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Hawaii Safe Travels Requirements: How to Save Time at the Airports?

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hawaii safe travels & restrictions - complete requirements to save time at airports

Hawaii Safe Travels is a program designed to revive Hawaii tourism by resuming travel to the state of Hawaii while mitigating the spread of coronavirus. Even though Hawaii Safe Travels has been in effect for a while, there is still confusion about the state’s travel restrictions and requirements that causes a large portion of travelers to arrive at the airports unprepared.

Update: The State of Hawai’i is ending its Safe Travels program on March 26, 2022. Passengers arriving from domestic points of origin will no longer have to show proof that they’ve been vaccinated against COVID-19 or had a negative test result before travel begins. International visitors still need to follow federal guidelines for entry into America!

In order to improve passengers’ experiences at Hawaii airports, several airlines including Hawaiian, United, Alaska, and Southwest Airlines offer Safe Travels pre-clearance to passengers flying to Hawaii from select departure cities. However, many passengers are not aware of the process and fail to obtain the pre-clearance wristband by the boarding time. The airlines’ personnel typically would send these passengers back for pre-clearance. I have seen several people growl out of frustration because they had to stand in line for boarding, then stand in line for pre-clearance, and then stand in line again for boarding!

I’m sure you don’t want to be one of them!

With the right information and preparation, you will be able to go through pre-clearance at departure or clearance on arrival like a breeze. This article will help you understand Hawaii’s current travel restrictions and Hawaii Safe Travels’ requirements. Whether you are a non-vaccinated or a vaccinated traveler, you will find the step-by-step instructions to prepare for your travel to Hawaii. In the case that you will have to self-quarantine, I have also included some important guidelines for you to be familiar with the process.

Hawaii Tourism Restrictions & Requirements

Travel to Hawaii from Mainland

All travelers entering Hawaii must self-quarantine for 10-days or meet the requirements of the Hawaii Safe Travels program.

Hawaii Interisland Travel

The interisland travel quarantine expired on June 14, 2021. As a result, there are no longer any interisland restrictions or requirements for travelers who are not subject to quarantine. 

Hawaii Safe Travels: COVID-19 Pre-Entry Requirements

Hawaii Safe Travels program allows certain travelers to bypass the state’s quarantine requirements by obtaining pre-entry clearance with proof of vaccination or negative Coviv-19 Test. You will have to complete the State of Hawaii Safe Travels program application form, upload a COVID-19 test result or vaccination record card, complete a health questionnaire, and obtain a QR code prior to departure. Knowing the requirements and coming to the airports prepared will significantly reduce your screening and processing time on arrival.

hawaii safe travels screen

Digital Health Pass

  • AZOVA: COVID testing and vaccination record verification for ages 2+ from any mainland or US territory point of departure. You can choose to get the confirmed Vaccine Record Health Pass for $10 or a Verified Vaccine Record Health Pass and Full Vaccine Record for $25.
  • CLEAR: COVID test or vaccine record verification for travelers from any mainland U.S. point of departure.
  • CommonPass: a digital health app that you can use to present standardized, verifiable proof that you were vaccinated or tested negative for COVID-19. It is free for users and available on both iOS and Android

Travel Requirements for Fully Vaccinated Travelers

As of July 8th, 2021, the State of Hawaii began granting quarantine exceptions to travelers on domestic flights (from U.S. states and territories) who have been fully vaccinated.

Hawaii Safe Travels Eligibility

Travelers vaccinated in the U.S. or U.S. Territories may participate in the Hawaii Safe Travels program starting on the 15th day after their FINAL shot. That means you are eligible for the Hawaii Safe Travels on the 15th day after the second dose of the Pfizer or Modern vaccine — or starting the 15th day after the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Actions to Take before Arriving at the Airport

  • If you are at the age of 18 or older, create a Safe Travels Hawaii online account (https://travel.hawaii.gov)
  • Log in and enter one or more of your upcoming trips to Hawaii with travel dates and flight information (under “Trips”). You can add accompanying children under the age of 18 to your profile.
  • Click “Apply for Exemption/Exception from Quarantine” and upload the required vaccination documentation
  • Click “Health Questionnaire” to complete the health questions within 24 hours prior to your flight. You will receive an email confirmation with the QR code after completion.
  • Remember to bring your physical CDC-issued vaccination record card on the day of your travel, unless you have used the Digital Health Pass Partners (AZOVA, CLEAR and CommonPass) to link the vaccination records to your Hawaii Safe Travels account.
  • Remember to pack your masks or facial coverings in your carry-on luggage. If you use disposable masks, make sure you have enough for the duration of your trip.

Airlines and Airport Protocols

  • While being at the airports, you will have to wear a mask and keep physical distance to others.
  • After check-in, go to your gate and ask for the Hawaii Safe Travels pre-clearance.
  • Theoretically, you can show the QR code from your email. However, the airlines personnel may ask you to log in to the Safe Travels Hawaii online account (https://travel.hawaii.gov) to show the QR code from there. As a result, you should have the account logged in to expedite the process in case they ask.
  • You may also have to present your physical CDC-issued vaccination record card, unless your vaccine records are digitally validated by Digital Health Pass Partners (AZOVA, CLEAR and CommonPass). If you use these partners to link your digitally validated vaccine records with Hawaii Safe Travels, you won’t have to show your physical vaccination record card at the airport.
  • After the airlines staff is okay with the documents you present, they will give you a pre-clearance wristband.
  • If pre-clearance is not available at your departure cities, be prepared and have your documents and QR code ready upon arrival at Hawaii airports.

Non-Vaccinated Travelers’ Travel Requirements

Non-vaccinated travelers (including children under 12 years old) can use the pre-travel test to bypass quarantine.

Hawaii Safe Travels Eligibility

Non-vaccinated travelers wishing to use the pre-travel test to bypass quarantine can do so by obtaining a negative test result no more than 72 hours before beginning the final leg of their trip. Hawaii Safe Travels will only accept Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) from a certified Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA) lab test results from trusted testing and travel partners. 

Actions to Take before Arriving at the Airport

  • If you are at the age of 18 or older, create a Safe Travels Hawaii online account (https://travel.hawaii.gov)
  • Log in and enter one or more of your upcoming trips to Hawaii with travel dates and flight information (under “Trips”). You can add accompanying children under the age of 18 to your profile.
  • Click “Apply for Exemption/Exception from Quarantine” and upload the required negative test result. Please keep in mind that it has to be taken within 72 hours of the final leg of your trip
  • Click “Health Questionnaire” to complete the health questions within 24 hours prior to your flight. You will receive an email confirmation with the QR code after completion.
  • Remember to bring your physical negative test result on the day of your travel, unless you have used the Digital Health Pass Partners (AZOVA, CLEAR and CommonPass) to link the negative test results to your Hawaii Safe Travels account.
  • Remember to pack your masks or facial coverings in your carry-on luggage. If you use disposable masks, make sure you have enough for the duration of your trip

Airlines and Airport Protocols

  • While being at the airports, you will have to wear a mask and keep physical distance to others.
  • After check-in, go to your gate and ask for the Hawaii Safe Travels pre-clearance.
  • Theoretically, you can show the QR code from your email. However, the airlines personnel may ask you to log in to the Safe Travels Hawaii online account (https://travel.hawaii.gov) to show the QR code from there. As a result, you should have the account logged in to expedite the process in case they ask.
  • You may also have to present your physical negative test results, unless your test results are digitally validated by Digital Health Pass Partners (AZOVA, CLEAR and CommonPass). If you use these partners to link your digitally validated negative test results with Hawaii Safe Travels, you won’t have to show your physical results at the airport.
  • After the airlines staff is okay with the documents you present, they will give you the pre-clearance wristband.
  • If pre-clearance is not available at your departure cities, be prepared and have your documents and QR code ready upon arrival at Hawaii airports.

Hawaii Quarantine Guidelines

If you arrive in Hawaii without participating in the Hawaii Safe Travels program or if the correct forms are not uploaded and validated prior to your departure, you will be subject to the 10-day mandatory self-quarantine requirements:

  • During your self-quarantine, you cannot leave your room under any circumstances, except for a medical emergency or to depart the state.
  • You cannot rent a car in Hawaii for the duration of your self-quarantine.
  • You are not allowed to stay in short-term rentals and vacation rentals on Kauai, Maui and the island of Hawaii if you are under self-quarantine.
  • If you violate the terms of the 10-day mandatory self-quarantine, you may face fines of up to $5,000 and one year in prison.

Indeterminate/Inconclusive Test Results

If you receive an indeterminate result or inconclusive result prior to departure, you will be placed in 10-day quarantine upon arrival. 

  • Even if you receive a negative test result while you are in quarantine in Hawaii, you will still need to remain in quarantine for 10 days.
  • If you receive a positive test result while you are in quarantine in Hawaii, you will be required to go into isolation until you recover and at least 10 days have passed since the start of symptoms or positive test as well as at least 24 hours have passed without a fever without the use of fever reducing medicine.

Helpful Websites Regarding Coronavirus in Hawaii

  1. Official State of Hawaii Safe Travels Website: https://travel.hawaii.gov
  2. Department of Health Hawaii: https://health.hawaii.gov

Key Takeaways: Hawaii Safe Travels Preparation to Save Time at the Airports

In order to save time for you and others at the airports, you should get your documents ready in advance. Start with filling out trip details on Hawaii Safe Travels, complete an application form, upload a COVID-19 test result or vaccination record card, complete a health questionnaire, and obtain a QR code prior to departure. If you prepare for all the requirements in advance, it will significantly reduce your airport screening and processing time!

Other Hawaii (HI) Travel Resources

  1. How to Tour Hawaii & Do More Things for Less Money $$$
    • List of the best things to do in Hawaii and how to maximize the value of Go City Pass
  2. How to Find the Best Hawaiian Luau in Oahu, Hawaii
    • Reviews of the best Hawaiian Luaus in Oahu and tips to get the best experiences
  3. Hawaii Itinerary Without a Car — Should You Rent a Moped?
    • Itineraries and tips to cope with the rental car shortage in Hawaii
  4. Best Places to Visit in 6 Major Hawaii Islands
    • Hawaii Travel Guide to help you pick the best Hawaii islands for your visit