Current Travel Advisories, Restrictions, & Updates
What are the travel restrictions & requirements in Hawaii?
Last Updated: September 29, 2023
We've covered all of the latest Hawaii travel news and announcements below, including the steps travelers should follow to safely visit Hawaii in the future.
Maui Travel Updates
Officials Ask Visitors to Postpone Travel to West Maui until October 8th
The state has now asked that all non-essential West Maui travel be postponed until October 8, 2023 (see below for official state notice).
MAP OF RESTRICTED WEST MAUI AREA
Other areas of Maui (including Kahului, Wailuku, Kihei, Wailea, Makena, and Hana), and the other Hawaiian Islands, like Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Lanaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island, remain open.
Governor Green Urges Visitors to Forego Travel Plans to West Maui until October 8, 2023
All non-essential travel to West Maui (including Lahaina, Napili, Kaʻanapali, and Kapalua) is strongly discouraged through October 8, 2023, Governor Josh Green said on September 7, 2023.
Beginning October 8th, select areas of West Maui (including Napili, Kaʻanapali, Honokowai, and Kapalua) will be open to visitors again. Lahaina will remain fully closed to the public until further notice out of respect to the town's residents. County, state, and federal emergency responders continue with efforts to identify victims and the missing, and conduct clean-up efforts of debris and hazardous materials resulting from the wildfires.
Maui Mayor Announces That Not All West Maui Hotels Will Open October 8th, Lays Out Phased Reopening Plan
In late September 2023, Maui's Mayor, Richard Bissen, released brand-new details about how the island will go about reopening the resort areas surrounding Lahaina, which will remain closed indefinitely.
The plan involves three phases, only the first of which has a determined launch date. Phase 2 will only happen after Phase 1 has been determined to be a success, and likewise for Phase 3 after Phase 2.
More information:
We urge all visitors to be especially mindful and respectful in the islands as the community continues through this tragedy.
Maui Wildfire Updates
Wildfires have damaged a significant portion of West Maui, many lives have been lost, several people remain missing, and 2,200+ structures have been destroyed - making this the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century and Hawaii's worst natural disaster in modern history.
More information can be found on our wildfire updates page.
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HTA Map of Maui detailing closed areas
Official Notice from Hawaii Officials
Statement Updated: September 8, 2023
Gov Green Declares West Maui Communities to Reopen on October 8
In West Maui, recent wildfires have resulted in the devastating loss of loved ones, homes, cultural and historical sites, and businesses in Lahaina. We are grateful for the outpouring of support for Maui from around the world, from sharing memories and offering their assistance, to asking questions about travel to Maui and the rest of the state.
Respectful travel to any of the Hawaiian Islands, including the accessible areas of Maui, is welcomed and encouraged, now more than ever. Beginning October 8th, all travel restrictions will end and West Maui (including Nāpili, Kāʻanapali, Honokōwai and Kapalua) will be open to visitors again with the exception of Lahaina. Your visit will support Hawaiʻi’s businesses and workers that rely on tourism for their families’ livelihood, especially when you are mindful in the following ways:
- Visit with aloha and compassion.
- Support local businesses.
- Consider participating in unique volunteer opportunities throughout the islands.
- Learn about the historical and cultural significance of Lahaina but stay away from the area as a means of respect for the people and places that have been lost during this devastating tragedy.
Access Restrictions in Lahaina
Lahaina will remain fully closed to the public until further notice out of respect to the town's residents. County, state, and federal emergency responders continue with efforts to identify victims and the missing, and conduct clean-up efforts of debris and hazardous materials resulting from the wildfires. However, beginning October 8th, other areas of West Maui (including Napili, Kaʻanapali, Honokowai and Kapalua) will be open to visitors again.
Follow our wildfire updates here.

Old Lahaina Courthouse and Banyan Tree - AP Photo/Rick Bowmer
Latest Pandemic Developments in Hawaii
Last Updated: December 16, 2022
At this time, there are no pandemic travel-related restrictions for domestic travelers, and neither the Governor's office nor island mayors have indicated they plan to reintroduce any restrictions.
Travelers can check the state of Hawaii's confirmed cases here.
'Safe Travels' program & mask mandate both officially ended March 26, 2022
According to Governor Ige, the state of Hawaii dropped the 'Safe Travels' program for domestic U.S. travelers at midnight on March 25, 2022. Governor Ige has also announced the indoor mask mandate has ended as of March 26, 2022. Masks may still be required on public transportation, such as buses, and within Hawaii’s airports.
That now means 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.
On the county level, the County of Kauai, the County of Maui, and the County of Hawaii have repealed their COVID-19 Emergency Rules. The City and County of Honolulu's Safe Access Oahu program ended on Sunday, March 6, 2022.
"Safe Travels is one part of a multi-layer approach to COVID safety. The program played a key role in keeping Hawaii's residents safe before vaccinations were widely available, and during the surges we've seen through this pandemic," said John De Fries, Hawaii Tourism Authority President and CEO. "Bringing the Safe Travels program to a close reflects the progress we have made as a state, and Governor Ige’s decision is a good balance of maintaining reasonable health precautions while reopening our society and economy."
Hawaii Events

Hawaii Health Protocols
We encourage all travelers to review the Health & Safety Protocols for all of your travel planning resources within the Islands of Hawaii:
Airlines Health Policies
- Air Canada
- Air New Zealand
- Alaska Airlines
- American Airlines
- ANA
- Asiana Airlines
- China Airlines
- Delta Airlines
- Hawaiian Airlines
- Japan Airlines
- Korean Airlines
- Philippine Airlines
- Qantas/Jetstar
- Southwest Airlines
- United Airlines
- WestJet
Airport Health Requirements
Activity & Tour Policies
Transporation
Meetings & Conventions
Lodging
Restaurants
Retail
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.
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