Tips, essential Rules, latest changes. Save Time and avoid Worry. What to know before traveling to Hawaii.
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Tips, essential Rules, latest changes. Save Time and avoid Worry. What to know before traveling to Hawaii.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
Our family will be flying to Maui on 3/24 then spending the next day on the island before flying to Oahu on 3/25. Since we will be on Maui for 24 hours prior to flying to Oahu are we able to travel inter-island to Oahu with no restrictions or do we need to ensure that our pre-travel COVID testing is within 72 hours of our flight to Oahu instead of 72 hours of our flight to Maui?
Hi Chris.
When traveling from Maui to Oahu there is no additional testing requirement.
Aloha.
Our family of five will be at KoOlina March 26 thru April 2nd. Planning to travel to Maui April 2nd for one day then fly back home April 3rd. Do we need to take another PCR test, or will our test from the start of the trip count. Somewhat confused on what to do.
Mahalo to all.
Hi Mark.
Yes, you will need another Trusted Partner test within 72 hours of your travel to Maui.
Aloha.
Thank you BOH for all you helpful information! So thankful!
We levae March 24th at 11:30am PST through Honolulu with a connection to Kauai at 6pm to Kauai. Am I correct that we can test at ANY LAB after 11:30am on Sunday March 21st?
Our direct flight on Alaska Airlines was canceled…so now we have to fly through Honolulu. I’m not sure if the Kauai testing rules apply when flying through Honolulu.
Thank you!
Hi Amy.
So long as you remain in transit at the airport, there should be no problem. Yes, any lab within 72 hours if you are heading to a bubble resort only. You still need to create a Safe Travels account. The rules are: “Take a pre-travel test within 72 hours before the final leg of departure for your trip to Kauai and receive a negative test result. This test can be any COVID-19 diagnostic test (antigen or PCR test) with emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.”
Aloha.
I am terribly worried. I have all my reservations paid for my trip to Maui. I went to Wallgreens to ask about the 72 hours test.I told them that my flight to Hawaii was on Friday, the 19th at 5:40 pm and that I was going to schedule my test for Tuesday (the morning (9:00 am) I asked them when I was going to get my results and they did not want to tell me or guarantee me that I was going to have them on Friday! What????!!!! I cannot take it earlier because I will be out of the 72 hrs period and there is no other place to take the test as I live in rural Idaho. My lay over in LA airport is only 1 hr and 20 minutes. No place or time to take a rapid test at the airport. What is your recommendation?
I noticed that myself (in the fine print for CVS and Walgreens they indicated NOT to use their services for travel). Check with your airline carrier as some offer a mail in testing option. There are a great deal of details: order test, perform self test via video, mail back overnight and get results). I hope you are able find a test to meet your needs.
My recommendations – I live in southern (rural) Oregon and I have used this method to get to Oahu twice, once in December and once last week. It is possible it will work for you, or it may not:
1. Confirm you have a UPS Service Center (not a UPS drop box or private shipping store) within your area that will accept a “pre-paid UPS Next Day Air package” in the morning for next-day delivery to Piscataway, New Jersey. If you do not have a UPS Service Center within driving distance, you cannot proceed to the next step.
2. Confirm you have an internet connection (home or smart phone) that is fast enough to make a ZOOM video call. If you are unable to use the ZOOM video conference service, you cannot proceed to the next step.
3. Go to https://www.vaulthealth.com/covid , create an account there (with email address + password), and purchase a Vault Health at-home saliva test kit, which is approved as a trusted “travel partner” testing service by the State of Hawaii, for $119.00. Each adult traveling with you must create his/her own personal account at the Vault Health web site with his/her own email address + password and purchase his/her own kit. A kit will arrive overnight to you; do not open the kit until later.
4. Determine your departure time on the FINAL flight segment from the mainland U.S. to Honolulu. For example, if your flight from LAX to HNL is scheduled to depart at 5:40 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST) on Friday, March 19, then you need to take your test NO SOONER than 5:40 p.m. (PST) [6:40 p.m. Mountain Standard Time (MST)] on Tuesday, March 16 (NOT Tuesday morning).
[Steps 5 through 8 continued on my next reply, if the BOH website owners approve my two posts] 😁
4. Determine your departure time on the FINAL flight segment from the mainland U.S. to . For example, if your flight from LAX to is scheduled to depart at 5:40 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST) on Friday, March 19, then you need to take your test NO SOONER than 5:40 p.m. (PST) [6:40 p.m. Mountain Standard Time (MST)] on Tuesday, March 16 (NOT Tuesday morning)
5. Vault Health will do a video conference call with you using the ZOOM conference service and observe you placing saliva (spitting) into the test tube they ship to you (do not open the package until the ZOOM employee can see you). Because Vault Health’s ZOOM observation hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) [6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. MST for you], you cannot do a ZOOM call on Tuesday evening. You should be ready to start your ZOOM call at 6:00 a.m. MST on Wednesday, March 17.
6. When the ZOOM video call (observed sample collection) is completed, drive the UPS package immediately to your UPS Shipping Center, as soon as it opens, to be certain the package starts the delivery process on first thing Wednesday morning.
7. The package should arrive in at the Vault Health lab in Piscataway, NJ on Thursday morning March 18. Vault Health will only say “… we can usually guarantee results back in 24-48 hours after the completed sample arrives back at the lab.” In my experience my two results came into my email Inbox in 10 hours (last December) and 24 hours (last week) after the lab received my samples. *If* your experience *matches* mine, your results might be in your email on Friday morning, March 19, or might arrive Friday evening that same day, a couple hours after your LAX departure time. It all depends on how busy the Vault Health lab is and how quickly they can complete analysis of your sample.
[Step 8 continued on next reply 😎]
8. Do NOT get on the plane in LAX without your “negative” test results from Vault Health. If you do, you will be forced into a choice – find a place to quarantine in a hotel room for 10 days, or turn around and fly home, all at your own expense.
Laid out nicely, Paul. I would only add that you should write “STAT HAWAII” prominently on the shipping envelope, and also on the inner envelope that has your sealed test tube in it, which alerts the lab that you have to have the results ASAP.
We used Vault tests to travel to Kauai back in early November. FWIW, our home state (Wyoming) paid for them out of CARES money, which was nice since they were $150 at the time. I believe other states also do this, but your mileage may vary. We plan to head back to Kauai later in the year, so I just obtained two more Vault tests to be ready (Wyoming still pays for them).
We will be ready to fork out $$S for rapid results tests through a “trusted partner” at or near our departure airport in the event Vault results don’t come through in time. Back in early November, you could still use late results although you were supposed to quarantine until you posted them and Hawaii acknowledged same. They don’t allow that anymore. Paul’s item 8 is now the rule.
Thank you, David B. (and the BOH moderators for allowing me to make my long post 😁). i just hope Pilar H. sees this web page with your reply and my replies so she and her three travel companions can make informed decisions on whether to travel from rural Idaho to Maui or not.
Sigh, if only the testing window was permanently increased to 96 or 120 hours, it would take a lot of stress out of the Vault Health testing process. The State temporarily increased the window to 96 hours over the President Day holiday weekend, so I know the 72 hour window they selected is quite arbitrary.
Dear BOH, Mahalo for answering me back so soon!! I understand now the answer. I’m very very excited about coming to Oahu(hopefully in 2022) & I will be the best & most respectable visitor you will ever have!:)♡♡ So, for now I will keep on dreaming of the day when I’m sitting on the airplane coming over to Paradise:) God bless & stay safe. I enjoy reading the blog.
Dear Joe L, I totally agree with every thing you said! I will not be coming to Oahu until vaccine passport is appected! It had always been my dream vacation to come to Hawaii & I want to make sure that I do get my trip & not have to stress about the test results coming back in time! This most likely will be my only opportunity to come to Hawaii & I’m not going to miss out! God bless & stay safe & healthy. Andrea:)
Has anyone used the Worksite Labs testing in Livermore (which is the one of the recommended labs for Hawaiian Airlines)?
Sorry..I meant Worksite Labs in Sacramento.
We are leaving, 20 April for Honolulu.
Dept – San Antonio 8:30 cst to Dallas 9:45am
Dept – Dallas 11:00am. Arrived Honolulu 7:40 pm
Test can be from 18Apr after 11:00 am for travel,
is that correct.
Planning on testing at a CVS Pharmacy.
Sam H., Be careful about depending on a CVS pharmacy test. On this page:
cvs.com/minuteclinic/covid-19-testing/voluntary-testing
… in the section “Voluntary testing FAQS” in BOLD TYPE even CVS advises Hawaii travelers:
“We cannot guarantee a lab test result within the 72-hour window that the state requires and are asking travelers to Hawaii to make other testing plans.”
Sam, were you able to receive your results from CVS before your flights? How long exactly did it take for your results to come back?
Thanks!
We are traveling to Maui on Friday. Our plan is to get an ID Now test at Walgreens exactly 72 hours prior to departure. Thanks for the update on the tracking app as we weren’t aware of that! Is there anything else we need to know and can you by chance verify that the ID Now test at Walgreens is appropriate? By all accounts on their website it appears that it is but we are nervous! Thank you so incredibly much!
Hi Mandi.
That is our understanding too – that it is acceptable. You can check with the state if you’d like to confirm that. The state’s Safe Travels help desk is at 1-855-599-0888 between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time.
Beyond that, Maui requires the state-approved contact tracing app. https://beatofhawaii.com/mandatory-contact-tracing-approved-by-governor/.
Aloha.
Hello, just returned from Maui last night. The mandatory tracing app is non existent. At no time in the airport was it mentioned or when using the safe travels website. It’s a fairly easy process in place at the airport as long as you’ve followed directions and have QR code on your phone readily available. However, at $200 per test it is going to make it very difficult for tourism to come back. The 72 hour additive condition makes it nearly impossible to do one of the less expensive send out NAAT tests as they are not guaranteed to return within the 72 hour time frame. Only the rapid NAAT is guaranteed and with that comes the inflated cost. I’m hoping to see more testing partners accepted as it seems it would drive down the cost of testing. Thank you for the updates, it makes travel much smoother knowing what to expect.
Hi Sonia.
Thanks. We appreciate the update on your Maui trip, and we have had a couple of other comments to that effect regarding the contact tracing app. Not sure what is going on with that.
Aloha.
I read that Worksite Labs was on the Trusted Partners list. I am flying from Ontario, Ca to HNL. I also thought Worksite Labs was at Long Beach, Ca airport. Can someone comment on this? Thank you.
Hi Beth.
The Worksite Labs website says that Ontario is coming soon. https://worksitelabs.com/services/.
Aloha.
Aloha Guys – just a heartfelt thank you for all of your efforts in keeping us up to date on travel requirements. Lord willing, hubby and I will be able to visit Hawaii again in 2022 without all the fuss (we will be getting our second dose of the vaccine next week).
Much aloha to you.
Hi Debi.
Thanks for that, and your many comments. We appreciate it. Let us know how your trip planning for next year goes.
Aloha.
Dear Debi, I am planning my dream vacation trip to Oahu & I’m waiting for the vaccine passport to be approved. I’m a daycare teacher so I’m already vaccinated so that will be my best option. I’m getting so very exicted & I definitely will be going to Pearl Harbor to pay my respects because my Grandfather was in PH & he survived! I have my itinerary already completed & now I’m starting my hotel research:) God Bless & take care!
We have a trip planned for April to stay on both Maui and Hawaii. We will need to test on Maui before we can fly over to Hawaii. Does anyone on this site have experience with testing on Maui? We want to test at a reliable facility that will hopefully get results back within the 72 hour window. We have Kaiser coverage and are wondering if anyone has tested at Kaiser on Maui? If so, how long did it take to get results?
Hi Kim.
As per today’s update, it is still possible, in fact likely, that starting April 1, there will be no testing required interisland. Stay tuned and we should have an update soon.
Aloha.
Again, I ask if Embry Womens health part of Athena Health is acceptable. We used them to go to the Big Island October 2020. Our insurance covered this, so we would like to have our test done there. Please reply, Aloha
Hi Dianne.
Neither of those appear on the list of trusted partners at this time. https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel-partners/.
Aloha.
Yes and I can’t find any of yours. CVS will not garantee results in 72 hours and mine will. It was accepted on October 2020 in the Big Island. How about working with Athena. Who can I contact to get Athena on the list? Thanks Dianne M.
Hi Dianne.
Trusted partners are companies that applied directly to the state. The state has also said more are being added. Perhaps try one of the mail in options as an alternative.
Aloha.
“The QR code for your mainland to Hawaii flight will be required for presentation on arrival, as will the QR code for any connecting flight.” Where is this QR code found, how do I get it?
Hi Ernest.
Thanks for your dozens of comments. That will come from the state’s Safe Travels website after you have submitted your trusted partner test results and completed the health questionnaire.
Aloha.
Thank you for this concise and informative post. We have been to Maui 3 times since Oct. 15 and just returned last week. Each time we have gone has been extremely easy if you follow all the rules regarding testing and uploading the info on your phone. Alaska (on the last 2 trips) made it extremely easy with bypassing the lines upon entering Maui if you have the wristband. You just go right to baggage…make sure you get the wristband when you check in at the departing airport. (Don’t know if this is only in Seattle or has expanded to other cities)
I am passing on your information and website to friends traveling to the islands.
A BIG THANK YOU BOH! You’re the best!
Hi Vicki.
Thank you! Glad your trips to Maui have been without a hitch and it is helpful for others to know that.
Aloha.
We will be coming to Kauai in March and staying at Kukuiula for the 3 days of quarantine. I’m a little confused about the testing requirements. Can you confirm that the test we need to take 72 hours prior to boarding our flight does NOT have to be from a Preferred Partner or is it the test we take 72 hours after arrival to be released from quarantine? Thank u!
Hi Macie.
It is the pre-travel test you are referring to. Rules per county are: “Take a pre-travel test within 72 hours before the final leg of departure for your trip to Kauai and receive a negative test result. This test can be any COVID-19 diagnostic test (antigen or PCR test) with emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.”
Aloha.
Hello my name is Andrea & now I have a question.The way I was understanding it was that Oahu also wanted a negative test result in order to come. I read the article today saying that any Hawaiian destinations other than Oahu require the test, so now I’m confused! My mind is also spinning too,lol. When someone from BOH gets a chance could you please email me back because I’m very interested in the answer. Mahalo, Andrea:) God Bless & stay safe everyone:)
Hi Andrea.
We are distinguishing between interisland travel and mainland to Hawaii travel. Oahu does not require a test for interisland travel. All of the islands require testing for mainland to Hawaii travel.
Aloha.
ALOHA! Please assist! My husband and I have a
Flight that leaves from Los Angeles to Kauai on April 14- April 20
Do we still need to stay in a resort bubble for 3 days ? or it will be enough with the approved/negative Covid 19 test ? We are kind of confused…. thank you so much for this site , it is very helpful!
Hi Lourdes.
Starting April 5, the rules for mainland to Kauai travel will just require an approved trusted partner test within 72 hours of departure from the mainland. No bubble resort is needed.
Aloha.
With the feds estimating that all U.S. citizens who want to be vaccinated will have access to the vaccine by May I don’t understand Hawaii’s reluctance to waive pre travel covid test / quarantine requirements. Proof of vaccine should allow visitors to bypass these requirements. We will not return / plan a trip to Hawaii again until the covid test requirement is lifted and proof of vaccination is all that is needed. ( too much risk with getting test in time etc before such a long expensive trip) I believe Hawaii is going to miss out on the bulk of tourists during the upcoming summer season with other tourist destinations easing travel restrictions as covid numbers decrease and the total number of people vaccinated increase. Hopefully we will be able to return in 2022.
Dear Joe, I totally agree with you about what you said! I’m in the same boat as you. I will not travel to Hawaii until vaccine passport is accepted. I’m a daycare teacher & I’m saving my $$. This most likely will be my only opportunity to come to Hawaii so I definitely want to make sure I don’t miss out. It has always been my life long dream coming to Oahu for my vacation! I’ve waited all my life so what is another year right, lol?! God Bless & stay safe & healthy!!♡♡
Dear Joe, I already have my itinerary completed!! Here it is…Pearl Harbor,Iolani Palace,Polynesian Cultural Center,Bishop Museum,Alohatower,Foster Botanical Gardens,Glass bottom boat tour,Waikiki beach,Dole Plantation,zoo,aquarium,Diamond Head hike,Hanauma Bay Preserve,Leonard’s Bakery,Henry’s Place,&shaved ice.Maybe we will bump into each other on Oahu if that is where you will go…lol.
Are you able to quarantine in a condo if you own it?
I suggest you identify which island you are visiting and read the Emergency Order that applies to that location, from this list of orders:
governor.hawaii.gov/category/covid-19/covid-19-orders-and-rules
For EXAMPLE, if you are traveling to the County of Hawaii, the document titled “County Of Hawaii Mayors COVID-19 First Amended Emergency Rule No. 14” in section (D)(1) on page 7 defines the “Place of Quarantine.” You will need to determine if your “condo” meets the requirements.
For other islands or counties, check the other links on that web page to see if there are “Place of Quarantine” restrictions for your “condo” location.
Good luck!
Hi,
I am really looking forward to visiting again. I just wanted to see if anyone had any tips. We leave for Kona in early April and plan on spending a week in Kona, then plan on traveling to Maui for another week. Can anyone recommend a testing site to use on the Big Island Kona area that has gotten results back in the 72hr timeframe?
Thanks!
Erika
Hi Erika.
It may not be clear for a couple of weeks if testing will be required interisland to Maui or not. In the meantime, maybe someone can give us a hand on what testing has worked on the Big Island.
Aloha.
Hi there
Is Hawaii accepting the at home tests purchased from Costco?
Thank you
Melissa
Hi Melissa.
As far as we know yes they are. That is confirmed on the state’s website here: https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel-partners/. For any additional clarification, you can contact the state’s Safe Travels help desk is at 1-855-599-0888 between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time.
Aloha.
Aloha!
Mahalo for your continued updates.
I recently returned Home (Kaua’i) from a week in SD. HA has a preclear program (NAAT) in SD w/Worksite labs. They were great…easy to access, and the turn around was 36hrs…less in my experience. Of course I’ve had to quarantine at home…have a few more days. Nat’l Guard has been her 3 times so far to check despite my checking in on Safe Travels every day. For anyone flying to or from SD before April 5th, I’d highly recommend Hawaiian’s Worksite labs program.
Thank you for your continued efforts to get Kaua’i back on track.
Lynn
Hi Lynn.
Thanks. We appreciate the update on using Worksite Labs out of San Diego.
Aloha.
Aloha – I admit I am confused on one part of the 72 hour pretest covid before leaving. is it 72 from when your flight to the islands leave or 72 hours before arrival on the the islands?
Thank you in advance for your help
Hi Steve.
It is within 72 hours of your mainland to Hawaii scheduled flight departure.
Aloha.
Hello. Confused, maybe?
I’m flying from East Coast with flight stop in Texas; then Texas to Oahu. Possibly fly into SFO then onto Oahu.
My 72 hour test, that be from the Texas stopover (or SFO) & not here from where I begin my trip on the east coast??
Mahalo!
Hi Linda.
It is not where you begin your travels, but rather within 72 hours of the trans-Pacific flight to Hawaii.
Aloha.
Nice article…. Keeping things up to date. But…….
Why would anybody want to visit untill the requirements become reasonable. Added test cost, quqartine cost, etc and then Hawaii wants you to spend money there. ….. No thanks until they decide to be part of the USA again…
Hi! Actually, if the stay is long enough or something one has really wanted, it’s totally worth it. If the instructions are followed to the letter, and the test is one that is guaranteed to come back in time, it’s great. Walgreens didn’t charge anyone in my family to test, and the turn around time was 24 hours. The only real hard part was hoping that the test at the airport was negative. Once here (Big Island), everyone is so gracious and they’ve kept the numbers so low that it’s been very relaxing and nice to finally feel ‘normal.’
WOW! Thank you once again BOH for laying it out in a detailed, easy to understand manner. I don’t know about you, but my head is spinning trying to follow this moving target. If it was not for BOH I would have no idea what to expect or do to safely travel to Hawaii. I literally give out your blog on a weekly basis to friends and family who want to travel to Hawaii or plan to travel to Hawaii. Mahalo!
Hi Nita.
Thank you. We get spun around trying to keep up ourselves.
Aloha.
This in the most informative site that I have come across. We just got back from a trip to Hawaii, everything was smooth and even though a little hectic because we visited 3 islands. We did everything right and had no problems, but you have to do exactly what is required. No skimping!! It was a wonderful trip thanks to “Beat of Hawaii”. Thank you for keeping on top of all the latest news.
Hi Annette.
Thanks so much. Glad your trip went smoothly, and that was quite an accomplishment during this time – 3 islands.
Aloha.
Annette, if you traveled inter-island from Maui to another island who did you use for testing on Maui? We are scheduled to fly inter-island from Maui to Hawaii next month and aren’t sure which option for Maui is best to get results back within 72 hours of departure. Any advice you could share would be appreciated. Mahalo!
I am in Maui now. Travelled from ca and used Kaiser. Took test within 72 hours of departure flight to Maui and got results from Kaiser in 30 hours. Created profile on safe travels site, then entered travel info. When I got results from Kaiser, clicked the print button and printed to pdf. Uploaded the pdf to safe travels website. Complete health questionnaire within 24 hours, download tracking program and you are good to go. Show QR code at airport with ID and you are free to move about the island!
I am beyond thrilled that Kauai will join Safe Travels Hawaii as I am on my third try to visit family in Hanalei. I live in Newport Beach, CA. Does anyone know what is the most secure group to use for getting our Covid test within the 72 hours?
Mahalo
Not sure what you mean by the most secure group. We did our tests at Walgreens using the ID NOW rapid test and had our results in 3 hours. Not all Walgreens offer the ID NOW rapid test, so you need to check. Tests were cost free with our insurance.
Thank you very much for all the information provided on your page.
My friends and I (60s, 65, 70, 80 years old) purchased tickets and reserved an apartment to spend a week in your beautiful Maui island. Because Hawaii is part of the USA we did not know that we needed to have a PCR test with negative result and provided by one of your approved laboratories. We have all received our COVID vaccinations (for being teachers and some because of age) and we thought that this was going to be enough. We are going to be tested 72 hours prior arriving to Maui by our Idaho most trusted hospital St. Luke’s. Is that enough? We can also go to Walgreens but we need to travel as we live in a very isolated place (Hailey) with no other provider but our hospital. We would have to travel 2 hrs both ways to be testes by Walgreens in Twin Falls. We ask you, please, to advise us in this matter as we are stressed about our trip (we have paid for fights and apartment). We would really appreciate your help. Thank you very much!
Hi Pilar.
No St. Luke’s will not work! You need to use one of the partners found on this page. https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel-partners/.
Aloha.
Additional thoughts that came to mind after reading Pilar’s post …
Be certain the Twin Falls, Idaho, Walgreens is performing the Hawaii state approved test; my local Walgreens n rural Oregon does not. If they test, get appointments- don’t drive two hours and walk-in.
Be certain EACH person opens a Safe Travel account at the Hawaii travel web site (individual usernames and passwords). Read, learn and follow the procedures.
And good luck!
Hi Paul.
Thanks for the hand with that.
Aloha.
Pilar and companions may also not be aware of this Maui travel restriction I ran across on the Southwest Airlines web site while planning my travel to Oahu:
“Additional Requirements for Travel to Maui from the Mainland
“All travelers must download the AlohaSafe Alert App on their mobile phone before departing for Maui. If a traveler attempts to do so on arrival, it will be too late and quarantine will be required.”
Hi Paul.
Thanks for that. Yes, that is reflected on our island by island travel guide as well: https://beatofhawaii.com/ultimate-guide-to-hawaii-travel-during-covid/.
Aloha.
Aloha BOH! Thank you for being so informative, I read your blogs daily. Our trip is next week:
We leave Saturday March 13th for HNL for two nights, then fly to the Big Island on Monday, March 15th. I understand we need to take 3 Covid tests, 72 hours prior to last departure leg to Hawaii, then again 72 hours prior to our departure to Kona and once again when we land in Kona…which brings me to the testing provider… 72 hours before Kona I will still be on the mainland. So do I use an approved mainland provider OR since it is inter-island, do I have to use an approved inter-island provider?? With a 4 hr 42 min layover at LAX I figured we could take our second test there, but after reading the rules, it sounds like we may have to test in Honolulu to get to Kona… appreciate your thoughts. Mahalo!
Hi Mary.
Thank you. You need to test with an approved mainland provider within 72 of your mainland to Hawaii flight. Then you’ll test in Honolulu again for your departure to Big Island. The test on arrival in Kona will be provided so you needed plan for that. For any clarification, the state’s Safe Travels help desk is at 1-855-599-0888 between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time.
Aloha.
Aloha again!
Wow, what a great place to come to get information. Thank you for this site.
Can anyone tell us if there is any bar service to catch a drink on a long layover at Honolulu airport?
Thanks much
Hi Cori.
Thank you. Yes, there are. Here are the on-site options. https://airports.hawaii.gov/hnl/shop-dine/shops-restaurants/.
Aloha.
Cori….we flew through HNL Presidents’ Day weekend and the only olace open for food was Burger King and Starbucks. Everything else, with regards to food and drink, was not open. It may have changed but that is how it was mid February. Recommend you call ahead.
Aloha! Please assist: We have a flight that leaves from Oakland to Hilo, with a layover in Honolulu.
Oakland flight leaves at 9:30 am PST, arrives in Honolulu and then leaves Honolulu at 3:30pm Hawaii time.
My Covid test was taken at 12:30 PST, which covers me for Oakland flight. Will it still count for arrival in Hilo or do I need a test that coincides with the flight that leaves Honolulu??
Ug, this is so freaking confusing. Any help is appreciated.
Mahalo
Hi Cori.
You need only comply with the within 72 hour of mainland departure requirement. Having a connecting flight is not an issue. Feel free to discuss with the state if you’d prefer. The Safe Travels Hawaii Program Service Desk toll-free can be contacted at 1-855-599-0888 between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time.
Aloha.
Sorry if answered already…we plan to take an approved test in Calif then travel to Maui for two weeks; then travel to Oahu for a week. Do we need any special testing for our Oahu leg?
Hi JWI.
No, you do not.
Aloha.
Thank YOU BOH for confirming. It was a little unclear reading all the info on the State’s site.
Exactly confusing! I woud be worried & stressed about the test result coning back in time.That is why I’m waiting until the vaccine passport to be official. Plus, I’m still saving $$ for my trip next year to Oahu:)♡♡ God Bless you! Stay safe & healthy!
I have had great replies from you all. I am a bit confused though. Traveling to Kauai Feb 24,2021. I have looked at websites etc. I have called the number given for testing info…they did not know the answer either…..For Kauai they all say any PCR or antigen test will work. I am wondering if they include “rapid” tests? No one has been able to give me a definitive answer…..it would be nice to have that info as there would be no worry about turn around time!
Thank you!
Dear Joy, I’m planning my life long dream vacation trip to Oahu for next year. I’m waiting for the vaccine passport to be approved because I’m a teacher & already vaccinated.I don’t want to travel now because I would be worried & stressed about the test result being back in time. Plus, I’m still saving $$ right now.Stay safe & healthy! God bless, Andrea:)
Aloha,
Have any of you done testing through Kaiser? If so, how was the return rate of your testing results?
And for example, if your flight is from oakland, CA on Monday 2/22 at 9am, would you schedule your test on 2/19? So that it gives you the max time of 72 hours turn around?
Lastly, does arriving at a certain time at Oahu airport affects the testing time? As oahu is 3 hours ahead.
Or does it just matter on your department time?
Would like some clarifications. Mahalo.
Oahu is only two hours ahead until Calif goes back on DST
Hawaii time is irrelevant. Arrival time in Hawaii is irrelevant. The test has to be done within 72 hours before the DEPARTURE time for your flight to Hawaii. So, you don’t want to do it BEFORE 9:00am on 02/19. If you have a connecting flight before your Hawaii flight, that departure time is also irrelevant.
I am in Maui now. Travelled from ca and used Kaiser. Took test within 72 hours of departure flight to Maui and got results from Kaiser in 30 hours. Created profile on safe travels site, then entered travel info. When I got results from Kaiser, clicked the print button and printed to pdf. Uploaded the pdf to safe travels website. Complete health questionnaire within 24 hours, download tracking program and you are good to go. Show QR code at airport with ID and you are free to move about the island!
Hi Mark. KP members here also. We have had about four different tests taken from them late lat year. First three came back within two days, last one around Thanksgiving took 5 days if I recall correctly. Was there a special progress in the test scheduling where you informed them you needed a far turnaround for Hawaii travel?
Thanks
Oklahoma City to Phoenix 2/24/21. Phoenix to Honolulu 2/24/21 and 3 hour layover then Honolulu to Lihue 2/24/21 is our route to Kauai! Mahal I!
Hi again Joy.
What are your plans for arrival on Kauai? The three current choices are 10-day quarantine, or a minimum 3-4 night stay on either another island or in a bubble resort. For quarantine, no testing is required. For the other choices, it is.
Aloha.
Aloha! Has anyone had any issues with using Walgreens Rapid Test (ID Now)? The site says it is accepted but I don’t want to make any mistakes! Can’t use any of the ones that have to be mailed back because our travel is on Wednesday.
Mahalo.
The ID Now Rapid Test given by Walgreens is a Hawaii approved NAAT test. DON’T do the PCR test which is a NAAT test but Walgreens does not guarantee results within the 72 hour period.
We just did the IDNow test at Walgreen’s and received results in less than 3 hours!
Did the Walgreens rapid naat work to get into Hawaii?
I’m trying to find the answer to a question I haven’t specifically seen anywhere. We are going to be in Maui in a couple of weeks. My cousin and her husband will be traveling with us and would very much like to hop over to the Big Island for a day trip to see Volcano National Park. I know we would need pre-travel tests within 72 hours of going over to the Big Island and have found a testing provider close to where we will be staying in Lahaina. My question is, since we would be going over and coming back the same day (IF flights are available) do we need a separate test to come back to Maui or can we use the same test to come back since it would be within the 72 hour time frame? Or, are inter-island day trips even possible right now?
Thanks BOH!
Hi Ed.
We have wondered the same thing and believe that the one test will qualify since the travel will remain within 72 hours. Perhaps the best thing is to check with either the county (Maui). You could also ask the Safe Travels Hawai‘i Program Service Desk toll-free at 1-855-599-0888 between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time. Not sure the state will know, however. Please let us know how it works out. Thank you.
Aloha.
Aloha! Question about registering on the Safetravels form. Last time was easy because we had a direct flight to Maui. This time we have a stopover in Honolulu before connecting flight to Kona. Do we I enter our flight number only to HNL or only the one to KOA? It won’t let me put both. We’re fingers crossed to depart this Tues, 2/2. Thank you!! Suzanna
Hi Suzanna.
Hopefully someone who has used the form recently can give us a hand. Alternatively, you can contact the state via the Safe Travels Hawai‘i Program Service Desk toll-free at 1-855-599-0888 between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time.
Aloha.
Thank you as always for being so prompt. I investigated a little further & both the State safe travels FAQ page and Southwest’s Hawaii travel notice page gave me the answer. The safe travels form requires each leg of the ticket to be a separate trip…so one trip SMF-HNL with a QRcode given, and a second trip entry HNL-KOA with a 2nd QR Code. We’re good to go, Mahalo!! Hopefully our info will help someone else with the same question. Aloha!
Hi Suzanna.
‘
Thank you for that information.
Aloha.
We are scheduled to come April 10th to Maui and then Kauai second week. But I am a little confused about the 72 hour test. Say if your flight leaves the mainland at 6 pm ca time, we have test done est. time zone, and results 72 hours falls at 3 pm pst, can we still fly since that would make it 75 hours? Please try to clarify this for us.
Hi Charles.
No, it must be within 72 hours. 75 won’t work.
Aloha.