During an announcement on Friday, Governor David Ige set the course for our return to normal – the end of Hawaii Safe Travels is in sight. To get there, though, Hawaii needs to hit certain vaccination goals. Plus, the process has different thresholds along the way. Let’s discuss.
The End of Hawaii Safe Travels is in Sight
Today, 52% of Hawaii’s population is fully vaccinated against COVID-19. For a while now, Governor Ige said his magic number is 70%, and that continues to hold true. But, it isn’t the end-all-be-all. In fact, we’re going to start to see rules relaxed in just over a week.
Vaccine Passport Expands
One of the first changes coming up is the expansion of Hawaii’s vaccine passport program to include trans-Pacific travelers vaccinated in Hawaii. I know, this does nothing for most visitors to Hawaii, but it’s a step in the right direction. What’s more, I think it’ll be a good test to see how things go as locals begin to travel out of state more and more. This change goes into effect on June 15.
Inter-Island Travel Restrictions Lifted
On the same day that the expanded vaccine passport goes into effect, Hawaii will also lift its inter-island travel restrictions. That means no more quarantine or pre-travel testing necessary for inter-island travel. Technically, to reach this threshold, we need to achieve a vaccination rate of 55%. But, with 52% as of Friday, and about a week left till the 15th, it’s all but certain that we’ll hit that goal.
Vaccine Passport Expands to All of the US
Once Hawaii hits a vaccination threshold of 60%, the Hawaii vaccine passport will expand to everyone vaccinated in the US. How long will we take to get there? Who knows – hopefully, sooner than later. That also begs the question, though, did they figure out a way to verify the authenticity of vaccine cards? Or is this requirement there because there is no cost-effective way of doing so?
End of Hawaii Safe Travels + All Other Restrictions
Remember that magic number? Yup, once we get 70% of our total population fully vaccinated, the Hawaii Safe Travels program will officially end. What’s more, at this point, all restrictions on businesses and Hawaii’s mask mandate will go away. Basically, we’ll revert to normal at this point. And while we don’t know when we’ll get there, hopefully, it won’t take too long. We’re 18% away, but that 18% could take the longest to reach.
To help Hawaii reach its 70% vaccination goal, the state is launching its own incentive program. Called HI Got Vaccinated, the Hawaii incentive program gives vaccinated residents the chance to win prizes like 100,000 HawaiianMiles and more. What’s more, it’s open to residents currently getting vaccinated, as well as those that have already been vaccinated.
The End of Hawaii Safe Travels is in Sight, Final Thoughts
I know many were hoping to see an end of Hawaii’s travel and other pandemic-related restrictions end sooner. But, at least now we’re heading in the right direction. And, at least we now have concrete information on what to expect. So, come on, Hawaii, let’s get vaccinated!
So what do you think is the cause for the delay in getting to 70%? Lack of vaccines or people refusing to get vaccinated.
At least here in Hawaii, vaccine supply is no longer an issue. In fact, the state turned away over 50% of our allocation last week thanks to falling demand. The primary reasons people are getting the vaccine now are misinformation, political, or economic (can’t take off from work, etc.).
I read an interesting article the other day in the Washington Post about vaccine rates being so uneven amongst states (shockingly, -sarcasm-, red states are falling behind national vaccine rate) and that those states will be much lower than 70% but other states will be higher than 70% meaning overall US average is 70% but not so much in some states. Could cause real problems and create breeding grounds for virus mutations/variants. I live in Texas, so it kind of freaks me out. Anyway, with a country as large as the US, and state’s rights being what they are, I doubt we will effectively manage this virus for awhile yet, despite everyone wishing it were so.
Also the vaccine cards in Texas are a joke to look at and if travel is based on being vaccinated, without some sort of “official USA” vaccine proof or database to check, anyone can gin one of these up and hand write in their info and it is moot to require proof of vaccination.
Indeed. There are major concerns that in parts of the country that have particularly low rates of vaccination, further mutations may continue to happen and threaten the progress other parts of the country have made. And that’s not even considering the issues that exist outside the US, such as what’s happening in India right now. Scientists are rightfully raising concerns over what’s happening here with things like bans on mask mandates for school-age children, especially in states that have particularly low rates of vaccinations. This whole thing is, unfortunately, an extremely partisan issue when it really shouldn’t be.
“That also begs the question, though, did they figure out a way to verify the authenticity of vaccine cards? Or is this requirement there because there is no cost-effective way of doing so?”
I think it’s the latter. I don’t actually see any workable way of validating CDC cards, whether it’s cost effective or not. There’s no way every other state will allow HI to access their databases. I doubt they’d even allow the feds to do that. Some states might be willing, but not enough to make it work. You think Ron DeSantis in FL will allow that?
You’re probably right. And that’s even if those states are maintaining a database of their own. I really wish the CDC has come up with a better plan. It doesn’t take a PhD to know that people are going to scam the system, especially with a laughably easy to counterfeit card being used.
There really isn’t a better way they could’ve done it. Can you imagine the political reaction if the government said they were going to keep a record of every single coronavirus vaccine administered in the IS?
I booked Mexico over Hawaii because of the need for a PCR test.I Refuse to spend a dime on that to travel within my own country. Rapid test is $15 in Mexico vs $175 for a PCR here.
FYI, you can go to Walgreens and get a Hawaii Safe Travels-approved COVID-19 test for free 😉
I certainly hope this happens, but using the past 15 months as a reference, something will bring a halt to travel once again. I have visited Kauai yearly for 2 weeks over Labor Day since before Iniki hit, getting off the island the day before that disaster struck. I love Kauai, it is truly my paradise on earth, however I’m off to Aruba this year for 10 days, and not living in fear that my CVS approved PCR test will occur, never mind getting the results in time.
@JSD get a dog if your scared. 30K fearless souls are arriving every day and enjoying “Paradise on Earth” If you think Aruba is superior to Kauai by all means, have at it for the next 28 years. Let us know how it goes after 28 years…
@Brad that’s cool. I went to Mexico in December (Aquascalientes) and had to take PCR test on return. Not sure what’s the big deal. Are you angry because of the principle of it, or just a cheap Charlie?
Btw, HATS OFF! to the people of HI for getting vaccinated! They have the Aloha and care in them to
get vaccinated for the greater good. Love the locals!