Many people are keeping an eye on Hawaii’s reopening process for tourists. Since March 2020, a mandatory 15-day quarantine was required for anyone arriving on the island, but now this measure has been relaxed, allowing travelers to present a negative COVID-19 test conducted by a state-approved company. For updated information on restrictions, visit Hawaii Travel Restrictions.
The residents of Hawaii have sacrificed to keep their communities safe during this pandemic, achieving one of the lowest COVID-19 case rates among all U.S. states.
However, with fluctuations in the rules and laws determined by Hawaiian authorities, tourists arriving on the island are still confused about what is allowed and prohibited.
This confusion also directly affects those who own businesses on the island, such as yoga teacher Alessandra Lopes, who moved to Hawaii in 2009 and, along with her partner, created an outdoor yoga class on Waikiki Beach called @2FBeachpParkYoga.
In June, the island attempted to reopen to tourists for the first time, mainly catering to American tourists eager for a trip after so much time confined. Alessandra Lopes says that despite the influx at the time, attendance in her classes has not recovered to pre-pandemic levels. Today, the number of students is still lower. The main reason is that international travelers from neighboring countries such as Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada still face restrictions to enter the U.S.
“My classes used to be 50% tourists and 50% locals. Today, 80% are locals – which has increased due to the demand for outdoor sports classes – and the remaining 20% are mainly American tourists,” she says.
The Masks Continue
Amid so many fluctuations, one requirement that has not changed is the mask mandate – federal law requires that all airplane passengers aged two and older wear masks at the airport, during boarding, and throughout the flight.
You cannot ride a bus in Oahu, for example, without a mask. Similarly, on the popular hiking trail to the summit of Lēahi, also known as Diamond Head, visitors are required to wear masks at lookout points and in indoor spaces.
Each County in Hawaii Has Its Own Rules
Since November 13 in Oahu, anyone wishing to enter a restaurant, bar, gym, cinema, museum, or other establishment will need to present proof of vaccination or a negative FDA-approved test obtained within the last 48 hours. (Children under 12 are exempt.) Additionally, restaurants and bars must stop serving alcoholic beverages by 2 a.m.
In Maui, no one can dine in restaurants without first showing proof of vaccination. Tours are also affected, with group sizes limited for snorkeling excursions, sunset sailboats, and other activities.
Still Confused?
“Our reopening plan is like roller skating,” said John De Fries, president and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority. “It just keeps moving.”
According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, today anyone from the U.S., whether fully vaccinated or with a negative COVID-19 test, can fly to the Islands. Hotels are open, restaurants are open, and public spaces – beaches, parks, and hiking trails are open.
Plan Ahead
Many tours, shows, and attractions now require or strongly recommend reservations. The natural reserve Hanauma Bay in Oahu has launched an online reservation system and increased fees to $25 per person for non-residents. Spaces are limited and sell out in minutes.
Hā’ena State Park in Kaua’i, which includes access to Kē’ē Beach and the Kalalau Trail, also requires reservations, and like Hanauma Bay, the park has a daily visitor limit with new fees.
The Polynesian Cultural Center in Lā’ie, Oahu, has sold out its popular VIP lūau package until 2022. Daily tickets are still available, but be prepared to be flexible with days and times. Happening on the first Friday of each month, First Fridays in the Honolulu Arts District in Chinatown is a cool festival that highlights neighborhood art galleries, shops, restaurants, and features live entertainment, street vendors, and more. Establishments offer discounts, food and drink specials, and free entertainment. Most shops stay open until 9 p.m., and afterward, you can enjoy nearby bars. Chinatown in Oahu has become a destination for hipsters and young adults.
Check tours, shows, and other attractions before arriving and book tickets in advance. The same goes for restaurants.
Hawaii’s restaurants are dealing with staff shortages – which translates to shorter hours and sometimes long waits – and government rules that do not allow them to operate at full capacity. Smaller menus and limited availability are expected during your visit.
If dining at a specific restaurant is on your must-do list, be sure to make reservations in advance. Otherwise, you may end up grabbing your meals at convenience stores – yes, it’s happening!
While it may seem tempting – even wise – to make multiple reservations for a single day and then choose which one to show up at, no-shows are costly for restaurants that are already struggling. Remember to call and cancel in advance if necessary.
Difficulty Renting Cars
When Hawaii first reopened to tourist entry, car rentals skyrocketed to over $500 per day – if you could find one. Inventive tourists rented U-Hauls (they are cheaper).
After more restrictions due to new variants, prices dropped. However, some entrepreneurs like Luciano Colle, who owns a car rental company in Oahu called Island Auto Rentals, say they have reasonable expectations for the holiday season.
“The forecast here is always for improvement. Hawaii is one of the most dreamt-about tourist destinations in the world, and that hasn’t changed. American tourists have already returned, Europeans are coming back, and when Asians start to return, it will get even better. My prediction is that by July 2022 we will be 100% normalized. May everyone get vaccinated soon!” says Luciano.
What Happened?
Car rental companies sold vehicles in 2020 in anticipation of the ongoing financial blow suffered by widespread COVID-19 travel restrictions. Luciano recognized the opportunity and bought cars from agencies at low prices. Rental companies were unable to replenish the sold stock in time to meet demand. Supply is still low.
“People say I was lucky, but it wasn’t that. I’ve worked in this industry for years and noticed and studied the situation. I already wanted to expand my fleet and knew how to take advantage of the opportunity to buy vehicles at low prices. Additionally, I also did a lot of business with small local businesses renting to mechanics and other companies on the island. That’s how I survived the pandemic,” explains 
the entrepreneur.
Finding a car to rent is not as difficult now as it was at the beginning of the year. Still, book early to ensure you have transportation to get around and enjoy the island. Travel rules are changing all the time, so stay alert.
Starting July 8, 2021, fully vaccinated individuals in the U.S. or its territories can enter Hawaii on domestic flights without pre-travel testing or quarantine upon arrival. (Individuals must wait 14 days after their second COVID-19 shot to be considered fully vaccinated.) All other travelers must have their negative COVID-19 test results from trusted travel partners submitted to the State Safe Travels program portal before departure to avoid the mandatory 10-day quarantine in Hawaii.
And Last but Not Least: Be Respectful, Polite, and Follow the Rules.
We know you are on vacation. We all were stuck at home for months, worried, scared, tired, anxious for a change, and desperate to feel normal again. It is important to remember, however, that Hawaii is not just a destination for visitors. Above all, it is a natural reserve home to hundreds of varieties of endangered plants and animals. Walk on public trails. Respect sacred places.
Wear a mask inside establishments. Be friendly and respectful to service staff in hotels, restaurants, car rental agencies (especially them; it’s not their fault), and anyone you encounter. It has been a tough time for many. The people you meet during your trip would love to be on vacation too. Photos: Viviane Faver