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Hawaii will pay for your flight to do its remote work program - but there's a catch

Benét J. Wilson
Benét J. Wilson
Contributor
Benét, known as the Aviation Queen, is a former senior editor at TPG who is best known for being an aviation journalist for 25-plus years. Her love affair with travel and aviation began at age 6, when her Air Force family moved from California to a military base outside of London. The family flew from JFK to London on a pretty new Pan Am 747. She was amazed when, in 1992, she got her first aviation journalism job.
Dec. 06, 2020
•
3 min read
Oahu
Hawaii will pay for your flight to do its remote work program - but there's a catch
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If you're like me, you're really tired of working in whatever space you could carve out in your home as most companies (including ours) has employees working from home. Now, the state of Hawaii is offering you the chance for an amazing change of scenery and is willing to even pay your airfare.

Under its pilot "Movers & Shakas" program, Hawaii will pay for your airfare on Hawaiian Airlines or Alaska Airlines if you stay at least 30 consecutive days in Oahu. You'll also be required to volunteer at local nonprofits including Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, Girl Scouts of Hawaiʻi, Hawaii Literacy and KUPU.

The state's economy, which is heavily reliant on tourism, has been devastated by a severe drop in visitors because of the COVID-19 pandemic. So this pilot program could be a win-win for the state and those who want the chance for an extended stay.

Related: 5 things to know about visiting a reopening Hawaii

Applications for the program opened on Nov. 29 and will close Dec. 15. If you're among the first 50 people to be approved, the program offers a package of travel and lodging benefits to ease your transition. Hotels are offering special long-term rates for those looking for a place to stay. They include:

  • Alohilani
  • Outrigger Waikiki
  • Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger
  • OHANA Waikiki East by Outrigger
  • Prince Waikiki
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Workers also have access to discount workspaces at Treehouse, Hawaii Office Centers and Hub Coworking Hawaii. Plus get discounts at local restaurants at Duke's Waikiki and Hula Grill Waikiki when you mention you're part of the Movers & Shakas program.

Hawaii's program is the latest iteration of efforts to get people to work remotely, including Work From Hyatt, Marriott, Barbados, Bermuda and the country of Georgia, to name a few. So now may be a great time to take advantage of a program that will take you away to a more scenic place to work.

If you are entertaining the idea of a trip to the Aloha State, know that Hawaii's COVID-19 restrictions and entry requirements are changing seemingly by the minute. Check out this guide for the latest information about traveling to a reopened Hawaii, and what you need to prepare for a successful trip.

Related: Moving target: Here's everything you need to know about Hawaii's ever-changing visitor policy

Featured image by The island of Oahu. (Photo by Melanie Lieberman/The Points Guy)