Hawaii Eases COVID-19 Restrictions for Travelers

As the COVID-19 situation continues to improve across the state, Hawaii will lift capacity restrictions for many outdoor activities. Moreover, in alignment with the rest of the United States, international and domestic travelers will be welcomed back to the islands starting November 8.

Governor’s Announcement on Capacity Restrictions

Governor David Ige announced new capacity restrictions this week. He previously requested in August that potential travelers postpone their trips to Hawaii until the recent wave of Delta-driven infections subsided. This was a request aimed at allowing Hawaii to recover.

COVID-19 Case Numbers Improving

This past summer, Hawaii experienced a surge in coronavirus case numbers that overwhelmed health services and strained resources. However, case numbers are now steadily decreasing, and the percentage of the population fully vaccinated is on the rise. “Our state continues to see one of the lowest incidences of COVID-19 and death rates related to the virus,” Governor Ige stated in a press release. “As more people are vaccinated, we are easing pandemic measures—including travel restrictions—in a way that ensures the health and safety of our communities.”

International Travel Requirements

For direct international travel from November 8 onward, U.S. citizens have two options: Fully vaccinated travelers must show proof of vaccination and present a test taken within three days of boarding their flight to the U.S. Conversely, those not fully vaccinated will need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken within one day of boarding their flight.

Non-U.S. citizens are required to present both vaccination records and a negative COVID-19 test result taken within three days of boarding a flight to the U.S. Passengers who fail to meet these requirements will be denied boarding.

For non-direct international travel—i.e., international passengers entering the U.S. from another state or territory—you must complete the Safe Travels Hawaii form before departure. To avoid quarantine, upload your vaccination record or a negative NAAT test result taken no more than 72 hours before your trip.

Changes in Local Regulations

Meanwhile, the executive order to ease capacity limits will take effect on November 12. “Outdoor activity at restaurants, bars, and social establishments will no longer have restrictions (such as masks, mingling, and six feet of distance). Indoor activity will continue to have restrictions as normal,” the governor tweeted on November 3. “Indoor capacity for all high-risk indoor activities is set at 50% unless the county implements a policy requiring vaccination or negative COVID-19 test, which in that case allows for unlimited capacity. This includes gyms, bars, restaurants, and other social venues.”

Conclusion and Ongoing Monitoring

It’s essential to acknowledge that while conditions are improving in Hawaii, the situation may change. Governor Ige has remarked that officials will “continue to monitor case counts and hospitalizations in the islands and adjust as needed while prioritizing the health and safety of our residents.” Therefore, it is advisable to check the latest public health guidelines before traveling. For further details on COVID-19 measures, please refer to the Hawaii Tourism Authority website.

This article provides timely updates and was initially published on October 20, 2021, and updated on November 5, 2021.