After months of disagreements and delays, Hawaii is officially opening its borders to out-of-state visitors without the need to quarantine.
And while that’s exciting news for those of you are looking forward to soaking up the sun and enjoying the beach, it’s important to note, before you book, that each island has its own set of rules.
What remains cohesive is that tourists from the continental US can enter Hawaii without quarantine as long as they provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. Only test results from trusted partners will be accepted, and an online Safe Travels form must also be filled out.
Here’s where things get different:
On the big island, in addition to the PCR test required within 72 hours of travel, upon arrival, visitors must also take a rapid antigen test (paid for by the state) at any of the island’s three airports: Kona International Airport, Waimea-Kohala Airport, and Hilo International Airport.
Meanwhile, Oahu, Kauai, and Maui may follow the lead of the Big Island and implement a compulsory rapid antigen test upon arrival. Still, for now, you can travel to those islands with your initial negative test results in hand.
If you’re traveling on an airline, these airlines have pre-travel testing. They are reliable sources of testing and for information as to testing options, according to Hawaii’s Department of Health: