Beautiful sunsets, great waves for surfing, gorgeous people, and the “Aloha” spirit. Hawaii is such a place to be. That is why there is no doubt travelers would want to visit the island. However, the pandemic is still active so, before visiting, take notes of the requirements and what to expect upon arriving.
For the basics, last November 08, 2021, Hawaii was fully aligned with the federal policy for air travelers, requiring them to be fully vaccinated and equipped with a negative COVID-19 test result.
As part of the United States’ tightening of travel rules due to the rapid spread of the COVID-19 Omicron variant, all inbound international travelers who are 2 years and older must be tested once again one day within the departure flight to the US, regardless of the vaccination status and their nationalities. This does not apply to domestic travel.
For those who are allowed to enter the island, which also applies to the entire country of the United States, they must be fully vaccinated. If they aren’t fully vaccinated, they are still allowed to enter but would need to undergo a mandatory five-day quarantine. Unvaccinated travelers are no longer allowed to enter the country, except for those aged 17 and younger. The key requirement for international travelers, 18 years and above, is to be fully vaccinated. As for those younger than 18, they just have to provide a negative test result (2 years and older)
Here are some of the things visitors should expect upon arriving in Hawaii:
- Mandatory statewide indoor masks are still in effect.
In the island Oahu:
- There are no restrictions on informal and noncommercial social gatherings.
- Businesses are allowed to operate at 100% capacity but masks are always required and people must present their vaccination proofs or negative test results upon entry to any fitness facility and stores serving food and beverage.
In Maui county:
- A maximum of 10 people are allowed for indoor social gatherings. While there is no limit for outdoor social gatherings.
- Restaurants, bars, gyms, and other indoor spaces may function at 100% capacity. However, visitors are required to present vaccination proofs that they are fully vaccinated (complete with booster shots) upon entry. Those who are unable to present proof may still eat outside or order take-out.
