By way of introduction, Hawaii officially reopened on October 15 to visitors, together with a way to avoid the mandatory quarantine (was 14 days, now is 10 days). Since then, the rules that apply to visitors seem to be in a constant state of change, which, to say the least, can be challenging when planning a Hawaii vacation. To help, we plan to keep this post updated as things change, so check again for more information. This was last updated on January 19, 2021.
At this time there is no definitive word on when and how travel for those who have been vaccinated with begin. We will update that as soon as the state decides.
Travel to Hawaii starts with COVID testing.
The bottom line here is that you need to be sure that you test within 72 hours of your transpacific flight to Hawaii and that the Hawaii-approved partner you choose will reliably deliver results before your departure. Period. Costs flor testing are borne by the traveler and can vary from free to $250 per person. If you are testing by mail, start immediately at 72 hours since you need to return the test kit in time to have the results obtained before departure.
The state requires NAAT/PCR testing only, and nothing else is acceptable. Also, the test source must be one of Hawaii’s trusted partners, not any lab, even when it is the correct test. The specific language in effect is as follows:
“The state of Hawai‘i will ONLY accept Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) from a certified Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA) lab test results from TRUSTED TESTING AND TRAVEL PARTNERS. A negative COVID-19 test result is required prior to departure to avoid quarantine in Hawaii.”
Tip: At the end of this post, we have a list of all currently approved testing partners.
Follow all rules closely to avoid ending up in quarantine.
When first announced, Hawaii was more flexible about those who didn’t get test results on time, or even those who obtained them from the wrong source. Starting November 24, however, that changed. The state no longer makes any exceptions.
If anything goes wrong, you could end up having to leave Hawaii or enter the mandatory quarantine. Don’t let that dissuade you, however, as many visitors have come since then, and they have been able to avoid problems. On the other hand, there are nightmare stories of those who took the wrong test, obtained it from the wrong source, or took it a day too early, ruining their expensive and long-planned Hawaii vacation.
Register for the Hawaii Safe Travels program.
All arrivals 18 and older need to register through the Hawaii Safe Travels online program. That is a mandatory requirement.
- Negative test results must be in hand and uploaded to the Safe Travels website before departure on your flight from the US mainland to Hawaii. If you have multiple flights, the time is based on the last one that ends with your landing in Hawaii.
- Mandatory health questionnaire must be added to your Safe Travels account within 24 hours before departure.
The minimum age for testing is age 5. All travelers 5 and above must have a COVID-19 test and negative results through one of the state’s trusted testing partners. Note that some trusted testing partners test all ages, and others do not.
Thermal scanning. All arriving Hawaii passengers must have thermal temperature checks with imaging technology on arrival.
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 within Hawaii. The QR code is obtained from the Safe Travels website.
Alaska Airlines’ Hawaii Pre-Clear. Alaska Airlines Hawaii passengers can be checked before departure for Hawaii instead of on arrival. The airline will verify your Safe Travel profile; you will be provided with a pre-clear wristband, which allows you to bypass airport arrival procedures in Hawaii. To date, this program has not been expanded to include other airlines.
Car rental companies and accommodations may also require you to present your Safe Travels QR code.
No cohesive statewide plan – so you must follow island-by-island rules.
Each of the counties, other than Honolulu/Oahu, has enacted separate and varying rules that have been approved by the governor. All islands are listed below, together with any special requirements.
Tip: For interisland passengers, those arriving on Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island must have an approved test within 72 hours of arrival, which is nearly the same requirement as when coming to Hawaii from the US mainland.
Noting these differing rules will help avoid the frustration and confusion that some visitors have experienced.
Kauai regulations.
Not surprisingly, Kauai has gone its own way entirely. Starting on December 2, Kauai enacted multiple confusing rules that made it much harder to visit than the other islands. Currently all arrivals, regardless of any negative test result, must quarantine for 10 days. There are two exceptions, however, to shorten that duration.
Two Exceptions: 1) Quarantine for 3-nights at a Kauai resort bubble property followed by a second test, or 2) stay 3-nights minimum on any other island, followed by a second test before flying to Kauai.
Furthermore, regarding resort bubbles only, Kauai states, “This (pre-travel) test can be any COVID-19 diagnostic test (antigen or PCR test) with emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The lab does not need to be on the state’s Trusted Testing and Travel Partners list for use in Kauai’s resort bubble program.”
Big Island regulations.
In addition to the quarantine option, arriving that have approved test results on arrival are free of quarantine. A second, free rapid antigen test on arrival at the airport may be performed. For inter-island arrivals, a negative PCR test within 72 hours of arrival is required.
Maui (includes Lanai and Molokai) regulations.
Besides the quarantine option, Maui has been providing an optional free test three days after arrival on the island. For inter-island arrivals, a negative PCR test within 72 hours of arrival is required.
Maui now has ordered that arriving travelers use a mandatory contact tracing app. Full details and how to comply with this requirement are contained in this post. You must have this uploaded to your phone prior to departure to Maui.
Honolulu regulations.
No special requirements at this time other than the statewide ones listed above.
How does the Hawaii 10-day quarantine work?
For those considering quarantine, or just so you know what (as David B. called it) “hard-time” looks like here are the rules:
- You are required to stay at your hotel (no vacation rentals allowed), except to leave for the airport or obtain emergency medical treatment.
- Food and other supplies will need to be delivered, and you will not be permitted to go out for shopping or any other errands.
- Any hotel space outside your room is also prohibited, including pools, restaurants, beaches, and gyms.
- Hotels will provide you with a one-time entry key so that you may not leave your accommodation and return.
- You are not permitted to rent a car while you are in quarantine.
- Violation of quarantine requirements can result in a fine of up to $5,000 or up to now a year in jail.
Travelers with stopovers in Hawaii.
If your flight requires you to stop in Honolulu (or Maui) before transiting to one of the other islands, the negative test within 72 hours of departure for Hawaii will be accepted to your final destination.
Tip: If you have an actual layover on Oahu or another island, you will have to adhere to the additional testing requirements before proceeding to any island other than Honolulu.
Vaccination Passport Travel to Hawaii expected to start in Spring.
Currently on hold, while Hawaii’s Lieutenant Governor says he thinks vaccination travel will now need to wait until Spring. It was to start in February. The state says it is awaiting results of a CDC report to confirm that those who have been vaccinated can still be carriers.
Travel to Hawaii if you have recovered from COVID.
Read all the rules and how to obtain an exemption to allow you to travel here if you’ve recovered from COVID within the past three months.
Mainland to Hawaii trusted testing partners.
Hawaii trusted testing partners – medical/pharmacy.
American Family Care (AFC)
American Samoa Department of Health
Atlas Genomics
Bartell Drugs (suspended temporarily)
Capstone Clinic
Carbon Health
CityHealth Urgent Care
Clarity Lab Solutions
Color
Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation
Costco/AZOVA
CVS Health
Discovery Health MD
Guam Department of Public Health Social Services
GoHealth Urgent Care
Kaiser Permanente (members only)
University Medical Center of Southern Nevada
UC San Diego Health
University of Washington Medicine
Vault Health
Walgreens
WestPac Labs
XpresCheck
Airlines/airports and their trusted testing partners.
Alaska Airlines
American Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines
Oakland International Airport
Southwest Airlines
United Airlines
Interisland travel trusted testing partners
Clinical Laboratories of Hawaii
CVS Health (Longs Drugs)
Diagnostic Laboratory Services (DLS)
Hawaii Pacific Health
Kaiser Permanente (members only)
Minit Medical
National Kidney Foundation of Hawai‘i’s Consortium
S&G Labs Hawaii LLC
Urgent Care Hawaii
Vault Health
Walgreens
Canada to Hawaii trusted testing partners
Read Related Posts
Mandatory Contact Tracing Approved by Governor.
Vaccination Passport Hawaii Travel to Begin in February.
Kauai Go-It-Alone Resort Bubble and Interisland Measure Approved.
Free Airport COVID Tests Announced + Will Airlines Step Forward?
Visitors Cancel as Governor Won’t Change Rules + Who Pays Quarantine?
New Program Eliminates Covid Screening at Hawaii Airports.
Hawaii Travel After You Recover From COVID.
Updated 1/22/21.
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Chris K says
Real world experience in pre-travel testing (Alaska to Hawaii):
Our plan A: Test at Walgreen’s. Failure because appointment was never processed.
Our plan B: Wait in line and test at Capstone on Dimond. Failure because line too long, everyone sent away one hour before closing.
Our plan C: Drive 50 miles to Capstone-Wasilla. Finally–success!
Lesson learned: For that 3rd day before your travel date, research and make multiple backup plans, so that you can get tested by a “trusted partner” and get results back.
JWI says
@Chris K
Thank you very much for posting this. It helps with my planning for an upcoming summer trip with many moving pieces.
Chris says
I just need to confirm my understanding for covid testing with a same day connecting flight thru HNL to KOA
If our HNL flight leaves SFO at 9:30am, that is the start of the 72 hour window for our final (same day) flight into KOA. So the Big Island will accept the HNL covid testing window.
Thanks
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Chris.
It is within 72 hours of your flight from the mainland to the first place you land in Hawaii (HNL).
Aloha.
Chas S says
Thank you for trying to help, but I don’t think Hawaii’s travel rules could be more confusing if they tried. I have listed some examples
-A portion of the “trusted travel partners” have opted out of the program and none will guarantee a turn around time to meet the travel window. The selection of trusted partners is somewhat restrictive and arbitrary – for example Walgreen’s uses Labcorp to run their tests (most of the partners actually use an outside lab) but will not guarantee a turn around time. My doctor’s office also uses Labcorp to process their Covid tests and they will guarantee a turn around time of 24 to 48 hours. But Hawaii will not accept results obtained from my Doctors office even though the results are actually from the same lab.
– Test nomenclature is not consistent with what the labs are using which causes further confusion. Hawaii specifies a NAAT test but the testing partners use PCR, Rapid Diagnostic test, etc. To illustrate some of the confusion, you have a commenter on this site who has incorrectly stated the PCR test is not a NAAT test. According to the CDC and the WHO the rt-PCR test is a NAAT test (fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/coronavirus-disease-2019-testing-basics). And from the Walgreens site “The Rapid Diagnostic Test (ID NOW) and Diagnostic Lab Test (PCR) provided by Walgreens are nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT). Both types are approved by the state of Hawaii, however the turnaround results time may vary. The Rapid Antigen Test (BinaxNOW) is not an approved test for travel to Hawaii.”
You should correct his comments.
– Continually changing rules. It seems now if you do not have a negative result in hand before you board the final leg of your trip, you have to go through a 10 day quarantine even if you receive a negative results after landing in Hawaii (correct me if this is wrong).
My wife and I have both been Vaccinated but are trying to figure out if we can still go to Maui in March.
Roy H says
Chas
You are correct about Walgreen using Labcorp for the PCR test. However, Walgreen also offers an NAAT rapid test too. You don’t want to use the PCR for travel to Hawaii, as it takes to long to turn around. NAAT rapid test is on the Walgreen site too., the turn around time for that test is very fast. Now the difficult part, You need to go to Walgreen’s covid test site and list/start with the state you live in, that will give you the locations for the various kinds of test in your state. you will see the different colored buttons. Some states have no locations for the NAAT test, (Calif.) Texas has eleven, most states have one or two. Hopefully you will find a location close to you. You will have to have an understanding of the timing for your test, that includes your departure time and receiving your test. Walgreen has an 800 number. I think most people will want to use an airline/airport NAAT rapid test, it’s much easier and timely.
Aloha
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Roy.
Thanks for helping!
Aloha.
Linda B says
Are there any different rules for someone who has tested positive and did their quarantine? I imagine they still have to test negative but anything else? Thank you.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Linda.
This is the current information: https://beatofhawaii.com/hawaii-travel-after-you-recover-from-covid/
Aloha.
Marilyn C. says
Hoping for vaccination info for Kauai- planning trip in December- I know far off but the wheels of government move slowly – do not mind a 3 day quarantine- I’ll just arrive 3 days early prior to my timeshare reservations if it is still in effect
Erik P says
Heading to Kauai mid-February. In order to avoid both the resort bubble and 10 day quarantine, my wife and I changed our plans so that we stay on Maui for a few days prior to jumping over to Kauai. I thought if we tested right after we landed in Maui, then we would get results within 3 days and therefore be good for Kauai.
I now understand we need to wait 72 hours and then test. Where can we get tested that will produce a rapid result? We are staying in Kanaapali.
Jon L says
Dear BOH, thanks for your summary.
Hawaiian Airlines is also running a quarantine pre-clear program on a trial basis, but I haven’t seen it advertised yet. Received an email from Hawaiian a couple days before my departure about it. On my Jan 17 SFO to HNL flight, I stopped at the ticket counter for quarantine screening. If not for the email, I would have bypassed the ticket counter as well as the departure gate counter having checked in online for my flight and downloaded the boarding pass on my cell phone. Quarantine screening was conducted by regular Hawaiian Air counter employees who scanned my QR code on their tablet, checked my C19 test results, and affixed my pre-cleared wristband. My trip details page on the Safe Travels website instantly updated to show I was exempt from quarantine. Upon arrival in HNL, I was ushered to the direct exit aisle. Hope Hawaiian Air continues their pre-clear program.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Jon.
Thanks for the heads up.
Aloha.
Margaret H says
Margaret H.
I have a vacation planned for March. This sounds like a hassle, something, not so fun to deal with for vacation. I’ve had my 2 vaccines. If this doesn’t change, sorry but I won’t come.
Tiffany K. says
Please offer any quidence if I didn’t receive a test result by 72 hours. Thank you so much.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Tiffany.
Not sure what to suggest beyond checking with another testing provider.
Aloha.
JWU says
Can BOH provide listing of reliable testes on the Islands? This would be an awesome resource for readers, especially at a time when the State government has dropped the ball
Bonnie W says
That will depend on if they determine that the vaccine will also prevent the vaccinated person from spreading covid with out having symptoms themselves. I hate to say it but if someone were coming to my place at this time I would require both a vaccine and the test. We don’t even know yet how long immunity will last once both doses of the vaccine have been received. We are really in the dark about all of this.
Bonnie W says
as long as your test is not more than 72 hours before your flight to Hawaii, and it IS before you land in Hawaii it will be fine.
Tammy T says
Aloha,
I’m going to Maui to see my daughter in Kihei on February 3. I depart from Chicago to Seattle and then to Maui at 2:25 pm. I would need to schedule my covid test at 12:25 pm Monday to be in the 72hr frame? Also what if your flight is early or late leaving Seattle? Will that cause a problem? I also would like to hear from other people if CVS has a better result turnaround then Walgreens? This whole thing is so stressful. If I have to quarantine at my daughters am I able to test 3 days later on Maui to avoid the whole 10 days? So many questions. Please give me advice… Walgreens or CVS?
Thank you!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Tammy.
First, the test needs to be within 72 hours of the trans-Pacific flight. So that sounds like after 225pm three days in advance. If that flight is late that is okay. CVS has warned that they may not be able to meet the 72-hour time frame, so we definitely suggest another source. Walgreens is one and there are others found here. https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel/travel-partners/.
Aloha.
Tammy T. says
Thank you for your response. Do I have this correct. If my results don’t come in time will I be able to board in Seattle and go to quarantine at my daughters house and then test 3 days later? If it’s negative then I’m done with quarantine? It sure is confused changes daily. I do realize the intention is good in theory to protect everyone. But it sure is missing clarity. Thank you again and I look forward to your response!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Tammy
Yes you can. The duration is 10 days however not 3.
Aloha.
Roy H says
The time frame is set by the departure on your ticket coming out of Seattle, it doesn’t matter if your flight is early or late. CVS I believe only uses the PCR test, most likely your timing will not work for that test also,I remember something about CVS taking it self off the Hawaii safe travels. With Walgreen you need to go to there covid test site and start with the state you live in, that page will show you what kinds of test are available in your state and the location. The only kind of test that will work for you using Walgreen is the NAAT, results come back fast. Don’t use the PCR. You will need to schedule your test ahead at 72hrs ,you will see it on the site, it’s a timing thing. Also, use Walgreens 1-800 number. Lastly, on this BOH page there’s a lot good info about testing.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Roy.
Thanks for lending a hand.
Aloha.
Tammy T. says
Thank you! I do appreciate all the advice. BOH I want to Thank you for keeping your finger on the pulse of information to help people traveling to the Hawaiian islands. It definitely is a challenge to go but if you take all the rules and do what your supposed to all will fall into place. There is a Walgreens in the area that I will go to. I feel Walgreens will be the best option over CVS to get my results in time. Thank you!
Tammy T. says
Thank you Roy! Much appreciated! I feel like BOH is a great community of helpful people. Truly grateful 😊
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Tammy.
Thanks for saying that. We too are grateful for this community!
Aloha.
Roy H says
No prob. Don’t forget, NAAT only! Anything I can do to help the islands is my pleasure.
Aloha
Bonnie W says
yes CVS actually says on their site “if traveling to Hawaii, we suggest you use another resource”.
Phillip says
Where does one get their PhD in Hawaii travel protocols? As others have said…too difficult, too financially risky, too uncertain and better travel options are out there…wish it were different. Aloha
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Phillip.
LOL. We’re here and do this daily. It is still hard to keep up.
Aloha.
Bonnie W says
ok, I agree with you on that. So here is a suggestion…if it is not mandated to have the test to fly, (it should be) then have rapid covid test available at the airport for $50 a pop, wait 15 min for results and end this nightmare and hassle. BTW if your flying over on a Tuesday, like me, Vault won’t work and many others won’t either.
Roy H says
Beat Hawaii’s post absolutely hits the nail on the head. Do not try to come to Hawaii without a valid covid test in hand. There are basically two kinds of test PCR and NAAT. You will have to do your homework, to get a test,in a timely way and it can be stressful. For instance, Walgreen’s has two kinds of test, PCR and NAAT, those test are found at two different locations. The PCR takes a minimum of 72 hours to perform while, the NAAT test results come back very quickly, that test works very nicely, while the PCR is a no go. Now the difficult part using Walgreen, most states have a few locations for the NAAT test, Calif unfortunately has no locations, Oregon two, Wash two, with Texas having the most at eleven. As I said, your going to have to do your homework.
Aloha Guys
Chas S says
Roy. I know you are trying to help but your information is incorrect. The PCR test is a molecular test and is considered a NAAT test.
From Walgreen’s web site “The Rapid Diagnostic Test (ID NOW) and Diagnostic Lab Test (PCR) provided by Walgreens are nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT). Both types are approved by the state of Hawaii, however the turnaround results time may vary. The Rapid Antigen Test (BinaxNOW) is not an approved test for travel to Hawaii.”
Also from WHO website – “Types of nucleic acid amplification tests
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) – including nested (n), quantitative (q) or real-time reverse transcription (RT-PCR), loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and quantitative nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (QT-NASBA)”
I just wanted to let you know that PCR is considered a NAAT test.
Cf says
So much bs in HI. There are so many other options and warm destinations where you can travel freely on the mainland usa/lower 48. Paradise lost (but not paved over and no new parking lots).
Hawaii will have its place on the wall of shame and disgrace for many years to come. It will be known as disorganized, uncivilized, unamerican/pro sovereign with a monarchy nation. Most of all it will be known as unwelcoming to tourists and continue to be the homeless capital of the usa.
DebM says
BOH,
You may want to remove Bartell Drugs from your list of test providers. They discontinued their testing several weeks ago.
Thanks for the information.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Deb.
Thanks. We noted that next to Bartell, which indicates it is suspended temporarily. The state website does not indicate that however.
Aloha.
MichaelM says
Aloha.
This Virus crisis is not getting any easier for anyone. But I do hope you are all keeping safe and well.
As a stranded international traveller aching to get back to the Islands, my dream does not seem to be coming to fruition anytime soon. The lifting of non-travel to the U.S. does not seem to be coming in the near furure. As a timeshare owner (6 weeks), I’m curious as to what others are doing. The Maintenance charges are paid and yet it is impossible to travel. There seems to be no allowance made for this situation. I’m sure there are others like me willing to take the Covid tests, but it wouldn’t matter as we can’t travel to the States. Just curious if there is anything I’m missing and as always, look forward to any advice.
Mahalo for all the updates…and i really am trying to keep positive with a possible trip booked for Maui in May. (That trip has been rescehuled up to 4 times!!!)
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Michael.
Thanks. Yes, whenever we hear anything about international travel we think of you. Hopefully soon.
Aloha.
Wendy L says
Thank you for the information!
My 83 year old dad will be traveling with us to Maui and he still uses a flip phone. Do you know if he will be allowed if his technology cannot add the tracing app?
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Wendy.
So long as someone else in the party has the app, that should be okay. See this post or contact the county if you have any questions. https://beatofhawaii.com/mandatory-contact-tracing-approved-by-governor/
Aloha.
Bonnie W says
yes anyone can download the app for HIM and put HIS info in for HIM and get HIS barcode thing to be scanned for HIM. It does not have to be on his phone.
JWI says
Forgive me, maybe it’s my language challenges, but what does the following mean?
“Maui (includes Lanai and Molokai) regulations.
Besides the quarantine option, Maui has been providing an optional free test three days after arrival on the island.”
Are you saying if someone arriving on Maui is sent to 10-Day Quarantine, he has an option to reduce the Quarantine if he takes a free Maui-provided test three days after scrubbing on Maui (and tests negative)?
If I am correct in my understanding, where are these free Maui tests offered and are these the type of tests that take less than one hour for results? And if you get a positive result, can you request an immediate retest (because false positives DO happen)
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi JWI.
From the Maui County website: “Travelers are strongly encouraged to take a free, post-arrival test 72 hours after arriving to Maui County. Pre-register at http://www.minitmed.com/travelers-voluntary.” The vendor’s website states: “The BD-Veritor Antigen COVID-19 test will be administered at the Travelers Voluntary 2nd Site. You will receive your results within an hour. (All positive antigen tests will need a confirmation PCR at no cost to the patient). Please click here to learn more about the test.”
Richard L says
Thanks for the 411.
But it is still to risky to take a chance to go there. My brother and his wife cancelled their trip schedule for 1/13 because of issues with the testing time frame. Until there is a more consistent policy, visitors will find other equally beautiful places which are much more accommodating for tourists and Hawaii will continue to go downhill economically. Such a shame. This make take years to recover from the negative feelings people have developed regarding Hawaii.
Gary W says
As always, BOH has provided great, concise info. Thank you! Under the 10-day Quarantine Rules, it states:
“You are required to stay at your hotel (no vacation rentals allowed), except to leave for the airport or obtain emergency medical treatment.”
We own our condo on the island. Are we able to quarantine there? Are there different variations of the quarantine rules for those who own their place on Kauai?
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Gary.
Thank you. Yes, residents are entitled to quarantine for 10 days in their own place.
Aloha.
TRACY Y says
hi gary – just to clarify … if you own a vacation rental (you are NOT a resident of Hawaii), you cannot stay in your property during quarantine (because you cannot be monitored there). the response below was meant for a resident; assuming you are not but you own a condo there). the purpose of quarantining at a hotel is so you can be issued a one-time entry card key (vs. regular “house” type key).
Ken H says
Aloha
OK. I have CA Connect. Does that count as an alternative tracing program?
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Ken.
We don’t know, but it looks like it is not a contact tracing app from what we see online.
Aloha.
Bob G says
Get our first Vaccine shot this Wednesday, next 4 weeks later, when fully vaccinated will we be able to bypass all this red tape? Our trip is rescheduled for July the third change.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Bob.
Thanks for your many comments. We’ll update this as soon as the state announces vaccine based travel.
Aloha.