Hawaii governor lays foundation for vaccinated travelers to avoid quarantine
Richard Kerr is the Loyalty and Engagement Editor for The Points Guy focused on creating content that educates and empowers TPG readers.
April 10, 2021
•
2 min read
Hawaii governor lays foundation for vaccinated travelers to avoid quarantine
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On April 9, Hawaii Gov. David Ige issued his 19th proclamation related to the COVID-19 emergency. The 72-page document outlines a variety of topics and issues, including — for the first time — the foundation for vaccinated travelers to have the opportunity to avoid the mandatory 10-day quarantine.
Under the section for exemptions to the self-quarantine (which already includes anyone with an approved negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of departure of their last leg to Hawaii) there is new language paving the way for vaccinated travelers to also skip quarantine:
"Upon the establishment of an exception by the Director of HIEMA, persons who, prior to departure to the State, upload into the State’s Safe Travels program or otherwise provide validation that they have completed a vaccine regimen approved by DOH. This third exception is not available as of the date of this Proclamation, requires action by the Director of HIEMA and details will be posted at https://hawaiicovid19.com/. Persons under the age of five accompanied by a traveler who meets existing test exceptions are not required to obtain a test prior to arrival."
This is the latest development in the seemingly ever-changing rules of visiting Hawaii. The rules also continue to change by island. Effective any day now will be an additional layer of testing upon entry into Maui. The new testing requirement, supposedly at no cost to the traveler, was supposed to take effect yesterday but may not be in place until the end of April.
Gov. Ige's latest announcement is likely welcome news to the now millions of vaccinated travelers. The current 72-hour testing requirement can be tricky depending on your travel plans. If coming from the East Coast and connecting on the West Coast to Hawaii, your test must have been completed within 72 hours of departure of your final leg to Hawaii, not the departure time of when you leave home. It must also be one of a few approved tests.
Until the newest exemption for vaccinated travelers takes place, you can make your travel to Hawaii a bit easier if you fly nonstop from 27 mainland U.S. cities.
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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
TPG Editor‘s Rating
Go to reviewCard Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
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Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.670-850Excellent/Good
Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
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- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees