If it`s a return trip and you`re visiting Maui during COVID, you`ll notice that some things have changed on the island since your last trip. The response of various Hawaiian counties to COVID-19 has created a patchwork of emergency rules, ordinances, and proclamations. Of course, we are aware that this can lead to confusion among visitors. This is especially true because some of these rules and regulations are universal for all of Hawaii, while other rules differ from county to county. Below we have published an up-to-date list of unique measures and emergency orders for each island/county. We have also included links to key official resources. We know that some people were looking forward to being able to visit Hawaii, and this is now possible without quarantine. However, we understand that many people currently cannot travel or simply have no interest in visiting Maui for a variety of reasons. If you prefer to wait until the world is safer and travel is more convenient, we fully understand and respect that. Come when you`re ready. We want you to feel comfortable and safe when you travel here.
At this point, no other island in Hawaii appears to be following Maui`s lead in the recall request, but we will continue to monitor this situation closely. Oahu has not currently updated its rules for safe access to Oahu to include boosters, but vaccination record requirements remain in place in Oahu, for indoor meals, etc. Currently, there are no special rules for restaurants in Kauai or the Big Island. The rules are at the discretion of each restaurant to decide if they want to implement any type of access requirement. A word for the elders – if you plan to visit these islands in the near future, make sure you have proof of vaccination with you, as some facilities may require proof of vaccination. In addition, the Big Island of Hawaii, whose mayor recently tested positive for COVID, recently reintroduced a reduced limit of 10 people (previously the limit was 25 people) for social gatherings. According to our rules, as of December 1, 2021, indoor restaurant seats will no longer have to be spaced six feet apart, although all diners will still be required to present their vaccination record or a recent negative test. In addition, gyms are now back to 100% capacity and there are currently no outdoor restrictions on social gatherings or sporting events. Due to the increase in local cases caused by the Delta variant that appeared earlier this year, some restrictions have been reintroduced in Maui and Oahu. From the end of 2021, some rules have relaxed again (see below for more details).
We are monitoring this situation closely and will update this page accordingly. May 25, 2021 – Michelle, intentional traveler, visitor: “We flew with Alaska Airlines from Portland to Honolulu. Their pre-authorization program required a few extra steps to submit our online test and provide a QR code to scan at the gate. But this made the arrival at HNL airport very easy. We only had to show our pre-clearance bracelets and we could walk – no long queues! You could walk past the temperature shield without even noticing it. Locals are good at wearing masks in public, and some are still very wary of tourists ignoring Covid regulations, putting the community at risk. The rules have changed so that masks are no longer mandatory outdoors, school becomes personal again and outdoor sports resume. January 2021 – Christmas on This Hawaii Life, Hawaii resident: “Yes, visitors are welcome in Hawaii as long as they take a pre-Covid test and on some islands a secondary test that each county offers.
Masks and social distancing rules are in place, so it`s also an important indication for visiting the islands. Most attractions are open to visitors, as well as restaurants/shops to visit. June 2022 – Sophie from We Dream of Travel: “We recently visited Maui and later the Big Island. Traveling to Hawaii in terms of Covid is easy at this point. However, the islands have seen a surge in tourism recently, especially as domestic travelers opt for trips to Hawaii over international travel. In addition, there are persistent staffing problems and supply bottlenecks. Because of this, accommodations are limited, tours and restaurants are often fully booked, and prices have skyrocketed. While it`s absolutely worth visiting Hawaii, early planning is necessary to ensure you have a great vacation. You`ll notice COVID-related changes at every Maui property. Accommodation, shops, restaurants, tours, attractions – they all need to maintain a safe and hygienic environment in the midst of this pandemic and follow necessary protocols such as social distancing or limited occupancy. Some have adjusted their opening hours and introduced new pre-booking requirements (no longer accept walk-in customers). Some companies may require temperature checks upon arrival.
ALL requires you to wear a mask indoors, as currently required by state emergency rules. Please do not argue with hotel staff about rules, insult the waitress or store clerk, or attack the person who informs you that masks are mandatory. (Unfortunately, all of these behaviors took place here.) They did not set the rules; They are simply trying to comply with the requirements that keep their business open. Please be friendly. Be patient and follow the rules. If you can`t or don`t want to follow the required rules, don`t come to Maui now. Postpone your trip to a later date when restrictions are no longer needed. March 2021 – Jenn at Cocktails Away, visitor: “I flew to Honolulu, Hawaii to work remotely for 10 days in March 2021. Locals welcome travelers but prefer to respect the COVID-19 restrictions that are in place to protect everyone.
There are certainly fewer people than usual, but there are still a good number of people visiting the area. Even with strict testing and quarantine protocols (if you haven`t been tested), masks are worn in public by most at all times. Contact tracing is also in place. Businesses are still operating with limited capacity and timelines, so delays and availability can be affected by rising tourism prices. Most businesses that have been able to withstand the effects of the pandemic are beginning to open. Hotels host test sites and you walk past them as you walk around the city. Vaccines are still administered at those 70+, so uptake has been slower than in some states. The Presidential Proclamation and CDC Order apply to travel from international airports to the United States. Direct International Travelers” will no longer be required to present a secure travel account upon arrival in Hawaii as of November 8, 2021. “Non-direct international travel” is considered domestic travel and passengers must have a Safe Travels account. Below you will find more information about each type of trip, as the rules have been updated for December 2021. As always, we will continue to monitor Hawaii`s travel policies and the latest news related to the Hawaii tour, and will provide daily updates here and via our mailing list.
For the latest information and updates for Kauai, visit the official website of Kauai COVID-19. All emergency rules and emergency declarations for Kauai County can also be found on their website. February 2021 – I`m Maui resident Jess Traveling: “Visitors are welcome in Hawaii if everyone follows mask rules, doesn`t gather in large groups, and stays socially distance. Businesses and residents have taken everything seriously since the pandemic began. It is highly recommended to book all excursions, dinner reservations and activities in advance as space is more limited. All travel restrictions are followed by locals and visitors alike. Maui has only one hospital, but since you`ll need to prove a negative test before boarding the plane, Maui hasn`t had any major outbreaks. Most, if not all, attractions and activities are open, but with limited opening hours and smaller capacities than before. Live music is also back in many restaurants, giving the whole thing a sense of normalcy. Yes, your experience visiting Maui during COVID will definitely be different from before. There will be limitations and disadvantages. But aren`t we all used to it? And in return, you will be rewarded with amazing beauty and serenity, vast expanses and fresh sea air.
and lots of welcome smiles under our masks when we welcome you. All travelers to Hawaii should always wear a mask when visiting Hawaii during the COVID-19 pandemic, not only because it`s the right way to show aloha, but also because wearing a mask is required by law in all indoor spaces. Governor David Ige has now implemented a national mask mandate in Hawaii. If you`re not in your room/house/condominium, on the beach, or actively in a restaurant, consider wearing a mask in Hawaii, especially if you can`t get away properly (at least six feet). A plane ticket, and that`s it! On March 26, 2022, the governor dropped all restrictions, testing requirements, immunization records, and the requirement to wear a mask indoors. You are a happy traveler. You don`t have to go through the tires that previous visitors have had to endure. All you need to get here is a way to get there, accommodation and the latest edition of our guide and the brand new audio tours narrated by the author and triggered by your phone`s GPS.