Ready to Travel to Hawaii?
Aloha! In this blog post, we will cover information on Hawaii's travel requirements, quarantine rules, the Novel Coronavirus, and how it has affected tourism within Hawaii.
Hawaii has officially begun the process of re-opening the state to visitors with a state-approved pre-travel test. Hawaii residents have achieved one of the lowest COVID-19 case rates and lowest virus transmission rates of any state in the nation, and the state of Hawaii is asking for your help in keeping Hawaii a safe place to live and visit.
Hawaii's re-opening has honestly been an evolving process with numerous changes and ongoing updates. This blog post has been updated as of October 22nd, 2020.
Traveling to Hawaii with a Pre-Travel Test
Travelers who, upon entry into the state, provide written confirmation from a state-approved COVID-19 testing facility of a negative test result from a test administered to the traveler within 72 hours from the final leg of departure, will be able to bypass Hawaii’s mandatory quarantine order.
Here are a few points to cover before traveling:
Travelers will be able to upload their negative test result when they complete their travel and health forms on the Safe Travels digital system: travel.hawaii.gov
If results are not available by the time of arrival, the visitor must quarantine until the test results are received.
Travelers (including children who are 5 years or older) will be subject to the pre-test requirement.
No testing will be provided upon arrival at the airport! Travelers (returning residents and visitors) are not able to test upon arrival in Hawaii because this is a pre-travel testing program.
The Hawaii State Dept. of Agriculture paper form continues to be distributed to passengers during flights and is still required to be completed prior to arrival.
For visitors who cannot provide evidence of a negative test result, the 14-day quarantine will remain in effect. If the quarantine is refused, the passenger must make arrangements to leave the island immediately without leaving the airport.
The pre-test is one part of a multi-layered screening process which includes arrival temperature checks, completion of the State Travel and Health form, and secondary screening for those with symptoms or temperatures of 100.4 degrees or higher.
Testing Requirements Info-graphic
Details of how the pre-travel testing program works for travelers. (Source: HVCB)
Our Advice on Visiting Hawaii
For any travelers who cannot provide proof of negative test result upon arrival - provided this would mean that the visitor(s) would need to remain in their rooms for most or all of their vacation, we are strongly recommend travelers to postpone any trips to Hawaii until they can properly be tested for COVID-19 before arriving in Hawaii.
Facemasks in Hawaii
Generally speaking, we advise travelers to always wear a mask while visiting Hawaii during the COVID-19 pandemic, not only because it's the right way to show Aloha, but also because in some situations, wearing a mask is required by law. Unless you are in your room/house/condo, at the beach, or actively eating in a restaurant, you should wear a mask while in Hawaii, especially if you cannot properly socially distance (six feet minimum).
At this time, everyone must officially wear face masks in all Hawaii airports and when entering places of business in Hawaii. Also, as noted previously, if you are not able to practice social distancing, you should also wear a facemask while in Hawaii. Each county may have its own formal rules, so be sure to check with your travel advisor.
Hawaii Restaurants & Dining
All Hawaii restaurants are allowed to open for takeout, pick-up, and delivery service only. Hawaii restaurants are also allowed to open for indoor dining at 50% capacity, with tables positioned 5-feet apart. Reservations are required for indoor dining and limited to parties of no more than five (5) people per table. Masks must be worn at all times when dining indoors at restaurants, except when you are actively eating and/or drinking.
Hawaii Shopping & Entertainment
Hawaiian retailers, bowling alleys, and movie theaters are allowed to open at 50% capacity, with no more than five (5) people per party.
Hawaii Indoor Activities
Hawaii's Museums, attractions, and zoos are allowed to open at 50% capacity for indoor areas, with groups limited to no more than five (5) people.
Hawaii State & National Parks
Hawaii's parks, beaches, and trails are open for groups of no more than five (5) people. Please practice physical distancing and always wear a mask or face covering. All Hawaii county parks and beaches are open on all islands with some restrictions.
Please refer to the following island county websites for the most current information:
County of Kauai | City and County of Honolulu | County of Maui | County of Hawai‘i
Hawaii's national parks on each island are also at different levels of reopening. National Park Service-managed parks, historic sites and memorials in Hawaii are gradually increasing access and services to their sites and facilities utilizing a phased approach. Please visit the National Park Service (NPS) website for more information.
Preventative Actions & Keeping Healthy
The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) is encouraging everyone to help prevent the spread of respiratory illness with these everyday actions:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Seniors and individuals with underlying health issues should avoid large crowds.
Sign up for public notifications at https://health.hawaii.gov/news/covid-19-updates/
We at The Pixie Planner have been, and remain, committed to helping our guests travel in a way that is safe for both the guests and the communities they are traveling to. That is why when traveling to Hawaii, we strongly suggest booking with a travel agent. If you are looking to travel to Hawaii soon or start planning for the future, reach out to your previous planner or click the link below to get started on a FREE quote:
