388 thoughts on “Visitors Cancel as Governor Won’t Change Rules + Who Pays Quarantine?”
Phil. K
The governor of Hawaii has had months and months to get a plan in place for the reopening of the islands. We all realize the complexities of the Covid Virus, but with no real plan or plans in place it becomes that more complex for visitors and islanders alike. One specific hotel close to airport should be dedicated to quarantine any visitors without test results or until test results can be obtained from testers. National guard could be used for the security of said hotel. If visitors are asked to leave the state for non compliance, or waiting for results, all are in one place and not endangering our citizens. But no!! with no plans in place many people suffer one way or another. It’s not a difficult plan, sounds easier than it is but it could be adjusted. It’s a plan! So where is Hawaii’s. It’s been almost a year now and we still have on the fly rules and ever changing regulations in place. Let’s get together, from governor to mayors to get a real plan in place for visitors and locals alike. Islanders need their businesses open and thriving, and we all need to be safe. It takes a plan of which there is none.
Malia C.
Who pays for Quarantine?
Really why is that even a question? It’s simple the traveler pays or get out! For the governor to even say “if they refuse” is ridiculous! During a pandemic or not theres rules every where. Example to leave the country one must have a passport. But if I refuse to pay will.the government pick up the tab? I think Not! but if they would imply like ige all of a sudden a pile of people will refuse.
Nick C
The restrictions are only for tourists. Residents are breaking the restrictions rules and seems that no authority cares. The hotels are letting even 10 people in the small jacuzzi without the masks. Local transportation: there is not mandatory distances between passengers and nobody cleans the seats or the holding bars. Many locals has the masks below the nose. What’s the point even wearing it? Nobody are enforcing the restrictions rules. Tourists May came healthy at arrivals and they can get sick by the time of returning to their homes. The rules should be mandatory enforced not just at the airport, but everywhere else. Local residents should not be an exception to the restrictions rules or perhaps they consider themselves immune to the virus?
Kaila
On the West side residents get tickets while the tourists go lolo. I’ve called Honolulu PD so many times for violations of tourists in Ko Olina and they say they won’t come here. The only people I see not wearing masks in stores are haole and many are tourists.
Jennifer R
We are to travel as a family at the end of December. Currently 3 of the 4 state approved testing facilities that are available to us based on where we live have warnings on their websites to not use them for Hawaii travel requirements! That leaves only one option that we will have to hope we can get an appointment with and then drive 3 hours to test in person the day after Christmas. It certainly doesn’t give one that great excitement about a trip to Hawaii. I don’t object at all to the pre arrival test, but there needs to be a better way that allows for those issues that travelers can’t control.
Sarah R
Hi Jennifer,
Following the rules laid for traveling during a pandemic doesn’t leave you with great excitement then don’t due it! Complaining that you can’t get tests done because the mainland testing capacity is stretched and they can’t meet deadlines for Hawaii’s safe travels program is silly and selfish. Hawaii has implemented a safe travels program to allow people like yourself to bypass the now 10 day travel quarantine, be excited and grateful that the option exists! Yes it’s risky, and yes I get that it sucks that your travel plans can be ruined for no fault of your own but that can happen if you are traveling even when not participating in the safe travels program.
Jennifer R
With all due respect, you don’t know me or what my practices have been since March. You may see my comment as “selfish and silly” where as I find your comment rude and an ill informed attempt to take a stab at me from behind your keyboard. My family is supported by a career that requires weekly travel and sadly this is the first encounter out of 29 required work trips that All required testing prior to travel where this has been an issue. I responded to the article as I read it. Period. As I stated, I don’t have an issue with the testing. My issue lies in being sent to government approved vendors to be told no.
Maria F.
Hawaii should lock there boarders for the safety of all the native’s and local people of Hawaii our people can get the covid 19 especially us polynesian don’t have the immune to fight this covid 19. Everyone should understand that our people in Hawaii comes first it’s our home and we want our people to safe from this covid 19.
Jared X
The cluster that is Hawaii state and county government continues. It it any wonder that the state was $10,000,000,000 in debt before COVID? These people are moron. The couldn’t run a Subway sandwich shop–let alone an entire state. Literally everything that state and county governments in Hawaii touches turns to. COVID simply pulled the final Jenga block out of the already teetering tower. The collapse has always been imminent.
Kathy H
So sad what the government is doing to the economy in Hawaii. My extended family all live on the Big Island and my family and I live in Michigan; We had been planned a trip last Spring which got cancelled when covid restrictions hit. Now I haven’t been able to visit my family at all. Instead I flew 8 of us to Key West from Michigan where there are no restrictions and everything is open!
Kaila
The economy in all those open red states seems to not be doing great either. Even if we were completely open, most people are sensible and not traveling long distances right now because it is in the middle of a pandemic. So all we would have is people coming, who as a group spend less, our economy still would be down and all our kupuna would be dead. We don’t have the medical care that the mainland does, especially on the islands other than O’ahu. Our kupuna are essential to our culture and we want to protect them. So don’t blame our government for trying to protect residents. Blame the feds for letting the mainland pandemic get so out of control!
JerryL
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: those of us that live in Hawaii are under the governance of complete idiots in Honolulu and the counties. If I lived on the mainland, there’s no way I’d waste my hard earned dollar on all this nonsense. Why do these clown-politicians still draw a paycheck? Shouldn’t they be the first ones in the government furlough?
John B.
Ige gets off on oppression of the citizens
Terry R.
Sorry Maui. Two reservations and now two cancellations for us over the past few months. It’s too bad that Hawaiian leadership (?) has decided to push away the economic engine of the islands. You so badly need our money and continually and sadly decide you no longer want it. Mix that lack of decison making with the ever growing anti-mainland commentary seen on so many social media sites and you end up reaping what you sow.
Been coming for 15 years and had an ongoing love affair with the islands. However, it becomes evident when you’re no longer wanted. OK…. We get it. Sigh. Loud and clear.
Hope all of you have a nice holiday season. Maybe we’ll see you in the future. Mahalo!
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Terry.
Thanks. Thanks for the feedback on your travels. Happy holidays.
Aloha.
Kaila
Do you understand what little medical care Maui has? It doesn’t have close to enough for it’s full time residents if the pandemic were at the levels of the mainland. Even if we completely opened travel up, the majority of people are being sensible and not traveling long distances on airplanes and staying at hotels. Our economy would still be bad just like the open parts of the mainland, all we would have would be higher death rates than the mainland and absolutely no medical care. On the mainland you can medivac someone to a major city hospital easily. Hawai’i can’t do that, and even if you could medivac endless patients 7-8 hour flights to LA or SF or Seattle all those hospitals are full.
Dodge S.
Has anyone asked the Governor if he has heard of the Golden Rule?
Too bad ‘in over his head’ isn’t grounds for impeaching Ige.
Anyone know if there is a Go Fund Me brain supplement account fbo the Gov?
If I haven’t worn out my welcome, help with a hypothetical question would be sincerely appreciated: We arrive at airport, test results not yet received. Next flight, the following morning, we return with the good news in hand, but wait; ‘your 72 hours have expired’ Is there the slightest chance reason would prevail?
Mahalo & Muchas Gracias from New Mexico.
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Dodge.
Let us know how it goes. Thanks for so many comments, since 2009! We’re canceling nothing.
Regarding vaccinations – we don’t know, but of course, remain hopeful for a better time ahead soon.
Aloha.
Mary D.
When my sister flew back home to Hawaii in October, she had her test done at a Walgreens in San Diego and got the results in time, downloaded them without looking at anything other than they were negative. When she arrived in Hawaii, the screener noted that date of screening was more than 72 hrs. prior to landing. Walgreens had put an incorrect date! She was told that she’d have to quarantine for 14 days. While still at the airport, she was able to contact the pharmacist at the Walgreens she went to and he confirmed that the date they entered was incorrect. Fortunately the screener let her through after a supervisor spoke with the pharmacist. So…yes, they are strict about the 72 hours. This was on the first day that 72 hour testing was allowed as a way to not quarantine. Not sure if they would have let her by today if this happened.
Richard M.
With all the indecision by Governor Ige, have the voters of Hawaii considered a recall. Just wondering.
Thanks
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Richard.
We haven’t heard of anything much. There is an impeach Ige Facebook page, however.
Aloha.
Jack
Just depose the guy. He’s deliberately ruining the most beautiful set-up in history. It’s criminal. They just renovated Waikiki a decade ago. I can’t imagine the bills not getting paid right now and the damage being done in so many ways. So tired of these blue dictators.
Jim
Was supposed to fly in sat morning. Took covid test Wednesday morning. Missed flight. Received results 1030p sat evening. Results were over 72 hours old when received. Need to move to 96. Would be there spending money right now.
Jack
It’s a blue state. They’re counting on billions and billions of dollars after 1/20. Why be productive when you can destroy capital, then print money we don’t have and bankrupt the nation for our kids and grandkids.
Kaila
I hear red states are doing really well right now. Oh other than the out of control death rates and the equally bad economies. To turn this into a red vs blue state thing is ridiculous. Why aren’t people mad at the feds who allowed the pandemic on the mainland to get so out of control? If that hadn’t happened, there wouldn’t be nearly as strict travel restrictions.
Thomas T
Having recently returned from the mainland and complied with the mandatory testing I discovered that it is very difficult Define the lab that will get you definite results within the limited time frame provided by the Hawaii government. 72 hours seems reasonable, however we’re Labs on the mainland are not delivering test results for 3 to 7 days there is simply no way that the average person can get a test get a negative result and use it to visit Hawaii! I spoke with numerous people that had many Misadventures with their testing including lost test results confusion can test result delays that wiped out there chance to visit Hawaii. They had to retest at a city that had direct flights to Hawaii at a lab that could produce same-day results since the labs in their home state could not do so! I was amazed at the heroic efforts of the people on my plane to Hawaii to actually overcome the challenges and visit our beautiful state. Frankly, the average person has not begun to put up with all the crap! It is amazing anyone is coming to Hawaii anymore at all oh, this is going to be a big problem and we need to figure out a solution! Testing on arrival makes the most sense. Increasing the timeline so that people at least have a chance to get a test get the results get the information uploaded and get on a plane and get out here. Not everyone can jump on a flight and come straight to Hawaii if you’re coming from the East Coast you have to have connecting flights and this adds time we can put you outside the window! Very frustrating very spooky.
Kaila
Most of our regular visitors aren’t trying to travel right now in the middle of a massive pandemic. They’re not getting on 7-8 hour flights where people won’t wear masks and get on knowing they are COVID positive (look at the recent flight from SF) wand they’re not staying in hotels because they realize that’s lolo. Aloha goes both ways, respect is reciprocal. Our kupuna are vital to our culture and our ohanas, you’re basically saying screw them, you deserve to be here. We can do without visitors who have absolutely no respect for our island or our people. Mahalo.
Jeff m.
These are the nails in the coffin of Hawaiis economy,and they are not coming out any time soon.The governor is just following orders like most Democrat governors and some Republicans are.
Kaila
I don’t know, from what I understand the mainland’s economy is even worse and far more people are dying. Blue and red, the latter especially horrific when it comes to death rates. Putting our ohana’s lives at risk for a group of tourists who don’t respect our right to life, and aren’t spending nearly as much as our regular tourists, many of whom realize traveling so far via airplane and hotel during a national pandemic is lolo, is pupule.
Steve
Yay keep the rich howlies who post fake pics and love trump crying!
Brenda B.
I am here, sitting in my room because I am visiting family. I got my test at one of the partners 72 hours before departure. The lab did not pick up the test until 2 days later. I received a negative result the morning after I arrived. Now I’m still sitting here inside, because of something beyond my control.
JoAnn S
That’s a racist comment and it’s down right rude. That’s one reason I’ll never go back to Hawaii. Don’t call your meal ticket names.
marie l
nothing he said was ‘racist’. just because you were offended about him speaking about white folks doesn’t make the statement racist either.
the islands were colonized and taken by force. way of life and living destroyed. turned into a playground for rich white americans and europeans primarily. and now they bitch and moan about hawaii ‘needing’ them to survive. pimp hawaii for everything it has but call yourself a ‘meal ticket’. the irony and cognitive dissonance is sad.
Kaila
If you think haole is racist, you don’t know anything about Hawai’i. Portagee, haole, kanaka, we have no problem calling our mixed backgrounds nicknames.I’m a hapa haole My dad is full blooded kanaka maoli or Native Hawai’ian and my mom is haole. I call myself a haole and trust me I deal with actual racism when it comes to my full Native half. Sometime people talk beef about certain haoles but that’s just saying those white people are being jerks. There’s also good haoles. It’s not a racial slur. It’s Hawai’ian for foreigner. And yes, haoles are foreigners here. My Polynesian brothers and sisters and ohana are the natives.
Kaila
By the way telling us to behave exactly how you want us to because you consider yourself our “meal ticket” is far more offensive than anything you’ve said. We should risk the health of our keiki and kupuna because your vacation is far more important than local lives, and we shut up and smile. I just got out of a very abusive relationship ending in a cracked skull, and that rational you just shared is honestly no different than my ex’s reasoning.
Hawai’i can survive without abusive tourists who have no respect for our people, culture or land.
Kaila
Right? Talking beef about our blue state, sitting on the mainland where a pandemic is out of control because of the federal government and in their red states people are dropping like flies and their economies aren’t doing well either. Hawai’i totally needs more visitors who don’t give a crap about our people and our land… not. These are the people taking the super cheap deals and flights… they aren’t putting as much into our economy as they think they are. The majority of guests here right now over in Ko Olina are being super cheap, at least all the ones I’ve dealt with.
Our respectful visitors who have brains will be back after the pandemic. The ones who realize getting on long flights and staying at hotels in the middle of a pandemic going to a remote island with minimal health care.
Andrew M.
How my health care was first and we’re getting the vaccine can I use my vaccine card to say that I got the vaccine could you please let me know
Donna M.
How my health care was first and we’re getting the vaccine can I use my vaccine card to say that I got the vaccine could you please let me know
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Donna.
Nothing from the state yet on those who have been vaccinated. We’ll update as soon as we know more.
Aloha.
Robert F.
This is truly a challenge for everyone. We were going to use one of the “trusted partners “ but CVS & Walgreens stated that they will not guarantee results within the 72 hours required by Hawaii!
We used Costco/Azova that cost over $150 each. We see now that United Airlines will do a test in San Francisco, the final leg of our journey. That gives us about six hours for our results.
Quarantine should not be an issue. We are planning on becoming residents but with all the uncertainties surrounding this pandemic who can be sure.
Thanks for your article. It really helps.
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Robert.
Thanks. Good luck with the process. Let us know how it goes.
Aloha.
Kaila
If you’re becoming residents you should understand we are a very remote group of islands, with little health care services on every island but O’ahu and even here our medical care isn’t great and isn’t nearly enough for our locals let alone a group of tourists bringing diseases to our incredibly vulnerable population. We have a lot of kupuna here and they are central to our culture and wee value them greatly. We’re trying to protect them and our keiki. We don’t have the resources for an outbreak like the mainland. If we get to the same levels as almost any state in the continuous 48 it would be a disaster. We always welcome people who respect our people and culture. But you have to understand the reality here. Mahalo.
Patty R
We travel from the Northeast coast of Portland, Maine where flights have at least 2 stops and are very long. In Maine there are only 2 trusted sources for testing – CVS & Walgreens. Unfortunately, testing appts. are 3 days out and quickly filled. I had to cancel a trip when the test results were not received within the 72 hr timeframe. I also had to travel 35 miles from my home to secure an appt. I also tried to reschedule my departure from Portland, Maine to Boston, Massachusetts, hoping that a just a one-stop flight from Boston to Maui would help. Unfortunately, I didn’t receive my results in time. This trip was costly because I took a bus from Maine to Massachusetts and return and paid for a hotel since my flight was scheduled for 6am from Boston. The recent ruling of needing the Covid test loaded on Safe Travels (originally printed) before landing in Hawaii was impossible for me. Unfortunately, I am 70 years old and not tech savvy. I’ve never asked for special treatment but could time, distance and age be considered? We travel to 3 Hawaiian Islands yearly, for a total of 4 trips. Please be more flexible, 96hrs is more doable for us from afar. I also agree with a second test when arriving. On returning home, I will be tested so I can see my grandchildren. Thanks
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Patty.
Thanks for sharing your testing experiences. We can only hope that gets easier.
Aloha.
Kaila
Unfortunately it’s vital that someone in your position does have the results of a COVID test. We don’t have the medical care here on the islands for residents let alone visitors. You would not want to get ill with COVID here. On Maui there’s only 29 ICU beds. Most are already full even with our lower COVID rate. The other islands are even lower and fuller and while O’ahu has more, it’s not nearly enough for our population let alone tourists. That’s one of the main reasons it’s vital to keep the rate down here. If we had the same rate that most mainland states have our ICU beds would be full and there’d be thousands and thousands who need one. There’s no easy transfers here, even if you could medivac 5-6 hour flights, SF, LA and Seattle are all already full. That’s a huge reason we’re so strict here, we do not have the medical care to support the current mainland rates.
If you follow our summer news, there were so many people lying to get around quarantine and causing problems. Unfortunately once you allow one exception there’s thousands of unethical tourists who will lie and try to get the same. It would completely crush our existing system.
It’s probably a good time to stay home right now. Like I said we respect our kupuna a lot here, my father is 75 and even with my own severe autoimmune disease I’ve been protecting him like crazy. Our condo building has people who own just to rent and we’ve had so many tourists even during quarantine violating every single requirement and continuing to refuse wearing masks, holding 20+ person parties, having groups of almost 20 crammed into small condos, there’s 18 people from different groups down in our hot tub now. It’s not safe and I’m driving myself crazy trying to protect my own father. For someone your age, I’d stay home and then come back and visit our wonderful state in the summer or next winter when COVID gets under control.
We’re not doing this to be jerks. We’re trying to protect our citizens and tourists!
Anael
Practical question here: can you fly back in the middle of the 14 days quarantine? I.e. can I break the quarantine to go to the airport and take a flight home or am I supposed to be stuck on the island for 14 days once I set foot?
That would be crazy but so is the whole situation…
Kaila
Yes you can leave. They’ve sent back people they’ve found violating quarantine before opening up.
Judith B.
Aloha, we are scheduled to fly to the beautiful island of Maui on January 1st. We have a short term rental through March 10th, so we are going to do our best to make this work. We’ve spoken with testing partner organizations and will probably choose Walgreens. As I understand the results must be in our hands 72 hours before we board our last flight (SEA to OGG). Let’s say that flight leaves at 1:00. Would we need to allow for the time difference between Minneapolis and Seattle when we schedule our tests? Obviously I don’t want to exceed the maximum numbers of hours just because of different time zones. Thank you for any advice! These are crazy times and I check your website on a regular basis! Mahalo!
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Judith.
That needs to be within 72 hours of your 1pm flight. That’s anytime after 3pm in MSP 3 days earlier.
Aloha.
Jason L.
I am currently on quarantine with my family of 5 because the State of Hawaii will not accept a test done by a government lab but a damn COSTCO at home test and a Japanese government test is accepted as a Trusted partner. Such a poor system and we will not be helping stimulate the economy when we get out of this. Hawaii is not the same welcoming island we thought we were returning to. All our tests were negative, uploaded to the system before travel, and we even called to get an approval before we boarded and they refused. Attorney General office won’t help, LT Governor Green’s office won’t help, Governor Ige office won’t help. The State is not paying for anything or helping. So sad. Will tell everyone I know not to visit Hawaii right now! Change needs to happen now. No more dragging your feet!
Brad C.
So you didn’t follow instructions and yet someone else is to blame.
I don’t get these entitled attitudes.
My wife and I are in Maui right now enjoying life. Thanks Costco/Azova for a great test (better than most state tests), and excellent execution. And thanks to me for following instructions!
Julie Y
I wonder when Governor Ige will start a Go Fund Me page for the state. Income from tourist generated taxes are not coming in and state workers will soon be added to the growing list of people affected by this economic disaster. Hawaii’s economy is already in a downward spiral, and it will continue its descent with the governor’s indecisiveness. Additionally, more trusted testing partners are needed as travelers to Hawaii do not have very many options for COVID testing, and it’s a hassle trying to find a provider that will get the test done in time for travel. Something positive must be done to bring back the all-important tourist dollars.
RoAnne G
What about returning residents? Test upon arrival and wait the days in quarantine till receiving test results. I couldnt get a trusted site test in CA. All slots were filled. With Thanksgiving being a holiday, and I was returning monday. I was literally screws AND forced the 14 day quarantine. Not right. Thank you.for letting me vent.
Ed O
We have followed Beat of Hawaii for long time. 5 trips to Kauai and a total of 10 trips to the Islands in 50 years. It appears that what is left is great memories. 3 weeks in Kauai in Jan. for our 50th anniversary is now absolutely canceled. I feel so sorry for the many condo (Kuhio Shores) owners. What happens when some of them have to go file chapter 7. We are only a party of 2 but over $12,000. will not be going to a Hawaii vacation.
After cancelling the Anxiety is gone and feel a great sense of Freedom by not dealing with constant rule changes by political people. Where do we go now…We like San Diego area but they are closed down. Phoenix has great resorts, but we live here….. Sedona is our favorite go to place…..
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Ed.
Thanks for following BOH for, as you said, a long time, and for letting us know about canceling your trip. Your first comment was nearly five years ago.
Aloha.
Karen
We spent 9 days on Kauai at the end of October. Tested with Vault, received quick results, no problems. We spent 14 days on the Big Island after Thanksgiving again used Vault for testing, received results on Thanksgiving day. Both islands are beautiful and uncrowded. Both trips were planned a year in advance so we decided to do our best to go. All locals in the tourism industry were so grateful to be working and to have visitors spending money on their islands. I realize that rules are changing regularly but if you follow the rules, use a reliable trusted partner for testing, wear your mask,be cooperative with temp taking and hand sanitizer use and be prepared with your QR code throughout your trip, it can be an amazing experience.
Joan b
Aloha. I a friend’s daughter just arrived from college and of course had to quarantine as it was on Kauai. The paperwork she got told her her quarantine was for 10 days after arrival, so even though there has been no official proclamation (only the Governor saying he will do it), the TSA/airport police etc has changed the 14 days to 10 days. Not that will do any visitor any good, but for family of residents and residents returning home, its a bit better.
By the way, an owner of a home or condo can quarantine in their own place. If you do arrive and your test does not come in, the PD has a list of official quarantine hotels.
Nicholas D.
It was very difficult to be tested within that 72hr time line we werent sure
What test was needed. We figured it out that Walgreens was our travel safe partner. Not CVS ! We had to look every day for
A week in order to apply For the test. It was only allowed three days at a time you really had to be patient. It was worth the effort because he we’re in paradise. Thanks Mele Kalikamaka
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Nicholas.
Thanks for your update on testing.
Aloha.
Susan V
I want to know what the plan is going to be for people who get the vaccine? I have a trip planned for April and as a hospital worker I will be getting vaccinated any day now.
Ethan H
Thanks for the updates! Good to get some perspective.
Just for my own anecdote, when the Kauai changes were announced over Thanksgiving, my wife and I changed our travel to Maui. Aside from that stress, it’s actually worked out really well. Did our test through Carbon Health 2 days early, got the results back within 24 hours, had a light flight (many middle seats left open) on Alaska, and thanks to the Star Travels and Alaska pre-screening stuff, avoided any line when we arrived. Once at the resort it’s been a slice of paradise. Some changes like masking up to walk around between things and limited dine in services are different as expected, but it’s 90% the same as what we remembered from prior travels. We’ve made a point to get out of the resort more and contribute to as many local places as we can too. In general folks are very welcoming and accommodating.
So moral of the story is that it can work for you with a lot of prep and patience, plus a healthy amount of luck. I don’t doubt that many people haven’t been able to make it work, but many have. YMMV. Good luck and hope there will be more success stories to come.
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Ethan.
Thanks. Nice to hear a success story. Yes, complicated, but as you said, it can work out well.
Aloha.
Brad C.
Drama Queens everywhere…
Honestly, do some research into the good testing options, have a backup plan (like CVS or Walgreens who will accommodate in most cases), and go.
My wife and I are here now, used Costco/Azova who did a great job with our testing, and we’re loving it.
If you want it to be too complicated, it will be. If you truly want to come to Hawaii, you can.
Stop being a Karen and you’ll be saying Aloha in no time!
Jason L
I don’t know where you traveled from but coming from California it was not that easy. Many places required you to have symptoms or you were not a priority or they just refused testing. Our friends flew to Houston first to get tested just to come to Oahu. Karen or not you are talking about one instance and don’t know what others had to go through. You have to admit the testing before you fly with a group of unknown people is not the way to protect the people here.
Brad C.
I took my test at home, with a video witness. Easy as pie. No problem at all.
Alexis
How long did it take to get your test results from Costco?
Brad C.
Tested Monday at 1230pm. At home kit came with a next day air box, prepaid. Arrived Tuesday at 1023am. At the lab at 236pm. Test results back Wednesday morning. We left Thursday.
Kevin H
The only trusted testing option in my area was Walgreens Quest and they were all booked out when i needed my test. I did my test through vault right as the clock struck 71:59 before my flight. Luckily my test came back in time but not all people have the testing options which you may have where you live.
Brad C.
Everyone can get the Costco/Azova in home test. Do the research! It’s all on Hawaii’s website (which ain’t the greatest, I’ll admit).
Karen E
Hi. What island are you on? I thought Kauai was completely closed? I own timeshares there and cannot rent them. Marriott is not treating owners fairly at all. I had to pay exorbitant maintenance fees last year in Dec & January and had use of 1 week. Had to rent it Now the bills are coming due again. I cannot afford this anymore. Can’t sell them either. I wish there was a way to connect with other owners but we are fighting city hall. Sad.
By the way, my name is Karen.
Brad C.
We’re on Maui.
Stephen W.
Testing program is broken. It was not very well thoughtout. 72hrs isn’t enough time to receive a cofirmed test. It generally takes up to 96hrs. Most of the partners websites will tell you in most cases you will need to find a local onsite testing location in your area and yet most won’t confirm a 72hr response. My father is travelling from AZ week of Xmas and because his flight is on a Tuesday Walgreen (only site available) says if the test is taken on Saturday there is not guarantee the test will be delivered on time. Most of HI partners only serve the West coast or specific locations. Testing program needs to be fixed as to better serve our own community not just our visitors. Very frustrating. BTW, just finished my 4th quaranteen
Colleen
Stephen I’m in AZ and just got back from Maui. This what we did. If your fathers flight is 12/22 he need to go to Walgreens site on 12/15 at about 5pm AZ time (start looking at 4:30pm$ to get an appt for 12/19. Do the Rapid ID test. We had our result back in 2hrs on 11/25. I’ve advised a few other people going and it worked for them too.
Lynne P.
Yes – almost impossible to find 72 hr test in the Bay Area. Most trusted partners have pulled out of the program in this area. Costco test is a crap shoot. Best bet is to fly United out of SFO and try to get an appt with their on-site partner.
Brad C.
I don’t know of a single person who followed the Costco/Azova instructions and didn’t get their test back in time.
The reviews in Costco’s website are tainted by people who didn’t follow instructions. Frankly, in most cases it’s abundantly clear they didn’t even read them!!!
TRACY Y
At this point, if you choose to travel to Hawaii you choose to take the risks of full Quarantine (if no test results pre flight). If you are stuck in full Quarantine (10 or 14 days makes no difference), you can’t complain. Don’t get me wrong, I think these policies are beyond ridiculous and have now cancelled 3 trips to Maui this year (most recent was depart 12/17 through end of year). Instead of the Govt making it so difficult to travel to Hawaii, why don’t they just close the doors and toss the keys? Reopen with no rules after everyone has had their opportunity to get vaccinated (or create rule for those who choose not to vaccinate). This shouldn’t be so difficult.
Mahalo, BOH, for your timely communications!
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Tracy.
Thanks. We appreciate all of your comments.
Aloha.
Susan V
I want to know what the plan is going to be for people who get the vaccine? I have a trip planned for April and as a hospital worker I will be getting vaccinated any day now.
Ashley
I canceled a 2 week trip to Maui due to the uncertainty of getting results in time. Extending the 72 hrs prior would help a lot.
Jacques A.
Thank you BOH for your updates, they have been helpful. My wife and I will be flying to Maui tomorrow. We are excited. I’m from Maui so it will be nice to see family.
We are flying Alaska Airlines and they seem to have it together. We’ll be getting wrist bands to by pass screening when we land (kinda like a TSA pre check for covid-19 I guess).
We did our tests through carbon health and did them about 70 hrs before our flight so that we would have the results guaranteed before our flight. We go them by 2pm the next day.
I recommend Alaska Airlines since they seem to be pretty tight with Hawaii.
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Jacques.
Thanks for the report Have a great time.
Aloha.
AnnP
Sadly, I think it’s tine for me to cancel our trip to Hawaii.
Matt C
Had to cancel for January! Couldn’t wait til last minute to have them decide new rules. Mostly everyone has been good to work with except the condo in Kauai not wanting to refund money. Have to wait until 2 weeks out to cancel before a refund and I told them that was unrealistic. And of course the airlines! American travel insurance through Allianz is a joke. Wouldn’t refund money! Why buy the insurance then! This trip was scheduled in Sept. 2019.
Marcel R.
We have been visiting Hawaii for 20years with my wife. We cancelled our trip to Hawaii 4 times this year. We decided to go to Florida this time. Everything it’s so much easy there.
Garrett U.
Does anyone have comments/recommendations for Valut Health that Hawaiian Airlines is offering? We are flying in Feb 2021 to Oahu and heard you get your test results guaranteed the day before your flight. Is this true? Is Valut reliable? Thank you.
Tully M
We cancelled 3 trips to Hawaii this year, the last one being 2 weeks ago. Since the Governor doesn’t seem to have a clue on allowing tourist to visit Hawaii we will be spending our vacation money else where this year and the coming years. It is a shame the Hawaiian politicians cannot get their act together, the people and island is beautiful.
Lynn B
We are planning our Hawaiian experience in 2023. We have other travel plans in 21 and 22, so if we are still here, and Hawaii is there, then by golly, we’re going……it oughta be sorted out by then. Thanks B of H. Aloha
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Lynn.
We’ve got to think we’ll be in a very different place by then. Thanks.
Aloha.
Comments are closed.
Aloha!
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The governor of Hawaii has had months and months to get a plan in place for the reopening of the islands. We all realize the complexities of the Covid Virus, but with no real plan or plans in place it becomes that more complex for visitors and islanders alike. One specific hotel close to airport should be dedicated to quarantine any visitors without test results or until test results can be obtained from testers. National guard could be used for the security of said hotel. If visitors are asked to leave the state for non compliance, or waiting for results, all are in one place and not endangering our citizens. But no!! with no plans in place many people suffer one way or another. It’s not a difficult plan, sounds easier than it is but it could be adjusted. It’s a plan! So where is Hawaii’s. It’s been almost a year now and we still have on the fly rules and ever changing regulations in place. Let’s get together, from governor to mayors to get a real plan in place for visitors and locals alike. Islanders need their businesses open and thriving, and we all need to be safe. It takes a plan of which there is none.
Who pays for Quarantine?
Really why is that even a question? It’s simple the traveler pays or get out! For the governor to even say “if they refuse” is ridiculous! During a pandemic or not theres rules every where. Example to leave the country one must have a passport. But if I refuse to pay will.the government pick up the tab? I think Not! but if they would imply like ige all of a sudden a pile of people will refuse.
The restrictions are only for tourists. Residents are breaking the restrictions rules and seems that no authority cares. The hotels are letting even 10 people in the small jacuzzi without the masks. Local transportation: there is not mandatory distances between passengers and nobody cleans the seats or the holding bars. Many locals has the masks below the nose. What’s the point even wearing it? Nobody are enforcing the restrictions rules. Tourists May came healthy at arrivals and they can get sick by the time of returning to their homes. The rules should be mandatory enforced not just at the airport, but everywhere else. Local residents should not be an exception to the restrictions rules or perhaps they consider themselves immune to the virus?
On the West side residents get tickets while the tourists go lolo. I’ve called Honolulu PD so many times for violations of tourists in Ko Olina and they say they won’t come here. The only people I see not wearing masks in stores are haole and many are tourists.
We are to travel as a family at the end of December. Currently 3 of the 4 state approved testing facilities that are available to us based on where we live have warnings on their websites to not use them for Hawaii travel requirements! That leaves only one option that we will have to hope we can get an appointment with and then drive 3 hours to test in person the day after Christmas. It certainly doesn’t give one that great excitement about a trip to Hawaii. I don’t object at all to the pre arrival test, but there needs to be a better way that allows for those issues that travelers can’t control.
Hi Jennifer,
Following the rules laid for traveling during a pandemic doesn’t leave you with great excitement then don’t due it! Complaining that you can’t get tests done because the mainland testing capacity is stretched and they can’t meet deadlines for Hawaii’s safe travels program is silly and selfish. Hawaii has implemented a safe travels program to allow people like yourself to bypass the now 10 day travel quarantine, be excited and grateful that the option exists! Yes it’s risky, and yes I get that it sucks that your travel plans can be ruined for no fault of your own but that can happen if you are traveling even when not participating in the safe travels program.
With all due respect, you don’t know me or what my practices have been since March. You may see my comment as “selfish and silly” where as I find your comment rude and an ill informed attempt to take a stab at me from behind your keyboard. My family is supported by a career that requires weekly travel and sadly this is the first encounter out of 29 required work trips that All required testing prior to travel where this has been an issue. I responded to the article as I read it. Period. As I stated, I don’t have an issue with the testing. My issue lies in being sent to government approved vendors to be told no.
Hawaii should lock there boarders for the safety of all the native’s and local people of Hawaii our people can get the covid 19 especially us polynesian don’t have the immune to fight this covid 19. Everyone should understand that our people in Hawaii comes first it’s our home and we want our people to safe from this covid 19.
The cluster that is Hawaii state and county government continues. It it any wonder that the state was $10,000,000,000 in debt before COVID? These people are moron. The couldn’t run a Subway sandwich shop–let alone an entire state. Literally everything that state and county governments in Hawaii touches turns to. COVID simply pulled the final Jenga block out of the already teetering tower. The collapse has always been imminent.
So sad what the government is doing to the economy in Hawaii. My extended family all live on the Big Island and my family and I live in Michigan; We had been planned a trip last Spring which got cancelled when covid restrictions hit. Now I haven’t been able to visit my family at all. Instead I flew 8 of us to Key West from Michigan where there are no restrictions and everything is open!
The economy in all those open red states seems to not be doing great either. Even if we were completely open, most people are sensible and not traveling long distances right now because it is in the middle of a pandemic. So all we would have is people coming, who as a group spend less, our economy still would be down and all our kupuna would be dead. We don’t have the medical care that the mainland does, especially on the islands other than O’ahu. Our kupuna are essential to our culture and we want to protect them. So don’t blame our government for trying to protect residents. Blame the feds for letting the mainland pandemic get so out of control!
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: those of us that live in Hawaii are under the governance of complete idiots in Honolulu and the counties. If I lived on the mainland, there’s no way I’d waste my hard earned dollar on all this nonsense. Why do these clown-politicians still draw a paycheck? Shouldn’t they be the first ones in the government furlough?
Ige gets off on oppression of the citizens
Sorry Maui. Two reservations and now two cancellations for us over the past few months. It’s too bad that Hawaiian leadership (?) has decided to push away the economic engine of the islands. You so badly need our money and continually and sadly decide you no longer want it. Mix that lack of decison making with the ever growing anti-mainland commentary seen on so many social media sites and you end up reaping what you sow.
Been coming for 15 years and had an ongoing love affair with the islands. However, it becomes evident when you’re no longer wanted. OK…. We get it. Sigh. Loud and clear.
Hope all of you have a nice holiday season. Maybe we’ll see you in the future. Mahalo!
Hi Terry.
Thanks. Thanks for the feedback on your travels. Happy holidays.
Aloha.
Do you understand what little medical care Maui has? It doesn’t have close to enough for it’s full time residents if the pandemic were at the levels of the mainland. Even if we completely opened travel up, the majority of people are being sensible and not traveling long distances on airplanes and staying at hotels. Our economy would still be bad just like the open parts of the mainland, all we would have would be higher death rates than the mainland and absolutely no medical care. On the mainland you can medivac someone to a major city hospital easily. Hawai’i can’t do that, and even if you could medivac endless patients 7-8 hour flights to LA or SF or Seattle all those hospitals are full.
Has anyone asked the Governor if he has heard of the Golden Rule?
Too bad ‘in over his head’ isn’t grounds for impeaching Ige.
Anyone know if there is a Go Fund Me brain supplement account fbo the Gov?
If I haven’t worn out my welcome, help with a hypothetical question would be sincerely appreciated: We arrive at airport, test results not yet received. Next flight, the following morning, we return with the good news in hand, but wait; ‘your 72 hours have expired’ Is there the slightest chance reason would prevail?
Mahalo & Muchas Gracias from New Mexico.
Hi Dodge.
Let us know how it goes. Thanks for so many comments, since 2009! We’re canceling nothing.
Regarding vaccinations – we don’t know, but of course, remain hopeful for a better time ahead soon.
Aloha.
When my sister flew back home to Hawaii in October, she had her test done at a Walgreens in San Diego and got the results in time, downloaded them without looking at anything other than they were negative. When she arrived in Hawaii, the screener noted that date of screening was more than 72 hrs. prior to landing. Walgreens had put an incorrect date! She was told that she’d have to quarantine for 14 days. While still at the airport, she was able to contact the pharmacist at the Walgreens she went to and he confirmed that the date they entered was incorrect. Fortunately the screener let her through after a supervisor spoke with the pharmacist. So…yes, they are strict about the 72 hours. This was on the first day that 72 hour testing was allowed as a way to not quarantine. Not sure if they would have let her by today if this happened.
With all the indecision by Governor Ige, have the voters of Hawaii considered a recall. Just wondering.
Thanks
Hi Richard.
We haven’t heard of anything much. There is an impeach Ige Facebook page, however.
Aloha.
Just depose the guy. He’s deliberately ruining the most beautiful set-up in history. It’s criminal. They just renovated Waikiki a decade ago. I can’t imagine the bills not getting paid right now and the damage being done in so many ways. So tired of these blue dictators.
Was supposed to fly in sat morning. Took covid test Wednesday morning. Missed flight. Received results 1030p sat evening. Results were over 72 hours old when received. Need to move to 96. Would be there spending money right now.
It’s a blue state. They’re counting on billions and billions of dollars after 1/20. Why be productive when you can destroy capital, then print money we don’t have and bankrupt the nation for our kids and grandkids.
I hear red states are doing really well right now. Oh other than the out of control death rates and the equally bad economies. To turn this into a red vs blue state thing is ridiculous. Why aren’t people mad at the feds who allowed the pandemic on the mainland to get so out of control? If that hadn’t happened, there wouldn’t be nearly as strict travel restrictions.
Having recently returned from the mainland and complied with the mandatory testing I discovered that it is very difficult Define the lab that will get you definite results within the limited time frame provided by the Hawaii government. 72 hours seems reasonable, however we’re Labs on the mainland are not delivering test results for 3 to 7 days there is simply no way that the average person can get a test get a negative result and use it to visit Hawaii! I spoke with numerous people that had many Misadventures with their testing including lost test results confusion can test result delays that wiped out there chance to visit Hawaii. They had to retest at a city that had direct flights to Hawaii at a lab that could produce same-day results since the labs in their home state could not do so! I was amazed at the heroic efforts of the people on my plane to Hawaii to actually overcome the challenges and visit our beautiful state. Frankly, the average person has not begun to put up with all the crap! It is amazing anyone is coming to Hawaii anymore at all oh, this is going to be a big problem and we need to figure out a solution! Testing on arrival makes the most sense. Increasing the timeline so that people at least have a chance to get a test get the results get the information uploaded and get on a plane and get out here. Not everyone can jump on a flight and come straight to Hawaii if you’re coming from the East Coast you have to have connecting flights and this adds time we can put you outside the window! Very frustrating very spooky.
Most of our regular visitors aren’t trying to travel right now in the middle of a massive pandemic. They’re not getting on 7-8 hour flights where people won’t wear masks and get on knowing they are COVID positive (look at the recent flight from SF) wand they’re not staying in hotels because they realize that’s lolo. Aloha goes both ways, respect is reciprocal. Our kupuna are vital to our culture and our ohanas, you’re basically saying screw them, you deserve to be here. We can do without visitors who have absolutely no respect for our island or our people. Mahalo.
These are the nails in the coffin of Hawaiis economy,and they are not coming out any time soon.The governor is just following orders like most Democrat governors and some Republicans are.
I don’t know, from what I understand the mainland’s economy is even worse and far more people are dying. Blue and red, the latter especially horrific when it comes to death rates. Putting our ohana’s lives at risk for a group of tourists who don’t respect our right to life, and aren’t spending nearly as much as our regular tourists, many of whom realize traveling so far via airplane and hotel during a national pandemic is lolo, is pupule.
Yay keep the rich howlies who post fake pics and love trump crying!
I am here, sitting in my room because I am visiting family. I got my test at one of the partners 72 hours before departure. The lab did not pick up the test until 2 days later. I received a negative result the morning after I arrived. Now I’m still sitting here inside, because of something beyond my control.
That’s a racist comment and it’s down right rude. That’s one reason I’ll never go back to Hawaii. Don’t call your meal ticket names.
nothing he said was ‘racist’. just because you were offended about him speaking about white folks doesn’t make the statement racist either.
the islands were colonized and taken by force. way of life and living destroyed. turned into a playground for rich white americans and europeans primarily. and now they bitch and moan about hawaii ‘needing’ them to survive. pimp hawaii for everything it has but call yourself a ‘meal ticket’. the irony and cognitive dissonance is sad.
If you think haole is racist, you don’t know anything about Hawai’i. Portagee, haole, kanaka, we have no problem calling our mixed backgrounds nicknames.I’m a hapa haole My dad is full blooded kanaka maoli or Native Hawai’ian and my mom is haole. I call myself a haole and trust me I deal with actual racism when it comes to my full Native half. Sometime people talk beef about certain haoles but that’s just saying those white people are being jerks. There’s also good haoles. It’s not a racial slur. It’s Hawai’ian for foreigner. And yes, haoles are foreigners here. My Polynesian brothers and sisters and ohana are the natives.
By the way telling us to behave exactly how you want us to because you consider yourself our “meal ticket” is far more offensive than anything you’ve said. We should risk the health of our keiki and kupuna because your vacation is far more important than local lives, and we shut up and smile. I just got out of a very abusive relationship ending in a cracked skull, and that rational you just shared is honestly no different than my ex’s reasoning.
Hawai’i can survive without abusive tourists who have no respect for our people, culture or land.
Right? Talking beef about our blue state, sitting on the mainland where a pandemic is out of control because of the federal government and in their red states people are dropping like flies and their economies aren’t doing well either. Hawai’i totally needs more visitors who don’t give a crap about our people and our land… not. These are the people taking the super cheap deals and flights… they aren’t putting as much into our economy as they think they are. The majority of guests here right now over in Ko Olina are being super cheap, at least all the ones I’ve dealt with.
Our respectful visitors who have brains will be back after the pandemic. The ones who realize getting on long flights and staying at hotels in the middle of a pandemic going to a remote island with minimal health care.
How my health care was first and we’re getting the vaccine can I use my vaccine card to say that I got the vaccine could you please let me know
How my health care was first and we’re getting the vaccine can I use my vaccine card to say that I got the vaccine could you please let me know
Hi Donna.
Nothing from the state yet on those who have been vaccinated. We’ll update as soon as we know more.
Aloha.
This is truly a challenge for everyone. We were going to use one of the “trusted partners “ but CVS & Walgreens stated that they will not guarantee results within the 72 hours required by Hawaii!
We used Costco/Azova that cost over $150 each. We see now that United Airlines will do a test in San Francisco, the final leg of our journey. That gives us about six hours for our results.
Quarantine should not be an issue. We are planning on becoming residents but with all the uncertainties surrounding this pandemic who can be sure.
Thanks for your article. It really helps.
Hi Robert.
Thanks. Good luck with the process. Let us know how it goes.
Aloha.
If you’re becoming residents you should understand we are a very remote group of islands, with little health care services on every island but O’ahu and even here our medical care isn’t great and isn’t nearly enough for our locals let alone a group of tourists bringing diseases to our incredibly vulnerable population. We have a lot of kupuna here and they are central to our culture and wee value them greatly. We’re trying to protect them and our keiki. We don’t have the resources for an outbreak like the mainland. If we get to the same levels as almost any state in the continuous 48 it would be a disaster. We always welcome people who respect our people and culture. But you have to understand the reality here. Mahalo.
We travel from the Northeast coast of Portland, Maine where flights have at least 2 stops and are very long. In Maine there are only 2 trusted sources for testing – CVS & Walgreens. Unfortunately, testing appts. are 3 days out and quickly filled. I had to cancel a trip when the test results were not received within the 72 hr timeframe. I also had to travel 35 miles from my home to secure an appt. I also tried to reschedule my departure from Portland, Maine to Boston, Massachusetts, hoping that a just a one-stop flight from Boston to Maui would help. Unfortunately, I didn’t receive my results in time. This trip was costly because I took a bus from Maine to Massachusetts and return and paid for a hotel since my flight was scheduled for 6am from Boston. The recent ruling of needing the Covid test loaded on Safe Travels (originally printed) before landing in Hawaii was impossible for me. Unfortunately, I am 70 years old and not tech savvy. I’ve never asked for special treatment but could time, distance and age be considered? We travel to 3 Hawaiian Islands yearly, for a total of 4 trips. Please be more flexible, 96hrs is more doable for us from afar. I also agree with a second test when arriving. On returning home, I will be tested so I can see my grandchildren. Thanks
Hi Patty.
Thanks for sharing your testing experiences. We can only hope that gets easier.
Aloha.
Unfortunately it’s vital that someone in your position does have the results of a COVID test. We don’t have the medical care here on the islands for residents let alone visitors. You would not want to get ill with COVID here. On Maui there’s only 29 ICU beds. Most are already full even with our lower COVID rate. The other islands are even lower and fuller and while O’ahu has more, it’s not nearly enough for our population let alone tourists. That’s one of the main reasons it’s vital to keep the rate down here. If we had the same rate that most mainland states have our ICU beds would be full and there’d be thousands and thousands who need one. There’s no easy transfers here, even if you could medivac 5-6 hour flights, SF, LA and Seattle are all already full. That’s a huge reason we’re so strict here, we do not have the medical care to support the current mainland rates.
If you follow our summer news, there were so many people lying to get around quarantine and causing problems. Unfortunately once you allow one exception there’s thousands of unethical tourists who will lie and try to get the same. It would completely crush our existing system.
It’s probably a good time to stay home right now. Like I said we respect our kupuna a lot here, my father is 75 and even with my own severe autoimmune disease I’ve been protecting him like crazy. Our condo building has people who own just to rent and we’ve had so many tourists even during quarantine violating every single requirement and continuing to refuse wearing masks, holding 20+ person parties, having groups of almost 20 crammed into small condos, there’s 18 people from different groups down in our hot tub now. It’s not safe and I’m driving myself crazy trying to protect my own father. For someone your age, I’d stay home and then come back and visit our wonderful state in the summer or next winter when COVID gets under control.
We’re not doing this to be jerks. We’re trying to protect our citizens and tourists!
Practical question here: can you fly back in the middle of the 14 days quarantine? I.e. can I break the quarantine to go to the airport and take a flight home or am I supposed to be stuck on the island for 14 days once I set foot?
That would be crazy but so is the whole situation…
Yes you can leave. They’ve sent back people they’ve found violating quarantine before opening up.
Aloha, we are scheduled to fly to the beautiful island of Maui on January 1st. We have a short term rental through March 10th, so we are going to do our best to make this work. We’ve spoken with testing partner organizations and will probably choose Walgreens. As I understand the results must be in our hands 72 hours before we board our last flight (SEA to OGG). Let’s say that flight leaves at 1:00. Would we need to allow for the time difference between Minneapolis and Seattle when we schedule our tests? Obviously I don’t want to exceed the maximum numbers of hours just because of different time zones. Thank you for any advice! These are crazy times and I check your website on a regular basis! Mahalo!
Hi Judith.
That needs to be within 72 hours of your 1pm flight. That’s anytime after 3pm in MSP 3 days earlier.
Aloha.
I am currently on quarantine with my family of 5 because the State of Hawaii will not accept a test done by a government lab but a damn COSTCO at home test and a Japanese government test is accepted as a Trusted partner. Such a poor system and we will not be helping stimulate the economy when we get out of this. Hawaii is not the same welcoming island we thought we were returning to. All our tests were negative, uploaded to the system before travel, and we even called to get an approval before we boarded and they refused. Attorney General office won’t help, LT Governor Green’s office won’t help, Governor Ige office won’t help. The State is not paying for anything or helping. So sad. Will tell everyone I know not to visit Hawaii right now! Change needs to happen now. No more dragging your feet!
So you didn’t follow instructions and yet someone else is to blame.
I don’t get these entitled attitudes.
My wife and I are in Maui right now enjoying life. Thanks Costco/Azova for a great test (better than most state tests), and excellent execution. And thanks to me for following instructions!
I wonder when Governor Ige will start a Go Fund Me page for the state. Income from tourist generated taxes are not coming in and state workers will soon be added to the growing list of people affected by this economic disaster. Hawaii’s economy is already in a downward spiral, and it will continue its descent with the governor’s indecisiveness. Additionally, more trusted testing partners are needed as travelers to Hawaii do not have very many options for COVID testing, and it’s a hassle trying to find a provider that will get the test done in time for travel. Something positive must be done to bring back the all-important tourist dollars.
What about returning residents? Test upon arrival and wait the days in quarantine till receiving test results. I couldnt get a trusted site test in CA. All slots were filled. With Thanksgiving being a holiday, and I was returning monday. I was literally screws AND forced the 14 day quarantine. Not right. Thank you.for letting me vent.
We have followed Beat of Hawaii for long time. 5 trips to Kauai and a total of 10 trips to the Islands in 50 years. It appears that what is left is great memories. 3 weeks in Kauai in Jan. for our 50th anniversary is now absolutely canceled. I feel so sorry for the many condo (Kuhio Shores) owners. What happens when some of them have to go file chapter 7. We are only a party of 2 but over $12,000. will not be going to a Hawaii vacation.
After cancelling the Anxiety is gone and feel a great sense of Freedom by not dealing with constant rule changes by political people. Where do we go now…We like San Diego area but they are closed down. Phoenix has great resorts, but we live here….. Sedona is our favorite go to place…..
Hi Ed.
Thanks for following BOH for, as you said, a long time, and for letting us know about canceling your trip. Your first comment was nearly five years ago.
Aloha.
We spent 9 days on Kauai at the end of October. Tested with Vault, received quick results, no problems. We spent 14 days on the Big Island after Thanksgiving again used Vault for testing, received results on Thanksgiving day. Both islands are beautiful and uncrowded. Both trips were planned a year in advance so we decided to do our best to go. All locals in the tourism industry were so grateful to be working and to have visitors spending money on their islands. I realize that rules are changing regularly but if you follow the rules, use a reliable trusted partner for testing, wear your mask,be cooperative with temp taking and hand sanitizer use and be prepared with your QR code throughout your trip, it can be an amazing experience.
Aloha. I a friend’s daughter just arrived from college and of course had to quarantine as it was on Kauai. The paperwork she got told her her quarantine was for 10 days after arrival, so even though there has been no official proclamation (only the Governor saying he will do it), the TSA/airport police etc has changed the 14 days to 10 days. Not that will do any visitor any good, but for family of residents and residents returning home, its a bit better.
By the way, an owner of a home or condo can quarantine in their own place. If you do arrive and your test does not come in, the PD has a list of official quarantine hotels.
It was very difficult to be tested within that 72hr time line we werent sure
What test was needed. We figured it out that Walgreens was our travel safe partner. Not CVS ! We had to look every day for
A week in order to apply For the test. It was only allowed three days at a time you really had to be patient. It was worth the effort because he we’re in paradise. Thanks Mele Kalikamaka
Hi Nicholas.
Thanks for your update on testing.
Aloha.
I want to know what the plan is going to be for people who get the vaccine? I have a trip planned for April and as a hospital worker I will be getting vaccinated any day now.
Thanks for the updates! Good to get some perspective.
Just for my own anecdote, when the Kauai changes were announced over Thanksgiving, my wife and I changed our travel to Maui. Aside from that stress, it’s actually worked out really well. Did our test through Carbon Health 2 days early, got the results back within 24 hours, had a light flight (many middle seats left open) on Alaska, and thanks to the Star Travels and Alaska pre-screening stuff, avoided any line when we arrived. Once at the resort it’s been a slice of paradise. Some changes like masking up to walk around between things and limited dine in services are different as expected, but it’s 90% the same as what we remembered from prior travels. We’ve made a point to get out of the resort more and contribute to as many local places as we can too. In general folks are very welcoming and accommodating.
So moral of the story is that it can work for you with a lot of prep and patience, plus a healthy amount of luck. I don’t doubt that many people haven’t been able to make it work, but many have. YMMV. Good luck and hope there will be more success stories to come.
Hi Ethan.
Thanks. Nice to hear a success story. Yes, complicated, but as you said, it can work out well.
Aloha.
Drama Queens everywhere…
Honestly, do some research into the good testing options, have a backup plan (like CVS or Walgreens who will accommodate in most cases), and go.
My wife and I are here now, used Costco/Azova who did a great job with our testing, and we’re loving it.
If you want it to be too complicated, it will be. If you truly want to come to Hawaii, you can.
Stop being a Karen and you’ll be saying Aloha in no time!
I don’t know where you traveled from but coming from California it was not that easy. Many places required you to have symptoms or you were not a priority or they just refused testing. Our friends flew to Houston first to get tested just to come to Oahu. Karen or not you are talking about one instance and don’t know what others had to go through. You have to admit the testing before you fly with a group of unknown people is not the way to protect the people here.
I took my test at home, with a video witness. Easy as pie. No problem at all.
How long did it take to get your test results from Costco?
Tested Monday at 1230pm. At home kit came with a next day air box, prepaid. Arrived Tuesday at 1023am. At the lab at 236pm. Test results back Wednesday morning. We left Thursday.
The only trusted testing option in my area was Walgreens Quest and they were all booked out when i needed my test. I did my test through vault right as the clock struck 71:59 before my flight. Luckily my test came back in time but not all people have the testing options which you may have where you live.
Everyone can get the Costco/Azova in home test. Do the research! It’s all on Hawaii’s website (which ain’t the greatest, I’ll admit).
Hi. What island are you on? I thought Kauai was completely closed? I own timeshares there and cannot rent them. Marriott is not treating owners fairly at all. I had to pay exorbitant maintenance fees last year in Dec & January and had use of 1 week. Had to rent it Now the bills are coming due again. I cannot afford this anymore. Can’t sell them either. I wish there was a way to connect with other owners but we are fighting city hall. Sad.
By the way, my name is Karen.
We’re on Maui.
Testing program is broken. It was not very well thoughtout. 72hrs isn’t enough time to receive a cofirmed test. It generally takes up to 96hrs. Most of the partners websites will tell you in most cases you will need to find a local onsite testing location in your area and yet most won’t confirm a 72hr response. My father is travelling from AZ week of Xmas and because his flight is on a Tuesday Walgreen (only site available) says if the test is taken on Saturday there is not guarantee the test will be delivered on time. Most of HI partners only serve the West coast or specific locations. Testing program needs to be fixed as to better serve our own community not just our visitors. Very frustrating. BTW, just finished my 4th quaranteen
Stephen I’m in AZ and just got back from Maui. This what we did. If your fathers flight is 12/22 he need to go to Walgreens site on 12/15 at about 5pm AZ time (start looking at 4:30pm$ to get an appt for 12/19. Do the Rapid ID test. We had our result back in 2hrs on 11/25. I’ve advised a few other people going and it worked for them too.
Yes – almost impossible to find 72 hr test in the Bay Area. Most trusted partners have pulled out of the program in this area. Costco test is a crap shoot. Best bet is to fly United out of SFO and try to get an appt with their on-site partner.
I don’t know of a single person who followed the Costco/Azova instructions and didn’t get their test back in time.
The reviews in Costco’s website are tainted by people who didn’t follow instructions. Frankly, in most cases it’s abundantly clear they didn’t even read them!!!
At this point, if you choose to travel to Hawaii you choose to take the risks of full Quarantine (if no test results pre flight). If you are stuck in full Quarantine (10 or 14 days makes no difference), you can’t complain. Don’t get me wrong, I think these policies are beyond ridiculous and have now cancelled 3 trips to Maui this year (most recent was depart 12/17 through end of year). Instead of the Govt making it so difficult to travel to Hawaii, why don’t they just close the doors and toss the keys? Reopen with no rules after everyone has had their opportunity to get vaccinated (or create rule for those who choose not to vaccinate). This shouldn’t be so difficult.
Mahalo, BOH, for your timely communications!
Hi Tracy.
Thanks. We appreciate all of your comments.
Aloha.
I want to know what the plan is going to be for people who get the vaccine? I have a trip planned for April and as a hospital worker I will be getting vaccinated any day now.
I canceled a 2 week trip to Maui due to the uncertainty of getting results in time. Extending the 72 hrs prior would help a lot.
Thank you BOH for your updates, they have been helpful. My wife and I will be flying to Maui tomorrow. We are excited. I’m from Maui so it will be nice to see family.
We are flying Alaska Airlines and they seem to have it together. We’ll be getting wrist bands to by pass screening when we land (kinda like a TSA pre check for covid-19 I guess).
We did our tests through carbon health and did them about 70 hrs before our flight so that we would have the results guaranteed before our flight. We go them by 2pm the next day.
I recommend Alaska Airlines since they seem to be pretty tight with Hawaii.
Hi Jacques.
Thanks for the report Have a great time.
Aloha.
Sadly, I think it’s tine for me to cancel our trip to Hawaii.
Had to cancel for January! Couldn’t wait til last minute to have them decide new rules. Mostly everyone has been good to work with except the condo in Kauai not wanting to refund money. Have to wait until 2 weeks out to cancel before a refund and I told them that was unrealistic. And of course the airlines! American travel insurance through Allianz is a joke. Wouldn’t refund money! Why buy the insurance then! This trip was scheduled in Sept. 2019.
We have been visiting Hawaii for 20years with my wife. We cancelled our trip to Hawaii 4 times this year. We decided to go to Florida this time. Everything it’s so much easy there.
Does anyone have comments/recommendations for Valut Health that Hawaiian Airlines is offering? We are flying in Feb 2021 to Oahu and heard you get your test results guaranteed the day before your flight. Is this true? Is Valut reliable? Thank you.
We cancelled 3 trips to Hawaii this year, the last one being 2 weeks ago. Since the Governor doesn’t seem to have a clue on allowing tourist to visit Hawaii we will be spending our vacation money else where this year and the coming years. It is a shame the Hawaiian politicians cannot get their act together, the people and island is beautiful.
We are planning our Hawaiian experience in 2023. We have other travel plans in 21 and 22, so if we are still here, and Hawaii is there, then by golly, we’re going……it oughta be sorted out by then. Thanks B of H. Aloha
Hi Lynn.
We’ve got to think we’ll be in a very different place by then. Thanks.
Aloha.