I set out to explore Maui with trepidation as a lot was happening in the world and the last thing I want to do is suffer for being adventurous(needy of some Sun and positive energy). I happened to speak to a client at Hawai, and he prompted, now is the time if you want to be here; the island is serene and not crowded, unlike every year. At this time of the year, Hawai attracts 40k travelers per day, and it is 8K now, he said, and that piqued my interests. Two of my friends were already headed to Maui, so that added the spring to my decision. Booking a place on Airbnb was easy breezy, and so were the flight tickets. I chose to fly Alaska Airways.

What was missing was information or alerts, which told me things I had to keep in mind before traveling apart from wearing masks and carrying sanitizers. Like the COVID 19 test was mandatory and had to be done 72 hours before landing at Hawai, failing which one has to do a compulsory quarantine for 14 days. Once you know this, it’s a sigh of relief as that sounds pretty simple. Well, not really!

I received an email from the airlines about the prerequisites and that the COVID test was mandatory. The Caveat being the test results were accepted only from centers approved by the govt of Hawaii. Click here for info https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel-partners/.

A few tips to avoid stress:

Please schedule a COVID test appointment asap and do not repeat the mistake I made, waiting to book a slot as it was to be completed 72 hours in advance. The COVID test places in the approved list were booked out for over ten days when I checked in November and panicked! I called over 8 locations, and the others didn’t even pick my calls. I finally had to request(plead) for help, and one of the Bartell Drug locations took me in and was very helpful.

Secondly, download the travel app https://travel.hawaii.gov

You have to update the trip on this APP, including your flight details and other info.

You have to fill in the Health questionnaire 24 hours before your flight.

You have to upload the COVID test result in the Document section, and the APP generates the QR code, which has to be handy to gain entry at Maui(Hawai)

When you land in Maui, there is a help desk set before you reach the baggage claim. They check your QR code, make necessary entries, and let you into the baggage claim area with a pink slip(pun unintended).Please keep the pink receipt handy as it has to be shown at the rental car agency in case you need to rent a car.

Everything was worth it, and I breathed easily as I exited the car rentals! The views and the energy of this place are DIVINE. While I am looking into the horizon, I hope this blog was useful. I wanted to share what I learned and ensure you I spare you the pain!

Mahalo!