Nearly 18 months after the initiative began, the US eliminates pre-entry testing, helping to further normalize travel. The move should also reduce at least some of the anxiety surrounding travel to the US for both visitors and returning residents alike. … [Read more...] about US Eliminates Pre-Entry Testing
COVID-19
Review: InteliSwab Rapid Antigen COVID-19 Test
After our recent trip to Las Vegas and California (more to come!), Mrs. Island Miler and I were quarantined at a hotel in Waikiki. Towards the end of our self-imposed quarantine, we took an InteliSwab Rapid Antigen COVID-19 Test to ensure we didn't bring an unwanted visitor back with us. … [Read more...] about Review: InteliSwab Rapid Antigen COVID-19 Test
Hawaii Tightens Capacity Restrictions Once Again
The Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus is wreaking havoc here in Hawaii. Currently, the islands are experiencing the worst surge we've seen since the start of the pandemic. As a result, Hawaii tightens capacity restrictions once again in an effort to slow the spread. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Tightens Capacity Restrictions Once Again
Hawaii Allows $30 Million in COVID Tests to Expire
Not long ago, I reported that the State of Hawaii has a large stockpile of unused COVID-19 tests. Those tests, they say, can only be used for community testing, despite a lack of community testing. Well, they never did find a use. As a result, Hawaii allows $30 million in COVID tests to expire. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Allows $30 Million in COVID Tests to Expire
The Crowds Are Back in Waikiki!
This past weekend we did another Waikiki staycation. However, things were markedly different compared to our last few stays during the pandemic. The biggest difference, of course, being that the crowds are back in Waikiki! It was crazy, though nowhere near as bad as Miami. … [Read more...] about The Crowds Are Back in Waikiki!
Hawaii Lt Governor Outlines His Reopening Plan
For being basically a one-party state, Hawaii's politicians have been absolutely horrible when it comes to aligning COVID-19 strategies. No one can seem to agree on ANYTHING. So, as Hawaii Lt Governor outlines his reopening plan, take his plan with a huge grain of salt. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Lt Governor Outlines His Reopening Plan
Hawaii Requires Pre-Travel Test for Vaccinated Travelers
Have you gotten a COVID-19 vaccine already? Great! However, if you plan on visiting the islands, you should know that Hawaii still requires a pre-travel test for vaccinated travelers. And there are good, scientific reasons for this requirement. Oh, and the City reverses course on the new Hanauma Bay rules. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Requires Pre-Travel Test for Vaccinated Travelers
Waikiki Clinic Reports Uptick in COVID Cases
With cases surging around the US and particularly in Hawaii's single largest source of visitors - California, it's no surprise that a Waikiki clinic reports an uptick in COVID cases. And, of course, this is especially true of travelers arriving from California. … [Read more...] about Waikiki Clinic Reports Uptick in COVID Cases
Hawaii Surveillance Testing is a Complete Joke
Governor Ige and Lt. Governor Josh Green have long told us to not worry about imported COVID cases because they're monitoring the situation by testing 10% of passengers upon arrival. However, it turns out that Hawaii surveillance testing is a complete joke. Surprised? I'm not. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Surveillance Testing is a Complete Joke
Hawaii Tightens Pre-Travel Testing Requirements
The other day, Hawaii's mayors expressed concerns about the state's pre-travel testing program's lax nature. Chief among them were people getting on planes without results and arriving positive. So, Governor Ige, surprisingly, responded. As a result, Hawaii tightens it's pre-travel testing requirements. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Tightens Pre-Travel Testing Requirements