Thinking about visiting Maui? Now you can avoid the 14-day mandatory quarantine and travel safely to the Hawaiian Islands again.
Public health officials in Hawaii recently announced protocols for Hawaii's new pretravel testing program and a Hawaii Safe Travels informational website. Pacific travelers visiting the state who document negative required test(s) for COVID-19 may avoid mandatory 14-day quarantine periods in some cases. Violations of public health measures designed to help stem the pandemic carry steep penalties in Hawaii.
Business leaders in Hawaii remain optimistic the new travel protocols will stimulate tourism. Maui and other Hawaiian islands remain popular vacation destinations. Once the federal government lifts current international travel restrictions, the pretravel testing program might eventually accommodate visitors arriving in Hawaii from international ports.
Safe Travels Hawaii Program
In order to bypass the mandatory quarantine, U.S. travelers aged 18 and above must register at the state's Safe Travels website. They will need to complete a health questionnaire accessed through their account during the 24 hour period before flying to Hawaii. They must retain the site's QR code to show upon arrival.
Everyone entering the state, (including passengers who do not choose to participate in the pretravel testing program), must comply with face mask regulations and social distancing guidelines during air travel. Arriving passengers undergo temperature checks and facial imaging checks. Travelers who don't choose to participate in the pretravel testing program must still complete the Safe Travels requirements and participate in a mandatory 14-day quarantine. They should log into their accounts every day during the quarantine to update their health status.
Bypassing The Mandatory Quarantine
In some cases, travelers may bypass the quarantine by documenting the receipt of a negative COVID-19 nucleic acid amplification test conducted by authorized providers. Hawaii presently lists 17 approved pre-test providers. The test must be taken within a narrow 72-hour window of time before the final leg of the journey to Hawaii.
Hawaiian counties may specify additional entry requirements. For example, the big island of Hawaii requires participants to pass a second, free, rapid antigen test upon their arrival. Kauai and Maui offer the option of voluntarily taking the additional test within 3 days of arrival. COVID test Maui requirements remain subject to possible future modifications.
Maui Reopening Safely
The implementation of new travel protocols inspired a number businesses in Hawaii to announce reopening plans. Visitors must still comply with any applicable public health requirements. On November 1, 2020, both the Aulani Resort on Oahu and the Grand Hyatt Kauai anticipate reopening. In Wailea, the Grand Wailea and Four Seasons are expected to open in November as well.
Coldwell Banker Island Properties offers experienced assistance to clients seeking to conduct real estate transactions in Hawaii. The company frequently helps households and businesses relocating to (or from) Maui.
