In countless comments, you’re still asking the same question. How will Hawaii treat travelers who have received COVID vaccines? Will there be any further requirements? When can we expect the new rules to take effect? We’ve got some more answers, and unfortunately, it may not be what you want to hear.
Latest: The target date has been moved to “Spring.”
Lieutenant Governor Josh Green indicated he now believes vaccination travel, both transpacific and interisland, will need to be postponed from February 1 to sometime in the Spring. He approached Governor Ige on his plan to eliminate both quarantine and testing for those who have received the vaccination, and that was the governor’s response. Green indicated that the state is awaiting results of a CDC report to confirm that those who have been vaccinated are not carriers.
Vaccination passport travel to Hawaii is obviously seen as great news for visitors and residents who want to travel more freely.
The Cleveland Clinic says regarding the vaccines, “We don’t know if getting immunity through vaccination also prevents you from being able to carry the virus asymptomatically and shed it, even if you yourself are protected.”
So can vaccinated people still spread COVID during travel?
While the current vaccines may prevent illness, that is somewhat unrelated to the issue Hawaii is next concerned about: transmission.
New terms to us are “sterilizing immunity” and “effective immunity.” If the vaccines don’t stop transmission, they only provide effective immunity, which means that further precautions will need to remain in place here in Hawaii and elsewhere. Multiple studies are in the process of determining just that.
It still isn’t known whether the vaccines control the virus completely in the nose and mouth. As with other types of vaccines, some create the needed Immunoglobulin A (IgA) transmission-prevention antibodies while others don’t.
However, if you don’t cough and don’t have a fever or other symptoms, you are still far less likely to transmit it, even without those antibodies. A recent study in monkeys indicated the current vaccines might in fact not provide sterilizing immunity. Other vaccines being developed have shown to provide it, but that would imply some further period of time would be required, perhaps even beyond Lt. Gov. Green’s spring estimation.
State legislature to become involved.
Last week, we indicated that the governor had largely taken over Hawaii travel rules as Green attends to the huge project of managing our state vaccination program. However, the legislature has a significant role to play in all of this, and we expect they may start taking control of the travel reigns when they reconvene starting tomorrow.
How will Hawaii vaccination travel work?
Proving vaccination obtained from virtually anywhere will be very different than proving negative test results from one of the limited number of Hawaii trusted (test) partners. Last month the US Dept. of Defense revealed its new Covid-19 vaccination record card, the “simplest” method of tracking vaccinations. That could well be what Hawaii requires when it approves vaccine passport travel, at least initially. The government said, “Everyone will be issued a written card that they can put in their wallet that will tell them what they had and when their next dose is due. Let’s do the simple, easy thing first. Everyone’s going to get that.”
Safe Travels and vaccinations.
How vaccination results get integrated into the Safe Travels program isn’t yet clear, but we assume that will happen. Hawaii established that system to track test results digitally. It is considered more secure than paper results.
Will mask mandates remain?
Regarding masks, Green said that while vaccinations will be a great boon, he anticipates Hawaii will nonetheless keep its mask mandate and other health safety measures in place for the foreseeable future, or until there is herd immunity in the islands. As he pointed out, we won’t know whether someone has or hasn’t been vaccinated, and vaccination will not be required.
IATA coming to the rescue for travel.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is looking at an app that would provide a global and standardized solution. This would validate and authenticate all country regulations regarding COVID-19 passenger travel requirements. The app would then be shown to border control. It would contain your personal ID, test certificate, lab verification, and an “OK” to travel message.
And another next-generation vaccination and testing portal.
More new technologies coming to the app stores also hope to become the global standard for vaccinations and tests. One such app in a trial is Commonpass. It provides secure and verified documentation of health status for travelers. Swiss International, JetBlue, United, Lufthansa, and Virgin Atlantic Airlines is testing the app that is soon to be rolled out globally.
“A broad coalition of public and private partners is collaborating to launch CommonPass, a trusted, globally-interoperable platform for people to document their COVID-19 status (health declarations / PCR tests/ vaccinations) to satisfy country entry requirements while protecting their health data privacy.” The development consortium includes US Customs, CDC, and airlines. CommonPass confirms compliance with the specific current entry requirements and creates the scannable QR codes used in travel.
Revised on January 19, 2021
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David B says
Stopping transmission is the goal? Hmmm … I thought the important goal was to make sure hospitals were not overloaded. Only 9 ICU beds, etc., is all we hear about, at least with respect to Kauai anyway. Remember “flatten the curve”? Me neither.
If this vaccination works, by which I mean keeps the vaccinated individuals out of the ICU due to COVID, the proof will be in the pudding; greatly reduced COVID hospitalizations and deaths. I believe this is the reason they authorities are giving priority to old and health compromised people.
Time will tell.
Lynde C says
As always, thank you for your continued fast reporting, even if things continue to be unclear. Really hoping things start calming and coming together by summer. The whole country is up in chaos still, I don’t feel their will be any clarity for a while.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Lynde.
Thanks for all your comments. It feels like we are all hoping for at least some more clarity soon.
Aloha.
Don K. says
Well looky there, the IATA is setting up a “Universal Travel” app that will in essence become an all electronic version of “show us your papers”. And also notice that with the rush to develop vaccines that everyone was crying for that they have no clue as to how long the supposed immunity will last and whether or not you can still be a carrier if you get the vaccine. Talk about rushing the product to market without having hardly any of the answers. But then of course for the vaccine manufacturers, it was NEVER about the effectiveness and longevity of the vaccines effectiveness as much as it is about how many hundreds of millions of dollars they will make from making the vaccine. If you still don’t grasp just how much the world at large has been played by this then there is literally very little hope for you as YOU are exactly the kind of person they want that just gets in lock step and follows “ze orders”. That’s why I will wait for the J&J vaccine that is going thru a longer test regimen than what all of the others did. They want it to work without any of the current unknowns.
Kathleen R. says
Thanks!
Helen S says
Hi All, good news for people in the resort bubble, that want to test out, but just overall good news for people to have a quick option in their everyday lives. Much more affordable than Poipu MD, and I can actually order now for the Abbott test. I got on the waitlist yesterday, then received an email today.
aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2021/at-home-covid-tests.html
The Ellume COVID-19 Home Test: This is the only at-home test that can be done without a prescription. Consumers should start seeing it on store shelves in some areas in early 2021, a spokeswoman said, and it will also be sold online. It will cost about $30. It delivers your results wirelessly to a smartphone app in about 15-20 minutes.
Abbott’s BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test: You will order this test through a digital health platform called eMed after answering screening questions. Once you get the test, a certified guide will walk you through collecting your sample via video call. Distribution is expected to begin in January to “select states and employers,” an eMed spokesman said. The test will cost $25, plus overnight shipping. Results are available in about 15 minutes.
Lucira COVID-19 All-In-One-Test Kit: This is the only at-home test that uses molecular technology, which can pick up very small amounts of viral genetic material. (The at-home tests from Ellume and Abbott are based on antigen technology.) The test will cost about $50, and Lucira expects to have it on the market nationwide by early spring. To get the test, you need a prescription from a health care provider who suspect you have COVID-19. It takes about 30 minutes to deliver results.
Mounque B. says
Mahalo for being the best source of information and superior to Garden Isle and others.
Please in replies and comments include if possible Kauai and what is happening there. The mayor (LOL) does not consider that Kauai is a part of the islands and slack keys to another tune. So what is happening on all the other islands may or may not be true of Kauai. Unless the legislature passes rules for all the islands Kauai’s may still prefer destroying peoples livelihoods and the economy. He should have invested the governments money in an ability to have more ICU beds instead of test kits. So knowing how Kauai relates to whatever happens is important. Mahalo
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Mounque.
We do try to cover Kauai as best we can, in addition to the other islands. We appreciate your input, other comments, and the levity (intended or not) about Kauai slack keying to another tune.
Aloha.
Mounque B. says
Yup. Levity intended.
Kristine S. says
Hi! Will a mandated covid vaccine be required for travel to Hawaii?
Jim R. says
Aloha Kristine,
A mandated Covid vaccine will not be required to travel to Hawaii, at least not anytime soon. At this point Hawaii can’t afford to hinder its travel industry recovery process, and you would likely see thousands of discrimination based lawsuits from people that are not going to take the vaccine. For example; people who are property owners that don’t make Hawaii their primary residence.
Terri N says
Will the yellow international vaccine card serve as proof of vaccination? Thank you. Terri Noel
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Terri.
We’ll have to wait for word from the state on that.
Aloha.
Margo L. says
Aloha,we are attempting to figure out the covid testing Hawaii’s travel partners Go Health Urgent care gives helpful info on the SFO testing except they don’t specify which test is given for rapid results. Can you help us go in the right direction?
Mahalo for your time, Margo
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Margo.
We don’t feel comfortable answering for Go Health and suggest checking with them. The state also maintains a phone number on their website https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel/.
Aloha.
Patrick G says
Margo,
I am in Maui right now and come about every other month as we have a place in Maui. We took off from San Jose. Alaska Airlines has partnered with Carbon Health. Had to go to airport two days prior to our departure date and take the COVID test. Results gaurenteed within 24 hours. We received our test the next day and they upload to their app. You get your PDF from the website and upload to the Safe Travels website to get your QR code. Alaska Airlines in San Jose did a pre-clear so you don’t have to go through that line to show your QR code and results which is worth it’s weight in gold. Alaska gave us wrist bands that showed we were cleared. We had friends come over on Southwest and they didn’t have the pre-clear process. Overall, the process was quick and easy compared to when we came back in November.
Jim R. says
Hmmmm, does it make sense that those who’ve had Covid are not being considered as immune? This has never been addressed, so why are they considering Only those who get vaccinated be allowed to travel with no restrictions? They don’t even know how long the vaccine will last, and their best “guess” according to Fauci (🙄) is a year. How many millions have had it, but will still be forced to get tested or vaccinate, before traveling? Trillions will be siphoned from the average taxpayer, as Governments fund Big Pharma and their Billionaires pocketbooks! Follow the Money…
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Jim.
Thanks – that makes 191. Just to be clear, there have been exemptions here for those who have recovered for some time.
Aloha.
Jim R. says
Thanks for the Clarification, Guys! 😁
David B says
From the FAQs on the Hawaii Safe Travels Web Site. Chock full of useful information, and a cute picture of a small child to get your attention. It is tricky. They only give the exemption if it has been less than 90 days since you had a positive test, which has to be the right type of test. For example, having antibodies to show you had the virus, but never having had the correct positive active virus test, will do you no good:
“If I have recovered from COVID-19 but still test positive for the virus do I still have to quarantine?
In order to qualify for a COVID-19 exemption to the 10-day quarantine, you must submit the following two pieces of information:
A copy of a positive molecular COVID-19 test (NAAT or PCR) from a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified laboratory taken no more than 90 days and no less than 11 days prior to your departure date.
A signed letter from a medical provider stating that you have not exhibited symptoms and are fully recovered – this letter must be signed at least 10 days after your positive test and no more than 14 days from your departure date.
To request an exemption, go to ag.hawaii.gov/travelexemption. Please allow a week for processing.”
Jim R. says
Mahalo David,
So, if I read this right, you have between 11 days and 90 days to travel to Hawaii, after you’ve had Covid, with proof you had covid by a specific type test result copy? Plus, you need a signed letter from your medical provider saying you have not had symptoms, are fully recovered, and it must be signed at least 10 days after your positive test and 14 days or less before you leave for Hawaii?
So the state of Hawaii is considering that if you’ve had Covid and recovered after 90 days, you have to go through the same ridiculous process of testing as someone who’s never had it, when you likely have antibodies for far longer; Yet, you’ll soon be able to travel freely, if the government has your vaccination record, even though someone who is vaccinated likely has just as much of a risk of transmission than someone who actually has current immunity?
Does that some it up accurately? LOL…please tell me how this makes sense? 😖
karenw says
Does any of this make sense? We also have had the virus and gave blood to make sure we have the antibodies. We have a card proving the antibodies from the American Red Cross. This unfortunately doesn’t prove anything or is useful to show we are immune.
David B says
Jim R & Karen W:
Don’t shoot the messenger! I just copied and pasted that test from the HI Safe Travels web site.
Anyone who believes that the HI Safe Travels rules, or any government rules at any level of government for that matter, need to “make sense” or “be fair” or “follow the SCIENCE” (my favorite), you will be frustrated, annoyed, disappointed, all of the above.
Is any meaningful number of people in fact getting re-infected after 90 days? I don’t know the answer to that question. Hawaii (Josh Green?) decided that 90 days is the only acceptable “immunity” time period for the Safe Travels Program. That was back in early October.
Jim R. says
Aloha David,
Definitely not shooting the messenger. LOL. I was only making a pretty obvious point, and my final question was rhetorical. 😎
This entire process of government overreach is mind-boggling. There is clearly no science that backs up most of it…that’s for sure. The evidence proves that these arbitrarily established measures (by mostly one person, no less) will never completely stop this virus, and now, apparently these measures are “slowing the spread” far less than before, while continuing to destroy people’s livelihoods.
I’m still calling bullsh** that continued shutdowns are necessary, when a state like South Dakota (who never decided to shut down and has a better economy because of it) is declining in cases per 100k. They let their residents accept the responsibility of their own actions, and their residents are taking it seriously. I’m also still not 50% (let alone 100%) convinced that Hawaii’s lack of cases and lower death count (comparatively) has everything to do with their governmental draconian measures, since it was proven early on that this virus is far less effective in environments with higher humidity year round.
Not to mention (at this point) the “experts” have no clue whether people taking the vaccine will/will not be asymptomatic, or if they can/can’t still contract Covid. These same “experts” are also clueless IF vaccinated people may/may not be able to transmit the virus, if contracted…which (in essence) means they may not get sick and die, yet they still may not be immune to getting it, and may pass it on. Obviously there was not near enough studies done, with this rush to market.
I am not saying this state shouldn’t take any precautions, especially with the lack of medical services; however, I am saying they have yet to figure it out without making it worse for its people economically, when they should have been far closer to getting it right by now, which equals Horribly Bad 👎 Management.
Denise S says
Aloha, my name is Denise. I enjoy reading your commentaries. I am currently recovering from Covid. There is increasing evidence that the immunity is long term and possibly 98% effective against reinfection. I will not be getting the vaccine as it is not necessary and possibly dangerous to do so considering previous infection. What will be Hawaii’s stand on this. It would literally break my heart to never come back!
Mahalo,
Denise
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Denise.
You are exempt from testing requirements per the state, as long as you follow correct procedures. https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel/.
Aloha.
David K says
Thanks for your informative daily updates. I just got first vaccine and second will be February 8th. I am a resident, returning to Oahu March 17th. Unfortunately I do not have a smart phone and I am inArkansas where there are no trusted partners. I hope the documentation showing vaccination dates will be sufficient.
Please advise me if I should be OK.
Mahalo nui loa!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi David.
Thanks. Stay tuned for updates regarding vaccination for travel.
Aloha.
Al G says
Aloha David! There are at least three Walgreens (trusted partner) locations in AR that do the Rapid Tests, two of which are in Little Rock. You need to schedule your appt ahead of time and form what I am seeing it becomes available about 96 hours before you want to test. This is the provider we will use in April, testing in TN. Mahalo to BOH for keeping us up to date on the ever-changing travel requirements.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Al.
Thanks for lending a hand to David!
Aloha.
Jean M says
Just think about this. All the people were told who have had Covid, do they have to get vaccine or test.
Duh!
Why is this not being addressed.
Jean
Linda K. says
Tammy P. thank you for reminding me that it’s about the lives of people. Apparently, I didn’t understand that. Apparently, me abiding by the Hawai’i Island’s required Covid-19 testing is not enough;for you. I’m doing what is required to visit Hawai’i. We’ve ensured we’ve not been near anyone who could be near anyone possibly infected with Covid-19. We’ve distanced ourselves from our family all 2020, and now 2021, because they are essential employees. We ALL want to live, and doing our part. Hawai’i says we can visit and we will. Mahalo and Aloha
Laila says
I’m surprised that they’d get rid of the testing. Even if you’re vaccinated, even if you’re in the 95% where it is effective, it doesn’t mean that you can’t still get a really light, asymptomatic version of COVID and be contagious until your system clears it. It just means your body is really good about knowing what to do when that happens.
Gerhard says
I am sure, once they, J. Green and Co., get the message, they will change their mind and require testing again. Who knows what they do anyway, every day offers a new surprise.
Mona T says
I am not going through all of this and spend my hard earned dollars just to go to Hawaii. I planned on going in august 2021 but will be looking for other places to go instead. This sounds like a major nightmare
Jim R. says
Aloha Laila,
I am not sure why you believe they would get rid of testing? Hawaii Govt. Officials have not said they will be shutting down their Safe Travels Program at all, at least not that I have read. Correct me, if I am wrong, Rob or Jeff…am I missing something here???
Under the “Will mask mandates remain?” section in the article above it states, “As he [Green] pointed out, we won’t know whether someone has or hasn’t been vaccinated, and vaccination will not be required.”… The latter infers that tests will still be required for travelers who do not get vaccinated, as they are Not mandatory.
Mahalo for clarification, BoH! 🙂
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Jim.
Correct, vaccination, testing, and the exemption for those recovered will all work in parallel for the foreseeable future.
Aloha.
Gerhard says
Johnson and Johnson just announced the rollout of their single dose vaccine in March. That will help. I believe they are going to produce 1 billion doses this year.
JWI says
It likely will be slow in the first half of the year, then ramp up the fall they are shooting for 1 million doses. I posted an article from today down below that they are currently about three months behind schedule on the productions.
Jim R. says
That’s great Gerhard, but it’s been a month, since the first dose was given, in the US, and (to date) there’s been less than 10.3 million doses issued, most of those being first doses. That translates to even less people being fully vaccinated (if you do the math), sas currently it requires 2 Doses. Even when it requires one dose, how long do you think it would take to vaccinate 330 Million people, at this pace…especially since nearly half the country are Not going to take it (at this point), because if distrust. It will be a minimum of 2.5 to 3 years, IF they force people to take it. Do you think that will happen without civil unrest, and potentially civil war?
Food for thought…
Cynthia says
Thank you for continuing to keep everyone posted on what is happening. It is greatly appreciated. Our fingers are crossed we will be able to travel from Colorado to Kauai on February 10th with vaccinations.
We check your site daily for updates!
Linda K. says
Hello Tammy T.
We are flying Alaska & they’ve recommended Carbon Health, & on Hawai’i rules page they state test results by next day. The cost is $179, but other places charge as low as $129; Costco does mail-in but they MUST be done by “ZOOM” so a licensed person sees you perform test, under their direction & they confirm proper placement into mailer. Other options are up to 72 hrs, but harder to ensure since so many are requested. The required NAAT test include the PCR tests, & have to be taken within 72 hours of you LEAVING from Seattle, the last leg of flight to Hawai’i. Good luck. Have fun in Hawai’i.
Tammy T. says
Thank you Linda! I’ve talked to CVS and Walgreens. Hawaii really needs to expand the 72 hrs to 96. Some travelers are not going to drink Mai tais but to see family they haven’t seen for over a year. I am taking all precautions to travel safely and following the rules to gain entry in Hawaii. Aloha and thank you!
Janis A. says
Hello, my husband and I flew to Maui dec 21-26. We tested using Carbon at an airport test site. And got our result in less than an hour. It was all very smooth. I’m planning to go again in March. I will probably have been vaccinated, but am also looking at testing just in case. Please..Be flexible and Keep updated on the requirements and you will have no problems. Aloha.
Tammy P. says
This is about people’s lives, not if we get our annual tropical vacation. This is about hospitals being overwhelmed. If you go to Hawaii and get injured or get ill and there are no beds available that will certainly be unfortunate. The world is different place now. Accept it. Stop risking the lives of the Hawaiian people so you can sip a mai tai on a beach. Of course they want and need tourism, but they also want to survive. I am patient and I will wait as long as necessary to travel back to Hawaii safely. Thank you BOH for keeping us up to date on the latest news.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Tammy.
Thanks for your comments. We appreciate it.
Aloha.
Tammy T. says
Tammy,
Thank you for your response to my advice from Linda. I have family that live in Maui I have not seen for over a year. My daughter gives me updates from living on the island herself. If you’ve read the information posted on the website you’d know that the majority of the covid is from people who live on Maui. Not tourists. I feel confident I will take all the precautions to safety travel to Maui. There are other reasons people travel to Hawaii other then drinking Mai tais. Thank you and aloha
Ernest L says
I hope Hawaii keeps the Trusted Partners testing. Frankly, getting vaccinated is difficult, if not impossible, for people down the priority chain.
JWI says
There is likely going to be a gut of vaccines by April, if not earlier. Phara’s are doing their part, actually way beyond expectations; but, the govt needs to step up with the distribution (applying the vaccines). Hopefully with a changing of the national/federal guard coming shortly, we will see an improvement in the process.
JWI says
Let me explain what I meant by “glut”. Here is a latest update on J&J’s trials:
nytimes.com/2021/01/13/health/covid-vaccine-johnson-johnson.html
Yes, they are behind on production – important if their vaccine passes, but their ramp up seems fast and J&J’s vaccine is a one shot deal, unlike Moderna and Pfizer’s two-shot requirement.
Here is a clip from the CDC
cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines.html
As of December 28, 2020, large-scale (Phase 3) clinical trials are in progress or being planned for three COVID-19 vaccines in the United States:
AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine
Janssen’s COVID-19 vaccine
Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine
Jim R. says
JWI,
All that means absolutely “Jack”, if they can’t get people vaccinated as fast as it’s distributed. As I stated above, with less than 10.3 million doses in the US (mostly first doses from the start date 12/14, when the initial dose was given a month ago) to date, it will take at least 2+ years to vaccinate the entire country (330 Million people), and we both know that will never happen, since nearly half the country will not be taking it anytime soon, if at all.
That you said you are “hopeful” that this regime change will help made me giggle…especially knowing that they have manufactured this “bottleneck” in this system of distribution, by creating a prioritized vaccination program. It makes Zero common sense to have any prioritized system, when they are already delivering it faster than it can be administered, and they are tossing it out in some areas. 🤷♂️
It’s been stated that J&J are expected to produce 1 Billion doses this year, and my bet is that less than 10% (being conservative, as I really believe it will be lower) of that will be distributed within US borders. This is ALL about money. as it’s always been the easiest way for the rich to bleed more from those who aren’t (as it’s predominantly taxpayer funded)…