The Hawaii Safe Travels program makes it easy for travelers to dot their i’s and cross their t’s before embarking on their journey to the Aloha State.
So, if you’re as excited as we are to plan your next visit to Hawaii, read on to discover how you can prepare for the Big Island to the Garden Isle and all the islands in between.
We’ll have you saying Aloha in no time!
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What is “Safe Travels?”
During the worst of the pandemic, Hawaii fared better than many mainland states in successfully reducing the spread of COVID-19.
But those were different times. Travel is now back on the rise, and more people than ever are eager to visit the Hawaiian Islands. To ensure the islands can handle the incoming domestic and international visitors while also curbing the spread of COVID-19, the state of Hawaii implemented its Safe Travels program. (Note: the program is set to expire on March 25th, 2022.)
So, what exactly does the program entail? Here’s everything you’ll need to prep for your trip, avoid the five-day mandatory quarantine, and enjoy Hawaii safely.
6 Components of Safe Travels Hawaii
Before you pack your bags and make your way to paradise, take some time to get familiar with the Hawaii Safe Travels program.
A few minutes now will guarantee you a worry-free entry and exit.
So, instead of spending your days in a hotel room, you can enjoy all the islands have to offer!
1. Safe Travels Hawaii Registration
All adult (18 years or older) domestic passengers must register with the Safe Travels Hawaii program. This is to help reduce screening and processing times at the airport.
In simple terms, domestic refers to all incoming travelers from the US and its territories. So, to enter Hawaii, anyone traveling from these regions must sign up for a program account.
Once you begin planning your trip, register for the Safe Travels Hawaii program, and enter your information, trip details, and vaccination record. Each adult has to register and fill out their own form, but you can add any minors to your form.
2. Pre-Travel Testing Program
If you’re not fully vaccinated, don’t worry. You don’t have to say aloha—as in goodbye—to your travel plans just yet. Rest assured, you can still visit the beautiful state of Hawaii. Instead of vaccination, to bypass the state’s mandatory quarantine, you can take part in their pre-travel testing program.
Qualifying is simple. All travelers age five and up can take a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test within 72 hours of their departure. With a negative test result, you won’t have to quarantine. Meaning upon your arrival, you can immediately get out to take in the islands!
How Can I Get Tested and Share My Results?
Hawaii only accepts results from a list of trusted testing partners. Thankfully for eager US travelers, the list is broad and includes many local pharmacies like CVS Health, Walgreens, and more. Check out the trusted testing partners section below for a complete list of accepted options.
Another option is signing up for a digital health pass through one of Hawaii’s digital partners. A digital pass lets you securely link your COVID-19 test result to your Hawaii Safe Travels account and save more time at the airport.
You don’t need a digital pass to share your results, though. It’s easy to manually upload your negative COVID-19 test results directly to your Hawaii Safe Travels account. If doing it yourself, remember to upload all your information correctly and submit it. You must complete this step to enter Hawaii, as it’s the only way airport officials can verify your information.
Before traveling, double-check you’ve uploaded your COVID-19 test results in the correct format and have a hard copy on hand; otherwise, expect to quarantine for five days.
Additionally, if your COVID-19 test comes back inconclusive or positive, you must abide by quarantine rules.
Once you’ve filled out your trip itinerary and info, you’ll receive a QR code via email. If you receive a green QR code, consider yourself cleared for quarantine exception by the Safe Travels program.
But wait, does that mean if you don’t receive a green QR code, you have to quarantine? Relax, don’t panic just yet.
You can get your quarantine exception reviewed manually too.
You’ll need to show your QR code to airport personnel before boarding or after arriving in Hawaii. At that time, they can clear you for the exception program.
3. Trusted Testing and Travel Partners
As we mentioned earlier, this program only accepts tests from a trusted travel partner.
Fortunately, Hawaii has multiple testing partners you can take your Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (or NAAT) through before your trip. US domestic travelers can find options through pharmacies and healthcare clinics and US Airlines.
If traveling from another destination, you can quickly find other accepted testing partners in your region:
The Hawaii Safe Travels program also partners with digital services that store and link your information for you.
AZOVA offers travelers COVID-19 testing options and vaccination record verification from origin points in the US.
CLEAR gives travelers a way to store and link their vaccination records/negative test results with the Safe Travels Hawaii program.
SMART® Health Card Verifier App allows travelers to securely store lab test results and vaccination records in a standardized format.
4. Airport and Airline Protocols
Now, you’re almost ready to kick your feet up on a sandy beach!
Travelers headed to Hawaii can get there via several airlines flying to the beautiful islands. If you fly with Next Vacay deals, you can grab amazingly cheap flights on Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and more. (And if you’re not a member yet, well, what are you waiting for?)
Whoever you decide to fly with, though, Hawaii Safe Travels urges travelers to comply with airport and airline protocols to ensure they arrive safely in Hawaii.
The CDC order still requires travelers to wear masks in airports and during flights. Additionally, many airport facilities urge physical distancing and adherence to sanitation processes to keep travelers safe.
So, while packing your bags, don’t forget to include one or two masks in your carry-on bag for easy access. Then, you can simply sit back and relax as you make your way across the Pacific.
Once in Hawaii, you won’t have to wear face masks outdoors unless subject to the 5-day quarantine. In that case, you’ll have to wait to get to your designated lodgings before removing yours.
Once you touch down, you’ll also have to undergo a temperature check at the airport in Hawaii. The good news is that these are done through quick, contactless screenings. Only passengers with temperatures above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit must undergo further assessments.
5. Quarantine Requirements
Without full vaccination or a pre-travel test, you’ll have to self-quarantine at your destination.
Planning to undergo the 5-five day quarantine? Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and the island of Hawaii don’t permit staying at short-term or vacation rentals, so plan to stay at a hotel or motel instead.
Once you arrive, you’ll have to remain in your room for the 5-day quarantine. Permission to leave your lodgings is only granted in rare cases:
- Experiencing a medical emergency
- Leaving the state of Hawaii
Of course, you won’t be allowed to rent a car during your quarantine. However, if you’re in Hawaii longer than your quarantine period lasts, you can rent after your quarantine period ends.
Be prepared to follow the rules and come ready for the 5-day isolation. Breaking quarantine could result in fines of up to $5,000 or a year in prison. We can’t think of a worse way to top off your vacation stay.
6. Inter-County Travel Restrictions
Good news for all of you hoping to do a little inter-island travel while in Hawaii. Once you arrive, you can travel freely between islands without restriction, including pre-travel testing!
Of course, this doesn’t apply if you have to quarantine upon arrival. In that case, you’ll have to play it by the book and stay at your lodgings for the duration of your quarantine. But after you complete it, you’ll be able to travel without restrictions as well!
Safe Travels Hawaii FAQ
Have more general questions about the Safe Travels Hawaii program? Here are a few additional FAQs to help you navigate your trip planning!
1. Do I Need a COVID Test to Leave Hawaii?
You’ll definitely find leaving Hawaii smoother than flying to the islands. Travelers don’t need a COVID test to leave or travel to another destination in the US! However, the CDC does recommend testing for unvaccinated travelers and a 5-day quarantine.
If you’re traveling internationally, be sure to check the entry requirements of your next destination. You’ll want to plan any required testing accordingly.
2. What Is the Vaccine Exception Program?
The vaccine exception program is one of two options for travelers who hope to avoid the mandatory 5-day quarantine.
To participate in the program, fully vaccinated travelers can follow these steps:
- Create an account in Safe Travels Hawaii
- Enter your info and trip details
- Upload your vaccination records before departing for Hawaii
Just remember to bring a hard copy of your vaccination records to expedite screening at the airport.
3. Am I Required to Participate in the Vaccine Exception Program?
No, it is possible to bypass the Vaccination Exception Program. Travelers wishing to forgo the mandatory 5-day quarantine can do so by:
- Completing the Pre-Travel Testing program
- Receiving an exemption from the State Attorney General
Any travelers who don’t meet the above standards must quarantine for five days.
The quarantine exemption route chosen doesn’t matter. All domestic travelers must register and upload their information to the Hawaii Safe Travels Digital Platform.
4. Are International Travelers Required to Participate in the Hawaii Safe Travels Program?
No, signing up for an account is not necessary for trans-Pacific passengers coming from an international destination. Instead, both of the following documents are required:
- Record of vaccination
- Negative COVID-19 test result (NAAT or antigen) taken within 72 hours of boarding a flight to the US
What if I’m Traveling from Another US State or Territory to Hawaii?
Yes, you will have to register. International travelers from another destination in the US or its territories will be treated as domestic travelers. Consequently, they’ll be required to participate in the program and meet all requirements.
Example: A passenger flies from Paris, France to Los Angeles. They go through customs in LAX before boarding a new plane for the final leg of their journey to Hawaii. This passenger must register a Safe Travels account and upload the requested information for speedy entry.
5. Are Hawaii’s Beaches and Parks Open?
Yes, parks and beaches are currently open on all islands! Just be prepared to encounter some restrictions and reduced services. Hawaii also encourages visitors to wear masks and practice physical distancing when appropriate.
With all that said, you can rest easy knowing Hawaii’s stunning parks, beaches, and trails are waiting for you on the islands.
