How to Visit Hawaii: Aloha State is ready to welcome visitors
Many of us have been keeping a close eye on Hawaii, anxiously awaiting its reopening and hopeful that it’s remarkable natural beauty, incredible open spaces, unique experiences and signature hospitality would be available for us to enjoy soon.
Hawaii residents have sacrificed a great deal to keep their communities safe during this pandemic and, in doing so, have achieved one of the lowest COVID-19 case rates and lowest virus transmission rates of any state in the nation. This is a state that relies heavily on tourism, and travelers need to do their part and join in the efforts to keep Hawaii safe. [please see below for the full rundown of what is required for entry]
If you’ve decided to go to Hawaii, or perhaps you are just considering it, let me tell you — you are already off to a great start. Hawaii is a fantastic destination for just about every type of traveler, and that includes YOU. The first decision you’ll have to make is which island to visit.
The good news? You can hardly make a bad decision.
The even better news? I’ve helped you out with a quick rundown of each island, and what type of traveler fits best there. Hawaii is a destination where you can have so many different type of experiences, and I love to play matchmaker and help people find their perfect one.
The Romance Traveler: Maui
It’s not surprising Maui has been voted "Best Island in the U.S." by Condé Nast Traveler readers for more than 20 years. The “Valley Isle” can be an island for any type of traveler, but there are many special experiences found here that can definitely up the romance factor of your experience.
The island provides one lasting memory after another — Drive up to Haleakala, Maui’s highest peak, to see the sun rise over the clouds. Drive the road to Hana and count the waterfalls together on this scenic journey. Dine on Maui’s sumptuous farm to table cuisine then stroll hand-in-hand on a moonlit night across one of Maui’s serene beaches.
A perfect combo? Add in a few nights on Lanai (only nine miles away) and decide which of the two Four Seasons resorts there should pamper you as you explore a place of beauty and history that will touch your soul.
The Nature Traveler: Kauai
Nicknamed the Garden Island, Kauai is what Hawaiian dreams are made of. It’s an island green and flourishing with lush flora that runs from the mountains to the ocean. Kaua‘i offers more than 50 miles of white-sand beaches – more beach per mile than any other island in Hawai‘i.
Other natural wonders include countless waterfalls, the 3,567-foot deep Waimea Canyon, dubbed “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” and the 3,000-foot towering mountain cliffs overlooking the Nāpali Coast along the northwest shoreline.
In my opinion, Kauai is the most gorgeous Hawaiian Island. More than just dramatic beauty, the island is home to a variety of outdoor activities, so that you are able to enjoy it’s beauty while staying active if you choose.
The Adventure Traveler: The Big Island
The Big Island is Hawaii’s Island of Adventure. It offers offers a variety of places to explore, including some of Hawaii’s most incredible natural wonders and historic sites. No other island gives you a place to swim with manta rays, horseback ride and whale watch, all on the same visit. No other island lets you see a fiery volcano, a 420-foot waterfall and a black-sand beach.
It is the youngest and largest island in the Hawaiian chain, but it’s remarkable for more than just its size. This is the island for adventure of all kinds.
The City Life Traveler: Oahu
The island of Oahu is often referred to as “The Gathering Place.” It’s home to Hawaii's widest range of popular activities and famous sights. While the cosmopolitan areas of Honolulu and Waikiki are what most people think of when they consider Hawaii’s third largest island, Oahu also does have much more to offer.
There is an almost unlimited number of breathtakingly beautiful, totally unique, and easily accessible experiences that capture Hawaii’s authentic culture and spirit of aloha. Here you find a fusion of east and west cultures rooted in the values and traditions of the Native Hawaiian people, and this it’s this fundamental contrast between the ancient and the modern that makes discovering Oahu so enjoyable.
The truth? It’s possible to have all of these experiences on each island. I can help you go off the beaten path on Oahu, find romance on The Big Island, or have the adventure of a lifetime on Maui.
Perhaps that’s why people return to Hawaii again and again — always able to create the right experience for that particular vacation.
Testing Requirements for entry:
The testing expense will be the responsibility of the traveler and no testing will be available upon arrival at the airports in Hawaii.
Travelers will be able to upload their negative test result when they complete their travel and health forms on the Safe Travels digital system: travel.hawaii.gov
If a visitor's test results are not available at the time of arrival, the visitor must quarantine until the test results are received.
All travelers of all ages subject to pre-test requirements.
The pre-test is one part of a multi-layered screening process, including arrival temperature checks, completion of the State Travel and Health form, and secondary screening at the airport, with trained healthcare staff, for those with symptoms or temperatures of 100.4 degrees or higher.
CVS and Kaiser Permanente are both approved trusted testing partners for the required NAAT test. If you cannot access one of these trusted partners, you can check the CDC website for information on where you can be tested in your local area. Results from any FDA-authorized NAAT test, processed by a CLIA certified lab taken within 72 hours of arrival, are acceptable.
Travelers (returning residents and visitors) are not able to test upon arrival in Hawaii because this is a pre-travel testing program.
I’d love to discuss what type of trip you would love to see come to life, and help make that happen for you.