HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii’s COVID-19 case counts and hospitalizations have declined to the point where the islands are ready to welcome travelers once again, the governor said Tuesday.
Gov. David Ige said vacationers and business travelers are welcome to return to the islands starting Nov. 1.
His announcement comes nearly two months after he asked travelers on Aug. 23 to avoid Hawaii because case counts were surging with the spread of the highly transmissible delta variant and hospitals were becoming overwhelmed. The state didn’t impose any new travel quarantine restrictions, and Ige’s plea was a mere request. Even so, it prompted thousands of travelers to cancel plans to visit Hawaii.
In the intervening months, Hawaii’s seven-day average of daily new cases has plummeted from 900 to 117. COVID-19 hospitalizations have dropped from more than 400 to about 100 statewide.
“I think we are all encouraged by what we’ve seen over the last several weeks with the continuing trend of lower case counts,” Ige said in a remarks at a ceremony opening a new airport facility in Kailua-Kona. “Our hospitals are doing better, and we have fewer COVID patients in them. Most importantly, our health care system has responded, and we have the ability to move forward with economic recovery.”
To avoid a 10-day quarantine upon arrival, travelers must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of their departure for Hawaii.
The governor said Hawaii was seeking information from the federal government about its plans to require foreign nationals traveling to the U.S. to show proof of vaccination beginning Nov. 8.
Hawaii which is one of the state’s biggest employers, has said it will be crucial for Hawaii to match its travel policies with federal rules on international travel to avoid confusion and eliminate redundant screening.
Most visitors to Hawaii during the pandemic have come from the other 49 states, in part because countries like Japan still have strict quarantine requirements for those returning to home after traveling abroad.
The state of Hawaii this week plans to launch a program that will allow people to use their smartphones to prove they have been vaccinated against COVID-19.
The Hawaii Smart Health Card comes shortly before Honolulu and Maui begin instituting vaccine requirements for patrons of restaurants and other businesses.
State officials say that starting Friday, people who have been vaccinated in Hawaii will be able to upload a photo of their vaccination card to the Safe Travels Hawaii website to create a digital vaccination record. The website will crosscheck this information with data stored in the state’s vaccination database.
Gov. David Ige said this should help prevent the use of fake vaccination cards. The verification process should only take a few seconds.
Customers may show restaurants, museums and other establishments their verified Hawaii Smart Health Card in lieu of their paper vaccination card to gain admittance. Businesses will have the option to use a validator app to scan a QR code on the digital vaccination records to verify their legitimacy.
“Participation in the Hawaii Smart Health Card is voluntary. It is strictly a convenience for those residents who have been vaccinated here in the state of Hawaii,” Ige said at a news conference.
The governor said some states including California and New York have started using similar digital vaccination records.
However, people who have been vaccinated through the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or through the federal pharmacy program won’t be able to have their cards verified through the website.
Starting Monday, Honolulu will require patrons of restaurants, bars, museums, theaters and other establishments to show proof of vaccination or a negative test for COVID-19 taken within the previous 48 hours.
Maui will start a similar program on Wednesday, though patrons won’t have the option to show a negative test.
HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii Gov. David Ige said Wednesday that starting Oct. 15, travelers arriving from out of state may bypass a 14-day quarantine requirement if they test negative for COVID-19.
Travelers will have to take the test within 72 hours before their flight arrives in the islands. Ige said drug store operator CVS and healthcare provider Kaiser Permanente will conduct the tests as part of an agreement with the state.
Earlier this year Ige planned to start a pre-travel testing program on Aug. 1 only to have to postpone it as COVID-19 cases spiked on the U.S. mainland and in Hawaii. A shortage of testing supplies also forced delays. Another start date for Sept. 1 was also canceled. Airlines are expected to help inform travelers of the requirement.
Hawaii leaders are hopeful that pre-travel testing will encourage people to return to Hawaii in a way that keeps residents safe. Tourism traffic to the state has plunged more than 90% since the pandemic began, forcing hundreds of hotels to close and pushing many people out of work.
“I want to emphasize that this pre-travel testing will allow us to add a greater element of safety for travel into our state,” Ige said at a news conference.
Lt. Gov. Josh Green, who joined the news conference via Zoom because he tested positive for the disease and is isolating at home, said the program will provide economic opportunity at a time when so many people are suffering. Upheaval from the pandemic pushed nearly one-quarter of Hawaii’s workforce into joblessness. In April, Hawaii had the third-worst unemployment rate in the nation after Nevada and Michigan.
“I worry about the long term impacts of economic distress and that impact this has on our people, when they can’t afford their homes as easily or groceries or health care,” Green said.
On Wednesday, the state Department of Health reported Hawaii had an average of 118 cases per day for the past seven days. That’s down from a seven-day daily average of 255 on Aug. 28.
Looking to plan an incredible vacation — or perhaps a really awesome staycation? Philadelphia should be on your summer destination list, experts say.
U.S. News & World Report has just ranked Philadelphia in the top three on its annual Best Places to Visit in the USA list. The ranking features New York City, Philadelphia and Honolulu in the top three spots.U
“The first (and only) city in the USA to be named a UNESCO World Heritage City, Philly offers so much more than cheesesteaks.”
The news outlet reminds readers that the city “offers so much more than cheesesteaks” and points to Philadelphia’s incredibly rich historical heritage as a key point of interest.
In fact, the U.S. News & World Report also placed Philadelphia among the top three Best Historic Destinations in the USA, a list that includes New York City, Philadelphia and San Francisco highest in its ranking.
Beyond the city’s wealth of historic attractions, the travel report goes on to talk about Philly’s wonderful museums, lively nightlife, beloved sports teams, thriving restaurant scene, array of ethnic neighborhoods and the fact that Philly is home to one of the largest gay communities in the U.S.
(Photo by M. Edlow for Visit Philadelphia)
“Philadelphia is known for having a laid-back vibe and a very diverse and accepting atmosphere. It’s not called the City of Brotherly Love for nothing,” says U.S. News & World Report.
The U.S. News & World Report travel rankings are based on an analysis of expert and user opinions. In its travel guide to Philadelphia, the outlet calls out the culinary renaissance the city has seen in recent decades – earning the city a spot on the Best Foodie Destinations in the USA – and also writes about the city’s welcoming attitude.
We couldn’t agree more.
To check out the entire Best Places to Visit in the USA article click here — and then start planning your next trip to Philadelphia.
A rear view of the Kate's forward fuselage. This is the area of the
aircraft where seats for the pilot and navigator/bombardier are located.
(PRNewsFoto/Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl...)
The outer wing and forward fuselage of Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl
Harbor's Nakajima Kate, shown behind a WWII torpedo. Members of Lt Ted
Shealy's Restoration Shop perform preservation work on the delicate
airframe. (PRNewsFoto/Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl...)
HONOLULU- The Nakajima B5N Torpedo Bomber was the pride
of the Imperial Japanese Navy and was considered the most effective
aircraft of its kind at the beginning of World War II. She caused most
of the battleship damage during the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii,
December 7, 1941. Seventy-five years later, the Type 97 Carrier Torpedo
Bomber, dubbed the "Kate" by the allies, will return to the exact spot
where she made aviation history and be displayed at Pacific Aviation
Museum Pearl Harbor on Ford Island.
"This aircraft is one of a few known to have survived the
war," said Kenneth DeHoff, executive director of Pacific Aviation Museum
Pearl Harbor. "An estimated 1,149 B5N's were built, and only bits and
pieces survive today, except for this Kate with its intriguing history.
Work has begun on
the Kate's fuselage and wings in the Museum's Lt. Ted Shealy's
Restoration Shop, located in historic Hangar 79. "We expect it will take
five years to restore the B5N for static display quality" according to
DeHoff. "With this year being the 75th Anniversary of the
attack on Pearl Harbor, the museum is honored to be able to display the
Kate where she made aviation history, sharing a legacy with thousands of
visitors worldwide."
Pacific Aviation
Museum Pearl Harbor is located on Historic Ford Island, where the first
bombs fell during the attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. Visitors
to the Museum can see remnants from that day of infamy, including the
158-foot tall, red and white iconic Ford Island Air Field Control Tower,
Hangars 37 and 79, and bullet holes that still remain. Through its
preservation and restoration of World War II fighter planes and
accompanying artifacts in the
Museum's historic
hangars, Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor shares the story of the
vital role aviation played in winning of World War II, and its
continuing role in maintaining America's freedom.
Pacific Aviation
Museum Pearl Harbor is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. Its mission
is to develop and maintain an internationally recognized aviation
museum on Historic Ford Island that educates young and old alike, honors
aviators and their support personnel who defended freedom in The
Pacific Region, and to preserve Pacific aviation history. Contact:
808-441-1000.
Room service may be on the chopping block at some hotels, but many continue to view in-room dining as a luxury that’s worth dishing up to guests. Here are some of the over-the-top menu items that have our mouths watering:
1. High Roller at Nobu HotelAt the Nobu Hotel, a 181-room boutique property inside Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, hungry guests can cough up 185 bucks for the High Roller bento box, which includes lobster, king crab, Wagyu steak, sushi rolls and nigiri, and a baby spinach salad. The dishes on chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s in-room dining menu are prepared in the same kitchen as the on-site Nobu Restaurant & Lounge.
2.Beluga Caviar at the Four Seasons Hotel George V, ParisThe in-room dining menu at the famed hotel says the Beluga caviar from Bulgaria “releases a large, smooth finish with finesse” for approximately $873.13. And for the near 1K price tag, you’ll get condiments and your choice of blinis or toast.
4.Ribeye for Two at Trump International HotelChef Jean-Georges Vongerichten serves up a 28-day dry-age ribeye with crunchy potato, herbal spinach, and house steak sauce for $138 on the New York hotel’s room service menu. For an extra chunk of change, you can arrange for a chef from his fine-dining restaurant to prepare and present your meal, course-by-course, in your suite.
5.Mauka at the HalekulaniThe five-star Halekulani in Honolulu offers in-room candlelit dinners from its award-winning La Mer Restaurant. The Mauka selection (which means “heading towards the mountains” in Hawaiian) includes two choices: lamb loin marinated in red wine with Jerusalem artichokes and date chutney, accompanied with foie gras with shiitake mushrooms and a marinated mushroom salad to start, or a filet of prime beef with foie gras and truffle mousseline, served with coconut with matcha ($110 per person).
- See more at: http://blog.shermanstravel.com/2016/5-outrageously-expensive-dishes-you-can-order-from-room-service/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Escapes%20Newsletter%20-%2003.05.16&utm_term=National:%20Bulletin%20/%20Trip%20Ideas%20/%20ROS#sthash.ReHK0JL7.dpuf
The best things in life are free—particularly if they're coming from some of the world’s ritziest hotels.
Even if you've already shelled out top dollar for luxurious accommodations, getting a luxe little something for free can make your stay that much sweeter. While complimentary Wi-Fi and mini bars are nice, some gratis designer duds are even better. Forget stealing those little bottles of shampoo and conditioner—these five hotels provide their guests with some of the most lavish takeaways ever:
Kahala Hotel & Resort in Honolulu, Hawaii
Presidents, celebrities, and international royalty have been visiting this legendary hideaway for years—which is why they don't just offer your typical toiletries. Book a suite for access to white sand beaches, stunning ocean views, a plethora of spa services, and—yes—free Bulgari beauty products. Known for their high-end jewelry, the company made these aromatic luxury products for the most discerning of customers.
Langham Place in New York, New York
Manhattan is home to some of the world's most well-regarded works of art. While Langham Place, Fifth Avenue will gladly direct clientele to any number of galleries; the hotel has offers a little something extra for those little guests still working off an allowance. The "Little Collectors" package includes a stay in a Family Place Room or Family Suite, as well as a complimentary framed limited edition print and signed copy of David Levinthal's book, "Who Pushed Humpty Dumpty."
The Grand Amore Hotel and Spa in Florence, Italy
This 11-room luxury boutique is all about creating that ultimate personalized experience. Before arrival, guests fill out a pre-check-in questionnaire that covers everything from preferred mattress type to favorite flower. With such one-on-one attention, it's no surprise that guests receive a departure gift that is both totally unique and completely tailored to them. One couple received an antique cigarette case from the 1930s and a '60s vintage Gucci tie, while other guests have been gifted Ferragamo, Pucci, and Cavalli foulards.
The Upper House in Hong Kong, China
It might just be enough that their mini bar (or, as they call it, the "Maxi Bar") is free, but The Upper House ups the ante when guests book Studio 70 rooms. What's included: an in-room manicure or pedicure from the city's top salon—using Christian Louboutin nail polish, no less—and a complimentary card holder from the brand to stand out in that next business meeting.
Courtesy of The Gritti Palace
The Gritti Palace in Venice, Italy
Complimentary robes and slippers are always a nice added touch, but this former noble residence on Venice's Grand Canal goes one step further. Those staying in suites receive handmade slippers courtesy of the Venetian fabric company—and the palace's interior decorator—Rubelli. And, just to make sure guests feel a little more like royalty, the hotel stocks bathrooms with Acqua di Parma amenities. (That tiny bottle of shower gel retails for $74.)
(Comment from Allen Barkus: I have a collection of Acqua di Parma hotel amenities and had no idea they are so expensive! My collections have been donated to a women's shelter, something I hope our readers will consider doing)
The Hawaii Tourism Authority is pleased to welcome Virgin America to Hawaii when it launches inaugural service to the Hawaiian Islands from San Francisco this fall. This announcement is exciting news for Hawaii. We have been working together with Virgin America for more than five years to make these new flights and their entry into our market a reality.
Beginning Nov. 2, 2015, Virgin America will fly new Airbus 320 aircraft with 149 seats on daily non-stop service between San Francisco and Honolulu and anticipates launching direct service from San Francisco to Kahului, Maui on Dec. 3, 2015.
These new flights will increase access to the Hawaiian Islands from both our core U.S. West and U.S. East markets through Virgin America's extensive nationwide flight network. We estimate that flights will generate $138.6 million in visitor spending and $14.8 million in tax revenue for the state on an annual basis.
By year end 2015, scheduled airlift to Hawaii is expected to top 11.8 million seats, an increase of 6.0 percent over last year. Air access is a critical component to the health and sustainability of our tourism economy and the HTA will continue to work with our airline and industry partners to create and maintain demand for travel to the Hawaiian Islands.
The beach is free. The silky aqua water costs nothing. And the sunshine doesn't cost a dime.
Yes, you can afford Hawaii, or dare to dream.
With airfares from the mainland to the Aloha State running near historical lows -- less than $800 round-trip to from several U.S. cities to Honolulu now through June -- Hawaii suddenly is a real possibility for more travelers.
In fact, at this very moment, I am sitting in Waikiki with a mimosa in my hands at a tiny outdoor hotel bar, looking out at swaying palm trees, the ocean waves, the stress of the long flight behind me, feeling drowsy, and ...
Oh, sorry. Where was I? Hawaii is so distracting.
What I was about to say is that your "someday" dream trip should definitely become a concrete plan, ASAP. And I would start with Oahu.
Honolulu primer
Oahu is the "beginnner's" Hawaii. It's the classic Hawaii you've seen on all the hula-swaying postcards. Its beaches are only 20 minutes from the Honolulu airport.
Honolulu's Waikiki shoreline contains Duke Kahanamoku Beach, which was named the best beach in the U.S. last year. That is nice. That is fine. The beaches in Hawaii are all nice and fine.
But first-timers are cheating themselves if the beach is all they see.
In this culturally rich state, I am begging you to also experience things that you can't find back home in Florida or Michigan or Rhode Island. Things like Iolani Palace($14.75 admission), where the only royal family in what's now the U.S. once lived. Or the view from a hike on Diamond Head (free). See the USS Arizona memorial at Pearl Harbor (free). Or just drive around downtown or the neighborhoods and see how regular folks in Hawaii live.
Then, go exploring beyond Honolulu on a stunning coastal drive. You really can't get lost. Or go wrong.
Aloha 'oe
I based myself in Honolulu, renting a studio apartment through AirBnB for $120 a night. My rental didn't have much of a view, but it had a fully stocked kitchen and was directly next to the trendy Modern Honolulu hotel ($279) and Hilton Hawaiian Village ($200). Best of all, it was two minutes from the beach.
If you stay in Honolulu, however, you soon will hear locals talking about big city problems like homelessness, traffic jams and a half-finished transit system mired in red ink. That is all true. And yes, the median house in Oahu costs nearly $700,000. Yes, a half-gallon of milk really does cost $6.99.
But actually, it is amazing how much pure beauty and how many attractions are open to tourists cheap or free. Beyond the leis and luaus, there's a depth to this land.
• It costs only $1 to park at Hanauma Bay (if you can find a parking spot), and an additional $7.50 if you want to go down to the horseshoe-shaped perfect beach, where snorkelers are rewarded by sights like flame angelfish and yellow tangs.
• You can walk the sugar sand public beach in sedate Kailua, the place President Barack Obama vacations (free).
• Stop at the Nuuanu Pali Lookout on the Pali Highway to see the sweeping view of windward Oahu and the Koolau Range (free). Also notable: The intriguing warning sign: "Beware of bees during high wind." Yikes.
• Walk through Byodo-In Temple ($3), a serene ode to the Byodoin temple in Japan. I was there in the rain.
Detroit Free Press travel writer Ellen Creager explores the Byodo Temple on Oahu, Hawaii, on a rainy day.
• Take pictures in lush Kualoa, scene of so many films and TV shows, like Jurassic Park, The Hunger Games and Lost. (Free to stop at the state park; tours at Kualoa Ranch have fees).
• See what's new at the Polynesian Cultural Center ($74.95 including demonstrations, exhibits and alcohol-free luau). Its new Hukilau Marketplace shopping area is free to wander (see below).
• Watch the surfers on the incredible giant waves of the North Shore (free).
Much mahalo, thanks
What about eating and shopping? Oahu has, like the rest of the country, been swept away by the "grow local, shop local" food movements.
This is a good thing when you are 2,500 miles from anywhere.
Howe Restaurants here are a mix of trendy Hawaiian-Asian fusion (like Chai's Waikiki Cafe & Market), old standbys like Red Lobster, and food trucks serving garlic shrimp. In Hawaii, you can eat sushi you pick off a conveyor belt. You can have a plate of "country tots" — tater tots with onions and cheese. Yes, Hawaii still has Spam. And plate luncheons with enough carbs to kill a horse. So if your lodging has a kitchen, eat breakfast and lunch in the room to save money, then splurge on dinner.
Shopping? The stores in the tourist areas of Waikiki make me irritated. In the last 10 years, luxury chain stores have taken over. The scale is too large. Their focus is wealthy international tourists. To find souvenirs made in Hawaii, you'll have to elbow aside jostling crowds at Salvatore Ferragamo, Tiffany and Hermes.
Eventually, you will find quilts and quilted products made in Hawaii, Hawaiian coffee, Macadamia nuts and Hawaiian shirts actually made on the islands. My big find wasOlomana Orchids, a huge orchid nursery in Kaneohe that ships all over the U.S.
Do your eating. Do your shopping. Do your sightseeing. Relax on the beach.
But there is no need to overexert yourself. Or spend a fortune. Because I have a feeling you'll be coming back to Hawaii again.
New in Laie
The small town of Laie, Oahu, is growing. The heavily Mormon town on Oahu's northeast coast is known for its luaus and preservation of cultural influences that formed Hawaii. It is the home of the Polynesian Cultural Center, one of Oahu's biggest attractions. Now, Laie has three new things:
Hukilau Marketplace at the Polynesian Cultural Center. It focuses on Hawaiian and Polynesian arts and crafts, plus traditional local food styles. The Marketplace opened in February.
The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame, in its second year, is now in its new home at the Hukilau Marketplace. Its 2014 honorees include former Detroit Lion Luther Elliss.
A new hotel. The Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore will open just north of the Polynesian Cultural Center. That should capture tourists who want to extend their fun overnight.
Only on Oahu
• Bad traffic. Who would have thought? Honolulu has rush hour.
• No headlights at night. Dangerous local custom.
• Li-Hing Bang smoothie featuring li-hing mui (dried plum) powder. It's foamy and fruity.
• The tiniest parking spots. Anything wider than a Smart Car is a tough fit.
• Great radio station with local DJs and Hawaiian music is KINE-Hawaiian105.
• Conveyor belt sushi (it goes around and around and you pluck your plate off the moving belt)
• Odd signs: "Beware of bees in high winds" at a park. Also saw a road sign warning that road construction would begin in May 2009.
• Official form that flight attendants give passengers on Honolulu-arriving flights. It looks mandatory, but only the agricultural questions require a response. The rest is a tourism survey.
• Purple taro rolls.
Popular Hawaii
Hawaii had a record 8.3 million visitors last year. Most came from the U.S. west, then U.S. east, then Japan. Oahu is most popular.
Oahu: 5.2 million
Maui: 2.4 million
Big Island: 1.4 million
Kauai: 1.1 million
• Air capacity rose 3.4% to a record 11 million seats last year, mostly to Honolulu and Maui.
• Average length of stay for visitors from the mainland: 10-11 days.
