Has Hawaii opened back up to tourists?

The easy answer is YES!  However, in the world of Covid-19 and 2020, the answer is likely not a simple one. 

As of October 15, 2020, travelers who are arriving Hawaii with a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of the flight that delivers you to Hawaii will be permitted to travel around the island without a 14 day quarantine mandate.

There are some small print items that you need to be aware of to ensure you have a pleasant experience in Hawaii.  

Your Covid-19 test must be taken at a CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) approved facility.  Great!  Where do I find such a facility?  

The following are CLIA certified:  American Family Care Urgent Care, Carbon Health, CityHealth Urgent Care, Color, CVS Health, Kaiser Permanente, Quest Diagnostics, Vault Health and Walgreens.  CVS and Walgreens for the win!  You may also test via your airline - Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines.  In our area, most facilities will administer a Covid-19 test only if you are exhibiting symptoms or have been in contact with someone who has Covid-19.

If you are traveling to the island of Hawaii (not to Maui, not to Oahu, not Kauai), you will be required to take another Covid test upon arrival.  The mayors for Maui and Kauai discussed requiring a second negative Covid-19 test upon arrival; however, the Governor of Hawaii shot that idea down.

For those who plan to stay on one of the Hawaiian islands (other than the island of Hawaii) for over 14 days and you agree to quarantine for your first 14 days on the island, you will NOT need to bring a negative Covid-19 test result with you.  This will likely result in a mixture of pre tested and non tested travelers on the same flight.  What could possibly go wrong with this approach, right?

If you are considering a trip to Hawaii soon, you will want to monitor the Hawaii Covid-19 Updates button below to keep up with all the latest developments on entry requirements.  

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Hawaii Covid-19 Updates