With the vaccine rollout continuing and a gradual easing of restrictions, Hawaii is seeing an increase in visitors. People are longing to enjoy its beaches, national parks, coral reefs and more. While things are easing, you still need to know about what is required for an Aloha State summer vacation.
Who can travel to Hawaii?
Currently, Hawaii is open to visitors from other US states, along with approved destinations like Canada, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, as long as they participate in Hawaii’s pre-testing program. However, citizens from most countries in the world are still unable to travel to the state.
Back in December 2020, Hawaii reduced the mandatory hotel quarantine from 14 to 10 days. Currently, any visitors aged five years and older from the approved countries can bypass quarantine. However, they must present a negative PCR test from an approved provider, no more than three days before arrival in Hawaii.
Before boarding their flight, visitors must register their trip information online through Hawaii’s Safe Travels program. They must also upload their negative test results before leaving home. Right now, domestic travelers from within the US are not required to undergo a test before returning home to the mainland US. However, the CDC does still require this from Americans returning from an international vacation.
Traveling to Maui?
For those visitors heading to Maui, they will need to undergo a second test on arrival at Kahului Airport. This test is free of charge and the results are normally available within 15 to 20 minutes. Those arriving from other Hawaiian islands may be picked at random to undergo a second test, but this will also be free of charge and they won’t be required to wait long for their results.
What about vaccinated travelers?
At the moment, vaccinated visitors must complete the pre-testing requirements to enter Hawaii. However, David Ige, Hawaii’s governor, is planning to rollout a vaccine exception for US travelers at some stage during the summer. However, the actual dates depend on the spread of the virus and vaccinations over the coming weeks.
Reportedly, Hawaii is working with app developers to introduce the integration of pre-flight vaccination verification into the Safe Travels program.
Masks and social distancing?
From May 25, Hawaii dropped its mask mandate for people while outdoors. However, large groups should still wear masks outside, plus face coverings are required for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people indoors.
Life is gradually returning to pre-pandemic conditions across Hawaii. People can visit museums, dine out at restaurants and meet with friends. Cultural attractions, zoos and museums are open at 50 percent capacity for indoor areas. Movie theaters and non-essential shops have reopened to 100 percent capacity in Oahu, and 50 percent elsewhere in Hawaii. Hotels, guest houses and bed & breakfasts have reopened across the state with some coronavirus guidelines in place.
Wining and dining
Restaurants in Hawaii are open for delivery service and takeaway, with certain venues promoting outdoor dining this summer. However, in Oahu, restaurants have reopened for indoor dining at full capacity, while elsewhere in the state, indoor dining is limited to 50 percent capacity.
Beaches and other attractions in Hawaii
There are some restrictions on beaches and hiking trails have reopened with group limits of five people on Maui, 10 on Oahu and up to 25 hikers in a group on Kauai and Big Island. However, social distancing guidelines are still in place on hiking trails and people must wear masks.
So far, national parks in Hawaii are gradually reopening, but at this stage not all services and facilities are available. Potential visitors to national parks should check ahead before planning a visit.
Read up on the latest information on Hawaii’s entry requirements on the official website.
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