388 thoughts on “Visitors Cancel as Governor Won’t Change Rules + Who Pays Quarantine?”
Todd B.
I canceled Kauai yesterday for the 2nd time and booked for Maui for mid Jan. Hope that Island doesn’t change their policy
Dean L
Thx for your article.
We had to cancel and reschedule our 4 December, 7 day visit 3 times before we were successful. Such a shame elected officials lack “trusted partner” testing results prior to entering politics to determine if they have the cognitive skills to realize that no decision isn’t governing. We sure do get what you vote for! Sounds like, Thank God, the Lt. Governor got his “positive “ results . Mahalo.
Ricky
I had moved my Jan flight to March and now I will move it to August or later but I am also pondering canceling my flight and just waiting for 2022 because of all the nonsense going on.
It has been almost a year to not have some ducks in a row shows how ineffective governments across America have been.
Mark R
What do you expect from a lame duck governor. What are you going to do, fire him! With the vaccine now beginning to be distrubuted I hope the governors office relax some of the harsh restrictions sooner than later.
Mahalo
Patricia D.
Twenty-five years of our enjoying every February/March/April on the Big Island and Maui, but we have just cancelled our upcoming year twenty-six. There are too many uncertainties. We got caught in the total shutdown this past Spring where everything closed including beach activity. It was not fun and we simply do not want to repeat it. Our hearts go out to our friends on both islands, who are struggling. We’ll have to look forward to better times when we return in 2021.
Becky G
How about reopening the Leper Colony on Molokai for quarantine? (Irony) It seems Hawaiians have not learned from their past.
Sad for Hawaii. I’ll be missing you. 🙁
Aloha
Lisa T
We just canceled our trip to visit family. Felt irresponsible/selfish to travel at this time since it was a ‘want to’ not a ‘need to,’ plus we were stressed out by the changing covid-related regulations.
Paul W.
What a mess! The mayors and the governor, et.al have stepped into muddy hole and nothing is going to change until a solution is offered where all parties can claim they got out of hole without any mud on them e.g. everyone can claim victory.
The whole testing with the preferred partners is flawed, I understand that they want trusted partners, but those partners should guarantee results in less than 48 hours or they shouldn’t be a partner. It’s part of the deal. If the preferred providers can’t make that guarantee, then they should drop out of the program or Hawai’i needs to relax the 72 hour criteria.
Today they opened a COVID test center at the Mall of America. The test is a nasal swab, the results are available in 30 minutes, and the cost is $99. The test is 97.6% accurate. The technology is there; the preferred providers, and Hawai’i needs to get up on the curve.
I am very happy to pay for the post arrival test. I am not excited about potentially paying a premium to stay at the Timbers.
I think what Alaska Air is doing for their Hawai’i bound passengers is right on. Our plan for the March trip is to fly on AL to SEA and get tested at the airport (even if we have to stay an extra day) and then fly over.
Amanda W
Just got back last night from our honeymoon on the Big Island. Testing through Vault was pretty seamless…the trouble we had was with the UPS next day delivery sending the tests in. They should have been delivered Friday but on Saturday (the morning of the wedding) we thought we were going to have to cancel as UPS was saying our tests now wouldn’t be delivered until Monday and our flight was Sunday morning…talk about stress. But about 10am Saturday morning they were delivered and only about 8 hours later we got our results!! We had written HAWAII ASAP HONEYMOON on all the packaging…maybe that helped?? Testing at the airport in Kona was super smooth and fast and everyone was so happy to have us there. Definitely worth the hassle for us, but it could have easily crumbled if UPS had delayed the delivery of our tests another day.
Barney G
We’ve given up on our Jan-Mar. annual visit. First miss in 20+years.Someone else will have to count the whales and work at NTBG! Going to wait till the smoke clears!! Too many unknowns and too many changes. Thanks for all the updates. Have a Merry Christmas/ Happy Holidays and stay safe!
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Barney.
Thanks. Hope you can return again soon.
Aloha.
James B
Iwould point out only one issue with your summary. The second test on the Big Island is a random selection of ~25% of de-planing passengers. It is a quick (20-25 min.) test detecting the presence of antigens. Good idea IMHO as the second test indicates whether an initial negative result from the first test was either valid and/or the visitor contracted CV-19 after the initial test.
Personally, I think that Lt Gov. Green’s formula makes the most sense as an estimated 1-2% of visitors with initial negative results are in fact infected.
Frances D
And it continues. For some conferences, 2021 is virtual. Maybe by the Fall after the vaccine has been given out, things might return to normal. Over 300,000 will not see the New Year.
D S
I read the anger in these posts and just wonder WHY someone does not recommend the almost “sure and easy way” to get your tests results and comply easily.
Here is the number ONE way of a sure thing test result:
1- Use one of the Airlines that has their own dedicated testing specifically for traveling. I know Hawaiian has this near LA and SFO and United has as well. I also think Alaska Air offers. These are places where you are NOT competing with the ever increasing test load for the entire population who is terrified they may get sick.
I live in a condo in the heart of Waikiki and the local news reports 5,000 people a day arriving, I can’t imagine they are all forced into a quarantine but they are meeting the requirements. Sidewalks are about 25%!of normal crowds.
Covid here is being maintained and not spiking so restrictions are working. Last couple of days has shown slight increases they feel as a result of holidays.
We flew home to Honolulu mid November, both of us had no problem with tests from Walgreens (free) but since the surge in cases in SCAL I would not recommend now but would use method #1 above. We also had VAULT as a backup test and paid for it, they were horribe. One test came in one took 10 days – they do not respond to your emails – they do take your money really nice and fast.
Hope some of this helps I know it is long post.
Sophan
Thank you for this information. Very helpful!
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Sophan.
We appreciate the feedback.
Aloha.
Teresa C
It’s so sad, the whole situation. I would love to have kept our vacation plans for Hawaii, but too much is unclear. I see both sides of the dilemma, but the hesitancy of the governor and the misinformation makes it too much of a chance to take to vacation in the islands anytime soon.
Jocko W
Your Gov and state and local so called leaders are idiots!!
Idiots enjoy your lockdown and say aloha to our vacation $$
Did I say Gov Idiot?
Ron
He is an idiot that doesn’t care. The Hawaiian people continue to vote for these kind of people, so who are the real idiots?
Cheryl D.
Hello BoH, I have read #5 a couple of times and I am confused … are you saying this –
If I take and load my trusted partner results before I leave and they are negative then I get the 2nd test at the airport and it’s negative – they are still expecting me to go into quarantine until the 3rd test is negative – anywhere from 3-5 days ?
So in essence a mandatory quarantine and 3 negative responses ? Please help me understand 🙁 thanks!
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Cheryl.
Some including the Senate COVID committee and Kauai’s mayor were suggesting a test 3-5 days after arrival with quarantine until that result comes back. No idea of anything like that will come to pass however.
Aloha
Bob B
If the govt can’t get their act together …. Vote them out… The current govt is destroying Hawaii and it’s businesses.
James B
Apparently, as of today at the federal level, your suggestion has removed that blot from U.S. history.
Christine M.
I just flew into kona last week and am still here. It wasn’t nearly as hard as everyone makes it out to be. I flew from Chicago to Seattle. Got my test done at carbon. I had the results back in 2 hrs. I come out here twice a year to visit my son and grandkids! So happy to be here!!
Susan L
Why can’t one quarantine in the lodging that has already been rented?
Sarah R
There are many other tropical places people can visit besides Hawaii…. like Mexico….. Mexico is beautiful and wants the tourism, unlike Hawaii…… Hawaii is not the only place in the world with a beautiful ocean and beaches.
Ron
Florida is great, they welcome tourists, don’t freek out about wearing masks and don’t push all the rest of the socialist nonsense.
Carol D
We had to cancel our trip due to there being too much uncertainty. We could leave the east coast, arrive on the west coast, find out we were positive and do what? Can’t fly back or forward and be in a city with no place to stay, no known doctor for care and no one we knew to help us find care or supplies while sick and quarantined. Fortunately we have stayed negative with a lot of effort, but 2 flights of 6 hour each is just too risky right now. Add uncertainty about the rules once we arrive and it was just not worth it.
We have had such fun, seen such beauty, met such wonderful people and will miss the trip this year. With luck we will be back when it is safe to travel. Mahalo for great memories up till now. Thanks for keeping the information coming and for answering questions. Maybe next year…
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Carol.
Thanks. We appreciate your input.
Aloha.
Dan C
The governor is not being mean, he is trying to protect the citizens of Hawai’i. I’m sorry your vacations (!) are interrupted because through no fault of your own your results were delayed. I agree with the governor that no person should travel to Hawai’i unless able to prove not currently infected with Covid-19. No exceptions.
I appreciate your concerns and frustrations not being able to enjoy your vacations, but please understand citizens of Hawaii would be able to enjoy the rest of their lives – and those of their kūpuna (elders).
Thank you for your understanding. And please understand it is difficult for all, not just people wanting to have a vacation.
Scott S
I agree, for the most part, other than a majority of Hawaii’s income is from tourism, so there will be many locals not “enjoying life” with no money, UI benefits being near impossible to deal with, bills unpaid and mounting, etc. I know to many who have lost so much already.
It’s a sad situation no matter how it’s looked at. Wishing everyone wellness.
Lynde C
Dan C –
Also please understand it is not just people having vacations (!) that these back and forth, unpredictable, uncertain political changes are affecting. It affects those who work for the tourism/hospitality that went back to work, just to be let go again. It affects those who put money into reopening businesses to have them shut again. It affects military spouses & family members that haven’t seen each other in ages. Yes, at somepoint covid will get better & eventually travel will get better but those who waited, watched the travel program be moved from august to October, so believing this was the set program that people could trust to make their travel programs. Then to see in a matter of months its state’s politicians argue, change, and give uncertainty that costs those who believed in it $$$$$. So again, this isn’t Just about vacations (!)
Mahalo
Timmie P.
Hi. . I think instead of rescheduling a 3rd time we will cancel and wait until things change. .sad but the restrictions, while understandable, will not work for us. 🙁
Kathryn h
Is Kauai it’s own state?
Stacy A.
I always heard the old saying about the right hand not knowing what the left hand is doing. Now I understand…Stacy
Nancy H
Shame on the government in Hawaii, my only take on this they don’t want tourists, the state employees will be furloughed according the governor, but I am sure this will not have much of an impact on him. We went to Maui a couple of yrs ago, did a tour with a local tour company, had a great tour guide, said he has to work 2 jobs and his wife just to pay the rent and of course can’t afford to buy a house. I wonder how he and his family is doing now. Hawaii is beautiful, miss it. Just starting reading your posts, thank you for all your messages.
John R.
Because of the uncertainty and ever-changing plans by Hawaii leaders, we canceled three trips to Kauai this winter:
– December for two weeks with 13 in our family
– January for two weeks – 4 people.
– February for three weeks – 4 people.
We are instead traveling to Arizona multiple times.
We feel worst for those businesses that depend on tourists to survive. We’ve been traveling to Hawaii multiple times each winter for over 15 years and this is likely to change what we do going forward.
GaryB
Arizona is open for business. Welcome!
David W
Lots of speculation but no real answers. At this point all we really know from the governor is that the 14 day quarantine will be reduced to 10 days but only when he issues his next order at some unspecified date. The rest is still unknown. Second testing seems very unlikely as they are pretty incapable of administering large scale testing on all islands. They weren’t even capable of keeping track of tests from trusted partners and timely contacting travelers to let them know that there test came back negative. Hence, due to their incompetence they made everyone without proof of a negative test on arrival quarantine for 14 days or go back home. This had nothing to do with late arrivals as the governor suggests. Hopefully they will release there next orders as soon as possible to spare would be travelers from more stress and uncertainty.
Laurie G
Are there any ideas how long Kawakami plans to keep Kauai in his “temporary” full quarantine? Is there any pressure on him to go back to Safe Travels? He has given no basis for when he would re-open. How can there be no transparency at all?
AW
My guess is that Kauai will keep its mandatory quarantine until a vaccine rolls out on the island, is shown effective and there is a program in place where only those who are vaccinated are allowed to skip quarantine.
Scott S
If it wasn’t for having our own home there, we would be canceling our trip. We’ve been spending winters on Hawaii for over a decade, that being said, without our own home and place to quarantine if would be a no brainier cancelation just as 7 other friends have done in the past two weeks.
Al B
I give up. I’ll just wait for the vaccine. There is so much confusion over testing in general, not just Hawaii’s requirements. Initially, you couldn’t get a test without severe symptoms. I don’t want to wait in a line 2 miles long to tell me I am negative. There has got to be a better way. Again, this isn’t Hawaii’s fault, it is the fault of all our governments not being prepared and some like the WH not even acknowledging it.
Dada
Blaming Hawaii for the pandemic, much?
Dave W
Would be interesting to see just how many have canceled because of this lack of leadership. I agree that most likely it is many. Would also be interesting to see some travelers play the “no money for quarantine” card especially when it is because one of the trusted partners drops the ball. A few years back we were on island when the “incoming rocket” alert went off on our phones. Bad leadership at the top then as well. What is nice is that there are some decent proposals being offered by Lt. Gov. Green. We fly Jan. 11th. My bet is on a fair and appropriate procedure in place by then.
Walt k.
U Can’t blame bad leader ship on some idiot pushing the wrong button at Civil defense that just doesn’t make sense
Rhonda P
Thanks Beat of Hawaii for this update! This information is invaluable for those of us considering keeping or cancelling our plans to Hawaii! We have flights and VRBO set up for first week of February from California. With my health provider (Kaiser) being a trusted partner, I am hoping they will expedite any testing that is for travel to Hawaii since they agreed to the trusted partnership! I look forward to further updates in the coming weeks!
Thanks so much!!
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Rhonda.
Thank you. Stay tuned – there will be more changes, just perhaps not in the next couple of weeks.
Aloha.
Nicole
I just had my test at Kaiser. They cannot guarantee that I will receive within the 72 hours.
NorthShoreMama
Thanks for the post, Rhonda. As a fellow Kaiser member who traveled to O’ahu most recently in November, Kaiser does not place a priority on Hawaii travel and do not expedite for Hawaii. We are supposed to go again for Christmas and when I spoke with the testing department today to confirm testing timeline she said 3-4 days. I asked about Hawaii travel priority and she was clear that Kaiser’s priority is people who are sick or have known exposure. She didn’t seem thrilled I was asking for them to hustle along a travel testing request.
For our trip in November it took them 4 days to get us the results, which if the same thing happened now, we wouldn’t be able to go and would be stuck in quarantine. I’d hate to see you plan to go and have Kaiser let you down. Maybe also pay for a Vault test and do two tests, to cover your bases. That’s our plan this second time around.
Kay
I love the Hawaiian culture, beaches, people, everything. Unfortunately, I believe those residents that want to reduce, if not eliminate tourists and tourism as an economic source, will get their wish. I am disheartened and sad that the Hawaiian powers that be have decided to create a bureaucratic nightmare for visitors. Yes safety is paramount, but inefficient, serpentine ways of achieving it are ridiculous. I’m glad we visited last January & February, it will be a long time before step on Hawaiian soil again…Good luck Hawaii, much love and aloha.
Dan C
They are not wanting to “Create a bureaucratic nightmare”, they are trying to save lives the best way they know how. Please balance your vacation against the lives of Hawaii citizens and elders. Please.
Don K.
Your liberal political bent is readily apparent by your comment but what you conveniently forget is that Still President Trump was basing his response upon what his so called advisors were telling him and considering the number of times “they” changed their minds it would appear your attempt at blaming is greatly misplaced. And Quite frankly, where is your outrage directed at China for unleashing the virus upon the world!?
Jess
Could not have said it any better. Love BOH and Hawaii people & culture. So sad to have missed 2020 and probably 2021 vacations.
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Jess.
Thanks! We hope you can return soon.
Aloha.
Lynde C
Honestly with all the chaos going on in the states right now between politics & covid cases its prob best if Ige does nothing at this moment vs making changes that will end up being changed again. I say hold out while the first vaccines are being rolled out, holidays are over, and reconvene on the best single plan for the state to move forward. Making more changes now will just make things worse as we’ve seen the past month or so.
Jonathan C.
We had a trip scheduled for 12/18 to the big island and due to the changes and uncertainly had to cancel/postpone. We really wanted to make this work but the COVID-19 testing process, uncertain and seemingly ever-changing State of Hawaii policies, along with the 2nd test requirements upon arrival without any real answers to questions just made it too risky and stressful. Without going into too much detail, Hawaiian Airlines (changes to the flight schedule which added a second connecting leg to the flight in Oahu) and their COVID-19 testing partner, Vault just made it near impossible to meet Hawaii’s 72-hour requirement. And, neither of them will take any responsibility or provide any help/resolution. So I’m out $480 in Vault COVID-19 testing kits and paid extra for changing the flights with HA.
Nancy D
I did everything that was required the proper testing CARBON Health etc etc…. my test results did not come back in time. I did exactly by A “” T”” on the time frame and I checked all night long before my flight was to leave to Kona at 9:00 AM in the morning. I did not get my results until the next day…. it was horrible I been to Hawaii hundreds of times from age 21 to 54 that I am now and this is ridiculous
Roy k
If Hawaii continues with your draconian rules we will just travel elsewhere and you can all starve to death!
The democratic government in Hawaii will eventually be overthrown by the people!
On a disease that is just a con…….
Mathew S.
Retrumplican
Austin
It sounds like most people can get the test results in a 96 hr window so why not just change it from 72-96 and would solve ghe majority of the problems.
BL
Just the type of attitude Hawaii needs to protect itself from.
Nancy D
Yup I agree dam it’s part of USA they have no right to stop us. The Hawaii government is treating us like foreigners. we comply. I have friends in Kona they are not howlies and THEY don’t wear mask. So us over on the mainland comply. Take a look at your people Hawaii government
James B
Sorry Karen, er. Nancy. As soon as the rest of the country, the mainland, gets its act together, then it’s safe for you to travel to one of the few states who actually decided that there was a way to protect its citizens.
BTW, if you actually had Kona friends, you would know that there is no such thing as a “Howlie”. There is a name for a person who has no breath. It’s Ha’aole. Ha=breath; aole=no. It was an old way to describe the curious habit of western invaders to shake hands rather than hold a person by the shoulders and touch the nose to the face, exchanging the “breath of life” as a true indication of a bond between brothers.
susan a
Read your History
Hawaii is not and should not be part of the USA
Hopefully I will see these change made in my lifetime
Claudia S
Wow, Roy K. I’m not feeling the aloha. You may have your conspiracy theories, but please don’t post them here. While I’m not happy with the quarantine laws here on Kauai, I wait for better news soon. “You can all starve to death?” Really? What a hateful thing to post. So feel free to travel elsewhere, as your lack of compassion doesn’t mesh with our aloha spirit. And to BOH, mahalo nui loa for your updates.
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Claudia.
And our mahalo nui loa to you for yours too.
Aloha.
Robert L
Thanks for staying on top of this and keeping us up-to-date. Am fervently hoping that things get sorted out in time for our planned trip mid-Feb. We’ll definitely cancel if things continue the same as currently.
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Robert.
Thanks. You can count on there being more change between now and then.
Aloha.
Michelle
We canceled our trip this week due to not being able to get test results in time. We will wait until next year to travel.
Jeff N
Real Simple – Hawaii doesn’t want you in Hawaii until Covid is under complete control, my guess mid 2021. I am booking October, and that might work out.
Earlier I reported that mid November we cancelled 2 hours before our flight. We did not get depressed (maybe a little angry at CVS and the State of Hawaii). Our vacation was not ruined. We made a quick pivot from Hawaii to Palm Springs. Saved airline and rental car expense. Had a great time and spent our money on those who wanted our tourist dollars.
I have always been willing to pay more to travel and stay in Hawaii over Mexico to avoid the hassle of Mexico. However, now I wonder if it is worth it. Looking more closely at Mexico.
Dan C
Thank you for differentiating between “I can’t go to Hawai’i so my life is ruined” and “I was disappointed, but we had a good time in Palm Springs instead”. Mahalao for your understanding of this very difficult time…
That is about the closest thing I can find to “the aloha spirit” in these many responses…
Kim P
We all live Hawaii that’s why we blog here but it’s a vacation not work. And this is now making it more stress than work. We were going over Thanksgiving but cancelled(glad we did) and went to Mexico Rivera Maya. Great time and weather. Masks social distanced. Everything open and came back after 2 weeks with no covid and we did nt give anyone covid. We gave our tourist dollars and they gladly took it. Just feel very bad for the small businesses and people who rely on our tourist money. Next election you know what you need to do. Elections matter
Michelle K
We are done. Stick a fork in us done. Canceling now. I wish them the best. But this kinds of unreasonable waffling that ends up screwing the people who spent money in good faith and used their testing partners is beyond the pale.
Linda B
So, I’m confused. If I have a timeshare to stay at and my test results don’t come back in time, can I quarantine at my timeshare or will that not be allowed? I was thinking there are worse places to be quarantined. At least I can still watch whales. But now, not so sure? Can you clarify please? Thank you.
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Linda.
We don’t know whether a timeshare is considered approved for quarantine. Suggest contacting the state’s Safe Travels support desk.
Aloha.
Comments are closed.
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I canceled Kauai yesterday for the 2nd time and booked for Maui for mid Jan. Hope that Island doesn’t change their policy
Thx for your article.
We had to cancel and reschedule our 4 December, 7 day visit 3 times before we were successful. Such a shame elected officials lack “trusted partner” testing results prior to entering politics to determine if they have the cognitive skills to realize that no decision isn’t governing. We sure do get what you vote for! Sounds like, Thank God, the Lt. Governor got his “positive “ results . Mahalo.
I had moved my Jan flight to March and now I will move it to August or later but I am also pondering canceling my flight and just waiting for 2022 because of all the nonsense going on.
It has been almost a year to not have some ducks in a row shows how ineffective governments across America have been.
What do you expect from a lame duck governor. What are you going to do, fire him! With the vaccine now beginning to be distrubuted I hope the governors office relax some of the harsh restrictions sooner than later.
Mahalo
Twenty-five years of our enjoying every February/March/April on the Big Island and Maui, but we have just cancelled our upcoming year twenty-six. There are too many uncertainties. We got caught in the total shutdown this past Spring where everything closed including beach activity. It was not fun and we simply do not want to repeat it. Our hearts go out to our friends on both islands, who are struggling. We’ll have to look forward to better times when we return in 2021.
How about reopening the Leper Colony on Molokai for quarantine? (Irony) It seems Hawaiians have not learned from their past.
Sad for Hawaii. I’ll be missing you. 🙁
Aloha
We just canceled our trip to visit family. Felt irresponsible/selfish to travel at this time since it was a ‘want to’ not a ‘need to,’ plus we were stressed out by the changing covid-related regulations.
What a mess! The mayors and the governor, et.al have stepped into muddy hole and nothing is going to change until a solution is offered where all parties can claim they got out of hole without any mud on them e.g. everyone can claim victory.
The whole testing with the preferred partners is flawed, I understand that they want trusted partners, but those partners should guarantee results in less than 48 hours or they shouldn’t be a partner. It’s part of the deal. If the preferred providers can’t make that guarantee, then they should drop out of the program or Hawai’i needs to relax the 72 hour criteria.
Today they opened a COVID test center at the Mall of America. The test is a nasal swab, the results are available in 30 minutes, and the cost is $99. The test is 97.6% accurate. The technology is there; the preferred providers, and Hawai’i needs to get up on the curve.
I am very happy to pay for the post arrival test. I am not excited about potentially paying a premium to stay at the Timbers.
I think what Alaska Air is doing for their Hawai’i bound passengers is right on. Our plan for the March trip is to fly on AL to SEA and get tested at the airport (even if we have to stay an extra day) and then fly over.
Just got back last night from our honeymoon on the Big Island. Testing through Vault was pretty seamless…the trouble we had was with the UPS next day delivery sending the tests in. They should have been delivered Friday but on Saturday (the morning of the wedding) we thought we were going to have to cancel as UPS was saying our tests now wouldn’t be delivered until Monday and our flight was Sunday morning…talk about stress. But about 10am Saturday morning they were delivered and only about 8 hours later we got our results!! We had written HAWAII ASAP HONEYMOON on all the packaging…maybe that helped?? Testing at the airport in Kona was super smooth and fast and everyone was so happy to have us there. Definitely worth the hassle for us, but it could have easily crumbled if UPS had delayed the delivery of our tests another day.
We’ve given up on our Jan-Mar. annual visit. First miss in 20+years.Someone else will have to count the whales and work at NTBG! Going to wait till the smoke clears!! Too many unknowns and too many changes. Thanks for all the updates. Have a Merry Christmas/ Happy Holidays and stay safe!
Hi Barney.
Thanks. Hope you can return again soon.
Aloha.
Iwould point out only one issue with your summary. The second test on the Big Island is a random selection of ~25% of de-planing passengers. It is a quick (20-25 min.) test detecting the presence of antigens. Good idea IMHO as the second test indicates whether an initial negative result from the first test was either valid and/or the visitor contracted CV-19 after the initial test.
Personally, I think that Lt Gov. Green’s formula makes the most sense as an estimated 1-2% of visitors with initial negative results are in fact infected.
And it continues. For some conferences, 2021 is virtual. Maybe by the Fall after the vaccine has been given out, things might return to normal. Over 300,000 will not see the New Year.
I read the anger in these posts and just wonder WHY someone does not recommend the almost “sure and easy way” to get your tests results and comply easily.
Here is the number ONE way of a sure thing test result:
1- Use one of the Airlines that has their own dedicated testing specifically for traveling. I know Hawaiian has this near LA and SFO and United has as well. I also think Alaska Air offers. These are places where you are NOT competing with the ever increasing test load for the entire population who is terrified they may get sick.
I live in a condo in the heart of Waikiki and the local news reports 5,000 people a day arriving, I can’t imagine they are all forced into a quarantine but they are meeting the requirements. Sidewalks are about 25%!of normal crowds.
Covid here is being maintained and not spiking so restrictions are working. Last couple of days has shown slight increases they feel as a result of holidays.
We flew home to Honolulu mid November, both of us had no problem with tests from Walgreens (free) but since the surge in cases in SCAL I would not recommend now but would use method #1 above. We also had VAULT as a backup test and paid for it, they were horribe. One test came in one took 10 days – they do not respond to your emails – they do take your money really nice and fast.
Hope some of this helps I know it is long post.
Thank you for this information. Very helpful!
Hi Sophan.
We appreciate the feedback.
Aloha.
It’s so sad, the whole situation. I would love to have kept our vacation plans for Hawaii, but too much is unclear. I see both sides of the dilemma, but the hesitancy of the governor and the misinformation makes it too much of a chance to take to vacation in the islands anytime soon.
Your Gov and state and local so called leaders are idiots!!
Idiots enjoy your lockdown and say aloha to our vacation $$
Did I say Gov Idiot?
He is an idiot that doesn’t care. The Hawaiian people continue to vote for these kind of people, so who are the real idiots?
Hello BoH, I have read #5 a couple of times and I am confused … are you saying this –
If I take and load my trusted partner results before I leave and they are negative then I get the 2nd test at the airport and it’s negative – they are still expecting me to go into quarantine until the 3rd test is negative – anywhere from 3-5 days ?
So in essence a mandatory quarantine and 3 negative responses ? Please help me understand 🙁 thanks!
Hi Cheryl.
Some including the Senate COVID committee and Kauai’s mayor were suggesting a test 3-5 days after arrival with quarantine until that result comes back. No idea of anything like that will come to pass however.
Aloha
If the govt can’t get their act together …. Vote them out… The current govt is destroying Hawaii and it’s businesses.
Apparently, as of today at the federal level, your suggestion has removed that blot from U.S. history.
I just flew into kona last week and am still here. It wasn’t nearly as hard as everyone makes it out to be. I flew from Chicago to Seattle. Got my test done at carbon. I had the results back in 2 hrs. I come out here twice a year to visit my son and grandkids! So happy to be here!!
Why can’t one quarantine in the lodging that has already been rented?
There are many other tropical places people can visit besides Hawaii…. like Mexico….. Mexico is beautiful and wants the tourism, unlike Hawaii…… Hawaii is not the only place in the world with a beautiful ocean and beaches.
Florida is great, they welcome tourists, don’t freek out about wearing masks and don’t push all the rest of the socialist nonsense.
We had to cancel our trip due to there being too much uncertainty. We could leave the east coast, arrive on the west coast, find out we were positive and do what? Can’t fly back or forward and be in a city with no place to stay, no known doctor for care and no one we knew to help us find care or supplies while sick and quarantined. Fortunately we have stayed negative with a lot of effort, but 2 flights of 6 hour each is just too risky right now. Add uncertainty about the rules once we arrive and it was just not worth it.
We have had such fun, seen such beauty, met such wonderful people and will miss the trip this year. With luck we will be back when it is safe to travel. Mahalo for great memories up till now. Thanks for keeping the information coming and for answering questions. Maybe next year…
Hi Carol.
Thanks. We appreciate your input.
Aloha.
The governor is not being mean, he is trying to protect the citizens of Hawai’i. I’m sorry your vacations (!) are interrupted because through no fault of your own your results were delayed. I agree with the governor that no person should travel to Hawai’i unless able to prove not currently infected with Covid-19. No exceptions.
I appreciate your concerns and frustrations not being able to enjoy your vacations, but please understand citizens of Hawaii would be able to enjoy the rest of their lives – and those of their kūpuna (elders).
Thank you for your understanding. And please understand it is difficult for all, not just people wanting to have a vacation.
I agree, for the most part, other than a majority of Hawaii’s income is from tourism, so there will be many locals not “enjoying life” with no money, UI benefits being near impossible to deal with, bills unpaid and mounting, etc. I know to many who have lost so much already.
It’s a sad situation no matter how it’s looked at. Wishing everyone wellness.
Dan C –
Also please understand it is not just people having vacations (!) that these back and forth, unpredictable, uncertain political changes are affecting. It affects those who work for the tourism/hospitality that went back to work, just to be let go again. It affects those who put money into reopening businesses to have them shut again. It affects military spouses & family members that haven’t seen each other in ages. Yes, at somepoint covid will get better & eventually travel will get better but those who waited, watched the travel program be moved from august to October, so believing this was the set program that people could trust to make their travel programs. Then to see in a matter of months its state’s politicians argue, change, and give uncertainty that costs those who believed in it $$$$$. So again, this isn’t Just about vacations (!)
Mahalo
Hi. . I think instead of rescheduling a 3rd time we will cancel and wait until things change. .sad but the restrictions, while understandable, will not work for us. 🙁
Is Kauai it’s own state?
I always heard the old saying about the right hand not knowing what the left hand is doing. Now I understand…Stacy
Shame on the government in Hawaii, my only take on this they don’t want tourists, the state employees will be furloughed according the governor, but I am sure this will not have much of an impact on him. We went to Maui a couple of yrs ago, did a tour with a local tour company, had a great tour guide, said he has to work 2 jobs and his wife just to pay the rent and of course can’t afford to buy a house. I wonder how he and his family is doing now. Hawaii is beautiful, miss it. Just starting reading your posts, thank you for all your messages.
Because of the uncertainty and ever-changing plans by Hawaii leaders, we canceled three trips to Kauai this winter:
– December for two weeks with 13 in our family
– January for two weeks – 4 people.
– February for three weeks – 4 people.
We are instead traveling to Arizona multiple times.
We feel worst for those businesses that depend on tourists to survive. We’ve been traveling to Hawaii multiple times each winter for over 15 years and this is likely to change what we do going forward.
Arizona is open for business. Welcome!
Lots of speculation but no real answers. At this point all we really know from the governor is that the 14 day quarantine will be reduced to 10 days but only when he issues his next order at some unspecified date. The rest is still unknown. Second testing seems very unlikely as they are pretty incapable of administering large scale testing on all islands. They weren’t even capable of keeping track of tests from trusted partners and timely contacting travelers to let them know that there test came back negative. Hence, due to their incompetence they made everyone without proof of a negative test on arrival quarantine for 14 days or go back home. This had nothing to do with late arrivals as the governor suggests. Hopefully they will release there next orders as soon as possible to spare would be travelers from more stress and uncertainty.
Are there any ideas how long Kawakami plans to keep Kauai in his “temporary” full quarantine? Is there any pressure on him to go back to Safe Travels? He has given no basis for when he would re-open. How can there be no transparency at all?
My guess is that Kauai will keep its mandatory quarantine until a vaccine rolls out on the island, is shown effective and there is a program in place where only those who are vaccinated are allowed to skip quarantine.
If it wasn’t for having our own home there, we would be canceling our trip. We’ve been spending winters on Hawaii for over a decade, that being said, without our own home and place to quarantine if would be a no brainier cancelation just as 7 other friends have done in the past two weeks.
I give up. I’ll just wait for the vaccine. There is so much confusion over testing in general, not just Hawaii’s requirements. Initially, you couldn’t get a test without severe symptoms. I don’t want to wait in a line 2 miles long to tell me I am negative. There has got to be a better way. Again, this isn’t Hawaii’s fault, it is the fault of all our governments not being prepared and some like the WH not even acknowledging it.
Blaming Hawaii for the pandemic, much?
Would be interesting to see just how many have canceled because of this lack of leadership. I agree that most likely it is many. Would also be interesting to see some travelers play the “no money for quarantine” card especially when it is because one of the trusted partners drops the ball. A few years back we were on island when the “incoming rocket” alert went off on our phones. Bad leadership at the top then as well. What is nice is that there are some decent proposals being offered by Lt. Gov. Green. We fly Jan. 11th. My bet is on a fair and appropriate procedure in place by then.
U Can’t blame bad leader ship on some idiot pushing the wrong button at Civil defense that just doesn’t make sense
Thanks Beat of Hawaii for this update! This information is invaluable for those of us considering keeping or cancelling our plans to Hawaii! We have flights and VRBO set up for first week of February from California. With my health provider (Kaiser) being a trusted partner, I am hoping they will expedite any testing that is for travel to Hawaii since they agreed to the trusted partnership! I look forward to further updates in the coming weeks!
Thanks so much!!
Hi Rhonda.
Thank you. Stay tuned – there will be more changes, just perhaps not in the next couple of weeks.
Aloha.
I just had my test at Kaiser. They cannot guarantee that I will receive within the 72 hours.
Thanks for the post, Rhonda. As a fellow Kaiser member who traveled to O’ahu most recently in November, Kaiser does not place a priority on Hawaii travel and do not expedite for Hawaii. We are supposed to go again for Christmas and when I spoke with the testing department today to confirm testing timeline she said 3-4 days. I asked about Hawaii travel priority and she was clear that Kaiser’s priority is people who are sick or have known exposure. She didn’t seem thrilled I was asking for them to hustle along a travel testing request.
For our trip in November it took them 4 days to get us the results, which if the same thing happened now, we wouldn’t be able to go and would be stuck in quarantine. I’d hate to see you plan to go and have Kaiser let you down. Maybe also pay for a Vault test and do two tests, to cover your bases. That’s our plan this second time around.
I love the Hawaiian culture, beaches, people, everything. Unfortunately, I believe those residents that want to reduce, if not eliminate tourists and tourism as an economic source, will get their wish. I am disheartened and sad that the Hawaiian powers that be have decided to create a bureaucratic nightmare for visitors. Yes safety is paramount, but inefficient, serpentine ways of achieving it are ridiculous. I’m glad we visited last January & February, it will be a long time before step on Hawaiian soil again…Good luck Hawaii, much love and aloha.
They are not wanting to “Create a bureaucratic nightmare”, they are trying to save lives the best way they know how. Please balance your vacation against the lives of Hawaii citizens and elders. Please.
Your liberal political bent is readily apparent by your comment but what you conveniently forget is that Still President Trump was basing his response upon what his so called advisors were telling him and considering the number of times “they” changed their minds it would appear your attempt at blaming is greatly misplaced. And Quite frankly, where is your outrage directed at China for unleashing the virus upon the world!?
Could not have said it any better. Love BOH and Hawaii people & culture. So sad to have missed 2020 and probably 2021 vacations.
Hi Jess.
Thanks! We hope you can return soon.
Aloha.
Honestly with all the chaos going on in the states right now between politics & covid cases its prob best if Ige does nothing at this moment vs making changes that will end up being changed again. I say hold out while the first vaccines are being rolled out, holidays are over, and reconvene on the best single plan for the state to move forward. Making more changes now will just make things worse as we’ve seen the past month or so.
We had a trip scheduled for 12/18 to the big island and due to the changes and uncertainly had to cancel/postpone. We really wanted to make this work but the COVID-19 testing process, uncertain and seemingly ever-changing State of Hawaii policies, along with the 2nd test requirements upon arrival without any real answers to questions just made it too risky and stressful. Without going into too much detail, Hawaiian Airlines (changes to the flight schedule which added a second connecting leg to the flight in Oahu) and their COVID-19 testing partner, Vault just made it near impossible to meet Hawaii’s 72-hour requirement. And, neither of them will take any responsibility or provide any help/resolution. So I’m out $480 in Vault COVID-19 testing kits and paid extra for changing the flights with HA.
I did everything that was required the proper testing CARBON Health etc etc…. my test results did not come back in time. I did exactly by A “” T”” on the time frame and I checked all night long before my flight was to leave to Kona at 9:00 AM in the morning. I did not get my results until the next day…. it was horrible I been to Hawaii hundreds of times from age 21 to 54 that I am now and this is ridiculous
If Hawaii continues with your draconian rules we will just travel elsewhere and you can all starve to death!
The democratic government in Hawaii will eventually be overthrown by the people!
On a disease that is just a con…….
Retrumplican
It sounds like most people can get the test results in a 96 hr window so why not just change it from 72-96 and would solve ghe majority of the problems.
Just the type of attitude Hawaii needs to protect itself from.
Yup I agree dam it’s part of USA they have no right to stop us. The Hawaii government is treating us like foreigners. we comply. I have friends in Kona they are not howlies and THEY don’t wear mask. So us over on the mainland comply. Take a look at your people Hawaii government
Sorry Karen, er. Nancy. As soon as the rest of the country, the mainland, gets its act together, then it’s safe for you to travel to one of the few states who actually decided that there was a way to protect its citizens.
BTW, if you actually had Kona friends, you would know that there is no such thing as a “Howlie”. There is a name for a person who has no breath. It’s Ha’aole. Ha=breath; aole=no. It was an old way to describe the curious habit of western invaders to shake hands rather than hold a person by the shoulders and touch the nose to the face, exchanging the “breath of life” as a true indication of a bond between brothers.
Read your History
Hawaii is not and should not be part of the USA
Hopefully I will see these change made in my lifetime
Wow, Roy K. I’m not feeling the aloha. You may have your conspiracy theories, but please don’t post them here. While I’m not happy with the quarantine laws here on Kauai, I wait for better news soon. “You can all starve to death?” Really? What a hateful thing to post. So feel free to travel elsewhere, as your lack of compassion doesn’t mesh with our aloha spirit. And to BOH, mahalo nui loa for your updates.
Hi Claudia.
And our mahalo nui loa to you for yours too.
Aloha.
Thanks for staying on top of this and keeping us up-to-date. Am fervently hoping that things get sorted out in time for our planned trip mid-Feb. We’ll definitely cancel if things continue the same as currently.
Hi Robert.
Thanks. You can count on there being more change between now and then.
Aloha.
We canceled our trip this week due to not being able to get test results in time. We will wait until next year to travel.
Real Simple – Hawaii doesn’t want you in Hawaii until Covid is under complete control, my guess mid 2021. I am booking October, and that might work out.
Earlier I reported that mid November we cancelled 2 hours before our flight. We did not get depressed (maybe a little angry at CVS and the State of Hawaii). Our vacation was not ruined. We made a quick pivot from Hawaii to Palm Springs. Saved airline and rental car expense. Had a great time and spent our money on those who wanted our tourist dollars.
I have always been willing to pay more to travel and stay in Hawaii over Mexico to avoid the hassle of Mexico. However, now I wonder if it is worth it. Looking more closely at Mexico.
Thank you for differentiating between “I can’t go to Hawai’i so my life is ruined” and “I was disappointed, but we had a good time in Palm Springs instead”. Mahalao for your understanding of this very difficult time…
That is about the closest thing I can find to “the aloha spirit” in these many responses…
We all live Hawaii that’s why we blog here but it’s a vacation not work. And this is now making it more stress than work. We were going over Thanksgiving but cancelled(glad we did) and went to Mexico Rivera Maya. Great time and weather. Masks social distanced. Everything open and came back after 2 weeks with no covid and we did nt give anyone covid. We gave our tourist dollars and they gladly took it. Just feel very bad for the small businesses and people who rely on our tourist money. Next election you know what you need to do. Elections matter
We are done. Stick a fork in us done. Canceling now. I wish them the best. But this kinds of unreasonable waffling that ends up screwing the people who spent money in good faith and used their testing partners is beyond the pale.
So, I’m confused. If I have a timeshare to stay at and my test results don’t come back in time, can I quarantine at my timeshare or will that not be allowed? I was thinking there are worse places to be quarantined. At least I can still watch whales. But now, not so sure? Can you clarify please? Thank you.
Hi Linda.
We don’t know whether a timeshare is considered approved for quarantine. Suggest contacting the state’s Safe Travels support desk.
Aloha.