• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Jeffsetter Travel

Jeffsetter Travel

Travel Consultants and Travel Tips

  • Travel Services
    • Wild Card Adventures
    • Safe Bet Adventure
    • High Roller Host
  • Book an adventure
  • Travel Map
  • Blog
  • Hubs
    • Airlines
    • Cameras
    • Car Rentals
    • Credit Cards
    • Drones
    • Hotels
    • RVs
  • About
    • Our “One Way Neverending” Story
    • The Jeffsetter Manifesto
  • Contact

Hawaii Arrival Testing Results + Restaurants Close

November 6, 2020 by Island Miler

Now that we’re three weeks into the Pre-Travel Testing Program, let’s talk Hawaii arrival testing results. Plus, quite a few notable restaurants announced closures over the past few weeks, while some new ones pop up.

Contents show
Hawaii Arrival Testing Results
Restaurant Closures
New + Upcoming Restaurants
Hawaii Arrival Testing Results, Final Thoughts

Hawaii Arrival Testing Results

In the first two weeks of the Pre-Travel Testing Program, officials said 1 traveler out of 1,500 was testing positive during post-arrival testing. That represents 0.067% of cases or roughly 74 people during that time.

More recently, that ratio has increased to 1 in every 1,000 arrivals. That brings the percentage up a little to 0.091%. Lt. Gov. Josh Green hails this as a success since Hawaii averages 1 case for every 700 residents.

Hawaii Arrival Testing Results

The data, however, is vague. Officials aren’t saying how many people are actually taking the secondary test. After all, the post-arrival tests are VOLUNTARY. Yes, some visitors to take them, but most are likely residents. Especially since most visitors, I’m sure, would rather not be forced to quarantine if they somehow test positive. And let’s not forget how things are going over in Tahiti, which has a much more stringent system in place.

Restaurant Closures

Unfortunately, the pandemic has taken quite a few restaurants down. However, some high-profile closures were announced over the past couple of weeks. One most visitors are likely familiar with is Chef Michael Mina’s The Street HNL food hall at the International Market Place, which is closing on November 8. While I like Chef Mina, I have mixed feelings about this place. It is sad to see it go but isn’t quite as sad as the other two I’ll be talking about.

The Street HNL
The Street HNL

Next up is Chef Ed Kenny’s Town Kaimuki. This was Chef Kenny’s first restaurant which has always stuck to a philosophy of Local First, Organic When Possible, and Always with Aloha. Town is a true neighborhood restaurant serving comforting dishes but is also a hyper-local farm-to-table establishment too. This one is a gut-punch for me, and for many, as all reservations through its final day of operation on November 21 booked up within a day or two of the announcement. Luckily, though, Chef Kenny continues to operate the incredibly Mud Hen Water, Kaimuki Superette, and Mahina and Sun’s at The Surfjack Hotel.

Hawaii Arrival Testing Results
Mahina and Suns Brunch

Last up in the Hawaii restaurant obituary is none other than Alan Wong’s. Temporarily closed since August, the God Father of Hawaii Regional Cuisine’s namesake restaurant simply won’t reopen. Chef Wong states that they simply couldn’t figure out a workable model to remain afloat. But, true to his nature, Chef also says this isn’t the end. He will be back at some point in the future.

New + Upcoming Restaurants

While there’s certainly a lot of doom and gloom nowadays, there’s a lot to look forward to too. For example, Kevin Aoki (DJ Steve Aoki’s brother) recently opened 1938 Indochine and Qing Mu. Chef Chris Kajioka (Senia) and Justin Park (Bar Leather Apron) finished their Bar Maze, though the opening has been pushed back due to COVID. Kajioka, along with Park and Chef Mourad Lahlou (Mourad SF ***) opened Miro Kaimuki earlier this year too. But, guess what? Kajioka still isn’t done.

Hawaii Arrival Testing Results

Kajioka is in the final stages of opening another concept, Papa Kurts in Honolulu, which will serve up local comfort food like saimin, BBQ sticks, and burgers. He was also recently tapped to take over the Hau Tree Lanai Restaurant at the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel – more on that later.

Hawaii Arrival Testing Results

Over on Maui, Kajioka is opening a second restaurant (the first is at the Hotel Wailea) at the Westin Maui Resort & Spa. Part of a $120 million renovation transforming the property’s Beach Tower into the more up-market Hokapuu Tower, Kajioka’s restaurant is called Waicoco. The new tower opens on November 12, though Waicoco opens in December.

Chef Anthony Rush and his wife Katherine Nomura, both partners at Senia along with Kajioka, are also putting their finishing touches on their own bar. Called Bar Podmore, this downtown water watering hole aims to serve brunch during the day and cocktails at night. It’ll even feature British comfort food in a nod to Chef Rush’s roots such as a Full English! Senia regulars can also rejoice since the Pimm’s Cup is making a return at Podmore.

Hawaii Arrival Testing Results

Hawaii Arrival Testing Results, Final Thoughts

This pandemic has been tough on everyone. It’s heartbreaking to see the loss of local institutions, but we can do something about it. Support your local businesses by doing take-out or dine-in (if allowed), buy gift cards, wear a mask, and keep your distance.

As far as Honolulu goes, I take comfort in knowing that this isn’t the end for at least some of our more well-known losses. What’s more, there are many new, VERY exciting things in the works. So, through this all, we at least have things to look forward to!

Filed Under: Hawaii, Island Miler, Travel Blogging, Travel News Tagged With: Alan Wong, Anthony Rush, Chris Kajioka, Ed Kenny, hawaii, Hawaii Pre-Travel Testing, Pre-Travel Testing, The Street HNL

Primary Sidebar

Footer

Important Links

  • Advertising Policy and Affiliate Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Jeffsetter Travel Blog
  • Privacy Policy
  • Ask Jeffsetter a Question

Recent Posts

  • Alaska Air is Going to Europe in 2026
  • CSR $795 Annual Fee Rumor
  • Mokulele Suspends Service Again
  • American Continues Its America Westification
  • The Venetian is Now Live with World of Hyatt

© 2012–2025 Jeffsetter - All Rights Reserved · Website by Digital Mantis