During an announcement on Friday, Governor David Ige set the course for our return to normal - the end of Hawaii Safe Travels is in sight. To get there, though, Hawaii needs to hit certain vaccination goals. Plus, the process has different thresholds along the way. Let's discuss. … [Read more...] about The End of Hawaii Safe Travels is in Sight
pandemic travel
Hawaii Relaxes Mask Mandates
Weeks after the CDC updated its masking guidelines, Hawaii relaxes its mask mandates. However, this isn't a full repeal of our masking rules. So, let's talk about what has changed and what hasn't. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Relaxes Mask Mandates
Hawaii Verifying Vaccine Cards Manually
Earlier this month, Hawaii launched its vaccine passport for Hawaii residents traveling within the state. However, it appears the program wasn't quite ready when it launched. Instead of an automated validation process, Hawaii is verifying vaccine cards manually. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Verifying Vaccine Cards Manually
Hawaii Adds Taiwan to Safe Travels Program
Though Hawaii is working towards launching a vaccine passport, it's still adding new partners to its Safe Travels program. In the latest round of addition, Hawaii adds Taiwan to the Safe Travels program. Though, this is probably one of the most useless additions yet. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Adds Taiwan to Safe Travels Program
Vaccinated Travelers Can Skip Maui Arrival Test
Maui is about to implement a post-arrival testing program. However, Mayor Mike Victorino recently announced that vaccinated travelers can skip the Maui arrival test. That should help save a lot of time upon arrival. … [Read more...] about Vaccinated Travelers Can Skip Maui Arrival Test
Hawaii Allows $30 Million in COVID Tests to Expire
Not long ago, I reported that the State of Hawaii has a large stockpile of unused COVID-19 tests. Those tests, they say, can only be used for community testing, despite a lack of community testing. Well, they never did find a use. As a result, Hawaii allows $30 million in COVID tests to expire. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Allows $30 Million in COVID Tests to Expire
Intra-Hawaii Vaccine Passport Launching May 11
After weeks of discussing it, state officials have finally given us the low down on the Intra-Hawaii vaccine passport launching May 11. Yup, the vaccine passport is for travel exclusively within the state for the time being. Oh, and you have to have gotten your vaccinations in Hawaii for this to work too. … [Read more...] about Intra-Hawaii Vaccine Passport Launching May 11
Skip Big Island Post-Arrival Test With Vaccination
Since the state won't allow the Big Island to use its stockpile of tests, and with mounting costs, Hawaii County officials have been considering canceling its post-arrival testing program. But, it seems like they're going a different way - for now. That's because you can now skip the Big Island post-arrival test with vaccination cards. … [Read more...] about Skip Big Island Post-Arrival Test With Vaccination
The Hawaii Car Rental Apocalypse
When visitors came flooding back into Hawaii, we weren't prepared. And we're still not. Restaurant reservations are hard to get, take-out lines are chaotic, and Waikiki, in general, feels pre-pandemic crowded. The worst problem of all, though, appears to be the Hawaii car rental apocalypse. So let's talk about that and how to get around it. … [Read more...] about The Hawaii Car Rental Apocalypse
Hawaii to Pilot Vaccine Passport with Inter-Island Travel
Lieutenant Governor Josh Green says that Hawaii to pilot vaccine passport with inter-island travel. However, Hawaii's plan for its vaccine passport has degraded quite a bit. In fact, I question whether the program will even be effective anymore. … [Read more...] about Hawaii to Pilot Vaccine Passport with Inter-Island Travel