel requirements should pressure not be brought on airlines that has a policy of only holding your payment for the flights they canceled due to Covid?
I have $400 dollars with Alaska Airlines that they tell me to use by end December 2021 or loose.
This seems unfair.
How many letters are left in the greek alphabet after O? Will we need to lockdown for every one of them? Luckily, The South African Dr.that alerted the world to Omicron said the symptoms are mild and there is no need for the Hype and panic.
After they go through the Greek Alphabet they plan to start naming variants after cartoon characters. Starting with the Mickey Mouse variant, Foghorn Leghorn variant etc,…
I wouldn’t be surprised if the State did try to tighten entry requirements, but right now that is left to the counties. The “Trusted Partner” concept is non-starter because they can’t get the tests back in a day. At one point last year, CVS even admitted they couldn’t do it in three. They need to accept more testing options like Kaua’i did.
Dealing with the Omicron Variant is an over-reaction, but I totally get it. I just hope we don’t go off on the deep end on this one.
We have been vaccinated, but with this new strain may require the test to enter Hawaii by the time of our trip in January. If Hawaii follows international travel and requires a 24 hour COVID test before arrival, I don’t see how they’ll be able to use Safe Travels. They may have to expand the type of acceptable testing. Other countries do it. A lot of the Mexican and other island resorts provide tests before you return to your country of origin.
Hawaii can learn so much from Mexico but it wont. As the only major country that never locked down, going by the narrative, shouldnt the entire country of Mexico be one mass graveyard by now?