As of March 25, 2022, the state of Hawaii dropped all of its Covid-19 travel protocols and restrictions for domestic travelers, and has ended the State Travels Program. For international travelers flying directly into Hawaii from a foreign country, you will have to comply with the country and/or airline rules from that country into the U.S.

The state has also eliminated any remaining gathering restrictions and indoor masking requirements, although some places of business may still require customers to mask up upon entry, and you'll see that many folks are still masking up in indoor environments. The choice is now yours.

Although all restrictions have ended, the State remains particularly vulnerable to new strains, since we have been quite isolated during the pandemic, and this island, in particular, has very few hospitals; there are only 13 ICU beds total over the whole island, and a big outbreak would be catastrophic to the local community. 

If you feel sick, have a cough or cold, or anything that may be contagious, please exercise care for those around you (as well as for yourself, of course). :)

Hawaii is counting on you to be responsible, and we are happy that you are freely able to come and enjoy our beautiful state!

If anything changes statewide or locally in terms of travel or other restrictions, I'll update this blog ASAP. 

The requirements for entering Hawaii are still the same as they have been over the past several months, although there is talk of additional requirements being added. At present, however, the guidelines remain the same. 

Having left the state for the first time in two years over the holidays to see family on the mainland, we ourselves had to go through the process any traveler has to go through for entry into the state, so I now have first had experience, and want to share this guidance with you!

STEPS TO GETTING YOU READY FOR ENTRY INTO HAWAII TO AVOID QUARANTINE:

1) The first thing you will need to do is to register with the Hawaii Safe Travels program (https://travel.hawaii.gov/#). Every adult needs to create their own account and register with them separately. Any minors (i.e. children under the age of 18) can be registered under a parent or guardian's account.

2) Once registered, you'll scroll down to the icon that says, "Trips" (it has a picture of a cruise ship and an airplane in a circle). Click it, and enter your airline trip information. If your flights change, you can remove any previous trips and simply add the new ones.

3) Next, in order to avoid the mandatory quarantine after arriving in the State, you can apply for an Exemption/Exception from Quarantine, go back to the home page on the Safe Travels site, and scroll down to the "Apply for an Exemption/Exception from Quarantine" icon (which has a hand holding a cell phone in a circle). Click on this icon.

Here, you will see options on how to get the exemption - i.e. you can upload your vaccination cards or negative test results from one of the state approved testing partners (clicking on that icon will give you full instructions as well as a link to the approved testing partners), or you can link your vaccination records from the CommonPass app (see the icon for CommonPass Exception) or the Clear app (see the icon for Clear Exception). 

4) Once you have uploaded or linked your vaccination records or uploaded your negative test results, the State will email you a QR code, which you will need during the pre-screening process.

HAVE READY THE DAY OF TRAVEL:

1. The QR code from the State (Have the email handy on your phone, or, do what we did, and just take a screenshot of the QR code so that it's handy on your phone and easy to find).
2. Your vaccination card or negative test results (which also must be uploaded into the system)
3. Your Photo ID

5) At the airport, if you have enough time before the final leg to your trip into the state, ask an airline agent where the pre-screening line is for Hawaii.

If you are flying directly to Hawaii with no other stops before you arrive in the State, plan to be at the airport early to take care of this. If you have a connection, you may not have enough time in between to do this (don't worry if you don't; you can do this upon landing in the state). Usually this is a long line, since the airlines seem to screen flights to every island in one line, but I've heard it's shorter than the one once you arrive.

If you do have time, stand in this line to have your QR code scanned and your ID checked (and have your vaccination cards/test records on hand just in case). They will give you a bracelet to wear indicating you have been pre-screened, which means you won't have to wait in any lines once you arrive in Hawaii, but can just go to baggage claim as usual.

If you don't have time to get pre-screened at the airport - don't worry! - you can do this upon arrival to Hawaii. I've heard from couples that sometimes the line is a breeze, and other times the line is a couple of hours, depending on how many flights are arriving at that time, and how many passengers were pre-screened on each flight. 

Either way, once you are in, you are in, and your wedding awaits! 

As always, if you are one of our couples here at Simple Kona Beach Weddings, just reach out if you have any questions! We are here to help you make everything surrounding your wedding day a breeze, and can't wait to see you!

As of last Friday, October 15, 2021, the Mayor made an amendment to his Covid-19 Emergency Rule No. 18 (previously made on October 4th, essentially extending the same rules as previously stated), finally expanding gatherings outside back up to 25 people, in line with the rest of the State. Indoor gatherings remain at groupings of 10 people total.

See the article on Big Island Now by going HERE.

Although Hawaii island has had a higher infection rate than the rest of the state for the past several months, we are finally seeing numbers come down. 

No other major changes were issued that would affect your travel or wedding, which also means that the current travel restrictions have not been changed (you must submit proof of vaccination or have a negative approved Covid test within 72 hours of the last leg of your flight - see this page for a handy guide to all things travel), and masks are still required indoors and under any solid roof (open air or not). At most restaurants (unless otherwise stated) you may remove your masks once seated at your table. 

What does this mean for your wedding?
If your wedding is on a public beach, you will be restricted to 25 people total at your wedding site, including you two, anyone serving your wedding (i.e. your officiant, your photographer, musician, etc.) and guests.

What happens if you'd planned for more people on a public beach?
If you really only wanted a handful of people, this might allow you to be able to cut your guest list without hurting anyone's feelings. If you have guests who were on the bubble or anxious about travel at this time, this allows them to gracefully bow out, and/or volunteer to sit out the ceremony. If everyone already has their tickets and is definitely coming, don't worry! We can get creative. As a last resort, if you have your wedding with me, you may also postpone and reschedule for up to one year from your original wedding date. Please call me to discuss if this is something you are considering so that you can make the most informed decision. 

What about if my wedding is at a private venue?
If your wedding is more than 30 days out, the County is still accepting requests for special exemptions to the gathering rule (i.e. if you have more than 25 people, up to 50 total at a private venue) with the submission of a safety plan, assuming your event is being run by an event professional. (If you are DIYing your event, you will not be eligible for this exemption.) Thus, if you are one of my couples and this applies to you, rest assured, I will be applying for one of these for us and will be in touch about it ASAP. 

Finally, as always, if you are one of our couples and you have any questions or concerns, please know we are here to help! Just reach out and we can set a time to talk. As more updates come about, I'll keep you posted here!

Due to a surge of COVID-19 cases across the Big Island (averaging over 100 new cases per day), new restrictions on gatherings were put in place, effective immediately, as of Friday, August 27, 202.

In a press conference, Mayor Roth issued Emergency Rule No. 17, limiting gatherings indoors and out to 10 people total, including on our county's beaches. When outdoors at County (beach) parks, groups are limited to 10 people total, and must be spaced out 20 feet, or risk a fine of $250. (You can read more about this new emergency rule by going to this West Hawaii Today article HERE.)

No other major changes were issued, meaning that the current travel restrictions have not been changed (you must submit proof of vaccination or have a negative approved Covid test within 72 hours of the last leg of your flight - see this page for a handy guide to all things travel), and masks are still required indoors and under any solid roof (open air or not), and are required in restaurants any time when not actively eating or drinking (previously you could remove your masks once seated). 

This Emergency Rule is in effect until October 8, 2021, unless extended. 

What does this mean for your wedding?
If your wedding is on a public beach, you will be restricted to 10 people total at your wedding site, including you two, anyone serving your wedding (i.e. your officiant, your photographer, musician, etc.) and guests.

What happens if you'd planned for more people on a public beach?
If you really only wanted a handful of people, this might allow you to be able to cut your guest list without hurting anyone's feelings. If you have guests who were on the bubble or anxious about travel at this time, this allows them to gracefully bow out, and/or volunteer to sit out the ceremony. If everyone already has their tickets and is definitely coming, don't worry! We can get creative. Although they will not be able to stand near you, and may not mingle with the other groupings, anyone over the 10 close to you may attend at a distance of 20 feet, in pods of no more than 10. They may not be able to hear well, but they will still get the beach experience and be able to see you from afar. As a last resort, if you have your wedding with me, you may also postpone and reschedule for up to one year from your original wedding date. Please call me to discuss if this is something you are considering so that you can make the most informed decision. 

What about if my wedding is at a private venue?
If your wedding is more than 30 days out, the County is still accepting requests for special exemptions to the gathering rule (i.e. if you have more than 10 people, up to 50 total at a private venue) with the submission of a safety plan, assuming your event is being run by an event professional. (If you are DIYing your event, you will not be eligible for this exemption.) Thus, if you are one of my couples and this applies to you, rest assured, I will be applying for one of these for us and will be in touch about it ASAP. 

Finally, as always, if you are one of our couples and you have any questions or concerns, please know we are here to help! Just reach out and we can set a time to talk. As more updates come about, I'll keep you posted here!

On August 10, 2021, Governor Ige announced that due to the rapid community spread of the Delta variant throughout the state (and particularly on this island), gatherings have again been limited to 25 people outside and 10 people indoors. Restaurants and bars are now limited to 50% capacity, and masks are required at all times in these establishments unless actively eating or drinking. 

Currently, there are no changes to the Hawaii Pre-Travels program, but things could change at any time. 

For travel information, please go to this page for ALL of the most up to date travel updates to the State!

Here's an article from West Hawaii Today that explains these new restrictions: https://www.westhawaiitoday.com/2021/08/11/hawaii-news/ige-cuts-allowable-gathering-sizes-caps-restaurants-bars-gyms-and-churches-at-50/ 

And here is the official update from the county of Hawaii: https://coronavirus-response-county-of-hawaii-hawaiicountygis.hub.arcgis.com/?fbclid=IwAR35HesRlYXgdvLBuacajR0FV2TrCqgF-WNtE7gpmZOThYx2NxflOKw-dy4

Please note that if you are not vaccinated (and even if you are), you will want to be very careful here in Hawaii. It used to be that only people coming to the islands brought the virus with them, since we were so isolated for such a long time for the first year of the pandemic. Now with freedom of travel and the introduction of the very contagious Delta variant, it is spreading like crazy through the community. So, even if you are healthy arriving here, you could now pick it up on your trip, and I don't want anything to hamper your happy wedding experience!

However, on the plus side, most things here - including your wedding! - are outdoors, which is the safest place to be. Masks have been consistently required in any indoor setting, as well as anywhere under a roof, and that remains the same. 

What does this mean for your Simple Kona Beach Wedding? If you have 20 people total or under, really, nothing will change for your wedding itself, since your wedding is outside. I say 20 or under to include space in the 25 total people allowed for all the people serving your wedding as well (i.e. me, photographer, videographer, musician, etc.). I don't believe they will once again require masks outdoors, but if you have anyone in your group who is at risk, I would highly recommend masks for all non-wedding party guests to keep those guests safe (or encourage those at risk guests to stay at home), and to strongly encourage anyone not feeling well to not attend. 

If you have more than 20 people scheduled to attend your wedding, not everyone will be able to gather with you at the ceremony site. This doesn't mean that those folks can't watch you from farther down the beach (that would be okay), but they won't be able to be close in. You now have time to think about who may be most willing to stand a bit farther away (for instance, the "plus ones" or more distant family members (or even those who are not big into the wedding thing, but are there for the party and to be in Hawaii) are perfect volunteers), and it also encourages those who may have been on the fence about being able to come to have a perfect excuse to bow out gracefully. It also allows you to be able to say no to people who are trying to come last minute, or, if it's far enough out, to cut your guest list in the event that this restriction continues past the October 18th expiration date.

If you had an after-party scheduled and you have more than 25 people, please contact the person in charge to find out how that changes your event and what will be required. 

In short, the smaller your wedding, the easier and safer it's going to be for all involved.

If you have been on the fence about getting vaccinated, and it's more than a month until your wedding, now is a great time to take the leap. Not only will you be able to skip the pre-travel test (assuming none of the pre-travel requirements change), but you'll also keep yourself safer while traveling and while you are here. If you cannot or do not want to get the vaccine, I urge you to take every precaution before flying so that you can indeed make the trip. I just had a couple who was slated to have their wedding this weekend have to cancel because they both tested positive for Covid during their pre-travel testing. It was devastating to them, and I don't want that to happen to any of my other couples!

If you have a wedding with us, please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions at all about any of this, and we'll do our best to guide you. Our goal is for you to have the most wonderful (and safest) wedding ever! 

Some positive news has emerged in terms of travel this past week! As of July 8, 2021, U.S. domestic travelers ages 12 and older who have been fully vaccinated are eligible for exemption from pre-travel testing and quarantine when flying into the state.

Testing with a trusted testing partner 72 hours before the last leg of your trip is still required for any travelers aged 5 and older who have not been vaccinated, and who wish to bypass the State's mandatory 10-day quarantine.

Test results or proof of full vaccination (which means on the 15th day after your final shot) can be uploaded now to the Hawaii Safe Travels website. FAQs on what you need to know about how to do that, and any testing requirements are HERE.

Also, it was announced that any travelers flying from any U.S. airport on any airline who are 18 years or older can now add their negative Covid-19 test results or vaccine verification to the free CLEAR mobile app (clearme.com/hawaii) to generate a Health Pass. According to an article last week in the Honolulu Star Advertiser, once this is done, travelers then "can apply for a quarantine exemption on the Hawaii Safe Travels website by linking their CLEAR Health Pass. This is secure and may be done over a smartphone."

Please note that the State still requires masks in any public place under a roof (even if open air), although once you are seated at most eating establishments you may take your masks off. In private settings and when outdoors, there are no masking requirements.

Maximum gathering numbers indoors and out have been slightly relaxed, and anyone getting married by us (given the maximum number of people we serve) currently will have no gathering restrictions indoors or out. 

I encourage you go to this page for ALL of the most up to date travel updates to the State!

So the short and long of it is, travel to Hawaii has just gotten a bit easier! Most places are now re-opened and new restaurants and shops are opening as well, and since most of our restaurants are outdoors or open air, dining out feels relaxed, and trips to the beach are carefree! 

We hope that things continue in this direction, and please know that if you have a wedding or vow renewal with us at Simple Kona Beach Weddings, and we discover last minute changes to the program shortly before you leave, we will be in touch with you personally to make sure you have the latest updates!

I'll keep you updated here as things continue to change, hopefully for the better! ​We can't wait to see you!

​
A note to any unvaccinated travelers: The Delta variant is present here in the State and on this island, and is spreading rapidly amongst those unprotected, so while it used to be relatively safe for those unvaccinated arriving on island due to almost non-existent numbers locally, now, even if you arrive with a negative test, you are at risk for picking it up here. Please use caution and maintain social distancing when appropriate for your safety and the safety of those around you!

This past week, there have been a couple of updates to the State's policy on travel and mask wearing.

First, per an announcement by Governor Ige prior to Memorial Day, all outdoor mask mandates have been lifted, regardless of vaccination status (since they feel it would be impossible to track or enforce who has and who hasn't been vaccinated) although masks are encouraged outside if you are in a group larger than 10 amongst unknown individuals.

Masks are still required in pubic indoor settings across the State.

Second, the governor further announced last week that, as of June 15, 2021, all restrictions for travel between islands will be lifted for all travelers, regardless of vaccination status.

Also in effect as of June 15, 2021, if you were vaccinated in the State of Hawaii, you will no longer need to test to come back to Hawaii after visiting the mainland. This won't apply to most of you traveling here, but you never know!

As for individuals vaccinated elsewhere, the State is in the process of creating a system to allow vaccinated Trans-Pacific travelers to be able to bypass the pre-travel testing requirements, but when that will actually be in effect is still up in the air (although the hope is mid-Summer). I will post a new blog with this update as soon as this happens!

Finally, the Governor announced that once a certain level of fully vaccinated individuals in the State has been reached, then all restrictions, both indoors and out, and all travel-related restrictions, will be lifted. They are aiming for mid-late summer, but obviously, a lot will depend on vaccination status of Hawaii residents and other factors around the globe.

You can read a good article outlining the specifics of the above, as well as the benchmarks the State has set in order to remove guidelines by going to this Forbes article HERE.

For the time being, however, everyone is still subject to the State's requirement of a negative Covid test 72 hours before the last leg of your flight from one of the State's trusted travel testing partners. 

So until the vaccine passport system has been implemented, please be prepared to be tested pre-travel! 

As a reminder, you can find all of the information about the travel requirements needed to get to Hawaii (currently you need a negative test result within 72 hours before you board the last leg of your flight, or you'll be subject to a mandatory 10-day quarantine), as well as what to expect once here in Hawaii, by going HERE.

Please note that if you have a wedding with us, and we discover last minute changes to the program shortly before you leave, we will be in touch with you personally to make sure you have the latest updates!

All of that being said, please rest assured that things continue to look up here in Hawaii. More things are re-opening, and since most of our restaurants are outdoors or open air, dining out feels relaxed, and trips to the beach are relatively carefree! 

I'll keep you updated here as things continue to change, hopefully for the better! ​

​

As of a week or so ago, Hawaii County is now allowing visitors with proof of vaccination to bypass the second required Covid test upon landing at either the Kona or Hilo airports. That second test upon arrival (provided by the County at no charge) is still required for those who don't have proof of vaccination.

For the time being, everyone is still subject to the State's requirement of a negative Covid test 72 hours before the last leg of your flight from one of the State's trusted travel testing partners. However, the State is working on a vaccine passport system, which they would link to the Hawaii Safe Travels Program, to eventually allow fully vaccinated travels to bypass the need for any testing before they fly in.

Until that time, however, please be prepared to be tested! 

As a reminder, you can find all of the information about the travel requirements needed to get to Hawaii (currently you need a negative test result within 72 hours before you board the last leg of your flight, or you'll be subject to a mandatory 10-day quarantine), as well as what to expect once here in Hawaii, by going HERE.

If you plan on going to any other islands while you are here, note that going to Oahu is easy, but any other island requires additional tests. You can find that flow chart HERE.

Please note that if you have a wedding with us, and we discover last minute changes to the program shortly before you leave, we will be in touch with you personally to make sure you have the latest updates!

All of that being said, please rest assured that things continue to look up here in Hawaii. More things are re-opening, and since most of our restaurants are outdoors or open air, dining out feels relaxed, and trips to the beach are relatively carefree! 

I'll keep you updated here as things continue to change, hopefully for the better! 

Although pre-travel testing requirements remain the same as they have been (i.e. no changes, yet to the testing requirements, regardless of whether a person has been fully vaccinated or not - see previous blogs for details), as of last Monday, March 8th, the governor approved the mayor's request for a temporary expansion of the number of people allowed to gather outdoors from 10 to 25 people, currently though April 11th.

Assuming there is not a spike in cases, my guess is that this loosening of number restrictions will be extended, making it much easier for slightly larger wedding groups to gather! Note that there are still masking and distancing requirements for those not in the same household, but at least the gatherings are legally permitted. Indoor gatherings are still limited to 10 people total.

Although I try to keep things as up to date here as possible, I always encourage you to be sure to look at the latest information from the state a least a week or two before you fly in, in case there are any changes. 

As a reminder, you can find information about the travel requirements to Hawaii (currently you need a negative test result within 72 hours before you board the last leg of your flight, or you'll be subject to a mandatory 10-day quarantine), as well as what to expect here in Hawaii, by going HERE.

If you plan on going to any other islands while you are here, note that going to Oahu is easy, but any other island requires additional tests. You can find that flow chart HERE.

Please note that if you have a wedding with us, and we discover last minute changes to the program shortly before you leave, we will be in touch with you personally to make sure you have the latest updates!

All of that being said, please rest assured that things continue to look up here in Hawaii. More things are re-opening, and since most of our restaurants are outdoors or open air, dining out feels relaxed, and trips to the beach are relatively carefree! 

I'll keep you updated here as things continue to change, hopefully for the better! 

Happy New Year! There was a minor change to the Pre-Travels Program at the end of December, which is worth noting. Per my previous blog, travelers who do not have a negative test within 72 hours of the last leg of their trip here to Hawaii will be required to quarantine, and will NOT be allowed to take a test upon arrival to clear themselves, or have late-arriving results clear them.

However, as of December 28, 2020, per the change in CDC recommendations, if you do not get or have your negative test results from one of the state's travel partners before getting on the last leg of your trip, this mandatory quarantine time has been reduced to 10 days. Still this means mandatory quarantine in a hotel room, without the ability to leave it. So getting that negative test before you get on that last leg is going to make all the difference! You can see the latest updates from the state about the Safe Travels Program by going HERE. 

Note that they are still requiring 25% (100%? This is not clear; last I read it was 25%, but some travelers have reported that all planes are being tested) of travelers upon arrival here on the Big Island, so expect that second test when you arrive. 

It should be noted that every couple I've served since October 15th (since the Safe Travels Program started) has successfully been able to make it in without any issue, and with proper planning and super safe protocols before you come, you'll hopefully be a-okay! 

The other thing to note is that masks will be required when we meet, whether this be to choose your spot on the beach before your big day or on your wedding day, but on your big day, I will have us spaced six feet apart so that both you (the couple) and I will not have to wear masks during your ceremony, per the laws here in Hawaii. Your guests may still have to wear masks, depending on spacing and household family groupings. This may change as restrictions change, but that is the protocol for the time being!

HERE is the link to go to to find out what to expect when in Hawaii, per the state. You will want to select Hawaii County for specific rules on this island.

That's what we know for now! If you are getting married with us, and have any further questions or would like to set up a chat to go over what to expect, just reach out and we can set up a call! I will do all I can to help you make this process as smooth and stress-free as possible for you!