In two words: It’s complicated. Finding a flight to Hawaiʻi is the easy part. (In fact, many airlines are offering more routes and great deals to travel to the Islands right now.) Even finding a place to stay is more challenging, as many aren’t open yet. (See our list of what hotels are open right now.) […]
As the state began its first shutdown due to COVID-19 and the daily visitor count reached historic lows, most hotels across Hawaiʻi entered a long hibernation. But some only closed temporarily. A prime example: The Kāhala Hotel & Resort, which shut its doors for only one month during the pandemic. That’s how long it took
Tomorrow Hawaiʻi will launch its pre-arrival testing program for travelers to the Islands. And there’s still a lot of confusion about how it will work—and how it will be enforced. Here’s how it would work, if you’re arriving in Oʻahu at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL): You need to take a COVID-19 test from a state-approved
Updated Oct. 14, 2020 Hawaiʻi will launch its pre-arrival testing program for trans-Pacific travelers on Oct. 15. That means, if you can provide a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of departure, you will not have to quarantine for 14 days when you arrive in the Islands. And with COVID-19 testing becoming more convenient and cheaper,
With out-of-state airline passengers once again being able to visit the Islands quarantine-free starting Oct. 15—thanks to the state’s much anticipated pre-travel testing program—local carrier Hawaiian Airlines has decided to make it easier for travelers to get their (hopefully) negative test results. Partnering with Worksite Labs, Hawaiian Airline passengers can opt into a drive-thru PCR test
Good news for families and Disney fans of all ages: Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina on Oʻahu is planning to reopen on Nov. 1. SEE ALSO: Disney Aulani Resort’s Hidden Treasures The popular—and arguably most magical—resort had been closed since March due to the spread of COVID-19 in the Islands and around the world. Since
Oʻahu eases some restrictions on its latest stay-at-home, work-at-home order starting Sept. 24, including allowing up to five people to hit trails, beaches and parks together. This comes after the Hawaiʻi Department of Health officials today reported 63 new coronavirus infections statewide—55 on Oʻahu—bringing the total number to 11,522 cases. Today marks the third day in a row
The latest plan was to start a pre-arrival testing program to reopen tourism in Hawaiʻi on Oct. 1. That might get postponed again. After a surge in new COVID-19 cases, primarily on Oʻahu, the state implemented another stay-at-home, work-at-home order, with strict guidelines on what businesses can open and restrictions on gatherings and the use of public beaches, trails and
I grew up in Haleʻiwa, so believe me when I say that the streets of this little beachside borough have never been this quiet. Due to COVID-19, as well as the latest stay-at-home, work-from-home orders, dozens of businesses around Haleʻiwa have closed their doors, some temporarily, others permanently. That, coupled with the fact that the
Those looking to get out and about here on Oʻahu will now have the opportunity once more to visit their favorite beaches, hikes and parks, albeit alone. With Oʻahu beaches and state parks closing back in August, for a second time, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced today, Sept. 8, that most outdoor activities will reopen
This is the fourth blog in a series about how Hawai‘i neighborhoods have changed since the spread of COVID-19. Read what O‘ahu’s Waikīkī, Kailua and Hale‘iwa look like now. Popular Scandinavian Shave Ice is still open—but workers now use face shields when preparing and serving its shave ice. Photo: Laura Dornbush With a mandatory 14-day
The holidays will be a little less jolly this year, as the City & County of Honolulu has decided to scale back its annual Honolulu City Lights festivities to stop large social gatherings in an effort to minimize the chance of a coronavirus outbreak. The biggest—and most necessary—omission will be the opening night festivities. This includes
