Hawaii is a tropical paradise in the United States. With lush green landscapes, black volcanic beaches and world-class surfing spots, it's the perfect destination for all-around use. In the face of the stress of 2020, we can all be forgiven for wanting real rest and relaxation. Finally make 2021 the year you plan your Hawaiian vacation.
< h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" > new travel requirements during Covid-19</h1>
Most U.S. domestic air carriers, as well as many foreign air carriers, offer services to destinations in Hawaii. Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) is the largest airport in the state and offers the best option if you're traveling from a city in the continental United States or abroad. Once you arrive in Hawaii, you can easily ensure air transport to the other islands. Interisland flights are easy to book, but if you keep checking in your luggage, baggage fees can be very high. Unfortunately, inter-island ferry services are very limited and do not serve all major islands. Land transport on the various islands is very simple. There are buses in Honolulu and larger population centers.
The most important thing for travelers to be aware of is the new regulations put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. To boost tourism and revitalize important sectors of the economy, the state government launched the so-called "Safe Travel in Hawaii" program. Safe travel in Hawaii has been hailed as "a multi-layered process designed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our community," which includes pre-departure testing programs, arrival collection of passenger information, and possible post-arrival quarantine. The good news is that the authorities recognize the need to make the process as simple and effortless as possible. Let's take a closer look at the steps involved.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" > before departure</h1>
Travelers who choose to voluntarily comply with the state's pre-departure testing requirements can avoid staying in quarantine for 10 days. In order to meet the test guidelines set by the state, travelers must obtain negative test results no more than 72 hours before their final trip to Hawaii. The test must be a so-called nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In the NAAT category, the so-called polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is the most common and well-known. Almost all healthcare providers can perform PCR tests or refer patients to reputable testing facilities. Health authorities in the state of Hawaii further require that testing be performed in laboratories approved under the Federal Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA) regulatory regime.
All travelers 5 years of age and older who obtain a negative test result prior to departure will not be subject to the Hawaii State's 10-day quarantine program. As you might have guessed by now, avoiding 10 days stuck in beautiful Hawaii sounds like an appropriate trade-off for the relatively small inconvenience and cost of COVID-19 NAAT. At the time of writing, state authorities have not yet received COVID-19 vaccination certificates in place of NAAT. Travelers who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 must still undergo pre-departure NAAT to avoid being quarantined upon arrival. Travelers are personally responsible for obtaining a valid NAAT and must pay all associated costs themselves.
< h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" > arrived</h1>
When you arrive in Hawaii, you should expect a multi-layered screening process that involves multiple steps. First, all arriving passengers will undergo an initial temperature screening. After that, you will need to fill out the Hawaii State Travel and Health Mandatory Form. Travelers are asked to provide their personal information, travel history, local contact information, and answer several health check questions. National authorities use all information for contact tracking and pandemic control purposes. Passengers with temperatures of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or above must undergo additional checks. Finally, to avoid the mandatory 10-day quarantine requirement and the consequent ban on cross-island travel.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" > considerations for international entry</h1>
At the time of writing, international travel to the United States from Brazil, the European Union, Iran, Chinese mainland and the United Kingdom is still suspended. Travelers arriving in Hawaii from elsewhere abroad are not allowed to bypass quarantine requirements through the NAAT test. The only exemption from this policy applies to travelers from Canada or Japan. If you intend to come from abroad, it is highly recommended that you contact your local U.S. embassy or consulate to find out about the specific federal requirements for entering the United States from your location. These include new mandatory federal pre-departure testing requirements scheduled to go into effect on January 26, 2021.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" > have fun at Hawaiian attractions</h1>
Once you've completed the arrival process and arrived at your hotel or local accommodation, you can immediately begin enjoying Hawaiian cuisine. Assuming you don't have any obligation to isolate, you're usually free to move around these islands. Please note that some regions do have other policies. (https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel/while-in-hawaii/) When planning where to go, consider what you think you'll enjoy. There are 5 things we recommend doing in Hawaii to help you get started. No more toss and turns...
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" >1. Look for waterfalls on Khao Yai</h1>
Kauai is the fourth largest island in the Hawaiian Archipelago. Geologically the oldest of the main islands. Lihue Airport is the gateway to Kauai and is located on the southeast coast of the island. Kaua'i's charm comes from its beautiful landscapes, which include nature reserves in rugged nature. The island relies on tourism to support the local economy, so you won't have difficulties. Start from the north coast, where there are incredible beaches at Hanare Bay. The Great Bay offers relatively protected waters in the shadow of emerald green mountains. The surf conditions here are world class. Experienced wave riders often venture from more frequent big wave breaks on other islands. Depart from Hanalei Bay and continue along the north shore of the island to Napari Coast National Park. The park's otherworldly landscape looks like a giant honeycomb covered in dazzling green. Countless coves obscure pristine waterfalls. Hikers will be happy to gaze at seemingly undiscovered streams and waterfalls. It's just a fascinating destination. On the west side of Kauai, you'll find Waimea Canyon State Park. Known to many as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," Waimea has been carved for centuries by the rainwater runoff of Mount Waiʻaleʻale. In one of the wettest places on earth, this mountain provides food for waimea's countless waterfalls. Come and see the azure sky set off with reddish soil and green vegetation. It will bring you memories of a lifetime.
<h1 class= "pgc-h-arrow-right" >2. Whales guard Maui</h1>
Hawaii's second largest island is a true gem. Kahului Airport is located on Maui's northern coast and is the main route to the island. Grab a car and then Hana Road. The scenic driving route along Highway 360, passing roadside villages, pristine swimming holes and cool tropical forests, provides an almost magical backdrop. When the poet describes the earthly paradise, the Hana Way is undoubtedly the most suitable choice. Be sure to stop along the way to enjoy Hanawi Falls and the Hāna Lava Tube. Upper Waikane Falls is a triple waterfall system that is a bit far from the halfway point. Upon arrival in Hana, walk towards Harreakala National Park. The dormant Haleakala Volcano now leaves an impressive landscape. A lot of people like to catch the sunrise from the mountains, and if you organize your trip in advance, it's possible. Trace ancient lava flows to maui's southeast coast, where you will reach the pools of 'Ohe'o. The hike to the pool is one of the most popular and rewarding hikes you can find. In southern Maui near Maalaea, you'll find the Maui Ocean Center, a 5-acre aquarium showcasing an array of marine life. This is a popular location associated with whale watching tours. Depending on the season, humpback whales and other species migrate in the waters, attracting large audiences to see the gentle giants.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" >3</h1>
Hawaii's state capital and largest city will be the first experience most people have on the island. There are many resorts around the beach and a vibrant neighborhood surrounding the joint base Pearl Harbor–Seacam, the U.S. military's large fortress in the Pacific. Obviously, you should have a regular visit to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and see the remains of the USS Arizona. It's a tribute to the more than 1,100 sailors and Marines still buried there. Visitors can also see the decommissioned USS Missouri, which the Japanese government signed on its deck on September 2, 1945, thus ending World War II in the Pacific. Then, head back to Honolulu, where you can stroll around the famous Waikiki Beach. Won to immortality in many 1960s ballads, Waikiki is synonymous with Hawaii. Long sandy beaches and neighboring resorts attract tourists from all over the world. A little further along the coast is the diamond head. Hike along the coast and then enjoy stunning panoramic views of Waikiki. In the evening, visit restaurants and bars throughout the city. If you're looking for a history tour, Iolani Palace features exhibits about Hawaii's Indigenous culture and monarchs who ruled here before the U.S. government's ouster. Honolulu is in many ways the center of Hawaiian life, so you're sure to find plenty to enjoy.
<h1 class = "pgc-h-arrow-right" >4. Surf on Oahu and the North Shore</h1>
O'ahu has a lot to do besides Honolulu. From arguably the best surfing area in the world to the spectacular Hanauma Bay, you can easily spend your entire Hawaiian vacation on Oahu. If you're departing from Honolulu along the Kalaniana'ole Highway, stop at Hanauma Bay. The bay's spectacular blue waters backdrop were photographed from the surrounding mountains. Further on, you will find the Hallona nozzle. For hundreds of years, as the shock wave faded away, the rock formed a natural rock, and the pressure difference caused the water to rush toward the sky. Along the north shore of Oahu there are famous surfing spots, including Sunset Beach and the Banzai Pipeline. However, surfers will head straight for Waimea Bay. In 1957, Greg Noll and a few others revolutionized surfing techniques here and brought surfing to the big waves! For a long time, Waimea loomed in the surfing community. If you want to test yourself at your best, this is the place to be. On the way down Route 99 to Waimea, at the Dole Plantation, pass through pineapple fields. Finally, those in a hurry will find some excellent scuba diving and snorkeling in O'ahu. There are many divers on the island. If you want to go on a fun and challenging underwater adventure, consider venturing into the USS YO-257 shipwreck site.
<h1 class= "pgc-h-arrow-right" >5. Starlight gazing and volcanic hunting on the Big Island</h1>
On the Big Island, you can taste the best food Hawaii has to offer. Flights can fly to Kona International Airport on the west side of the island or to Hilo International Airport on the east side. Hilo is ideal for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Here you will find Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and has been erupting continuously in recent decades. As lava flows out to sea, Kilauea has been increasing the land mass of the Big Island. Mauna Loa is the largest shield volcano in the world and a striking feature of the Big Island landscape. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, Volcanoes National Park is one of the most beautiful places in all regions of Hawaii. Not far from hilo is the famous Rainbow Falls, named after the continuous rainbow that can be seen throughout the year. To the north of the Big Island is The Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano with an altitude of more than 4,200 m. Due to its altitude, its summit is located above most weather systems, resulting in excellent astronomical observation conditions. The Mauna Kea Observatory has taken full advantage of some of the world's most cutting-edge research. The telescopes here are among the best in the scientific community. Amateur astronomers or anyone who prefers a good gazing evening will visit Mount Monakya next to them. During the winter months, this is the only measurable snowfall site in Hawaii. So you can climb from the tropical jungle to the snow-capped mountains in just a few hours.
Hawaii's rich landscape and proud Indigenous culture have long attracted visitors. Beauty can be found nowhere else in the United States. With a well-established tourism infrastructure and easy access to mainland and foreign cities, Hawaii is an ideal holiday destination. Come and explore the pristine trails on Kaua'i, take photos of whale pods migrating on Maui, curl curls on banzai pipes, or admire the massive volcanic eruptions on the Big Island. Hawaii is a place you must experience.