Travel to Kauaʻi: New Protocols for Visitors
Those wishing to travel to the Hawaiian island of Kauaʻi may be glad to learn that the island has started a pre- and post-travel COVID-19 testing program for out-of-state visitors who stay in its “resort bubble” hotels. This initiative comes as part of the new travel protocols for both inter-island and mainland travelers. Kauaʻi is the only county in Hawaiʻi to opt out of the state’s pre-travel testing program, which allows travelers with a negative COVID-19 test to bypass the mandatory two-week quarantine.
Enhanced Movement Quarantine (EMQ) Program
The first protocol applies to travelers arriving in Kauaʻi from out of state. Visitors who receive a negative pre-travel test and stay in an approved Enhanced Movement Quarantine (EMQ) “resort bubble” can take a post-travel test three days after arrival. They will be released from quarantine if they obtain a negative result. However, those staying in non-EMQ hotels or other accommodations upon arrival cannot leave their rooms and must undergo Kauaʻi’s full ten-day traveler quarantine without a post-travel testing opportunity.
List of EMQ Hotels
The EMQ “resort bubble” hotels on Kauaʻi include:
- The Cliffs at Princeville
- Hilton Garden Inn Kauaʻi Wailua Bay
- Koʻa Kea Hotel & Resort at Poʻipū
- The Club at Kukuiʻula
- Timbers Kauai Ocean Club & Residences at Hōkūala
- Kauaʻi Marriott
Travelers can enjoy resort amenities for the first three days, and once they receive a negative test result, they may leave the hotel and explore the island.
Inter-Island Travel Protocols
In the case of inter-island travel, those flying in from Oahu, Maui, or the Big Island can avoid quarantine by following specific steps. Travelers need to create a Safe Travels account and complete the mandatory State of Hawaii Travel and Health Form. They must then take an approved pre-travel test after being in Hawaii for more than three days but within 72 hours of arriving in Kauaʻi. The negative test results should be uploaded to the Safe Travels account; travelers are also required to present a hard copy of their results for review at Līhuʻe Airport. For further details, refer to the County of Kauaʻi website here.
