COVID 19 Hawaii Travel Restrictions – Avoid Quarantine

Last Updated on November 29, 2022 by Karma Hill

After months of mandatory quarantine and shuttered hotels, we’re happy to learn that beginning on October 15th, 2020, the Hawaii Government will be welcoming visitors who test negative for COVID-19 to our islands! That means more happy couples and more beautiful Maui weddings!

If you’re planning to travel to Hawaii, follow along and we’ll help you understand the current Hawaii COVID-19 travel restrictions and avoid the quarantine.

Here’s a quick overview on what you need to know about the new Hawaii COVID-19 travel restrictions:

• Get Tested for COVID-19 72 hours before travel
• Plan for additional precautions at the airport
• Consider your guests

For a very detailed Q&A from the Hawaii State Government please visit The Department of Health Travel Frequently Asked Questions Page.

Now let’s break it down, so you can start planning your dream wedding in Hawaii.

Get Tested For COVID-19 Before Traveling to Hawaii

Beginning on October 15th, Hawaii COVID-19 travel restrictions will require documentation of a negative COVID-19 test in order to avoid the Hawaii quarantine.

Here’s a checklist to help you navigate the requirements, so you can relax and start dreaming of your big day:

• You must take the test no more than 3 days (72 hours) BEFORE arriving in Hawaii – no commercial testing will be provided at the airport
  • All travelers of all ages subject to pre-test requirement
  • Individuals will be responsible for testing costs
  • After testing and before your flight, please practice social distancing and self-quarantine to help keep our islands healthy!

• You must take the test PRIOR to traveling. You will have to still quarantine for 10 days, even with a negative test result once in Hawaii if you do not take the test prior to traveling.

• You will need to have your RESULTS by the time you fly
  • However, some tests can take between 3 – 4 days, so plan accordingly and ask your provider for their standard delivery timeline
• If you don’t take the test or if the results are not ready by the time you leave, then you must quarantine for 10 days.
  • During quarantine, you can only leave your accommodation for a medical emergency, you can NOT go out to get food or go to the beach
  • Violating the quarantine can incur a $5,000 fine and/or a year imprisonment.
  • So get tested for COVID-19 to enjoy your Hawaii vacay!

• CLIA is the federal regulatory system for regulating laboratory testing
• An antibody test will NOT be accepted

It is the traveler’s responsibility to confirm they are receiving the correct test.

Keep scrolling for more info on Hawaii COVID-19 Travel Restrictions!

Plan for Additional Precautions at the Airport

Even after you’re tested, there will still be more safety measures to ensure you can avoid the Hawaii COVID-19 travel quarantine. Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect at the airport.

✦ You’ll need to create an account on the state’s “Safe Travels” website https://travel.hawaii.gov/#/

✦ Prior to your flight, you’ll complete a health screening on the safe travels website as well as input your flight information, lodging information and upload your negative COVID 19 test prior to boarding your flight.

✦ Once you have uploaded your negative COVID 19 test, you will receive a QR code in your email, it is recommended you save this to your phone’s camera roll as well as keep a printed copy along with a printed copy of your negative test results.

✦ If you have a fever before boarding, you may be prohibited from boarding the flight

✦ If you have a fever when you arrive to Hawaii, you will receive a further medical assessment

✦ When you get off the plane there will be state representatives before baggage claim to scan your QR code and give you a certificate of clearance. You may be required to show this document when you check into your hotel, so keep it handy!

What Does This Mean For You and Your Guests?

First off, this means your dream wedding in Hawaii is about to happen!! We’re jumping for joy along with you! Take a moment to do a cartwheel or two, and then glance over these few other considerations:

• Find out if your insurance will cover the test if it’s for travel
• Make sure all your guests have all the rules so they’re prepared
• You will need to wear a mask at the airport and on your airplane as well in all public places on Maui.
• There may be guest count restrictions from the state, be sure to check with your coordinator for the most up to date information.

Not sure if a wedding in Hawaii is within your budget? It’s much more affordable than you think! Come read our comprehensive article: Hawaii Destination Wedding Cost – Ceremony, Lodging & Airfare

This Also Means You May Want to Adjust Your Guest Count

So why not consider a small wedding or even eloping in Hawaii?

Having a Maui beach elopement is a beautiful way to celebrate your love. We understand that it may not be exactly what you’ve hoped for, but limiting your guest count to only a handful of friends and family may keep your loved ones healthy.

Many couples are opting for a very small celebration in the short term, with plans to host a larger celebration back home when it is safe.

To help you bridge the distance, we’ve created elopement enhancements that can be added to all of our Maui beach wedding packages. With these add-ons, a professional videographer will record or live-stream your wedding so your guests back home will be part of the special moment! We can even send them leis! So if you decide to elope, they’ll be cheering you on in style!

So as you begin planning your gorgeous ceremony day around the new Hawaii COVID-19 travel restrictions, browse the amazing wedding photos below and remind yourself – SOON THIS WILL BE YOU! And we can’t wait to meet you and your special someone!

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us!

Keep checking back because we’ll keep this post updated as soon as any information changes!