Hawaii Travel Restrictions: Latest Advice, Entry Requirements for Tourists

The Hawaiian islands are open to travelers this winter following the rollout of the state's pre-travel testing program in October. The Aloha State is among the most idyllic domestic destinations available to Americans right now, offering world-class beaches and remarkable nature as well as rich culture and countless opportunities for adventure, all of which can be experienced without a passport. Nonetheless, temporary COVID-19 travel restrictions and requirements mean visiting Hawaii isn't as easy as it was a year ago. For those seeking a Hawaiian getaway amid the COVID-19 pandemic, read on for some important things to know.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to warn that "travel can increase your chance of spreading and getting COVID-19" and advises that "postponing travel and staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others" from the virus. Before traveling to any destination, including within the U.S., Americans are being asked to consider a handful of factors such as their personal health and the health status of those in their household. Click here to view the CDC's complete guidance for domestic travel in the time of COVID-19.

Under Hawaii's pre-travel testing program, out-of-state visitors must have their negative COVID-19 test results secured prior to departure in order to bypass Hawaii's mandatory 10-day quarantine. Hawaii will only accept Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAAT) from a certified Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA) lab test from this list of trusted testing and travel partners. In addition to being taken within 72 hours of departure, the test result must be uploaded to travelers' Safe Travels account prior to departure or printed out ahead of boarding and in hand when arriving in Hawaii.

Travelers will be able to reduce their airport screening and processing time upon arrival in Hawaii by completing the Safe Travels Hawaii Program application form and obtaining their QR code for Hawaii airport processing before they depart. Visitors age 18 and older need to create an online user account and register with Safe Travels Hawaii before submitting their traveler information and trip details. Click here for answers to some common questions about the online application form.

Travelers to Hawaii can expect to have their temperature checked upon arrival via thermal temperature screening and facial-imaging technology. Arrivals with elevated temperatures of 100.4 degrees and above or those showing other COVID-19 symptoms will be subject to additional assessments. Hotels and resorts will have similar measures in place, including face mask requirements in public spaces, social distancing markers, plexiglass barriers in some cases as well as omnipresent hand sanitizing stations.

Inter-island travel will require that travelers participate in the 72-hour pre-travel testing program and are not subject to the state's mandatory 10-day quarantine. Kauai will rejoin the Safe Travels program for trans-pacific travel beginning April 5. "Resort Bubble" or Enhanced Movement Quarantine options will remain in place until then. Approved properties include The Club at Kukui'ula; Timbers at Hoku'ala; The Cliffs at Princeville; Koa Kea Hotel & Resort; Hilton Garden Inn Hotel; Kaua'i Marriott Resort and Beach Club; The Point at Poipu; Hanalei Bay Resort; Hanalei Colony Resort and Lawai Beach Resort. Click here for the latest restrictions and requirements for inter-island Hawaii travel and for other helpful links.

Travelers considering a 2021 trip to Hawaii will want to consider working with a trusted travel advisor who can help them smoothly navigate the COVID-19 pandemic while also saving them time, money and stress. Not sure where to start? Visit TravelSense.org to begin your search based on your ideal destination and the type of trip you have in mind. A good travel advisor will also have your back in the event that something unexpected happens and won't pressure you into traveling before you're ready.