Crowds Flock to Newly Reopened Hawaii — How Could This Affect Aulani?

The 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?

mickey and minnie aulani — Credit: Disney

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.

Related: Could Aulani Implement Guest GPS Trackers After Governor Approval?

It is also important to note that Hawaii is reopening under a tiered system — similar to Governor Gavin Newsom’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy in California — that requires businesses to adhere to a variety of regulations.

CNN’s article noted specific details about Oahu, the island where Aulani is located:

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.

None of this seems to be deterring tourists, however. Travel Pulse shared these details about the day Hawaii’s borders reopened:

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?

There has been some confusion about Hawaii’s pre-travel testing program, which state officials have attempted to clear up in recent days.

CNN’s article shared these details:

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.”

Related: All DVC Resorts Except Aulani Reopening, Members Share Thoughts

Why is this still a great time to visit Aulani?

Although CNN noted that, “the allure of a truly tranquil, all-access trip may not be a 2020 reality for travelers,” this is still a good time to experience Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa in Ko’Olina, Hawaii.

The Disney Vacation Club Resort does have plans for a phased reopening — this means that limited experiences will be available upon its November 1 reopening day.

However, Guests who choose to visit during this time can take advantage of huge discounts and will be able to enjoy the magic of a Disney Hawaiian vacation with fewer Guests on-property. Furthermore, thanks to Hawaii’s natural beauty, there is plenty to enjoy outdoors even with coronavirus restrictions.

Related: Aulani Now Offering HUGE Discounts For Guests

aulani special offer header — Credit: Disney

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!

Let the Academy Travel team help you plan your Disney Hawaiian vacation during the state’s tiered reopening process.