Hawaii Has Eliminated Its Booster Requirement

Due to declining COVID-19 case numbers and reduced hospitalizations, Hawaii Governor David Ige has reversed his January decision to require proof of a COVID-19 booster for fully vaccinated travelers to avoid quarantine. The state will not modify its "Safe Travels" program for the time being.

Under the current regulations, travelers can bypass quarantine by presenting proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days prior to arrival.

"Additionally, we considered Hawaiʻi's strong vaccination rates and the ongoing efforts by businesses and organizations to vaccinate and boost their employees for the safety of families and the community," Governor Ige stated in a press release on February 8. "We will continue to uphold the indoor mask mandate and other measures that have aided us in managing this pandemic while reviving the economy."

Effective Monday, proof of a COVID-19 booster is no longer required to access restaurants, bars, or gyms in Maui County.

Overview of Current Hawaii Safe Travels Regulations

Wailea, Maui, captured in July 2021. (Photo by Clint Henderson/Dinogo)

Hawaii introduced a quarantine exemption for fully vaccinated travelers in July 2021, allowing specific visitors to enter Hawaii without undergoing quarantine by completing a few pre-arrival procedures:

Submit proof of vaccination on the state's Safe Travels portal before traveling.
Complete the online legal attestations on Safe Travels, affirming that the uploaded documentation is accurate and truthful.
Carry printed copies of your vaccination card to present to screeners and agents at the departure gate.

Alternatively, travelers can avoid quarantine by presenting a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival, specifically:

"The test must be conducted within 72 hours of your final departure leg and the negative COVID-19 test result should either be uploaded to the Safe Travels platform or printed and in your possession before you leave for Hawai'i to avoid the five-day quarantine (duration revised on January 3, 2022)."

Additionally, keep in mind that travelers moving between the islands are not required to quarantine. Once you arrive in Hawaii, you can freely travel interisland. Check the state's COVID-19 portal for further details on current protocols.