Credit: DisneyThe state of Hawaii has been on lockdown since March 2020 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. After multiple lockdown extensions, the island state finally reopened to tourists on October 15.
If you are planning a trip to Hawaii — specifically to Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa, which will begin its phased reopening on November 1 — there are a number of things you should be aware of at this time.
Related: Hawaii Won’t Recover Until 2029: How Might This Impact Aulani?
Here, we take a look at what Hawaii is requiring of mainland USA tourists and why it’s still a great time to visit Aulani.
What will travelers need to do?
According to a CNN report about current Hawaiian tourism conditions, there are numerous requirements that travelers will need to adhere to:
Hawaii’s pre-arrival testing program will allow tourists to skip the mandatory 14-day quarantine with a negative Covid test.But travelers may not recognize the Hawaii that greets them. Mask mandates, temperature checks, closures, and contact tracing requirements are just a few of the measures 2020 arrivals should anticipate at touchdown.With tourism’s much-anticipated rebirth on the horizon, the state has made it clear that travelers are expected to abide by local governance, which includes wearing a mask or facial covering when in public and following physical distancing guidelines.
Oahu remains in Tier 1 of a tightly sanctioned four tier reopening strategy, which mandates social gatherings, including beach trips and hikes, are limited to five people, and restaurants, retailers and partially enclosed attractions, like the zoo and botanical gardens, can only operate at 50% capacity.Ala Moana Center, the largest open-air shopping center in the world, and International Marketplace, two favored destinations for both tourists and residents, feature signs instructing visitors to wear mandated facial coverings and access to common seating areas is restricted in accordance with state mandates.
When that day [October 15] finally came yesterday, roughly 8,000 visitors reportedly arrived in the Aloha State ready for some sunshine and relaxation.
What exactly is the pre-travel program?
To dispel confusion about how the state will balance the impending arrival of tourists with necessary safety precautions, officials encourage prospective visitors to monitor HawaiiCovid19.com for the most up-to-date information regarding entry protocols.“The pre-travel testing program is a multi-tiered approach executed by government and the private sector and combines our pre-travel test program, airport health screening, airline and hotel safety protocols, improved contact tracing and other safety measures that can bring trans-Pacific travelers back to the Islands in a safe and measured way,” [Hawaii Governor David] Ige said in an October 7 press conference held at the airport.“There are thousands of moving parts and things are continually changing each and every day.”
Why is this still a great time to visit Aulani?
Do you plan to enjoy an Aulani vacation in the near future? Don’t forget to download the DVC Resort’s brand new app before you go!