Hawaii Travel Requirements

Information on the Novel Coronavirus - COVID-19

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Hawaii Travel Requirements
John Derrick
Updated on: 06-02-2023
Published by: John C. Derrick
Founder of HawaiiGuide & certified travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
Hawaii Quarantine Rules & Travel Update on COVID-19

Hawaii Travel Rules & Updates

Quarantine Rules & Travel Updates for 2022

Information on COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)

 

'Safe Travels' has concluded as of March 26, 2022 for domestic U.S. travelers 

According to Governor Ige, the state of Hawaii will drop the current 'Safe Travels' program for domestic U.S. travelers at midnight on March 25, 2022.

That now means as of March 26th, 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.

More information, including all travel advisories, and the steps for international travels can be found on our Hawaii Travel Updates page.

All of the following information is now for historical purposes only!

Hawaii has re-opened to Visitors with a pre-travel test or vaccine exemptions for select travelers

Aloha, this page is meant to cover information on Hawaii's travel requirements, quarantine rules, the Novel Coronavirus, and how it has affected tourism within Hawaii. On this page, we'll go over each of the major changes that have taken place in Hawaii due to COVID-19, along with sharing additional links & resources, to help assist visitors.

As of July 8, 2021, for those vaccinated within the U.S., there is now a vaccination exemption available for all Hawaii-bound travelers. For non-vaccinated trans-Pacific travelers and all international travelers (until November 8, 2021), there remains the option of a state-approved pre-travel test to visit Hawaii and bypass the 5-day (number of required days changed on January 3, 2022) mandatory quarantine requirement.

Travel update for all International Travelers

Updated Rules began Nov. 8, 2021

New rules and requirements go into place on November 8, 2021, for International Travelers and for U.S. citizens flying from International Destinations, when the State of Hawaii begins welcoming international travelers under the new federal requirements.

See our Travel Restrictions page and the section for International Travel for full details.

Editor's Note...

Hawaii's re-opening has honestly been an evolving process with numerous changes and ongoing updates. We will provide additional regular updates to our readers, 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.

Hawaii Travel News
Latest Travel News

Beginning in October 2020, we created a new page dedicated to the day-by-day updates that are occurring with Hawaii's reopening process: Hawaii COVID-19 Travel News & Headlines →

What's Open, Closed, and Reopening Soon in Hawaii?

Now that visitors can once again enjoy Hawaii's remarkable natural beauty, great open spaces, unique experiences, and signature hospitality, we've created a new article to cover everything you need to know about What is Open, Closed, or Reopening Soon →

On that page, we've compiled a list of all the major Hawaii resorts, hotels, b&b's, inn's, and attractions that have already reopened or plan too soon, and their reopening dates when applicable.

The following is a summary of the content covered on this page. Click any link to drop to that specific section.

Additionally, future travelers may be interested in reading our updated Hawaii Travel Restrictions & Requirements entry.

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Traveling to Hawaii with a Pre-Travel Test Result

Quarantine Bypass Permitted

  • Travelers who, upon entry into the state, provide written confirmation from a state-approved COVID-19 testing facility of a negative test result from a test administered to the traveler within 72 hours from the final leg of departure, will be able to bypass Hawaii’s mandatory quarantine order.
  • More information about state-approved testing and the current approved & trusted testing partners can be found on our new page Hawaii Covid Testing and Procedures →
  • To reiterate, the test result must be done prior to arrival and the traveler must present evidence of this test upon arrival.
  • As of July 8, 2021, all travelers vaccinated in the U.S. are now able to travel via trans-Pacific routes without a pre-travel test. As of July 8th, travelers entering the state who have been vaccinated in the U.S. may bypass the quarantine without a pre-travel test. Proof of vaccination will be required. See our Hawaii Health Passport page for more information.
  • All Hawaii Travel Restrictions may be dropped once the state of Hawaii reaches a 70% statewide vaccination rate, using local state data, not national data (as seen on the news).
  • Travelers will be able to upload their negative test result when they complete their travel and health forms (the health form requirement ends January 4, 2022) on the Safe Travels digital system: travel.hawaii.gov
  • All travelers wishing to bypass the 5-day (number of required days changed on January 3, 2022) mandatory quarantine must have their negative COVID-19 test results, from a trusted testing partner, prior to departure for the state of Hawaii. If test results are not available before boarding the final leg of the trip, the traveler must quarantine for 5 days (number of required days changed on January 3, 2022), or the length of their stay, whichever is shorter.
  • Travelers (including children who are 5 years or older) will be subject to the pre-test requirement.
  • No testing will be provided upon arrival at the airport! Travelers (returning residents and visitors) are not able to test upon arrival in Hawaii because this is a pre-travel testing program.
  • The Hawaii State Dept. of Agriculture paper form continues to be distributed to passengers during flights and is still required to be completed prior to arrival.
  • For visitors who cannot provide evidence of a negative test result, the 5-day quarantine will remain in effect. If the quarantine is refused, the passenger must make arrangements to leave the island immediately without leaving the airport.
  • The pre-test is one part of a multi-layered screening process that includes arrival temperature checks, completion of the State Travel and Health form, and secondary screening for those with symptoms or temperatures of 100.4 degrees or higher.

Traveling to Hawaii without Pre-Travel Test Result

5-Day Quarantine Required

Effective March 26, 2020, and until further notice Hawaii Governor David Ige is mandating all visitors arriving in the Hawaiian Islands to self-quarantine for 5 days. This means all passengers traveling to Hawaii (visitors and returning residents) must self-quarantine for 5 days (number of required days changed on January 3, 2022) following arrival.

Beginning July 8, 2021, all travelers vaccinated within the U.S. will be able to travel via trans-Pacific routes without a pre-travel test. Beginning July 8th, travelers entering the state who have been vaccinated in the U.S. may bypass the quarantine without a pre-travel test. The steps to follow for the vaccine exemptions are included here.

  • The new online Safe Travels application is now mandatory for all travelers. The application can be found by clicking here.
  • For more information, see our updated section about the new Safe Travels program.
  • According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, visitors who are required to self-quarantine for 5 days must designate a hotel or motel as their designated quarantine location.
  • The state of Hawaii’s Department of Transportation Website further explains the entrance and quarantine process.
  • No person who is subject to the mandatory self-quarantine is allowed to stay in a short-term or vacation rental. This is according to data from the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA).
  • Additionally, operations that rent vehicles may not rent to any person who is subject to a 5-day traveler quarantine order unless an exemption is granted.
  • Violation of the quarantine will be a misdemeanor and subject to a possible fine and/or jail time.
  • The quarantine mandate will continue until further notice for all arrivals, and visitors are responsible for quarantine costs.

More information on the current COVID-19 rules & restrictions, including for each county/island, can be found on our Hawaii Travel Restrictions page.

Current Situation in Hawaii

  • We've moved the Hawaii Daily COVID-19 numbers to our Hawaii News page where we'll update with the latest figures daily.
  • To help mitigate the spread of the virus, residents and visitors are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines regarding hygiene, social distancing, and avoiding gatherings with multiple people.

Visitors should know that Hawaii’s visitor industry continues to maintain the highest standards for sanitation and has taken additional steps to enhance its efforts at hotels, attractions, restaurants, and other public spaces across the Hawaiian Islands to prevent the spread of infectious diseases amongst residents and visitors.

The industry is also taking proactive steps to educate its workforce to continue practicing good hygiene at home and on the job. Visit the official GoHawaii.com website for more details on this event here.

Our Advice on Visiting Hawaii

For any travelers who cannot provide proof of negative test result prior to departure or for travelers that do not have a valid vaccine exemption under the current rules - provided this would mean that the visitor(s) would need to remain in their rooms for most or all of their vacation, we are strongly recommend travelers to postpone any trips to Hawaii until they can properly be tested or immunized for COVID-19 before departing for Hawaii.

Inter-island Travel in Hawaii

 

At a news conference on June 4, 2021, Governor David Ige announced that beginning June 15, 2021, traveling inter-island within Hawaii will no longer require a pre-travel test and there will be no quarantine requirements for inter-island travel. There will be no restrictions flying between islands within Hawaii.

Facemasks in Hawaii...

All travelers to Hawaii should always wear a mask while visiting Hawaii during the COVID-19 pandemic, not only because it's the right way to show Aloha, but also because in all indoor situations, wearing a mask is required by law. Governor David Ige has now implemented a statewide mask mandate in Hawaii. Unless you are in your room/house/condo, at the beach, or actively eating in a restaurant, you should wear a mask while in Hawaii, especially if you cannot properly socially distance (six feet minimum).

At this time, everyone must officially wear face masks in all indoor public spaces in Hawaii.

  • May 2021 Update: In late May, Governor Ige announced that masks are no longer required outdoors, and that ocean sports would again be allowed in Hawaii. The Governor also added the amended outdoor mask rules are effective immediately and apply to everyone, regardless of vaccination status. Masks are still required for all indoor activities ― across the board. Travelers and residents can read more on this story in the local news.

Each county may additionally have its own unique rules; we've included the individual county links below:

Additional Hawaii Information

COVID-19 Resources & Links

The following resources have been compiled by GoUS Hawaii to better assist travelers in navigating the various restrictions and state-approved test requirements for visiting Hawaii during the COVID pandemic. If you have questions, we are always happy to assist, and you can contact us anytime. You may also want to direct your questions to an official state resource, and we've compiled an updated list of Hawaii Official COVID-19 Contacts for travelers, including phone numbers and email addresses when applicable.

Stay Updated with Local Hawaii Media Sources

Statewide

Kauai

Oahu

Maui

Island of Hawaii

Preventative Actions & Keeping Healthy

The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) is encouraging everyone to help prevent the spread of respiratory illness with these everyday actions:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Seniors and individuals with underlying health issues should avoid large crowds.
  • Sign up for public notifications at https://health.hawaii.gov/news/covid-19-updates/.

Visiting Hawaii

Upcoming Months of Travel

We think it is safe to say that any month of the year you will not be disappointed when you visit the Hawaiian islands. Here's an overview of what to expect in the coming months. Not sure when to visit? Read about the Best Month to Visit, where we present an overview of each month OR take the quiz on our Best Time to Visit Hawaii page.

Information Disclaimer: Details and information on this page, including dates, may change on a day-by-day basis. While we will be making every effort to keep these pages relevant and up to date, the decision to travel is ultimately your own responsibility. Please travel safely and keep an eye on our Hawaii Re-opening page for more information regarding COVID-19 and re-opening in Hawaii.

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