Is it possible to bypass quarantine restrictions when traveling to Hawaii?
Hawaii is well-known for its stunning beaches and delicious food, but did you know the state still has strict COVID-19 requirements in place? Hawaii’s travel restrictions include a mandatory quarantine for incoming travelers.
It’s possible to bypass Hawaii’s mandatory quarantine if you’re aware of what you need to do. In this article, we’ll outline Hawaii’s travel restrictions so you can plan your trip accordingly.
Stay safe and enjoy your vacation in paradise!
What should I do first when planning to visit Hawaii?
First things first: whether you’re flying to Hawaii or visiting by cruise ship, visit Hawaii’s Safe Travels website and create an account. Upload any required vaccination and COVID-19 test information.
The state has imposed a mandatory five-day self-quarantine for anyone traveling to the islands. Now that vaccinations are widely available, there are a few ways you can bypass these COVID-19 travel restrictions and enjoy your visit right away.
Your means of arrival and vaccination status will dictate your next steps.
Hawaii’s Travel Restrictions for Airline Arrivals
International Direct
These travelers will fly nonstop or direct from another country to Hawaii. A nonstop flight will begin in a city and end directly in Hawaii. Before arriving in the islands, a direct flight may land in a foreign city, but the crew and passengers do not change.
Anyone traveling to Hawaii via international direct must follow the U.S. Federal Government’s rules and regulations for COVID-19 travel. Quarantine upon arrival is not an option; in this case, passengers must be vaccinated and show proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 24 hours of departure. Proof of vaccination and test will be conducted by the airline before departure.
Non-Direct International
Non-Direct International Travel is when an aircraft begins its flight in another country and stops at any airport in the U.S. before flying to Hawaii. Passengers are subject to U.S. customs processing after arriving in America. For example, a traveler departs from London, England, lands in New York City, clears customs, and boards another plane to Hawaii.
What are the quarantine rules for non-direct international travelers?
Visitors to Hawaii via non-direct international travel who wish to bypass quarantine must first create a Hawaii Safe Travels account, enter their trip details, and provide one of the following:
- Proof of up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination. Fully vaccinated status begins 14 days after the completion of your COVID-19 vaccination.
- A negative COVID-19 test result from a Trusted Travel Partner within 72 hours before departure for Hawaii.
Anyone able to produce one of these documents and upload it to their Hawaii Safe Travels account may bypass quarantine upon arrival in Hawaii.
Domestic Travel to Hawaii
Anyone traveling domestically to Hawaii (flying from a U.S. state or territory directly to Hawaii) will also adhere to Hawaii Safe Travels’ rules and regulations. They must create an account with Hawaii Safe Travels and enter their trip itinerary and vaccination status.
Any visitor from the U.S. can bypass Hawaii’s COVID-19 five-day self-quarantine with proof of up-to-date vaccination. These travelers may also skip the pre-flight COVID-19 test.
What are Hawaii’s Travel Restrictions when arriving by Cruise Ship?
To skip the mandatory five-day self-quarantine when traveling to Hawaii via cruise ship, visitors must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test before departing the ship.
However, there are some key differences between traveling to Hawaii via cruise ship and flying.
Anyone planning a cruise to Hawaii must create a Hawaii Safe Travels account before their first port of call at sea. To depart the ship at each Hawaiian port, visitors must show the QR code they will receive from the Hawaii Safe Travels app, confirming they have been screened before arrival. Passengers under 5 years old can bypass quarantine as long as they are traveling with a parent or guardian who has been cleared to visit the islands.
Make sure to select “Add Airline Trip” or “Add Cruise Line Trip” on the Hawaii Safe Travels app to upload the necessary information and bypass the quarantine.
Can Visitors Without Booster Shots Skip the Mandatory Quarantine in Hawaii?
Governor David Ige announced that Hawaii might soon change its definition of fully vaccinated to include the requirement of a booster shot. For now, the state is not requiring a third booster shot to be considered fully vaccinated. The Governor’s office will release more details once they become available.
Hawaii’s COVID-19 Quarantine Rules Can Be Bypassed
As we’ve outlined, Hawaii’s travel restrictions remain some of the most strict in the nation, but with some preparation, you can get straight to enjoying your vacation.
Take the necessary steps to bypass the mandatory five-day quarantine before traveling to Hawaii. Make sure you have all of your paperwork in order.
By following these simple steps, you can avoid spending unnecessary time in quarantine and get right to the stunning beaches and delicious food.
Planning Your Vacation
Looking for fun ideas for your trip to the islands now that you know what to do regarding Hawaii’s travel restrictions? We’ve got you covered!
Check out our island guides below, and get your copy of 101 Things to Do magazine so you don’t miss a thing!
