Editor’s Note — Coronavirus cases remain high across the globe. Health officials caution that travel increases your chances of getting and spreading the virus. Staying home is the best way to stem transmission. Below is information on what to know if you still plan to travel, last updated on November 27.
The latest news
Hawaii has aligned its entry policy for international travelers with the new 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.
And Hawaii has been “safely open to vaccinated residents and visitors who are traveling domestically and between islands for business or pleasure” since November 1, according to a news release from Gov. David Ige.
The basics
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.
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.
Who can go
But starting Monday, November 29, the United States will restrict flights from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe because of the emerging Omicron variant.
Unvaccinated travelers from abroad will no longer be 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 tests taken within three days of departing for Hawaii for all travelers 2 and older.
Unvaccinated US travelers flying domestically must take a test within three days of departure to bypass a mandatory 10-day quarantine.
Unvaccinated US citizens flying directly to Hawaii from an international destination would have to take a test within one day of departing for Hawaii, in accordance with federal rules.
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?
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 recently loosened again.
What can visitors expect?
On December 1, statewide limits on social gatherings, restaurants, bars, gyms and other social establishments will be lifted. Going forward, counties may impose their own limits.
The statewide indoor mask mandate will remain in effect after December 1.
A current vaccination (or negative Covid-19 test) requirement for patrons and employees (ages 12 and up) of restaurants, bars, gyms, movie theaters, museums, arcades and other types of establishments will be curtailed to apply only to indoor fitness facilities and any indoor or outdoor establishment where food or beverages are served.
Businesses and events in Oahu will be allowed to operate at 100% capacity when the new rules go into effect.
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Joe Minihane, Julia Buckley, Marnie Hunter and Forrest Brown contributed to this report
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