Governor David Ige announced changes to the Hawaii’s COVID-19 restrictions, effective July 8, 2021, that will allow fully vaccinated travelers to bypass the state’s mandatory quarantine.
Restrictions on social gathering limits and restaurant capacity will also be loosened.
The changes are being prompted by an expectation that the statewide vaccination rate will reach 60% on or before July 8.
For incoming travelers who are fully vaccinated, the looser restrictions mean a more straightforward path to the islands, but you must follow some key requirements:
1. First, ensure you are fully vaccinated before you head to the islands. Individuals are generally considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose of a two-shot vaccine or two weeks after receiving a single-dose vaccine.
2. Check the state’s COVID-19 website for the latest travel-related updates before departure.
3. Create a Safe Travels Hawaii online account at https://travel.hawaii.gov and input your trip information.
4. Upload the required vaccination documentation to your Safe Travels Hawaii account before you take off.
5. Bring a hard copy of your vaccination records with you to show upon arrival.
That’s all there is to it.
In addition to a simpler way to avoid quarantine, travelers to Hawaii after July 8 will be greeted by loosened restrictions on social gatherings and restaurant seatings.
The number of people allowed to attend indoor social gatherings will increase from 10 to 25, and the number allowed at outdoor gatherings will bump up from 25 to 75.
Restaurants will be allowed to seat up to 75% of their maximum capacity, or no more than 25 indoors and 75 outdoors.
Governor Ige said masks will continue to be required indoors until Hawaii reaches a statewide vaccination rate of 70%.
