Hawaii began to welcome travelers back to the Islands with a pre-test on October 15, 2020. The state has launched a pre-travel testing program, which requires all visitors to take a nucleic acid amplification test, such as a PCR test, from an approved testing partner within 72 hours before departure to Hawaii. However, not every island in Hawaii has the same rules once you arrive.
Hawaii, the Big Island
Travelers to the Big Island who participate in the state’s pre-arrivals testing program to avoid a mandatory 14-day quarantine will have to take a second, free rapid antigen test at the airport upon arrival. A second negative result would allow the traveler to bypass mandatory self-isolation. Currently, only the Big Island will require a second test upon arrival to avoid quarantine.
Maui
Maui’s plan is similar to Kauai’s in that a voluntary test will be offered three days after arrival on the island but the test is free in Maui where you’ll pay out-of-pocket in Kauai. In addition, those who fly to Maui from another county can bypass quarantine by submitting a negative PCR test result. Those that do take this voluntary second test are eligible for a discount card.
Kauai
Kauai will offer a voluntary second test three days after arrival, though it is not currently required. You have to pay for the test (unless you are a returning resident) but the island is offering a $150 gift certificate from a participating Kauai business for those who pay for and take this follow-up test.
U.S. travelers must complete the following steps before entering Hawaii’s participating islands:
- All U.S. travelers 18 and older must register through the mandatory Hawaii Safe Travels online program
- Within 72 hours of departure time, each traveler 5 or older must undergo an approved COVID-19 test with negative results through Hawaii’s trusted testing and travel partners
- 24 hours prior to departure, complete the health questionnaire on your Safe Travels account
- Comply with all social distancing and mask requirements during travel, including in-flight
- All incoming Hawaii travelers must pass thermal temperature checks and facial-imaging technology upon arrival
- Produce the Safe Travels QR code to local officials upon arrival in Hawaii
Pre-travel testing will allow healthy tourists to avoid the mandatory 14-day quarantine with some exceptions if they have a qualified negative COVID-19 test no earlier than 72 hours before their final flight to Hawaii departs. Additionally, travelers arriving in Hawaii will have their temperatures checked upon arrival and must fill out a travel and health form.
The Points Guy outlines how several airlines have developed a testing system available to travelers from certain hub airports or via an at-home kit.
Get all the facts and register with the State of Hawaii Safe Travels online system at Go Hawaii.
Airlines flying to Hawaii with one stop from Wichita include:
- Alaska Airlines to Honolulu and Kona
- American Airlines to Honolulu and Kahului
- United Airlines to Honolulu, Kahului, and Kona
