388 thoughts on “Visitors Cancel as Governor Won’t Change Rules + Who Pays Quarantine?”
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.
Comments are closed.
Aloha!
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
Stay abreast of the latest island travel news, tips, deals, and more. Subscribe to our FREE newsletter and let Hawaii come to you. Mahalo!
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.