What You Need To Know About Traveling to Hawaii This Summer

For the first time since 2019, Hawaii is a real possibility for summer travelers, who are showing plenty of interest in the Aloha State. Hawaii's Safe Travels pre-travel testing program makes it both safer and easier to visit the islands in the time of COVID-19 as travelers can test out of quarantine. Airlines have resumed flights from the mainland United States and are making it simple to secure an accepted test result within the 72-hour window while hotels, resorts and the destination's renowned beaches and natural and cultural attractions are once again welcoming back visitors. But before you book your trip to Hawaii in 2021, here are some things you should know.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "People who are fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine or a vaccine authorized for emergency use by the World Health Organization can travel safely within the United States" without testing beforehand unless required to by their destination and without self-isolating upon their return home. The agency recommends that travelers who are sick, an older adult or someone with chronic medical conditions delay or avoid travel amid the pandemic and also advises Americans to delay travel, including domestic trips until they are fully vaccinated (14 days after the final dose).

Hawaii continues to welcome visitors under the state's Safe Travels pre-travel testing program, which requires travelers, even those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, to upload a negative test result taken within 72 hours of departing on the last leg of their trip to Hawaii to avoid the state's mandatory 10-day quarantine. State residents can bypass testing requirements for inter-island travel if they have proof of full vaccination but out-of-state visitors will likely have to wait longer for a "vaccine passport" or option to bypass testing and quarantine with proof of vaccination.

Fully vaccinated individuals are still advised to follow CDC recommendations for safe travel, including wearing a mask over their nose and mouth, avoiding crowds and staying six feet from others and washing or sanitizing their hands often. If unvaccinated individuals decide to travel to Hawaii, the CDC recommends following the same protocols as well as testing before (three to five days) and after (three to five days) travel as well as quarantining for seven days (if testing negative) and 10 days (if choosing not to test) upon their return home.

Hawaii looks much closer to normal than it did a year ago as visitors will not only have plenty of exciting hotels, resorts and vacation rentals to choose from but also have access to beaches, parks, trails and attractions such as restaurants, shops and entertainment venues. Limits on capacity and group size as well as restrictions such as face masks, social distancing and temperature checks could be in place and vary from island to island so travelers should check with their specific island county for the latest updates or visit GoHawaii.com to learn exactly what businesses are open this summer.

Traveling to Hawaii amid today's COVID-19 travel requirements and restrictions calls for the expert assistance of an experienced travel advisor. These travel professionals bring a lot to the table beyond their expertise, valuable client feedback and human touch. Oftentimes, travel advisors have relationships with suppliers that can net their clients some sizable savings without the hassle of having to research, browse endless deals that may be too good to be true and book alone. Your travel advisor will also keep your safety and investment top of mind and ensure you remain up to date on the latest travel advisories, restrictions, requirements and happenings in your destination. Putting a travel advisor in your corner is one of the smartest things you can do ahead of a trip to Hawaii in 2021 so consider visiting TravelSense.org, where you can search from an impressive list of American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) verified travel advisors based on your destination and trip type.