When the State of Hawaii officially reopened to visitors last summer, it was with a number of COVID-19 restrictions in place. Until October 2020, for example, all out-of-state visitors had to abide by Hawaii’s mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival.
Then, in October, travelers were allowed to bypass the quarantine by providing a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of their flight into Hawaii. Last fall, Hawaii.com explained:
The state had intended to ease restrictions for incoming mainland and international travelers, as well, announcing that, starting October 1, 2020, travelers could bypass the quarantine mandate as long as they had received a valid COVID-19 Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) within 72 hours of boarding their flight to Hawaii and could show proof of a negative test result upon arrival at the airport.
Beginning in July 2021, however, visitors were able to avoid the mandatory COVID test by presenting their vaccine card on arrival in Hawaii. Now, this may be changing.
Travel restrictions are back on the table. Gov. David Ige and county mayors are set to discuss the possibility of requiring all travelers to take a COVID-19 test 72 hours before their flights once again.
In July, fully vaccinated trans-Pacific passengers were able to show their vaccine card and travel without the need of a negative COVID test or quarantine requirements.
Although that may change, Maj. Gen. Kenneth Hara said a pre-travel test could be a requirement for all travelers as the number of COVID cases are on the rise.
Gen. Hara said, “We could roll that back and just mandate everyone be required again to get the 72 hour pre-test with all the same rule nucleic acid application test safe travels testing partner all of the same things.”
It is important to note that Hawaii has not officially changed any policies at this time, but an amendment to the state’s existing tourism requirements could impact those planning to visit Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa in the near future.
Aulani’s official website currently includes the following health and safety notice:
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa has begun a phased reopening.
Rooms, experiences, restaurants, amenities and other offerings may be modified or unavailable, limited in capacity and subject to limited availability or closure. Offerings are not guaranteed. View important details.
We have taken enhanced health and safety measures. An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. View important details.
There are specific instructions and requirements for all visitors to Hawaii, which may include mandated quarantine or pre-travel testing. View information about these requirements on the State of Hawaii’s Safe Travels website. State requirements are subject to change. Please continue to stay updated on the latest travel alerts leading up to your planned stay. View important details.
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Credit: Disney
