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Hawaii Travel Restrictions: How to Travel to Hawaii and What to Expect

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Updated: April 23rd, 2022

Hawaii’s Safe Travels Program ended on March 25th, 2022. Domestic arrivals into Hawaii are no longer required to show a negative COVID test or a vaccination card.

Hawai’i’s Safe Travels Program has Ended

On March 1st, Governor Ige announced Hawai’i’s Safe Travels program for domestic trans-Pacific travelers will end on March 25th. Travelers arriving after March 25th will no longer be required to complete a Safe Travels application to enter Hawai’i.

The requirement to upload a vaccine card or a negative COVID test taken within 72-hours if unvaccinated in order to bypass the mandatory 5-day quarantine is no longer be required. 

In a nutshell, domestic passengers can enter Hawai’i like it is 2019 again and party like is 1999 again. There will be no COVID restrictions for travel to Hawaii on March 26th, 2022.

“Governor Ige’s decision is a good balance of maintaining reasonable health precautions while reopening our society and economy,” said Hawaii Tourism Authority President and CEO John De Fries.

For our international friends, the federal requirements are still in place. Direct international travelers who start their flight in a non-U.S. state or territory and end their flight in Hawaii must present both a vaccination record and a negative COVID-19 test result (NAAT or antigen) within one day of boarding a flight to the United States.

And last but not least, the mask mandate. 

Hawai’i’s Indoor Mask Mandate has Ended

The indoor mask mandate was dropped at midnight on March 25th, 2022.

The government stressed that masks may still be required on buses, public schools, jails, and airports. Private businesses also have the right to require patrons to wear masks, much like shirts and slippers (flip-flops). 

We recommend you look for posted mask signs and keep a mask in the car or your pocket when visiting this spring.

Restrictions by Hawaiian Island

COVID restrictions set by island mayors have all been sunset. The last program to end was Safe Access Oahu, the program that required patrons to show a vaccine card or negative COVID test to enter restaurants, bars, and gyms. Safe Access Oahu ended on March 8th, 2022.

Maui, the Island of Hawai’i, and Kauai have no COVID restrictions in place that will impact your vacation. Restaurants have been allowed to return to full capacity but many have not due to staffing shortages. As mentioned above, a mask will be required to be worn indoors or in crowded settings until March 26th, 2022 on all the Hawaiian Islands.

Maui, like Oahu, had a requirement to show a vaccine car or a negative COVID test to dine indoors at a restaurant or bar but that requirement was dropped in February 2022.

Many state and county campsites are taking reservations again! Check the state and county websites to book.

Note on Inter-Island Travel

There used to be a testing requirement for anyone island hopping , but that requirement has been lifted. Now once you are in Hawaii and are not subject to quarantine, you are able to travel between the islands freely.

How to Enter Hawaii for International Travelers

We did our best to summarize the process for our international friends who seek a Hawaii vacation. Read our Hawaii International Travel Requirements Guide for assistance and official links for travel to Hawaii from an international airport or for international travelers coming from a USA domestic airport prior to Hawaii.

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I'm the co-founder, with my husband Jordan, of The Hawaii Vacation Guide. We have lived on Maui and Oahu and continue to travel, experience, and learn about the Hawaiian Islands. We travel with our kids, Henry and Edith. I am a planner! I love to plan trips from the mainland and island-hopping adventures, excursion days, and everything in-between. I spend a lot of my time in Hawai'i on a SUP and my favorite time of year in Hawai'i is whale season!

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Planning a Hawaii Trip? Here's What to Know Before You Go

By Kris Fordham

Hawaii welcomed tourists back to its islands beginning October 15, allowing travelers to forgo its mandatory 14-day quarantine if they are able to provide a negative COVID-19 test prior to arrival. Since then, more than 100,000 travelers (an average of 6,000 per day, according to the Hawaiian Tourism Authority) have flocked to Hawaii , a five-fold increase from the previous month, with most travelers coming from mainland United States.

The move, while a boost for Hawaii's struggling economy, which remains almost entirely reliant on tourism, has been met with backlash from locals. Rightfully, they worry that relaunching tourism—as cases surge on the mainland, no less—will result in a spike of coronavirus cases on the islands. 

If you're thinking of visiting Hawaii in the coming months, here's everything you need to know before booking—so you can visit safely and responsibly. 

Getting there

Under the government's Safe Travels program, travelers to Hawaii can now skip thequarantine by registering on the online portal and taking a FDA-authorized nucleic acid amplification COVID-19 test administered by an approved Trusted Testing Partner before flying (tests range from $90-$150). Some airlines, like Hawaiian and United , also offer pre-flight in-home testing via mail-in kits (for $119), as well as express testing options that deliver results within 24 hours ($150). In any case, the test must be taken at least 72 hours before the flight's departure, and the negative test result must be uploaded to the portal before boarding.

Don’t receive your results in time? You’ll still be allowed to fly, but will be subject to a quarantine upon arrival in Hawaii until proof of a negative test is uploaded to the Safe Travels portal. Don’t want to take a test at all? You’ll also be allowed to fly, but are required to quarantine in your hotel room or lodging for 14 days upon arrival in Hawaii.

Some islands have implemented further safety measures on top of state testing requirements. On the Big Island, out-of-state visitors are required to take an additional rapid-response COVID-19 test upon arrival, administered free of charge at any of its three airports. On Kauai and Maui, a second voluntary test three days after arrival is encouraged, but not mandatory. All Hawaii travel restrictions and mandates, by state and county, can be found on the Hawaiian Tourism Authority's website , which is updated regularly.

Protecting locals

While you certainly can travel to Hawaii right now, does it mean that you should? According to many Hawaiian locals—despite how devastating the pandemic has been on the economy—the answer is “not yet.”

“This is not a time to travel,” says Angela Keen, a veteran TV journalist and the co-founder of the community action group Hawaii Quarantine Kapu Breakers. The group's 6,600-plus volunteers help to advocate and enforce COVID-safe practices island-wide, and were instrumental in pushing local government officials for a statewide mask mandate. “Our volunteers—some of whom are airport screeners—have witnessed droves of visitors arriving at the airport with masks on their chins, crowded closely next to each other,” she adds. “It's not safe for visitors, and it's not safe for residents. It’s good that the state does the pre-travel testing, but what the Big Island and Kauai are doing with the second test has proven that people coming in think they’re negative, and are actually positive.”

Reports of maskless tourists gathering on Waikiki Beach have been circulated by local news outlets. 

Some have been concerned by groups of unmasked tourists crowding the trail to Koko Head despite the statewide mask mandate, putting the health of locals at risk. Similarly, reports of tourists gathering maskless on Waikiki Beach have been circulated on  local news outlets , provoking ire among locals, who worry that tourists are using their home as a playground, with no respect for local regulations.

"Most of the travelers we've encountered recently don't appear to care about COVID-19 or our emergency mandate,” adds Keen, who is a COVID-19 survivor herself. “When kindly reminded by our volunteers about the mask mandate and handed a mask, we’ve been met with expletives, the middle finger, and even screaming.”

In the past month, cases in the state have continued to rise, with an average of 99 cases per day in the past seven days—a 36 percent increase from the average just two weeks earlier. Though some health officials attribute the rising cases to community spread and not increased tourism, others argue that many of the recent cases are either directly or indirectly related to tourism . Whatever the case, the fact remains that the situation in Hawaii is still volatile, and the islands’ healthcare system is limited and ill-equipped to handle another surge. Studies also reveal that in the case of a “moderate spread,” Hawaii would need almost four times the number of its available hospital beds—a number that does not account for virus-stricken tourists.

But other locals argue it's not as simple as shutting visitors out.

"We need to find an equilibrium between the safety and health of our community, and addressing the damage caused by the high rates of unemployment," says a hotel refurbishment contractor based on Oahu, who asked to remain anonymous. "It would be different if we had another major export. But tourism is our dominant industry, and there are countless other sectors tied to that, like the food supply chain, retail and restaurants. As long as tourism remains regulated, government mandates are clear and visitors respect them, I think we can achieve something of a balance.”

Staying safe

In the midst of a global pandemic, the best way to keep yourself and others safe is to simply stay home . But if you do choose to visit, it is necessary to be aware of and follow all local mandates in order to minimize risk.

Jessica Puckett

María Casbas

CNT Editors

Presently, there is a statewide mask mandate in effect. Wearing a mask is required by law when entering an essential business, participating in most activities, traveling on public transportation, and when outdoors, if you cannot maintain a physical distance of at least six feet from others (including members of your household). Those caught violating the emergency order rules can face a fine of up to $5,000 and/or up to a year in jail.

Currently, all Hawaii restaurants are open for indoor dining at 50 percent capacity, though dining is limited to parties of five people per table and masks must be worn at all times except when actively eating or drinking. Indoor attractions such as museums, shopping malls, bowling alleys, and zoos are also open at 50 percent capacity, with groups limited to five people. All of Hawaii's parks, beaches, and trails are also open, though visitors must practice physical distancing and wear a mask at all times.

If you do decide to visit Hawaii, the key is mālama : the Hawaiian value of caring for, and protecting, the land and its people. This could mean everything from respecting local mandates (and those who they’re designed to protect) to patronizing local businesses .

“Hawaii has the most precious and unique culture, people, and history," adds Keen. "We have animals and plants that exist nowhere else in the world, that's how special this place is. If you do come, wear a mask, be respectful, buy local, wash your hands, socially distance, and there will be appreciation from those of us who live here. But I'd rather you come when it's safer for everyone."

We're reporting on how COVID-19 impacts travel on a daily basis. Find all of our coronavirus coverage and travel resources here.

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Hawaii Reopening to Visitors

Safe Travels to end March 26, 2022 for domestic travelers

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Hawaii Reopens to Tourism

Things to know about visiting a reopening hawaii, pre-travel testing program now allows the bypass of quarantine, last updated: march 1, 2022, at 6:30 pm hst, 'safe travels' program ends march 25th for domestic travelers .

According to Governor Ige, the state of Hawaii will drop the current 'Safe Travels' program for domestic travelers at midnight on  March 25, 2022 . The governor made the announcement on Tuesday - March 1st. Governor Ige continues to urge people to continue taking precautions, and a decision on the mask mandate will follow.

Under the new guidelines, the  first-day travelers could visit  the state without Safe Travels restrictions will be  March 26th .

That now means beginning March 26, 2022, domestic travelers to Hawaii will  no longer need to fill out online forms via Safe Travels, no longer have to worry about QR codes, no longer have to provide proof of vaccination, and ultimately, there won't be any additional requirements or restrictions to fly to Hawaii  on a domestic flight.

Quicklink Hawaii Resources

• More information on the current travel rules & restrictions can be found on our updated page for:  Hawaii Travel Restrictions →
• A complete list of the trusted travel partners, for pre-travel testing, can be found here:  Hawaii Trusted Travel Partners & Test Costs →
• Details and thorough information on Hawaii's pre-travel testing can be found on our:  Hawaii Testing Requirements & Test Procedures →
• Additional details on Hawaii's policy for vaccinated travelers can be found in our updated article:  Hawaii COVID-19 Vaccination Policies →
• Detailed information on Hawaii's use of Health/Vaccine 'passports' can be found in our article:  Hawaii Vaccine & Health Passport Travel →
• We've created a page dedicated to the day-by-day updates that are occurring within Hawaii:  Hawaii COVID-19 Travel News & Headlines →

Editor's Note...

Hawaii's re-opening has honestly been an evolving process with numerous changes and ongoing updates. We recognize that this, unfortunately, causes confusion to potential travelers, and we are continuing to monitor this situation closely. We will provide additional updates here regularly , from official sources , on this page as additional information becomes available to us. We also encourage our readers to sign up for our 'Hawaii Travel Update' emails to receive pertinent information on all of the recent developments regarding travel to Hawaii.

— article continued below —

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Hawaii's governor tells tourists to stay away amid COVID-19 surge. What that means for travelers

Two popular Maui travel message boards on Facebook saw a spike in questions as soon as news spread Monday that Hawaii Gov. David Ige urged tourists to stay away through October.

"I fly out tomorrow and leave Monday. If they shut down the state within that time would we get stuck there? Or will they allow us to leave?"

"Does anybody know if Costco Travel is refunding based on the governor's latest announcement?"

"When is the governor suggesting travel could reasonably resume as (trip) planning is taking place?"

Traveler confusion is to be expected given ever-changing COVID-19 travel restrictions around the world, and Hawaii's rules are among the most stringent. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Here's what travelers need to know about travel to Hawaii this fall:

Can you still travel to Hawaii?

Hawaii didn't change its entry requirements Monday. Travelers must still be vaccinated or present negative results from a coronavirus test taken no more than three days before departure to bypass a mandatory 10-dayquarantine. The governor simply asked tourists not to visit Hawaii through October because of a surge in COVID-19 cases , which he said has hospitals and intensive care units at capacity. Ige asked airlines, hotels and other tourism businesses to spread the message and do what they can to discourage travel.

Is Hawaii shutting down again?

No, at least not yet.

Ige was asked during a news conference at what point in the case surge the state would consider lockdowns, which were prevalent across the country in the early months of the pandemic. In Hawaii, beaches and parks and other outdoor activities were closed, among a host of other restrictions. Tourists were effectively banned for several months in 2020 because of a strict 14-day quarantine.

Ige said Hawaii is doing everything it can to make sure hospitals have enough capacity to treat patients, including setting up tents outside to treat those who aren't seriously ill.

Another factor that blunts the need for a lockdown, he said: vaccination rates. Vaccines were not available when the economy shut down last year.

Ige said there is no magic number the state is looking at to determine whether another lockdown is necessary. 

"At the point we feel that we don't have any other resources to expand (health care) capacity, then certainly we will have to look at more drastic actions,'' he said.

Hawaii tightened restrictions on restaurant capacity because of the surge in cases.

Are airlines canceling Hawaii flights to curtail travel?

Except for cuts in service as summer vacation season ends, which will automatically reduce tourist numbers, there is no evidence that airlines heeded the governor's call to discourage travel to Hawaii.

Southwest Airlines advertised sale fares to Hawaii on Tuesday, including a $159 one-way deal from Phoenix, for travel from Aug. 25 through mid-December.

Concerns about the delta variant of the coronavirus have reduced the number of travelers. Airlines for America, the industry's lobbying group, said its latest data shows ticket bookings have fallen since mid-July.

Is it safe to travel during the delta surge? Experts say some travelers better off staying home

'I didn't feel like it was responsible' : Growing number of travelers cancel trips

Can I get a refund if I cancel a Hawaii trip over the governor's request to not visit?

It depends on the terms of your ticket, hotel or rental reservation or vacation package.

Airlines don't owe you a refund unless they cancel your flight or you bought a refundable ticket. That's the bad news. The good news is that most major airlines no longer charge hefty ticket change fees when you cancel or change a trip. So you will probably get a voucher or travel credit for a future trip. Read the fine print carefully, as the expiration date is often tied to the date you purchased the ticket.

High COVID-19 transmission areas:  Where you need to wear a mask indoors

Travelers considering canceling trips to Hawaii should reach out to airlines, hotels, vacation rentals and others immediately to see if they are eligible for a refund or travel credit. 

Many travelers with near-term plans to visit Hawaii said in the Facebook Maui groups this week that they are still going because they would lose a bundle of money if they didn't. Others said they canceled trips.

Check the terms of any travel insurance, too.

Airline cancel or delay your flight? Here's what they owe you (and how to get it)

Does Hawaii require coronavirus tests to visit even if you're vaccinated?

Since July 8, vaccinated visitors have not had to test. Ige said Monday that reinstating the requirement has been considered but that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidelines say domestic travel is safe for vaccinated people, which complicates the decision.

Hawaii is set to ease restrictions as it welcomes back tourists

Nov 5, 2021 • 3 min read

Hawaii is easing some COVID-19 restrictions as travelers return © Matt Munro / Lonely Planet

As the COVID-19 situation continues to improve across the state, Hawaii  will lift capacity restrictions for many outdoor activities—and in keeping with the rest of the United States , international and domestic travelers will be welcomed back to the islands beginning November 8. 

Gov. David Ige made the announcement on capacity restrictions this week. He had previously asked in August that would-be travelers postpone their trip to Hawaii until the latest wave of Delta-driven infections had settled. It was a request, rather than an outright travel ban, to give Hawaii time to recover.

Summer in Hawaii had seen a surge in coronavirus case numbers across the state that overwhelmed the health service and strained resources. But now case numbers are steadily decreasing , and the percentage of the population that's fully vaccinated is on the rise. “Our state continues to see one of the lowest incidences of COVID-19 and death rates related to the virus," Gov. Ige said in a press release . "As more and more people are vaccinated, we are moving to ease pandemic mitigation measures—including travel restrictions—in a way that ensures the health and safety of our communities.”

Read more: This Hawaiian island plans for fewer visitors as it pushes for sustainable tourism

For direct international travel from November 8 onward, US citizens have two options: fully vaccinated travelers will have to show proof of vaccination and present a test taken within three days of boarding their flight to the US, while those not fully vaccinated will have to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result within one day of boarding their flight to the US. 

Non-US citizens will be required to show both vaccination records and a negative COVID-19 test result taken within three days of boarding a flight to the US. Passengers failing to meet these requirements will be denied boarding. 

For non-direct international travel—i.e., international passengers who enter the US from another state or territory—you'll need to complete the Safe Travels Hawaii form  before departure and, to bypass quarantine, either upload your vaccination record or a negative NAAT test result taken no more than 72 hours before the start of your trip.

Meanwhile, the executive order easing capacity limits goes into effect November 12. "Outdoor activity at restaurants, bars, and social establishments are no longer subject to restrictions (such as masks, mingling, and six feet of distance). Indoor activity will continue restrictions as normal," the governor tweeted November 3. "Indoor capacity for all indoor high-risk activities is set at 50% unless the county implements a policy requiring vaccination or negative COVID-19 test, in which case, there is NO capacity limit. This includes gyms, as well as bars, restaurants, and social establishments."

It's worth noting that although things are improving in Hawaii, the situation could change suddenly. Gov. Ige has  said that officials will "continue to monitor case counts and hospitalizations in the islands and adjust as needed while prioritizing the health and safety of our residents." Always check the latest public health guidelines before traveling. For more information on COVID-19 measures, see the Hawaii Tourism Authority website .

Read more: A new law will ban swimming with Hawaii's spinner dolphins 4 ways Hawaii is coping with a tourist influx as COVID-19 restrictions lift The 10 best hikes in Hawaii serve up stunning island views

This article was first published October 2021 and updated November 2021

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• Coronavirus COVID 19

Hawaii’s governor announces Safe Travels program ends March 25, 2022

• 1 minute read
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On March 1, 2022, Governor Ige announced that Hawaii’s Safe Travels program is set to end March 25. Beginning Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 12:01 am, individuals arriving from the United States will not be required to quarantine, create a Safe Travels account, show their COVID-19 vaccination status, or take a pre-travel test when traveling to the Hawaiian Islands.

Passengers arriving to Hawaii on direct international flights must still adhere to federal U.S. entry requirements .

For some of the more pertinent clips from Ige’s press conference as well as some insights from local news outlet, check out this video from KHON2.

Sheila Beal

Sheila Beal is the founder and editor of Go Visit Hawaii. You can connect with Sheila Beal on Twitter , Go Visit Hawaii on Facebook , or Instagram .

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Hawaii travel requirements 2024: What travelers need to know

We aim to keep this post updated about Hawaii travel in 2024 with official Hawaii travel restrictions, requirements, and health and safety guidance. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions so you can travel confidently, safely, and responsibly in this new post-pandemic world of ours.

At the end of the post, we share on-the-ground perspectives from local residents and travelers to Hawaii so you can get a sense of what it’s really like.

Hawaii is close to our hearts, as Jedd grew up there and many of our family live on the islands. We have visited Hawaii multiple times since the pandemic, once it was deemed safe.

Last update: January 2, 2024. Originally published: May 2020.

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of our links, we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

* Get our free Post-Pandemic Travel Checklist *

Table of Contents

Is Hawaii open for travel? Can I travel to Hawaii right now?

Travelers to Hawaii can enter without restrictions. A pre-travel test or proof of vaccination are no longer required for domestic  travel to Hawaii.

There are no restrictions for inter-island Hawaii travel .

In accordance with U.S. international arrival rules, travelers arriving from foreign countries no longer need a negative pre-travel test, regardless of vaccination status, as of June 2022.

Foreign visitors (non-US citizens) arriving by air internationally no longer need to show proof of full vaccination as of May 2023.

Maui Wildfire Update

In August 2023, Maui suffered a deadly fire that wiped out the town of Lahaina and prompted evacuation of tourists.

Lahaina remains closed off until further notice while recovery operations are still underway. T he post-wildfire restoration might take a decade.

Lesser affected areas of the West Maui coast reopened November 2023. The rest of Maui is open and welcoming tourists as well.

Check Maui road closure announcements here

Chair of the House Committee on Tourism said: “I know that it is a very difficult path that we are trying to navigate in bringing the tourists back to Maui to be at once respectful of this incredible grief, while also understanding that we cannot afford to add an economic disaster on top of the humanitarian one.”

See the official Hawaii Tourism Authority alert here

Hawaii requirements to enter indoor businesses

You might be wondering: Do I need a health pass, vaccine certificate, or Covid test to enter restaurants, attractions, and other businesses in Hawaii?

Proof of vaccination or negative Covid-19 test are no longer mandated anywhere in Hawaii. Some individual businesses may still set their own requirements for entry.

What are the quarantine rules in Hawaii?

Individuals who test positive for Covid are generally asked to isolate for at least 5 days and at least 24 hours after any fever has resolved. After quarantine, masks should be worn for 5 more days.

Hawaii is no longer enforcing quarantine for travel since the entry requirements have been lifted.

Can I travel to Hawaii in April or June 2024? Can I travel to Hawaii this Spring?

Travel to Hawaii in April is open . Read on for details and check back for updates.

What is it like to fly to Hawaii right now? HNL Honolulu International Airport? It is no longer necessary for travelers to Hawaii to complete the Safe Travels procedure before flying.

Hawaii airports are generally busy and crowds may be difficult to avoid.

Check with your airline about current mask requirements.

Do I have to quarantine when traveling to Hawaii? The Hawaii quarantine requirement for travelers ended March 2022. Those who contract Covid should self-isolate.

Does Hawaii require a negative Covid 19 test for travelers? Travelers no longer need a pre-travel test for Hawaii.

Does Hawaii check COVID-19 symptoms of incoming travelers? No, we have not seen temperature checks for incoming passengers at the airport anymore. 

Does Hawaii require a proof of Coronavirus vaccine for travelers? Proof of vaccination is no longer required for traveling to Hawaii.

Do I need to provide a negative Covid test if I have been vaccinated? There are no test requirements for travel to Hawaii.

Is a booster shot required for travel to Hawaii? At this time, booster shots are not required to visit Hawaii. There is currently no expiration period set for the validity of vaccinations in Hawaii.

When will I be able to visit Hawaii without getting a pre-travel test? As of June 2022, test and vaccination requirements have been lifted for all travel.

What healthcare options are available to travelers in Hawaii who get the virus? Hawaii hospitals and clinics are fully operational, though hospitals have reached capacity where emergency staff were required during surges in cases.

For travel insurance that covers Covid, check out Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing >

What service businesses and restaurants are open in Hawaii? Businesses, retail, and attractions have reopened in Hawaii.

Restaurants, bars, gyms and social establishments no longer have mandated capacity limits. Hawaii does have staffing shortages so lines and longer waits may be experienced.

What gatherings are allowed in Hawaii? Maui, Big Island Hawaii, Oahu, and Kauai no longer have capacity limits or gathering limits.

Are face masks required in Hawaii? Hawaii’s indoor mask mandate ended as of March 2022. Masks are highly recommended indoors in areas with a High risk level.

In times of rising hospitalizations from Covid, health officials have asked the public to continue wearing masks to prevent spread beyond the islands’ hospital capacity.

Are buses running in Hawaii? Hawaii public transportation is running on regular schedules. We see some passengers wearing masks, but it’s not required.

What requirements are there for cruise ships in Hawaii? There are no special rules for cruise ship passengers arriving in Hawaii. According to the CDC, cruise ships may have their own COVID-19 requirements for testing, isolation, quarantine, mask wearing, and dining.

Do you need a passport to visit Hawaii? When flying from other U.S. States, travelers only need identification required for domestic travel . International travelers will need a passport to fly to the U.S., including Hawaii.

Will Hawaii impose new Covid restrictions? What’s next is difficult to predict. Historically, Hawaii has been one of the most proactive and “strict” States when it comes to preventive Covid measures. If strains on Hawaii’s health care system might become unsustainable, we may see renewed restrictions.

How has the Coronavirus impacted Hawaii?

Although Hawaii managed to keep their percentage of case numbers lower than most other States, resources and capacity are much more fragile on the islands .

Hawaii saw a rise in new coronavirus infections late in the summer 2020. Hawaii reopened carefully in 2021 with quarantine and testing protocols in place to reduce virus transmission from travel. In summer 2021, tourism numbers returned to normal levels, despite few international visitors.

Oahu’s reopening strategy in 2021 was originally intended to ease restrictions on Oahu once the vaccination rate reached a certain level. However, a significant surge in delta cases and hospitalizations in August and September 2021 prompted the Governor to temporarily discourage any non-essential travel.

The tiered reopening strategy was then replaced by the Safe Oahu Response Plan, which included proof of vaccination or testing to enter restaurants and businesses.

The emergency proclamation in Hawaii ended March 6, 2022. Hawaii was the last U.S. State to end their indoor mask mandate on March 26, 2022.

More than 3/4 of Hawaii residents have been vaccinated.

Economically, one in three Hawaii workers has been unemployed during the pandemic. Tourism, a major industry in Hawaii, has obviously taken a hit. The economic implications may be significant, yet health and safety remain top priorities.

For the current situation in Hawaii, including: total COVID-19 positive cases; total cases in Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii counties; and COVID-19 testing in Hawaii, please see the Hawaii Department of Health site .

What should you pack for safely traveling in Hawaii 2022?

😷 Face Masks – Face coverings are recommended in crowded public places. Find N95 masks at Bona Fide > or designer options at Vida >

💳 Vaccine Card Holder – Protect that paper CDC card when traveling (if your country doesn’t offer a digital version). Get a simple plastic protector > or Vegan leather clippable > or Leather passport + card combo holder >

👃 Covid self-test – The most studied rapid antigen self-test with FDA authorization. NOT valid to enter countries. Use for your own peace of mind. Order from CVS > or Walmart >

💧 Sealed water bottle – Make sure your reusable water bottle has a lid that’s not exposed to the air. We use one of each of the following: Shop insulated water bottles with protective lid > Shop water bottles with purification filter and protective lid >

✈️ Travel insurance that covers Covid – We’ve started using Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing for affordable evacuation, international medical, and trip coverage.

What do Hawaii locals and recent travelers say about visiting Hawaii now?

What is it like to visit Hawaii right now? It’s our goal to provide regular updates here from real people on the ground, to help potential visitors know what to expect. The following are subjective opinions only. Official travel guidance can be found above.

According to a survey in June 2020, a majority of Hawaii residents support Coronavirus restrictions and are willing to repeat stricter lock down measures.

January 2024 – Intentional Travelers:  “We visited family on Oahu over the holidays. Generally, Covid concerns seem lower than they were in 2023 among our Hawaii family and friends.”

September 2023 – Intentional Travelers:  “ Like everywhere in the world, the concern about COVID in Hawaii depends on who you speak with. Some of our Hawaii family members have expressed concern about rising cases and they wear masks in public areas or large family gatherings. Other family members are not concerned at all.

In most public areas like the airport, stores, shopping malls, etc. the majority of people are not wearing masks. Though everywhere you go, you do see at least a couple of people wearing them. On the airplane flying to Honolulu, of the 170+ passengers, maybe 10 or so were wearing masks.

The local news reports on rising cases, concerns etc. One recent article cited concerns that the tragic disaster in Maui will cause an uptick in cases.”

April 2023 –  Intentional Travelers: “The airport is crowded and tourist activities are back in full swing. Most of our family members in Hawaii are back to normal life, though still very wary of Covid because the health care system on the islands is fragile. Some locals still wear masks in crowds and indoors.”

February 2023 – Melodie of TravelMustDos : “We flew to Hawaii and spent 6 nights on Oahu and 4 nights on Maui. Travel is back to usual with the exception that more people are wearing masks. Hawaii has a lot of visitors from Japan and it appeared many of them wore masks in public places. Masks were also encouraged at the Airport Lounges.

We did not run into any COVID related travel restrictions. We only observed that more people than in the past (pre pandemic) were wearing masks maybe 5-10%. Masks were not required on flights or in public areas. The only email I received regarding wearing masks was for the American Airlines Lounge at HNL. And masks were not required just suggested.”

October 2022 – Karen from https://foreverkaren.com/ , Canadian tourist: “I cruised from Vancouver, Canada, to the Hawaiian Islands, and stayed in Maui for 2 days and Oahu for 3 days. Tourism in Hawaii has returned to the times before the pandemic, although some tours still recommend social distancing and do thorough cleaning after each tour.

Most excursions are operating as before and tour operators said they were very busy. A few restaurant staff wore masks, although it was not required. Restaurants were busy in both Oahu and Maui, and we often had to wait 30 mins for a table. Some attractions have gone to online bookings online and contactless payments at the venue.”

September 14, 2022 – Mirna of AspiringCreativeSoul :  “My husband and I visited Kauai for 6 days in September 2022. All activities were accessible. We did not encounter closures of any kind. Masks were optional everywhere we went, except in a small bus we took to tour a Hawaiian Botanical Garden.

We encountered no crowds any where we went, except for the ticketed events that cater to large groups. We had no concerns about being able to access medical services. Food prices were higher than normal, but we did not encounter food shortages.”

June 2022 – Sophie from We Dream of Travel: “We recently visited Maui and later the Big Island. Traveling to Hawaii is simple in terms of covid at this point. However, the islands have seen a large increase in tourism recently, particularly as domestic travelers are opting to travel to Hawaii rather than international travel. On top of this, there are ongoing issues with staff and supply shortages. Due to this, accommodation is limited, tours and restaurants are often fully booked, and prices have sky rocketed. While it is absolutely worth visiting Hawaii, some advanced planning is required to ensure you have a great vacation.”

April 10, 2022 – Steven, visitor: “Honolulu very much feels like COVID is winding down. Most people are unmasked and places are busy again, but some businesses still have shortened hours in place.”

January 4, 2022 – Michelle, Intentional Travelers: “We flew to HNL on Alaska Airlines, following the same Safe Travels protocols in our previous updates.  We noticed a huge line for the free Covid testing outside of the airport arrivals area. The waits for free walk-up or drive-thru testing are reportedly several hours long. At our favorite coffeeshop with outdoor seating and when picking up to go orders, we were not asked for proof of vaccine or test. We did need to show vaccination cards for a private party at a restaurant. People are wearing masks indoors and many keep masks on outside as well. Our local family are still watching the case numbers carefully with concerns that the healthcare system could be overwhelmed again.”

September 5, 2021 – Jedd, Intentional Travelers: “I returned to Honolulu, Oahu a third time this year to help with more family needs. The flight from Portland to HNL was not very full but the return flight was packed with lots of families. The airport was a little less busy than it has been earlier in the summer but lines were still long. Most locals continue to wear masks indoors and outdoors. My Hawaii family members are very concerned about case rates and risks involved with sending kids back to school. There were rumors about a lock down due spiking hospitalizations, but in reality it sounds like a new vaccination requirement for restaurants and venues on Oahu is what’s actually going to happen.”

August 15, 2021 – E.M., Visitor: “I came to Hawaii (Oahu and the Big Island) for 6 weeks to house sit and to visit a friend, respectively. Technically travelers are allowed right now, however in talking with some locals, they are concerned about the volume of travelers and ability for Hawaii’s resources to be able to handle it. The concern is both for resources here and also for flight capacity to get off the islands if the current state of ‘openness’ changes. My visit to my friend’s house was canceled for this reason. The beaches are still open and I have enjoyed beautiful swims and sunrises. I’ve also loved hiking in the mountains. I have found that masks are mandatory inside everywhere and have seen many people wearing them outside as well. Restaurants have been asking for people to fill out forms for contact tracing. I have heard from locals that hospitals are filling up, but I have no direct anecdotal experience about hospitals, medical centers, or testing here on the islands. Local attractions, shops, and restaurants seem to be open and just requiring masks, social spacing, and contact tracing.”

August 1, 2021 – Permanent Resident, Honolulu: “Our COVID positive numbers in the last 3 days have cumulatively gone past 1,300! I am doing a double masking again in more public areas and have noticed that some of the clerks have even chosen to wear shields on top of their masks. I’m needing to prepare for a potential lockdown, we’ll know in a few days. This delta variant needs to be taken seriously. My poor niece begins school here next week with a double mask.”

July 11, 2021 – Jedd, Intentional Travelers: “ I returned to Oahu to help out with some family matters. I had no problem entering my vaccine information and uploading a picture of the card (from Kaiser Permanente) to the Hawaii Safe Travels account, just like we did with our pre-travel test on our previous trip. Departing PDX was busy and not everyone wore their masks at the ticket counter despite it being a federal requirement at airports. The flight to Honolulu on Alaska was uneventful. Tourism in Hawaii is as busy as ever. I saw the line outside the car rental place at the airport wrapped around the building – apparently there is a shortage of cars and really high demand so rental car prices have skyrocketed. Masks are still required indoors (due to State rules). In tourist areas outdoors not a lot of people are wearing masks. However, I walked to downtown the other day and lots of folks were wearing masks outdoors there. It’s a contrast between locals and tourists. Also, droughts and brush fires are happening on Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island.”

April 2021 – Aunty, Recent Visitor: “ [When arriving on Hawaiian Airlines,] print 2 copies of the pages with all uploads (QR code, Test result, photo upload). They say that smartphone copies are acceptable, but it was easier for us to show our printed copy. I say print 2 copies, one for yourself and another as a backup in suitcase or with companion. Once you depart that plane in HNL you are instructed to follow the maze which leads you to the checkpoint. This line is as long as the amount of people on your plane. For us we had over 200 people. It took about 45 minutes for us to get to our processor. He took 3 minutes with his scanner, checked our ID’s, and passed us. Then we were in for another surprise ..that there is no wiki wiki bus service to take us to baggage claim. So we had to walk another mile and a half to baggage claim which happened to be the very end of Hawaiian baggage claim terminal. So my last tip is to wear comfortable walking shoes & have water. “

March 2021 – Permanent Resident, Honolulu: “The numbers of visitors to the islands keep growing by the 20,000s+ daily. It’s disappointing to see the pictures of people on Waikiki Beach, in restaurants and in bars; so unfair of how our medical system may be affected again.”

March 2021 – Jenn at Cocktails Away , Visitor:   “I flew to Honolulu, Hawaii to work remotely for 10 days in March 2021. Locals are welcoming travelers but prefer that they be respectful of the COVID-19 restrictions that are in place to protect everyone. It’s definitely less crowded than normal but there are still a good number of people visiting the area. Even with strict testing and quarantine protocols (if you weren’t tested) in place, masks are worn at all times in public by most. Contact tracing is in effect as well. Businesses are still operating under limited capacity and hours, so as tourism rates increase, delays and availability may be impacted. Most businesses that were able to withstand the impact of the pandemic are starting to open. Hotels are hosting testing sites and you pass by them as you walk through the city. Vaccinations are still being administered to those 70+ so the rollout for that has been slower than in some states.”

February 2021 – I’m Jess Traveling , Maui resident: “Visitors are welcomed to Hawaii if everyone complies with the mask wearing rules, not gathering in large groups and stays social distanced. Businesses and residents have taken everything seriously since the beginning of the pandemic. Booking ahead for all excursions, dinner reservations and activities is highly encouraged since space is more limited. All travel restrictions are being followed by locals and visitors alike. Maui only has one hospital but since you must prove a negative test before getting on the plane, Maui has not had huge outbreaks. Most, if not all attractions and activities are opened but with limited hours and smaller capacities than before. Live music is also back in many restaurants which gives it all a sense of normalcy.”

January 2021 – Noel at This Hawaii Life , Hawaii resident: “Yes visitors are welcome to Hawaii, providing that they do a pre-Covid test and on some islands, a secondary test each county provides. Masks and social distancing requirements are in effect so that is also an important note to visiting the islands. Most attractions are open for visitors to enjoy along with dining/shopping venues to visit.”

December 2020 – Michelle J, Visitor to the Big Island: “The island of Hawaii has done a good job of managing the COVID-19 pandemic and they are cautious about making sure it stays that way and locals are kept safe and hospital resources are not overwhelmed. “

November 2020 – Bridget, Criterion Travel , Visitor to the Big Island: “A dear friend of mine decided to take a ‘workation’ and rented a condo in Kona for a few weeks.  After traveling to Hawaii, I recommend keeping your Safe Travels Hawaii account information handy and set up your application form ahead of time or the screening and processing time will be longer. I had a layover in Honolulu. This means two forms that include flight numbers etc., uploading negative test result via pdf, answering survey 24 hours prior to departure. Pro tip: Your QR code is your lifeline! There were lots of people bumbling around and they were clogged up in screening and processing because they did not cover their bases. For pre-travel testing, I went with a test kit via Vault Health. It’s the first FDA EUA authorized saliva test on the market. I preferred taking the COVID test in my home and I have a comfort level with technology. I purchased my test for $150 and created an account online. I received my test the very next day! I was careful to follow the instructions and did not open the test until I was ready to take it. I spit into a beaker while under the supervision of a doctor via zoom. I sent it off via my nearest UPS store. The results were ready in plenty of time and received updates online to put me at ease. Upon arrival, military personnel administer selective temperature checks via an infrared thermometer. You also have to scan your QR code and review your form details with an airline representative. The State is paying for an onsite COVID-19 test and it’s administered prior to being allowed to leave the airport. Yes, another one! The multilayered two test approached is really impressive to see in action. Aloha spirit is alive and well on the islands. I was inspired and impressed by the rapid testing options and the pre-travel approval program implementation by the state of Hawaii. People were masked up at the famers market, restaurants and on the trails. Another pro tip: Buy a mask that you feel comfortable in – the heat is not an excuse. I also suggest you pack sanitation wipes to use in the rental car or as needed.”

May 26, 2020 – Resident, Oahu: “Locals worked hard to flatten the curve, and with so many senior citizens in Hawaii, it is discouraging to see travelers flaunting rules and regulations to do as they please on their vacations. It has gotten to the point where a neighbor reported a visitor who was visiting her son for breaking the 14 days quarantine rule… It has become very divisive in some communities. Hawaii is a small state with limited resources. Tourists who choose to travel without regard to existing rules and regulations (which are often difficult to enforce) appear to be selfish and self-absorbed. First responders have had to rescue hikers, swimmers, etc.”

May 26, 2020 – Resident, Big Island: “I’d highly discourage travel to Hawaii from the mainland and vice versa. Currently Big Island Hospital in Hilo has limited ventilators and PPE everywhere, for every health practitioner, is very limited. If travelers come and create a second wave, which everyone is expecting when tourism restarts, we do not have enough resources available on every level. Many locals are doing their part to practice social distancing and feel that tourist should follow the rules like the 14 day quarantine. Tourism is needed to boost the economy, but I take health over money any day. Especially when my family, parents, in-laws, and relatives have medical problems. This second wave and opening up Hawai’i is getting me a little more anxious.”

Even if you can’t go to Hawaii right now, you can still get started planning your Hawaii trip for the future.

Check out our other Hawaii travel resources: – Oahu Hiking Guide for Visitors – One Week Oahu Itinerary & Activities List – Where to Stay on Oahu & Where to Stay in Honolulu Outside Waikiki – Kona, Hawaii on a Budget – Hawaiian language 101 for visitors – What to pack for a week in Hawaii: Packing Checklist

If you have questions or updates about travel to Hawaii during the Coronavirus crisis, please let us know in the comments below.

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Disclaimer: Please note, travel restrictions change frequently. Readers must take responsibility for verifying information through official sources like the State Department and CDC, in respect to their specific situations. No responsibility can be accepted by Intentional Travelers for action or inaction as a result of information provided through IntentionalTravelers.com. Any information provided here is issued as general information only.

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14 Comments

Thank you for your listing . I am going to Hawwaai from Aud=stralia on 29th sept 2022 and it was a bigf help .Lorraine

Thanks, Lorraine. Safe travels!

Just want to confirm that Hawaii is now allowing unvaccinated international travellers. If so, when where the restrictions lifted?

Apologies for the confusion, Alana. I was thinking of testing rather than vaccination with your question. To clarify: Hawaii has the same rules as the rest of the United States, which no longer requires a pre-travel test but does require full vaccination for non-US citizens who are arriving internationally.

I’m surprised the article left out the 3rd option for exemption from quarantine. That’s if you’ve had a recent Covid infection. You can show proof of the positive test and a doctors note indicating you’ve recovered. I’m going that route and was approved for my travel without quarantine for my Feb. 2022 trip.

Thank you for sharing. This exemption does seem to be more common now, and we will update the post to include it.

This guide is incredibly helpful. You’ve really thought through everything you need to know before planning a trip. Thank you for this helpful resource. Saving this guide for later!

If you have received both vaccine shots do you still need to get a negative covid 19 test result prior to travel to Hawaii?

That is a good question and I think many are wondering the same thing about other destinations as well. At this time, there is no special allowance for vaccinated travelers, and we can’t predict what Hawaii might decide to require in terms of vaccines in the future. From what I’ve read, I would guess that most destinations will continue to require a Covid test regardless of the vaccine since the timeline for immunity after vaccination is still uncertain. We’ll be sure to update our post as soon as we know more.

Need to know if CPL Clinical Pathology Labs are approved for Covid testing to Hawaii?

Thanks for your question, Neil. I know there have been some questions about qualifying labs for the test. I don’t see that one on the list currently. You can find it here: https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel-partners/

Hi Michelle! This is good information for anyone who is even thinking about running away to Hawaii to sit this all out. Actually, that’s about all they CAN DO if they go, right? Just sit. And why go to Hawaii for that? But it will be interesting to see what happens in October. I think we are all just waiting until that safe and effective vaccine comes out. ~Kathy

Thanks, Kathy. Yes, right now it seems best to refrain from visiting, especially since the timeline for reopening keeps getting pushed back. Hopefully there will be a clear safe, and sustainable way to move forward soon so that Hawaii’s tourism economy can recover while keeping locals healthy.

Why bother going? I can far more easily and far less expensively sit at home, order food for delivery and watch reruns of Magnum P.I.

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Hawaii to Officially Welcome Visitors Back to West Maui Next Month — What to Know

Gov. Josh Green issued a proclamation allowing travelers to enter the region impacted most by the devastating wildfires on Oct. 8.

Zeng Hui/Getty Images

West Maui will officially welcome visitors again next month following the devastating wildfires that swept the paradise destination in August.

On Friday, Gov. Josh Green signed an emergency proclamation that will lift the travel ban to the area on Oct. 8. The new proclamation reverses previous guidance from Green and Hawaiian Tourism Authority that discouraged travel to West Maui – including Lāhainā, Nāpili, Kāʻanapali, and Kapalua – altogether. 

However, Lāhainā , the wildfires’ impact zone, remains closed to visitors.

To date, at least 115 people have died and 66 remain unaccounted for from the fire that began Aug. 8.

Since Aug. 9, Hawaii’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism estimates the island has lost more than $350 million.

“The passenger count to Kahului Airport decreased by more than 70 percent after the tragedy from 7,000 a day to 2,000 a day,” a Sept. 6 statement released from the department read. “The loss from business closures and visitor expenditures is estimated to be $11 million a day on Maui since Aug. 9, 2023.”

Green’s proclamation comes as a relief for small business owners who depend on tourism and have floundered in recent weeks without concrete guidance from local government officials.

“For us, [the messaging] meant dozens of cancellations as far out as Feb. 2024,” Shawn Ravazzano, owner of Love and Water Photography , told Travel + Leisure , adding that many local businesses are still recovering from COVID shutdowns. “Clients were confused about the message of when to return.”

In an effort to stir economic growth, local resorts including Four Seasons Maui and Hotel Wailea , have incentivized tourism, offering donations to local foundations for every booking.

Ravazzano is hopeful the clear messaging and resort incentives encourage visitors to return.

“Respectful, responsible and sustainable visitation to Maui — and all islands — is, and always should be, the standard,” she said.

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Hawaii is easing restrictions and preparing to welcome back tourists.

The state is eager for its vacation industry to rebound after a devastating 2020 season.

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Hawaii Eases Covid Restrictions

Gov. david y. ige announced his state would welcome international tourists again and lift capacity limits later this month on bars, restaurants and gyms in counties that require patrons to present proof of vaccination or a recent negative covid test to enter..

Indoor activities at restaurants, bars and social establishments must continue to require patrons remain seated with their party, maintain six feet of distancing between groups, do not mingle and wear masks at all times, except when actively eating or drinking. Effective Nov. 12, two changes will take effect. Outdoor activity at restaurants, bar and social establishments will no longer be subject to these restrictions. Regarding capacity for indoor high-risk activities such as restaurants, bar and social establishments, indoor capacity is set at 50 percent, unless the county implements a policy requiring vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test result within 48 hours, in which case, there will be no capacity limits. This does include gyms as well as bars, restaurants and social establishments. The State of Hawaii will align with the federal requirements for entry into the United States for international passengers traveling directly to Hawaii as of Nov. 8.

By Eduardo Medina

Signaling that Hawaii is eager to jump-start its battered tourism and hospitality industries, Gov. David Y. Ige said that his state would ease Covid restrictions this month and welcome international travelers again, under new federal guidelines that go into effect on Nov. 8 .

The governor’s decision was a turnaround for a state that only two months ago was advising travelers not to visit , as it dealt with the worst surge of coronavirus cases it had seen, a wave of illness driven by the highly contagious Delta variant that overwhelmed hospitals and halted Hawaii’s economic recovery.

During the height of the pandemic in 2020, Hawaii endured months of lockdown , imposing strict, 14-day quarantine protocols and suffering the economic consequences to its tourism economy.

Now, with low rates of hospitalizations and new cases, the islands are again ready for business, officials say. On Sept. 2, the state’s seven-day daily average of new cases was 910. As of Tuesday, it had dropped to 116, according to a New York Times database .

On Tuesday, the governor signed an executive order that will lift capacity limits later this month on bars, restaurants and gyms in counties that require patrons to present proof of vaccination or a recent negative coronavirus test to enter. Hawaii is divided into four main counties — one for the big island; one for Oahu; one for the islands in between, including Maui and Molokai; and one for the islands west of Oahu, including Kauai.

At a news conference, Mr. Ige said the state’s vaccination campaign, which has inoculated about 60 percent of the eligible population, had driven new cases and hospitalizations down to a level that makes it possible to ease restrictions.

“The vaccination is the most widespread and important mitigation measure during this pandemic that each of us can take personal action to implement,” the governor said in a news conference .

The executive order from the governor comes two weeks after he announced that fully vaccinated domestic tourists would be welcome to visit the islands again starting Nov. 1.

Counties that don’t require proof of vaccinations or a negative coronavirus test will still have to limit capacity in bars, restaurants and gyms to 50 percent, according to the order.

The order also says that patrons must maintain six feet of distance and wear masks while inside restaurants and bars, except while eating or drinking — a measure that the mayor of Honolulu, Rick Blangiardi, questioned.

Mr. Blangiardi said in a statement that keeping the social-distancing requirement would prevent some businesses from operating at full capacity and “does not move the needle forward for many of the impacted restaurants and bars.”

Still, the governor’s order was evidence that the state was making progress on the pandemic, some officials said.

“We’re slowly starting to come out of it, which is good,” Brandon J.C. Elefante, a Honolulu City Council member, said in an interview on Wednesday. “I think that’s an important step as we kind of ease up on some of the restrictions, while still keeping a close watch on our positivity rate,” he said.

Travel | Travel to Hawaii during Covid-19: What you need…

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Travel | Travel to Hawaii during Covid-19: What you need to know before you go

If you’re planning to travel to Hawaii, here’s what you’ll need to know and expect if you want to visit during the Covid-19 pandemic.

On December 17, the Hawai’i Department of Health urged people on the islands to exercise caution as Covid-19 surged.

On December 24, the Biden administration announced it would lift the travel ban on eight southern Africa nations at 12:01 a.m. December 31 (see more below).

Hawaii has aligned its entry policy for international travelers with federal policy for air travelers that went effect on November 8, requiring international arrivals to be fully vaccinated and have a negative Covid-19 test result.

Since December 6, all inbound international travelers 2 and older are required to test within one day of departure for the United States, regardless of vaccination status. This does not affect domestic travel.

It’s part of a general tightening of US travel rules because of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

Hawaii has ended its pre-travel testing and quarantine requirement for domestic travelers if they’ve been fully vaccinated for Covid-19 in the United States.

US visitors who aren’t fully vaccinated still must provide a negative Covid-19 test result from one of the state’s Trusted Travel Partners taken within three days of their flight’s departure for Hawaii to enter the state and bypass a mandatory 10-day quarantine.

Find out more at the Safe Travels Program .

What’s on offer

Spectacular surfing, sandy beaches, traditional Pacific culture and rugged volcanoes await Hawaii visitors. Hawaii’s geographical position and proud history make it unlike anywhere else in the United States.

Fully vaccinated travelers from all but eight nations are now allowed entry into the United States, including Hawaii.

Until December 30, the United States is restricting travel from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe because of the emerging Omicron variant.

Citizens of those nations or foreign travelers who have been to any of them in the past 14 days may not enter the United States, but US citizens and lawful permanent residents who have been to those nations may still enter. That ban ends on December 31.

As of November 8, unvaccinated travelers from abroad are no longer allowed, with very limited exceptions. Among those exceptions are unvaccinated children who are 17 and younger .

Americans are still allowed to travel to Hawaii, regardless of vaccination status.

What are the restrictions?

As mentioned above, being fully vaccinated is the key requirement for international travelers 18 and older, as well as a test taken before departing for Hawaii for all travelers 2 and older.

Participation in the state’s Safe Travels Hawaii program remains a requirement for domestic travelers .

All restrictions on intercounty travel have been lifted, meaning no pre-travel testing or quarantining is needed for travel between the Hawaiian islands.

What’s the Covid situation?

With roughly 100,200 cases and 1,080 deaths reported as of December 25, Hawaii has seen relatively low Covid numbers compared with other US states. It maintained some of the strictest travel measures of any state.

Hawaii began easing restrictions earlier this year, but the spread of the Delta variant over the summer spurred the state to once again tighten up on gathering sizes. Those have been loosened again.

What can visitors expect?

On December 1, statewide limits on social gatherings, restaurants, bars, gyms and other social establishments were lifted. Going forward, counties may impose their own limits. You can find out more details here .

The statewide indoor mask mandate remains in effect.

On the island of Oahu, Safe Access O’ahu eased some of its restrictions on December 1 . They include:

— No restrictions on informal, noncommercial social gatherings.

— Businesses can operate at 100% capacity, but masks must be worn indoors and confirmation of vaccination or negative test results are required for all indoor fitness facilities and for all indoor and outdoor businesses where food or beverage is served.

Maui County has issued new rules as well that started December 1 — click here for the full set of rules (PDF) . Highlights include:

— Indoor social gatherings of up to 10 people are permitted.

— No limit on outdoor social gatherings.

— Indoor spaces such as restaurants, bars, gyms and indoor sporting events may operate at 100% capacity, but patrons 12 and older must provide proof of full vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test result.

Hawaii also has a statewide Malama Hawaii initiative that encourages visitors to give back to the destination.

Useful links

CDC requirements for international air travel

Covid-19 State of Hawaii portal

Hawaii Trusted Travel Partners

Safe Travels Program

OneOahu.org

HawaiiGuide.com

Hawaii Covid-19 Travel News and Headlines

Our recent coverage

What’s it like traveling to Hawaii during the pandemic? Read about a recent experience here .

For vacation tips, have a look here . If you’re a closet beach hater, here are some ideas of what you can do. Or have a look at the cats of Lana’i , where 600 of them are living their best life.

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COURT CASES

Trump v. Hawaii

The state of Hawaii and others challenged the “travel ban” — a series of presidential actions that barred immigration from some majority-Muslim countries. The Proclamation at issue in Trump v. Hawaii is the third version of the White House’s attempt to limit immigration from certain countries.

BJC’S POSITION BJC stands against attempts to target anyone for unfair treatment based on religion, including the so-called “travel ban.” These executive actions violate and endanger religious freedom by singling out one faith for disfavored treatment. BJC remains concerned that such actions use religious identity as a proxy for “security threat” and a reason for exclusion.

For the case heard at the U.S. Supreme Court, BJC General Counsel Holly Hollman joined a brief with more than 30 other constitutional scholars arguing that the Proclamation is unconstitutionally based in religious animus toward Muslims.

“This case implicates an essential aspect of religious freedom in our country: The government cannot enact laws designed to harm a religious group,” said BJC General Counsel Holly Hollman.

STATUS President Joe Biden repealed the Muslim and African travel ban on January 20, 2021 – his first day in office. BJC Executive Director Amanda Tyler called it a “victory for faith freedom” in a statement  released that day. “Repealing the ban is an important step, but it does not undo the damage this policy has done to religious freedom,” she said. “If we want to truly preserve faith freedom for all, we as Americans must loudly and clearly denounce religious bigotry in all its forms – now and in the future.”

Previously, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the third iteration of the Trump administration’s “travel ban” on June 26, 2018. The 5-4 decision said it is within the power delegated to the president by Congress.

“We are deeply disappointed by the Supreme Court’s refusal to repudiate policy rooted in animus against Muslims,”  said Tyler after that 2018 ruling  on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court. “In giving such broad deference to President Trump, the Court neglects its duty to uphold our First Amendment principles of religious liberty. Safeguarding religious liberty requires the government to remain neutral with regard to religion, neither favoring one religion over another nor preferring religion or irreligion.”

President Trump never repudiated his hostile statements or tweets directed at Muslims or the subject of Muslim immigration.

From the Brief “The Establishment Clause forbids officials from exercising governmental power on the basis of a desire to suppress, harm, or denigrate any particular religious sect or denomination. This limit, though narrow, is vital to religious liberty.”

“President Trump’s Proclamation and the oft-repeated campaign promise it fulfilled were based on a desire to exclude Muslims from this nation. While the Proclamation does not exclude all Muslims, and does not single out Muslims by name, the clear and widely-noted goal of the Proclamation is to ban a large number of Muslims from the United States in satisfaction of President Trump’s promise to do just that.”

“Even acknowledging that he is entitled to deference on matters of immigration and national security, it is hard to imagine a clearer instance of official action motivated by animus toward a religion.”

“The First Amendment protects speech, but it does not allow candidates or politicians to evade accountability if their words reveal that an unconstitutional purpose motivated their official actions.”

“[H]ere, the President has repeatedly rejected, criticized, and departed from the various policy rationales presented to the courts by his unelected subordinates. It would disrespect the Office of the Presidency — and destroy lines of political and electoral accountability — for this Court to treat the President as insignificant in the issuance of his own Proclamation. His statements about its purpose must be considered authoritative.”

“This Court has thus held time and again that the Establishment Clause forbids official acts based on animus toward any particular religious group. That principle transcends many of the familiar divisions in Establishment Clause jurisprudence, and has been embraced by strict separationists, proponents of the endorsement test, those who believe that the Clause targets coercion, and jurists who see a very broad role for religion in public life.”

Featured Resources

Muslim and African travel ban repeal is a ‘victory for faith freedom’ Statement from Amanda Tyler on January 20, 2021

As Trump expands the travel ban, remember this policy’s roots: Unconstitutional anti-Muslim bias By Amanda Tyler January 31, 2020

Video of Amanda Tyler on the steps of the Supreme Court after the ruling (June 26, 2018)

Brief from more than 30 constitutional scholars — including BJC’s Holly Hollman (PDF) Arguing the third iteration of the ban is unconstitutionally based in religious animus toward Muslims

Religious liberty and the travel ban by Holly Hollman (June 7, 2018)

Hear Amanda Tyler preach a sermon called “Loving and Knowing Our Neighbors” This 2017 sermon includes a discussion of the travel ban (starting at 9:51)

BJC says Executive Order is a ‘back-door bar’ on Muslim refugees, our country is ‘better than this’ Statement from Jan. 27, 2017, responding to the first iteration of the ban

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Bill that would allow counties to regulate short-term rentals goes to final vote

There was cheering and tears of joy in the state Capitol conference room after a measure that would give counties more regulatory power over short-term rentals passed out of a key committee. It’s one of the last major hurdles of the legislative process.

Lahaina Strong, an advocacy group of Maui fire survivors, filled the room to hear the committee’s vote.

Paele Kiakona, one of the group's co-organizers, said getting a better handle on short-term rentals will free up housing for displaced Maui residents.

“This is a huge opportunity to give them hope that if we continue to fight and stand up for what we believe in, we can make anything happen,” Kiakona said. “We all see this as an opportunity to bring our people home.”

The measure would allow counties to phase out short-term rentals of any classification — even those with non-conforming use permits.

Non-conforming use permits for transient vacation rental units were given to properties decades ago and allow certain properties to operate as short-term rentals, even in residential areas.

It also explicitly outlines that counties would be able to control the time, place, manner and duration in which uses of land and structures take place.

This provision targets a 2022 court decision that stopped Honolulu from enforcing its law that requires rentals to be leased out for a minimum of 90 days.

The measure will now go on to a final vote in both chambers before being sent to Gov. Josh Green. He has already committed to signing the legislation if passed.

Hawaii Considers Banning Short-Term Vacation Rentals

Hawaii may ban short term rentals for tourists. Learn more about why the decision is being seriously considered.

Sarah Rand • Apr 25, 2024

Hawaii is considering a new ban to help locals with the housing crisis. The housing crisis has been an incessant issue for years. Hawaii’s community has varying viewpoints about the thriving tourism industry on the islands . Some locals think that Hawaii needs the economic stimuli from tourism. Others consider tourists to be a nuisance to the islands and think the Hawaii ban on rentals to be a good idea.

While split views on tourism still exist in Hawaii, there is a general consensus that housing conditions have reached a boiling point. So the recent talk about a ban on short-term housing in Hawaii is one of the newest solutions to the problem . Learn more about Hawaii’s ban on rentals. 

Why Is the Ban Being Proposed?

A lot of the issues contributing to the Hawaii housing crisis are related to tourism. The popular destination has had swarms of tourists visit and move to Hawaii. So, since a significant number of residents are now non-native people, the island has unbalanced housing.  

To remedy this, legislators proposed two bills after the August 8th, 2023 wildfires. The devastating fires took over one hundred people’s lives and destroyed thousands of homes. The displacement of thousands of people worsened the island’s housing crisis. 

Many Native Hawaiian residents have moved to the mainland as a result of the housing crisis. So, the bills are a last ditch effort to recover the community. At least 1,000 residents have left the island (Maui). Which suggests that locals are not reaping the benefits of the space that is available. In fact, Hawaii residents have one of the highest housing costs in the nation. It is nearly three times higher than the national average.

Sustainability is a big factor to the Hawaii ban on rentals. Both environmental and cultural sustainability are reasons why the ban may be restorative. With less home rentals filled with tourists, residents will be able to get some relief from the impact of tourism.

The bills will limit short term vacation rentals in housing built for long term or permanent housing. This would apply to condos and single family homes that are outside of the resort areas of Hawaii. But places like commercial vacation rental communities and condo hotels that are commercial properties would not be impacted. 

The potential changes to traveler’s experiences in Hawaii may alarm some visitors. But in the long run, the ban would contribute to Hawaii’s overall wellbeing. Both bills need to come to final agreements by May 3rd to get sent to the governor, for the Hawaii ban for rentals to go into effect. 

Ban’s Impact on Tourism and Locals

The potential Hawaii ban for rentals may alarm some visitors. Yet in the long run, the ban would contribute to Hawaii’s overall wellbeing. To avoid further consequences of having a dense tourism population, they may be necessary. But both bills need to come to final agreements by May 3rd to get sent to the governor. 

The housing crisis has led to a decline in the Native Hawaiian population, so the bans are an attempt to preserve the valuable local community. With tourists moving in and Hawaiians unable to afford the rising prices of living on the islands, a change is needed.

The bans should kickstart a new age where locals are prioritized. The lack of affordable housing options in Hawaii has eroded the thriving Hawaiian culture that tourists travel to enjoy. If the bills are passed, a more sustainable future is in the cards for Hawaii. 

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Hawaii lawmakers take aim at vacation rentals after Lahaina wildfire amplifies Maui housing crisis

H ONOLULU (AP) — Amy Chadwick spent years scrimping and saving as a single mother of two to buy a house in the town of Lahaina on the Hawaiian island of Maui. But after a devastating fire leveled Lahaina in August and reduced Chadwick's home to white dust, the cheapest rental she and her now-husband could find for their family and dogs cost $10,000 a month.

Chadwick, a fine-dining server, moved to Florida where she could stretch her homeowners insurance dollars. She’s worried Maui’s exorbitant rental prices, driven in part by vacation rentals that hog a limited housing supply, will hollow out her tight-knit town.

Most people in Lahaina work for hotels, restaurants and tour companies and can’t afford $5,000 to $10,000 a month in rent, she said.

“You’re pushing out an entire community of service industry people. So no one’s going to be able to support the tourism that you’re putting ahead of your community,” Chadwick said by phone from her new home in Satellite Beach on Florida’s Space Coast. “Nothing good is going to come of it unless they take a serious stance, putting their foot down and really regulating these short-term rentals.”

The Aug. 8 wildfire killed 101 people and destroyed housing for 6,200 families, amplifying Maui's already acute housing shortage and laying bare the enormous presence of vacation rentals in Lahaina. It reminded lawmakers that short-term rentals are an issue across Hawaii, prompting them to consider bills that would give counties the authority to phase them out.

Gov. Josh Green got so frustrated he blurted out an expletive during a recent news conference.

“This fire uncovered a clear truth, which is we have too many short-term rentals owned by too many individuals on the mainland and it is b———t,” Green said. “And our people deserve housing, here.”

Vacation rentals are a popular alternative to hotels for those seeking kitchens, lower costs and opportunities to sample everyday island life. Supporters say they boost tourism, the state's biggest employer. Critics revile them for inflating housing costs, upending neighborhoods and contributing to the forces pushing locals and Native Hawaiians to leave Hawaii for less expensive states.

This migration has become a major concern in Lahaina. The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, a nonprofit, estimates at least 1,500 households — or a quarter of those who lost their homes — have left since the August wildfire.

The blaze burned single family homes and apartments in and around downtown, which is the core of Lahaina's residential housing. An analysis by the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization found a relatively low 7.5% of units there were vacation rentals as of February 2023.

Lahaina neighborhoods spared by the fire have a much higher ratio of vacation rentals: About half the housing in Napili, about 7 miles (11 kilometers) north of the burn zone, is short-term rentals.

Napili is where Chadwick thought she found a place to buy when she first went house hunting in 2016. But a Canadian woman secured it with a cash offer and turned it into a vacation rental.

Also outside the burn zone are dozens of short-term rental condominium buildings erected decades ago on land zoned for apartments.

In 1992, Maui County explicitly allowed owners in these buildings to rent units for less than 180 days at a time even without short-term rental permits. Since November, activists have occupied the beach in front of Lahaina's biggest hotels to push the mayor or governor to use their emergency powers to revoke this exemption.

Money is a powerful incentive for owners to rent to travelers: a 2016 report prepared for the state found a Honolulu vacation rental generates 3.5 times the revenue of a long-term rental.

State Rep. Luke Evslin, the Housing Committee chair, said Maui and Kauai counties have suffered net losses of residential housing in recent years thanks to a paucity of new construction and the conversion of so many homes to short-term rentals.

“Every alarm bell we have should be ringing when we’re literally going backwards in our goal to provide more housing in Hawaii,” he said.

In his own Kauai district, Evslin sees people leaving, becoming homeless or working three jobs to stay afloat.

The Democrat was one of 47 House members who co-sponsored one version of legislation that would allow short-term rentals to be phased out. One objective is to give counties more power after a U.S. judge ruled in 2022 that Honolulu violated state law when it attempted to prohibit rentals for less than 90 days. Evslin said that decision left Hawaii's counties with limited tools, such as property taxes, to control vacation rentals.

Lawmakers also considered trying to boost Hawaii's housing supply by forcing counties to allow more houses to be built on individual lots. But they watered down the measure after local officials said they were already exploring the idea.

Short-term rental owners said a phase-out would violate their property rights and take their property without compensation, potentially pushing them into foreclosure. Some predicted legal challenges.

Alicia Humiston, president of the Rentals by Owner Awareness Association, said some areas in West Maui were designed for travelers and therefore lack schools and other infrastructure families need.

“This area in West Maui that is sort of like this resort apartment zone — that’s all north of Lahaina — it was never built to be local living,” Humiston said.

One housing advocate argues that just because a community allowed vacation rentals decades ago doesn't mean it still needs to now.

"We are not living in the 1990s or in the 1970s,” said Sterling Higa, executive director of Housing Hawaii's Future. Counties “should have the authority to look at existing laws and reform them as necessary to provide for the public good.”

Courtney Lazo, a real estate agent who is part of Lahaina Strong, the group occupying Kaanapali Beach, said tourists can stay in her hometown now but many locals can't.

“How do you expect a community to recover and heal and move forward when the people who make Lahaina, Lahaina, aren’t even there anymore?” she said at a recent news conference as her voice quivered. “They’re moving away.”

Friday, April 26, 2024 72° Today's Paper

Hawaii lawmakers advance vacation rental bill to final votes

By Dan Nakaso

April 24, 2024

Editors' Picks Maui Maui Wildfires Politics

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State Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole speaks during a news conference on Tuesday at the State Capitol.

A bill that gives counties the clear authority to regulate short-term vacation rentals, including the power to ban them, unanimously passed out of a joint House-Senate conference committee today ahead of a vote by the full House and Senate next week.

Gov. Josh Green has promised to sign the latest version of Senate Bill 2919 if it gets to his desk.

SB 2919 also attempts to clarify a 1957 law adopted two years before Hawaii became a state that was used to successfully challenge Honolulu’s efforts to clamp down on vacation rentals by prohibiting rentals between 30 and 189 days.

State Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole (D, Kaneohe-­Kailua), a lawyer who introduced SB 2919 and chaired today’s conference committee, said he wanted new language help protect against future legal challenges to efforts to regulate short-term rentals.

At the state Capitol on Tuesday , Green told a cheering crowd of Lahaina Strong members that he will sign SB 2919 if it gets to him.

Green sees converting short-term rentals into longer-term housing for residents as the fastest way to fill a shortfall of 50,000 affordable homes across the state.

The gap between affordable housing and vacation rentals was exacerbated by the Aug. 8 Maui wildfires that continues to see survivors staying in hotels while waiting to move into longer-term housing — especially in West Maui.

Green told the Lahaina Strong members Tuesday that SB 2919 “will have a positive, profound impact on our people. People will be able to get housing again.”

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