(updated January 3, 2021)
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.
However, there are still some Hawaii travel requirements due to Covid-19 to be aware of before your trip. Please note, the information below pertains to US citizens unless otherwise noted.
Will all Hawaii visitors need a negative test result? What is the safe travels Hawaii program? What is the vaccination exception 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 December 24, 2021.
Vaccination Requirements To Travel To Hawaii
Hawaii travel restrictions do not require you to be fully vaccinated in order to enter the state of Hawaii. However, if you are not fully vaccinated, you will need to quarantine upon arrival to the Hawaiian Islands. If you wish to bypass quarantine you will need to upload your vaccination documents before traveling.
Just remember you are not considered fully vaccinated until after 14 days past your full course of vaccinations. Vaccines that are acceptable include all vaccines that are approved or authorized by the US FDA and those listed for emergency use by the World Health Organization.
Hawaii Travel COVID Test Requirements
You have the option to bypass quarantine with a pre-travel testing program prior to departure. A Hawaii travel Covid 19 test must be taken from a trusted testing and travel partner. These partners are approved by the State of Hawai‘i to be part of the Pre-travel Testing Program to avoid mandatory quarantine in Hawai‘i.
It must be a NAAT test administered no more than 72 hours prior to the beginning of the final leg of your trip.
If your test results are digitally validated by Digital Health Pass Partners, that is also valid.
Hawaii Quarantine Requirements
The state of Hawaii enforces a mandatory 10-day self-quarantine for domestic travelers from the US and its territories. If you need to quarantine, you should remain in your lodging for the full 10-day period. Do not go out to stores, restaurants, or other destinations.
However, you may bypass the mandatory quarantine requirement by meeting the above conditions before departure to Hawaii. In general, you need to be either fully vaccinated or provide a negative test result. Take a look at the Vaccination Exception Program.
If you are not in quarantine, you are free to travel between the islands without any restrictions.
Documents Required To Travel to Hawaii
In order to upload your documents prior to departure, you will need to visit the Safe Travels website. You need to fill out a health form, upload your vaccination record document and print it out before departure. Make sure you have a hard copy with you when arriving in the Hawaiian Islands in case you are having issues with your mobile device. This will make the screening faster for the airport representative
Alternatively, you can use vaccine records that are digitally validated by Digital Health Pass Partners. These include AZOVA, CLEAR, and CommonPass. You do still need to link one of these partners with Safe Travels.
However, you don’t need to deal with a visual inspection of your paper vaccine records. This means you may be able to experience expedited processing at the airport.
In addition, you need to upload your negative test results to Safe Travel Hawaii. Alternatively, you can print them out before departure and turn in a hard copy upon arrival.
Hawaii Requirements For Travel For International Travelers
When it comes to requirements for international travelers, Hawaii aligns with the US federal requirements for incoming international travelers. Travelers do not have to meet any additional requirements. All airlines screen passengers prior to departing to the United States from a foreign country.
If you are a non-US citizen who is 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.
US citizens flying directly into Hawaii must also show a negative COVID-19 test taken within one day of boarding their flight to Hawaii. This is a requirement for all travelers regardless of vaccination status.
If you are departing from an international destination and flying into another US 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 in this case.
Other Travel Guidance
If you are a domestic traveler from the US, you should answer the health questionnaire in your Safe Travels account within 24 hours prior to departure. When you are on your flight and deplaning, make sure to follow all social distancing, masking, and sanitation requirements.
Upon arrival in Hawaii, your temperature will be taken via thermal temperature screening and facial-imaging technology. If your temperature is 100.4 degrees F or higher, or if you show Covid-19 symptoms, you'll be required to complete a secondary screening.
All of this extra screening could also impact your plan at the airport. Due to the extra testing and other requirements, you should give yourself extra time to go through airport security.
Restrictions Within Hawaii
When you are visiting Hawaii, it’s important to follow the local and statewide Covid 19 regulations. Hawaii has maintained one of the lowest infection and fatality rates in the country. The state has updated its restrictions to remain so.
You should also pay close attention to local regulations. The state recently lifted a requirement that country governments need to obtain state approval before putting emergency rules in place. The goal was to give mayors more flexibility in adjusting regulations.
There is a statewide indoor mask mandate. If you enter any public building, you need to wear a mask. However, as of December 1, 2021, all statewide restrictions on restaurants, gyms, bars, and social gatherings were lifted.
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!