Traveling to Hawaii- Go now or hold off?
I just got back from a trip to Hawaii (islands of Maui and Kauai with an extended layover in Oahu) and although the islands and the people there were lovely, the vacation was not relaxing. A lot of the time, it was actually pretty stressful.
Sharing my experiences, so you can plan accordingly and hopefully avoid some of the issues that I faced.
Covid Testing visiting Hawaii and between islands (until June 15th)
Masking Rules
Food
Getting Around the Island
Pin It!Watch the interview where I discuss my trip to Hawaii and suggestions on anyone planning to visit
The inter-island testing will be changing on June 15, but all the other issues may still exist in some capacity
Save yourself the extra money, the time, and the stress due to the shortage of staff and the extra stress of Covid testing (regardless of being vaccinated)
I am sure post-Covid (plus a couple of months) this island will still be beautiful and definitely more relaxing!
Tips
PLAN PLAN PLAN (Rent and book cars, tours, restaurant reservations as soon as you can)
Take a test online to see what island in Hawaii would be more to your liking. Each one has a different feel!
Reach out to the concierge at the place you are staying, and they will let you know about dining, transportation options, help to book tours, etc.
All visitors arriving in Hawaii must have a negative COVID test within 72 hours of them coming on the island - NOT from the time they started flying. So if you have connecting flights and are flying out Monday night at 6, you would have to have your COVID test done after 6 on Friday night. You would have to make sure you can find a trusted covid testing provider and provide the results in time. Also, if you start flying on Monday at 6 pm, but your first flight was connecting flight that comes into Hawaii is after 72 hours after taking the Covid test, you would need another Covid test before you are allowed into the island.
Alternatively, some airports have Covid testing at the airport. Also, some airlines offer approved testing options that will enable you to satisfy testing requirements for entry into Hawaii (Definitely take advantage of this!)
Make sure you use a trusted provider to get the COVID Test, and check off the correct test on the form and then make sure you get a QR code from the Hawaii Safe Travel Site! We used Walgreens.
Check the rules for each island as they each have their own rules when it comes to Covid.
We met a traveler who brought her food to Hawaii on dry ice; I thought it was genius, especially as we wasted so much time trying to find open restaurants or restaurants with reservations.
Dont assume the restaurant is open if it says that on the restaurant site. Make sure you call and confirm, especially as you may need a reservation.
Bring as many snacks as you, as nothing in Hawaii is cheap. One piece of extra luggage will save you so much money!
Go to Costco - they had a fresh sushi bar at the branch in Kauai.
Dont carry fruit in your hand luggage - you are not allowed to bring in fruit between the island and the mainland. All fruit has to be checked in.
Avoid traveling between islands until the intra-island travel restrictions are eased (as you waste a lot of time between waiting in covid testing line and its overall uncomfortable in the airports, especially with the restaurants closed)
Gypsy Guides - It’s an app that provides a GPS-aided audio tour around the islands. It was terrific, especially instead of a guided island tour.
DO NOT miss your rental pick-up time as your rental car may be gone by the time you get there.
If you need a shuttle - Speedi Shuttle was the most reliable.
Dont forget to pack hiking shoes - the scenery and hikes in Hawaii are amazing.
