loading...
blog-search-ic.svg
Kilauea Lighthouse, Kauai

Kilauea Lighthouse, Kauai

Kauai Re-enters Hawaii's Safe Travel Program

Shaka Guide

As of April 5, 2021, Kauai will re-enter Hawaii's Safe Travel Program. Kauai opted out of the program choosing more strigent protocols than the other islands. Here's what you need to know if you're visiting Kauai on our after April 5, 2021. If you're visiting before, the current protocals remain in place. 

Pre-Arrival

Step One, Get Tested 

The first, and arguably most important thing you must do before boarding your flight is get a Covid-19 test. But not any test or testing center will suffice. Here's what you need to know about the test: 

  • Test must be a administered by a trusted partner. Find a list of partners here
  • Test must be taken within 72 hours of departure. Tests that are taken prior to the 72 hour window are invalid. 
  • You must get a FDA Authorized Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT). Other sorts of tests do not qualify for the program. 

You probably have some questions -- no worries! We're here to help. Here are some FAQ's about the pre-travel test. 

1) What if I take a test within 72 hours but don't get the results back before I arrive to Kauai? 

Then you must quarantine for 10 days upon arrival. You must present proof of a negative Covid-19 test upon arrival in the islands. If you get your test results while quaratining and they are negative, you are still subject to the remainder of your 10-day quarantine.  

2) What if I take a test and the result is positive? 

Then you should not travel to Hawaii or travel in general. 

3) What if I take a different type of test -- not the NAAT test? 

Then you will have to quarantine for 10 days or the length of your stay. 

4) What if I get a negative test result from a facility that's not a trusted partner? 

Then you will have to quarantine for 10 days or the length of your stay. 

5) Do children need to take a test too? 

Yes, children 5 and older need to prove a negative test result to forgo the 10-day quarantine. Please note that not all testing facilities will test children, confirm with your testing facility before making an appointment. 

6) What if I don't get a test prior to departure? 

Then you must quarantine for 10 days upon arrival. 

7) Can I take a test when I get to Hawaii? 

No, Hawaii will not administer tests for travelers to bypass the mandatory 10-day quarantine. The test must be taken with results received prior to arrival. 

Step Two, Register for Safe Travels Hawaii 

Now that you're tested and ready to travel to Hawaii, you must register for the Safe Travels program here. After you've registered, and within 24-hours of your departure, login to you account to fill out the online questionaire. This is mandatory -- you will have to prove that you've filled this out upon arrival to Hawaii. You can also upload your Covid-19 test results to the website. If you're having trouble uploading your test results, but you received a negative result, bring them with you in hand and you can get a quarantine exemption. We recommend bringing them with you just in case. 

Travel to Hawaii

Congrats! You've completed the above steps and you're on your way to Hawaii. During your travels, it's recommended that you: 

  • Wear a mask on your flight. 
  • Socially-distance when possible.
  • Wash your hands and use alcohol-based hand sanitizer frequently.

Post-Arrival at Airport

When you get to the airport you’ll be separated into lines based on your test-result status. For example, there will be one line if you’ve taken a Covid-19 test and received a negative result and another if you have not taken a test.

In addition you’ll undergo a temperature check and have to confirm you’ve filled out the Safe Travels questionnaire by showing an airport representative the QR code confirmation you received when this form was completed.

During Your Vacation on Kauai 

Although Hawaii has reopened to tourists, the state is still dealing with the ongoing pandemic. Many businesses, attractions and hotels remain closed. Here's a list of major attractions that have reopened on Kauai to help make your trip planning easier. 

Major Attractions on Kauai that are Open

  • Kilauea Lighthouse - reservations required 
  • Haena State Park - reservations required, shuttle service is temporarily suspended
  • Kalalau Trail
  • Limahuli Gardens
  • Wailua Falls
  • 'Opaeka'a Falls
  • Keahua Arboretum Walk
  • Sleeping Giant Trail
  • Ho'opi'i Waterfall Hike
  • Spouting Horn
  • Kauai Coffee Company 
  • Waimea Canyon 
  • Koke'e Lodge and Museum 

You Should Also Know

It’s also important to note that there is currently a mask mandate for the state of Hawaii. It is mandatory to wear a mask on every island while in public. Please remember to pack masks for your visit.

Parting Thoughts…

We’re thrilled to welcome you back to Hawaii, but as we do, please remember to practice aloha to keep yourself and the community safe. You can do this by wearing your mask in public, respecting the current protocols in place by each island, and practicing social distancing. For more on how to keep yourself and Hawaii safe, watch this video here

Here are some more resources to help you plan your trip: 

RELATED: 15 Socially-Distanced Things to Do in Hawaii

We'll update this post periodically as more information becomes available. For more information on Hawaii's pre-travel testing program click here

shaka guide app qr code

Download The Shaka Guide App

Get The
Shaka Guide App

download-app-sec-img.png