What visitors need to know now about Hawaii travel.
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574 thoughts on “Hawaii Delays Reopening Amid Failed Pre-Travel Testing Plans”
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What visitors need to know now about Hawaii travel.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
Comments are closed.
In addition to the problems in some areas of locating someone to provide a C0vid-19 test prior to departing for Hawaii, there is the added consideration of tourists becoming infected after the test and before traveling. Lengthening the allowable window for pre-testing from 3 days to 5 would make that issue more problematic. So
Although thermal testing at airports will reduce that risk, asymptomatic individuals do not present with elevated temperatures, so would escape detection. The stark fact is, that in order for our State to survive economically, Hawaii residents will have to accept a higher infection rate than we have now. It is inevitable.
Testing upon arrival remains the easiest and most effective remedy.
Perhaps the governor of Hawaii should just come out and say he doesn’t want tourists to Hawaii anymore. We are going to be facing this virus for a while. We have to take precautions, but we also have to use common sense. If Hawaii’s numbers are beginning to go up which according to the news I read is correct, how can you blame it on the tourists? If everyone would begin wearing masks and wear them consistently for a month, my guess is we would see the numbers on the mainland and in Hawaii go down considerably. It’s too bad that can’t be mandated.
I know things are going to change multiple times between now and mid September when I’m supposed to come. So I’ll just hold tight since I’m lucky enough to be able to cancel up to a week before. Just keeping my fingers crossed. Thanks for all the updates.
Hi Jo.
Thank you. You have a good flexible attitude. Yes, it will change more than once.
Aloha.
Canada is on the safe countries list for Europe. Hawaii was considering the safe countries list initially.
I can’t get tested here unless I have symptoms but I would be willing to pay for a test on arrival. We do not have CVS pharmacy here.
Allow visitors with family in the islands only
How will testing on arrival work when many Southwest connections in HNL and OGG are less than one hour??? Guess this means yet another schedule change from Southwest…ughh
Still wait for directions for testing. Allowing a test with a 4 to 6 day window is work able, partnering with CVS to provide travel testing with results access to Hawaii . What about text stations in major mainland airports where travelers can get a test before going through security and have results emailed to testee before landing in Hawaii, 5 hrs later. Waiting for final outcome our flight is Aug 2, hope we can go!!!!
Thank you for this article, as well as all of the articles and information regarding the restart of tourism for Hawai’i. I agree the potential cost is excessive and can be a deterrent for potential tourists. I am a bit concerned that all of the details regarding the pre-travel testing haven’t been figured out, or at least announced to the public. For travelers going on August 1 to Hawai’i, I would think they need to know as soon as possible what the pre-travel testing will entail, so they can plan accordingly.
I have a few items that I think need clarification:
1. Whatever the agreed timeframe should be for getting a test prior to travel – 72 hours, 96 hours, 120 hours – is that relating to departure time or arrival time?
2. Depending on the answer for item 1, that may be an issue depending on from where in the U.S. someone is traveling. I live in Chicago. United has a nonstop flight from ORD to HNL. For reference purposes, I checked their flight schedule for a random Thursday in August, and the nonstop is scheduled to depart at 9:30am CST and land in Honolulu at 1:33pm local time, which is 6:33pm CST. Thus, if the test is supposed to be taken 72 hours prior to arrival, that means I would have to get tested on Monday around 6:30pm. Would testing sites such as CVS be doing tests for travel at that time? I would think some leeway in this regard would be needed to accommodate for time differences and what not. This same issue goes with the departure time. Some places only do testing during certain hours. Maybe that will change for travel-related testing. Like the article mentioned, there are additional layers to this issue for travelers with layovers and/or stopovers.
3. If you take a test on a Friday or during the weekend, will receiving the results take longer?
4. I think the approved test is the PCR test. For whatever places do the testing, will we have to specifically ask for that test or will the testing sites only offer the approved kind of test?
5. I assume we would have to make an appointment to get these pre-travel tests. If so, how far out do they need to be scheduled? Will we have to show proof of an airline reservation as justification of needing a test for travel purposes?
6. Per the article, if you did get a pre-travel test, but you don’t have the results upon landing in Hawai’i, you would need to quar antine until you receive the negative results. Once you do get the results, how do you get a hold of someone to say something along the lines of “Hey, I have my test results, and they are negative. How do I show you the proof so that I can go out and be a responsible tourist?”
7. Once you do show proof of a negative test, is there something you keep on you to show that you are exempt from the 14-day quar antine, whether it be a piece of paper, an e-mail, or something, just in case you are questioned? I think this is imperative for when you are going to rent a car, check into your accommodations, etc. How do you let these places know that you are exempt? Because you tested negative, you should be able to rent a car, come and go from the hotel, go places, all while being a responsible tourist.
Hopefully, everyone’s concerns, questions, and what not are addressed with the release of the additional details regarding the pre-travel testing…or testing on arrival if the state decides to offer that service using a private testing partner.
Thank you, as always, Beat of Hawai’i!
Hi Zach.
Thanks. We hope to have the answers sooner than later.
Aloha.
{SEATTLE}.Also WHO will be monitoring the Reading of the TESTS? Will it be a SEPARATE entity from the Airline or TSA?
Hi there, the other issue with temperature testing which happened to me the other day is the issue of taking temperatures in hot weather. I had taken my temperature before leaving the house. When I got to the Orthopedic office she took again and it was a little higher. My daughter a medical practitioner told me that Temperature can be affected by weather. When you arrive Hawaii you walk out on hot tarmac and into the heat which may affect your body temperature!!
Aloha,
Can you please give me an answer to this scenario?
Let’s say I test negative before going to Hawaii and I have the test results and allowed to board the plane. And let’s say Hawaii does a temperature check when I land (it will only be hours, but let’s say).
Now, my 2 week vacation is over. Do I have to get tested again in order to get on the plane to return home?
My 2 week vacation is the first week of November.
Mahalo,
Guy F.
Hi Guy.
As far as we know you won’t test again to return. Who knows what the future will bring however.
Aloha.
We have been coming to Hawaii (mostly to Kauai) for 3 to 4 weeks each July for the last 15+ years. I generally plan the trip 9 or 10 months in advance at significant cost. We naturally had to cancel this year but were grateful that all monies were refunded. Thinking ahead to 2021, it is hard to imagine the endless logistics / time constraints of getting C19 testing ahead of a trip and also sweating that thousands of dollars that will be at risk of a false positive or other type of logistical snafu. Sadly, I will just sit back and see where at this goes. We love Hawaii and the people of Hawaii and hope that their physical, mental, emotional and economic health survives these uncertain times. Much love & aloha. Phil V
Hi Phil.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Thanks for your interest in Kauai & Hawaii. I appreciate the way you both embrace & communicate the complexity of Hawaii via the Beat of Hawaii.
I hope all Hawaiians and others who live on the islands are well.
I hope each of you embrace guests from afar when you are ready.
Aloha
Hi John.
Thanks very much!
Aloha.
My wife and I were planning an October trip to Maui and Kauai for about 2 weeks. With all the uncertainty, I seriously doubt if we will make that trip in 2020. I feel bad about all the places we have known and loved on both islands, all the boat trips and diving trips and the great restaurants. We’ve been to Hawaii about 25 times but this might be the end. It’s a long way from Chicago (Mexico is closer and cheaper) and Mexico really wants our business. I believe that Maui and Kauai have the absolute right to protect their citizens but they need to be careful that they don’t slay the golden goose from the mainland. Aloha!
Hi John.
Thanks.
Aloha.
IMHO anyone travelling any time soon is taking a HUGE risk on so many things and causing both more personal and financial stress to navigate the hoops. I get the pent up desire and want/need to experience Hawaii once again. However, folks, just about everything in life changed about 5 months ago and we all need to re-evaluate our priorities. The mainland states as well as other countries’ covid numbers are mounting at alarming levels. The virus does not have waves…only people who are not adhering to a ‘new world order’ of rules. Travel of any kind just adds to the numbers and own personal risk. Thinking and planning how to navigate or fool the virus is not going to make it go away, nor defeat new cases…only getting new cases numbers down to manageable is going to do that. YEAH, I get the economy of the whole thing, but stay home, spend your $$ closer to home for a year or so and support those businesses/people. We all need to do our part, not be like a spoiled child that is trying to figure out a work around.
Aloha!
Could you please submit a suggestion to the Lt Governor?
It takes up to five days on the mainland to get the Covid 19 test results after they take the test and then a day inflight to reach Hawaii from the East Coast. Could they please extend the requirement to a 6 day pre testing instead of five? This is so nerve wracking for all of us . . . Hawaii officials, full time residents and visitors/tourists. Here’s hoping they can come up with a workable solution. 🤞🙏🤞Mahalo!
Hi Karen.
We hope so too. Thank you.
Aloha.
There are rapid tests available for the public. Results are in 30 minutes. We have them in the Bay Area of California
On July 1, Quest and LabCorp reports their testing bandwidth capacity has been exceeded. How can one get testing completed in time? https://abcnews.go.com/Health/quest-labcorp-warn-coronavirus-testing-delays-demand-surges/story?id=71555595
I know we are modeling this after Alaska, but cases are spiking there rapidly. Makes me worry for the safety of Hawaii.
Alaska is also testing more than Hawaii. Alaska did over 19k tests over the last week revealing 162 new cases. That’s a 0.8% positive rate.
Compare that with Hawaii performing 8.4k revealing 84 cases. 1.0% positive.
Alaska is honestly doing better than Hawaii.
I’d also add that Alaska’s population is approximately half that of Hawaii. So on a per capita basis, they’re testing 4x as much as Hawaii.
On May 6, Alaska had 10 people who had died of the virus. They currently have 14 who have died from the virus. 4 people in two months. In my own county in California, which is a “tourist destination”, we’ve had two deaths from the virus. Both from gentlemen over 85 years of age. But in the meantime, we’ve had 9 deaths from drug overdoses. Unfortunately, the drug overdoses don’t get any headlines.
Mahalo to BOH for keeping us up to date.
Hi Curtis.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Aloha from Canada. We have been coming to Kauai for years staying longer and longer every time-Two
Months last time! We go to church in Kapaa and go fishing every day! We know many locals and wish them well during this crazy time. We just confirmed our condo dates with KVRE but have no idea what Alaska Airlines will be offering for flight times and so forth. What about Canadian visitors? I’m assuming it will be the same requirement but will we have a test here there and everywhere? We love your website
And so appreciate the up to date information. Still not sure what we will do… stay safe for sure but hoping it’s not back to 2011- get a bag of rice and catch some fish to survive. Keep up the good work.
Karen
Hi Karen.
Thank you!
Aloha.
Hey BOH,
Thank you so much for the updates. I have twice cancelled trips to Maui this year… but I still have rescheduled for December. The dramatic increase in cases on the Mainland, albeit without a dramatic increase in hospitalizations or death rate, is cause of concern for Hawaii. The overall case numbers on the Islands, means that very little immunity (if that is even possible) exists. The reopening of tourism will mean an increase in cases, that really isn’t to be debated. What I am most concerned about is how the leadership of Hawaii will respond to that increase in cases. I miss the islands, and all of the great people who provide the services and experiences that makes every trip special. Stay safe! I hope to see you again soon.
Hi Jared.
Thanks for your comments.
Aloha.
Aloha – I would rather see testing prior to flight going/returning to/from Hawaii since I do not want to sit on a flight with someone who is contagious.
Just me
Thanks for all of your information
Mahalo
Hi Marilyn.
Thanks! Good to hear from you.
Aloha.
If Hawaii did provide the tests for free, I’ve got to believe that the cost would be tenths of a percent vs. the increase in tax revenue received from the increased number of visitors. Plus employment, lower unemployment payments, etc.
After reading this article, the decision is an easy one, I’ll go elsewhere for my winter vacations.
No matter how hard you try, some positive tourist/residents will arrive.
PJ
I’m confident this will all get sorted out in time. No need to worry. Anybody who wants to travel to Hawaii after August 1st will be able to do so. Not as easily as before, but it won’t be a major hassle.
Implementing a 5 day prior testing period would make it possible for travelers like my family that have tickets for flights early in the week. It would also allow more time to adjust travel planss if one of us gets a positive result. Some tests have high numbers of false positives, which remains a problem. I don’t mind paying the fee for the testing. Actually I’m praying that by November this will be over!
So complicated- and expensive! As eager as we are to vacation on Maui, there is no way going forward with a trip until we have a working vaccine. The State has to be careful, I can understand that, but we have to be able to travel with confidence. Here’s hoping that we’ll all be in a better place this time next year. Until then, we’ll be following the Federal guidelines and staying home- who needs the risk and aggravation!
Linda,
I miss Hawaii too, but as a nurse I see the insanity of this all. I pray for a vaccine and people to quar antine and soc. distance as appropriate. No one need to wear a mask when walking alone outside with their son. I see the most ridiculous things. People in their cars alone driving with masks. If the air is a problem when you aren’t near people you are in trouble because no one I know has a reverse airflow house or car. Good luck and stay safe everyone.
Aloha
Nicole M.
I was so excited by yesterday’s email alert about the low airfares. Priceline was giving an additional 20% discount and I had my finger ready to click the button to buy. But then I thought “Do I really want to take a chance on this”?
Seeing this post today, I’m now glad that I didn’t purchase.
Planning a week long trip to Hawaii is a lot of work to begin with. Who needs this extra thing to deal with? Nobody will be visiting Hawaii if there is a quar antine period required.
Well, crossing Hawaii off of our list of vacation spots for 2020. We usually go once a year, but not going to deal with this mess. They can keep their state closed, there are plenty of places here in the lower 48 that we have been wanting to go. I see a road trip coming up.
Go to Texas ot Florida. Have fun.
I agree. We go every year but will try next year. Not getting tested nor quar antining.
I had a friend get tested last week in Colorado and she received the results in just over 24 hours. The cost, covered by the government, was $100.
Hi Paul where in Colorado. That would helpful to know.
I live in Colorado. Can you please provide particulars- where in Colorado, and by whom?
Your updates have helped me save money and travel smart for years. Thanks so much.You have more information than most mainstream news sources. Sadly, our family decided to cancel our second trip for this year. We decided to take a serious pause in our twice yearly trips “home”. Partly because it doesnt sound like home anymore. Residents snitching, hotels snitching, arresting tourists, closing roads, national guard, etc… wow. But Thats ok, Turks and Caicos here we come.
Hi Kalani.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Thank you for the update
Hi Nancy.
Thank you.
Aloha.
If pre departure test is negative and I have to quarantine for 5 days waiting on another test: nope…. will cancel our planned 30 day stay!!!!
This is all so confusing. I don’t feel that anyone wants to cause problems for Hawaii. We are a family of 6 and have already prepaid almost $10,000 for travel in September. We are going to pull out and go somewhere else. To have to stress over this test and that test plus having to probably pay for them, it is just no longer worth it. We love Hawaii and it’s sad that we will not be contributing to the economy. I hope they can make things safe and simple.
Thank You
My sentiments exactly. I also have cancelled for September. I hate it as I love Hawaii. Going on a 2 week driving trip in the Great Plains instead. I hope Hawaii gets their act together and doesn’t require c0vid tests by next September or I will need to postpone our Big Island trip until September 2022.
Maybe the powers that be in Hawaii should just announce there will be no more tourism in the Island(s) until incoming passengers have achieved immunity – either by having had and survived C0vid (what health care organization has verified that those no longer are capable of passing the virus???), or by having a vac cine to provide immunity. There would be extensive and expansive unemployment for probably at least another 6-9 months.
We certainly hope that is not what is decided. We so enjoy interacting with the Kauai people in the tourist industry and enjoying the beauty of the island. Reservations recently changed to 3+ weeks starting in October.
I agree. We are happy to do the pre-flight testing and pay the cost ourselves. However we will not come if additional testing and 5-6 days of qua rantine will be required upon arrival. That would present too much uncertainty. And yes, there are false positives too. If they make the requirements too complicated, tourists will not come. If that is the intention that is ok too. But then just please say so, so everyone is on the same page. Thank you.
Hi Niki.
Thanks.
Aloha.
The cost of the test should be paid by the passenger, not Hawaii. The cost of the test should be considered as part of their vacation budget. They pay for resort fees in some instances, cost of the flight, rental car, excursions, etc. So add the cost of the test. It is their option to fly to Hawaii or not. Thanks for keeping us updated.
Hi Vicki.
Thanks. On-arrival testing is free in Alaska. We’ll see how this all works out.
Aloha.
That is true, Alaska is free upon arrival, but they do not nor will they receive anywhere near the amount of passengers Hawaii will receive. Multiply all the potential passengers by the cost of the test for Hawaii versus Alaska. The numbers will be drastically different.
Thanks for your reply.
Hi Vicki.
Thanks again.
Aloha.
Yes but hawaii makes tons more money on tourism than alaska! They can afford it.we already pay exorbitant fees at even the cheapest ‘hotel’s now for things like maid service??huh?
That is nonsense, to budget in the cost of a test on arrival to Hawaii. I just received a neg test in San Diego, for free. Do you live in Hawaii? Are you wealthy ?
Disagree. The rental car fees etc are fees that we all expect to pay. Now you’re proposing adding additional costs for protocols not in use by any other state but Alaska. People have booked flights and hotels without this knowledge and it would be ridiculous to foist it on them when it couldn’t be accounted for. I’d see your point for a 2021 vacation but not this year. On arrival needs to be paid by state or feds-end of story. Pre arrival testing should be paid by the visitor as it is a convenience factor vs on-site testing
I LOVE that Kauai is going their own way and being very strict! I am afraid for Maui. I called the mayor’s office and they basically said that they have no authority to do anything different. I see that it is not true. What’s up with that?!
Kauai may not have the authority either. Could end up in court to determine if they can or not.
Aloha!
Hopefully Kauai really does back down from that. We are planning to go to Kauai in early August and would really hate to have to postpone again. Still waiting on answer about kids being tested. Any new info yet on what age requirements for testing? Mahalo for the updates!
Hi Julie.
We have no new updates from the state. Ugg. Sorry.
Aloha.
I am grateful to Beat of Hawaii for the constant updates. Through your updates, I learned that our Aug 7 Long Beach flight was suspended. Hawaiian had not notified me that the flights were suspended. Last night, we were able to reschedule out of LAX. Of course, reading today issue, I’m wondering if we’ll be able to get into Kauai. Mahalo for your dedicated sleuthing.
Hi Diana.
Thank you!! It looks like while Long Beach won’t be on for your departure date, it will be returning the next week. Would that work for a return flight?
Aloha.
I’d never go to Kauai under those conditions. That is over-kill!