Gov. David Ige has announced that effective Saturday, August 1, travelers coming into the state and have had a COVID-19 PCR test 72 hours prior to boarding their flight may waive the 14-day quarantine. However, travelers who do not have such a test will still be subject to the quarantine.
Those who refuse testing must leave the state and are not going to be allowed to leave the airport .
The state is still working out several details, including whether all children are subject to the testing and how some of the conditions will affect returning Hawaii residents.
The travel information is at the gohawaii.com web site, the official web site of the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Below is what is known now, but anybody planning on traveling into the state August 1 or later should check the web site for details as this information is only current as of July 5, 2020. Click here for the latest updates.
Below is what is current as of July 5:
Pre-Travel Testing Program for Out-of-State Travelers – beginning Saturday, August 1
- Beginning August 1, travelers to Hawaii who have a valid negative COVID-19 FDA-approved PCR test from a CLIA-certified laboratory 72 hours prior to boarding their flight to Hawaii will not be subject to the 14-day quarantine. To reiterate, this test result must be done prior to arrival and the traveler must present evidence of this test. Travelers will be responsible for the cost of the pre-travel test.
- No testing will be provided upon arrival at the airport.
- The 14-day quarantine will remain in place for those who choose not to get pre-tested. If the quarantine is refused, the passenger must make arrangements to leave the island immediately without leaving the airport.
- Temperature checks will continue at airports across the state. Anyone with a temperature higher than 100.4 degrees or who is experiencing other symptoms will be required to undergo a secondary screening at the airport with trained healthcare staff.
- Travelers will be required to fill out the State Travel and Health Declaration forms upon arrival.
- Everyone must wear facial masks in all Hawaii airports and when entering places of business.
- No COVID-19 PCR testing will be provided upon arrival at the airport. Therefore, we strongly encourage anyone not willing to get pre-tested, to please refrain from visiting Hawaii as our 14-day quarantine regulations will remain in place and are stringent (guests are not allowed to leave their room except to seek medical care or to go to the airport to return home; food is to be delivered to your door for the full 14 days; all costs for the 14 day quarantine are borne by the visitor). Your adherence to them is closely monitored. Violators are prosecuted.
- Further details are forthcoming, such as: from what age will children be tested, how long the pre-arrival testing requirement and quarantine process will be in effect, whether this only applies to travel from the mainland United States or does it also apply to travel from other countries, and how this affects residents returning to Hawaii. We will continue to update this site with confirmed information.
What Happens if I Travel to Hawaii Now, Before August 1?
- The mandatory 14-day quarantine is required for all passengers (visitors and returning residents) arriving into the state of Hawaii on or before July 31. Additionally, operations, including peer-to-peer platforms or sharing services, may not rent vehicles to any person who is subject to a 14-day traveler quarantine order unless an exemption is granted.
- People who are required to self-quarantine for 14 days must designate a hotel or motel as their designated quarantine location. No person who is subject to the mandatory self-quarantine is allowed to stay in a short-term or vacation rental.
- The state of Hawaii’s Department of Transportation website further explains the entrance and quarantine process.
- Every adult traveler (including officers and crew members) flying from the continental U.S., and international must complete the Mandatory Travel Declaration Form and the revised 14-day Order for Self Quarantine Form.
- As this would mean that visitors would need to remain in their rooms for most or all of their vacation, travelers are strongly urged to postpone any trips to Hawaii.
- For more information about statements issued by Governor Ige, Click Here.
- Governor Ige has lowered the alert level to yellow – “Act with Care” – which enables more businesses to reopen. Everyone must continue to wear facial masks when entering places of business and as outlined in the governor’s Emergency Rules. F
Is Inter-island Travel Allowed?
- The inter-island travel quarantine was lifted on June 16, and all travelers must complete a new form.
- The online version of the form must be submitted 24 hours prior to flight departure. Once all the required questions have been completed, signed, and submitted, the passenger will receive an email with a QR code. This code must be brought to the airport, either on an electronic device (preferred) or printed.
- Once at the airport, travelers will be thermal screened, and temperature cannot be above 100.4 degrees.
- Travelers may be prohibited from boarding a flight if they refuse to complete the mandatory form, have an elevated temperature above 100.4 degrees, or are on the 14-day quarantine list prohibiting them from flying. (Visitors who are still in their 14-day quarantine are not permitted to fly to another island. This will continue to be the case through July 31.)
- More information about inter-island travel can be found here.
