Hawaii Eases Travel Restrictions: Everything You Need To Know
Hawaii is closer than you think. The Aloha State has made it easier for U.S. citizens to make the trip to paradise. (We see you, Hawaii!) Now, U.S. citizens traveling to Hawaii have two options for skipping the mandatory quarantine: (1) the Vaccine Exemption Program, or (2) the Pre-Travel Testing Program.
But, before you go booking your ticket to Hawaii, I’m going to share a few things you should know about the Vaccine Exemption Program and the Pre-Travel Testing Program.
HAWAII’S VACCINE EXEMPTION PROGRAM
Vaccinated? Well, lucky for you, because you may be eligible for Hawaii’s Vaccine Exemption Program. Here are a few things you should know about Hawaii’s Vaccine Exemption Program:
You’ll need to be fully vaccinated.
To be eligible for Hawaii’s Vaccine Exemption Program, you’ll need to be fully vaxxed. You’re considered fully vaccinated on the 14th day after your second vaccination (or first vaccination if you’re team J&J).
If it hasn’t been 14 days, you have two options: (1) the Pre-Travel Testing Program, or (2) the mandatory 10-day quarantine. Unless, of course, you’re under 5 years of age.
You’ll need to register with the Hawaii Safe Travels Program.
Before departure, you’ll need to create an account and register with the Hawaii Safe Travels Program. You will be asked to upload your trip details, your vaccination documentation, a legal attestation, and a completed health form.
Once you tick all of those boxes, you’ll be emailed a QR code that will help you seamlessly navigate the departure and arrival process.
You’ll need to pack your CDC vaccination card.
Even with the QR code, you’ll want to bring your original or hard-copy CDC vaccination card on your upcoming trip to Hawaii. That vaccination card is your golden ticket–guard it with your life.
HAWAII’S PRE-TRAVEL TESTING PROGRAM
Not eligible for Hawaii’s Vaccine Exemption Program? You can still bypass Hawaii’s mandatory 10-day quarantine by opting into the Pre-Travel Testing Program. Here’s what you should know about Hawaii’s Pre-Travel Testing Program:
You’ll need a certain COVID-19 test.
If you want the all-clear in Hawaii, you’ll have to be sure to take the right type of COVID-19 test. Antigen and antibody tests will not be accepted. (You might want to read that last sentence again.) Currently, Hawaii is only accepting FDA-approved NAAT tests, processed by a certified CLIA laboratory. Take the wrong COVID-19 test, and you’ll be looking at a mandatory 10-day quarantine upon arrival. Talk about a buzz kill.
At this point, the state of Hawaii is only accepting COVID-19 tests from its list of approved Trusted Testing and Travel Partners. For the most recent list of Trusted Testing and Travel Partners, visit Hawaii State Department of Health’s Travel Partners.
Children under 5 are not required to take a COVID-19 test.
You’ll need to take it on time.
No really—timing is everything here. You want to be sure to take the COVID-19 test no earlier than 72 hours before your flight departure time. If you happen to have a layover, no earlier than 72 hours is based on the last leg of your flight to Hawaii.
So, for example, if you’re flying from New York City (EST) and have a short layover in Chicago (CST) before the last leg of your flight to Hawaii, the departure time will be based on your Chicago departure time (CST).
You will need to have a negative COVID-19 test result (with proof in hand and on your phone, preferably) before you board the last leg of your flight to Hawaii. Honestly, consider splurging on the rapid COVID-19 test—it’s likely worth it for the quick turnaround and the added peace of mind.
You’ll need to register with the Hawaii Safe Travels Program.
Before departure, you’ll need to create an account and register with the Hawaii Safe Travels Program. You will be asked to upload your flight information, your negative pre-travel test results, a completed health form, and a form of identification.
Once completed, you’ll be emailed a QR code that will be your golden ticket with airport personnel.
You’ll want to make sure your COVID-19 test isn’t positive.
So what’s the catch? Well, you still run the risk of getting a big fat positive. If you test positive for COVID-19 before you take off to Hawaii, your trip is essentially cancelled. (Hope you read the fine print.) If you opt out of the Pre-Travel Testing Program or end up with a positive test result, expect to be sent straight to quarantine. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
Your QR code may be the golden ticket, but don’t go ditching your mask just yet. You should also be aware of your potential exposure.
Hawaii’s Vaccine Exemption and Pre-Travel Testing Programs are both optional, so not everyone is getting tested or vaccinated prior to departure. The 72-hour testing window means that someone could still be exposed after testing negative for COVID-19.
In short, the person sitting next to you might still have COVID-19.
Lastly, be sure to travel responsibly and stay up to date on the latest restrictions in place on the island you’re visiting in Hawaii. Restrictions are changing at a rapid pace. Some islands may require proof of vaccination or a recent (like, last 48 hours, recent) negative COVID-19 test in order to eat indoors, enter museums, and the like.
Feeling inspired? Be sure to watch our free video guide on 5 Tips For Finding Your Next Flight (without breaking the bank).
Your Connect,
Gabriella
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