Mar 22, 2020, 4:26 am
Last edit by: FlyinHawaiian
Comprehensive Overview, With Questions and Answers:
https://www.gohawaii.com/travel-requirements
CURRENT POLICIES
List of Hotels that are currently closed:
https://www.gohawaii.com/special-alerts-information
For interisland travel:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hawaii/2041823-interisland-travel-unrestricted-starting-june-15th.html
//TOPIC CHECK - STAY ON TOPIC//
Aloha - as a reminder to all, FT's rules specifically state: "FlyerTalk exists for the discussion of frequent flyer programs and the related travel experience. With the exception of the few areas specifically designated for the discussion of other topics, confine your comments as closely as possible to these topic areas and to the topic of the thread and forum in which you are posting." FlyinHawaiian and I recognize that it is easy to intertwine political commentary with the policies advanced by politicians that affect travel to Hawaii. However, we ask that you keep in mind the nature of this Hawaii forum and focus your attention on the policies and their impact on travel to/from/within Hawaii. Commentary about Hawaii's politicians are off-topic, belong in the OMNI forum, and will be deleted if posted on this thread. We ask for your kokua and cooperation. If you have any questions, please let us know.
Mahalo,
slippahs, Hawaii forum co-moderator
https://www.gohawaii.com/travel-requirements
CURRENT POLICIES
- JULY 8 - Fully vaccinated U.S. travelers flying domestically — including island residents returning home — will be allowed to bypass Hawaii’s quarantine and pre-travel restrictions, as long as they upload their vaccination records to the state’s Safe Travels website and arrive with a hard copy of their vaccinations records. https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hawaii/2044877-those-fully-vaccinated-anywhere-us-eligible-bypass-quarantine-july-8th-new-post.html
- JUNE 15 - Fully vaccinated travelers who received the vaccine in Hawaii are now exempt from Safe Travels
- JUNE 15 - Regardless of their vaccination status, travelers are allowed to fly between islands without having to take a COVID test or quarantine.
- AFTER JANUARY 3, 2022 The mandatory 5-day quarantine is required for all unvaccinated passengers (visitors and returning residents) arriving into the state of Hawaii.
- Additionally, operations, including peer-to-peer platforms or sharing services, may not rent vehicles to any person who is subject to a 5-day traveler quarantine order unless an exemption is granted.
- Travelers flying into Hawaii are required to register personal information into the Safe Travels application; the information will be used to aid officials in contacting travelers via phone, email, and SMS. It does *not* currently enable GPS-tracking of travelers via their mobile devices.
- Travelers are exempt from the mandatory 5-day quarantine if testing is completed no more than 72 hours before the departure time of the final leg of your flight to Hawai‘i with proof of a negative result.
- 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. A negative COVID-19 test result is required prior to departure to avoid quarantine in Hawai‘i.
- If results are not available by time of arrival, quarantine necessary until test results received.
- All travelers (returning residents and visitors) of all ages subject to pre-test requirement.
- Individuals are responsible for testing costs.
- Travelers (returning residents and visitors) are not able to test upon arrival in Hawaii because this is a pre-travel testing program.
- No commercial COVID-19 NAAT testing will be provided upon arrival at the airport. Travelers without the pre-test will be in quarantine.
- https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel-partners/
List of Hotels that are currently closed:
https://www.gohawaii.com/special-alerts-information
For interisland travel:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hawaii/2041823-interisland-travel-unrestricted-starting-june-15th.html
//TOPIC CHECK - STAY ON TOPIC//
Aloha - as a reminder to all, FT's rules specifically state: "FlyerTalk exists for the discussion of frequent flyer programs and the related travel experience. With the exception of the few areas specifically designated for the discussion of other topics, confine your comments as closely as possible to these topic areas and to the topic of the thread and forum in which you are posting." FlyinHawaiian and I recognize that it is easy to intertwine political commentary with the policies advanced by politicians that affect travel to Hawaii. However, we ask that you keep in mind the nature of this Hawaii forum and focus your attention on the policies and their impact on travel to/from/within Hawaii. Commentary about Hawaii's politicians are off-topic, belong in the OMNI forum, and will be deleted if posted on this thread. We ask for your kokua and cooperation. If you have any questions, please let us know.
Mahalo,
slippahs, Hawaii forum co-moderator
State of Hawaii "Safe Travels" Program 5-Day Quarantine (Ends March 25, 2022)
May 9, 2020, 3:00 pm
#151
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: PDX, OGG or between the two
Programs: AS 75K
Posts: 2,859
https://www.khon2.com/coronavirus/tr...-travel-forms/
Anyone know how their quarantine works?
You have to stay 2 weeks so you'd have to book accommodations for 2 weeks before the days you plan to visit?
So a 1-week visit becomes a 3-week booking?
Anyone know how their quarantine works?
You have to stay 2 weeks so you'd have to book accommodations for 2 weeks before the days you plan to visit?
So a 1-week visit becomes a 3-week booking?
I agree about the current residents not being very welcoming. I traveled over to my 2nd home on the islands in March a couple weeks before the quarantine started and caught some pretty major hell on FB from some friends of friends who live full-time on the island. Apparently, they felt I didn't have a right to travel to the property I own. I understand people being careful and wanting to protect the islands but last time I checked HI is part of the USA and there was no restrictions from the government at the time. Some of this has been less than a good look from the island that promises to practice "ohana."
May 9, 2020, 3:13 pm
#152
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: MHK
Programs: AA Exec Plat - some level of status in IHG, Marriot & HIlton
Posts: 1,514
Plus, if you spend any time on Hawaii travel forums, it won't take long for you to feel the hostility to visitors. There was an article posted about one family having it's tires slashed on their rental car. Some residents are actually making thinly veiled threats to potentially visitors, basically saying they're "taking matters in their own hand" and officials are looking the other way when they do, so come at your own risk type of vibe.
I agree about the current residents not being very welcoming. I traveled over to my 2nd home on the islands in March a couple weeks before the quarantine started and caught some pretty major hell on FB from some friends of friends who live full-time on the island. Apparently, they felt I didn't have a right to travel to the property I own. I understand people being careful and wanting to protect the islands but last time I checked HI is part of the USA and there was no restrictions from the government at the time. Some of this has been less than a good look from the island that promises to practice "ohana."
May 9, 2020, 4:08 pm
#153
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Bay Area
Programs: DL SM, UA MP.
Posts: 12,729
But until then, or until restrictions are lifted, yes, three weeks for the one week of vacation. Assuming restaurants, pools, beaches, will be open for even the one week. They may not be depending when you travel. Plus, if you spend any time on Hawaii travel forums, it won't take long for you to feel the hostility to visitors. There was an article posted about one family having it's tires slashed on their rental car. Some residents are actually making thinly veiled threats to potentially visitors, basically saying they're "taking matters in their own hand" and officials are looking the other way when they do, so come at your own risk type of vibe.
Lots of other states and US territories being much more civil, with a much more welcoming and emphatic tone to visitors - even those that also have current 14 day quarantines themselves. I've pretty much decided to take the 25K-35K I spend in Hawaii every year for a 2-3 week vacation someplace else. Even though everything is likely to be lifted in September when I normally visit. The message and tone coming out of those forums is so negative and hateful, it just makes me want to spend my hard earned vacation dollars someplace else.
Lots of other states and US territories being much more civil, with a much more welcoming and emphatic tone to visitors - even those that also have current 14 day quarantines themselves. I've pretty much decided to take the 25K-35K I spend in Hawaii every year for a 2-3 week vacation someplace else. Even though everything is likely to be lifted in September when I normally visit. The message and tone coming out of those forums is so negative and hateful, it just makes me want to spend my hard earned vacation dollars someplace else.
Or the vacation condos, presumably those people still have to pay mortgages, maybe a management company, utilities.
Let's see how long the natives remain hostile as tourist money dries up. Are there many stores and restaurants which can survive only with resident clientele?
May 9, 2020, 4:21 pm
#154
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: MHK
Programs: AA Exec Plat - some level of status in IHG, Marriot & HIlton
Posts: 1,514
But how long are restaurants and other services which depend on the tourism trade going to survive?
Or the vacation condos, presumably those people still have to pay mortgages, maybe a management company, utilities.
Let's see how long the natives remain hostile as tourist money dries up. Are there many stores and restaurants which can survive only with resident clientele?
Or the vacation condos, presumably those people still have to pay mortgages, maybe a management company, utilities.
Let's see how long the natives remain hostile as tourist money dries up. Are there many stores and restaurants which can survive only with resident clientele?
May 9, 2020, 4:25 pm
#155
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: TOA
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott LTPP/Platinum Premier, Hyatt Lame-ist, UA !K
Posts: 20,061
But how long are restaurants and other services which depend on the tourism trade going to survive?
Or the vacation condos, presumably those people still have to pay mortgages, maybe a management company, utilities.
Let's see how long the natives remain hostile as tourist money dries up. Are there many stores and restaurants which can survive only with resident clientele?
Or the vacation condos, presumably those people still have to pay mortgages, maybe a management company, utilities.
Let's see how long the natives remain hostile as tourist money dries up. Are there many stores and restaurants which can survive only with resident clientele?
David
May 9, 2020, 5:35 pm
#156
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: RBKC
Programs: AA EXP and Eurostar Carte Blanche
Posts: 3,848
A quick web search reveals that these questions are addressed on the state's official quarantine registration website.
While there is no clear published figure for the number of tourists visiting the state right now (official government figures only describe "visitors", which includes, for example, essential workers travelling to maintain hospital equipment, for example, and temporarily-stationed military personnel), some in Hawaii are convinced that there are too many tourists still visiting the state and that too many of those tourists are not following quarantine regulations. Oft-repeated news stories about a small number of tourists who flout the rules no doubt reinforce these perceptions.
Therefore, some are advocating for increased enforcement of the quarantine regulations, despite a lack of verifiable and quantifiable evidence showing how many tourists are actually arriving, and despite a lack of verifiable and quantifiable evidence showing that evasion of the regulations is actually widespread (if anyone has access to this kind of data, please post it below, because I'd be interested to know about it).
As a result, yes, you should expect that visiting Hawaii for non-essential purposes is going to be difficult right now. I'm sure all states feel that it's within their rights to take the measures they need to protect their residents from the virus, and I can certainly understand that perspective.
The result of the quarantine regulations, in any case, including the few evasive tourists who have been reported in the news, is that Hawaii has the lowest virus infection rate in the US. What Hawaii is doing is working sensationally well to stop the virus (which again calls into question the need for increasing quarantine enforcement even more). The state's efforts to stop the virus have been a success from a virus-stopping standpoint.
Now, whether or not you consider this result to be good or bad, given the economic effect, is a different matter…
While there is no clear published figure for the number of tourists visiting the state right now (official government figures only describe "visitors", which includes, for example, essential workers travelling to maintain hospital equipment, for example, and temporarily-stationed military personnel), some in Hawaii are convinced that there are too many tourists still visiting the state and that too many of those tourists are not following quarantine regulations. Oft-repeated news stories about a small number of tourists who flout the rules no doubt reinforce these perceptions.
Therefore, some are advocating for increased enforcement of the quarantine regulations, despite a lack of verifiable and quantifiable evidence showing how many tourists are actually arriving, and despite a lack of verifiable and quantifiable evidence showing that evasion of the regulations is actually widespread (if anyone has access to this kind of data, please post it below, because I'd be interested to know about it).
As a result, yes, you should expect that visiting Hawaii for non-essential purposes is going to be difficult right now. I'm sure all states feel that it's within their rights to take the measures they need to protect their residents from the virus, and I can certainly understand that perspective.
The result of the quarantine regulations, in any case, including the few evasive tourists who have been reported in the news, is that Hawaii has the lowest virus infection rate in the US. What Hawaii is doing is working sensationally well to stop the virus (which again calls into question the need for increasing quarantine enforcement even more). The state's efforts to stop the virus have been a success from a virus-stopping standpoint.
Now, whether or not you consider this result to be good or bad, given the economic effect, is a different matter…
May 9, 2020, 7:42 pm
#157
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Upcountry Maui, HI
Posts: 13,303
The mandatory quarantine is for 14 days or the length of your stay if less than 14 days. You have to have accommodations booked for the length of your stay. Not sure if they just check for 14 days if your stay is longer than 14 days.
I'm not sure exactly what you would do if you came here now, even after you do your 14-day quarantine.
After the mandatory quarantine you still have to abide by the "safer at home" rules. Right now that means beaches are open for active exercise but not for lounging on a blanket in the sand for example. Pools are still closed. And typical activities are all closed for now. Some of those rules may be relaxed soon but they haven't been relaxed yet. Some low risk businesses will be opening soon, depending on which island you're on. Monday for Maui. May 15 for Oahu. Open on Kauai and Hawaii island.)
-David
I'm not sure exactly what you would do if you came here now, even after you do your 14-day quarantine.
After the mandatory quarantine you still have to abide by the "safer at home" rules. Right now that means beaches are open for active exercise but not for lounging on a blanket in the sand for example. Pools are still closed. And typical activities are all closed for now. Some of those rules may be relaxed soon but they haven't been relaxed yet. Some low risk businesses will be opening soon, depending on which island you're on. Monday for Maui. May 15 for Oahu. Open on Kauai and Hawaii island.)
-David
Last edited by LIH Prem; May 9, 2020 at 8:12 pm
May 9, 2020, 7:49 pm
#158
formerly wchinchen
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Honolulu
Programs: AA CK, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,250
Even as a Hawaii resident, I would recommend using your hard earned dollars for a vacation at a destination that actually wants to welcome you, and that destination is not Hawaii currently. Due to the restrictive rules, Hawaii won't be a tourist destination until the 14 day quarantine has been lifted. Based on the current response from the State of Hawaii, they don't really care if local business fail, residents have jobs, or provide a clear guidance for the future of Hawaii. Don't bring your hard earned dollars to a poorly managed state, which in turn, only rewards the same folks that caused such poor management.
May 9, 2020, 7:55 pm
#159
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: MHK
Programs: AA Exec Plat - some level of status in IHG, Marriot & HIlton
Posts: 1,514
Oahu does rely on tourism dollars, and the state of Hawaii has around a 1.5 billion dollar shortfall due to decreased accommodation taxes (tourist dollars) and general excise taxes. Tourism does generate significant revenue for the state. There will be significant cuts to state funded programs, and they are discussing that now.
Even as a Hawaii resident, I would recommend using your hard earned dollars for a vacation at a destination that actually wants to welcome you, and that destination is not Hawaii currently. Due to the restrictive rules, Hawaii won't be a tourist destination until the 14 day quarantine has been lifted. Based on the current response from the State of Hawaii, they don't really care if local business fail, residents have jobs, or provide a clear guidance for the future of Hawaii. Don't bring your hard earned dollars to a poorly managed state, which in turn, only rewards the same folks that caused such poor management.
Even as a Hawaii resident, I would recommend using your hard earned dollars for a vacation at a destination that actually wants to welcome you, and that destination is not Hawaii currently. Due to the restrictive rules, Hawaii won't be a tourist destination until the 14 day quarantine has been lifted. Based on the current response from the State of Hawaii, they don't really care if local business fail, residents have jobs, or provide a clear guidance for the future of Hawaii. Don't bring your hard earned dollars to a poorly managed state, which in turn, only rewards the same folks that caused such poor management.
May 9, 2020, 8:01 pm
#160
formerly wchinchen
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Honolulu
Programs: AA CK, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,250
I would highly recommend St. Joseph's Peninsula State Park in Florida. The beach park has giant sand dunes and also seashells that are bigger than any other Florida beach that I have been to.
May 9, 2020, 10:18 pm
#161
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
Posts: 15,715
We'd love to vacation in Maui this summer but if they don't want us then it's 100% their loss. I can just as easily spend my $$$$ elsewhere. Nevada is already re-opening restaurants and stores, and I expect other states to follow. Florida is even farther ahead. And of course there is no shortage of beaches in California that will take me less time to reach. Food is also cheaper just about everywhere else too. Not gonna bother me to see all the overpriced restaurants in Lahaina file Chapter 7. Mahalo!
May 9, 2020, 10:21 pm
#162
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Everywhere
Programs: AA EXP - 3.7MM, Bonv LIFETIME Titan, HH Dmd, Hyatt Glob., Priority Clb Dmd, Ntnl Exec El., Sixt PLT
Posts: 1,680
- With no international travel I would jump on a plane and go to Hawaii but only if 14 day quarantine is lifted. But for now it is North and South Carolina that would be getting my money.
May 10, 2020, 12:10 am
#163
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: PDX, OGG or between the two
Programs: AS 75K
Posts: 2,859
We'd love to vacation in Maui this summer but if they don't want us then it's 100% their loss. I can just as easily spend my $$$$ elsewhere. Nevada is already re-opening restaurants and stores, and I expect other states to follow. Florida is even farther ahead. And of course there is no shortage of beaches in California that will take me less time to reach. Food is also cheaper just about everywhere else too. Not gonna bother me to see all the overpriced restaurants in Lahaina file Chapter 7. Mahalo!
May 10, 2020, 8:27 am
#164
Join Date: May 2000
Location: IAH
Programs: UA 1K 2.7MM, Marriott Titanium/LT Plat, IHG Spire
Posts: 3,317
We want you!!! I own two units in a condo here in Maui and am devastated by the current state of things. Realize when you write-off Hawaii the government notices about 10% as much as the private citizens. Please keep us in mind when things are allowed to get back to normal
May 10, 2020, 8:31 am
#165
Join Date: May 2000
Location: IAH
Programs: UA 1K 2.7MM, Marriott Titanium/LT Plat, IHG Spire
Posts: 3,317
Don't want to go OT in the Hawaii forum, but the Florida keys definitely have that island feel that I love about Hawaii. At the same time, Hawaii is unparalleled, at least in the US. Hoping we can all go soon, safely.
