Hawaii Progressively Reopening Tourist Attractions as COVID-19 Cases Decrease

Hawaii progressively reopening tourist attractions

Hawaii’s summer, fall and winter vacation seasons never took off. Although the islands have never been closed to U.S. nationals, the ever-changing entry requirements caused by the state’s struggle to keep the pandemic figures under control drove travelers away.

The lack of control in multiple mainland states, triggered a spike in COVID-19 cases in the main island and its surrounding archipelago.

Lesson learned, Hawaii managed to get approved by Safe Travels which has allowed visitors to avoid some of the restrictions and have a clearer understanding of the epidemiology rules. 

As of now, Hawaii is progressively reopening some of its most popular attractions in a bit to boost their main industry.

Once free of quarantine, visitors can enjoy the regular attractions of the islands. Resorts and beaches are mostly open, as well as restaurants and the following attractions.

Mauna Lani – North Course

Mauna Lani, golf course, Hawaii
Mauna Lani, golf course, Hawaii – Credit: maunalanigolf.com

Located at Kohala Coast, north of the Kona international airport in Hawaii, Mauna Lani Golf has reopened both the North and South Courses for tourists again as COVID-19 restrictions have started to ease. 

Good news for U.S., Canadian and Japanese travelers. If registered with the Safe Travels program and pre-tested for COVID-19 72 hours prior departure, those visitors can bypass the mandatory 10-day quarantine and head to the golf club right away. 

Bishop Museum 

Bishop Museum, Honolulu, Hawaii
Bishop Museum, Honolulu, Hawaii – Credit: best-of-oahu.com

After months of closure, indoor activities have started to slowly reopen. As of today, 

Hawaii’s museums and other attractions such as zoos are open to visitors at 50% capacity for indoor areas. 

Honolulu is home to the Bishop Museum, the state’s largest museum dedicated to studying and preserving the history of Hawaii. Visitors should keep in mind that groups are limited to 5 in most of them. 

The Maui Ocean Center

Turtle in aquarium

This aquarium and oceanography center located on the island of Maui will be reopening on Friday, Jan. 22, after almost a year of closure. 

In the first phase only Na Hoa Kai annual pass holders will have access. In the second phase, all Maui, Lanai and Molokai residents will be welcome to visit for free on Saturdays and Sundays. And in the last one, it is set to open doors to general visitors.

The Polynesian Cultural Center

The Polynesian Cultural Center

Located on the Oahu Island, it has also been receiving visitors since January 18. It opens at 4pm Monday through Saturday, except for Wednesday when it’s closed.

The nearby Hukilau Marketplace is open to the public, from 12 to 7:30 pm all weekdays and on Saturday.

Hawaii Island national parks

Hawaii - Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park

Since Jan. 13, the Hawaii Pacific Parks Association (HPPA) has allowed visitors in all their official visitor center park stores.

Visitors interested in shopping at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park and Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site can now visit the stores from 10:00 a.m to 3:30 p.m.  

Updated entry requirements

Travelers eager to visit the Hawaiian Islands need to quarantine for 10 days at an approved facility and agree to download the Alohasafe contact-tracing app.

It is possible to forego quarantine by pre-applying through the Safe Travels website and presenting proof of negative COVID-19 results instead.

Only pre-approved tests by trusted partners will be admitted. These providers promise to deliver results within three days.

Inter-island travel is bound to the same rules, even quarantine. Some islands allow tests instead of quarantine while others don’t.