The clock is ticking at the Aloha Tower in Honolulu (pictured here). Just one week from today, Hawaii will reopen to visitors. This morning we have had a flurry of comments and the theme is utter confusion about Hawaii’s rules and partners for reopening on October 15. Here’s what people have been saying.
Macie L said “I’m so confused. I thought any NAAT/PCR test from a CLIA Lab was acceptable. Now it has to come from one of the named testing partners? We have reservations to come 10/15 and am extremely concerned now about my ability to get a test. I have called the (state) repeatedly and gotten nothing but voicemail with no callbacks. I already have an appointment for a NAAT test at a CLIA lab, but not with one of the partners listed above. We can’t get more information from CVS until 10/10. Vault won’t guarantee I get test results back before I board my flight unless I rebook with Hawaiian Air. I’m not a Kaiser member. So frustrating. I’m willing to comply with any rules the state of Hawaii has but this is ridiculous.”
Tamara H. added “This is all so unclear. On the official hawaiicovid19.com website, it states any NAAT test from an approved CLIA lab is acceptable. It does list the “travel partners” but does NOT state the test has to be done by one of these partners ONLY. See “What is the pre-travel test program?” Is this not the official government website?”
No, you are not imagining the confusion.
Here is information found today on the state’s official COVID 19 travel page.
1. “Currently approved is the processing by laboratories that are licensed or certified by Clinical Laboratories Improvement Amendments (CLIA) of specimens for nucleic acid amplification testing approved or authorized by the United States Food and Drug Administration, pursuant to an Emergency Use Authorization or other authorization for COVID-19 testing.”
Beat of Hawaii: That gives the clear impression that so long as tests comply with this statement, the source company from which you obtain the test does not matter. But in fact, everything we have been told says that is simply not the case.
2. “The state of Hawaii will accept test results from trusted testing and travel partners: AFC Urgent Care, Carbon Health, CityHealth Urgent Care, Color, CVS Health, Discovery Health MD, Kaiser Permanente, Quest Diagnostics, Vault Health and Walgreens (as of 10/6/20).”
Beat of Hawaii: The two statements above are in conflict. The first one says it doesn’t matter the test provider, and the second one says that it must be from one of the approved “trusted partners.” Lt. Gov. Green has said repeatedly that only tests from the trusted partners will be accepted, at least for now. It is safe to go with that answer, as he is the official in charge. Moreover, this is just one of many areas that need to be “cleaned up” on that web page.
3. What about the airlines? The chart shown yesterday during the governor’s press conference clearly showed testing through Alaska Airlines (pending approval), Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. Those have never appeared on the list of approved “trusted partners.”
Beat of Hawaii: For example, GoHealth is one of two providers for United Airlines tests, and that vendor doesn’t appear on the list of trusted partners. The airlines aren’t the testing companies, so even listing them seems to be mixing apples and oranges. Nonetheless, the state did list them and refer to them during yesterday’s press conference.
Where can COVID tests for kids be obtained?
Today, Amber asked, “A problem I have come across is that both CVS and Walgreens will not test children under a certain age. Was there any mention of children being tested? I am assuming they will have to get a test also?
When Hawaiian Airlines introduced their at-home testing via Vault Health, they said the $150 mail-in saliva test would be available for all ages including children. That test is sent via overnight mail to travelers who self-collect saliva with the assistance of a testing supervisor via video call. It is then mailed to the lab that processes the sample and provides travelers results within 24 hours of receipt of the sample.
That test can be purchased directly from Vault, so you do not need to be flying on Hawaiian Air. Further adding to the confusion, we found that Vault says, “Typically you will receive an email with results 48-72 hours after your sample is received at the lab.” So that brings into question the timing of test results for Hawaii travel.
But keep in mind this warning from Macie J. “I called Vault yesterday and you can purchase a mail in test. But without a reservation on Hawaiian Air, the turnaround time is up to 72 hours after they receive the sample. Which may mean you need to board the flight without having your test results back. However they do seem like a good option if you are flying with Hawaiian.”
When Alaska Airlines introduced their pop-up testing via Carbon Health, which is set to begin next week in Seattle, they indicated that all ages can be tests including children. That company also provides mail-in testing, and again it doesn’t appear to matter what airline you are flying, although Alaska flyers will receive a discounted price.
We know that kids starting at age 5 definitely need to be tested. Lt. Gov. Josh Green said tests for kids will be primarily available via mail-in testing.
Question: Have you been able to successfully source COVID tests for kids traveling to Hawaii? Please let us know.
Will test results be timely?
No one wants to go into quarantine simply because the testing company couldn’t provide result in a timely way. We need the state to confirm that their “trusted partners” will be able to service these tests in order to avoid quarantine.
In that regard, Stevi C. wonders “If a quarantine is mandatory until test results are received? If so, do we know if the testing partners are going to be able to turn the test results around within 72 hours? I may reschedule if this is the case, as I’m only going for a week and don’t want to risk having to spend half of it in quarantine. I’ve had bad luck in the past with my test taking 15 days to get results.”
What happened to American Airlines as a trusted partner?
Joan B. noted, “I have heard that American Airlines is not on the list yet because their test did not meet Hawaii’s requirement and they have to go back to the drawing board.”
And Julieta D. just added, “I just got off the phone with AA and they have a site where it now provides more details on steps to take for traveling to Hawaii… (still vague on Kona though). The site is aa.com/covid19testing. It takes you to a page with links to their partners and more information. They will keep updating this page as information Is updated.”
Beat of Hawaii: Unfortunately, American’s testing partners are not Hawaii’s trusted partners. So it would seem something still needs to happen between the state and American to get this confusion resolved. We do see that the American website says that their tests will work for Hawaii.
Some of today’s other related questions and comments:
David F. asks, “Walgreens is offering two different testing options, with one available at some locations and the second offered at the other: (1) “PT-PCR Diagnostic Panel” and (2) “Rapid Point of Care (“POC”) Test”. I cannot find on the Walgreens website whether either or both are the “NAAT test conducted at a CLIA-certified laboratory” as required by the Hawaiian authorities. Do you happen to know whether one or both of the test options offered by Walgreens meets the requirements for Hawaii’s travel program?”
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I would like to know about this please as I have a trip planned for 3/25!
“Walgreens is offering two different testing options, with one available at some locations and the second offered at the other: (1) “PT-PCR Diagnostic Panel” and (2) “Rapid Point of Care (“POC”) Test”. I cannot find on the Walgreens website whether either or both are the “NAAT test conducted at a CLIA-certified laboratory” as required by the Hawaiian authorities. Do you happen to know whether one or both of the test options offered by Walgreens meets the requirements for Hawaii’s travel program?”
Hi Cynthia.
Best advise we can offer is to check with the state’s Safe Travels help desk at 1-855-599-0888 between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time.
Aloha.
I work for a COVID testing site. We send all our samples to a CLIA approved site. I wanted to know can I use my site or does it have to be a “partner”? No one can seem to answer this. We are flighing the Hawaiian Airlines. Thank you for the help.
Hi Sierra.
Here are the rules. It needs to be a trusted partner. https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel/travel-partners/
Aloha.
The 72 hr timing is confusing me. We arrive in Hawaii at 430pm on December 3rd. Our test is scheduled in Michigan at 10:30 am on Monday Nov. 30. Are we gonna be good with the 72 hours
I called Walgreens here in San Diego as it is one of the places offering free tests. They said they are not offering the rapid test but their results come back in 48-72 hours and are more accurate than the fast one.
Can someone please tell me where in southern california, i can get a rapid test. please be specific. we need to test on a saturday
we live in san diego but will drive as far as los angeles
Hi Beth.
Plenty of folks on here from So. Cal. so hopefully others will chime in. The Vault mail in tests are available anywhere in the US.
Aloha.
We flew to Lihue last Thursday (5th). Southwest nonstop from San Jose. Airfare dirt cheap ($129 one-way). Plane not even 1/3 full. We had taken/shipped Vault tests on the 2nd, and received our results emails late on the 3rd. You “print” the first page (only) of the results email as a pdf, and upload the pdf on your trip profile on the HI web site. This can be easily forged (not that we did that!). You need to wait until one day before your flight to answer the health questions on the HI web site, which is what triggers the QR code email from HI. Keep that email!
The exit process at LIH took maybe 3 minutes. No paper print outs were needed/wanted. The guy at LIH (“Kimo”) asked me to locate/open the QR code email, enter my password, and hand him my phone. He scrolled around a bit, and handed my phone back along with a little paper “admit one” ticket. Same for my wife. Then we made our way to the little security area that has AC (those of you that fly to LIH know what I mean) and a kid in a national guard outfit wanted to see the paper ticket, after which you must toss it in a waste bin. Then you are done and can exit through the baggage claim.
If you rent a car, they will also want you to click onto that same QR code email and enter your password (and just hand them your phone, it goes faster). We have a house here, so I don’t know about hotels and vacation rentals, but they probably also ask. We were told some restaurants may ask, but that hasn’t happened, yet. One place did take our temperature. Mask wearing is about the same as on mainland. Wear one in stores and for entering/exiting restaurants, but take it off when you sit down.
Flight attendant said you can get free tests with fast results at OAK that HI accepts. I was told Walgreens in CA also offered free tests with fast results. We did Vault because our home state WY paid for them, and it is less invasive to spit than have a swab shoved into your brain.
Thank you SO much for posting this! I booked on American so I could fly through Dallas and use their on site rapid testing. This morning I noticed that neither of their testing partners were on the approved list. Yet AA still tauts that these providers will work. Now I have to change my flights or cancel. I thought it was my imagination being paranoid until I saw your article. T
If you are aware of any updates or changes, please advise.
Thank you
Hi Lara.
Perhaps someone who has had experience with AA out of DFW can comment, as we don’t know. Alternatively, try contacting the state’s Safe Travels helpline at 1-855-599-0888.
Aloha.
I believe if AA is a trusted partner, the test is good. I used United airlines partner, GoHealth at SFO. Since United is a trusted partner the test is accepted, even though GoHealth is not on the list. I would call AA and confirm.
I flew American Airlines and tested at the Rapid Testing Center in Dallas. American uses CareNow which is on the list of trusted testing partners. I had no problem getting in. Good luck!!
Hi Tim and others.
We appreciate you all giving Lara a hand.
Aloha.
Also, the Rapid Testing took place between Gates D40 and B1. I believe the flights to Hawaii are leaving out of the D terminal. The entire process took me 30 minutes.
Circling back because we are about to go through the ordeal. We have Vault test kits (they are on the “trusted partners” list), which must be taken with a Zoom call proctor, then UPS’d to their lab. That is the easy part (I think).
We are scheduled to fly from San Jose CA to Lihue this Thursday at 9 am, so we will wait until 10 am Monday to take the tests. My concerns, based on prior comments on this blog, are:
[1] Does Vault “time stamp” when the test is taken and is it shown on the results? Have people had Vault test results rejected for lack of a time stamp showing is less than 72 hours? The alternative is to take the test on Tuesday, but that greatly decreases our chances of getting results back before departure.
[2] If we do not receive the results in time to post them on the safe travels web site or print them out before we have to board our flight, but we instead get them while in mid-air or after landing, are we stuck with 14 days quarantine or returning to mainland as a result? Or has the state started to “approve” test results posted on the save travels app after someone is initially stuck with quarantine? That is a “really sucks” situation and I have seen comments that this was happening – not sure if it still is??
Thank you, again, BoH guys for having this blog, and to all of you commenters out there contributing your experiences to try and help others.
Hi David.
Great questions. Also, please let us know how it turns out after the fact. Hopefully, we’ll hear from some of those who’ve already done the Vault route. Overall the feedback in comments has been very positive.
Aloha.
Aloha, so my friend arrived from the mainland with a negative test from a trusted partner and was told she still had to quarantine because afc urgent care from Colorado was not accepted and only afc urgent care of portland was. For days and many, many calls we have been contacting and talking to everyone we can to get this corrected to no avail. All we want to do is have a chance to communicate our story to whomever is making these decisions. Through all of our work, we have narrowed it down to the attorney general office and the department of health. Have you heard of anyone reversing there quarantine?? The sad thing is that they watched other people on there flight with the same issue get cleared! There is no clear direction to this and everything decision is up to the worker making it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated
Hi Jeff.
First, sorry to hear about what you have been going through. We did see on the state website that AFC Portland was listed but no other AFC locations. That’s confusing at best. We hope other visitors who have had some experience with similar situations can share answers,
Aloha.
Hi Jeff,
Very sorry to hear this. The frustrating thing about this is they started off with just something like “AFC Urgent Care” listed (without specifying “Portland”) and then later changed it. While it’s nice that the state has been continuously updating this website with new info, there’s also something to be said about changing info that can greatly affect someone’s ability to follow the rules. I had been keeping a constant check on the HawaiiCovid19 website prior to our arrival, and the repeated changes really makes it look like there has been no clear / stable decision-making.
Thanks.
Hi Nathan.
True that. We continue to be hopeful that as a little more time passes, this will all get easier.
Aloha.
Hi. Has anyone taken the Walgreen’s PCR test in Hawaii yet? We took it last Fri for the purpose of traveling from Oahu to Maui (for today, Mon). Still haven’t gotten the results back though. I know they say three days, but just wondering if it took any longer for anyone else who has taken it.
Thanks.
Update: We’re still waiting for our results from Walgreens, and it’s been greater than 72 hours. I found out that the tests are shipped off to the mainland to be processed, which is probably what is causing the holdup. As a result, I would highly recommend not using Walgreen’s test in Hawaii for interisland travel, just so you avoid having to be stuck in your hotel.
Thanks.
Hi Nathan.
Thanks for letting us know.
Aloha.
We took the Walgreens Rapid Test and it was accepted by Hawaii. The result page shows it is a (nucleic amplification test NAAT). We had our test results within 2 hours at the Walgreens we went to in Las Vegas. We wanted to be sure we had the test results back in time before our flight, so we had it done 2 days before. I had read that many people used the Walgreens rapid test before I decided to proceed with it. Enjoy Hawaii
I have a similar question to David P. regarding Walgreens’ (1) “PT-PCR Diagnostic Panel” and (2) “Rapid Point of Care (“POC”) Test”.
I have read that #1 is a NAAT test, but am unable to find documentation as to whether or not we can rely on using #2. Any help would be appreciated.
Hi Misty.
We can’t say with certainty and would be happy to get input from readers who may have been through the Walgreen’s process.
Aloha.
My daughter arrived from No to Kauai yesterday using walgreen rapid test and no issues.
Hi. Can anyone confirm if Walgreen’s RT-PCR test was accepted? We took that test on Friday in order to fly from Ohau to Maui. (Our flight is Monday morning – still have yet to get the results in, although, I know it’s supposed to take three days).
Any help would greatly be appreciated!
Hi. Can anyone confirm if the Walgreen’s PCR test is accepted? We took that test on Fri in order to fly from Oahu to Maui on Mon. (Still haven’t gotten the results yet, although, I know it’s supposed to take three days).
Any help would greatly be appreciated!
Thanks.
I actually just saw on the Hawaii Covid 19 site that the PCR is approved.
Thanks.
Misty,
We arrived in HNL yesterday using the Walgreens COVID Rapid Test. No issues! It says NAAT on the ‘lab PDF‘ and you should print this after loading it into the required Hawaii Safe Travel Questionnaire. You only need to worry about filling in the areas with asterisks.
Please have your questionnaire filled out, the barcode (they will send you once that is approved) on your mobile device, a photo ID and a printed copy of your Lab PDF results in hand when you land.
You should have absolutely no issues!
Aloha. I provided my COVID negative test one hour after leaving the airport on 10/17 and have yet to receive clearance (it’s been 4 days). I’ve tried every number I can find on all of the government websites but haven’t heard anything useful nor anything about timeline.
Is anyone in the same boat or have any advice?
Have you actually been quarantining? Is there someone supposed to be monitoring you that you can complain to?
I truly have been quarantining – From everything I’ve read, I’m not allowed to leave my residence until I get my test verified. Those required to quarantine check-in daily with the location via the SafeTravels QR code side so there’s unfortunately no one I can directly ask.
4 days in Quarantine!!!? You poor thing. I decided to rebook our family trip in November. Too much stress for me with a family of 6!!! I couldn’t take it. I pray things will get better for you. Keep us posted.
Thank you very much for your help. Where did you find the contact form/which phone number did you call? Appreciate it.
Hi Chinni.
The number is found on the https://hawaiicovid19.com website.
Aloha.
Anyone know if the 72 hours is being calculated from the time zone you take the test in or adjusted to time zone of last leg of trip? Example: test in Michigan on Wednesday at 1:00pm with last leg of flight out of Seattle at 10:30 PST on Saturday (which would be 1:30pm in Michigan)
Mary C,
I was told that it needs to be calculated based on the time zone of your last leg.
We are leaving Michigan at 9am on Thursday dec 3. Our test is scheduled for 1030 am on Monday Nov 3. Were you ok with timing? We leave Denver at 12:15
Shelli L: my family and I are running into the same issue you posted about. How did it go? Are they a stickler on the 72 hours? Because with my test in the ability to overnight the vials to Vault, it will be about 74 hours. Fingers crossed.
We landed in Kauai today and Walgreen rapid test was fine.
Thanks!!! Have an awesome trip!
I just received my results from vault. I dont know what im suppose to upload to the Hawaii safe site? All I have from vault is a section where it says negative test result?? Does anyone know what we are suppose to upload? I board early tomorrow morning.
Even though it says that you must upload a PDF, just do a screen shot of your Vault results and upload it to the portal. YOu may also get a follow up email with the test results and you can upload that as well.
Hi Sandra,
I used Vault and agree with Brads comments. You should receive a more formal result in an email from Vault. I suggest you scan those results. But bring a physical copy as well since they check it upon arrival.
I looked at My Walgreens rapid test again. Now it says NAAT. I think they added it later on. We are landing at 5 PM today and I will update.
Hi Anil,
Any updates about the Walgreen’s Rapid test? Was it accepted?
Thanks.
Yes – walgreen test was accepted and no issues in getting in.
Same here. Breezed right through, although the screening line was extremely long and took a little over an hour.
Note that from 15-18 Oct, they had spontaneously announced that the stage wad accepting any compliant negative test results, not just from the trusted testing partners. Now that the 4 day “grace period” is over, it will be interesting to find out if the Walgreens rapid test is still accepted. I believe it will be, but not 100% sure.
Hi Anil! So I just want to clarify you did the rapid POC from Walgreens and this was a NAAT approved test and you had zero problems getting into Hawaii with your results? How quickly did you get results?
Thanks!
You are correct re test
Results were in my inbox when I arrived gone from Walgreen – within 30 minutes
I landed yesterday, test results were not in yet so I was put into quarantine until negative test results (same problem with a lot of people on my flight). The test came in last night and I uploaded to the portal but it states that it needs to be manually approved but no instructions on how to get that approval. The only mention is to show test when arriving at the airport, no instructions on what to do if someone has already arrived. Anyone have any suggestions on how to get out of purgatory.
I have had the same issue but have yet to figure out how to escalate that process. Were you able to figure this out?
Yes, 2 things –
Document uploads will never change – take a look at your trip profile
1) They will not contact you when they do update this
2) If this is still not processed, fill out the contact form on the website or call anytime past 6 PM
Thank you very much for your help. Where did you find the contact form/which phone number did you call? Appreciate it!
Hi Chinni.
The number for the state’s help desk 1-855-599-0888.
Aloha.
Thank you!!!
Q re QR codes- I received only q QR code for me and my wife. Does this sound right? Without any reason, I was expecting 2 QR codes, but I could be wrong. Antione has any experience?
Vault update- received my results within 6 hours of lab getting my UPS delivered. Vault sent me an email with results- nothing fancy or special about Hawaii travel. I have updated the doc and the Hawaii website says manual verification required.
I am waiting for confirmation from somebody here who can tell me if their Rapid POCT test from either CVS or Walgreens was accepted by Hawaii. I have a POCT test schedule at CVS but don’t want to be scrambling last minute if it is not accepted.
I was able to confirm with Dignity Health (approved tester by State of Hawaii) who is providing a rapid point of contact test for United Airlines at San Francisco Airport that the test being used is called Abbott ID NOW. This is the same rapid testing technology being offered at Walgreens. So I think we will be safe utilizing the rapid testing at Walgreens!
Walgreens is offering two different testing options, with one available at some locations and the second offered at the other: (1) “PT-PCR Diagnostic Panel” and (2) “Rapid Point of Care (“POC”) Test”. I cannot find on the Walgreens website whether either or both are the “NAAT test conducted at a CLIA-certified laboratory” as required by the Hawaiian authorities. Do you happen to know whether one or both of the test options offered by Walgreens meets the requirements for Hawaii’s travel program?
Hi Jacqulyn.
We want to refer you back to the state for the answer so as not to provide wrong information. The Lt. Gov. previously said that the rapid tests would also be included, but that is not reflected at this point on the state’s website. That is confusing. Please check directly with the state’s help desk. 1-855-599-0888.
Aloha.
Has anyone received a call back from messages left at the state’s help desk?
John,
I have called everyday at various times while they are open and have been sent to voicemail every time. I have left a message and still haven’t received a call back.
Hi! If you end up finding an answer about the Walgreens question that would be so appreciated! I have the same question and I’m not sure whether the rapid point of care test is allowed for travel and Walgreens is the only trusted provider in my state. Thank you 🙂
Just saw someone already asked! Thanks
Hi Noa.
No problem. Hope to have more clarity on this soon.
Aloha.
Hi Noa.
Until we see an update from the state on this with clarification, we are suggesting you check directly with the state’s help desk. 1-855-599-0888.
Aloha.
Try asking the Walgrees pharmacist what kind of test the Rapid test is. If it is antigen it is not accepted, if it is nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) it is accepted.
I was told by a Walgreens pharmacy worker that the Walgreens rapid test is a NAAT test, however, I have received my test results and it does not say what kind of test it is.
If you look at the ‘patient friendly’ test result pdf, it should say it was a NAAT test. I also had the rapid test done yesterday and it came back negative, but the lab pdf didn’t list the specific type. So relieved especially after all this confusion! It also looks like Hawaiians tourism authority updated their documentation about processes yesterday with a new flowchart with trusted partner details.
I just got my Walgreens rapid test results back a couple of hours ago from PWNHealth. Both the patient friendly AND the lab PDFs indicate that it’s a NAAT test.
Update on VAULT – I got results in 24 hours! I took test yesterday at 2 pm PST, UPS’d it yesterday at 5 pm, and i just received results at 3:30 pm today (next day!).
Hope they can keep up as more travelers use them…
I am waiting on my Vault test results. Did you sing any release doc for Vault? I just received a email from Vault saying that I have not yet signed your release forms via HelloSign.
I have not received any info on HelloSign? Do you know how is Hawaii government validating vault results? This is all very confusing for all of us. Thank you.
Hi Anil.
We do not know exactly what the state has set up with its testing partners. They’ve said that as soon as your result is uploaded together with your health form, you’re cleared.
Call Vault. You should also go into your “account” and make sure everything is completed. Prior to receiving my results, I did not get an email like you got mentioning HelloSign.
I assume Hawaii accepts Vault results, as I plan to upload them later today to Safe Travels.
I spoke with Vault today and the person tole me that I info on Hellosign was given to me in error by Vault. Update on Walgreen- rapid test result is NAAT Abbot ID now test but results doesn’t say any that is is a abbott test or NAAT test — results are very generic. Walgreens gives a couple of pages that talks about Abbott test. The issue with walgreen result is that anyone could easily question it since it doesn’t specify NAAT or Abbott ID now. This walgreen info is base don NJ experience.
Please advise if Walgreens Rapid PCR test is acceptable. I see Walgreens is on the list of trusted partners. I am assuming that includes all locations across America and includes the regular (36 hour turn around) and the rapid test.
Thank you,
Mary
Hi Mary.
While that would appear to be the case, we can’t confirm that definitively. Therefore suggest you contact the Safe Travels Service Desk (10 a.m. to 10 p.m. HST): 1-855-599-0888. Let us know how it goes please.
Aloha.
I called them and left a message asking about this as well. No callback yet.
I’ve called several times and have not gotten a call back or an email.
I left a message and will update everyone once I hear back from them.
Thanks!
No callback yet☹️
Has anyone had any success getting good responses from the Safe Travels Service Desk (10 a.m. to 10 p.m. HST): 1-855-599-0888? I contacted the Governor’s office to try to get some clarity and unfortunately got a non answer referring me to the website. This beatofhawaii.com page has been more helpful than anything put out by the Hawaiian government thus far.
Hi John.
Thank you. We’re very sorry to hear that about the state’s help desk. Trying times for sure.
Aloha.
I fly out on the 17th, I ordered vault test on Saturday, received on Monday by 10:30am, took the test this morning (Wednesday), via zoom, packaged the test up and had it to UPS before 10:30am. We will see what happens, and see if the test comes back in the allotted 72 hours prior to my flight taking off. I will keep you posted…fingers crossed!!
p.s. I think it is worth noting – I did inform the tester during our zoom meeting, that I was flying to Hawaii on Saturday, and needed the test back for time constraints. She stated she would mark “STAT” on her notes, and for me to mark the package with a sharpie “STAT” as well. Hope it works!!
Sandy – how does Vault communicate the results to you? Is it via email or uploaded on the Safe travel site/app?
Sorry if this is an ignorant question at this point.
I am also waiting for my VAULT results – they received my test today after overnight UPS sent yesterday. VAULT will email me when my results are ready, and then I need to log into the app to see my results. They do not send the results to Hawaii Safe Travels. It is up to me to download my results to Safe Travels within 24 hours of my flight.
Yes, what Laurie stated is correct.
Hi Sandy!
I’m using Vault as well, do you know if the results include the timestamp of when you took the test since on the website for Hawaii, it says you have to take it within 72 hours prior to coming to Hawaii and final leg of departure. Not sure how they’ll document and know it’s within the final leg of departure. Please keep us updated!
Thank you!
Greetings from Kauai. Arrived today with my Vault test results printed out. Vault test just shows date taken, not time of day. FYI, I printed out my QR code and Vault test result vs dealing with my phone. Super easy and fast getting through Lihue today.
Aloha Laurie G,
Regarding the Vault test results only showing the day, and not the time of the day, was yours 3 days earlier than your departure/arrival date – and was accepted despite not having a “time stamp”?
If so, that takes some of the stress out of the “72 hours” calculation.
Found someone from Kaiser Permanente that answered the question by saying that it could take up to 1 week for the COVID results to come back. Which of course would mean that by the time the results come back you either didn’t fly to Hawaii in the first place or you have been quarantined in your hotel room for days.
The new information that Hawaii has posted doesn’t really specifically say whether the airline testing programs are approved or not. (State website) says that the airlines “understand the pre-travel testing requirements and are reliable sources of testing and for information as to testing options”. So approved or not approved or may be approved sometime in the future. Especially concerned about American Airlines testing program NOT being approved.
I am sharing my experience with Vault testing – Vault asks you to send the sample early in the morning – deliver to UPS box/store by 10am or so– I saw this on their website or in one of vault’s email to me as well as someone else post the same drop-off timing on beatofhawaii. I followed this instructions this morning, but UPS store told me that all pick ups are later in the evening. My thinking is that taking test later in the day is fine and results in the same timing as taking test in the morning.
You should write STAT HAWAII on the envelop to expedite processing– per my email exchanges with Vault as well as Zoom call. We did two zoom calls – one for me and another for wife. My wife’s zoom person suggested that she writes “STAT HAWAII” on all 3 envelopes — there are 3 envelops including, UPS.
I got an email from vault after dropping my envelops to UPS. The email said:
Write the word “STAT HAWAII” in BIG, BOLD letters (preferably a black marker) on the front and back of your UPS return envelope and biohazard bag.
If your household tests together, you can send all the test tubes in a single envelope.
There was some confusion with Vault email exchanges– they keep asking me to register my kit without being clear hw to take this step. I think i figured it out while dialing into zoom call – one of the steps before joining the zoom call is to scan a couple of bar codes to start the call — i think this is the registration Vault was referring to.
Vault was good at responding to email questions even during weekend.
I’m a Nurse and work at a University of Texas hospital that helped develop the standard of testing that is being used for U.S. covid testing. Will the test results from my hospital be acceptable for travel? I’m checking with my MD to confirm i can get a NAAT and that our lab is CLIA, but if I can get the NAAT and we are CLIA that should count…right?
It seems like the “trusted testing and travel partners” are testing for profit $150 for a rapid test seems high.
Carbon Health–which is the clinic doing the COVID-19 testing in Seattle for Alaska Airlines–is currently booked solid until November 4th.
Just an FYI to anyone who’s trying to fly to Hawaii from Seattle in the next 3 weeks. I actually called Alaska Airlines customer service this morning and the woman straight up told me to reschedule my flight to a later date!
Have you tried CVS? They are a trusted partner. It is a bit tricky to find the place to sign up for “travel”, but I would think someone from CVS could help you.
This confusion is the reason we canceled our trip, every day there is a new “glitch” and the stress added is not worth the trip.
Update on covid testing. We fly on Thursday. I first booked a test with walgreens (the rapid poc test). This test only let me get an appointment a few days in advace (it opened on their website Thursday night at 6pm MST for an appointment Monday morning). Out of pure panic that it would be the wrong test since I had no idea what would be the right test and after calling every place I could possibly think of to figure it out I also booked a test with CVS (this was much easier as there were many CVS’s offering COVID testing in my area however appointments only open 3 days in advance). We just went to our Walgreens appointment and asked the tester what type of test we were getting and he said “its an NAAT test using the Abbott ID now system” so we canceled our CVS appointment. The tester said should have our results back within the next couple hours. Good luck everyone on navigating this craziness
Really appreciate the update. Please let us know how everything goes in next few days. I will also update my VAULT experience this week.
Thank you for this information!!!
Hi Melissa! This was very helpful. I think Walgreens Rapid Test is our only option at this point! We fly out on the 20th. Can you please update us if this worked out for you? Crossing my fingers you it did!
Haylee,
So far so good. We got our test results back in just over an hour. We uploaded them to the safe travels website and it was awaiting manual verification. We fly Thursday. Ill update how it goes
Hey Melissa, I’m glad it’s going well so far. I’m also interested in if it is approved. Did you administer the test yourself while they instructed you? Thanks for all of your helpful info!! Enjoy your trip!
I’m planning on using same rapid test at Walgreens. Were the test results accepted? Thanks!
Any success with the Walgreens rapid test today? Did Hawaii accept it? The safe travels help deal still isn’t returning my call.
Hi Melissa, any update on your Walgreens testing experience? I also made an appointment with them as a backup, for that rapid test.
Hi Melissa
So which test is the correct one or should I say the acceptable one from Walgreens? The PCR or the POC (rapid point of care)? I need to make an appointment with them also since our flight leaves on Friday the 23rd. This is so confusing and I already read everything on every website I could find and they are not specific when it comes to WALGREENS tests.
Ok AFC urgent care is in my town of Ladera ranch, Ca but the link is for the Portland Afc is that the only AFC they are accepting
Aloha,
I have another question that I can’t find an answer to on the website. Are condo rentals going to open again or is it just hotels?
Mahalo!
Eve G.
Hi Eve.
Yes, condo rentals will be open to anyone who is not under quarantine.
Aloha.
I am boarding Hawaiian Airlines from Las Vegas to Hawaii (Oahu) on October 17th. Please tell me where I can get my test done in Henderson, NV., one that that they will accept.
Hi Sandy.
We don’t know that any partner has Las Vegas yet but there are the test by mail options available.
Aloha.
I went ahead and purchased the test through Vault, as I am flying on Hawaiian Airlines. My test will arrive today at 10:30am, if I am boarding this Saturday morning, when should I take test and when should I send it back, to make sure I hit the required 72hrs prior to boarding? I don’t want it coming back early or late! PLEASE HELP!!
Hi Sandy.
We’d suggest you ask those questions of your test provider Vault.
Aloha.
I expect your next post to be concerning Kawakami’s latest “4 tier” proposal. I wont link it since you don’t allow links. Came out late yesterday (Thursday).
It is completely unworkable from the point of view of someone who wants to visit for a short time frame, since you will not know the “tier” until you arrive. Only takes a week long average of 5 active cases (not 5 new cases, mind you, 5 total), and two week quarantine required regardless of whether you have a negative test within 72 hours. And who knows what happens if you were already on-island and left airport before the “5” cases tier is invoked? Are you suddenly supposed to quarantine?
If the majority of residents on Kauai don’t want to re-open, then they should just opt out. Period. This tiered stuff with only 4/5 cases as the limit will just be worse.
I know everyone is anxious to get the testing info updates, and I appreciate BOH for staying on top of it all, but I have to say I really hope there are no more updates that included statements like..”that remains unclear”…”that has yet to be determined.” or “we hope to have that clarified in a few days.”. The people of Hawaii and the travelers who would like to go to Hawaii need definitive answers and these kind of “updates” really aren’t doing much except creating more confusion. The Governor needs to give one final “update” and have all the answers about quarantine and testing at that time. This is getting beyond ridiculous.
Hi Sheryl.
LOL. We certainly hope so too.
Aloha.
I have the same confusion as David F re Walgreens’ two tests– I called a local walgreens and they told me that Rapid POC is NAAT. I don’t want to take a risk based on a verbal response. CDC site stated that Rapid POC could be antigen or molecular. I think Molecular is supposed to be NAAT. If you could please somehow help us clarify, it would be highly appreciated. Also, Quest is not providing any locations in NJ– I checked CA (just to make sure I am not making a mistake) and some Quest sites showed up. CVS site seems to be up but not fully. Appericiate your help,
Hi Anil.
Have you tried contacting the state? https://beatofhawaii.com/hawaii-reopening-free-fall-you-can-now-call-with-questions/.
Aloha.
Are ALL Walgreens on board with this?
Do we just state we are traveling to Hawaii??
We are coming from Michigan
Nov 7-21 to Kauai