Visiting Maui During COVID: What You Need To Know

Planning a Maui trip during the COVID-19 pandemic? Here’s what to expect if you’ll be visiting Maui during the COVID era. (Updated July 5th, 2022)

IS MAUI OPEN TO VISITORS?

YES! Maui’s tourism industry closed in late March 2020 when the Hawaiian islands went into lockdown to curb the virus. At that time, the state of Hawaii asked visitors not to come to the islands and instituted a mandatory quarantine for anyone arriving into Hawaii. The mandatory quarantine was initially set to 14-days in October 2020, then 10-days in December 2020, and finally 5-days in January 2022.

Now, 2 years later, effective March 26, 2022, the travel quarantine and the Safe Travels Hawaii program has ended! U.S. visitors no longer need to show proof of vaccination or provide a negative COVID test to surpass the quarantine, because there is no mandatory quarantine! Hawaii residents traveling inter-island also do not need to show proof of vaccination or negative test.

FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS: Currently non-U.S. citizens are NOT required to be vaccinated, show proof of negative test, or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 to enter the United States. Check the CDC’s website for the latest federal requirements for travelers coming to Hawaii from an international destination.

VISITING MAUI DURING COVID PANDEMIC: IS THERE STILL A QUARANTINE REQUIREMENT ON MAUI?

NO!

Press Release on March 1st explains further in detail:

“HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige announced that the state is ending the travel quarantine and the Safe Travels Hawaii program after the current emergency period ends on Mar. 25. Beginning at 12:01 am, Mar. 26, passengers arriving from domestic points of origin will not have to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or a pre-travel negative test result. Incoming passengers will also no longer be required to create a Safe Travels account or provide travelers information and trip details. Travelers arriving in the State of Hawaii now through Mar. 25, are still subject to Safe Travels requirements.

International passengers will continue to follow the requirements that were put in place by the federal government.

In addition, beginning on Mar. 26, state/county employees and visitors to state facilities will no longer be required to provide vaccination status or negative COVID test results.”

Because our state does not have the authority to shut down air traffic into Hawaii, the quarantine was initially introduced in 2020 with the intention of discouraging visitors from coming. In truth, we really did not want tourists coming here to quarantine, and we did not encourage it. And why would anyone want to do that, anyway? The quarantine was very restrictive, limiting the choice of places you can stay and requiring that travelers stay INSIDE their hotel room for the entire quarantine period. Quarantined travelers were not allowed to rent a car, go grocery shopping, go to the beach or hotel pool or do anything outside of their room, except in the case of medical emergency. The quarantine was strictly enforced, with hefty fines and/or imprisonment for those who violated the laws. 

WHY WAS HAWAII BEING SO STRICT?

As a remote island state, we are unique in our concerns, needs, and approach to COVID-19. We have limited medical resources here. The island of Maui, for instance, has just one acute-care hospital and only 31 ICU beds. Unlike other places, we don’t have the option to drive to a nearby city for additional medical care.

Our island borders have made it possible for us to contain and control the virus extremely well, but those borders also place us in a position of tremendous risk if the virus takes hold and spreads like wildfire across the island. There is literally nowhere to run. It could quickly overwhelm our health care system. 

This pandemic put our island communities in the impossible position of having to choose between public safety or a healthy economy. What is the right direction to take? There is no perfect solution, and every choice involves risk and controversy. Our local government officials have been criticized for (a) waiting too long to reopen the tourism industry and (b) reopening the tourism industry too soon. There is no right answer that everyone can agree upon.

As much as we in Hawaii might like to keep our doors closed and stay safe here forever in a little cocoon in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, that is simply not realistic and would be disastrous for our tourism-based economy. By the time we reopened to visitors in mid-October 2020, Hawaii’s tourism industry had been closed for nearly seven months. It was catastrophic. Our leaders decided we cannot just sit back and wait this out. We must learn to co-exist with COVID and cautiously reopen our state to visitors.

VISITING MAUI DURING COVID PANDEMIC: WILL EVERYTHING BE OPEN FOR YOU TO ENJOY?

Well, maybe not everything . . . but most things. All beaches and parks are open. Most natural attractions (like Haleakala National Park) and hiking trails are open. Most shops, restaurants, and activities have reopened. A few have closed permanently.

The pandemic has taken its toll on Hawaii’s tourism industry and has been extremely challenging for local businesses. Most have been barely hanging on, waiting for tourism to rebound, and they are now delighted to welcome you back.  It’s inevitable, however, that some businesses will not survive this crisis and will decide to close their doors for good. We—along with you—are just waiting to see which businesses are able to recover and survive.

VISITING MAUI DURING COVID: WHAT HAS CHANGED ON MAUI?

If this a return trip and you are visiting Maui during COVID, you will notice that some things have changed on the island since your last trip.

THE UPSIDE: For our natural environment, the seven-month tourism shutdown was like a much-needed vacation and time of renewal. Our beaches and ocean are clean and beautiful. Fish have come back in abundance. Wildlife is flourishing. Flowers are blooming. Sunsets are gorgeous, as always. The environment has refreshed itself. Maui is more beautiful than ever.

Even Maui’s physical infrastructure has undergone some transformation. Several stretches of roadway have been repaved and improved, and many businesses and accommodations used the forced down-time to renovate and touch things up. And ALL of them have done thorough deep cleaning! You’ll find that everything is clean and ready for you — more so than ever before.

THE DOWNSIDE: Your visit may not be as carefree as before. As long as COVID is still active in the world, our island community will be focused on protecting ourselves and our visitors. Many businesses are still very short staffed due to the impacts of the pandemic along with many locals moving away. You can expect long lines for restaurants and services. I recommend making reservations for dining and activities well in advance. We are also still struggling to get supplies and goods shipped over (as many places are), but being an island, it is taking even longer.

VISITING MAUI DURING COVID: DO “LOCALS” WANT TOURISTS BACK? WILL YOU FEEL WELCOME ON MAUI?

After a seven-month closure, we were very excited to start welcoming tourists back beginning October 2020! But, to be perfectly honest, we had also been nervous about it. We are trusting our visitors to be respectful and follow the rules to protect our community, because if Maui experiences a large spike in the virus we may have to close down again . . . and that would be devastating. So, we have opened our home to visitors with some mixed emotions. Excitement and anticipation, yes—but concern and uncertainty, too.

You might run into a few Maui residents who are not welcoming towards you, although I certainly hope that doesn’t happen. If it does, ignore them. You’ll find plenty of Aloha from the rest of us. There are several complex factors at play when it comes to the attitude of local residents towards tourists:  Some people here are consumed by fear that visitors will infect our island and kill us all. Also, the recent massive resurgence in tourism numbers has been unexpected and rather shocking to those of us who live here and got used to having the highways and beaches to ourselves for seven months! We expected tourism to rebuild slowly, and our island is now having to rapidly readjust to the huge numbers of tourists that have been arriving since March 2021. With the pent-up demand for travel bringing so many visitors to Hawaii, we are have hit pre-COVID tourist numbers on Maui, and that has put pressure on our infrastructure (see more on that in the next section).

On top of all that, there has always been a minority segment of the population in Hawaii that does not want tourists here at all. Those people became empowered and more vocal on social media during the COVID-19 tourism shutdown, and they are even more vocal now that tourism has rebounded so quickly. But they don’t speak for the majority. The reality is, Hawaii will always need the tourism industry, and the vast majority of us who live here greatly appreciate our visitors. We are glad you’re here, and we will make you feel welcome.

WILL MAUI EVER BE THE SAME AGAIN, AFTER COVID IS GONE?

Honestly? We hope not! Those of us who live here don’t want it to be exactly the way it was before. In recent years, the volume of tourists in Hawaii reached record-breaking numbers, and that negatively impacted residents, as well as the visitors’ experience. Maui is a small island with a population of around 165,000 residents. In recent years pre-COVID, we were welcoming nearly 3 million visitors a year to our little island. Every month, 200,000-300,00 visitors arrived on Maui. (And we are already nearing those numbers again.)

We value our visitors — they keep our economy strong and healthy, and it’s a pleasure to see people enjoying the beauty of Maui. But as the numbers have grown in past years, we have seen tourism overrun our communities and infrastructure. The beaches and roadways were more crowded than ever. There was more strain on the infrastructure, creating more challenges for those of us who live here—and many residents began to resent that. The seams of our island community were stretched to the breaking point. Visitors complained because things were too crowded and “not like they used to be.”  Residents complained because our lives were more impacted by the growing visitor numbers and yes, things were too crowded and “not like they used to be.” So everyone seemed to agree: Hawaii needs to manage tourism differently so it’s a more positive experience for both residents and visitors, as well as our natural environment.

For the past few years, there has been a great deal of discussion on this topic of overtourism in Hawaii, and COVID has provided us with an unexpected opportunity. During these months of closure, Hawaii’s tourism industry leaders have had a chance to step back, talk, plan and consider ways to “do it differently” when we reopen. Yes, we want to welcome our visitors back again! But Hawaii will be taking a more balanced approach to tourism in coming months and years. We will not be pushing for the massive uncontrolled numbers of tourists we had before and will be more mindful of the impacts of tourism. This doesn’t mean we don’t want tourists. It just means we want to manage the volume better, for everyone’s sake.

In the future, Hawaii’s tourism industry will focus more on providing visitors with an authentic, unique experience that is rooted in native culture and traditions, rather than outdated Hawaii stereotypes. There are many beautiful beach destinations on this planet, but our authentic culture and aloha spirit is what sets Hawaii apart from the rest of the world. We want to do a better job of sharing that. And in doing so, we hope to draw respectful visitors, those who want to experience Hawaii on a deeper level, connect with our community, respect our culture, and help us preserve our fragile environment. The Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau says it this way: “We want visitors who will leave Hawaii better than when they arrived. People who will be enriched by their visit.” You will see changes in Maui’s tourism industry in coming years, and hopefully that will make your experience even better than before.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO BE THE KIND OF VISITOR WE WANT TO WELCOME TO MAUI DURING THIS PANDEMIC?

• Please do your part to help us keep everyone safe, and be polite and respectful. We are welcoming you to our home. Maui is not an amusement park. It is a small island community where people have lived and worked and raised families for generations. We need to keep our residents and visitor industry workers safe and make sure the island continues to be a safe destination for you, our visitors. Obey health and safety guidelines, wash and sanitize your hands. That’s our way of life on Maui now. We need everyone’s kokua (cooperation) to keep Hawaii safe for all. Spread Aloha, Not Germs!

• Be patient with us as we navigate through this uncharted territory. Rules change. Information is constantly being updated. New issues and solutions emerge. Everything during a global pandemic is fluid and changeable. There will be inconvenience, glitches, and mistakes. We know it’s frustrating. We feel the same way. Mahalo for your patience. It will all work out with time.

• Be extra sensitive if you are planning to visit the town of Hana during this time. As an isolated community with limited medical care, Hana is extremely vulnerable during this pandemic and residents are concerned about new infection being introduced. The road to Hana was closed for months during our island’s “lockdown” period, and even those of us who live here on the island (all non-Hana residents) were not allowed to go there. Now the road is open, and it is once again packed with tourist cars. Please be sensitive to the concerns of Hana residents. Be respectful. Be considerate. Keep Hana safe. Mahalo for that!

VISITING MAUI DURING COVID: SHOULD YOU VISIT MAUI RIGHT NOW?

We know that some people have been anxiously waiting to be able to visit Hawaii, and that is now possible without a quarantine requirement. However, we understand that many people cannot travel right now for various reasons or they simply have no interest in visiting Maui. If you prefer to wait until the world is safer and travel is more convenient, we completely understand and respect that. Come when you are ready. We want you to feel comfortable and safe when you travel here.

In spite of the inconvenience created by this global pandemic, we can assure you that you will have a wonderful time on Maui, and there will be many people here working to make sure your visit is extraordinary. Maui is a healing place. Take a breath, relax, and renew yourself amidst the island’s natural beauty. Revisit your favorite Maui beaches, towns, restaurants and shops, and discover some new favorites, too! Connect with our land, sea, and native culture. The Aloha Spirit is alive and well here on Maui, and we’re ready to welcome you back whenever you’re ready to return.

Aloha and A Hui Hou! (Until we meet again)

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Previous Maui COVID-19 Travel Requirements and Travel Tips:

• Under Hawaii’s “Safe Travels” program, travelers (age 5 years and older) arriving into Maui with negative COVID-19 test results within 72 hours prior to their flight are not subject to the quarantine requirement. (The test MUST be performed by one of Hawaii’s “Trusted Partner” health care providers.)

• Domestic travelers who have been fully vaccinated in the U.S. are exempt from the quarantine and pre-testing requirements. Vaccinated travelers must pre-register and upload their vaccination record with Hawaii’s “Safe Travels” online system (here’s how to do that) and bring their original proof of vaccination with them. 

Hawaii’s “Safe Travels” testing program and the other requirements noted above are constantly evolving check back OFTEN on the following sites as the information is updated on a regular basis:

Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau (GoHawaii.com) – Also, you can call them at 1-800-GOHAWAII with any additional questions on travel to Hawaii

Hawaii State Department of Health (HawaiiCovid19.com/travel) – This site includes the list of the Trusted Partners where you must get your pre-travel COVID test

Two Maui County Websites: Here and Here  – For COVID and travel info specific to Maui

In spring of 2020, masks had been required by State law in all public places in Hawaii. Then in May 2021, the State amended the law so masks are no longer required outdoors. Now as of March 26, 2022, mask-wearing is no longer mandated but offered as a personal choice for visitors and locals. See the state’s Emergency Proclamation, Exhibit A.

IF YOU ARE VACCINATED, MAKE SURE YOU BRING YOUR PROOF OF VACCINATION WITH YOU:  You will need it for entry into the state up until March 26th at 12:01am. Between September 15, 2021 and February 20, 2022, vaccination records, or proof of a negative test within 48 hours, were required to enter “high risk” establishments; like indoor dining, bars, and gyms. But on February 21st, that was lifted.

GET PRE-CLEARED BY YOUR AIRLINE: Some airlines offer a “pre-clearance” program. When you check in at the airport for your flight to Hawaii, ask your airline if they do this. If so, they will verify that you have uploaded your negative test results, vaccination records, and all other required info, and they’ll give you a “pre-cleared” wristband. That wristband will allow you to bypass the long line for clearance once you arrive at the airport in Hawaii.

The philosophy here is “Spread Aloha, Not Germs.”

Before you arrive on Maui, please familiarize yourself with Maui’s most current Public Health Emergency Rules, so you will know what is required specifically on our island. (The rules change often in response to changing issues and needs, and they are updated every few weeks.) In addition, be aware of the State of Hawaii’s mandates set forth in Emergency Proclamations.   These State rules are updated and reissued every few weeks. 

You will notice COVID-related changes at every establishment on Maui. Accommodations, shops, restaurants, tours, attractions – they are all required to maintain a safe, sanitized environment and adhere to necessary protocols, such as social distancing or limited occupancy, amidst this pandemic. Some have adjusted their hours of operation and instituted new requirements for advance reservations (no longer accepting walk-in customers). Some businesses may require temperature checks upon arrival. ALL will require you to wear a mask indoors, as that is currently required by the State’s Emergency Rules. Please don’t argue about the rules with hotel staff, cuss out the waitress or store clerk, or attack the person who informs you that a mask is required. (Unfortunately, all those behaviors have taken place here.) They didn’t make the rules; they are just trying to abide by the requirements that will allow their business to stay open. Please be kind. Be patient and follow the rules that are in place. If you are unable or unwilling to abide by the required rules, don’t come to Maui right now. Postpone your trip until a later time when restrictions are no longer necessary.

Yes, your experience visiting Maui during COVID will certainly be different than it was before. There will be some restrictions and inconvenience. But aren’t we all pretty much used to that by now? And in return, you will be rewarded with astounding beauty and serenity and wide-open spaces and fresh sea air . . . and lots of welcoming smiles underneath our masks as we greet you.

Questions? Comments? Drop me a line:

(Note: We recognize and respect the significance of the ‘okina and kahakō markings in the written Hawaiian language; however, we have omitted those diacritical markings on our site in order to integrate with the more common spellings used in online searches.)

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