Kauai Island reopening to visitors starting April 5th!

BREAKING (GOOD) NEWS: Kauai Mayor Kawakami submitted to Governor Ige a request to reopen Kauai beginning April 5^th.  Assuming it is approved, Kauai would rejoin the State’s Safe Travels program.   

What does this mean to you and your guests?

 

Most importantly, it means that visitors will be able to travel to Kauai again.  Visitors must navigate the rules of the Safe Travels program, which was in place when the island opened for a few weeks last October.  

 

As a refresher, below is more info on the program and how you and your guests can arrive ready to enjoy all Kauai has to offer.  

 

NOTE:  Nothing has been announced yet about vaccinated travelers.  For now, all visitors will need to test negative to avoid quarantine.  

 

KEY DATES:

Kauai plans to rejoin the Safe Travels program on April 5, 2021.  At that time, visitors who comply with the Safe Travels rules can avoid a 10-day quarantine.

 

PRE-TESTING REQUIREMENT:

As before, travelers must take a COVID test within 72 hours of departure to Kauai.  Tests must be by a Trusted Testing and Travel Partner.  Here is the list:  https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel-partners/

 

It’s important to determine a test appointment time that is just within the 72 hours. Some testing partners may allow you to make the appointment only 2 or 3 days before, others may allow more than a week.  Explore your options to ensure you get your test on time.

 

(A quick check of Walgreens, a free testing partner, shows a lot of availability in the Bay Area, at least on weekdays.  Some testing sites have other restrictions.  Walgreens allows making appointments three days ahead.)

 

SAFE TRAVELS ACCOUNT AND HEALTH FORM:

Sometime prior to travel, create a Safe Travels account.  Then 24 hours before you fly, complete a short health questionnaire.  Here’s the Safe Travels link:  https://travel.hawaii.gov/

 

NEGATIVE TEST UPLOAD:

When the negative results come back from the lab, upload into your Safe Travels account.  If possible do it from a computer rather than a phone.  It’s much easier!

 

A couple of other things to note.  First, Kauai will not offer vaccinations to visitors.  Travelers should keep this in mind if they are due for a second shot.  However, travelers may take a free COVID test in Lihue after arrival if desired.  Also, the “resort bubble” program is likely to be suspended as this is not part of the State’s Safe Travels program. 

Source:  Mayor Kawakami's News Release dated March 2, 2021 regarding Emergency Rule 25