It’s wild to believe that it has been a whole year since we have been quarantining and socially distancing from our “normal routines.” Fortunately, restrictions are starting to lift across the world including the US allowing us to slowly reach a bit of normalcy. Even though having limitations on traveling to most destinations is a bit difficult, it doesn’t mean it’s impossible.
Last November, I was able to finally get on a plane and visit some of my family in Hawaii after an entire year. I’ve never gone 1) a whole year without being on a plane or 2) a whole year without seeing my Hawaii family so, it was a well-needed trip. Getting to Hawaii is a process, and if you miss a step it could lead to 10-days of being stuck in a hotel room where your tropical vacation would be experienced from your hotel room balcony. Today, I’m going to help you avoid all the stress leading up to your trip so you can spend your time enjoying your vacation quarantine-free.
Here’s how to Travel to Hawaii during COVID.
1. Set-up Your Hawaii Safe Travel Account
For the first step, click here to set-up your Safe Travel account. This portal will track all your testing results, records, flight information, and your health condition until the day of your trip. It’s important that you create an account whether you plan on testing prior to your trip or not. This is how the screeners will be able to view your test results and other important info in order to bypass the 10-day self-quarantine.
2. Test for COVID Prior to Your Trip
On the Safe Travel site, there will be a list of testing locations that you can choose from. If you don’t get tested from their accepted locations, your results will be deemed invalid so, be sure to schedule your appointments at the correct locations. Also, note that you have the option to self-quarantine immediately after your arrival, rather than testing ahead of your trip. But, I highly advise that you test prior to your trip to avoid the 10-day quarantine period so that you enjoy your full vacation stay. When it does come time to schedule for your testing, it’s required that you test 72 hours from the last leg of your flight. For example, if you have two connecting flights you’ll test 72 hours from the last flight to Hawaii.
3. Upload Your Results to Your Safe Travel Account
Once you receive your results, immediately upload them to your account as to not worry about having to do it the day of your travel. When your results are approved, you will receive a QR Code that holds all of the info you had provided in your account, like your test results and questionnaire. When you arrive in Hawaii, this will make the screening process easier for you. They will scan your QR code to verify that you have a negative test result.
4. Once You Land in Hawaii
When you land in Hawaii, you will be directed into the screening area where your documents will be verified. If you tested ahead of time and have your QR code, then there will be a screener that your party will meet with to scan your code. I would also bring a paper copy of your results just in case your phone dies or if you run into any technical difficulties. If you decide to opt-out of getting tested ahead of time, then you will be directed to immediately self-quarantine in the hotel or Airbnb you booked. Within your Safe Travel account, you will have to document your temperature and health conditions daily until your quarantine is over.
5. Enjoy Your Stay!
If your test results are accepted, then you are good to go! There’s nothing else you have to worry about. Enjoy your trip 🙂
It’s weird times for traveling especially by airplanes, but there are extensive health regulations in place to make you feel comfortable during your travels. I wasn’t sure if I was ready to get on a plane so soon, but I’m glad I took the chance. The pandemic won’t last forever, and we will eventually get to travel the world like we used to. I can’t wait for that moment to happen! Until then, don’t forget to…
Stay Wild,
Bedhead Nomad
Bedhead Nomad 
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