**HISTORICAL**
Our Canadian (and other international) guests will be excited about this international travel update issued by Hawaii Governor Ige. As you know starting November 8 new federal rules come into effect for crossing the border into the US. All international travelers will both need to be fully vaccinated (with WHO approved vaccines) and have a negative NAAT or antigen test taken within 72 hours of boarding the Hawaii-bound flight. There was some concern as to mixed vaccines and AstraZeneca recipients, but the government clarified that they will be accepted.
The State of Hawaii started the Safe Travels program October 15, 2020 when it reopened to tourism. They have required very specific tests from trusted testing partners for travelers to avoid the mandatory 10 day quarantine. Getting these tests has been tricky for our Canadian guests as there are few approved testing locations. We have in fact had at least three groups of guests cancel their winter plans because they were unsure if they could get the approved test near where they live.
I traveled to and from Canada end of September and wrote about my experience here.
Under the new rules, if you are flying directly to Hawaii from an international location, it appears a negative NAAT or antigen plus vaccination card will get you into the State of Hawaii. The press release does not mention if you will still need the Safe Travels QR code.
If you are traveling from a domestic (US) location – for example with a layover along the US west coast, the regular Hawaii Safe Travels rules will apply (and you will have to have that specific test from a trusted testing partner).
The new rules go into effect November 8. Please see the governor’s press release for a lot more information. Come November 8, please check the official Hawaii State Covid Travel website to confirm the international travel updated rules.
AS ALWAYS PLEASE REFER DIRECTLY TO THE OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT WEBSITE FOR THE EXACT DETAILS.
What does this mean for our international travelers?
Your Maui vacation has just gotten a little bit easier. Please remember that Canada also requires you to pre-travel test to re-enter Canada. The ArriveCan website has more information on that.