Covid-19 Hawaii Travel Update as of July 8, 2021

Covid-19 Travel Update as of 07-08-21

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!

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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!