Why Airlines Just Pressed Pause on Hawaii Deals and Ramp-Up

Last week started with the beginning of flight resumption announcements from Hawaiian Airlines. Ten routes are set to resume starting August 1. What happened after that, took a different tone. With ongoing delays in decisions and communications, tourism stakeholders and visitors are once again left waiting for answers.

We were expecting to see Hawaii deals this week, and we still may. So what happened? The airlines have put some brakes on their Hawaii roll-out fanfare due to a lack of adequate information from the state. This after Hawaiian Airlines announced it will add hundreds of flights to its schedule starting next month.

Airlines and hoteliers remain uncertain as to exactly what Hawaii’s next announcement will be and when it will happen. Both sectors want to get going, and Hawaii needs to assure you with a clear, definitive plan so you can begin your Hawaii vacation with confidence. Complicating matters further, this comes as outbreaks on the mainland continue to spread.

Meanwhile, we have noticed distinctly more rental cars on the Kauai highway and more visitors at Hanalei as of yesterday. Things are changing, albeit slowly.

The State of Hawaii Needs to Make a Decision and not use a Crystal Ball.

Hawaii officials have realized that testing within 72 hours of departure, as had been announced, isn’t practical at this time. You have said as much in scores of comments. The state is scheduled to release an update at any time and we are awaiting that.

Here’s what we know and what we expect to have happen next:

1. PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure sounds good on paper but isn’t practical. We believe it will be changed from three days to either five or seven days. The reality is that visitors cannot reliably expect to receive results unless that 3-day window is increased.

2. What happens when visitors can’t produce test results? That still presents unmanageable problems for both the visitors and the state. If a visitor does not receive their test results in time to present them on arrival, the 14-day period is reduced to be the time when they actually receive the results.

3. Will other tests be accepted? That is not clear at this time.

4. Is a testing on arrival provision coming? We continue to believe it is, since without it there are too many issues. Otherwise, visitors must go into isolation, which isn’t workable, or they must return to the mainland, which is equally implausible.

5. What is the minimum age associated with the testing requirements for children? Is it age 2 or something different?

6. How will international arrival requirements be handled? We have heard nothing, but Canadian visitors in particular are asking for answers.

7. Who will pay the cost for tests? With tests costing up to $160 per person (according to the governor), who will foot that bill. The state says that they will not, but we aren’t so sure that will continue to be the answer.

8. Where are the details of the CVS testing partnership? The state health department said last week they had signed an agreement, but there has been no news on the all-important details. Visitor Lisa just said “I talked to CVS today. They said they have no plans to allow testing for travel. You have to have symptoms. And the results are now taking 7 days or more…”

9. What would happen is you have positive test results? Some airlines have indicated you’ll receive a refund for a failed temperature test, but what about a C0VID test? And what about other expenses like accommodations and car rentals?

112 thoughts on “Why Airlines Just Pressed Pause on Hawaii Deals and Ramp-Up”

  1. I booked a vacation to Kona for 6 people for August 6; a trip I booked and paid for in January. With the 3 day testing window in force, I felt it was too risky to my sizable investment, so I canceled everything. Hawaii’s restrictions may further harm their economy, as many people won’t want to gamble their money on whether or not they can fly. I get it, but I’m done with a Hawaii vacation for awhile. Maybe the Caribbean.

    1. Almost everyone I talk to feels the same and won’t be traveling to Hawaii until all testing requirements are dropped, and airlines and travelers have 100% assurance that their plans aren’t going to be impacted by unnecessary government bureaucracy.

  2. Aloha Guys!

    You said, “PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure…” Is this a specific type of test, and how is it administered. If so, why would they limit it to one specific test type? It appears the Government has a horrible case of “Island Time”, when it comes to making decisions on this issue, as they continue to demolish the Hawaiian Economy! I know Governments are slow, but things like this are why Ige has an abysmal 20% approval rating! SMH

    Mahalo Guys!

    1. Hi Jim.

      Thanks. We have the same question on test types and just published a post that includes that. Certainly hope to know more soon.

      Aloha.

  3. Hi Ya’ll, I’m back. I feel like I am posting annoyingly often. Supposed to fly to Kauai on August 15. I was on the phone this morning with quest. They said most test results are taking 7 to 9 days and they were unsure at this point if I could get tested at a drive up location for travel. I asked if there was an expedited test where we would pay more out of pocket and receive the results quicker. I was unable to get an answer on that. I then called CVS. They still have not added a travel criteria for testing as of now. I then called my local doctor and was told I could schedule a tele-visit 5 days prior to the desired testing date and discuss it with my doctor. This sounded promising until she followed this up with …”no promises”. I need to cancel two weeks ahead of travel to not lose my time share weeks.
    For what it’s worth, I talked to someone at Hanalei Bay resort and they are betting that tourism does not open on August 1 due to rising cases in Oahu. I guess we need to hang loose for a few weeks and make a decision then. Thanks again for keeping us posted. I’ll keep checking in with BoH. Appreciate your work.

  4. We are relocating to Kona on August 6th, we have set up with a lab where we live now to have our test done on the 3rd, I understand that should we not get our test results until after we arrive we have to go into quarantine but when our results arrive as Negative we will then be released from quarantine. My question is to whom do we call and/or give our results to – to be released? There seems to be a gap at this point in the instructions.

    1. Hi Paula,

      The reality is that there are more questions than answers, at this point, but guaranteed that you will receive instructions from officials at the Airport, as you will have to fill out paperwork for where you are staying, length of visit, and to determine if you have test results or not, etc…they should have the information for sure at that point, but you will likely have answers before you leave. I wouldn’t hold my breath at the speed the Hawaii Government is moving though! Haha!

      Aloha!

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