Hawaii officially restarted travel back in mid-October of 2020. A year later, getting in isn't as easy as it once was – and the rules are continually changing.

Hawaii has stopped making all travelers quarantine upon arrival so long as they present a recent negative COVID-19 test – welcome news for anyone hoping to return to the islands. And as of early July 2021, fully vaccinated travelers can bypass those testing requirements by providing proof they've gotten their shots. That means a standard Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) vaccination is enough to get you into Hawaii.

But scan through Hawaii travel restrictions at the Hawaii State Department of Health regulations, and working out exactly what will be required to enter isn't easy – especially if you're going the testing route.

What does it all mean? We'll break down Hawaii travel restrictions to make sure you've got it all squared away for your next trip to Hawaii – whether it's next month or next year.

Looking for cheap flights to Hawaii? Try Thrifty Traveler Premium – we've sent members round-trip flights to Hawaii under $200 through 2021!

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Hawaii Travel Restrictions Update: Current Hawaii Travel Requirements

The CDC may updated travel guidelines in early 2021 to say vaccinated Americans can resume traveling. But it took a while for Hawaii to add vaccination to its Safe Travels Program.

As of July 9, travelers fully vaccinated anywhere in the U.S. can travel to Hawaii without facing a mandatory 10-day quarantine. Otherwise, Hawaii also allows travelers with a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before their final flight to Hawaii. But not just any COVID-19 test will do.

The COVID-19 test must be an FDA-approved NAAT test from a CLIA approved laboratory. More importantly, it has to be from one of Hawaii's approved testing partners.

But that's not all: No matter which route you go, you must set up an account and fill out information on your trip through Hawaii's Safe Travels program prior to departure. Whether you're vaccinated or get a negative test, you must upload documentation to your account before departure.

When you upload your results, you will get a QR code that will be used upon arrival in Hawaii. Travelers will also need to fill out a travel and health form and may get their temperatures checked upon arrival.

Hawaii's Vaccination Requirements

Hawaii recognizes all the COVID-19 vaccines currently in use across the U.S., including Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson.

But Hawaii doesn't consider you fully vaccinated until it's been 15 days since your final shot – the second dose of Pfizer and Moderna or one shot of Johnson & Johnson. Children under 5 are exempt from both testing and vaccination requirements.

You'll need to upload a copy of your proof of vaccination to your Safe Travels Hawaii account. Documentation must include your name and date of birth, the vaccine type and lot number for each shot, the location you were vaccinated at within the U.S., and the date of each shot.

Hawaii accepts a few different types of documentation to prove your vaccination status, including:

  • CDC vaccination card (this is Hawaii's preferred documentation)
  • VAMS (Vaccine Administration Management System) printout or certificate
  • DOD DD Form 2766C
  • A SMART Health Card with your vaccine record, uploaded via CommonPass or CLEAR Health Pass
  • Proof of vaccination provided by a medical provider

But that's not enough. You'll also need to bring a physical copy of your proof of vaccination with you on your trip to Hawaii. Hawaiian officials say they may also accept digital copies, but those are subject to “further scrutiny.” Bringing the physical copy is the safest route.

Either prior to boarding your flight to the islands, upon arrival, or both, airline and/or government officials may check your Safe Travels QR code and proof of vaccination.

Island-by-Island Travel Restrictions

As of June 15, 2021, there are no longer any additional testing requirements for interisland travel.

 

What Kind of Test Do I Need? Where Can I Get Tested?

Starting July 9, vaccinated travelers will be allowed to skip testing and quarantine.  But if you need a test, here's everything you need to know.

There are three main types of testing for COVID-19: molecular diagnostic, rapid antigen, and antibody testing. Antibody testing only confirms whether you previously had COVID-19 – not whether you’re currently infected. And that's not an approved diagnostic test.

The NAAT testing Hawaii requires stands for “nucleic acid amplification test.” This is a molecular diagnostic testing method that amplifies the DNA of the virus. This is the most accurate type of testing – and can take the longest for results. And yes, the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests you see everywhere do satisfy these requirements. Watch our YouTube video and see what it's like for yourself:

 

Read more: The Master Guide to COVID-19 Testing for Travelers

All this making your head spin? Don't worry about tracking down a specific type of test. It's more about where you actually get tested.

 

Where Can I Get an Approved Test?

Not just any test will do.

Hawaii currently requires you to present a test from one of its Trusted Testing and Travel Partners. Any other test will be rejected. Luckily, the list of approved options is long and continues growing, with more than 24 options on the mainland U.S.

Hawaii's approved COVID testing partners are: American Family Care (AFC), American Samoa Department of Health, Atlas Genomics, Capstone Clinic, Carbon Health, CityHealth Urgent Care, Clarity Lab Solutions, CLEAR, Color, Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation, Costco/AZOVA, CVS Health (must schedule through www.cvs.com/selfpaytesting, not a different CVS website or walk-in), Discovery Health MD, DLS Guam, Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services, GoHealth Urgent Care, Kaiser Permanente, University Medical Center of Southern Nevada, University of Washington Medicine, Vault Health, Walgreens, WestPac Labs, XpresCheck.

A handful of airlines are also offering COVID-19 testing for passengers headed to Hawaii through some of these approved partners, including Alaska, American, Hawaiian, and United. Hawaii has confirmed that these tests will also pass muster.

 

COVID testing for Hawaii travel

 

Hawaii's Department of Health spells out everything surrounding its testing partners. You'll need a test from one of their partners, which the department details on its website. Here's a quick look at some of the most popular options:

Hawaii's Trusted Testing and Travel Partners

 

 

AFC Urgent Care

COVID-19 tests are available at clinics on the AFC Urgent Care website. Schedule in advance to guarantee appointment availability. A printed version of results is provided prior to leaving the clinic. Information and costs can be found at afcurgentcareportland.com/traveling-hawaii.

Carbon Health

Carbon Health offers COVID-19 tests at dedicated sites with results delivered within two hours. Registration instructions and costs can be found at carbonhealth.com/alaska-airlines-to-hawaii-rapid-covid-testing.

 

CityHealth Urgent Care

CityHealth Urgent Care and its team of expert clinical staff and infectious disease physician consultants offer testing utilizing state-of-the-art Abbott Lab instrumentation for results in 15 minutes. Information and costs can be found at bayareacovid19testing.com.

 

Color

Color supports the nation’s first COVID-19 testing program for airline passengers. Information can be found at color.com/united-airlines-testing-program.

CVS Health

Beginning Oct. 10, travelers may schedule an appointment up to two days in the future at select CVS Pharmacy drive-through locations. Pre-registration is required. Registration instructions and costs can be found at cvs.com/selfpaytesting.

Discovery Health MD

Beginning Oct. 12, individuals traveling to Hawaii may schedule testing online with same-day and next-day results at designated testing sites. A limited number of walk-ups can be accommodated. Information can be found at discoveryhealthmd.com/covid-19-services/test-to-fly.

Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente members may schedule a test online, or contact the appointment call center or nurse advice line in their home region for scheduling instructions. Kaiser Permanente members returning home to Hawaii may call the Away-from-Home Travel Line at 951-268-3900 for scheduling instructions. Information can be found at kp.org/travel.

Quest Diagnostics

Individuals may order and schedule the company’s COVID-19 Active Infection Test online and select from more than 500 Walmart drive-thru pharmacy locations for a nasal swab test. Ordering instructions and costs can be found at questcovid19.com/hawaii.

Vault Health

At-home tests with real-time audio-visual supervision are available with Vault Health, the first FDA-authorized saliva test. Tests are mailed with accurate results in 72 hours or less. Information and costs can be found at learn.vaulthealth.com/state-of-hawaii. There are also some in-person Vault testing centers in some states.

Walgreens – Hawaii COVID Testing

Testing is available at no cost to eligible individuals who meet CDC criteria. All drive-thru testing locations operate outdoors and patients do not leave their vehicles. Appointment required. Information can be found at walgreens.com/covid19testing.

 

When Do I Need My COVID Test Results By?

The real challenge here is getting a test back in time.

Hawaii requires a negative COVID-19 result from a test taken no more than 72 hours prior to the time your flight to Hawaii departs. If you have a multi-city itinerary, it’s based on the departure time at the last city before arriving at a Hawaii airport.

For a while, that was no sure thing. Testing backlogs in the U.S. led to long delays in getting a test result. Fortunately, that has improved in recent months. Many of the trusted travel partners are promising results within 72 hours. But check their website for timing or call to make sure you will receive your results in time.

What's more, you now need your test results back before your flight to Hawaii departs. That gives you a very narrow window to take a test within 72 hours of your flight to the islands and ensure you get it back before leaving for Hawaii.

Because you're getting tested for travel, keep in mind you may have to pay out of pocket. The cost will vary but plan to pay roughly $90-$250. Check with your health insurance provider before scheduling a test to see if it's covered.

Thrifty Tip: Have a Health Savings Account (HSA)? Use it to pay for your test!

Walgreens and CVS – both approved partners for entering Hawaii – are offering free COVID-19 PCR testing, but the time it takes to get results will vary. If you live in a metropolitan area and the location tends to be busy, your wait to get results may be longer. If you're in a smaller city or rural area, results could come in as little as a few hours.

 

Steps for Flying to Hawaii

Now that we've broken the process down, here's a quick recap of what you'll need to do to get into Hawaii.

 

Step 1: Register

Once you've booked flights, all adults 18 and up will need to register for Hawaii's Safe Travels program. This is where you'll fill out a health form prior to arrival and eventually upload your COVID-19 test results or proof of vaccination.

Children under the age of 18 must be registered under an adult's Safe Travel form.

 

Step 2: Get a COVID-19 Test

You can skip this step if you've been fully vaccinated.

Hawaii is now allowing travelers to bypass quarantine if they present a negative COVID-19 test. The COVID-19 test must be an FDA approved NAAT test from a CLIA-approved laboratory taken no more than 72 hours before your final flight to Hawaii departs.

 

Step 3: Upload Your Test Results or Proof of Vaccination Before Boarding Your Flight to Hawaii

Once your results come in, upload them to your Safe Travel account. Then make sure to fill out the health questionnaire 24 hours prior to departure. Once both of these things are done, you will receive a QR code needed for boarding your flight and entry into Hawaii. You must have your COVID-19 test results prior to boarding.

Make sure to keep a printed copy of your negative COVID-19 results or vaccination card just in case you are asked to present them at your hotel.

 

Hawaii Travel Restrictions FAQs

What if I've been vaccinated?

As of July 9, vaccinated travelers can skip the testing and quarantine requirements.

 

What if I've already had COVID-19?

To be exempt from the requirements, you'll need to do these things according to the Hawaii Department of Health:

  1. Provide a copy of a positive molecular COVID-19 test (NAAT or PCR) from a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified laboratory taken no more than 90 days and no less than 11 days prior to your departure date.
  2. Provide a signed letter from a medical provider stating that you have not exhibited symptoms and are fully recovered – this letter must be signed at least 10 days after your positive test and no more than 14 days from your departure date.
  3. Go to ag.hawaii.gov/travelexemption to request an exemption. Allow a week for processing.

 

What if I want to visit another island?

Since June 15 there are no longer additional testing requirements to travel from island to island.

 

What if my results don't come back in time?

As of Nov. 24, you need to upload their negative COVID-19 test results to your Safe Travels Hawaii account prior to departure. Or you can print out the negative test result prior to departure and have it in hand on arrival to Hawaii.

If your test results do not come back before you board the final leg of your trip, you will be required to quarantine for 10 days or the length of your stay, whichever is shorter. Travelers will not be able to exit quarantine upon receiving test results. Self-quarantine violators will be fined, arrested, and prosecuted.

 

What if my flight is delayed?

As long as you take your test within 72 hours of when your final flight to Hawaii is scheduled to depart, you will not be subject to a 10-day quarantine in the event of a delay by the airline.

Do children need to get tested?

It depends on how old they are. All travelers 5 and older need to take a test. Children younger than 5 do not.

 

Do I need to print out my test results?

When you upload your results to your safe travel account and you will get a QR code for entry when you arrive. However, your hotel or accommodations may ask to see your results. Having them printed and easily accessible on your phone will be helpful.

 

Bottom Line

Travelers have been making their way to Hawaii with test results in hand for months. In fact, visits to Hawaii more than doubled just from February to March 2021, and they keep climbing.

These testing requirements for Hawaii seem daunting at first glance, but they're fairly straightforward and quite similar to what many other destinations have implemented while resuming travel. But Hawaii travel restrictions continue to change – including with the ability to bypass testing requirements with proof of vaccination – so be sure to do your research before any trip to Hawaii.