Hawaii travel restrictions - Kohala Coast properties

If you have been postponing your Hawaiian vacation due to travel restrictions, now is the time to change your mind. We are very excited to announce that the state’s Safe Travels program for domestic travelers will end on March 25, 2022. That means that starting March 26, travelers to Hawaii will no longer have to submit proofs of vaccination, negative COVID test results, or waste their precious vacation time on quarantines.

Here is the excerpt from Hawaii Tribune-Herald that broke the news this week:

“Hawaii’s Safe Travels program will end March 25, announced Gov. David Ige today.

With new daily COVID-19 cases continuing to decline statewide, Ige said at a news conference today that domestic travelers to Hawaii will no longer need to submit proof of vaccination or negative COVID test results to avoid being quarantined upon arrival.

Ige advised travelers that the current Safe Travels requirements will remain in place until the end of March 25. In addition, restrictions on international travel will remain in place for the time being.

Ige also announced that county and state employees would no longer be subject to vaccination or testing requirements after March 25.

On the other hand, Ige said that the state’s indoor mask mandate will remain in place until at least March 25 and may continue beyond that date, depending on guidance from health experts.”

Hawaii airport security line

Hawaii is still one of the safest states in the country when it comes to COVID-19 and beyond, and our authorities remain careful about the island’s safety.

Here is what John De Fries, Hawaii Tourism Authority President and CEO, had to say about the announcement: “Safe Travels is one part of a multi-layer approach to COVID safety. The program played a key role in keeping Hawaii’s residents safe before vaccinations were widely available and during the surges we’ve seen through this pandemic. Bringing the Safe Travels program to a close reflects the progress we have made as a state, and Governor Ige’s decision is a good balance of maintaining reasonable health precautions while reopening our society and economy.”

Additionally, Big Island’s Mayor Mitch Roth repealed the county’s COVID-19 Emergency Rules, which mainly consisted of limiting people’s gathering sizes in public places.

What does that mean for the Big Island? That life will finally return to normal, and our local economy will grow again. With gathering size limits removed, restaurants can operate at their full capacity, corporate conventions and events will return, and you will be able to attend local shows, festivals, and championships, which are so much fun for so many people. That is not to mention that with tourism being a major industry in the state, amount of visitors coming to the island directly affects the local economy and the livelihoods of many families here on the island, so we welcome you back, dear guests!

Get your swimsuits ready and book your tickets now! The paradise awaits.

Save on your Hawaii vacation rental

Remember, you can always save 10% on your vacation rental when you book direct with us and mention “Aloha escape” in your reservation.

We hope to see you soon – a hui hou!

Living in the COVID era, we are getting used to the unexpected. Just as you think that things are finally getting back to normal, something happens that makes all your hopes go out the window.

That occurred on Aug. 23 when Hawaii governor David Ige asked travelers to stay away from Hawaii during a spike of COVID cases throughout the state. Unfortunately, his announcement resulted in many vacation cancellations, which, as you know, is not great news for the tourism-based economy of Hawaii.

The good news is that just a few days ago, the governor rescinded the statement he made on Aug. 23 and said the state would welcome tourists back to Hawaii on Nov. 1 as COVID continues to decline statewide.

“I think we are all encouraged by what we’ve seen over the last several weeks with the continuing trend of lower case counts,” Ige said Tuesday. “Our hospitals are doing better, and we have fewer COVID patients in them. Most importantly, our health care system has responded, and we have the ability to move forward with economic recovery. Because of this, it is now safe for fully vaccinated residents and visitors to resume non-essential travel to and within the State of Hawaii.”

Ige said the state will safely open to vaccinated residents and visitors traveling interisland and out of state for business or pleasure, starting Nov. 1.

Big Island’s Mayor Mitch Roth said the county is prepared to welcome tourists back to the island by November. Click here to learn more.

From the most recent news, Gov. Ige is considering adding more options for the Safe Travels program users.

Ige said he was working on ways to incorporate additional medical options into the program. For example, as more people get booster shots to maintain immunity against COVID-19, he hopes to update Safe Travels to include that information.

He is also adopting guidance by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recognizing that antigen tests — a more rapid form of COVID-19 test — are more accurate than previously believed, so the state is exploring ways to allow Safe Travels users to submit to an antigen test instead of the slower PCR tests.

Such measures could increase the number of travelers coming to the state.

That number is already expected to balloon in November after Ige made a statement inviting visitors back to Hawaii last week.

“We expect a strong winter season for our visitor industry,” Ige said. “But we’re trying to be thoughtful in how we relax our restrictions … and slowly expand capacity.” You can read the full article here.

So, welcome back, our dear guests! Hawaiian hospitality is here to stay, and we would love to share it with you. Book your tickets now and enjoy the beauty that is Hawaii!

Aloha heart on the sand

Save on your Hawaii vacation rental

Remember, you can always save 10% on your vacation rental when you book direct with us and mention “Aloha escape” in your reservation.

We hope to see you soon – a hui hou!

Images courtesy of Princess Roti’s, Inoptia.

Tag Archive for: Hawaii travel restrictions

State of Hawaii Safe Travels Program to End March 25

Aloha, Tourists, and Welcome Back!