Travelling to Hawaii from Canada during COVID

December 4, 2021
Waikiki Beach

Travelling to Hawaii from Canada during COVID November 2021

 

As I write this article, things have changed quickly with the new Omicron coronavirus variant spreading around the globe. Canadians who travel to the United States by air will need to get a COVID-19 test no later than 24 hours before their departure.


The previous 72-hour testing window for fully vaccinated travellers is reduced to slow the spread of the highly mutated Omicron variant.


Shoppers Drug Mart offers a Rapid Antigen test for $40.00. If you can get an appointment at Costco pharmacy, you can get this test for less than $20.00. These are reasonable options and far cheaper than the PCR test previously required before November 7, 2021.

The process for the Rapid Antigen was simple. Fill out the form – provide health card and payment—a wait time of 5 minutes for the swab. The result was ready between 15-20 minutes.

Planning and research helped take the stress out of the added protocols to fly to Hawaii for vacation. We recommended that you travel with a digital and printed copy of your proof of the COVID vaccine. You will need to show evidence of vaccine status at the airport and any restaurants or hotels you visit while in Hawaii.
Waikiki Beach City view

Air travel requires passengers to wear a facemask at all times other than eating, drinking, or removing the cover to take medications if needed. This policy reduces the risk for everyone, and we were happy to see this enforced. 


If you are travelling from Canada, it is crucial to note that the protocols mentioned above only apply if you arrive in Hawaii direct from Canada. If you were to have a connecting flight through the United States, you would need to observe The Safe Travels Hawaii program for domestic travellers within the United States.

Public transportation, cabs and rideshare require masks while in Hawaii. While visiting Hawaii, you need to show your proof of vaccine records to attend restaurants both indoors and out. It was a relief to see that the protocols are being upheld to ensure everyone’s safety while visiting Hawaii.


It is also helpful to hold on to your airline’s boarding pass showing a direct flight from Canada while checking into your hotel. The hotel will ask for this document.

Mahalo Sign


Enjoy your visit, and please be respectful.

Returning to Canada requires a negative PCR test 72 hours before your flight. There are many options for getting this test, but you will find places that offer these for free with a bit of investigation and a quick web search. Nomi Health in Waikiki was offering these tests free, and the process was relatively easy with a pre-registration online at https://nomihealth.com/hawaii/.

It is essential always to have a plan B in the rare case that your test results are not back on time. The Nomi test results were in our email the following day, less than 24 hours after testing. The Honolulu airport also offers Rapid PCR testing if you need a last-minute test before your departure.

Royal Hawaiian Hotel

You will also need to download and use the ArriveCAN app to provide mandatory travel information required to enter Canada. 


When arriving in Canada, you may face random COVID testing even though you have followed all the steps required by the Government of Canada. This random screening is a seamless experience, but now that all travellers accept those travelling from the United States will require COVID testing upon arrival, this process may be cumbersome.

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