So, you booked your trip to Hawaii! As exciting as that is, there are still many precautions being taken currently in Hawaii to protect locals and travelers from falling ill with COVID-19. Let’s start with the current regulations in place to get into the State of Hawaii.
Hawaii is still abiding by the state’s Safe Travels pre-travel testing program. This program applies to fully vaccinated travelers as well. Travelers must have negative test results 72 hours before departing for Hawaii to avoid the mandatory 10-day quarantine. Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island are enforcing this policy with strict rules, arrests, and even fines.
This policy may change in the future but will remain in place until further notice. Upon arrival, all travelers must have their temperatures taken and complete a health questionnaire before leaving the airport. On Maui and the Big Island, travelers will be required to take a rapid covid test before leaving the airport.
You can find a list of trusted providers that Hawaii will recognize COVID testing through here.
A disclaimer from the State of Hawaii, “The state of Hawai‘i will ONLY accept Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) from a certified Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA) lab test results from TRUSTED TESTING AND TRAVEL PARTNERS.”
Some Islands have updated their rules for arrivals from the U.S. mainland and the world.
Island of Maui Entry Rules as of April 2021:
In addition to the pre-testing required to fly into Maui, travelers will also be required to take a second COVID test when they arrive. Travelers who refuse the second test upon arrival will be subject to a 10-day quarantine. Read more about these rules here.
Island of Kauai Entry Rules as of March 2021:
Kauai is joining the pre-travel testing program. Travelers must have negative test results 72 hours before departing for Kauai to avoid the mandatory 10-day quarantine.
The Kokua Kauai Card program is being implemented through the voluntary post-arrival test within three days of arrival. The Kokua Kauai Card will feature a QR code that will link you to a page that contains discounts and offers from businesses on Kauai. Lots of businesses, hotels, and restaurants have signed to the program. Learn more about this incentive program here.
Now that you are in Hawaii, what does it look like, what is open and what precautions do you need to take?
A statement from the State of Hawaii COVID-19 site, “Above all, please wear a face-covering at all times, adhere to physical distancing recommendations of six feet or more, avoid gathering in large groups, and practice exceptional hand hygiene.”
Face Coverings are mandatory, and each county has different mandates put into place. Maui and the Big Island are rapid-testing arriving passengers for COVID-19, and Kauai has a voluntary test-on-arrival program.
On the island of Kauai, anyone over the age of five is required by law to wear a face-covering indoors and outdoors in any situation where they are within six feet of people who do not live in their immediate household.
On the island of Honolulu, masks are required both indoors and outdoors if you cannot maintain a distance of six feet from people who are not part of your immediate household.
On the island of Maui, masks are required by law and any persons not abiding are subject to be fined. Masks are required both indoors and outdoors if you can not maintain a distance of six feet from people who are not part of your immediate household.
On the island of Hawaii, anyone over the age of five is required by law to wear a face-covering indoors and outdoors in any situation where they are within six feet of people who do not live in their immediate household.
Hotels and Accommodations:
Once you arrive at your destination, be sure to check the rules and regulations regarding COVID-19 at your hotel or accommodations as they vary from location to location.
State Parks and Beaches:
Hawaii parks, beaches, and trails are open with restrictions. Social distancing and face masks are mandatory if a distance of six feet cannot be maintained between people who do not live in the same household. The same goes for County parks and beaches on all islands. Travelers can find details, closures, and restrictions for specific locations on the County websites below.
State parks are open and strongly encourage social distancing. Check out the Division of State Parks website to learn more about restrictions and closures before visiting.
National Parks, historic sites, and memorials are slowly opening back up and have restrictions put in place. To learn more about these locations’ open status, you can visit the National Park Service’s Hawai‘i web page.
Dining, Entertainment, and Activities:
Every county in Hawaii is different, but it is essential to remember to call and check with the restaurant or activity provider you are visiting to ensure they are open and operating.
Museums, malls, movie theaters, and aquariums are open but with reduced capacity. Call or look up the latest restrictions before visiting the attraction during your stay. Additionally, restaurants in Hawaii are available for indoor and outdoor dining and are operating at 50% capacity. Helicopter tours are operating at 50% capacity. Luaus are currently happening, but you have to check with the particular provider, as they are operating with limited capacity due to covid restrictions.
Each activity and island is slightly different. But the rule of thumb in Hawaii is to wear your mask and abide by the social distancing guidelines. Plan ahead and call to make sure you are prepared for any restrictions that are in place, and you will be on your way to having an unforgettable Hawaiian vacation.
