Maui COVID-19 Out-of-State Traveler Update on June 24
Announcement of Pre-Travel Covid Testing August 1st
Hawaii continues to progress through phases of a gradual and thoughtful reopening process. On June 16, inter-island travel first opened up and then on June 24, Governor David Ige annouced a pre-travel testing program for out-of-state travelers that will begin Saturday, August 1. The governor indicated:
“We are working on an alternative to the 14-day mandatory quarantine that would allow a safe and healthy way for travelers to return to the islands. Today I am announcing that beginning August 1, we will implement a pretravel testing program for travelers to Hawaii as an alternative to the 14-day mandatory quarantine. Beginning August 1, travelers who have a valid negative COVID-19 test prior to arriving will not be subject to the 14-day mandatory quarantine. The quarantine will remain in place for those who choose to not get a pretravel test. The health of our community continues to be our primary focus and priority. This multi-layered screening process allows travelers to return and allows us to continue to protect the health and safety of our community.”
What can travelers expect?
- Beginning August 1, travelers to Hawaii who have a valid negative COVID-19 FDA-approved PCR test from a CLIA-certified laboratory prior to arriving at Hawaii’s airports will not be subject to the 14-day quarantine. To reiterate, this test result must be done prior to arrival and the traveler must present evidence of this test upon arrival. Travelers will be responsible for the cost of the pre-travel test.
- No testing will be provided upon arrival at the airport.
- The 14-day quarantine will remain in place for those who choose not to get pre-tested.
- Temperature checks will continue at airports across the state. Anyone with a temperature higher than 100.4 degrees or who is experiencing other symptoms will be required to undergo a secondary screening at the airport with trained healthcare staff.
- Travelers will be required to fill out the State Travel and Health forms upon arrival.
- Everyone must wear facial masks in all Hawaii airports and when entering places of business, including the Front Desk at Maui Eldorado Kaanapali, onsite golf cart shuttle to and from the beach.
The Governor and his team continue to work through details of the program, such as: how far in advance can the test be taken, from what age will children be tested, how long will the pre-arrival testing requirement and quarantine process last, is this for travel only within the United States, and what happens when residents of Hawaii return home. We will continue to communicate with you and provide updated information as it’s received.
This is very positive news for Maui as we continue through the process of reopening. As always, we appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming you when you are ready.
For Govenor Ige updates:
For Hawaii travel regulations, https://health.hawaii.gov/travel/
For Maui county updates: https://www.mauicounty.gov/