After months of mandatory quarantine and shuttered hotels, we’re happy to learn that beginning on September 1st, 2020, the Hawaii Government will be welcoming visitors who test negative for COVID-19 to our islands! That means more happy clients and more beautiful Hawaii portraits! If you’re planning to have a Hawaii vacation during COVID-19, follow along and we’ll help you understand the current travel restrictions and avoid the quarantine.

Here’s a quick overview on what you need to know about the new Hawaii COVID-19 travel restrictions:

• Get Tested for COVID-19 72 hours before travel
• Plan for additional precautions at the airport

Now let’s break it down, so you can start planning your Hawaii vacation during COVID-19.

Get Tested For COVID-19 Before Traveling to Hawaii

Beginning on September 1st, having a Hawaii vacation during COVID-19 will require documentation of a negative COVID-19 test in order to avoid the Hawaii quarantine.

Here’s a checklist to help you navigate the requirements, so you can relax and start dreaming of your stay:

• Although it hasn’t been explicitly stated, if you travel to Hawaii before September 1st you will likely have to quarantine for 14 days, regardless of any testing you completed before traveling. We are basing this on the fact that when the government allowed interisland travel without a quarantine, anyone who flew in even a day before the order was lifted still had to quarantine for the full 14 days. 

• You must take the test no more than 3 days (72 hours) BEFORE arriving in Hawaii – no commercial testing will be provided at the airport
  • All travelers of all ages subject to pre-test requirement
  • Individuals will be responsible for testing costs
  • After testing and before your flight, please practice social distancing and self-quarantine to help keep our islands healthy!
• You will need to have your RESULTS by the time you fly
  • However, some tests can take between 3 – 4 days, so plan accordingly and ask your provider for their standard delivery timeline
• If you don’t take the test or if the results are not ready by the time you leave, then you must self-quarantine for 14 days or the duration of your trip
  • During quarantine, you can only leave your accommodation for a medical emergency, you can NOT go out to get food or go to the beach
  • Violating the quarantine can incur a $5,000 fine and/or a year imprisonment.
  • So get tested for COVID-19 to enjoy your Hawaii vacay!

• CLIA is the federal regulatory system for regulating laboratory testing
• An antibody test will NOT be accepted

Hawaii’s government is communicating with CVS, Walgreens, and Kaiser to potentially set up travel testing across the country. We will update this post as soon as we know more. Keep scrolling for more info on having a Hawaii vacation during COVID-19!

Plan for Additional Precautions at the Airport

Even after you’re tested, there will still be more safety measures to ensure you can avoid the Hawaii COVID-19 travel quarantine. Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect at the airport.

✦ You’ll need to complete a travel declaration form either printed or online

✦ You’ll complete a health screening prior to boarding your flight here and again when you land

✦ If you have a fever before boarding, you may be prohibited from boarding the flight

✦ If you have a fever when you arrive to Hawaii, you will receive a further medical assessment

✦ You will also have to show your completed health form again after arriving at Hawaii

What Steps Can You Take Now?

• Begin making plans to get your Coronavirus test, though wait until we get a little more details from the government as September 1 gets closer (depending on your travel date)
• Find out if your insurance will cover the test if it’s for travel
• Make sure everyone you’re traveling with know all the rules so they’re prepared
• You will need to wear a mask at the airport and on your airplane as well at most Hawaii retailers

So as you begin planning your amazing Hawaii vacation during COVID-19, browse the crazy cute Maui family portraits below and remind yourself – SOON THIS WILL BE YOU! And we can’t wait to meet you and your family!

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us!

Keep checking back because we’ll keep this post updated as soon as any information changes!