Kauai 14-Day Quarantine is Back!
 

Effective Dec. 2nd, Trans-Pacific and Interisland residents and tourists arriving on the Garden Isle will no longer be permitted to bypass quarantine with evidence of a negative COVID-19 test. This was instituted because of the spike in cases after October 15th, when they began allowing those with approved negative tests to bypass quarantine. People arriving with negative tests were subsquently testing positive a few days later—thinking they were negative, and spreading the virus.

I am assuming the reason this new mandate only applies to Kauai is because we have such limited medical resources—only (9) ICU beds; (11) ventilators.

Of course, this deals a devastating blow to the economy, and residents are vehemently on both sides of the issue.

On a much happier note, the whales and albatrosses have returned, and we have been having glorious rainbows. Apparently, they were not subject to the quarantine! ;-)


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Fake Covid tests are/were being sold

This from WaPo mid November

s test-result protocols for travel are becoming more high-tech, however, it’s unlikely that many travelers would be able to travel with a manipulated document. The state of Hawaii, for example, requires visitors to preregister in their online testing program, use an approved testing partner, and upload results to a digital portal. Paper copies are not accepted.

songdoc..sorry for the bad news, but THANK YOU for the beautiful pictures.

There are now four "Bubble" resorts on Kauai, where people can quarantine while having access to all the resort's amenities (i.e., the pools and restaurants--if applicable). The Cliffs in Princeville is one of those resorts. The prices vary at the different resorts, but someone I know will be staying at the Cliffs for two weeks at $1,000/week. They will be monitored and are not permitted to leave the perimeter of the resort for any reason. Failure to comply can bring a $5,000 fine and/or up to one year in jail.

I keep seeing posts on Instagram of vacations in Hawaii right now. People need to stay home.

Thank you for the photos. They remind me of “Rainbow Connection” by the Brothers Cazimero. Love their music.

MichelleY: Mahalo for the recommendation. The Brothers Cazimero's Hawaiian language version of that song is so beautiful.

schemer: thanks for the kind comment about the photos.

Oooo, the rainbow, Songdoc! Thank you!!

Is one of the "bubbles" at the Hyatt in Poipu? I could tolerate a two-week quarantine there, but guessing about $3,000 /week. Ouch. When you say "monitored"--do you know how? Are ankle bracelets attached, like the ones for criminals on probation? (I'm serious.) Or (not serious) leg shackles?
I 'd been dreaming of your island and, before learning of this latest order, went so far as to enquire about a place for Spring, thinking "Fingers crossed....maybe..." The woman who called back today sounded a combination of disheartened/numb/bemused She said she 's tired of the changes, and unpredictability. I assume the strongly differing pov s you mention are economically-based. I feel for the many people who rely there on the tourist industry to survive financially.

Ah well... hope for better days, and maybe you'll get to E Africa next year!!!

Calinurse: The “resort bubbles” are at: Cliffs at Princeville, Hilton Garden Inn, Kauai Wailua Bay, Koa Kea Hotel, Kukuiula, and Timbers Kauai.

I don't know the details of the monitoring. But I do know that the National Guard and police randomly check to be sure people are where they are supposed to be. I have seen people wearing wristbands at The Cliffs, but I doubt they are electronic. The problem is that these resorts also have people who are NOT part of the quarantine bubble. So they are potentially being exposed to the virus. That seems crazy to me.

Yes, those who are furious about this are business owners and workers in the tourist industry, who are facing bankruptcy. It's horribly sad. I don't understand why the governor will not permit those arriving with an approved negative test to quarantine for a much shorter time (i.e., 3 or 5 days) then be released if they get a second negative test.

Thanks for the good wishes about the September 2021 safari.

Songdoc, thanks for your reply. Your idea makes sense. Kauai Mayor Kawakami's (not Hawaii governor) decision to depart from the newest state guidelines for arrivals (no quarantine if a negative pre-flight test) I suppose can be understood as " abundance of caution" especially with limited number hospital beds. (My sister lives on St John USVI. NO hospital! So I "get" the anxiety).

This week, CDC will issue new post-exposure guidelines. Perhaps Kauai Mayor will follow those. Per news story: " New guidelines will recommend close contacts of those infected with the coronavirus should quarantine for 7 to 10 days after exposure, down from the 14 days currently recommended, the official said. Individuals can end their quarantine after 7 days if they receive a negative test, or 10 days without getting tested."

LA Times mentions electronic bracelet: https://www.latimes.com/travel/story...bubble-resorts

Maybe I'm missing something--please correct me if so--- but those in a Kauai "quarantine resort" are not there because they tested positive for the virus; rather, it'a required despite a negative test. So is it any riskier for other guests, than at any hotel? Presumably, should a guest test covid-positive at some point, they will be prohibited from using any pubic facilities (pool, restaurant, etc). You can be exposed to the virus at the supermarket, a store, a restaurant, etc...so I'm not following why the "bubble hotel" would be riskier for others, tha a stay at any hotel, or any travel, elsewhere on the island. We are always, anywhere, potentially being exposed to pathogens, including this virus. All we can do is take the right, wise precautions, no matter where. Again, if I'm not understanding the situation with these hotels, please let me know.

Kenya is open to international visitors. You probably rec'd an email about that from Porini. I'd love to return... but not quite yet. Sigh...

I feel badly for everyone in the tourism industry; the hits are hard, and deep. Islands in particular need to shut down whether they are large like Australia or small like Kauai. Kauai is our favorite island destination, we were very sad to have to cancel/postpone our 45th anniversary family trip planned for 7/20. It is tentatively now planned for 6/21. The agency we rented the house from rolled over our deposit; we got most of our money back from Hawaiian Airlines. Fingers crossed.

CaliNurse: Yes, I heard on the news this morning that those quarantining in the bubble resorts must wear an electronic monitor bracelet. Sadly, I also heard the the Grand Hyatt Poipu is closing until further notice.

<Maybe I'm missing something--please correct me if so--- but those in a Kauai "quarantine resort" are not there because they tested positive for the virus; rather, it'a required despite a negative test.>

Those arriving effective today are not required to be pre-tested. Everyone arriving must quarantine. Pre-travel tests are no longer required.

<So is it any riskier for other guests, than at any hotel?>

Yes, because the residents and other guests at the bubble resorts are almost exclusively surrounded by people who have newly arrived from the mainland, where numbers are surging, and these new arrivals have not been tested. People we encounter at Costco, Walmart, supermarkets, and other hotels, etc. either arrived with a negative test (when that still permitted) or have been on island long enough to no longer be a threat. That said, it might be a moot point because I can’t imagine that many people will travel here, quarantine for two weeks, and then transfer to a different hotel—so like the Grand Hyatt, most hotels (that are not part of the bubble program) will like close until the regulations change again.

<Presumably, should a guest test covid-positive at some point, they will be prohibited from using any pubic facilities (pool, restaurant, etc).>

I haven’t heard that addressed, but it must be the case.

SoCal: Yes, this is devastating for the tourism industry. But for the reasons you stated, I think it is necessary. Sorry about your having to postpone your trip.

On a brighter note, here are some pix from yesterday’s walk down Hanalei Plantation Rd. in Princeville. I continued down to the beach at the Princeville Resort. The resort is going through a massive renovation and has been closed all year. This planned pre-COVID. Starwood had good timing!

Today, the waves are enormous and very dramatic. Lots of people are outside watching in awe!

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Thank you for those beautiful photographs!!! I need that.

Mahalo Songdoc or the magnificent photos! Ahhhh...Kauai!! Especially stunning under blue skies!

Guessing you approached the Princeville Resort Beach via Hanalei Bay Resort? Were there many people about?

Thanks for explaining about the quarantine. Until you wrote that, I indeed misunderstood, not realizing on Kauai, the negative test results is not now required (while the 14 day quarantine is). I think it went officially into effect today? I mistakenly thought the Mayor wanted proof of negative result AND two week quarantine. Hopefully he will begin to follow current CDC updated guidance of ten days quarantine max, even for those with known exposure, let alone "maybe."

Sigh....

<Guessing you approached the Princeville Resort Beach via Hanalei Bay Resort? Were there many people about?>

No. At the end of Hanalei Plantation Rd. there is a gorgeous lookout where I took the bottom photo. From there you can pick up an easy trail down to the beach beside the (former) Princeville Resort. It's a magical walk that passes the ruins that were Club Med before hurricane Iniki destroyed it.

And speaking of Iniki ... more sad news. Tiki Iniki (the tiki bar and restaurant in the P'ville shopping center) is closing, and there is a good chance it will not reopen. FYI, it is owned by superstar singer/songwriter/producer Todd Rundgren and his delightful wife, Michelle. I fear there will be many more closures.

Suze: thanks for the nice comment about the pix.

Not to make everyone jealous, but it is absolutely gorgeous out and I'm heading to Hanalei Bay!

Thanks a LOT, Songdoc--- You ARE making us jealous, in the nicest possible way.

I will check out that path next time on Kauai!!!! I didnt realize you can walk that way, didnt know there is an actual trail! I wondered where that magnificent photo was taken!!!

Yrs ago i researched filming locations for "South Pacific" and among others, read about the site of Emil's house. Here's a story about the man who owned that property:

https://www.thegardenisland.com/2014...rkmyre-estate/

Good thing those condos (mentioned in this story) weren't built!

Thanks songdoc, seeing the beautiful places gives me hope for the future.

It's really sad on the impact this would cause. Thank you for sharing as I have almost forgotten what these scenery looks like since the inception of the pandemic. The rainbow is hope, betters days are coming.

I'm so glad the pix brought some smiles and hope. Hang in there. This WILL pass.

gennadypodolsky: I agree.

FYI, my father's best friend in Philadelphia was a Podolsky.

Update: Kauai's 14-day quarantine will now be 10 days.

" Kauai's 14-day quarantine will now be 10 days."

Thanks for the update. Hurray! Good that Kauai's Mayor is following latest CDC guidelines (see my post #9 above). Perhaps the next step will be to "release the detainees" (quarantines?) after 7 days with negative test (also in newest CDC guidelines).

Nice pics!
 

Love these pics! Wish I could go!

CaliNurse: We'll see ... Today is the first day since people were permitted to enter w/a negative test -- then subsequently denied that -- when Kauai has no new infections. The other islands still have alarming rates.

Idatt22: Thanks for the kind comment about the pix!

Wow
 

I guess it's not the best time to travel.


Lynn

Please don't. Be smart. I don't understand why everyone (OK a lot of people) seems so determined to go on their pleasure vacations at a time like this!! I want to shout from my rooftop here in Seattle... "STAY HOME" people. Hawaii will be there for you in the future. Let's get this over with together, and more quickly by cooperating with the guidelines... which is still NO non-essential travel between most places recommended.

I have just read your post. It is devastating that people are so irresponsible. Thank you for the beautiful scenery photos.

Stay home
 

I see your point! I think people want some kind of normalcy and escape! Although. you are probably right. We need to get rid of this virus.

Nice pics!
 

Like your pics!

Thanks for the nice comments about the photos.

<I think people want some kind of normalcy and escape!>

Yes. But this is NOT a normal time, and IMO, it is not a time when people should be traveling for leisure.

I agree. Although this does not involve Hawaii, a local person started a Go Fund Me Page to save her parents who are "stuck" in Punta Cana.
It seems her father became sick after being there three days and tested positive for Covid, and the mother soon followed. This would mean they probably had the virus while on the plane! To make things worse, the mother is fighting bone cancer! They can not afford the hospital bills.
What would make these people travel to another country during these times is beyond belief.

Point taken (songdoc)
 

I see your point.

Enjoy the photos... but stay at home... for now.

Its best
 

Don't have any plans to go snywhere...your right its probably best. What's it like in Seattle?

schmerl: That's quite a story!

Things are about to change. Visitors who want to visit Kauai w/o the 10-day quarantine will have another option. Those who arrive with a negative test (taken within 72 hours) can stay in a "bubble" resort for three days. After those three days, if they have a second negative test they will be exempt from the rest of the quarantine. That seems like a good compromise.

Here are some pix from today's visit to the Kilauea Lighthouse.


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Beautiful pics Songdoc! Hawaii is our next travel destination. I am hoping that if I plan it for December 2021 things will be settled down. Would you say this is a good time to visit as far as weather? It looks glorious! Your pictures boosted my gloomy day.

off topic but replying for idatt22 post #34 ~ Seattle is not good right now. It's really sad and hard for everyone because of the pandemic. Don't come visit, if that is your question.

Songdog ~ your photos really sing :-) a breath of fresh air... mahalo

Nice pics!
 

Good pics! I'd like to go to Kauai soon. Been to Oahu and Maui.

willowjane: The rainy season is December through March. My recollection is that in the past, some Decembers have been rainy, but not usually all day. But this year, the weather was exceptionally beautiful.

Suze & Idatt22: thank you for the kind comments about the pix. Here are some from yesterday's walk at the Hanalei Wildlife Refuge, one of my favorite spots.


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You're killin' me here -lol- at home in cold, gray, rainy Seattle :-) thanks for a little Hawaiian sunshine and scenery!!

Photos
 

I like these photos too.