On October 15, 2020, the state of Hawaii launched a new Pre-Travel Testing Program to make it a bit easier for travelers to enter the state and ensure they won’t be bringing the coronavirus with them.
TESTING
The program allows travelers to bypass the state’s current 14-day self-quarantine by providing a negative COVID-19 test result. Travelers who are five and older who have taken a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) from a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified laboratory within 72 hours from the final leg of departure and produced a negative result may bypass the state’s mandatory self-quarantine and begin their vacation as soon as they land (though some destinations require a second test after arrival).
The Hawaii Tourism Authority has created a visual guide for travelers to understand the new program:
The Hawaii State Department of Health has also created a section on their website dedicated to safe travels on the islands. It includes an overview of traveling safely as well as FAQs and other basic info, like rules around wearing masks and how to travel safely between islands.
Face Coverings are the Law
Wearing a face covering, or wearing a mask, is the law in Hawaii. The mask must be worn over your mouth and nose. The specific guidelines and exemptions differ by county. For more information on wearing face coverings and other rules, read the latest guidelines (City and County of Honolulu, Maui County, Kauai County, Hawaii County).
Tourism is the single largest source of private capital for Hawaii’s economy and the pandemic has had a huge negative impact on that. The state has been very cautious and protective of its public health during the pandemic, so this carefully planned testing program will help restore tourism to the islands while keeping the health and safety of Hawaii’s residents and visitors a top priority.
