Hawaii is made up of a cluster of islands; Due to the isolation, it is fairly easy for sickness to be spread. Therefore, the Governor of Hawaii has put a few restrictions into place before you’re allowed to travel within the state of Hawaii. Of course, if you’re interested in a 10 day quarantine, you don’t have much to worry about. However, for most of us a 10 day quarantine isn’t possible.

Read on to find out how to avoid the quarantine and travel to Hawaii safely.

Two ways to gain entrance into the state:

COVID-19 Vaccination:The first way that you can bypass quarantine is by providing Hawaii with proof of the COVID-19 vaccination. There is a process for confirming the legitimacy of the vaccine through a trusted partner. You must also upload the proof into the state of Hawaii’s database prior to your flight. This is a fairly simple process, but if you wait until you’ve landed you may be held up for quite some time.In order to do this, view the trusted partners here and obtain proof of validity. You must also create an account and upload your vaccine photos and a photo of your ID here. Once you create an account, you must input your trip information (where you’re staying, how long your trip is for, etc.) Then, you will be able to choose that trip when you upload your vaccine information. 24 hours before you land, complete the health questionnaire and obtain your QR code for a smooth and quick screening process on arrival. Arrive early for your departure flight and obtain a wristband from the service desk by showing proof of vaccination. This wristband allows you to bypass screening once you land. (This is not available at every airport — check with your flight carrier for more details)Depending on the partner you choose to go through, there may be a small fee to confirm the validity of your COVID vaccine. AZOVA charges $10 while Common Pass is free!
Negative COVID NAAT or PCR Test:The second method for gaining an exception for quarantine is by providing proof of a negative COVID-19 test. However, this is not your average free and available test. You must take a rapid NAAT or PCR test which costs around $100-150 and it must be taken via a trusted partner of Hawaii(US Domestic partners listed in the photo below). This test must be taken as late as 3 days prior to your final leg of your flight or it will expire. For example, if you have a final connecting flight at 2:00 PM and you took your test at 11 AM three days prior, it will no longer be valid. This must be planned carefully so you are not forced to quarantine. Uploading your negative test will be quite easy, you will follow the same steps as above. Create an account here and then input your trip information. Once you have received your negative test results, click on the COVID NAAT/PCR Test Exemption button. Choose your trip that this exemption is for and then upload the results. 24 hours before you land, complete the health questionnaire and obtain your QR code for a smooth and quick screening process on arrival.

When in Hawaii

It is important to note that everywhere you go in Hawaii will require you wear a mask indoors. You may remove the mask when you are seated in a restaurant or outdoors, but this is a strict guideline that all establishments must follow. Further, there are some activities that require proof of vaccination or a negative test before participating. Though this requirement is not very common, it is crucial to read the fine print before booking any excursions. Many tours and activities also have limited capacities as per COVID mandates so they fill up quickly — booking as soon as possible is recommended!

In conclusion, Hawaii is a beautiful state with many activities and gorgeous sites to explore. With decreased flight costs, it’s no wonder people are lining up for a tropical vacation here. The locals are welcoming, but expect that all tourists do their part to respect their safety mandates. Mahalo and have a wonderful vacation!

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For more reading on Kailua-Kona located on Hawaii’s Big Island — See why Kona should be on everyone’s bucket list and amazing day trips from Kona!

(Originally published 2021-2022)

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