There are reasons here for cautious optimism today, with infection rates in Hawaii is among the lowest in the country.
Why the Honolulu Zoo image above? Read down for that.
Hawaii remains almost completely cut off from tourism during this time and you’ll need to wait to plan your next Hawaii vacation. Our isolation from the mainland plays a big role in this number and as does our island geography. As an island state we have been able to reduce the flow of people both from the mainland and those travelling interisland. Other strict measures put in place are also helping as the population does its best to adhere to the new guidelines.
In addition, the state is contemplating taking this one step further by implementing a moratorium on new hotel reservations for the time being. The governor and the the state attorney general are currently working on this issue.
Hawaii’s rate of infection is behind only Minnesota and West Virginia with a rate of 36 cases per 100K residents. That compared with the national rate of 177 per 100K.
We’re all waiting with mixed feelings to hear what comes next.
On April 30, the Governor will determine if the 14-day mandatory isolation will continue and if so for how long. That will be a sign of things to come. As to what to expect, read our recent post, When Hawaii Air Travel Will Resume: Expect Big Changes. Jeff is “champing at the bit” to visit family in Oregon.
But before any of that happens, the state wants to test more rapidly, and have the ability to trace and isolate people when necessary.
In the meantime, all of us on Kauai now wear mandatory face masks as we contemplate what will follow.
Will it be safe to have visitors again short of not-yet-available testing? Can distancing and other measures be of adequate protection until then? We expect to hear much more in the next few weeks from the FAA, the airlines and the NIH.
Note re Honolulu Zoo photo. The city’s zoo has also just reached a turning point when it received accreditation after nearly five years work. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums “Accreditation signifies Honolulu Zoo’s active role in protecting our world’s wild animals and wild places while providing exceptional animal care and meaningful guest experiences…. The Honolulu Zoo is truly a leader in the zoological profession, and I am proud to have them among our members.” — AZA
I just received an email from Hawaiian airlines saying my non stop flight to Maui on May 12th is still confirmed??? Hawaiian airlines website says they are only flying to Honolulu from San Francisco. Is this a ploy to not have to pay a refund? Nowhere on their site does it say passenger flights are cancelled until June. Can you confirm this? Very confusing.
Thankyou so much for this updates, we had travel plans in March and are so hoping to reschedule during summer season, little has been reported by many and your articles have given much needed information
Hi Jane.
Thanks for much for the nice feedback.
Aloha.
My family is coming agt the end if July (postponed from coming at the end of May), even if we have to stay in our hotel or rental, do you think the trails and beaches will be available with safe, social distancing?
Asking: what excuses are made by those who violate our rules set in place over this. Being misinformed or failure to take the matter seriously. Why won’t the travel agencies in their home state or city refund the travelers from coming to Hawaii? Plain greed, selfishness and rude.
I was wondering if you have any idea when American airlines will resume flying to any of the Hawaiian Islands.
Thank you for all the great information in the Beat of Hawaii.
Hi Carol.
Thanks. Everyone is just guessing right now. The state will need to reopen to tourism first. We expect to know much more in the next couple of weeks.
Aloha.
Do you think the 14-day quar antine will be lifted by the end of this month or not? Will windsurfing be allowed on Maui on May 1, 2020?
Why is it taking so long to get testing? Abbott Labs has been shipping its 3/15 minute test kits (3 min for positive, 15 for negative) at a rate of 50,000 units per week for a couple weeks since announced. Even if they were distributed by percent of total population, you’d think we’d have a couple dozen by now, and that could result in testing hundreds per day, not just dozens, and with immediate results, not waiting 3-5 days.
Is anybody looking into this?
Hopefully they don’t jump the gun and kill everyone 🤔they should’ve shut down the airport completely so no one else brings the vi rus and deal with what we got now!!! Hope everyone is practicing so cial distances and washing hands constantly 🤙Alohaz 🤙
Yes.!!!