Planning

Navigating Maui’s Covid-19 Travel Requirements | Updated for 2022

yellow smiling face with the words stay safe

Update May 2022:
As of March 26 2022, Hawaii Safe Travels Program restrictions have ended. Domestic travelers no longer need to complete the Safe Travels application to enter the state. Requirements related to Covid testing and proof of vaccination are no longer required for travel to Hawaii. Federal mandates for international travelers remain in effect.


Confused about what you need for entry to Hawaii with the Covid-19 requirements? Maybe you’ve read through both Maui County’s and Hawaii’s travel websites, but everything looks about as clear as mud. 

If you’re still unsure about what documentation you’ll need before flying to Hawaii, we’ve navigated the thick of it for you. We flew to the island from Seattle in December 2021, and we sussed out everything you need to know to avoid Hawaii’s dreaded 10 5-day Covid-19 quarantine with either proof of vaccination or a negative pre-travel test.

In certain cases, you might even be able to bypass the Maui airport screening line after you land on the island — and head straight to the beach after your flight.

** Disclaimer: Covid-19 travel protocols are constantly changing. Be sure to check the official Hawaii travel website for the most up-to-date requirements for both domestic and international travelers. **   


Table of contents

Does Maui have Covid restrictions?

Yes, visitors to Maui must adhere to state and federal mandates for entry to the island. This includes a 5-day quarantine (updated as of January 3, 2022), although you may qualify for either a negative Covid test exemption or vaccine exemption.

Maui also has an indoor mask requirement when in a public setting. If you’re hoping to dine indoors, you’re required to show the dining establishment staff either:

  • acceptable proof of vaccination and ID, or
  • an acceptable negative Covid-19 test administered within 48 hours of entering the restaurant

Masks and proof of vaccination aren’t required when dining outdoors. Mask exceptions apply in certain circumstances (such as if you’re actively eating or drinking).

See the full list of Maui County Covid-19 requirements (updated as of January 8, 2022) here.

Updated travel requirements for visiting Maui County as of January 11, 2022

First, is your flight to Hawaii departing from a U.S. state or territory, or an international location? You’re subject to Hawaii’s Covid-19 requirements only if you’re flying to Hawaii domestically, from the U.S. or one of its territories.

Travel requirements when flying to Maui from an international location 

As an international traveler, you aren’t subject to Hawaii state travel requirements, meaning you don’t have to create a Safe Travels profile. However, you need to meet the federal travel requirements for overseas travelers. Your airline will verify your eligibility prior to boarding. Check the official U.S. travel website for the most up-to-date regulations. 

Non-U.S. citizens. As of November 8, 2021, non-immigrant, non-citizen air travelers flying to Hawaii from an international location will need to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. You’ll be required to provide proof prior to boarding your aircraft at departure.

U.S. citizens and permanent residents. If you’re a citizen or permanent resident flying from an international location, you’ll need to provide one of the following before your flight’s departure:

  • Documentation that you’re fully vaccinated AND a negative Covid-19 test administered no more than three days before the flight, or 
  • A negative Covid-19 test administered no more than one day before the flight

Travel requirements when flying to Maui from another Hawaiian island

Flying from Oahu to Maui? As long as you aren’t under quarantine, inter-island travelers may travel freely to other Hawaiian islands. 

Travel requirements when flying to Hawaii from the U.S. or one of its territories

When you fly to Hawaii from a domestic airport, you could be subject to Hawaii’s mandatory 5-day quarantine. However, travelers can bypass quarantine with acceptable documentation of either

  • Documentation that you’re fully vaccinated for Covid-19, or
  • A negative pre-travel test administered no more than 72 hours before the final leg of your flight. This means that if you fly from New York to Seattle, then fly from Seattle to Maui, your pre-travel test must be no more than 72 hours prior to your Seattle flight’s departure.

All domestic U.S. travelers must create a profile on Hawaii’s Safe Travels website at least 24 hours prior to departure. Hawaii also requires that you fill out a health questionnaire on the Safe Travels website 24 hours prior to your flight. Hawaii eliminated the health questionnaire requirement as of January 4, 2022.

Create a Safe Travels profile for Maui entry

Remember, you only need to create a Safe Travels profile if you’re flying domestically, from within the U.S. or one of its territories. Hawaii requires ALL domestic travelers to complete a Safe Travels trip profile and health questionnaire before the flight — whether or not you’re applying for a quarantine exception.

How long before your trip do you need to complete a Safe Travels account?

As long as you fill out a profile, upload your vaccine or pre-test documentation, and fill out the health questionnaire within 24 hours of your flight, you’ll be all set for screening when you arrive on Maui. 

If you fail to complete your profile when you land, you’ll be required to do so at the airport. This could delay your screening and cause headaches at the start of your trip.

We filled out our Safe Travels profile and entered our trip information as soon as we booked our trip. Then we followed the steps below to gain entry to Maui in December 2021.

Steps for completing a Safe Travels profile and submitting proof of vaccination or negative Covid-19 test

  1. Create a Safe Travels account for each traveler who is at least 18 years old.
  • Fill out the profile section, which includes your name, date of birth, and contact information. Required information will be marked with an asterisk (*). 
  • If you’re traveling with a minor, add their information at the bottom of the profile section, under Travel Party Members. 
After creating an account, fill out the About You profile page.
  1. Fill out your trip information.
After completing the About You profile page, click on Trips from the Safe Travels home page.
  • Navigate to the Trip page from your Safe Travels home screen.
  • Click on the Add 
  • Airline Trip link. 
  • Input your trip details, including your flight information.Apply for a quarantine exception if you’re fully vaccinated or have a negative Covid-19 test.
  1. Navigate to the Apply for Exception/Exemption from Quarantine link on the Safe Travels home screen.
  • Select the appropriate exception type for your situation. Select either Covid Vaccine Exception or COVID/NAAT PCR Test Exception.
  • If you’re fully vaccinated, upload a photo of your vaccine card. (Ensure that when you land, at least two weeks will have passed from receiving your second vaccination.) 
If you’re applying for a vaccine exception, upload a PDF or JPG image of your vaccine card.
  • If applying for a pre-travel test exception, upload a PDF file of your negative test result. Ensure that your test meets Hawai’i’s requirements. Find more details about pre-travel testing here: https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel-partners/.
If you’re applying for a negative Covid test exception, upload a PDF of your test results.
  1. Fill out the health questionnaire within 24 hours prior to your flight’s departure. 
  • Navigate to the Health Questionnaire link from the Safe Travels home screen.
  • You’ll be able to access the questionnaire approximately one day before your flight.
  • Pro tip: Set a reminder for yourself to complete the health questionnaire the day before your flight. We didn’t receive any type of email or text message reminder prompting us to log in and complete the health questionnaire. 
  1. Receive an email with a QR code from the Safe Travels website. 
  • Print the QR code from the email and bring it with you, along with a photo ID and your quarantine exception documentation (your vaccine card or test results) to the airport.
  • You can also access your QR code under the Trips page on the Safe Travels website.
  • Note: Under the QR code, you may see ‘Screened: No’ next to a red X. That’s normal! It will turn to ‘Screened: Yes’ after an airport screener reviews your vaccine or pre-test document. 
  1. Prepare for screening after landing at the Maui airport.
  • Upon landing, airport staff will direct you to a screening line.
  • Have your QR code, photo identification, and hard copies of your vaccination or negative pre-test results in hand and ready for inspection.
  • After a successful screening, you’re free to proceed to baggage claim to start your Maui vacation.

Pre-clear with your airline to bypass screening at the Maui airport

Normally, you can expect to be screened upon arrival at Maui’s OGG airport. The airport screener will scan your QR code to ensure you’ve met Hawaii’s travel requirements. 

However, a few airlines participate in a pre-clear program that allows you to bypass the arrival screening and proceed directly to the baggage claim after your flight. 

With the pre-clear program, your airline screens you prior to boarding. If your vaccination or pre-test results are in order, the airline issues a wristband that allows you to bypass the airport screening line on Maui.

The following airlines currently offer the Hawaii pre-clear program:

Alaska Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines

Southwest Airlines

United Airlines [Note: some travelers have reported that United has discontinued their pre-clear program due to lack of staff.]

If flying with one of the above airlines, contact your carrier to confirm whether your departure city participates in Hawaii’s pre-clear program.

About Author

Hi, I’m Gina — managing editor, Maui enthusiast, and human behind the keyboard here at Maui Trip Guide. When I’m not on the island at my Kihei condo, you can find me planning my next travel adventure from my home in the Pacific Northwest.

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