Updated COVID-19 Mandates in Hawaiʻi: What Families Need To Know

Hawai‘i’s COVID restrictions relax with Spring Break and summer right around the corner

March 7, 2022

Catherine Toth Fox,

Mother Putting On Surgical Mask For Little Daughter In The Park To Prevent The Spread Of Cold And Flu And Viruses — Covid mandates start relaxing as Spring Break and summer near. Photo: Getty Images

Parents, we know how confusing Hawaiʻi’s COVID-19 rules have been.

COVID numbers fluctuate—Hawaiʻi is reporting on average 160 daily cases over a 14-week period—and cases are on the decline. Vaccination rates are increasing, too: As of Sunday, the statewide vaccination rate stands at 76.6%, one of the highest in the country.

And the rules—from requirements to traveling domestically to number of people who can gather indoors—have been changing, too.

Not to mention you have dinner to pick up—wait, can we eat indoors now?—and tons of cloth masks to wash.

We are right there with you.

So we came up with a quick summary of what you need to know right now.

(And fair warning: Even this will change.)

Indoor Activities on Oʻahu

Starting at midnight on March 5, Safe Access Oʻahu ends. That means restaurants, bars, gyms, theaters and arcades no longer have to require to ask for a COVID vaccination card or a negative test within 48 hours. (This is true on Maui, Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi, too.) But you should still check with each venue about its Covid-specific rules.

Masks are still required—over noses and mouths—in indoor settings.

Here are some popular family attractions and what their current rules are:

Bishop Museum: No proof of vaccination required for entry. Masks required while in indoor spaces. It is recommended that children under five are masked.
Honolulu Zoo: No proof of vaccination required for entry. Masks required while viewing enclosed exhibits.
Sea Life Park: No proof of vaccination required for entry. Masks required while indoors.
State Libraries: Proof of full vaccination or negative COVID test taken within 48 hours of entry are required. Masks required at all times.
Waikīkī Aquarium: Proof of full vaccination or negative COVID test taken within 48 hours of entry are required. (The aquarium requires only U.S. FDA-approved molecular or antigen tests. No at-home tests.) Masks are required while in indoor exhibits.
Wet ’n’ Wild: No proof of vaccination required for entry. Face masks required in bathrooms.

Outdoor Activities on Oʻahu

According to OneOahu.com, masks are recommended outdoors in crowded settings but not required. If you can’t maintain proper social distancing, put on a mask. Outdoor events—included sports practices and games—may have their own rules.

Domestic and Interisland Travel

Starting March 26, travelers from any domestic point of origin—so if you’re flying back from California, for example—will not have to show proof of COVID vaccination or results of a pre-travel test to return to Hawaiʻi. You won’t even need to create or update a Safe Travels account with your personal information and trip details online. All pre- and post-arrival COVID screenings will end, too, including post-boarding screenings at airports.

There are no travel restrictions for interisland travel.

The end of these restrictions does not apply to international travel, though. If you’re planning an international trip during Spring Break or summertime, you will still need to adhere to the federal requirements for entering the U.S., which includes providing a negative COVID test from one day prior to departure to the U.S. for both vaccinated and unvaccinated U.S. travelers. Foreign arrivals must be vaccinated per U.S. government rules.

Airlines will continue to require passengers to wear masks on board flights, as outlined by the requirements set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.