Room for improvement with testing partners

Although the state of Hawaii pretravel testing program and portal is fairly straightforward, the state-approved testing partners must be expanded to ensure testing is available for all travelers to ensure compliance with the 72-hour rule.

The existing partner list does not support all regions on the Mainland. And, the actual partners on the list have no idea they are even on the approved list.

My experience finding an approved partner was a nightmare. Only two were locally available, CVS and Walgreens in the Austin area. CVS online scheduling does not provide an option for Hawaii travelers, nor is testing available in the area. Walgreens features many stores and pharmacies in Austin, but none were available for PCR/NAAT testing required.

So, in short, there were no local options. To comply, we found an approved home test which we took. It was very stressful as we were not guaranteed our results before our departure and if positive, would face quarantine away from our homes, away from our primary care physicians. And, on an island that would not likely welcome us, who would? Fortunately, the testing results were returned early, and we were able to fly to Maui with confidence. Once we arrived, the process was very simple, efficient and the airport staff was very friendly. The aloha spirit welcomed us, after a wonky testing attempt to get here safely for Hawaii and Maui residents.

Honestly, most travelers will just not jump through these hoops. We own property on Maui and love it, so the effort was worth it.

Brent M. Ellis

Austin, Texas