.
6/3/21 Update: Maui will end its post-arrival COVID-19 testing effective Friday, June 4, 2021, having tested over 92,000 arriving visitors. Of those, fewer than 30 tested positive with the rapid antigen test, but only five tested positive with the second, more reliable PCR testing: 3 visitors and 2 returning residents.
Maui Has Launched a Second, On-Arrival COVID-19 Test for Trans-Pacific Travelers, as we wrote in Maui will require second COVID-19 test on arrival starting in May. The on-arrival test is a rapid antigen test, which provides results in 15-20 minutes. If the rapid test provides a positive result, the traveler must return to the airport to take a PCR test. If the PCR test is positive, the traveler must complete a full 10 day quarantine at their own expense. This second test is in addition to the mandatory COVID-19 test taken with a Hawaii Safe Travels partner within 72 hours prior to the departure of the final flight leg to Hawaii.
Fortunately, travelers who can prove they're fully vaccinated (they received two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least 14 days prior to travel to Hawaii) are exempt from Maui's on-arrival COVID-19 test (although they still must take the pre-travel COVID-19 test in accordance with the Hawaii Safe Travels Program).
Maui-bound visitors should register at the Maui Arrival Test site.
FAQ
What Proof Do Fully Vaccinated Travelers Need to Provide to Be Exempt From On-Arrival Covid-19 Testing?
Fully vaccinated travelers must present an original CDC vaccination card or certificate of vaccination downloaded from the CDC’s Vaccination Administration Management System (VAMS) in order to be exempt from Maui's on-arrival rapid antigen testing.
.
Are Kids Required to Take Maui's On-Arrival Rapid COVID-19 Test?
As with Hawaii Safe Travels, kids 4 years and younger are exempt, but kids 5 and up are subject to the same testing rules as adults. A family with two fully vaccinated parents and children ages 5 and 7 would be able to have the adults skip Maui's on-arrival Covid testing, but both kids would be subject to the testing.
.
Is Maui Testing Inter-island Travelers on Arrival?
No, not at this time, although keep in mind that Hawaii Safe Travels requires pre-travel COVID-19 testing with a Hawaii Safe Travels test partner even for inter-island travel to Maui (unless you're traveling from Lanai or Molokai, both of which are part of Maui County).
.
Why is Maui Introducing On-Arrival Testing?
Maui has fewer health resources than Oahu, yet in 2019, prior to the pandemic, received over 3 million visitors over the year. Even in February 2021, Maui saw over 235,280 arrivals; if that average held throughout 2021, it would result in 2.8 million visitors. With the advent of more contagious coronavirus variants, Maui's leaders want to understand to what extent COVID-19 is being spread by visitors from the mainland who have tested negative pre-travel but may be pre-symptomatic and be infectious while on Maui.
Of course, travelers opposed to the new requirement can opt for another vacation destination, and Maui's Maui Nui site says as much: “Leisure travelers opposed to Maui County’s public health rules should choose a different vacation destination or delay travel to Maui County until public health mandates are no longer necessary.”
Recommended Posts
Four Seasons Maui: In-Suite Peloton Bike, Private Fitness Studio
Maui Visitors Must Use AlohaSafe Alert COVID-19 Tracing App
New United Hawaii Nonstop Flights from NYC, Chicago, Orange County
Private Suite at LAX Complimentary to Four Seasons Hawaii Suite Guests
If you enjoyed this, join 200,000+ readers: follow TravelSort on Twitter or like us on Facebook to be alerted to new posts.
Subscribe to TravelSort on YouTube and TravelSort on Instagram for travel inspiration.
Become a TravelSort Client and Book 5-Star Hotels with Virtuoso or Four Seasons Preferred Partner Benefits