Traveling during COVID- the DO’S AND DON’TS
updates as of 4/15/21
Presently, proof of vaccination is not a recognized exemption to the Hawaii travel quarantine. The state continues to evaluate the latest science and will inform travelers of any new exemptions as those decisions are made. update 4/15/21
Phase 1 - Vaccination Cards + 'Safe Travels' likely to kick off vaccinated travel
Starting May 11, individuals fully vaccinated in the State of Hawai‘i may travel inter-county without pre-travel testing/quarantine starting the 15th day after the completion of their vaccination.
Travelers who arrive in Kauaʻi, Maui and Hawaiʻi counties before they are fully vaccinated or before the 15th day after the completion of their vaccination, will be placed into mandatory quarantine for the full 10 days, unless they meet the criteria for other exceptions (pre-travel testing and CISA). The City and County of Honolulu does not have an interisland travel quarantine order.Vaccine Passports are not yet ready for launch, at least according to Hawaii officials. So that leaves the option of using the vaccination cards everyone is issued when receiving their first/second dose. According to Lt. Gov. Josh Green, a photo of travelers' vaccination cards will be required to prove vaccination. The photos will then need to be uploaded to the official Hawaii 'Safe Travels' website. Travelers who want to participate in the vaccination exemption will be required to have completed vaccination at least 14-days prior to visiting Hawaii.
source: https://www.hawaii-guide.com/hawaii-covid-vaccine
THIS BLOG WILL COVER- A curated HOW TO to travel to the Hawaiian Islands during COVID-19 era as the state reopens. HAWAII REOPENS. TRAVEL SAFE TO HAWAII. COVID TESTING. PRE-TRAVEL TESTING. INTER-ISLAND TRAVEL.
Okay I will get straight to it- there is one thing you need to know about my personal POV- I am a flight attendant- so what I observe and how I planned my trip - the things I did- these are all decisions made my previous experiences from flying up to a 140 hours a month, not to mention I fly standby everywhere.
Let’s get to it!
General TIPS:
MASK(S)- notice that it’s plural. I know you know that this is a must, but what I will strongly suggest is having another mask readily available to change mid flight. A refresh if you will, and believe me .. you most certainly will want to. I also highly suggest a silk scarf, or a pareo ( sarong ) or even a bandana.. Something that can cover your nose and mouth that isn’t as restricting as the mask. These slight changes will make wearing a mask for an allotted amount of time way more bearable. I will add that I personally always did wear something over my face when I flew- the air is very drying- so I actually didn’t really mind it. These masks are my new fav. Tap to shop
HYDRO FLASK- I know you have one, but do not anticipate flight attendants being able to refill as we once could in the past. That was pre-covid.. Until we are post-covid, the next best thing is to buy water as soon as you get through security and fill up your flask before boarding. You still get water on the aircraft, but it's never enough and for me personally, wearing a mask, makes me ultra thirsty. Plus now you're a step ahead of the game.. And it's been a while guys but let me remind you flying is superrr dehydrating.
BRING YOUR OWN HAND SANITIZER AND MINI LOTION- I know I don’t have to remind most of the first part, but it's the lotion that really soothes my dry AF hands.. The amount of washing and sanitizing that you go through will make anyones hands like the cracked earth in the Sahara desert. This is my FAV FAV FAV lotion- and sanitizer.
FOR FLYING OUT OF HAWAII:
First things first. I feel like in this present time- if you are flying to and from anywhere- whether that be to see family or friends or no one.. It is a humanitarian duty to take a test before you go. This is how it all started (COVID) - remember? Asymptomatic people flying all over the world spreading without knowing.
And besides that- this is what has been pounded into our heads since this began
EXCEPT- at every Walgreens LOCATION ( only 3 on Oahu) ALL TESTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS IS FREE- NON-TRAVEL AND TRAVEL. The only catch- - *THERE IS NO GUARANTEE you will receive a test result in time for your flight..*
CVS testing locations will test you with symptoms and no insurance- which will be paid for by the state. APPOINTMENT IS REQUIRED.
If you are an essential worker with symptoms and for some reason uninsured (which is highly unlikely) for a limited time you can go to Waikiki Health Clinic for a free test.. This is for a limited time.
Generally, if you have “symptoms” most all insurances will cover a COVID test. tell you to be a law abiding citizen can be expensive! I may get some flack for this, but you could always well, embellish a bit and get it for free (again with insurance).
*If you do not have a PCP ( primary care physician) & do have insurance & do have “symptoms” you can get a test at Queens Medical.*
INTER ISLAND TRAVEL
As I have called around and spoke with many helpful healthcare professionals this one thing has been CONTINUOUSLY stressed: THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING- IT WILL GET EASIER- PLEASE BARE WITH US- WE ARE TRYING- PLEASE BE MIDFUL AND HAVE ALOHA WHEN HANDLING THIS SITUATION- AS WE KNOW IT IS FRUSTRATING- BUT BE REMINDED- OUR COMMUNITIES HEALTH IS THE PRIORITY.
Right now there is a 14 day quarantine even for those of us that live here to travel to any of the other outer islands. Here is the current proclamation .
There are 2 things to know about getting a test.
It has to be FDA-authorized Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) from the certified CLIA lab
Has to be taken within 72 hours of travel
ASLOOO it has to be from specific Labs- so I guess that's 3 things you should know.
VERY IMPORTANT STEP Travelers must register on and upload their test results to the Safe Travels Hawaiʻi account and inter-county travelers must have the test result with them upon arrival so airport screeners can review the result.
Next step: Order that test. A few options are listed. The website for the complete list- that I can only assume will be ever growing is here.
Prices range. As far as I could find out- these are out of pocket prices.
big island changes link below
https://www.gohawaii.com/travel-requirements
Walgreens – Testing is available at NO COST to eligible individuals who meet CDC criteria. Tests available for ages five and older. All drive-thru testing locations operate outdoors and patients do not leave their vehicles. Appointment required. Information can be found at walgreens.com/covid19testing. AGAIN- the only drawback is timing- and it is everything.
Hawaiʻi Pacific Health –2 step process. COST $150 you must first call and have a tele-health call with a DR to get this test ordered. 808-462-5430 press 4, then 1. After you get an order from a DR you must go online to make an appointment. – Interisland travel screenings are available at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children on O‘ahu and Wilcox Medical Center on Kaua‘i in partnership with Clinical Labs of Hawaii. Appointments are required for screening at Kapi‘olani and must be scheduled online at clinicallabs.com/covid. No appointment is necessary for screening at Wilcox. More information on site locations, hours and cost can be found at hawaiipacifichealth.org/covid19testing.
CVS Health (Longs) –BUT NOT EVERY LONGS- DRIVE THRU ONLY. DO NOT ENTER LONGS AND ASK FOR TEST. Cost $139. THIS WILL BE SELF ADMINISTERED. As far as I can see this is the easiest. Travelers may schedule an appointment up to two days in the future at select CVS Pharmacy drive-thru locations. Tests available for ages 12 and older. Pre-registration is required. Registration instructions and costs can be found at cvs.com/selfpaytesting. https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/covid-19-testing/voluntary-testing
Kaiser Permanente (for members only) - IT'S COMPLETELY FREE- there may be a cost in specific states but Kaiser will reimburse you. Kaiser Permanente members may schedule a test online or contact the appointment call center or nurse advice line in their home region for scheduling instructions. Kaiser Permanente members returning home to Hawaiʻi may call the Away-from-Home Travel Line at 951-268-3900 for scheduling instructions. Information can be found at kp.org/travel.
Minit Medical –MAUI - COST $139.00 - FOR TRAVEL TESTING - you must register online, if you do not have an order from your PCP, then you can call Minit Med and a DR will speak with you & order you the test. The cost for the telephone order and test is included in the $139.00. Inter-Island travelers in Hawaii may schedule testing online prior to travel to other islands. Minit Medical has three clinics on Maui with drive-up testing available. Appointment is required. Please call 808-667-6161 for details or log on to Minitmed.com.
*AS OF TODAY residents traveling in and out of MAUI DO NOT NEED TESTING IF YOU ARE TRAVELING FOR MEDICAL REASONS. YOU MUST PROVIDE YOUR ITINERARY AND A DR.’S NOTE*
VISIT www.MauiCounty.gov.
Urgent Care Hawaii- for you last minute peeps- COST: for military and Kamaʻāina $150. $225 for visitors -offers COVID-19 testing for inter-island travel 7 days a week. Several locations. INCLUDING Kailua, Pearl City, 2 in Kapolei and one coming to town soon. Results are emailed within 24 hours. Register at www.ucarehi.com. Limited walk-ins can be accommodated. Call 808-797-7980 for more information. IF YOU WANT A RAPID 15MIN TEST- to go see your TuTu with a pre-existing condition anywhere here on island it is available for $225 but note the rapid 15min test IS NOT approved for travel.* https://ucarehi.com/test-covid-19/
THIS IS THE BEST FOR YOU LAST MINUTE TRAVELERS aka flight attendants
MAUI and KAUA’I ARE ALSO BOTH OFFERING A NEW PROGRAM THAT ROLLS OUT TODAY FOR RETURNING RESIDENTS AND VISITORS- Called REST, TEST, AND ENJOY!
To reduce further spread and further protect these islands the Mayors of each county have offered a voluntary test for all returning residents and visitors once they land. As we all know you can take that test and then contract COVID just about anywhere between then and arrival. Below are the websites- and as a mahalo - you will get a to spend at local eateries ( which you will anyway), golf course, and other adventures- all of which again you will do anyways!!
So as we say in the islands “You gotta give respect to get it” These are sacred islands. Treat them as such and I promise you - the good you give will come back.
https://www.kauai.gov/visitorposttest
FOR KAUA’I: For now returning residents will find FREE testing when they come home at the War Memorial Convention Hall- it will be a cost for visitors, but again- its giving back and then receiving the benefit of living pono while you visit this magical island.
kauai.gov/covid-19
mauicounty.gov/2417/Travel-to-Maui-County
https://www.mauicounty.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=10457
For MAUI: Designated, on-site testing locations will be available at hotels and other locations.Travelers should check with their lodging accommodations for testing locations. as far as I can see now its free on Maui. ( secondary arrive safe testing)
WHEN YOU ARRIVE ON BIG ISLAND THO IT WILL BE MANDATORY. AT THE AIRPORT. HAWAII ISLAND IS THE STRICTEST POLICY OF ALL COUNTIES.
FOR BIG ISLAND RESIDENTS THIS LINK IS FOR YOU
https://coronavirus-response-county-of-hawaii-hawaiicountygis.hub.arcgis.com/pages/travel -
this will give you a list of approved testing. prices ranging. but generally expect $100+
UPDATE 10/22
For the big Island (starting October 21st): Interisland travelers to Hawaii County will have choices on how to avoid quarantine after they arrive. The new system enables interisland travelers to either test for COVID-19 no more than 72 hours before traveling to Hawaii Island, or be tested after arrival. A negative post-arrival test would allow the traveler to be released from quarantine. This means that Hawaii County will now be in line with the statewide interisland 72-hour pre-travel test policy.
In addition to the pre-test, the Big Island requires travelers to take a second test upon arrival to the island with a mandatory quarantine until the results are available.
So you got your negative test results- now what??
TRAVELING TO HAWAII requirements
The state has a multi-layered screening process to protect the health and safety of everyone traveling to the Hawaiian Islands. All incoming travelers will have their temperature taken by thermal screen.
A negative test is REQUIRED Within 72 hours from the final leg of departure. If you have a multi-city itinerary, it’s the departure time at the last city before arriving at a Hawaii airport.
FIRST STEP: SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT.
SECOND STEP: GO AND CREATE AN ACCOUNT HERE https://travel.hawaii.gov/#/ in fact just go ahead and bookmark it.or save it to your homescreen. This will be your pass essentially. You will upload your flight information and negative test results on this website. It's actually really really easy. THEN within 24 hours of your departure- you will have to complete a “health questionnaire” .. so just think of it as part of your check-in process. In fact that's exactly what every airline should have on their app- this link. But until then.. Proceed as advised.
upon deplaning in hawaii
you will be asked to present your QR code to airport personnel on your mobile phone ( I suggest screenshotting this code before you even board- just in case wifi is spotty which is likely on outter islands, ie Kauai, big island, maui) along with a legally valid photo ID
MOST airlines are offering a pre-screening at the Gate and will give you a wrist ban to show you basically have your shit together- tho you will be in another line as well- it will take away from the others that well- may not have results yet or haven’t uploaded properly.. you know the ppl that leave everything to last minute and hold up the line.. *
* EXPECT A LINE either way.*
Here is the link for all trusted test providers on the mainland mainland.https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel/faqs/
UPDATE 10/22- THERE HAS NOW BEEN MORE ADDED PARTNERS. INCLUDING OAKLAND AIRPORT- WHICH AT THE MOMENT IS COMPLETELY FREE-
OAK- https://bayareacovid19testing.com/hawaii-covid19-testing/
PDX- https://afcurgentcareportland.com/traveling-hawaii
To be honest this can be slightly frustrating. AS I can see pricing will be from $140-$225 depending on the time sensitivity of the traveling.
CVS is most likely your best bet. UNLESS YOU HAVE KAISER. However, I am confident that it will only get easier.
LAX RAPID TESTING IS AVAILABLE AND APPROVED BY THE STATE OF HAWAII
flylax.com/travelsafely#CovidTest
UPDATE: IN SFO as of 10/28 HAL offers drive thru testing at the airport! Guests will be able to receive their results within 36 hours for a fee of $90 or within the same day if they pay for the $150 day-of-travel express service. https://www.schedulecovidtesting.com/
United Hawaii-bound passengers: If you are traveling to Hawaii on United Airlines, you may have been contacted by United to let you know about COVID-19 testing opportunities at SFO. Please note that testing at both the Color testing facility in Lot D and the GoHealth testing facility in International Terminal Courtyard A are by RESERVATION ONLY. Please contact United for complete details
Here are a few key FAQ.
Do minors need to take the pre-travel test?
Yes, minors five years and older must take the pre-travel test. (Minors four years and younger do NOT need to take the pre-travel test.)
What happens if my test results are pending when I arrive in Hawaii?
NEGATIVE RESULT – You will be in quarantine until the negative test results are uploaded to your Safe Travel account and reported to the State Department of Health. The state will send you a confirmation and your name will be removed from the quarantine list.
POSITIVE RESULT – Traveler must remain in quarantine. Health services guidance will also be provided by the State Department of Health. If you are traveling with others, they will be required to quarantine in Hawaii for 14 days.
My flight transits through Honolulu and my final destination is another island. How many QR codes do I need?
If your trans-Pacific flight arrives into Honolulu for a layover (same-day flight) before departing to a different island, you need two separate QR codes, one for each leg of your trip. If your trans-Pacific flight arrives at any neighbor island airport for a layover before departing to Honolulu, you need one QR code. Once you have created an account on the safe travels website this will be quiet easy- follow the prompts.
https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel/#travel-FAQs
I hope you save and bookmark this- I plan on updating as things change- because trust they will. This took some due diligence, I hope to save you time and confusion.. And honestly it was my pleasure. I have loved Hawai’i from the moment I arrived 16 years ago, and the respect for the people, the culture, and the ain’a has only grown.
This truly is God's Country.
Aloha my Babes- stay on that MISH- lets do it with the safety of all us in mind. ITS YOUR KUKOA THAT WILL MAKE THE DIFFERENCE.
ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS PLEASE LEAVE THEM BELOW