Hawaii Travel Requirements: What You Need to Know Before You Go
(updated September 8, 2022)
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Are you looking for a way to get away somewhere warm? Perhaps somewhere tropical? While there are many possible destinations, Hawaii is particularly appealing for US travelers because it doesn’t come with the hassle of international travel.
And as of March 26, 2022, it’s a lot easier to travel to Hawaii than it has been in two years! The state was the very last to lift its indoor mask mandate. Along with that, they also made some drastic changes to their other travel requirements. And they’re good changes this time! Please note, the information below pertains to U.S. citizens unless otherwise noted.
Will all Hawaii visitors still need a negative test result? Is the Safe Travels Hawaii program still in place? Do I qualify for the vaccination exemption program? Are the regulations for Hawaii international passengers different than for domestic travelers?
It can be so confusing but don’t worry; we got you covered.
Let’s take a look at the current travel to Hawaii requirements as of September 8, 2022.
Vaccination Requirements To Travel To Hawaii
Although vaccinations are still encouraged for U.S. citizens, you no longer need to be vaccinated to visit Hawaii! On March 26, 2022, Hawaii discontinued all vaccination requirements for people arriving from another U.S. state. That means you can freely come and go to Hawaii on a domestic flight without signing up for the Safe Travels program, showing proof of vaccination, or quarantining when you arrive.
This applies whether you’re a U.S. citizen or an international traveler arriving on a domestic flight. (Rules for international travelers are below.)
Hawaii Travel COVID Test Requirements
Unless you recently had COVID or were around someone who has it, you do not need to take a test before or after your domestic flight to Hawaii. However, you should still use common sense and follow some basic guidelines.
Don’t travel if you are sick, have recently tested positive for COVID, or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID. If you have been in contact with someone with COVID within the last 10 days, you should get tested before traveling.
Documents Required To Travel to Hawaii
The Safe Travels Program officially ended at 11:59 PM on March 25. This program required all visitors to upload proof of vaccination and/or a negative COVID test, plus fill out a health questionnaire. Then, you had to print off your approval for screening at the airport.
Now, you don’t have to do anything besides booking your tickets and enjoy your visit!
Hawaii Requirements For Travel For International Travelers
When it comes to requirements for international travelers, Hawaii aligns with the U.S. federal requirements for incoming international travelers. Travelers do not have to meet any additional requirements. All airlines screen passengers before departing to the United States from a foreign country.
If you are departing from an international destination and flying into another U.S. state or territory, you will be treated as a domestic traveler when entering Hawaii on domestic flights. This means you don’t have to worry about any requirements except those previously discussed. Just follow the guidelines for domestic travel.
But if you’re flying directly to Hawaii from an international destination, here’s what you need to know.
Non-US Citizen International Requirements
Good news: There are no more travel restrictions for non-US citizens traveling to Hawaii. The following information is no longer up to date!
If you are a non-US citizen traveling directly to Hawaii, you need to show a record of full vaccination and a negative Covid-19 test taken within one day of boarding your flight. This test can either be a NAAT or antigen test. Alternatively, you can show documentation of recovery from COVID-19 within the past 90 days.
The U.S. will allow unvaccinated non-US citizens to fly into the states on a very rare exception. If you qualify for the exception, you must get a viral test no more than 3 days before your flight and a second test 3 to 5 days after arriving. Unvaccinated international travelers will also be required to quarantine for 7 days, regardless of test results. The only exception is proof of recovery from COVID within 90 days.
Restrictions Within Hawaii
Until April 18, all travelers are still required to wear masks in airports and on airplanes. And while Hawaii lifted the state’s indoor mask mandate on March 25, 2022, it’s a good idea to have one with you.
Hawaii still encourages visitors to wear masks if they are over 65, have a compromised immune system, or are unvaccinated. Additionally, certain businesses in Hawaii are still requiring visitors to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status.
And while social distancing is no longer enforced, the state continues to encourage residents and visitors alike to practice safe distancing to avoid spreading any illnesses.
As with many places, though, the exact nature of restrictions could change. While in Hawaii, make sure you stay informed.
Stay Up To Date On Hawaii Travel Requirements
Hawaii travel restrictions have changed a few times to keep up with the pandemic. Make sure you stay up to date on what requirements you need to meet in order to travel to Hawaii. The website of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, as well as the State of Hawaii Department of Health, are great sources.
Did you book your trip to Hawaii? check out our Complete Guide to Traveling to Hawaii This Winter.
Download the Vacation Countdown App to set up your countdown to Hawaii. You will know exactly how long it is until you embark on your journey to Hawaii!
