Hawaii is set to relax its travel rules for out-of-state visitors

Hawaii is relaxing its travel rules in late summer by opening its borders to out-of-state travelers, provided they present evidence of a negative COVID-19 test when they arrive.

From 1 August, travelers can bypass Hawaii's two-week quarantine period if they get tested for COVID-19 and present evidence of a negative result upon arrival, similar to Alaska's travel rules. Arrivals, however, can't get tested in the airport. Instead, they must get checked at a health centre approved by the state's department of health. Visitors must take the test must no more than 72 hours before arriving at the islands.

The specific protocols are still being worked out but officials have said visitors must provide printed or emailed pre-test certification as evidence of a negative test result. Temperature checks will continue at airports and those with a temperature higher than 100.4 degrees or who experiencing other symptoms must undergo a secondary screening at the airport. Travelers are required to cover the costs of testing. In addition, they are required to fill out the State Travel and Health form.

"The health of our community remains our primary focus," Governor David Ige tweeted. "This multi-layered pre-travel testing and screening process allows travelers an alternative to the 14-day travel quarantine in a way that protects the health and safety of our kama‘āina and visitors."

Tourists on the beach front at sunset on Waikiki beach ©Jeff Whyte/Shutterstock

Hawaii's 14-day quarantine rule was issued in March, and has been extended numerous times, most recently until 31 July. Travelers have been required to quarantine for two weeks in designated locations or face or face penalties including a US$5000 fine.

As tourism is expected to gradually resume again in August, Governor Ige said, "now is the time to work together to ensure that our local businesses can safely re-open to incoming travelers." More than ten million people traveled to Hawai'i in 2019, according to the state tourism authority.