Editor’s note: Coronavirus cases remain high across the globe. Health officials caution that travel increases your chances of getting and spreading the virus. Staying home is the best way to stem transmission. Below is information on what to know if you still plan to travel, last updated in its entirety on March 25.
If you’re planning to travel to Hawaii, here’s what you’ll need to know and expect if you want to visit during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The latest
Hawaii dropped its statewide mask mandate for indoor settings at 11:59 p.m. March 25. The mandate came to an end the same day as Hawaii’s Safe Travels program expired.
“Organizations and businesses can choose to implement restrictions that they feel would be appropriate,” Gov. David Ige said earlier in March.
Ige said that the state is recommending mask-wearing in certain indoor settings, such as health care facilities.
The basics
Starting March 26, visitors arriving from domestic points of origin no longer have to show proof of vaccination or a pre-travel negative test result to bypass a mandatory five-day quarantine.
The Safe Travels program applied only to domestic arrivals. International arrivals must still follow federal requirements (see below).
Hawaii’s entry policy for international travelers aligns with the federal rules for air travelers that went effect on November 8, 2021, requiring international arrivals ages 18 and up to be fully vaccinated and have a negative Covid-19 test result.
Since December 6, all inbound international travelers 2 and older are required to test within one day of departure for the United States, regardless of vaccination status. This does not affect domestic travel.
What’s on offer
Spectacular surfing, sandy beaches, traditional Pacific culture and rugged volcanoes await Hawaii visitors. Hawaii’s geographical position and proud history make it unlike anywhere else in the United States.
Who can go
Fully vaccinated travelers are now allowed entry into the United States, including Hawaii.
As of November 8, unvaccinated travelers from abroad are no longer allowed, with very limited exceptions. Among those exceptions are unvaccinated children who are 17 and younger.
Americans are still allowed to travel to Hawaii, regardless of vaccination status.
What are the restrictions?
All restrictions on intercounty travel have been lifted, meaning no pre-travel testing or quarantining is needed for travel between the Hawaiian islands.
What’s the Covid situation?
With more than 239,000 cases and over 1,370 deaths reported as of March 25, Hawaii has seen relatively low Covid numbers compared with other US states. It has maintained some of the strictest travel measures of any state.
In January, Hawaii saw cases of Covid-19 soar to the highest levels of the pandemic with the spread of the Omicron variant. Those numbers have decreased dramatically since then.
What can visitors expect?
Statewide limits on social gatherings, restaurants, bars, gyms and other social establishments were lifted in December. All county-imposed restrictions have been lifted or are set to expire.
On the island of Oahu, the Safe Access O’ahu program, which required proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter businesses such as restaurants, bars and gyms, ended March 5.
Maui County updated its rules on February 21, lifting vaccination or testing requirements for indoor public spaces.
Hawaii also has a statewide Malama Hawaii initiative that encourages visitors to give back to the destination.
Useful links
CDC requirements for international air travel
Covid-19 State of Hawaii portal
Hawaii Trusted Travel Partners
Hawaii Covid-19 Travel News and Headlines
Our recent coverage
Find out about the woman who gave birth to a baby while flying to Hawaii — she didn’t even know she was pregnant!
What’s it like traveling to Hawaii during the pandemic? Read about a recent experience here.
For vacation tips, have a look here. If you’re a closet beach hater, here are some ideas of what you can do. Or have a look at the cats of Lana’i, where 600 of them are living their best life.
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