Tips for Travelers Heading to Hawaii

You may have heard a few horror stories from people attempting to gain entry into Hawaii for their family vacations only to be turned away upon arrival.  That happened to me.  Others have been told they must stay in a hotel room for ten days under a strict quarantine that comes with jail time and/or a $5,000 fine if caught violating the quarantine.  Those are your options if your paperwork isn't in order.  I'm sharing some tips so you can avoid going through the stress I went through.  It's no fun turning around and going back to the mainland when you're ready to hit the beach but your paperwork isn't acceptable.  Here you go:

1. Set up an account with Hawaii Safe Travels and read all the directions.  Don't skip anything.
2. Make sure to get your COVID-19 test at a site approved by the state of Hawaii.
3. Make sure you get your test within 72 hours prior to arrival in Hawaii.
4. Have the negative test results prior to departure.  (This is where I blew it.  If you don't have the results at entry, you're headed to quarantine or you're off the island).
5. Special note for travelers who are planning on using Walgreens for their free COVID-19 test:  You must have an account in order to set up an appointment.  (This is also where I blew it).  All appointments must be made online.
6. Get your pre-clearance wrist band on the mainland.  If you don't, you will face a very long line upon entry.  The airlines may try to tell you this is unnecessary.  Don't listen to them.
7. When it's time to depart, if you're returning in the AM or early afternoon, expect to stand in line at the airport for 3 to 4 hours.  Redeye flights are less crowded but the lines are still scary and you don't want to miss your flight home.
8. The terminal closes and there is no place to wait around if your next flight doesn't leave until the following day.  If your paperwork isn't in order, you cannot wait around until it clears.  I was waiting on my test results but was not allowed to stick around.  They are very strict about this.
9. If you choose the quarantine option, do not leave your room for a full ten days unless you want to see what a Hawaii jail looks like or you are willing to pay a large fine.
10. Don't forget to fill out your health questionnaire.

I hope these travel tips help.  Have a great day.  Aloha.