It’s summer vacation…and tourism is booming on Maui! We are welcoming over 6,000 visitors arriving into Maui each day, and the island is drawing very close to its pre-pandemic tourism numbers. If you’re planning a visit to Maui this summer, here are the latest updates you need to know:

• Travelers from the U.S. can bypass the State of Hawaii’s mandatory 10-day quarantine if they have negative COVID-19 test results from a Trusted Testing Partner within 72 hours prior to their flight. Currently, the pre-travel test is still required--even if you are vaccinated. It’s likely that sometime this summer an exemption will be implemented for vaccinated travelers, but that is not yet the case.

• The same pre-travel test requirement also applies to travelers who are visiting more than one island. If you arrive into one island (like Oahu) on a trans-Pacific flight and immediately transfer to a flight to another island, there is no additional pre-travel test required. However, if you are staying for a while on one island then planning to travel to another island, you will be required to have a Covid test done here in Hawaii within 72 hours prior to your interisland flight. At this time, travelers who were vaccinated IN HAWAII are exempt from this requirement. All others must follow the pre-travel testing requirement for inter-County flights.

• There is a nationwide rental car shortage (for various reasons relating to the pandemic), and it is currently at a critical level in Hawaii. Rental cars are in short supply on Maui, and those that are available last-minute are outrageously expensive. It is highly recommended that you reserve your rental car (or at least assure yourself of availability) well in advance BEFORE you make your other travel arrangements to Maui. Here’s some official info about the rental car situation in Hawaii. And here’s a great blog with ideas for other transportation options on Maui.

• Good News! The post-arrival rapid test that was mandatory for travelers arriving into Maui beginning May 4th will end on June 4th. Only the pre-arrival testing will be required after that date.

• More Good News! Hawaii's statewide mask law has been amended and people (regardless of vaccination status) are no longer required to wear masks outdoors. However, masks are still required indoors of EVERYONE—whether vaccinated or not (that means in hotel lobbies, restaurants, stores, indoor attractions, etc.). And there are still laws requiring social distancing and limited occupancy for many businesses. If you are not comfortable with these requirements and restrictions, we respectfully ask that you please NOT visit Maui now. Wait and visit us later when there is no longer a pandemic and you can enjoy our island under more normal circumstances. We all look forward to that time!

For more information on travel requirements to Maui, take a look at my blog: Visiting Maui During COVID – What You Need To Know.

We look forward to welcoming you to Maui when you are ready to travel again! With tourism rebounding so strongly, it’s getting harder to find many “deals and steals” for coming months. However, a few of our advertisers are currently offering specials, so check out the great book-direct deals below! Follow the links for more information, then book with the property of your choice using the contacts provided.  

Mahalo (thank you) for subscribing* to our MAUI DEALS & STEALS newsletter. I’ll send you another update and the latest new book-direct deals next month. Meanwhile, follow us on Facebook, as we continue to share beautiful photos and updates from our island.