This is a sponsored guest post.
Are you thinking of visiting Hawaii despite the existing COVID-19? Check out this article for a comprehensive list of restrictions that you should know about.
In the past year, traveling worldwide has been changed due to Covid-19. As a state that is highly reliant on tourism, Hawaii is one of those that are significantly affected. However, the good news is that it has now opened its gates to visitors in an effort to revive its tourism economy.
Although Hawaii is now accepting visitors, the travel procedures are not as easy as before. There are several restrictions and requirements that you should know about to be able to successfully entire Hawaii despite Covid-19. If you are interested in knowing what these restrictions and requirements are, continue reading below for more valuable insights.
Safe Travel Program
The Safe Travel Program is a digital program that collects mandatory health and travel information of travelers entering Hawaii. It was implemented in September 2020 as part of the state’s multilayered screening process in an effort to mitigate the virus spread.
Travelers must input their information before their flight. Once the information is uploaded, they will receive a QR code through their registered email. This QR code will be scanned at the airport arrival area.
10-day Quarantine Restriction and Pre-Travel Testing
As of December 17, 2020, Hawaii’s mandatory self-quarantine period was lessened from 14 days to 10 days. This applies to tourists and returning residents to Hawaii.
However, you can bypass the mandatory 10-day quarantine. You simply have to provide a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test or NAAT with a negative result. The test must be done at least 72 hours before your flight schedule to Hawaii. Furthermore, it must be from a government-accredited testing provider.
These are some of the accredited nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) by the government of Hawaii:
US Domestic
- American Family Care
- Capstone Clinic
- Discovery Health MD
- Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services
- Kaiser Permanente
- Southern Nevada +
- University of Washington Medicine
- Vault Health
- Walgreens
- XpressCheck
Hawaii Inter-Country
- Clinical Laboratories of Hawaii
- Diagnostic Laboratory Services
- Hawaii Pacific Health
- Minit Medical
- S&H Labs Hawaii LLC
- Urgent Care Hawaii
Korea
- Asan Medical Center
- Inha University Hospital
- Kangbuk Samsung Hospital
- Yonsei University Health System
Japan
- Sapporo Higashi Tokushukai Hospital
- Benibana Naika Hospital
- Hasegawa Clinic
- Global Healthcare
- American Clinic Tokyo
- Nagoya Station Clinic
- Fujita Health University
- Osaka Honmachi Medical Clinic
- Abe Internal Medicine Clinic
Other Important Information
Here are other important information that you should know about when traveling to Hawaii amidst Covid-19:
- Transpacific visitors participating in the Safe Travels programs are randomly chosen to take the Covid-19 test administered by the county upon arrival. The test will be done to 25% of the passengers on all 3 airports. The cost is shouldered by Hawaii County.
- Allocate extra time to go through airport checks and scans and make sure your QR code and test rest are with you at all times to avoid delays and hassles.
- Check out the restaurants, national parks, and resorts-specific requirements for travelers from outside Hawaii County.
Aloha Safe Alert App
In partnership with the Hawaii Executive Collaborative and Aio Digital, the Hawaii Department of Health has launched the Aloha Safe Alert App. It is an exposure notification app that aims to lessen the spread of Covid-19.
As of January 19, 2021, all passengers arriving in Hawaii must have the AlohaSafe app exposure notification system on their mobile phones. If you are unable to comply with this requirement, you will be required to do a 10-day mandatory quarantine.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am vaccinated against Covid-19; am I exempt from mandatory quarantine?
As of the moment, having proof that you received the Covid-19 vaccination does not exempt you from the Hawaii travel quarantine. However, the state is considering allowing those who are vaccinated with both dosages to entire the state without the quarantine requirement by May 2021. However, this is yet to be confirmed, awaiting confirmation from experts.
Is wearing a facemask required in the state of Hawaii?
Yes, wearing the appropriate facemask is required in Hawaii when in public spaces. Business operators are entitled to refuse admission or services to any individuals who refuse to wear a facemask.
Is shipping car from Hawaii to mainland affected by Covid-19?
Yes, car shipping companies in Hawaii may experience some delays in their shipment due to stricter port protocols and lesser shipping schedules.
Do I still need to take a pre-travel test or do mandatory quarantine when doing inter-island travels?
Suppose you are coming or going to Oahu from other Hawaii counties. In that case, a pre-travel test or mandatory quarantine is not required. However, the travel testing program requirements for inter-island travel of other counties may vary.
Final Words
Without a doubt, traveling to Hawaii is a magnificent experience because it is a beautiful place. However, with Covid-19, you need to comply with several requirements to travel safely and help lessen the virus transmission.
You may think that the extra requirements when traveling to Hawaii are big hassles. However, other than the mandatory PCR negative test result, it is easy to comply with the other things on the list. There’s also no need to worry about the mandatory 10-day quarantine because there are several ways for you to avail of an exemption.
Remember to follow these new requirements thoroughly to avoid penalties and to have a happy and relaxing vacation.
