Booster Shots And Hawaii Travel: What's The Latest?

As of February 2022, Hawaii has dropped its plans to require booster shots for vaccinated travellers as part of its Safe Travels programme. This means that travellers can continue to bypass the state's mandatory quarantine by showing proof of full vaccination (two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or one shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine) or a negative COVID-19 test taken within one or three days of arrival.

Hawaii drops booster requirement plans for entry

Hawaii has dropped its plans to require booster shots for tourists, Governor David Ige announced. The state, which has had the strictest entry program in the country since reopening in October 2020, decided against adding a booster requirement for fully vaccinated travellers.

The decision was made in consultation with Hawaii's four county mayors, health officials, and tourism businesses. Governor Ige cited declining COVID-19 case counts in Hawaii, the continental US, and Europe, as well as decreased hospitalizations, as reasons for the change. He also noted Hawaii's robust vaccination rates and the efforts of businesses and organizations to get their employees vaccinated and boosted for the safety of their communities.

The state's "Safe Travels" program previously required travelers who didn't want to quarantine for five days to be fully vaccinated (two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna, or one shot of Johnson & Johnson) or provide a negative COVID-19 test within one day of travel. The program was considering changing the definition of "fully vaccinated" to include a booster shot, which would have impacted domestic travelers the most.

With the dropped booster requirement, Hawaii maintains its current travel protocols. Visitors who are fully vaccinated or can show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before departure can bypass the state's mandatory five-day quarantine. Unvaccinated American travelers can still visit Hawaii with a negative COVID-19 test, but they must quarantine at their own expense upon arrival.

While booster shots are not currently required for travel to Hawaii, the state continues to encourage visitors to stay up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccines and to follow other precautions, such as wearing masks and traveling responsibly throughout the islands.

The definition of fully vaccinated

The definition of "fully vaccinated" has evolved since the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines. Initially, the term "fully vaccinated" was generally accepted to mean the receipt of two doses (or one for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine) followed by a 7- to 14-day period to allow the second shot to take full effect. This remains the legal standard for international travel vaccination cards. However, with the emergence of new virus variants and the waning of antibody protection over time, the definition of "full vaccination" has come into question.

The addition of booster shots to the definition of "fully vaccinated" is a complex issue. While booster shots have been shown to increase antibody levels, the long-term benefits of a third dose are still unclear. The original two-dose mRNA regimen still provides strong protection against severe disease and death, even without a booster. As such, the decision to include a booster shot in the definition of "fully vaccinated" depends on the relative importance of preventing mild infection versus severe illness or death.

In the context of travel to Hawaii, the state has decided against adding a booster requirement for fully vaccinated individuals. As of February 2022, Hawaii Governor David Ige announced that proof of a COVID-19 booster shot would not be necessary for fully vaccinated travellers to be exempt from quarantine. This decision was made based on declining COVID-19 case counts, decreased hospitalizations, and high vaccination rates in the state. Therefore, for the purposes of travelling to Hawaii, individuals are considered fully vaccinated with two doses of an approved vaccine, without the need for a booster shot.

It is important to note that the definition of "fully vaccinated" may vary depending on the location and the public health guidelines in place. While Hawaii does not require a booster for entry, other destinations may have different requirements. Additionally, the definition of "fully vaccinated" may evolve over time as new data emerges and public health guidelines are updated. Therefore, it is always advisable to stay informed about the latest guidelines and requirements for any given location.

Hawaii's Safe Travels program

The program initially required domestic travellers to create a Safe Travels account, show proof of vaccination, or provide a negative pre-travel COVID-19 test result. However, as of March 26, 2022, these requirements were lifted for travellers from the continental US, and there are no longer any travel restrictions for domestic travel into Hawaii.

For international travellers, the requirements are determined by federal US entry rules. As of April 18, 2022, masks are no longer mandatory on Hawaiian Airlines flights or in most US airports, but masks are still required in international airports and on flights to certain countries.

The program also included initiatives such as the Safe Access Oahu program, which ended on March 6, 2022. The state's indoor mask mandate also remains in place until further notice.

Maui's booster requirements

As of February 2022, Maui no longer requires visitors to have a booster shot to enter restaurants, bars, or gyms. However, Maui previously required a booster shot or a negative COVID-19 test to access these indoor spaces.

The island had announced that it would require a booster shot to be considered fully vaccinated as part of Maui's Safer Outside Program. This meant that both residents and visitors had to show proof of three shots instead of two to enter specific venues and gatherings without taking a pre-test. Those who didn't have a booster shot were considered unvaccinated and had to submit a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours to dine indoors.

The decision to no longer require proof of vaccination or a recent test to access indoor spaces in Maui was made due to the rapid decline in new COVID-19 cases and related hospitalizations. The indoor mask mandate will remain in place until Hawaii's Governor, David Ige, lifts it.

International tourists' requirements

As of 2024, there are no COVID-related requirements for international travellers arriving in Hawaii. However, travellers arriving directly from international airports must still comply with U.S. federal requirements, so be sure to consult with your airline.

Prior to March 26, 2022, travellers entering the State of Hawaii had to self-quarantine for 5 days upon arrival unless they met certain criteria. One such criterion was participation in the Safe Travels Vaccination Exception Program, which required proof of vaccination to be uploaded to the Safe Travels site prior to departure. This program has since been rolled back, and there is no longer a vaccination or booster requirement for entry to Hawaii.

The decision to roll back the Safe Travels program was made in light of improving COVID-19 case counts and decreasing hospitalizations. In a press statement, Governor David Ige said:

> "In addition, we looked at Hawaiʻi's robust vaccination rates and the continued push by businesses and organizations to get their employees vaccinated and boosted for the safety of their families and the community. At this time, we will also maintain the indoor mask mandate and other rules that have helped us manage this pandemic while reopening the economy."

While booster shots are not required to enter Hawaii, visitors are encouraged to stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines and take other precautions, such as wearing masks.

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