Are the Hawaiian Islands Open for Tourism?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re wondering whether the Hawaiian islands are open for tourism, the answer is yes! After a year of strict travel restrictions and quarantine measures, Hawaii has reopened its doors to visitors.

However, there are still some rules and guidelines in place to ensure everyone’s safety. Here’s what you need to know:

The New Guidelines

As of October 15, 2020, travelers arriving in Hawaii are no longer required to quarantine for 14 days if they have a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours before their departure time. The test must be from a trusted partner approved by the Hawaii Department of Health. If you don’t have a negative test result or don’t want to take one, you will still need to go through the mandatory quarantine.

It’s also important to note that each island has its own specific guidelines and protocols in place. For example, Kauai has temporarily suspended its participation in the state’s pre-travel testing program as of December 2, 2020. Travelers arriving on Kauai must quarantine for 14 days, even with a negative COVID-19 test result.

What You Can Expect

While some things may look different than before, Hawaii is still offering plenty of opportunities for visitors to enjoy themselves safely. Most outdoor activities are still available, including hiking trails and beaches (although some beaches may have capacity limits). Indoor dining is also allowed at reduced capacity levels.

However, face masks are mandatory in all public spaces on the islands – this means wearing them indoors as well as outdoors when social distancing isn’t possible. Additionally, many businesses and attractions require reservations ahead of time due to capacity limits or other restrictions.

The Bottom Line

While Hawaii is open for tourism, it’s important to keep in mind the new guidelines and protocols in place to ensure everyone’s safety. If you’re planning a trip, be sure to research the specific requirements for the island you’ll be visiting and make any necessary arrangements ahead of time. With some extra planning and precautions, you can still enjoy all that Hawaii has to offer.