Six Hawaiian Islands. Six unique experiences. From crystal blue waters to stunning green cliffs and black sand beaches, Hawaii’s wealth of natural beauty is the breathtaking backdrop for unforgettable experiences that reward those who delve a little deeper – into vibrant cultures full of welcoming aloha, a thriving food scene and thrilling outdoor adventures. There’s so much more to Hawaii than what you’ve heard.
As Hawaii welcomes travelers back to the Hawaiian Islands, they do so with an open heart and with an invitation to Malama Hawaii. Simply put, malama means to take care of our earth, each other and ourselves. By doing so, visitors will experience a deeper connection and a stay that really stays with them.
They are welcoming visitors to stay in a new way. To take the time to really know each island. Don’t forget to read Foods to Try in Hawaii and 8 Reasons Why You Should Visit Hawaii This Year. To form a deeper connection with their culture. When you travel mindfully and Malama Hawaii, you’ll have a more enriching experience and leave with a trip that truly stays with you.
You have so many options on how you want to travel. There are amazing hawaii tours, hawaii cruises and of course hawaii vacation packages to accommodate your budget. All tour operators have reinvented their tours to accommodate less people and give you a more personal travel experience. Tauck Tours Best of Hawaii is one of the most popular tours as well as Globus Tours Best of the Hawaiian Islands. If you are considering travel to hawaii these tours will give you an idea of what must see sights there are in hawaii.
Hawaii Health and Safety
Starting July 8, 2021, travelers from the United States to Hawaii will no longer be subject to pre-travel testing and quarantine requirements if they show proof of a Covid-19 vaccination. This applies to all domestic travelers no matter which state they have been vaccinated in. People who have been vaccinated have been able to travel without restrictions from the U.S. mainland since June 15.
In early June the Governor of Hawaii stated that restrictions would be dropped once Hawaii achieved a 60% vaccination rate. They are quickly approaching that milestone and are ready for business. Other changes will be an increase to the amount of people allowed while indoors from 25 to 75 people. Restaurants will be able to increase capacity to 75%. You must still wear a mask while gathering indoors.
Hawaii Safe Travels Program
In order to be exempt from a 10-day quarantine and pre-travel Covid-19 testing, travelers must upload their proof of vaccination record on to the state’s
- Prior to departure, traveler must create an online account on the state’s Safe Travels Program at https://travel.hawaii.gov/#/
- Traveler needs to create a profile and enter trip information
- Within 24 hours of departure, traveler needs to complete a health questionnaire and upload proof of vaccination or a negative test result
- QR code will be sent once negative test result has been verified
- Children should be added to an adult’s Safe Travels account
- Negative results must be uploaded prior to departure or traveler will be subject to the quarantine
- Upon arrival in Hawaii, travelers will be required to show their QR code to the airport screener
- Those vaccinated must bring a hard copy of their vaccination record with them. For those not vaccinated, it is recommend for them to have a printed copy of negative test results and QR code to show hotels, car rental and activity partners
There is a 3-minute video at https://travel.hawaii.gov/#/ that will walk you through the process
Hawaii Travel Tips
- Pre-Clearance to streamline arrival experience. Many airlines are providing pre-clearance opportunities to expedite arrival in Hawaii allowing travelers to confirm compliance with the Safe Travels Program prior to departure and bypass mandatory airport screenings upon arrival. Pre-Clear programs are offered in numerous cities and the list continues to grow as airline carriers resume and add routes to Hawaii. Please see individual carrier websites for the latest list of originating cities.
- Alaska Airlines: Pre-Clear is offered from all U.S. mainland hubs with non-stop flights to Hawaii.
- Hawaiian Airlines: Over 15 cities, including Japan and Korea, offer Pre-Clear. Austin and other locations are coming soon.
- Southwest Airlines: Offering Pre-Clear service from five gateway airports in California.
- United Airlines: Pre-Clear is offered from all U.S. mainland hubs with flights to Hawaii.
- CLEAR – Available for select Delta Air Lines and United Airlines flights – eligible customers will be notified by their airline. CLEAR offers passengers traveling to Honolulu additional lab options for Hawaii’s Safe Travels COVID-19 test requirement. Consumers have the choice to find a convenient testing option, among CLEAR’s large nationwide network of healthcare entities, labs, and at-home testing options. For more info call 855-253-2763 or check the CLEAR App.
- If you are considering a multi-island stay including Oahu, book Oahu as the second island since it is the only island that doesn’t require an additional test when traveling from another island
- Pre-booking activities and luaus is more important than ever before. As many companies are operating on less days at less capacity, it is more difficult to secure these experiences.
- Important to check in advance if attractions are open/operating. Some have adjusted their schedules and are not open everyday. A few examples below:
- Polynesian Cultural Center – Now closed Wed and Sun
- Hanauma May – Now closed Mon and Tues
- Wainapanapa Beach (Maui) Entry and Parking Reservations are now required for all non-residents. For reservations visit www.gowaianapanapa.com
- Visit https://a3h.org for a list of open activities provided by the Activity and Attraction Association of Hawaii
- Each County/Island will have different openings/protocols. Visit the below website for county/island-specific information https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel/while-in-hawaii/
- County parks and beaches –county parks and beaches are open on all islands with some restrictions. You can access specific island county links for more information https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel/while-in-hawaii/
- Select state parks and monuments across the state are open – emphasis on social distancing. A detailed listing of open and closed state parks, with rules that vary by location: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
- The National Park Services is increasing access and services in a phased approach across all units of the National Park System. Before visiting a park, please check the park website to determine its opening status: https://www.nps.gov/state/hi/list.htm?program=all
- For Oahu specific information, visit www.oneoahu.org
- For Kauai specific information visit https://KauaiForward.com/travel
