Visitors Guide to Maui During Coronavirus

The culture of our Hawai’ian Islands are steeped in the values of ‘Kuleana’ (responsibility) and ‘Aloha’ (love). Now that travelers can once again enjoy our islands, we are asking you to join in our efforts to keep Hawai’i safe, and continue to remain open, by following this simple and sensible guide to visiting Maui during Coronavirus.

Is Maui Allowing Visitors?

Yes, Maui is allowing visitors; however, all transpacific travelers are required to have a negative test result from a trusted travel partner before departure for the State of Hawai‘i, in order to bypass the 14-day quarantine.

All inter-island travelers must provide a pre-departure test 72 hours prior to departing for Maui County to be exempt from quarantine. A list of trusted travel partners may be found here.

Maui is also participating in a voluntary second post-arrival test, also administered within 72-hours after arrival, and is free of charge. Pre-registration may be found here.

The testing program is constantly evolving, as more information, additional testing partners, and new options and requirements are added.

INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS

Currently, international travel restrictions prohibit European and other countries from traveling to the U.S. A list of countries may be found here.

Although, Maui is currently working on creating similar pre-travel testing programs for international travelers. We have already established a program for travelers from Japan. Information for Japan travelers may be found here.

Beginning in mid-December, travelers flying from Canada to Hawaii may also bypass the state’s mandatory 14-day quarantine if they have a negative COVID-19 test result from a lab identified by WestJet and Air Canada prior to departure.

Is There a Quarantine Requirement on Maui?

Yes. Any visitors that come to Hawai’i, without a negative COVID pre-test, will be subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine.

The 14-day quarantine is very restrictive and requires visitors to remain in your hotel or motel room and have food, groceries, prescription medications, and other supplies delivered to your door. You may leave only to seek emergency medical services or return to the airport to depart the state. You are also not allowed to rent a car from any source (rental car company or person-to-person) while in quarantine.

The quarantine is strictly enforced, with hefty fines and/or imprisonment for those who violate the laws.

The full self-quarantine instructions can be found here.

Am I Required to Wear a Mask on Maui?

Yes. Face coverings must be worn in compliance with Maui County Orders.

Face coverings are defined as “a tightly woven fabric (without holes, vents, or valves) that is secured to the head with either ties or straps, or simply wrapped and tied around the wearer’s nose and mouth.”

You are also required to maintain at least 6 feet of physical distancing from others.

Masks are required in all public places and compliance is expected of both residents and visitors alike.

Businesses on Maui can refuse admission or service to anyone who fails to wear a face covering, unless an exemption applies.

Is Maui a Safe Place to Visit?

Yes. The State of Hawai’i has been very successful in controlling the virus, with the lowest rate of COVID infections in the United States.

Maui County Officials moved quickly to contain outbreaks, and our COVID infection rate has been comparatively low with a positivity rate of 0.6 percent today, according to the COVID-19 data dashboard posted by the State of Hawaii Emergency Management Agency. Statewide, the positivity rate is at 1.5 percent (Nov 18, 2020).

What Places Are Open to Visit?

Like most businesses during the Coronavirus lockdown period, the tourism closure on Maui has been extremely challenging and they will be delighted to welcome you back and to help support their business blossom again, however, please also remember to be kind and respectful during this time, following all safety guidelines, so we can continue to remain open.

HOTELS AND ACCOMMODATIONS

Please visit the website of your Hawai‘i accommodations for information about their opening times and property-specific safety protocols.

STORES, RESTAURANTS, AND ACTIVITIES

Many of our store retailers, restaurants, attractions, and indoor activities are open with some restrictions. Face coverings must be worn at all times indoors except when you are eating and/or drinking.

PARKS AND BEACHES

All county parks, beaches and trails are open on all islands, with some restrictions.

STATE PARKS AND MONUMENTS

Select state parks and monuments statewide are open, though emphasizing social distancing. You will find a detailed listing of open and closed state parks at the Division of State Parks website here.

Will I Be Welcomed to Maui?

In spite of the inconvenience caused by Coronavirus, you can rest assured that you will still have a wonderful time here on Maui and there are many people and businesses ready to welcome you back whenever you’re ready to return — keeping in mind that you also need to help do your part and keep our island and residents safe and continue to remain open, by abiding by our Maui County rules and regulations.

Be extra sensitive however if you are planning to visit Hana during this time, as the town of Hana is an isolated community with limited medical care, which makes them extremely vulnerable. The road to Hana was even closed for locals during our islands lockdown period, however now that the road to Hana is re-open again to locals and visitors alike, please be respectful and sensitive to the concerns of Hana residents by wearing your mask, social distancing, and walking gently upon the ‘aina (land).

The island is full of healing and the Aloha Spirit – you just need to remember to breath and relax, renewing yourself amongst our islands natural beauty and wonder!

For Further Information

You can check the websites below for more information, which are updated on a regular basis:

• Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau
  https://www.gohawaii.com
  Call 1-800-GOHAWAII for additional questions on travel to Hawaii.
• Hawaii State Department of Health
  https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel/
  This website includes a list of Trusted Partners where you must get your pre-travel COVID test.
• Maui County Website
  https://www.mauicounty.gov/2393/Coronavirus
  For COVID-19 information, specific to Maui.

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