Using the Hawaii Coivd website for Safe Travels to the islands? Many issues remain to be clarified.
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204 thoughts on “Total Confusion Reigns on Hawaii Rules and Testing Partners”
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Using the Hawaii Coivd website for Safe Travels to the islands? Many issues remain to be clarified.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
Comments are closed.
And AFC CARE link only works for portland..not the afc care local in ca
So if I use an AFC care in Ca am I ok ? Who the heck knows
Thank you for keeping your readers abreast of the confusion. One thing that is unclear about the comments is whether they relate to outbounds or inbounds to the State. I’m planning a trip to HNL and returning from SEA so am interested in requirements to HNL but not knowledgeable about any requirements concerning leaving the State.
Hi Tom.
Thanks. There are no requirements for leaving Hawaii.
Aloha.
Can we also get a clear cut decision about Inter- Island travel. There are 9000 articles about what they want to vs what they are going to do. Its all over the place…The mayors need to figure it out..but its way more confusing.1 Island doing X. another doing x….quarantine on this island, not on the other…test accepted here..not there…Lets figure this out!
I have no current desire to plan a future Hawaii trip and put money at risk (from a family that has been there 16 times this century) until there is 100% clarity from the Hawaiian Government as well as at least a 6 months period to see how things pan out. I am beginning to think that 2021 travel may not be realistic considering the current disastrous trend. Best to All!
This Covid testing has given many people sleepless nights.
Everyone wants to comply, but there don’t seem to be any
set rules or instructions that give peace of mind.
I am visiting relatives and do not want to force them to
Quarantine. Just want to come masked and with my test results
and enjoy your beautiful Island of Oahu. Please help us do just that
enjoy all that is to offer within reason.
Thanks, Jean S.
Hi Jean.
We’ll have another update on testing coming out today. It is frustrating and confusing for sure.
Aloha.
I’m probably out of line and if so, apologize. But I really wish you would not have shared about the turtles down at Poipu. The crowds are now ridiculous. How does one stop people for taking 1 or 2 home?
Love to you both-
Hi Pat.
Thanks. We both still remember fondly all of the time we spent together.
Aloha.
All PCR tests are NAAT. If you go to Walgreens or one of the other testing providers, and it’s a PCR test, it counts as an NAAT. I’ve had many PCR tests at several providers over the past few months (as part of surveillance testing) and the lab reports always say “PCR-NAAT”.
If it’s *not* explicitly called a PCR test, it’s probably a “rapid” test, and it’s likely either the Abbott ID Now machine being used (which is technically a type of NAAT as well, just not using the PCR method) or an *antigen* test, which isn’t PCR and isn’t NAAT and wouldn’t be accepted by Hawaii.
PCR stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction. NAAT stands for Nucleic Acid Amplification Test. Basically, it’s a test for the DNA of a virus (DNA itself means “Deoxyribonucleic acid”). There are several methods for “amplifying” the nucleic acids in DNA to detectable levels, and “polymerase chain reaction” – aka PCR – is one of those methods.
There are other ways to amplify DNA, including quicker ways like the Abbott ID Now system, which basically amplifies DNA in a simpler, quicker process (that’s why it can be done in a tabletop machine in around 20 minutes), at the expense of some accuracy (it misses more positives than PCR).
Antigen tests, on the other hand, aren’t NAAT, or PCR. They don’t require a lab or machine at all. They basically look like a pregnancy test – expose the nasal or spit sample to some liquid, let it soak up a strip of paper, and the paper turns a color, indicating that proteins in the virus are detectable. These tests are very cheap and quick (no lab required), but they have a lot of false negatives (meaning, lots of reported positives that actually aren’t positives) – the governor of Ohio notably had a positive antigen test that was later confirmed as negative with a longer PCR test.
Basically, look for a PCR test. They take the longest – at least 24 hours due to lab work, but they are the most likely to be acceptable to Hawaii.
Thank you for this info!!
Aloha!.. do you know if we go to Maui for one week with a negative Covid test result (which we’re still trying to figure out from where and exactly when we should get it to be within the 72 hours of “when we arrive”..??).. do we need to get tested again before we fly to Kona on Hawaiian Airlines for our second and final week in Hawaii?? Thank you so very much!!
Hi Tammy.
The interisland protocol is still being worked out. Currently, it would require a 14-day quarantine.
Aloha.
The confusion about the big island finally got cleared.
They are not opting out of the pre-travel test program (phew).
Nearly impossible to find a place to get tested. We know of a place, but it isn’t a “trusted partner.” We don’t have a lot of choices.
Thank you BOH! Truly, your updates have provided a wealth of information.
We had tests scheduled w/a lab that meets all the criteria and is often used for international travel for passengers traveling out of LAX, but since they are not on the list we cant use them. In looking at the list – Kaiser is viable – if you are a member. Thank you to Lou who said that I can take it if we tell them required for travel. Quest – will not say it can be completed in 72hrs and in the 24hrs since the announcement they raised the test price. Hawaiian Airlines partner – they say it can take “up to 72hrs” for results from the time they RECEIVE the test via mailing it. Well, that is a no go, as it is resonable that it will take at least 1 or 2 days to get to the lab. Walgreens offers one site in San Diego County and they are running 4 days. I will wait for CVS announcement on Sat – if not viable we will cancel.
Hi Stacey.
Thanks. You didn’t say when you will be coming to Hawaii. It is likely that these issues will get resolved once this gets underway.
Aloha.
We travel on 10/19.
Thanks,
Stacey
Hi Stacey.
That date is a little soon after reopening to expect all nuances to get resolved. But please let us know how it goes!
Aloha.
Hi Stacy L,
Just want to clarify your comment on the Hawaiian Partner. If you are flying Hawaiian, Vault will turn around a test in 24 hours after they receive the test sample. It’s a mail in test that is overnighted to you and returned via UPS overnight. It costs $150 and they don’t direct bill insurance. So for example if you take your test Monday and send it overnight, you should get your results by Wednesday. You have to specifically put STAT on the return package with your flight time and flight number. They are the only partner I’ve contacted so far that actually seems like they are aware of their partnership with Hawaii and is making accommodations. You should order your test ahead of time to make sure you get the results back. I’m going to use them next week so we’ll see. But I do like that all of the reps seem to know the urgency of the Hawaii travel restrictions, unlike most of the other preferred partners I’ve spoken to.
I appreciate BOH’s efforts to relay the reopening information in an understandable way (no small task!). But let’s take a roll call of what’s about to be accomplished by the state’s reopening “plan:”
1) By utilizing complicated and convoluted testing protocols, it will irritate and turn off the same visitors Hawaii hopes to attract.
2) It will sow confusion among all parties in a deadly serious situation, as government officials (the governor, Lt. governor, and county mayors) are never on the same page about reopening and often advocate for different approaches.
3) It will irritate locals on all the outer islands, who feel like they are being put in danger because the state won’t require two tests. In turn, they aren’t going to be welcoming to visitors – expect some “incidents” between locals and visitors to make the rounds on social media and/or the news.
4) Put all that together and it means reopening won’t attract visitors in large enough numbers to mean much in terms of helping local businesses or island economies already decimated by Covid19.
Good job state of Hawaii!
Hi John.
You make good points. Thanks.
Aloha
For all the reasons you list John, we have canceled our trip that was supposed to be Oct 17 for relaxation on the Big Island, all things you list are added stress to travel as nothing is solid as to what the right-hand does vs the left-hand wants to do.
And this mass confusion is why we have no interest in even trying to make it back anytime soon. Already booked elsewhere (with no testing required!) for 2021. Maybe y’all will figure your stuff out by 2022.
and all of this is why i am waiting to go to Maui until May 2021..they better have this figured out by then if there is to be a Hawaii to go back to…until then, i wish everyone who goes to the islands good luck..:-)
Wondering, too what test works from Walgreens…???
As of now, the PCR test is accepte
I called a local (Salt Lake City) Walgreens today and asked what specific test they used for the POC tests – the pharmacist told me it is an antigen test, so that would seem to indicate that that test variety is not acceptable to avoid quarantine. We’re doing the RT-PCR variety instead.
I am not sure if anyone has replied about the costs of the tests. I have health insurance but will still have to fork over additional funds to get the test as well as pay for my plane ticket. But I have a family of 10 flying and that will be over $1000 just for testing. Our trip has been rescheduled 4 times to now December but May have to reschedule when testing is cheaper/free or no longer subject to testing.
The issue with qwest and cvs is that for this you are not allowed to use your insurance!!! You have to pay out of pocket. Meanwhile many of us ~could~ get this pcr test from our doctor and have it covered by insurance. Smh
Im confused if I can do my flight to Maui on Nov 6th for a week. I planned on doing the covid testing at Kaiser 72 hrs before. Then was going to fly to Oahu to spend a week there. I knw they are taling about additional testing and some of the islands are opting out. At this point I dont now if I am allowed on either island.
I just returned from a trip on Pau Gauguin cruises. I had to take a special 72 hour test before flying and needed to have written results. Once e landed we were given a self test kit they we needed to do on the 4th day of arrival and give it to the purser, hotel desk or drop off at a hospital. We also had to do a rapid test 5 hours before we boarded to make sure we were still clear. The ship administered it and charged $59.00. They have had very few cases in Tahiti and the cruiseline is also doing well. they have only had a handful. tHe crew is also tested. just a suggestion about how Hawaii can handle.
Aloha,
Assuming you are a Kaiser member, try reaching out to your PCP and Kaiser member services about your trip itinerary: 1 week in Maui and 1 week in Oahu. There are Kaiser hospitals and clinics in Oahu, Maui and the Big Island. Maybe you can arrange to have a 2nd testing in KP Maui, as a back-up plan. Better to be safe and ready. If it’s not necessary, you don’t have to get it done.
Good luck and Mahalo.
Can everyone just calm down. Pilots pay your taxes.
I have been reading the Beat of Hawaii updates with great interest, and thank you for taking the time to keep us all informed. I live in Australia, so for now we are unable to fly to Hawaii since our international borders remain firmly closed, however I have booked a flight for August 2021 by which time I hope the situation here has resolved itself.
I can understand the feelings of frustration and confusion though, since it seems to be that the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing. And I don’t think this is restricted to one country, since this is a world-wide pandemic and nations are all treating the situation differently.
One can only hope that the whole irksome ‘business’ comes to a successful and safe end, and soon.
Hi Vicki.
Thanks. We sure hope your trip to Hawaii next August goes without a hitch. BTW, we are big fans of Aus and both of us have been there many times, as recently as last year.
Aloha
All of this chaos is ridiculous! I am so disappointed in how this Governor and Mayors have responded thus far. I can’t even think of considering a visit to my beloved Hawaii this year. I have been visiting the Islands for over 25 years and when I go I normally stay for 3 weeks and my visits always include 2-3 Islands. I pray all these issues get worked out quickly (For the sake of Hawaii’s residents and businesses). In the meantime, I will do what I can to support local Hawaiian merchants by ordering products online and save my travel plans for 2021.
PCR is a NAAT test.
I think it will sort itself out over the next days. United was shown on the board, they work with Dignity Health/GoHealth at SFO Airport. I am pretty sure this has been cleared with the authorities on Hawaii. Otherwise they would get into real legal trouble, I guess. So, for me the trip is on and hopefully will arrive on Maui on the 22nd. Fingers crossed!
One thing that really concerns me is the way the virus has spread on the Big Island due to the locals not heading the warnings. The last thing I want to do is get there perfectly health and then get sick while there because of coming in contact with a worker somewhere who has been exposed. I understand the locals want assurances that visitors are not bringing the virus with them, but the travelers who are jumping through all kinds of hoops just to get there also need assurance that they are not putting themselves at risk by coming to the island. So far I am not convinced that Mayor Kim or Gov. Ige have control over the situation in their own back yards.
Hasn’t anyone in the leadership of Hawaii State heard of the KISS principle? The reason there is confusion is due a lack of adherence to KISS-Keep It Simple Stupid. Why does the state of Hawaii believe mainland CLIA labs that currently are processing NAAT PCR Covid-19 untrustworthy? Kaiser for example, or the Airlines listed with no-name laboratories. What about LabCorp for example? In Las Vegas, University Medical Center processes NAAT PCR tests for a huge volume of citizens in tandem with the National Guard. Generally 48 hour turnaround. Come on, you’ve had eight and a half months since Feb 1 to figure all this out.
Thanks for bringing this up. We’ve been wondering about Labcorp as well. They’re a partner w AETNA for my company and can easily schedule a covid test with a quick response
Due to all the confusion we sadly canceled our Nov -10 day trip to the Big Island. With the amount of $ that the trip was costing from airfare to rental car, food and hotel we decided to wait til next year. We feel so sorry for the people of the islands and the decline of their economy.
Thank you so much to BOH for your continued excellent coverage, information and insight to all Hawaiian issues and concerns. Your site is the only site we “listen” to!
Hi Jan.
Thank you. Sorry to hear you won’t be coming to the Big Island. By next year we have to think things will be a lot more clear.
Aloha.
Why not visit fl keys or usvi ir even marco island or miami beach where tourists have been welcomed since beginning of summer? There is st john st thomas and st croix for the main islands and a few smaller ones too. There is even ferry service.
Its warmer and cheaper and faster to get there and no bs with the government there.
You know what. A lot of us might go to the Caribbean and discover that we like it just as much or more than Hawaii and for us on the Eastern side of the US I think it is much cheaper to go there than Hawaii. Hawaii is going to lose so many tourists permanently because of this ridicilousness.
I have contacted CVS and quest diagnostics and neither one of the companies in Florida know anything about the pretesting . Lucky for me American Airlines sent me an email about my flight so I have enough time to order the home test that is approved for use by them. My only comment would be that it’s stressful enough to to plan the trip and then the timing of the the test. it’s worse when the approved companies no nothing about it. Please have someone in Hawaii inform those people about your decision. There are companies in Florida that only test for Covid and Quest has too many test to do already. They also told me they only draw blood for the antigen test so something is very wrong .
Now I seeing that American Airlines testing is not accepted. American Airlines gave me the info to test and I have ordered the test. Could someone please clarify if the testing that American Airlines is using is acceptable. If not I have wasted my money because I test for free every week in Florida so I already know I’m negative so paying was only because Hawaii won’t accept a free test result is the only thing I can come up with.
Out family has put off our trip to Maui until July, 2021…do you perhaps think things will be more organized by then? It seems no one in authority can get Hawaii turned around. It saddens me to think of the families on the islands struggling, businesses going under. I am happy to spend my dollars to help but i don’t want to be constantly worrying about getting tested, results arriving in time, not being able to freely enjoy the islands… am i being unreasonable?
Thank you
Hi Lisa.
Yes, unless something gets weirder in the world, Hawaii will evolve from this starting point of reopening. The lieutenant governor has said it won’t be perfect at the beginning, and that is certainly the truth from where we sit.
Aloha.
It would actually be funny if it is also not so insanely sad! The phrase “only in Hawaii” seems totally appropriate on so many levels it is beyond comprehension! It is as if the state’s leaders think they NEED to say something, anything even if it has no basis in reality let alone actually clarifying the issues relative to travel to Hawaii. But then who is either shocked or amazed by this?
Hi I just spoke with the Hawaii Visitors Bureau and was advised that the website is being corrected to “only the approved partners” testing will be accepted to avoid quarantine. They are NOT going to accept the test from any approved CLIA lab as what was being advised before. I have an appt. with an approved CLIA lab at no cost and am upset to find out that now I have to pay for the test. I urge everyone to email Josh Green’s office to complain that this is unfair. I was told it was so they could have the test results uploaded directly to the State. They did say, things could change, but for now, no. Also, most of the approved partners such as CVS, Walgreens, and others websites won’t be up for the information where to go, etc. until October 10th or the 11th. That is the word this morning.
Just moved my November trip to next July (originally had scheduled for May 2020, then August 2020, then November 2020.) I don’t want to say the words I’m thinking regarding Hawaii’s handling of all this, but it rhymes with BLUSTERTRUCK.
First of all THANK YOU to Beat of Hawaii for trying to keep us all up to date. Not sure what I would do without you!!
I’ve been online all day trying to figure out where to get my covid test for our 10/15 trip. I had NAAT tests scheduled at a CLIA certified lab per the Hawaiicovid19.com website, but apparently this may no longer be valid. I’ve contacted several of the approved partners and wanted to share the information I have found (but please check for yourselves because most people I’ve talked to were unaware of the deal with the State of Hawaii’.
– American Family Care: they have Abbot ID Rapid tests with results in 20 minutes (this appears to be an approved test??). The cost is $250 and they didn’t think insurance would cover it since it’s travel related. Only select locations (mostly West Coast).
-Carbon Health: Can only use their ‘Hawaii’ program if you are flying Alaska. Otherwise you can purchase their non-travel test but may take up to 5 days to get results back.
– Quest: They only administer tests through Walmart and CVS. But you can only test at Walmart if you have a doctor’s note or have symptoms. CVS as well, although they may have a Hawaii offering as of 10/10. Quest also said there are providers that may process their covid tests using the Quest lab, but they couldn’t tell me which ones and not sure if this is acceptable by the State of Hawaii.
– Vault: Can only use their ‘Hawaii’ program if you are flying Hawaiian. It’s a home test. They will overnight you test, you do a teleconference with them while taking the test and then overnight it back to them. If not flying Hawaiian, you can purchase their non-travel test but it may take 72 hours AFTER they receive the test (more expensive and longer turnaround).
-CVS: CVS website (Minute Clinic) says they will take self paid appointments as of 10/10. Nothing published about Hawaii and can only schedule tests 2 days in advance.
Hi Macie.
Thanks very much for sharing your experience, albeit frustrating and confusing at best. It seems that the state has to take responsibility for clearing this up with its trusted partners, hopefully, sooner than later.
Aloha.
Hawaii needs to stop confusing everyone with multiple sites with conflicting information. If anyone from the government or travel industry reads this, please take all but one of these pages offline immediately. Revise hawaiicovid19.com with the correct information and let that stand as the single site of truth and authority. The current communication efforts are laughable.
“A man with one watch knows what time it is. A man with two watches is never really sure.” One site only folks. Do it now now, now. People are arriving in a week, which means they need to be tested in four days and your lack of clarity has caused nothing but confusion.
Hi, I was able to schedule testing through Quest as one of the options in the questionnaire is that the test is being requested by a County Health official. On one of the many websites I have perused over the past 24 hours, the directions for being tested prior to travel to Hawaii indicate that as the response to provide for approval. I hope that helps!
I keep telling you fools that it ain’t gonna happen.
It is impossible to run a state when you either have your head buried in the sand.
Fools? That’s unnecessary, Jared. And again, thank you BOH for your timely updates.
Hi Claudia.
Thanks for your many comments.
Aloha.
Listen, its very obvious that Hawaii does not want any type of visitors or returning residents as the restrictions keep changing. I will not go to our home there unless my local county health departments nasal swab testing is accepted. Ridiculous that you would need to test prior then test again but only with those testing facilities accepted. What Hawaii are you receiving a kick back now? Very very discouraging..guess just have to wait until next year while I sit and watch all the locals suffer with their businesses and or local employment sad sad. Not in the best interest for the economy there. My opinion any how..
Does anyone know how to contact United in LA to learn about their testing program? I read they start testing at 9 A M, and that is when our flight leaves. I have called United, but I couldn’t get information I need.
United only testing at SFO for now.
United only has a testing program in San Francisco airport at this time. They are working to expand to other major airports but will not be up and running by 10-15-20. This info came from a United call I made today.
Appreciate the continued updates. Hope everything is sorted out by Thanksgiving. I’m glad that I insured my families trip.
Hi Grant.
Thanks. Please let us know how it all works out.
Aloha.
dear travelers
we can’t get any answers either or travel to another island without test or quarantine. Call the mayor’s offices if you want to speak to someone. at least here on Maui they answer the phone.
Ane T
Maui
Following BOH updates is like watching a soap opera, while doing drugs. LOL! But, thanks as always for keeping us updated!
This whole testing requirement is such a mess. And, is it really going to make the islands safer for tourists or residents? Not likely. So many ways for someone to get infected between testing (or even 48 hours prior to testing which would not show on the test) and the arrival in Hawaii.
Testing as a prerequisite for travel of any kind (flying, cruises, train…) is just not going to make a significant difference. It really is safety theater. No way I am going to try to plan a vacation around any such requirement.
I’ll continue to monitor updates from BOH to know when unreasonable restrictions are lifted and we can freely travel in this free country.
Hi David.
We are definitely in need of levity. Thanks!
Aloha.
I’m scheduled to fly LAX to Lihue on United October 16th. United only tests from SFO. Extremely frustrating that the main partner – CVS – has no info available until October 10th. In the meantime, I’m thinking better to use Vault, but need to order the test ASAP to arrive at my house on time. Some of their website says 24 hour results after receipt of test mailed back to their lab – others say 48-72, which will not work! However, their website has a graph that shows if you take the test on Tuesday and ship it back same day, then you will get results on Thursday. Should I risk it? I have to decide now in order to have it shipped to me on time.
Laurie G,
I spoke to Vault today. They said the 24-36 hour result is only valid if you are flying Hawaiian Air. Otherwise the turnaround could take 48-72 hours after they receive the test back via overnight courier. I’m in the same boat as you…flying from LAX to Lihue but on 10/15. Unfortunately I think it will be too late for me to wait for 10/10 to see what CVS is offering so I’ll probably have to try Vault and just hope I get test results before we board the plane. If you email Vault for confirmation, they are pretty good at responding. Good luck! We’re both going to need it!
Hi Macie – I don’t see how Vault can know I am flying Hawaiian or not. Just to be safe, I went on Hawaiian’s website and clicked on the Vault link which took me directly to Vault. There is never a question about what airline I am flying. I am optimistic, but may do a 2nd test at CVS as a back up….
Laurie G,
I ended up scheduling a Rapid PCR test from American Family Care. They have several locations in So Cal. The cost is $100 plus any insurance co-pay. The $100 is for the Rapid part (20 min results). If you are okay with waiting for the lab results (ie. not rapid), it will be insurance only and you shouldn’t have to pay. The turnaround is 2-5 days but the person I talked to said typically it is less than 3 days. Don’t mention it’s for travel, otherwise insurance won’t cover it and it will cost $250. It sounds like you went with Vault but since you’re looking for a 2nd test as a back up, maybe you can pick the lab results and live with the 2-5 day turnaround?? Good luck!
Macie – I ordered the Vault test at 2 pm Pacific Time today, and UPS just notified me that packet will arrive tomorrow before noon! Impressive so far – I’m feeling good about the 24 hour turnaround. This should work for your Thursday departure!
Thanks. Unfortunately I missed the 2:00 cutoff. If the test is not ordered by 2:00 PST on Thursday, it won’t be delivered until Tuesday. Since that would be cutting it close for me, I just went with American Family Care. Aloha!
Laurie G,
I spoke to Vault again this morning. If I end up using them, the rep told me to make sure to write STAT on the test sample with your flight number and departure time so they make sure they get it back to you ASAP. Just a FYI! I’m using American Family Care for most of us, but using Vault for my son who is at college.
What a mess! Who in their right mind would even consider a trip to Hawaii under these circumstances? Why would anyone want to be a ‘guinea pig’ with the very real potential for vacation disaster! Talk about stress! Nope. We will wait a year and then ‘maybe…….’ I feel very sorry for anyone who is planning travel in the next few weeks or months.
And what about we Canadians? None of those tests or partners are available to us! We live in Saskatchewan and our numbers are similar or lower than Maui. We are quite willing to do whatever testing would suffice but anything the government, Lt Green or Gov Ige, say about the tests, we do not have! We are hopeful of the Rapid test soon but so far our government has just ordered them not received! We have a little time 80 days till we leave but….
Robert A
I am a Canadian leaving Toronto for Maui on the 22nd a week later than originally planned.
One way is, at this time, to take the test at San Francisco Airport, courtesy of United Airlines. Just leave enough time between flights to get it done. This is what I am doing. Our Canadian Tests are not accepted!
Everything I have read states only visitors from the other states are allowed with the test. No one from, Asia, Mexico, Canada etc.
Having a relative who spent two months jumping through Canadian hoops, quarantine etc to join her fiancee, Canadians should understand.
If you do the test inside the USA, Canadians can bypass the quarantine. That is why we are flying via San Francisco to do the test at the Airport. The Hawaii Tourism Authority at 1-800-464-2924 can confirm that. A direct flight from Canada, e.g. Vancouver with a Canadian Test will not work.