Ever since COIVD-19 struck, Hawaii has been in a state of perpetual shutdown. With fines and travel restrictions in full force, it was hard for visitors to come to the Islands, or even travel between Islands.
Now, with COVID on the downhill (we all hope…), Hawaii is starting to open its doors ever so slowly. As of June 15th, 2021, interisland travel restrictions will be completely lifted! Residents and visitors alike may travel between the Islands as much as they like without a vaccine or negative COVID test!
There are still some COVID restrictions in place throughout the Islands, but this is a major step to returning to normalcy out here in the Pacific.
Interisland Travel Restrictions Completely Lifted
At 11:59 PM on June 14th, the interisland travel quarantine expired. That means anyone who’s already in Hawaii—regardless of which Island they’re on—can hop a flight to any island without worrying about passing a coronavirus test, getting a vaccine, or quarantining. It doesn’t matter anymore!
If you’re on the Big Island and want to visit Maui, just catch a plane and go! Lanai to Kauai? Absolutely! You can now travel between Islands just like it’s 2019 all over again.
Trans-Pacific Travel Still Restricted, but Rules Are Changing
While interisland travel restrictions have been completely lifted, there are still restrictions on trans-Pacific travel from the mainland.
Any visitors coming to Hawaii from the mainland are still required to take and pass a COVID-19 test before they can step foot on the Islands. If you get a negative result, you can forego the 10-day quarantine and go about your visit in peace.
Travelers who don’t pass the test, or don’t take a test, are still required to quarantine for 10 days. Anyone who breaks the quarantine rules is still subject to fines.
That all might not sound so different; however, if you get a vaccination in the state of Hawaii and upload a copy of a valid vaccine card to the state’s Safe Travels website, you won’t have to take a COIVD test or quarantine when you come back to the Islands. Basically, travel is back!
Come On Over to Hawaii
The COVID-19 pandemic wasn’t fun for everyone, but luckily, it seems like it might be in the rearview mirror sometime soon. Restrictions are lifting, and Hawaii is slowly but surely opening for business.
If you’ve ever dreamed about picking up your very own tropical Hawaiian dream home, now might be the time! With travel restrictions lessening, it has never been easier—at least, within the last year or so—to visit the Islands and check out available properties. If you’re ready to take the leap into Island living, just reach out. I’m always happy to help buyers find their own little slice of paradise.
Aloha, and welcome to Hawaii.