COVID-19 has greatly changed the way we approach our travel plans. For our own safety, as well as the safety of the people around us, it is important that we abide by various travel safety guidelines and restrictions set by different cities and countries worldwide, and this includes Hawaii. 

If you are among the thousands of people who wish to visit our tropical island paradise while keeping yourself and the others safe from the coronavirus, here are some travel procedures and tips to keep in mind before as well as during travel and as soon as you arrive in Hawaii.

Some international travels are restricted

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), travelers from China, Iran, the European Schengen area, United Kingdom, Ireland, and Brazil are under restricted travel measures. Exemptions are given to citizens and permanent residents of the US, along with certain family members and other individuals who meet a number of exceptions, who have been in one of the mentioned countries within the past 14 days.

The option of the pre-travel test instead of the 14-day quarantine

Starting October 15, the Hawaiian Islands have given travelers a pre-travel COVID-19 testing option as an alternative for the 14-day quarantine being mandated in the state of Hawaii. This applies to all visitors and returning residents to Hawaii. The pre-travel test should be taken no earlier than 72 hours before a traveler’s flight departure time. 

Links and more information for travelers seeking a pre-travel test and a list of approved trusted testing partners can be found at HawaiiCovid19.com.

Masks and facial coverings are required

For the safety of all travelers, all guests visiting Hawaii are required to wear face masks at all times. Make sure that you pack your mask and/or face-covering in your carry-on luggage for easy access. You are also required to wear your mask anytime you are in public.

Safe Travels Hawai‘i registration is required

As part of Hawaii’s safety protocols, all visitors and returning residents aged 18 and above are required to create an account on the Safe Travels site. This app serves as a mandatory travel and health form that makes it easier for the state of Hawaii to monitor the health and travel situations of everyone entering the Hawaiian islands. 

You will need to provide your travel details, including your COVID-19 test results performed by any of the trusted travel partners of Hawaii. Once your test has been verified, you will need to upload your photo and fill up the questionnaire that will be provided to you within 24 hours. After completing and submitting your travel health form, you will be sent a QR code corresponding to your travel details.

Temperature checks are required upon arrival

As part of the health and safety protocols implemented by the state of Hawaii, you should also prepare yourself for a lot of temperature and health checks as soon as you arrive on the island. The same thing will be in effect in the airports if you are leaving Hawaii, so be sure to give yourself plenty of spare time ahead of your flight’s departure time. 

Partial interisland-travel quarantine is in effect until November 30

For tourists who are planning an inter-island trip in Hawaii, keep in mind that the state has reinstated a partial inter-island travel quarantine. For travelers flying to Maui or Kauai, instead of the 14-day quarantine, they may opt for an FDA-authorized Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) taken from the certified CLIA lab at least 72 hours before the departure time and return with a negative test result. Oahu, on the other hand, does not have any inter-island restrictions, while all travelers headed to the Big Island are required to comply with the 14-day quarantine. 

Various restrictions apply to travelers who are under the 14-day quarantine order

If you are under the 14-day quarantine order, you will need to designate a hotel as your chosen quarantine location. You will not be allowed to stay in short-term or vacation rentals. At the same time, vehicle rental establishments may decline to provide you with their rental vehicles for health and safety reasons, unless an exemption is granted.

Following these travel procedures and tips are imperative as it will mean enhanced safety for you and the many people visiting the islands of Hawaii. Keep in mind that violating these travel procedures, especially the 14-day quarantine order, can be subject to fines or jail time.

And if you are visiting Maui and are not subject to the 14-day quarantine, check our selection of beachfront vacation condos and experience an unforgettable stay in Maui as we provide you a luxurious accommodation here at Kahana Village!