Visiting Hawaii during the pandemic is a little different, but not really a big deal for us so far.
The arrival process was fairly simple. You upload a negative Covid-19 tests into the Safe Hawaii website prior to leaving for the trip. The test must be taken no more than 72 hours prior to the LAST LEG of your flight and it must be from an approved list of test administrators. You then create an account online at the Safe Hawaii site, share your travel plans (hotel name/address) and your phone number for contact tracing. Fill out a questionnaire.
When you arrive at the airport, they ask you to pull up your account on the site. Then show them a QR code that has been attached to the results. They ask 3 or 4 questions (have you had a fever, been in contact with anyone with CV-19, etc), take your temperature and then send you on your way. It takes less than 5 minutes. You’ll need the QR code again for a rental car and also to check-in to a hotel.
If you’re thinking of visiting Hawaii during the pandemic, go to the “share” button on your phone’s website browser. Then select the option that says “add to home screen” and it’ll add the website to the home screen like an app (on an iphone). You’ll need it throughout the island. They require a peek at it and to take your temperature if you want to eat inside any restaurants or do any indoor activities. They’ll also require you to fill out a contact tracing form that includes your hotel address, so have that handy too.
Mask Mandate
As for masks, they are required pretty much everywhere. The official word is that they’re required in all public places, including the beach. What we’ve experienced so far though has been that about 50% of the people on Waikiki beach are wearing them, the rest are not. Most remove them when they’re settled into their beach spot. And we didn’t see anyone in the water with one on. A lot of people wear them when walking the beach, but many are not. When we entered Hanauma Bay yesterday, they required us to put them on, even in the car while driving to park. Same for the nature preserves we stopped in, they asked us to put them on and keep them on. We’ve noticed a majority of people keep them on, but pull them down when no one is around, then back up again when strangers approach.
Many restaurants are open like normal. Some are still only doing take away service but many are offering dine-in as well. Many restaurants are requiring that a mask be worn at the table, unless actively eating.
On Waikiki Beach, many more masks are being worn than Haleiwa and some of the smaller northern towns. They’re wearing them indoors but very few were seen in public or on any beaches.
The contact tracing and mask wearing might be a huge deterrant for some, but there are upsides as well. Waikiki beach probably has the least amount of people on it than there has been in decades. It’s quiet and relaxing and perfect!