Hawaii Drops Testing and Vaccine Requirements for Domestic Travelers

Tourists can finally say “aloha” to Hawaii, without the paperwork.

As of March 26, 2022, travelers flying domestic routes to Hawaii are no longer required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test result at arrival. The quarantine requirement has also been lifted and the Safe Travels program has ceased operations.

“We started the Safe Travels program to protect the health, lives and livelihoods of the people of Hawaii. The program put in place safety protocols that included a multi-layered screening and testing approach that kept our communities safe during the COVID-19 surges that endangered the most vulnerable of our citizens,” Ige said in a statement. “Right now, we are seeing lower case counts, and hospitalizations are coming down.”

What you need to travel to Hawaii

For domestic travelers

You no longer need to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter Hawaii if you're flying from the mainland U.S.

For international travelers

The federal government still mandates a COVID-19 test to enter the U.S. from abroad via airplane.

For vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers, you need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test completed no more than one day prior to your air travel back to the U.S. if you're vaccinated. If you’ve recently been infected with COVID-19, you can also opt to show proof of recovery. This requirement is for all air passengers at least 2 years of age.

Easy ways to save money on travel to Hawaii

There are five especially good airline sweet spots for booking on points and miles for flights to Hawaii. If you don’t have points, cash fares on Southwest flights to Hawaii can also be reasonable. Plus, Southwest has one of the best change policies out there.

Once you’re there, you might as well island hop if you want to cover as much ground as possible. Flights between islands are generally less than an hour and can be affordable.

Don’t overlook vacation rentals. Not only are they more likely to be cheaper than hotels, but they also often have kitchens so you can avoid having to dine out, and typically you won’t pay resort fees.

Speaking of saving money on food, dining out can certainly be part of the Hawaiian experience, but beware of overpriced oceanfront restaurants. Many convenience stores sell freshly made poke, Spam musubi and other snacks you can take to a beachfront picnic for free views and cheaper eats than had you dined at a restaurant.

The bottom line

The COVID-19 requirements to enter Hawaii are gone, making it much easier and less stressful to travel to the islands.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:

• Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

• No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

• Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card 

• Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

• Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

• Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card