GOOD NEWS! MAUI WILL REOPEN TO VISITORS ON AUGUST 1!

Our Governor announced last week that Hawaii will implement a pre-travel testing program that will allow us to welcome visitors to the islands without quarantine beginning on August 1. Arriving travelers with a recent (within 72 hours of flight) negative COVID-19 PCR test will not be subject to quarantine. Travelers will also be required to fill out a COVID-related health form that will be verified upon arrival in Hawaii, and all arriving passengers at Hawaii airports will undergo thermal screening to check temperatures.

Our state is now in the process of partnering with various health care providers that will make the required test available to Hawaii travelers (cost to be paid by traveler) within 72 hours of their flight date, provide a quick turn-around for the test results, and provide the necessary verification. There are still many unanswered questions about this process (what about children? international travelers? will this be the nasal swab test? what is the cost?, etc.), as all of the logistics are still being worked out. More details will be released in coming weeks, so please be patient as the procedures are finalized. The Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau website at www.gohawaii.com is a good place for reliable updates and more details as they become available, so keep an eye on that site.

Travelers who choose not to get the pre-travel COVID test will be subject to the mandatory 14-day quarantine that has been in effect in Hawaii since March 26. The quarantine requires that travelers stay INSIDE their hotel room for the entire 14 days. Quarantined travelers are not allowed to rent a car, go grocery shopping, go to the beach or hotel pool or do anything outside of their room. The quarantine is strictly enforced, with hefty fines and/or imprisonment for those who violate the laws. We take the quarantine very seriously here. It is not a game. So, we respectfully ask that if you do not want to be pre-tested and you do not intend to abide by our quarantine laws, please do not come to Hawaii right now.

Due to Hawaii’s vulnerability as isolated islands with limited medical resources, our state is taking a cautious approach to reopening. With COVID-19 still so active and uncontrolled in mainland U.S. states and other countries, Hawaii has made public health and safety the top priority. We are excited about reopening to the world, but we need to do it carefully in order to minimize the risks. We need to keep our residents and visitor industry workers safe from potential infection and make sure the islands continue to be a safe destination for you, our visitors. You can help us when you’re here by following recommended protocols such as social distancing, handwashing, and wearing a mask in public places (currently required in Maui, except at beaches and parks). With your kokua (cooperation), we can keep Hawaii safe for everyone as you enjoy our beautiful islands.

We look forward to welcoming you to Maui with genuine aloha starting in August, and our island community is already starting to prepare for your arrival! Below are some great book-direct offers for you from our advertisers--valid for travel ranging from August well into next year.

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