US: COVID-related restrictions in Hawaii remain largely unchanged as of Feb. 23 /update 16

Event

As of Feb. 23, COVID-19 restrictions in the state of Hawaii remain largely unchanged as compared to those in place during late January. The state's Safe Travels Program remains in effect. Under this program, travelers may enter Hawaii's islands without having to self-quarantine if they provide proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 using a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved nucleic acid amplification test within 72 hours before the final leg of their trip to the state. The test must be administered by an establishment designated by the State of Hawaii as an "approved and trusted testing and travel partner," and the results must be presented before the traveler’s departure for Hawaii. As of Feb. 23, only certain establishments in the US, Canada, Japan, and South Korea have been designated as trusted testing and travel partners by state authorities.

Travelers who do not provide a negative test result before departing for Hawaii must quarantine upon arrival for 10 days or the duration of their stay, whichever is shorter. Travelers must also undergo temperature screening on arrival and must fill out a travel and health form. Additionally, local officials in Hawaii County randomly select out-of-state travelers to take antigen tests; if the result is positive or inconclusive, the individual must take additional tests. In Kauai County, out-of-state travelers must quarantine for 72 hours at "resort bubble" properties; they may then end the quarantine by testing negative for COVID-19. For more details of the state's travel restrictions, click here.

Inter-Island Travel
Travelers arriving in Maui or Hawaii County from another Hawaiian island must self-isolate for 10 days or the entire length of the visit, whichever is shorter; however, such travelers may be exempt from quarantine if they produce proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 within the 72 hours before the final leg of their travel. Travelers entering Kauai County from another location in Hawaii must self-quarantine for 10 days unless they have been in Hawaii for at least 72 hours and produce proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 within the 72 hours before arriving in the county.

Persons traveling to Honolulu County from other Hawaiian islands are not required to self-quarantine. Individuals traveling for certain types of governmental, medical, or essential business purposes may apply for a limited quarantine exemption by submitting the relevant form to state authorities.

All counties in Hawaii require residents to wear facemasks when in public settings and encourage office-based businesses to keep employees working from home.

Other county-level restrictions in place are:

City and County of Honolulu: Gatherings of up to five people are allowed. Most establishments can operate at 50-percent capacity, including retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters, and places of worship. Gyms may open at 25-percent capacity. Bars must remain closed.
Maui County: Gatherings of up to five people are allowed. Nightclubs and concert halls remain closed. Beaches and parks can open from 0700-1900. Bars and restaurants can operate at a 30-percent capacity and must close nightly by 2200. Most other businesses may open without capacity limits provided they ensure social distancing and health measures are in place.
Kauai County: Social gatherings of up to 10 people are allowed indoors; outdoor gatherings may host 25 people. Most businesses can operate at 50-percent capacity.
Hawaii County: Most businesses are allowed to open without specific limitations.

Businesses that operate must enforce social distancing standards, enhance sanitation, and send home any employees showing COVID-19 symptoms. Officials could amend the order on short notice, depending on disease activity in the coming weeks.