Many of you face the same dilemma with your future Hawaii vacation.
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100 thoughts on “Can You Plan a Future Hawaii Vacation Right Now?”
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Many of you face the same dilemma with your future Hawaii vacation.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
Comments are closed.
We pray for our Island friends. This had been so hard, knowing this prolonged situation is highly unavoidable. Unfortunately, we have some bad apples here in the mainland, preventing the slowing down of COVID. in the meantime we have already started booking our replacement b trip to the Islands for next summer and crossing our fingers.
We have our timeshare booked for January and are planning there to be about 12 of us going to Poipu. We’ve been waiting to book the airfare and hoping that Southwest would come out with a sale before then. Is there a date to say, “this is probably not going to happen” and cancel or are we good to continue to wait to book until maybe October or even later?
Just want to say thanks Rob and Jeff for always providing the latest information. You are the go to guys for all things related to Hawaii travel. We hope to visit Kauai in February, as we do every year, but it may not be worth it if restrictions are still in place. Plus, here in Colorado, testing results are not available for 3-5 days, too late under Gov Ige’s restrictions. But we are hopeful.
Keep up the good work.
Hi Bob.
Thanks for your many comments!
Aloha.
Hawaii is my home, where I was born and where the better half of my family resides. It is so painful not to be able to plan on visiting. Covid will phase out.
This all just seems like a bad dream or something out of the Twilight zone.
Having lived 12 years on the Winward side, Kailua, I will always consider Hawaii a second home and we enjoy coming back a couple times a year to see friends and Ohana.
The Hawaiian spirit lives inside us, it calls to us, and we certainly hope for the best outcome for all the local and big businesses alike, that they can thrive once again very soon.
Lets live Aloha, be respectful, kind and patient. We will see you soon Hawaii..
What are current restrictions for residents returning to Hawaii from the Mainland? Do they have 14 day quarantine? Will negative 72 hour pre flight Covirus-19 test results allow no quarantine? Do healthcare employees have quarantine requirements, too?
Aloha David!
Yes, you would have to do a 14 day quarantine. At this point, Hawaii is not accepting test results, whether you test negative (which makes no sense) or not. You can technically take a test, be positive, have no fever, and still get on a plane and fly to Hawaii to then serve your 14 day quarantine (which makes no sense). If you are a health care worker, and can prove you are covid free, you might be able to get a “get-out-of-jail free” card, but I am not 100% sure on that one, it may depend on the necessity/need of healthcare workers. Good question!
I would suggest that if you expect a reply form the BoH staff, you might want to check out the “Read this first:” section under the Giant “LEAVE A REPLY” right above the place where you leave a comment/reply. They almost always leave a reply (when they can), if you follow those steps! 😉
Hi Jim.
Yes, we are old-fashioned. The please or thank you always get a response. Thanks for pointing that out.
Aloha.
DAVID K… With a 72 hour pre-arrival (flight?) negative COVID test for which you can show documentation, you will NOT have to quarantine. That policy has been in place since August 1 if not prior. If you arrive without your results, you will have to quarantine until your negative results can be provided to HI authorities. The best place to check for up-to-the-minute policies is Go Hawaii.com. Beat of Hawaii posts, when posted by the owners of the site, is also very accurate but posts by participants is not always the most dependable – as the post from Jim R whose statements posted on 08/04 reflect policy that was changed, as I said, a month ago. When looking for information I also Google “hawaii quarantine” and you will see latest information from the local papers and/or latest press conferences. I believe somewhere I saw comment on healthcare workers and exclusion from the above policy but would encourage you to check that out for yourself.
Thank you for keeping us informed.Big Island is our second home and we are supposed to leave oct.28.Not stressing and we know things can change but we appreciate how you inform us of the changes that are happening regularly.Mahalo for you hard work.
Hi Dennis.
Thanks.
Aloha.
In response to the person who is cancelling his trip to the big island and rebooking to Mexico. Mexico is great but booking to another country during COVID seems more risky. Is Mexico open? Have they seen the travel warnings? I think Hawaii is a better plan or just hold off.
Your info is always helpful. We always look forward to your website. Could you please tell me what “Vacation rentals are closed to visitors under quarantine” means? Mahalo.
Hi Roy.
Thank you. It is our understanding that you cannot quarantine at any vacation rental. If there is no quarantine (later), or you have completed quarantine, then you can choose that type of accommodation if you’d like.
Aloha.
Mahalo, We have rented a condo on the Big Island for late Nov. early Dec. We have the down payment monies on the condo and full payment comes due late this month. They have indicated that are dates are movable (Kona Coast Vacation Rentals) I need to talk to them about about what ifs. Also, all airlines have indicated that they are going cut both flights and employees come Oct 1. American 40%, United 40%, Alaska 30%, Hawaiian 10 to 25%. As I’m sure your aware that the cutting of flights has to do with the ending of the bailout monies from the Feds, which comes to an end Sept 30. I actually moved are flight from a flight that had 35 passengers on it to one that had 74 on it,in hopes that they are more likely to fly that flight. This cutting of flights is going to effect both the Big Island and Kauai the most.
Aloha again and stay safe.
Hi Roy.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Guy’s my understanding is there’s still a lot of push back by locals, mostly seniors about letting tourism resume. I’ve read many comments on other sites stating the desire to protect island elders.
Due to a surge of covid on Oahu, many Maui and Kauai residents want inter island travel to be discontinued and residents of Hana are asking again for the highway to be shutdown to outsiders.
I’ve also read that residents keep trying to connect tourist to recent island bad behavior the beach on Kauai and drum circles on Oahu to name a few. Which again without evidence paints a poor picture of the view of tourist on the islands.
Regardless of an effective vaccine when travel resumes Hawaii will like all other states have to deal with a surge of covid cases and deaths related to the virus.
There’s no escaping this fact.
So whats the tipping point how many family owned businesses will need to fail never to reopen, when will public unrest become overwhelming, how many residence will lose their homes to foreclosure.
If something isn’t done soon the mob will take over Hawaii will burn like many of our great cities.
Breaking!!! Oahu is back to 10 people per gathering so folks, do NOT plan on coming to HI any time soon. With 26 dead from COVID (lowest death rate in the nation) we’re still pretty much locking people out & will soon lock out & quarantine inter-island travel for 14 days (just a hunch). I get the ‘fear factor’ when it comes to a perceived lack of enough hospital beds/equipment if a large number of folks get the virus. Why not be proactive? (a little known concept in HI) Bring in the Army Corps of Engineers to set up temporary hospital space on the more populated islands. Heck, with all of the empty hotel rooms, they could likely use those as well? Our nudniks here NEVER think outside of the box. The only thing they know how to do is lock down; wring their hands and say, “Woe is me!”
Hi Guys, Thanks for all your informative work.
We are in the process of cancelling our trip again, October 9th to the 21st as our airline cancelled our flight for the second time. All other flights from other departure sites and time within three days of the 9th were full so we had no choice. I’m not sure we want to try this a third time. Maybe next year when things are better. Best wishes to everyone on the islands.
Hi David.
Thank you.
Aloha.
I booked a Rental Car thru Advantage, Hawaii Discount Car rentals, There is talk about Bankruptcy? I did get a Morphed to Enterprize Email for $300 price increase ? Any thoughts or Infomation about Hawaii Discount Car Rentals doing this?
Thanks.
Hi Deb.
Advantage went into bankruptcy in May. Otherwise suggest contacting DHCR.
Aloha.
It’s just not worth the stress and hassle to try and schedule a Hawaii trip until everything is sorted out. We’re waiting until 1) they re-open the islands entirely, and 2) a sufficient number of visitors have gone there without any issues related to a quarantine, testing, etc. Yes, we’d like to be one of the first ones to go there after they re-open to experience the islands without all the crowds, etc., but there’s just too many potential land mines and pitfalls.
We will just keep booking…and canceling as needed. No biggie for us
Aloha Beat of Hawai’i.
You are, consistently, the number one in up to date information on the Islands.
We appreciate you more than you can imagine.
Please keep up the stellar reporting on the circus side-show act by Hawai’i’s duly elected Governor. Let’s hope he gets to a place where he’s comfortable with trying to save the people AND the economy.
Mahalo,
Pam
Hi Pam.
Thanks very much!
Aloha.
Aloha and thanks! I wouldn’t. First time in 25 years to miss 1 or 2 trips to the islands. Not worth the headaches of knowing or not.
Hi Michael.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Us as well, Michael P. I feel like our world has fallen apart in so many ways!
Our 2 week vacation May-June, three island trip was cancelled due to the lockdowns. We are now scheduled for 2 islands in December and 3 days less. Considering we have NEVER required tests for the flu and have never known how many people in the USA or any other country have been diagnosed or have been a carrier and yet can’t be positive of how many deaths were caused by the flu.
Sorry, but I think that the media with their 24 hour news-cycle have created a monster and must keep feeding it. Is it worse than the flu, according to the news for those over 80 probably, will more people die, no doubts.
Better question will giving people more money to not work, destroy the work ethic of our country? Absolutely no doubt and yet that seems to be the fate of our country.
Great comments. What we need to maybe accept is that this whole virus thing is no worse than the flu, and if it were not an election year, maybe it would be a non issue.
Accept away if you like – Death rate way higher than the flu. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/coronavirus-disease-2019-vs-the-flu
Really Beat of Hawaii? You accept Trump disinformation and conspiracy theories over facts? Good to know.
Exactly!!! Read this science article on the “12 deadliest Viruses” …see how many have no “cure”, have higher fatalities & yet the world did not shut down! Humankind has been living & battling viruses probably since man walked the earth…we take risks every single day…people die everyday of all kinds of things..& avoidable ones like smoking, obesity, etc…. the cure is worse than the virus!
https://www.livescience.com/56598-deadliest-viruses-on-earth.html
Aloha,
Car accidents are not contagious.
Diabetes is not contagious.
Obesity is not contagious.
Second hand smoke may kill but…not in a matter of days or weeks after exposure.
Hospital are able to handle emergency room visits – and provide routine care if they are not overwhelmed by people infected with a highly contagious virus.
The flu does not:
cause survivors to get double lung transplants
https://www.livescience.com/double-lung-transplant-covid19-home.html
cause the same level of acute liver injury – which results in the need for dialysis
https://www.kidney.org/news/covid-19-patients-are-becoming-kidney-patients-most-americans-unaware
cause acute profound sensorineural hearing loss (the flu can cause temporary loss due to congestion in the ear)
https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(20)30596-6/pdf
And the unlike the flu, COVID causes brain damage.
https://www.beingpatient.com/study-of-brain-damage-in-covid-19-patients-reveals-a-rise-in-rare-brain-inflammation/
Please do not confuse the USA’s inability to deal effectively, unlike New Zealand, with this virus with the effects of the virus itself. COVID is not the flu.
Mahalo,
Liz
My family has a trip planned for November but it’s not likely we’ll go. It’s unlikely Hawai’i will reopen on September 1st. Even when it does reopen, resorts will require masks and too much restrictions to actually enjoy a vacation. Maybe we’ll try Hawai’i next year when things calm down.
You’ve got that right, no enjoy in masks,
Not really. Why spend top dollar on any vacation right now, when your experiences are so limited? And might I add the fact that travelers will still not be as welcome to the islands because of the fact you still might spread coronavirus while there? Forget it. 2 years out? Maybe.
The Islands can be enjoyable with bare minimum open. Nature cures the soul. Worse case, I just spend two months there…I guess that’s one benefit of being semi-early retired (flexible with time) and having timeshares.
Our trip this past April to meet up with our son and his family on Maui fell through due to COVID-19. My son rescheduled it for December, just before Christmas. I sincerely hope we can get there. We have a new grandson we’ve never seen. We’ve never been to Hawaii and have so looked forward to it. Thank you.
Hi Anne.
Thanks. We hope so too.
Aloha.
Aloha. You have got to be joking. We would normally visit Hawaii once or twice a year for two weeks each time. For the benefit of your industry readers let me illustrate what we are NOT doing. We are not driving an hour to our local airport and leaving the car for two weeks in a paid parking facility. We are not taking one or two flights to a west coast city, getting a hotel room, going downtown for the day and enjoying an evening out, flying out the next morning. We are not purchasing upgraded seats to Hawaii, and purchasing upgraded accommodation. We are not frequenting our favourite beach bars, restaurants and shops. We are not renting a car for two weeks, or beach gear. I think you get the idea. We understand there are difficulties at hand but we will not tolerate government induced uncertainty during our leisure time, and we will seek other venues. Mahalo.
Hi Gerry.
Thanks for your comments.
Aloha.
Thank you for following the constantly moving target of policy changes regarding Covid in Hawaii. My question to you is more immediate in nature. I’m currently staying at a home on an outer island. I will return to my home on the mainland on August 23rd. The Lt. Governor just mentioned a total lockdown if the Covid numbers continue to climb. My question is this: If a lockdown occurs will people needing to return to the mainland be able to do so? How much lead time would we have to adjust our flight reservations? Since I must take two flights to get home (Ohana Air, then Hawaiian Air) I’m concerned that I won’t be able to leave for a very long time which would be nearly impossible for me.YIKES, any information would be helpful.
Hi Betsy.
Thanks. The uncertainty makes sense. First flights need to keep operating even if there is an interisland quarantine implemented (which we don’t know will be the case). It is our clear understanding that you would be able to connect in Honolulu to your outbound flight and have never heard of anyone not being able to leave Hawaii. Let’s see if others can add anything.
Aloha.
We cancelled our Maui trip in September trip and pushed it to mid October. Testing is the problem. In my state the testing has been open to almost anyone but this is creating the timing being delayed by more than the 72 hours. If we cancel again, which looks like it is unfortunately real- than I’m not sure when we will return. We may have to look at other paradise options. Fingers crossed for October.
Finally we have a family holiday vacation ALL together for the first time and are sitting on edge. We’re comIng different parts of the states. We will be going to Oahu. We have a house rental for a family only gathering for New Years Eve. Some are their and others have hotels and such. Are the restrictions the same
Aloha guys! Beat of Hawai’i is da kine.
Is there any money riding on 1 January?
Just wondering. (Trying to stay positive, but finding it hard to do)
Aloha to all.
Hi Pam.
Thanks for your 30 comments! We don’t know and we suggested October. It is anyone’s guess with so many fast-moving variables.
Aloha.
We’ve tried making vacation plans for Maui- involves 3 families so tough even on a good day. Cancellations were difficult. We have decided to wait until there is a vaccine and travel to Hawaii when it’s is normalized. I guess that this virus will tie us down until to coast is totally clear.
Love Hawaii and so sorry for all the economic fallout. Can’t blame them for all the caution, but what will be left after a year of this? Keep a good thought!
I usually book my time share in October/November for August the following year. I plan on booking it as usual this year for next year.
Problem is I usually book my flight as early as February or when I find a good price. I have yet to hear from Alaska about how they are going to handle my cancellation for this year?
Guess I’ll just play it by ear when it comes time to book my flight. But in all honesty, I don’t think I’ll be going to Maui next year either 😥
Mahalo for all the great info BOH.
Wouldn’t know all this without you guys being on top of things 🌺
Hi Donna.
Thanks for your nice words and many comments.
Aloha.
Dittos !!! You guys ROCK ! Thank you for keeping us Hawai’i lovers informed with the most timely, readable info. Prayers to all O’hana affected during this uncertain, stressful time.
Hi Nita.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Has anyone talked to some of the resorts and hotels on Maui, to see how long it would take them to be ready to receive guests once it is allowed?
Mahalo
Bill
Hi Bill.
Thanks for your many comments. Originally hotels/resorts were saying six weeks. Our gut call is they will do it in less – perhaps 3.
Aloha.
And once they reopen, they’ll require masks in public spaces and social distancing guidelines with limited restaurants. It won’t be a place to vacation at for a long time Bill.
Like many of the readers, I have a trip scheduled to Hawaii later this year, but will not be traveling if I need to self isolate for 14 days. We all know that the 72 hour requirement for a test is unrealistic because it is taking 6-7 days to get results. I was able to test for covid-19 antibodies last week and received my results the very next day. It only cost me $10 with my medical insurance. This is not a covid test, but tells you if you have had the disease. My question is, why is an antibody test not acceptable to Hawaii in lieu of a real covd-19 test. Seems to me this antibody test, coupled with social distancing and masks, is a way to reintroduce tourism to a place that really needs it. And, as you might guess, I am certainly not a medical professional but would like to hear thoughts or insight on this. Thank you. – Rich P
Hi Rich.
We have heard nothing about Hawaii accepting antibody testing as part of the plan. On the other hand, there has never been any detailed plan. So anything is possible.
Aloha.
And the virus rages on..
Hi,
Do you still anticipate the next update coming around 8/15? We’re supposed to fly to Maui from Sacramento on 9/2, but are pretty much assuming it won’t happen. would like to hear your thoughts…
Thanks,
Ben
Hi Ben.
Yes, that’s still our thinking – an update from the state in the next two weeks.
Aloha.
I still have a timeshare reservation in November (after canceling 3 other trips since March) but it’s unlikely I keep that reservation. I have very little doubt that Hawai’i will reopen on September 1st. Which pushes it to October or later. Even after it opens. There’s going to be mask requirements at the resorts. I’m not going on vacation to wear a mask and be uncomfortable. Hawai’i won’t be happening for our family this year.
I couldn’t let this go without sharing: On Sunday while we aere at open air restaurant in South Kihei on Maui, we noted a large gathering 15 persons, all without masks, including 2 children and at least 2 older folks at the beach under a pavilion tent outside the restaurant. Since that is in violation of several of the Mayors proclamations, we opted to call the Maui hotline which was published as an alternative to calling 911. The operator was very courteous and took our number and said an officer would call us back.
Guess what? Right! Noone called.
So my question is: How does anyone expect to get the virus under control and limit its spread if flagrant violators are allowed to flaunt the orders. There is no enforcement.
What is strange to me is that just a month ago, walking on the beach was being restricted and there were plenty of patrols citing violators. Where are the police now? Granted it was Sunday, but wouldn’t you think that would be the appropriate time to have beach patrols. And if not patrols, at least have access to police thru a prompt response neighbor watch?
Just saying….
So far our September 2nd Alaska direct flight has not been canceled. We have covid tests scheduled for Monday 8/31 as testing on Friday would have been more than 72 hrs. I’m guessing we’ll quarantine until our results show up, but who do we then show those to?
I emailed the Governor’s office. They replied that they don’t know!
As part time residents we’re coming regardless♡
Thanks for all your updates.
Hi Jacqui.
Thank you. Well, at least the governor’s office was honest in that they don’t know. Hopefully we will know more by 8/15.
Aloha.
You asked the question in the title to this article. “Can You Plan a Future Hawaii Vacation Right Now?”. From what I’m reading here and in prior e-mails, the answer is simple…no. What more is there to say. This from 40 year travelers and owners for the last 20 years. We’re busy planning other distractions.
I already cancelled my September triplast week but rebooked yesterday for May for a really good deal. Will hold off on air since I don’t want to use up my one time change voucher if for some reason I have to change again. I’m thankful I have something on the books to look forward to.
Mahalo 🙂
Aloha! We have Poipu reservations beginning October 13. Almost all refundable til right before. Is hiking (Waimea Canyon, Sleeping Giant, Kalalau Trail for a few open?). Ke’e Beach? How about Poipu restaurants (Keoki’s, Beach House,etc). Trying to get a sense if things open right when we get there what will be “open.”
Thanks!!
Hi Jon.
Beaches are open for sure. Restaurants are in a state of flux until travel resumes. We just saw that Ruth Chris is closed permanently as is Kalaheo Steak House. We will update what is open after announcement of travel happens.
Aloha.
Thank you as always for clear and concise information. We are scheduled to visit Kauai and Maui at the beginning of October. Some of the friends that we were traveling with have already cancelled all of their reservations. As it stands, we would have to rearrange some things such as flights and hotels that were already booked, in order to come. Truth be told, if we are unable to enjoy eating in restaurants and shopping, or if our resort pool, the beach or hiking areas have restrictions, we will cancel and wait for another time. Mahalo for always providing the very best travel advice and guidance for Hawaii.
Hi Suz.
Thank you!
Aloha.
Unfortunately, until there is a safe, proven vaccine, I doubt my wife and I will travel to Kauai. Ironically, we had 3 weeks planned this past May to look at condos, as we plan on retiring on Kauai, which we’ve postponed until Spring/Summer 2021. Unlike the Mainland, Kauai and the rest of Hawaii face impossible question – save the economy or save Hawaiian citizens lives. God bless you. Aloha
Hi Tom.
Thank you for all your comments.
Aloha.
I just changed our reservations from November to next March. With all of the changes being made concerning opening/not opening, travel bubbles, testing etc., I’m hoping that things will be clearer and more workable by that time. We’re supposed to go to a business meeting in October, but haven’t booked flights–everything is just too up in the air to take a chance. On the bright side, Hawaiian airlines was very helpful, and making the changes was fairly painless, Hilton was too.