Covid-19 Update as of June 9, 2021

Covid-19 Travel Update 06/09/21

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! ​

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