Updates to Hawaii’s COVID-19 rules and mask mandates

Visitors will also no longer need to provide information about their trip or create a Safe Travels account. 

The end of these restrictions does not apply to international travelers, who are under different travel requirements per the federal government. Travelers from an international destination, including returning U.S. citizens, are still required to show proof of a negative COVID test, regardless of vaccination status, or documentation of recovery from the virus from a licensed health care professional. 

However, the state’s indoor mask mandate will continue after March 25, Ige said, including at airports. Hawaii is currently one of the few states in the United States to still have an indoor mask mandate. 

March 1, 4:00 a.m. Starting today, Maui County is lifting its COVID-19 emergency rules.

The islands of Maui, Lanai and Molokai no longer require proof of vaccination or negative tests at restaurants, bars or gyms. And indoor and outdoor social gatherings will not be limited by size.

“With COVID-19 new cases and hospitalizations continuing to trend downward dramatically, it’s time for our residents to return to the activities that they enjoy — camping with friends and family and attending birthday parties, baby luau and other events at community centers,” Maui Mayor Michael Victorino said in a press release. “Now, we can reclaim our island lifestyle and put COVID-19 restrictions behind us.”

Three Maui County campsites will also reopen, including One Alii Park and Papohaku Park on Molokai, and Papalaua Wayside Park in West Maui.

Additionally, Oahu announced yesterday that it will let its emergency order expire March 5, including its Safe Access Oahu program. Until then, residents and visitors still need to show proof of vaccination or a negative test at restaurants, bars and gyms, but beginning March 6, that requirement ends.

“This is a joyous moment right now. We were hoping this day would come, even though it’s not quite March 5th,” said Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi at a press conference. “Let’s get on with our lives.”

State mask mandates continue to be in effect for all islands, despite updates on mask guidance from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, which says they’re no longer necessary. Hawaii Gov. David Ige is keeping it in place for now, but more updates are expected this month, as the state mask mandate is set to expire March 25.

All travelers to Hawaii still need to adhere to the state’s Safe Travels Program. It includes a temperature screening and a five-day quarantine. To bypass quarantine, you have two options: You may receive a vaccination exemption by uploading your card digitally for validation, or you may receive a negative pre-travel COVID-19 test within 72 hours of your departure time. For multi-city flight itineraries, you’ll have to ensure the 72 hours prior to departure time is from the last leg of your travel to Hawaii.

Keep track of Honolulu, Maui, Kauai and Hawaii county mandates by visiting their respective websites. To stay up to date on Hawaii’s COVID-19 numbers, visit the state’s online dashboard, which shows numbers on the county level.