hawaii tourist ban

Hawaii is set to ease restrictions as it welcomes back tourists

Nov 5, 2021 • 3 min read

Hawaii is easing some COVID-19 restrictions as travelers return © Matt Munro / Lonely Planet

As the COVID-19 situation continues to improve across the state, Hawaii  will lift capacity restrictions for many outdoor activities—and in keeping with the rest of the United States , international and domestic travelers will be welcomed back to the islands beginning November 8. 

Gov. David Ige made the announcement on capacity restrictions this week. He had previously asked in August that would-be travelers postpone their trip to Hawaii until the latest wave of Delta-driven infections had settled. It was a request, rather than an outright travel ban, to give Hawaii time to recover.

Summer in Hawaii had seen a surge in coronavirus case numbers across the state that overwhelmed the health service and strained resources. But now case numbers are steadily decreasing , and the percentage of the population that's fully vaccinated is on the rise. “Our state continues to see one of the lowest incidences of COVID-19 and death rates related to the virus," Gov. Ige said in a press release . "As more and more people are vaccinated, we are moving to ease pandemic mitigation measures—including travel restrictions—in a way that ensures the health and safety of our communities.”

Read more: This Hawaiian island plans for fewer visitors as it pushes for sustainable tourism

For direct international travel from November 8 onward, US citizens have two options: fully vaccinated travelers will have to show proof of vaccination and present a test taken within three days of boarding their flight to the US, while those not fully vaccinated will have to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result within one day of boarding their flight to the US. 

Non-US citizens will be required to show both vaccination records and a negative COVID-19 test result taken within three days of boarding a flight to the US. Passengers failing to meet these requirements will be denied boarding. 

For non-direct international travel—i.e., international passengers who enter the US from another state or territory—you'll need to complete the Safe Travels Hawaii form  before departure and, to bypass quarantine, either upload your vaccination record or a negative NAAT test result taken no more than 72 hours before the start of your trip.

Meanwhile, the executive order easing capacity limits goes into effect November 12. "Outdoor activity at restaurants, bars, and social establishments are no longer subject to restrictions (such as masks, mingling, and six feet of distance). Indoor activity will continue restrictions as normal," the governor tweeted November 3. "Indoor capacity for all indoor high-risk activities is set at 50% unless the county implements a policy requiring vaccination or negative COVID-19 test, in which case, there is NO capacity limit. This includes gyms, as well as bars, restaurants, and social establishments."

It's worth noting that although things are improving in Hawaii, the situation could change suddenly. Gov. Ige has  said that officials will "continue to monitor case counts and hospitalizations in the islands and adjust as needed while prioritizing the health and safety of our residents." Always check the latest public health guidelines before traveling. For more information on COVID-19 measures, see the Hawaii Tourism Authority website .

Read more: A new law will ban swimming with Hawaii's spinner dolphins 4 ways Hawaii is coping with a tourist influx as COVID-19 restrictions lift The 10 best hikes in Hawaii serve up stunning island views

This article was first published Oct 20, 2021 and updated Nov 5, 2021.

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Hawaii Reopening to Visitors

Safe Travels to end March 26, 2022 for domestic travelers

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Hawaii Reopens to Tourism

Things to know about visiting a reopening hawaii, pre-travel testing program now allows the bypass of quarantine, last updated: march 1, 2022, at 6:30 pm hst, 'safe travels' program ends march 25th for domestic travelers .

According to Governor Ige, the state of Hawaii will drop the current 'Safe Travels' program for domestic travelers at midnight on  March 25, 2022 . The governor made the announcement on Tuesday - March 1st. Governor Ige continues to urge people to continue taking precautions, and a decision on the mask mandate will follow.

Under the new guidelines, the  first-day travelers could visit  the state without Safe Travels restrictions will be  March 26th .

That now means beginning March 26, 2022, domestic travelers to Hawaii will  no longer need to fill out online forms via Safe Travels, no longer have to worry about QR codes, no longer have to provide proof of vaccination, and ultimately, there won't be any additional requirements or restrictions to fly to Hawaii  on a domestic flight.

Quicklink Hawaii Resources

• More information on the current travel rules & restrictions can be found on our updated page for:  Hawaii Travel Restrictions →
• A complete list of the trusted travel partners, for pre-travel testing, can be found here:  Hawaii Trusted Travel Partners & Test Costs →
• Details and thorough information on Hawaii's pre-travel testing can be found on our:  Hawaii Testing Requirements & Test Procedures →
• Additional details on Hawaii's policy for vaccinated travelers can be found in our updated article:  Hawaii COVID-19 Vaccination Policies →
• Detailed information on Hawaii's use of Health/Vaccine 'passports' can be found in our article:  Hawaii Vaccine & Health Passport Travel →
• We've created a page dedicated to the day-by-day updates that are occurring within Hawaii:  Hawaii COVID-19 Travel News & Headlines →

Editor's Note...

Hawaii's re-opening has honestly been an evolving process with numerous changes and ongoing updates. We recognize that this, unfortunately, causes confusion to potential travelers, and we are continuing to monitor this situation closely. We will provide additional updates here regularly , from official sources , on this page as additional information becomes available to us. We also encourage our readers to sign up for our 'Hawaii Travel Update' emails to receive pertinent information on all of the recent developments regarding travel to Hawaii.

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Planning a Hawaii Trip? Here's What to Know Before You Go

By Kris Fordham

Hawaii welcomed tourists back to its islands beginning October 15, allowing travelers to forgo its mandatory 14-day quarantine if they are able to provide a negative COVID-19 test prior to arrival. Since then, more than 100,000 travelers (an average of 6,000 per day, according to the Hawaiian Tourism Authority) have flocked to Hawaii , a five-fold increase from the previous month, with most travelers coming from mainland United States.

The move, while a boost for Hawaii's struggling economy, which remains almost entirely reliant on tourism, has been met with backlash from locals. Rightfully, they worry that relaunching tourism—as cases surge on the mainland, no less—will result in a spike of coronavirus cases on the islands. 

If you're thinking of visiting Hawaii in the coming months, here's everything you need to know before booking—so you can visit safely and responsibly. 

Getting there

Under the government's Safe Travels program, travelers to Hawaii can now skip thequarantine by registering on the online portal and taking a FDA-authorized nucleic acid amplification COVID-19 test administered by an approved Trusted Testing Partner before flying (tests range from $90-$150). Some airlines, like Hawaiian and United , also offer pre-flight in-home testing via mail-in kits (for $119), as well as express testing options that deliver results within 24 hours ($150). In any case, the test must be taken at least 72 hours before the flight's departure, and the negative test result must be uploaded to the portal before boarding.

Don’t receive your results in time? You’ll still be allowed to fly, but will be subject to a quarantine upon arrival in Hawaii until proof of a negative test is uploaded to the Safe Travels portal. Don’t want to take a test at all? You’ll also be allowed to fly, but are required to quarantine in your hotel room or lodging for 14 days upon arrival in Hawaii.

Some islands have implemented further safety measures on top of state testing requirements. On the Big Island, out-of-state visitors are required to take an additional rapid-response COVID-19 test upon arrival, administered free of charge at any of its three airports. On Kauai and Maui, a second voluntary test three days after arrival is encouraged, but not mandatory. All Hawaii travel restrictions and mandates, by state and county, can be found on the Hawaiian Tourism Authority's website , which is updated regularly.

Protecting locals

While you certainly can travel to Hawaii right now, does it mean that you should? According to many Hawaiian locals—despite how devastating the pandemic has been on the economy—the answer is “not yet.”

“This is not a time to travel,” says Angela Keen, a veteran TV journalist and the co-founder of the community action group Hawaii Quarantine Kapu Breakers. The group's 6,600-plus volunteers help to advocate and enforce COVID-safe practices island-wide, and were instrumental in pushing local government officials for a statewide mask mandate. “Our volunteers—some of whom are airport screeners—have witnessed droves of visitors arriving at the airport with masks on their chins, crowded closely next to each other,” she adds. “It's not safe for visitors, and it's not safe for residents. It’s good that the state does the pre-travel testing, but what the Big Island and Kauai are doing with the second test has proven that people coming in think they’re negative, and are actually positive.”

Reports of maskless tourists gathering on Waikiki Beach have been circulated by local news outlets. 

Some have been concerned by groups of unmasked tourists crowding the trail to Koko Head despite the statewide mask mandate, putting the health of locals at risk. Similarly, reports of tourists gathering maskless on Waikiki Beach have been circulated on  local news outlets , provoking ire among locals, who worry that tourists are using their home as a playground, with no respect for local regulations.

"Most of the travelers we've encountered recently don't appear to care about COVID-19 or our emergency mandate,” adds Keen, who is a COVID-19 survivor herself. “When kindly reminded by our volunteers about the mask mandate and handed a mask, we’ve been met with expletives, the middle finger, and even screaming.”

In the past month, cases in the state have continued to rise, with an average of 99 cases per day in the past seven days—a 36 percent increase from the average just two weeks earlier. Though some health officials attribute the rising cases to community spread and not increased tourism, others argue that many of the recent cases are either directly or indirectly related to tourism . Whatever the case, the fact remains that the situation in Hawaii is still volatile, and the islands’ healthcare system is limited and ill-equipped to handle another surge. Studies also reveal that in the case of a “moderate spread,” Hawaii would need almost four times the number of its available hospital beds—a number that does not account for virus-stricken tourists.

But other locals argue it's not as simple as shutting visitors out.

"We need to find an equilibrium between the safety and health of our community, and addressing the damage caused by the high rates of unemployment," says a hotel refurbishment contractor based on Oahu, who asked to remain anonymous. "It would be different if we had another major export. But tourism is our dominant industry, and there are countless other sectors tied to that, like the food supply chain, retail and restaurants. As long as tourism remains regulated, government mandates are clear and visitors respect them, I think we can achieve something of a balance.”

Staying safe

In the midst of a global pandemic, the best way to keep yourself and others safe is to simply stay home . But if you do choose to visit, it is necessary to be aware of and follow all local mandates in order to minimize risk.

By Jessica Chapel

By Emily Pennington

By Charlie Hobbs

By Kaitlin Menza

Presently, there is a statewide mask mandate in effect. Wearing a mask is required by law when entering an essential business, participating in most activities, traveling on public transportation, and when outdoors, if you cannot maintain a physical distance of at least six feet from others (including members of your household). Those caught violating the emergency order rules can face a fine of up to $5,000 and/or up to a year in jail.

Currently, all Hawaii restaurants are open for indoor dining at 50 percent capacity, though dining is limited to parties of five people per table and masks must be worn at all times except when actively eating or drinking. Indoor attractions such as museums, shopping malls, bowling alleys, and zoos are also open at 50 percent capacity, with groups limited to five people. All of Hawaii's parks, beaches, and trails are also open, though visitors must practice physical distancing and wear a mask at all times.

If you do decide to visit Hawaii, the key is mālama : the Hawaiian value of caring for, and protecting, the land and its people. This could mean everything from respecting local mandates (and those who they’re designed to protect) to patronizing local businesses .

“Hawaii has the most precious and unique culture, people, and history," adds Keen. "We have animals and plants that exist nowhere else in the world, that's how special this place is. If you do come, wear a mask, be respectful, buy local, wash your hands, socially distance, and there will be appreciation from those of us who live here. But I'd rather you come when it's safer for everyone."

We're reporting on how COVID-19 impacts travel on a daily basis. Find all of our coronavirus coverage and travel resources here.

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Hawaii is easing restrictions and preparing to welcome back tourists.

The state is eager for its vacation industry to rebound after a devastating 2020 season.

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Hawaii Eases Covid Restrictions

Gov. david y. ige announced his state would welcome international tourists again and lift capacity limits later this month on bars, restaurants and gyms in counties that require patrons to present proof of vaccination or a recent negative covid test to enter..

Indoor activities at restaurants, bars and social establishments must continue to require patrons remain seated with their party, maintain six feet of distancing between groups, do not mingle and wear masks at all times, except when actively eating or drinking. Effective Nov. 12, two changes will take effect. Outdoor activity at restaurants, bar and social establishments will no longer be subject to these restrictions. Regarding capacity for indoor high-risk activities such as restaurants, bar and social establishments, indoor capacity is set at 50 percent, unless the county implements a policy requiring vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test result within 48 hours, in which case, there will be no capacity limits. This does include gyms as well as bars, restaurants and social establishments. The State of Hawaii will align with the federal requirements for entry into the United States for international passengers traveling directly to Hawaii as of Nov. 8.

By Eduardo Medina

Signaling that Hawaii is eager to jump-start its battered tourism and hospitality industries, Gov. David Y. Ige said that his state would ease Covid restrictions this month and welcome international travelers again, under new federal guidelines that go into effect on Nov. 8 .

The governor’s decision was a turnaround for a state that only two months ago was advising travelers not to visit , as it dealt with the worst surge of coronavirus cases it had seen, a wave of illness driven by the highly contagious Delta variant that overwhelmed hospitals and halted Hawaii’s economic recovery.

During the height of the pandemic in 2020, Hawaii endured months of lockdown , imposing strict, 14-day quarantine protocols and suffering the economic consequences to its tourism economy.

Now, with low rates of hospitalizations and new cases, the islands are again ready for business, officials say. On Sept. 2, the state’s seven-day daily average of new cases was 910. As of Tuesday, it had dropped to 116, according to a New York Times database .

On Tuesday, the governor signed an executive order that will lift capacity limits later this month on bars, restaurants and gyms in counties that require patrons to present proof of vaccination or a recent negative coronavirus test to enter. Hawaii is divided into four main counties — one for the big island; one for Oahu; one for the islands in between, including Maui and Molokai; and one for the islands west of Oahu, including Kauai.

At a news conference, Mr. Ige said the state’s vaccination campaign, which has inoculated about 60 percent of the eligible population, had driven new cases and hospitalizations down to a level that makes it possible to ease restrictions.

“The vaccination is the most widespread and important mitigation measure during this pandemic that each of us can take personal action to implement,” the governor said in a news conference .

The executive order from the governor comes two weeks after he announced that fully vaccinated domestic tourists would be welcome to visit the islands again starting Nov. 1.

Counties that don’t require proof of vaccinations or a negative coronavirus test will still have to limit capacity in bars, restaurants and gyms to 50 percent, according to the order.

The order also says that patrons must maintain six feet of distance and wear masks while inside restaurants and bars, except while eating or drinking — a measure that the mayor of Honolulu, Rick Blangiardi, questioned.

Mr. Blangiardi said in a statement that keeping the social-distancing requirement would prevent some businesses from operating at full capacity and “does not move the needle forward for many of the impacted restaurants and bars.”

Still, the governor’s order was evidence that the state was making progress on the pandemic, some officials said.

“We’re slowly starting to come out of it, which is good,” Brandon J.C. Elefante, a Honolulu City Council member, said in an interview on Wednesday. “I think that’s an important step as we kind of ease up on some of the restrictions, while still keeping a close watch on our positivity rate,” he said.

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Hawaii Governor To Tourists: Stay Away

Hawaii Gov. David Ige on Monday called on tourists to steer clear of Hawaii, as Covid-19 cases continue to surge, overtaxing the state’s health care system.

Ige stopped short of imposing the sort of travel restrictions that effectively shut down Hawaii’s tourism industry when he put them in place in March 2020. Instead, the governor called on people to voluntarily postpone non-essential travel to and from Hawaii until after October.

“They would have a much, much better experience” if tourists wait until the late fall to visit the islands, Ige said on Monday.

The governor said the administration is asking tourism companies to let would-be travelers know Hawaii is simply not fully prepared for them. Restaurants are operating at half capacity, for instance, and there’s a severe shortage of rental cars, he noted.

Ige acknowledged asking tourists not to come could seriously hurt small businesses that have only just begun to recover.

“Certainly our call to reduce travel to the islands to only essential business will have an impact on the numbers that come here,” he said.

But he said the bigger risk is to do nothing and let hospitals become overwhelmed.

“As a community that’s a risk we have to take,” he said.

Tourism industry executives expressed general support for Ige’s call. But it wasn’t clear how much the companies would be willing to discourage customers.

Jerry Gibson, president of the Hawaii Hotel Alliance, a hotel trade group, said the organization supports the governor’s message. But Gibson declined to say whether the industry would take steps to reduce demand for leisure travel, for instance, by raising rooms rates so high that people would not want to come.

Instead, he said, travelers already were beginning to shy away from Hawaii, as the delta variant dampened the appetite for travel.

“Organically it’s already happening,” he said.

In a written statement, Gibson elaborated, saying: “With Hawaii’s hospitals on the brink of disaster and the Delta variant raging through the unvaccinated community throughout our islands, the Hawaii Hotel Alliance stands with Governor Ige and our four county Mayors reemphasizing the need to tackle this pandemic head-on. For everything there is a season, and in this moment in time the hotel industry is focusing our efforts on supporting our city, state, and federal leaders, first responders and our medical community in dealing with this pandemic.”

Ige said he met with some airlines on Friday and that they agreed to consider conducting what amounts to a reverse marketing campaign: sending the message that tourists aren’t wanted, at least for now.

“I did ask, and all the airlines said they would look into doing what they could to amplify the message,” he said.

Ige declined to say which airlines he had met with but said he understood that the industry was still reeling financially from the Covid-19 crisis that grounded many fleets for much of 2020. Ige’s 14-day quarantine for travelers to Hawaii, which is now 10 days and can be sidestepped if a traveler is vaccinated or provides a negative Covid test, largely shut down the visitor industry for much of 2020.

“Certainly I’m fully aware that all of the airlines continue to struggle,” Ige said.

The governor said he couldn’t talk to the airline executives about fares, schedules or flights because doing so could be a violation of antitrust laws.

Alex Da Silva, a spokesman for Hawaiian Airlines, which is the state’s dominant air carrier and one of its largest employers, said the airline supports keeping Hawaii safe. But conspicuously absent from the company’s statement was any mention of amplifying Ige’s message that tourists should stay away.

“Is a lockdown on the table? Yes, it would be.” — Gov. David Ige

“We are acutely aware of the stress on our health care system imposed by new COVID-19 cases, and our hearts go out to those affected,” the airline said in a statement. “We continue to believe that the single most valuable measure to address this crisis is increasing the vaccination rate in our community, which is why we have announced our intent to require our employees to be vaccinated.”

Hawaii House Speaker Scott Saiki was more blunt, noting that public health statistics show residents, not tourists, are mainly responsible for spreading Covid-19.

“The governor did not say anything today that will improve Covid numbers in Hawaii,” Saiki said. “On travel he should have been more specific.”

Saiki noted that public health data shows that tourists in general aren’t responsible for Hawaii’s Covid-19 spread.

So instead of rolling up the welcome mat in general, Saiki said, Ige should have said Hawaii wants all visitors to be vaccinated, or that residents shouldn’t travel to Covid-19 hotspots like Las Vegas.

“I’m afraid we’re headed for another complete state shutdown,” Saiki said.

Ige declined to say what would trigger more severe restrictions but acknowledged it could happen if cases keep growing exponentially.

“Is a lockdown on the table?” Ige said. “Yes, it would be.”

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Update: Hawaii outlines full reopening plans, including dropping all travel and capacity restrictions

Editor's Note

After months of eager anticipation, all systems are nearly a go for full, unrestricted travel to Hawaii .

The one criteria that hinge on it all? Vaccination rates.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige announced detailed plans to make inter-island and trans-Pacific travel easier -- and the eventual elimination of all COVID-19-related restrictions. Notably, this will include travelers vaccinated in Hawaii as well as those vaccinated in the mainland U.S.

Here's what that plan looks like.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our free daily newsletter .

Hawaii Inter-island travel

All inter-island travel restrictions — including testing and quarantine requirements — will end on June 15, 2021. This coincides with the state approaching a 55% vaccination rate. As of June 7, 53% of Hawaii's residents have been fully vaccinated.

Currently, inter-island travelers must either undergo a 10-day quarantine, take an approved test within 72 hours of arrival or provide proof of vaccination in the state of Hawaii (proof of vaccination elsewhere is not permitted).

The state of Hawaii on May 11 rolled out its new vaccine passport program inside its current travel entry system, Safe Travels .

Related: Hawaii's vaccine passport is available — but with two big caveats

Travel between the mainland U.S. and Hawaii

When Hawaii reaches a 60% vaccination rate, individuals vaccinated anywhere in the U.S. (including those in the mainland) will be able to bypass all testing and quarantine requirements with proof of vaccination through the state's Safe Travels program.

Unfortunately, there is no firm date when this will happen. But as noted above, 53% of Hawaiian residents are fully vaccinated (as of June 7).

However, if you were vaccinated within the state of Hawaii, there is an exact date when you can bypass all COVID-19 travel requirements for trans-Pacific travel between the mainland U.S. and Hawaii — June 15.

Related: Everything you need to know about visiting Hawaii

When will all travel and capacity restrictions be lifted?

Gov. David Ige announced that once Hawaii achieves a 60% vaccination rate, restaurants will be allowed to increase their capacity to 75% while up to 25 people can gather indoors and up to 75 people can gather outdoors. This won't impact structured events such as weddings.

Once 70% vaccination is hit, all restrictions on travel will be lifted and the Safe Travels program will end.

Presumably, this means that even if a traveler is not fully vaccinated, they will be allowed to enter Hawaii without having to take a test or quarantine.

In a written press release, Ige said, "The easing of travel restrictions is a direct result of our robust vaccination rate...we need to push hard now so we can get to the point where Safe Travels is no longer needed to keep the people of Hawaii safe."

However, Ige did hint that even if the state does not reach the 70% vaccination threshold, he would still consider lifting travel restrictions if COVID-19 infection rates are low.

Related: I visited a reopened Kauai in Hawaii — 5 things to know before you go

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Hawaii to Officially Welcome Visitors Back to West Maui Next Month — What to Know

Gov. Josh Green issued a proclamation allowing travelers to enter the region impacted most by the devastating wildfires on Oct. 8.

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West Maui will officially welcome visitors again next month following the devastating wildfires that swept the paradise destination in August.

On Friday, Gov. Josh Green signed an emergency proclamation that will lift the travel ban to the area on Oct. 8. The new proclamation reverses previous guidance from Green and Hawaiian Tourism Authority that discouraged travel to West Maui – including Lāhainā, Nāpili, Kāʻanapali, and Kapalua – altogether. 

However, Lāhainā , the wildfires’ impact zone, remains closed to visitors.

To date, at least 115 people have died and 66 remain unaccounted for from the fire that began Aug. 8.

Since Aug. 9, Hawaii’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism estimates the island has lost more than $350 million.

“The passenger count to Kahului Airport decreased by more than 70 percent after the tragedy from 7,000 a day to 2,000 a day,” a Sept. 6 statement released from the department read. “The loss from business closures and visitor expenditures is estimated to be $11 million a day on Maui since Aug. 9, 2023.”

Green’s proclamation comes as a relief for small business owners who depend on tourism and have floundered in recent weeks without concrete guidance from local government officials.

“For us, [the messaging] meant dozens of cancellations as far out as Feb. 2024,” Shawn Ravazzano, owner of Love and Water Photography , told Travel + Leisure , adding that many local businesses are still recovering from COVID shutdowns. “Clients were confused about the message of when to return.”

In an effort to stir economic growth, local resorts including Four Seasons Maui and Hotel Wailea , have incentivized tourism, offering donations to local foundations for every booking.

Ravazzano is hopeful the clear messaging and resort incentives encourage visitors to return.

“Respectful, responsible and sustainable visitation to Maui — and all islands — is, and always should be, the standard,” she said.

Related Articles

Hawaii travel requirements 2024: What travelers need to know

We aim to keep this post updated about Hawaii travel in 2024 with official Hawaii travel restrictions, requirements, and health and safety guidance. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions so you can travel confidently, safely, and responsibly in this new post-pandemic world of ours.

At the end of the post, we share on-the-ground perspectives from local residents and travelers to Hawaii so you can get a sense of what it’s really like.

Hawaii is close to our hearts, as Jedd grew up there and many of our family live on the islands. We have visited Hawaii multiple times since the pandemic, once it was deemed safe.

Last update: January 2, 2024. Originally published: May 2020.

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of our links, we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

* Get our free Post-Pandemic Travel Checklist *

Table of Contents

Is Hawaii open for travel? Can I travel to Hawaii right now?

Travelers to Hawaii can enter without restrictions. A pre-travel test or proof of vaccination are no longer required for domestic  travel to Hawaii.

There are no restrictions for inter-island Hawaii travel .

In accordance with U.S. international arrival rules, travelers arriving from foreign countries no longer need a negative pre-travel test, regardless of vaccination status, as of June 2022.

Foreign visitors (non-US citizens) arriving by air internationally no longer need to show proof of full vaccination as of May 2023.

Maui Wildfire Update

In August 2023, Maui suffered a deadly fire that wiped out the town of Lahaina and prompted evacuation of tourists.

Lahaina remains closed off until further notice while recovery operations are still underway. T he post-wildfire restoration might take a decade.

Lesser affected areas of the West Maui coast reopened November 2023. The rest of Maui is open and welcoming tourists as well.

Check Maui road closure announcements here

Chair of the House Committee on Tourism said: “I know that it is a very difficult path that we are trying to navigate in bringing the tourists back to Maui to be at once respectful of this incredible grief, while also understanding that we cannot afford to add an economic disaster on top of the humanitarian one.”

See the official Hawaii Tourism Authority alert here

Hawaii requirements to enter indoor businesses

You might be wondering: Do I need a health pass, vaccine certificate, or Covid test to enter restaurants, attractions, and other businesses in Hawaii?

Proof of vaccination or negative Covid-19 test are no longer mandated anywhere in Hawaii. Some individual businesses may still set their own requirements for entry.

What are the quarantine rules in Hawaii?

Individuals who test positive for Covid are generally asked to isolate for at least 5 days and at least 24 hours after any fever has resolved. After quarantine, masks should be worn for 5 more days.

Hawaii is no longer enforcing quarantine for travel since the entry requirements have been lifted.

Can I travel to Hawaii in June or July 2024? Can I travel to Hawaii this Summer?

Travel to Hawaii in June is open . Read on for details and check back for updates.

What is it like to fly to Hawaii right now? HNL Honolulu International Airport? It is no longer necessary for travelers to Hawaii to complete the Safe Travels procedure before flying.

Hawaii airports are generally busy and crowds may be difficult to avoid.

Check with your airline about current mask requirements.

Do I have to quarantine when traveling to Hawaii? The Hawaii quarantine requirement for travelers ended March 2022. Those who contract Covid should self-isolate.

Does Hawaii require a negative Covid 19 test for travelers? Travelers no longer need a pre-travel test for Hawaii.

Does Hawaii check COVID-19 symptoms of incoming travelers? No, we have not seen temperature checks for incoming passengers at the airport anymore. 

Does Hawaii require a proof of Coronavirus vaccine for travelers? Proof of vaccination is no longer required for traveling to Hawaii.

Do I need to provide a negative Covid test if I have been vaccinated? There are no test requirements for travel to Hawaii.

Is a booster shot required for travel to Hawaii? At this time, booster shots are not required to visit Hawaii. There is currently no expiration period set for the validity of vaccinations in Hawaii.

When will I be able to visit Hawaii without getting a pre-travel test? As of June 2022, test and vaccination requirements have been lifted for all travel.

What healthcare options are available to travelers in Hawaii who get the virus? Hawaii hospitals and clinics are fully operational, though hospitals have reached capacity where emergency staff were required during surges in cases.

For travel insurance that covers Covid, check out Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing >

What service businesses and restaurants are open in Hawaii? Businesses, retail, and attractions have reopened in Hawaii.

Restaurants, bars, gyms and social establishments no longer have mandated capacity limits. Hawaii does have staffing shortages so lines and longer waits may be experienced.

What gatherings are allowed in Hawaii? Maui, Big Island Hawaii, Oahu, and Kauai no longer have capacity limits or gathering limits.

Are face masks required in Hawaii? Hawaii’s indoor mask mandate ended as of March 2022. Masks are highly recommended indoors in areas with a High risk level.

In times of rising hospitalizations from Covid, health officials have asked the public to continue wearing masks to prevent spread beyond the islands’ hospital capacity.

Are buses running in Hawaii? Hawaii public transportation is running on regular schedules. We see some passengers wearing masks, but it’s not required.

What requirements are there for cruise ships in Hawaii? There are no special rules for cruise ship passengers arriving in Hawaii. According to the CDC, cruise ships may have their own COVID-19 requirements for testing, isolation, quarantine, mask wearing, and dining.

Do you need a passport to visit Hawaii? When flying from other U.S. States, travelers only need identification required for domestic travel . International travelers will need a passport to fly to the U.S., including Hawaii.

Will Hawaii impose new Covid restrictions? What’s next is difficult to predict. Historically, Hawaii has been one of the most proactive and “strict” States when it comes to preventive Covid measures. If strains on Hawaii’s health care system might become unsustainable, we may see renewed restrictions.

How has the Coronavirus impacted Hawaii?

Although Hawaii managed to keep their percentage of case numbers lower than most other States, resources and capacity are much more fragile on the islands .

Hawaii saw a rise in new coronavirus infections late in the summer 2020. Hawaii reopened carefully in 2021 with quarantine and testing protocols in place to reduce virus transmission from travel. In summer 2021, tourism numbers returned to normal levels, despite few international visitors.

Oahu’s reopening strategy in 2021 was originally intended to ease restrictions on Oahu once the vaccination rate reached a certain level. However, a significant surge in delta cases and hospitalizations in August and September 2021 prompted the Governor to temporarily discourage any non-essential travel.

The tiered reopening strategy was then replaced by the Safe Oahu Response Plan, which included proof of vaccination or testing to enter restaurants and businesses.

The emergency proclamation in Hawaii ended March 6, 2022. Hawaii was the last U.S. State to end their indoor mask mandate on March 26, 2022.

More than 3/4 of Hawaii residents have been vaccinated.

Economically, one in three Hawaii workers has been unemployed during the pandemic. Tourism, a major industry in Hawaii, has obviously taken a hit. The economic implications may be significant, yet health and safety remain top priorities.

For the current situation in Hawaii, including: total COVID-19 positive cases; total cases in Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii counties; and COVID-19 testing in Hawaii, please see the Hawaii Department of Health site .

What should you pack for safely traveling in Hawaii 2022?

😷 Face Masks – Face coverings are recommended in crowded public places. Find N95 masks at Bona Fide > or designer options at Vida >

💳 Vaccine Card Holder – Protect that paper CDC card when traveling (if your country doesn’t offer a digital version). Get a simple plastic protector > or Vegan leather clippable > or Leather passport + card combo holder >

👃 Covid self-test – The most studied rapid antigen self-test with FDA authorization. NOT valid to enter countries. Use for your own peace of mind. Order from CVS > or Walmart >

💧 Sealed water bottle – Make sure your reusable water bottle has a lid that’s not exposed to the air. We use one of each of the following: Shop insulated water bottles with protective lid > Shop water bottles with purification filter and protective lid >

✈️ Travel insurance that covers Covid – We’ve started using Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing for affordable evacuation, international medical, and trip coverage.

What do Hawaii locals and recent travelers say about visiting Hawaii now?

What is it like to visit Hawaii right now? It’s our goal to provide regular updates here from real people on the ground, to help potential visitors know what to expect. The following are subjective opinions only. Official travel guidance can be found above.

According to a survey in June 2020, a majority of Hawaii residents support Coronavirus restrictions and are willing to repeat stricter lock down measures.

January 2024 – Intentional Travelers:  “We visited family on Oahu over the holidays. Generally, Covid concerns seem lower than they were in 2023 among our Hawaii family and friends.”

September 2023 – Intentional Travelers:  “ Like everywhere in the world, the concern about COVID in Hawaii depends on who you speak with. Some of our Hawaii family members have expressed concern about rising cases and they wear masks in public areas or large family gatherings. Other family members are not concerned at all.

In most public areas like the airport, stores, shopping malls, etc. the majority of people are not wearing masks. Though everywhere you go, you do see at least a couple of people wearing them. On the airplane flying to Honolulu, of the 170+ passengers, maybe 10 or so were wearing masks.

The local news reports on rising cases, concerns etc. One recent article cited concerns that the tragic disaster in Maui will cause an uptick in cases.”

April 2023 –  Intentional Travelers: “The airport is crowded and tourist activities are back in full swing. Most of our family members in Hawaii are back to normal life, though still very wary of Covid because the health care system on the islands is fragile. Some locals still wear masks in crowds and indoors.”

February 2023 – Melodie of TravelMustDos : “We flew to Hawaii and spent 6 nights on Oahu and 4 nights on Maui. Travel is back to usual with the exception that more people are wearing masks. Hawaii has a lot of visitors from Japan and it appeared many of them wore masks in public places. Masks were also encouraged at the Airport Lounges.

We did not run into any COVID related travel restrictions. We only observed that more people than in the past (pre pandemic) were wearing masks maybe 5-10%. Masks were not required on flights or in public areas. The only email I received regarding wearing masks was for the American Airlines Lounge at HNL. And masks were not required just suggested.”

October 2022 – Karen from https://foreverkaren.com/ , Canadian tourist: “I cruised from Vancouver, Canada, to the Hawaiian Islands, and stayed in Maui for 2 days and Oahu for 3 days. Tourism in Hawaii has returned to the times before the pandemic, although some tours still recommend social distancing and do thorough cleaning after each tour.

Most excursions are operating as before and tour operators said they were very busy. A few restaurant staff wore masks, although it was not required. Restaurants were busy in both Oahu and Maui, and we often had to wait 30 mins for a table. Some attractions have gone to online bookings online and contactless payments at the venue.”

September 14, 2022 – Mirna of AspiringCreativeSoul :  “My husband and I visited Kauai for 6 days in September 2022. All activities were accessible. We did not encounter closures of any kind. Masks were optional everywhere we went, except in a small bus we took to tour a Hawaiian Botanical Garden.

We encountered no crowds any where we went, except for the ticketed events that cater to large groups. We had no concerns about being able to access medical services. Food prices were higher than normal, but we did not encounter food shortages.”

June 2022 – Sophie from We Dream of Travel: “We recently visited Maui and later the Big Island. Traveling to Hawaii is simple in terms of covid at this point. However, the islands have seen a large increase in tourism recently, particularly as domestic travelers are opting to travel to Hawaii rather than international travel. On top of this, there are ongoing issues with staff and supply shortages. Due to this, accommodation is limited, tours and restaurants are often fully booked, and prices have sky rocketed. While it is absolutely worth visiting Hawaii, some advanced planning is required to ensure you have a great vacation.”

April 10, 2022 – Steven, visitor: “Honolulu very much feels like COVID is winding down. Most people are unmasked and places are busy again, but some businesses still have shortened hours in place.”

January 4, 2022 – Michelle, Intentional Travelers: “We flew to HNL on Alaska Airlines, following the same Safe Travels protocols in our previous updates.  We noticed a huge line for the free Covid testing outside of the airport arrivals area. The waits for free walk-up or drive-thru testing are reportedly several hours long. At our favorite coffeeshop with outdoor seating and when picking up to go orders, we were not asked for proof of vaccine or test. We did need to show vaccination cards for a private party at a restaurant. People are wearing masks indoors and many keep masks on outside as well. Our local family are still watching the case numbers carefully with concerns that the healthcare system could be overwhelmed again.”

September 5, 2021 – Jedd, Intentional Travelers: “I returned to Honolulu, Oahu a third time this year to help with more family needs. The flight from Portland to HNL was not very full but the return flight was packed with lots of families. The airport was a little less busy than it has been earlier in the summer but lines were still long. Most locals continue to wear masks indoors and outdoors. My Hawaii family members are very concerned about case rates and risks involved with sending kids back to school. There were rumors about a lock down due spiking hospitalizations, but in reality it sounds like a new vaccination requirement for restaurants and venues on Oahu is what’s actually going to happen.”

August 15, 2021 – E.M., Visitor: “I came to Hawaii (Oahu and the Big Island) for 6 weeks to house sit and to visit a friend, respectively. Technically travelers are allowed right now, however in talking with some locals, they are concerned about the volume of travelers and ability for Hawaii’s resources to be able to handle it. The concern is both for resources here and also for flight capacity to get off the islands if the current state of ‘openness’ changes. My visit to my friend’s house was canceled for this reason. The beaches are still open and I have enjoyed beautiful swims and sunrises. I’ve also loved hiking in the mountains. I have found that masks are mandatory inside everywhere and have seen many people wearing them outside as well. Restaurants have been asking for people to fill out forms for contact tracing. I have heard from locals that hospitals are filling up, but I have no direct anecdotal experience about hospitals, medical centers, or testing here on the islands. Local attractions, shops, and restaurants seem to be open and just requiring masks, social spacing, and contact tracing.”

August 1, 2021 – Permanent Resident, Honolulu: “Our COVID positive numbers in the last 3 days have cumulatively gone past 1,300! I am doing a double masking again in more public areas and have noticed that some of the clerks have even chosen to wear shields on top of their masks. I’m needing to prepare for a potential lockdown, we’ll know in a few days. This delta variant needs to be taken seriously. My poor niece begins school here next week with a double mask.”

July 11, 2021 – Jedd, Intentional Travelers: “ I returned to Oahu to help out with some family matters. I had no problem entering my vaccine information and uploading a picture of the card (from Kaiser Permanente) to the Hawaii Safe Travels account, just like we did with our pre-travel test on our previous trip. Departing PDX was busy and not everyone wore their masks at the ticket counter despite it being a federal requirement at airports. The flight to Honolulu on Alaska was uneventful. Tourism in Hawaii is as busy as ever. I saw the line outside the car rental place at the airport wrapped around the building – apparently there is a shortage of cars and really high demand so rental car prices have skyrocketed. Masks are still required indoors (due to State rules). In tourist areas outdoors not a lot of people are wearing masks. However, I walked to downtown the other day and lots of folks were wearing masks outdoors there. It’s a contrast between locals and tourists. Also, droughts and brush fires are happening on Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island.”

April 2021 – Aunty, Recent Visitor: “ [When arriving on Hawaiian Airlines,] print 2 copies of the pages with all uploads (QR code, Test result, photo upload). They say that smartphone copies are acceptable, but it was easier for us to show our printed copy. I say print 2 copies, one for yourself and another as a backup in suitcase or with companion. Once you depart that plane in HNL you are instructed to follow the maze which leads you to the checkpoint. This line is as long as the amount of people on your plane. For us we had over 200 people. It took about 45 minutes for us to get to our processor. He took 3 minutes with his scanner, checked our ID’s, and passed us. Then we were in for another surprise ..that there is no wiki wiki bus service to take us to baggage claim. So we had to walk another mile and a half to baggage claim which happened to be the very end of Hawaiian baggage claim terminal. So my last tip is to wear comfortable walking shoes & have water. “

March 2021 – Permanent Resident, Honolulu: “The numbers of visitors to the islands keep growing by the 20,000s+ daily. It’s disappointing to see the pictures of people on Waikiki Beach, in restaurants and in bars; so unfair of how our medical system may be affected again.”

March 2021 – Jenn at Cocktails Away , Visitor:   “I flew to Honolulu, Hawaii to work remotely for 10 days in March 2021. Locals are welcoming travelers but prefer that they be respectful of the COVID-19 restrictions that are in place to protect everyone. It’s definitely less crowded than normal but there are still a good number of people visiting the area. Even with strict testing and quarantine protocols (if you weren’t tested) in place, masks are worn at all times in public by most. Contact tracing is in effect as well. Businesses are still operating under limited capacity and hours, so as tourism rates increase, delays and availability may be impacted. Most businesses that were able to withstand the impact of the pandemic are starting to open. Hotels are hosting testing sites and you pass by them as you walk through the city. Vaccinations are still being administered to those 70+ so the rollout for that has been slower than in some states.”

February 2021 – I’m Jess Traveling , Maui resident: “Visitors are welcomed to Hawaii if everyone complies with the mask wearing rules, not gathering in large groups and stays social distanced. Businesses and residents have taken everything seriously since the beginning of the pandemic. Booking ahead for all excursions, dinner reservations and activities is highly encouraged since space is more limited. All travel restrictions are being followed by locals and visitors alike. Maui only has one hospital but since you must prove a negative test before getting on the plane, Maui has not had huge outbreaks. Most, if not all attractions and activities are opened but with limited hours and smaller capacities than before. Live music is also back in many restaurants which gives it all a sense of normalcy.”

January 2021 – Noel at This Hawaii Life , Hawaii resident: “Yes visitors are welcome to Hawaii, providing that they do a pre-Covid test and on some islands, a secondary test each county provides. Masks and social distancing requirements are in effect so that is also an important note to visiting the islands. Most attractions are open for visitors to enjoy along with dining/shopping venues to visit.”

December 2020 – Michelle J, Visitor to the Big Island: “The island of Hawaii has done a good job of managing the COVID-19 pandemic and they are cautious about making sure it stays that way and locals are kept safe and hospital resources are not overwhelmed. “

November 2020 – Bridget, Criterion Travel , Visitor to the Big Island: “A dear friend of mine decided to take a ‘workation’ and rented a condo in Kona for a few weeks.  After traveling to Hawaii, I recommend keeping your Safe Travels Hawaii account information handy and set up your application form ahead of time or the screening and processing time will be longer. I had a layover in Honolulu. This means two forms that include flight numbers etc., uploading negative test result via pdf, answering survey 24 hours prior to departure. Pro tip: Your QR code is your lifeline! There were lots of people bumbling around and they were clogged up in screening and processing because they did not cover their bases. For pre-travel testing, I went with a test kit via Vault Health. It’s the first FDA EUA authorized saliva test on the market. I preferred taking the COVID test in my home and I have a comfort level with technology. I purchased my test for $150 and created an account online. I received my test the very next day! I was careful to follow the instructions and did not open the test until I was ready to take it. I spit into a beaker while under the supervision of a doctor via zoom. I sent it off via my nearest UPS store. The results were ready in plenty of time and received updates online to put me at ease. Upon arrival, military personnel administer selective temperature checks via an infrared thermometer. You also have to scan your QR code and review your form details with an airline representative. The State is paying for an onsite COVID-19 test and it’s administered prior to being allowed to leave the airport. Yes, another one! The multilayered two test approached is really impressive to see in action. Aloha spirit is alive and well on the islands. I was inspired and impressed by the rapid testing options and the pre-travel approval program implementation by the state of Hawaii. People were masked up at the famers market, restaurants and on the trails. Another pro tip: Buy a mask that you feel comfortable in – the heat is not an excuse. I also suggest you pack sanitation wipes to use in the rental car or as needed.”

May 26, 2020 – Resident, Oahu: “Locals worked hard to flatten the curve, and with so many senior citizens in Hawaii, it is discouraging to see travelers flaunting rules and regulations to do as they please on their vacations. It has gotten to the point where a neighbor reported a visitor who was visiting her son for breaking the 14 days quarantine rule… It has become very divisive in some communities. Hawaii is a small state with limited resources. Tourists who choose to travel without regard to existing rules and regulations (which are often difficult to enforce) appear to be selfish and self-absorbed. First responders have had to rescue hikers, swimmers, etc.”

May 26, 2020 – Resident, Big Island: “I’d highly discourage travel to Hawaii from the mainland and vice versa. Currently Big Island Hospital in Hilo has limited ventilators and PPE everywhere, for every health practitioner, is very limited. If travelers come and create a second wave, which everyone is expecting when tourism restarts, we do not have enough resources available on every level. Many locals are doing their part to practice social distancing and feel that tourist should follow the rules like the 14 day quarantine. Tourism is needed to boost the economy, but I take health over money any day. Especially when my family, parents, in-laws, and relatives have medical problems. This second wave and opening up Hawai’i is getting me a little more anxious.”

Even if you can’t go to Hawaii right now, you can still get started planning your Hawaii trip for the future.

Check out our other Hawaii travel resources: – Oahu Hiking Guide for Visitors – One Week Oahu Itinerary & Activities List – Where to Stay on Oahu & Where to Stay in Honolulu Outside Waikiki – Kona, Hawaii on a Budget – Hawaiian language 101 for visitors – What to pack for a week in Hawaii: Packing Checklist

If you have questions or updates about travel to Hawaii during the Coronavirus crisis, please let us know in the comments below.

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Disclaimer: Please note, travel restrictions change frequently. Readers must take responsibility for verifying information through official sources like the State Department and CDC, in respect to their specific situations. No responsibility can be accepted by Intentional Travelers for action or inaction as a result of information provided through IntentionalTravelers.com. Any information provided here is issued as general information only.

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14 Comments

Thank you for your listing . I am going to Hawwaai from Aud=stralia on 29th sept 2022 and it was a bigf help .Lorraine

Thanks, Lorraine. Safe travels!

Just want to confirm that Hawaii is now allowing unvaccinated international travellers. If so, when where the restrictions lifted?

Apologies for the confusion, Alana. I was thinking of testing rather than vaccination with your question. To clarify: Hawaii has the same rules as the rest of the United States, which no longer requires a pre-travel test but does require full vaccination for non-US citizens who are arriving internationally.

I’m surprised the article left out the 3rd option for exemption from quarantine. That’s if you’ve had a recent Covid infection. You can show proof of the positive test and a doctors note indicating you’ve recovered. I’m going that route and was approved for my travel without quarantine for my Feb. 2022 trip.

Thank you for sharing. This exemption does seem to be more common now, and we will update the post to include it.

This guide is incredibly helpful. You’ve really thought through everything you need to know before planning a trip. Thank you for this helpful resource. Saving this guide for later!

If you have received both vaccine shots do you still need to get a negative covid 19 test result prior to travel to Hawaii?

That is a good question and I think many are wondering the same thing about other destinations as well. At this time, there is no special allowance for vaccinated travelers, and we can’t predict what Hawaii might decide to require in terms of vaccines in the future. From what I’ve read, I would guess that most destinations will continue to require a Covid test regardless of the vaccine since the timeline for immunity after vaccination is still uncertain. We’ll be sure to update our post as soon as we know more.

Need to know if CPL Clinical Pathology Labs are approved for Covid testing to Hawaii?

Thanks for your question, Neil. I know there have been some questions about qualifying labs for the test. I don’t see that one on the list currently. You can find it here: https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel-partners/

Hi Michelle! This is good information for anyone who is even thinking about running away to Hawaii to sit this all out. Actually, that’s about all they CAN DO if they go, right? Just sit. And why go to Hawaii for that? But it will be interesting to see what happens in October. I think we are all just waiting until that safe and effective vaccine comes out. ~Kathy

Thanks, Kathy. Yes, right now it seems best to refrain from visiting, especially since the timeline for reopening keeps getting pushed back. Hopefully there will be a clear safe, and sustainable way to move forward soon so that Hawaii’s tourism economy can recover while keeping locals healthy.

Why bother going? I can far more easily and far less expensively sit at home, order food for delivery and watch reruns of Magnum P.I.

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Hawaii set to remove major attraction at cost of $2.5 million as tourists defy ban

Posted: April 29, 2024 | Last updated: April 29, 2024

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Hawaii cites tourism fears in lawsuit over travel ban

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HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii’s white sand beaches, towering volcanoes and relaxing tropical vistas attract millions of visitors annually from around the globe.

But the announcement of President Donald Trump’s second travel ban has stoked fears that the state’s main economic driver — tourism — could take a hit.

Although visitors from the affected countries are relatively few, Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin has warned of a “chilling effect” that could discourage international travel to the U.S. from all corners.

“There are already reports that due to these executive orders and travel bans, people are less inclined to travel to the United States,” he told reporters at a recent news conference.

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Hawaii is suing over the revised ban, saying it goes against the state’s welcoming “aloha” spirit and could do long-term harm to tourism by creating a global perception that the U.S. is an exclusionary country.

It also contends the order will interfere with Hawaii’s commitment to diversity and nondiscrimination; will hurt Hawaii residents with family in the six predominantly Muslim countries named in the ban; and will hinder the University of Hawaii’s ability to recruit talent from those countries. A hearing in the case is scheduled for Wednesday morning.

“The legal issue here is whether an executive order that discriminates by national origin or religion results in any harm, major or minor, to a state,” Chin said in an emailed statement. “If any harm occurs – and we believe it does – the state of Hawaii has standing to sue on the grounds that the order is illegal and unconstitutional.”

Six other states — Washington, California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Oregon — have filed a separate lawsuit alleging the ban is unconstitutional and hurts states’ residents, businesses and educational institutions.

The Justice Department declined to comment on Hawaii’s lawsuit but filed a memo in court opposing it Monday. It rejected Hawaii’s claims about tourism and recruitment as speculation, and said the argument that the order forces Hawaii to tolerate a policy that’s antithetical to its spirit does not give the state standing to sue.

The agency also said the order does not discriminate based on religion because it applies to all individuals in the affected countries — Somalia, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Libya and Yemen — regardless of faith.

According to Hawaii’s lawsuit, more than 6,800 people from the Middle East and 2,000 from Africa visited the state in 2015. During the short time the first executive order was in place, the number of visitors to Hawaii from the Middle East fell from 348 in January 2016 to 278 in 2017.

“You never know when the other shoe will drop and it will be hard for you to get out of the country,” said Mufi Hannemann, the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association’s president and CEO. “It flies in the face of the spirit of aloha, a key reason people come to Hawaii.”

About 5,000 Muslims live in Hawaii, less than 1 percent of the state’s population.

Soufiane Bouharkat, a 40-year-old Hawaii cafe owner, was among dozens gathered at a Honolulu mosque Friday for prayers. He said many of his friends in Europe, where he grew up, are reluctant to visit the U.S.

“They’re just afraid they might be stopped or questioned, and that’s the last thing you want to be is questioned when you come on vacation,” Bouharkat said. “So it will definitely have an impact. As small as it is, it will still be an impact that’s negative.”

In 2016, Hawaii saw 8.9 million visitors who together spent $15.6 billion, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority. On average, that’s about $1,750 per visitor.

The agency doesn’t track spending of visitors from the countries named in the travel ban because there are so few. Tourists from the Middle East and other parts of Africa made up less than 1 percent of all Hawaii visitors last year.

About two-thirds of Hawaii visitors come from elsewhere in the U.S., followed by 17 percent from Japan, 6 percent from Canada, 5 percent from the rest of Asia and 2 percent from Europe, according to 2015 state data.

“The Middle East doesn’t even factor in,” said Chuck Gee, dean emeritus at the University of Hawaii School of Travel Industry Management.

Travel bans related to outbreaks such as bird flu can have a devastating impact on tourism, but those related to security and safety typically don’t, Gee said.

“If they think the ban would make Hawaii safer, it could actually help us,” he said, noting the state is seen as a sound location, so “whenever there is trouble in the world, Hawaii tends to benefit.”

Business travelers booking conventions sometimes cancel travel for political reasons, but independent travelers are less likely to call off trips, Gee added.

Tourists strolling through Waikiki on a sunny afternoon had mixed opinions on the travel ban.

“The underlying problem is the Muslims coming in without them having been checked,” said Peter Broady of Manchester, England. “And it doesn’t have to be a Muslim — it can be anybody. Any religion, any faith. …They need to be checked. It’s only common sense.”

But a couple from Sydney, Australia, felt differently.

“It’s definitely not fair because there’s obviously a lot of innocent people who are caught up with it because of their ethnic backgrounds,” Michael Bills said.

Maui Travel Updates

News Releases

Honolulu named safest city to visit in the world.

For Immediate Release: May 29, 2024 HTA Release (24-13)

24-13 HTA Honolulu Recognized as Safest City in the World.pdf

HONOLULU – Representatives of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association, City and County of Honolulu, and an array of public safety professionals and visitor industry partners made a special announcement during a press conference at the Hawai‘i Convention Center today commemorating Honolulu for being recognized by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection as the “Safest City to Travel to in the World” in 2024. In attendance were: ● Mufi Hannemann, Hawai‘i Tourism Authority Board Chair and Hawaiʻi Lodging & Tourism Association President and CEO ● Mayor Rick Blangiardi, City and County of Honolulu ● Chief Arthur “Joe” Logan, Honolulu Police Department ● Prosecutor Steve Alm, City and County of Honolulu ● Senator Sharon Moriwaki, Hawai‘i State Senate ● Rick Egged, Waikīkī Improvement Association President ● Paul Kosasa, Waikīkī Business Improvement District Board Chair ● Jessica Lani Rich, Visitor Aloha Society of Hawai‘i President & CEO ● Jay Talwar, Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau Senior Vice President of Marketing, Chief Marketing Officer Honolulu secured the top spot in ranked cities to visit for safety in 2024, after being ranked 12th by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection in 2023. Honolulu also came in first for its health measures, women/LGBTQ+/BIPOC safety, and safety from violent crime; second pertaining to terrorism; and third for transportation (roads). The group emphasized the collaborative efforts to ensure Honolulu, the island of O‘ahu and the rest of the Hawaiian Islands remain a safe and secure place for residents and travelers. Hannemann hailed the success of recent programs, public safety workforce, and Hawai‘i’s diverse visitor industry professionals for their “continued commitment to safety and wellbeing of our people.” Hannemann continued, “There is nothing more important than ensuring our residents have safe communities for them to live, work and play, which in turn reinforces travelers’ connections with Hawai‘i as a safe and secure destination they will return to.” According to the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s First Quarter 2024 Visitor Satisfaction and Activity Survey results being issued this week, more than 90 percent of visitors from all markets surveyed rated the Hawaiian Islands as “excellent” or “above average” when it comes to being a safe and secure destination. Hannemann added, “It’s a competitive world and we will not rest on our laurels. We must ensure that people who come here continue to have a safe place to visit.” “Our number one priority is public safety for all of us who live here, which thus extends to those who visit,” said Mayor Blangiardi. “It also shows that the aloha spirit permeates through our people, and travelers come away realizing all this and more. It reaffirms Hawai‘i as a global brand. And when you hear the word Honolulu — no matter where you are — travelers’ attitudes shift as there’s a deep respect for the people of this island.” “As an organization, we are working with our community partners, elected officials and businesses  here to keep the City and County of Honolulu safe for everyone, from partnering on programs such as Waikĩkī Safe and Sound or Weed and Seed in neighborhoods including Chinatown,” said Chief Logan. “We can’t do it alone as we work every single day for Honolulu to be the safest place in the world.” “This recognition is a testament to everyone here about making Honolulu as safe as possible, as well as every other community on O‘ahu,” said Prosecutor Alm. “From the community organizations and neighborhood boards to each individual, it’s about collaboration and working together.” Kosasa shared, “We are thrilled to celebrate Honolulu’s recognition as the ‘Safest City to Visit in the World’ by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection’s State of Travel Insurance Safest Destinations. This accolade highlights the incredible collaboration among all our partners.” Kosasa added, “For the past 24 years, WBID has been steadfast in our mission to maintain Waikīkī as a world class ‘Clean and Safe’ destination. We invest over $4 million annually in safety initiatives, including our Aloha Ambassador program, homelessness and street medicine outreach, and our strong partnerships with law enforcement agencies. This year, we are witnessing remarkable results in crime reduction and a significant improvement in ‘the eye test,’ making Waikīkī safer and more welcoming than ever before. These efforts reflect the success of public-private partnerships and our ongoing commitment to ensuring a secure and vibrant environment for both our residents and visitors.” Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection’s State of Travel Insurance Safest Destinations report is the longest-running and most-trusted research project tracking U.S. travelers’ attitudes toward travel safety and travel insurance. To determine these rankings, BHTP analyzes a combination of the State of Travel Insurance survey responses compiled in September from travelers who have been to the destinations along with several third-party data sources. These additional sources evaluate safety concerns such as terrorism, weather emergencies, health measures and the safety of underrepresented groups.

Media Contacts:

T. Ilihia Gionson Public Affairs Officer Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (808) 973-2255 (o) [email protected]

Thousands flock to Hawaii Island to view Kilauea eruption. What travelers can expect.

Thousands are already flocking to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to witness the stunning Kilauea volcano eruption , which started early Wednesday morning. 

Over 10,000 visited the park on Wednesday day and night, according to Jessica Ferracane, spokesperson for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

That’s three times typical visitor numbers. 

Bystanders can watch fountains of red lava flow out from Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, which for many Hawaiians, is considered sacred . 

“Every eruption is unique,” said Ferracane in an email. “This one has filled Halemaʻumaʻu Crater floor with an additional 20 feet of lava, there are more fountains than the one that last from January 6 to March 7 of this year, and currently there is a fissure on the southwest crater wall that looks like a waterfall of lava flowing into the lava lake.”

Learn more: Best travel insurance

The U.S. Geological Survey said the eruption started at around 4:44 a.m.m Wednesday local time, and changed the volcano alert level from “warning” to “watch.” The volcano is often regarded as one of the world’s most active volcanoes, last erupting this past January until March.  

Here’s what travelers should expect if they want to see the Kilauea volcano.

Is there any danger posed by the Kilauea eruption?

No, the eruption is currently confined to the crater area that’s already closed to guests, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority on Wednesday afternoon. There is no need to change any travel plans because of the volcano.

As of Thursday, the eruption had not caused any additional closures. 

Where is the best place to view the eruption?

The good news is that the eruption is mesmerizing and visible from many vantage points (although weather conditions like fog can affect visibility.)

Some of the best places to view the lava are:

• Kupina’i Pali, or Waldron Ledge
• Overlook near Keanakakoi Crater (Beware, this is the most crowded viewing spot.)

How crowded is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park right now?

Very. Expect major delays and long lines of traffic to even enter the park. Parking lots are also packed, including the overflow lots. Some lots were closed at certain points throughout the day.

When is the best time to avoid crowds and visit the park to view the lava?

You’re allowed to visit the park 24 hours a day, but park staff recommend going either before 9 a.m. or after 9 p.m. to avoid peak crowds. The busiest time of day will be between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. 

Ferracane suggests going at night. “Imagine watching a bonfire in daylight vs. darkness, and multiply that by 370 acres,” Ferracane said. 

If you do go at night, bring a headlamp, wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and also dress warmly. Even though you may think it’s always warm in Hawaii, the weather turns cold at night because of the park's high altitude.

How long will the eruption last for?

There’s really no way of knowing, Ferracane said. “We just don't know when it could stop, which is part of the marvel and mystery of living on, and visiting, one of earth's most active volcanoes,” she said. 

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected]