Safe Access Oahu Program

Grabbing a morning coffee from one of Waikiki's many Hawaiian coffee shops? Visiting the world-famous Dole Planation on Oahu's legendary north shore? The government's newest mandate program — known as Safe Access Oahu — took effect on September 13, 2021, and has major implications on all of Oahu's nightlife, museums, restaurants, and other indoor events and attractions. Know before you go to ensure you're complying with important COVID-19 safety rules and get the most out of your Waikiki vacation.

Safe Access Oahu: The Timeline and the Basics

The Aloha State began to once again tighten Oahu travel restrictions and pandemic mandates in August. The Safe Access Oahu program adds to these restrictions:

• Timeline: September 13 to November 13, with Governor David Ige noting that it may be extended beyond its 60-day expiration
• Goal: To reduce Hawaii's growing COVID-19 caseload and to protect both kamaʻāina (local residents) and travelers alike
• Who It Affects: Everyone ages 12 and older, with younger children being fully exempt

Safe Access Oahu Affects Most Indoor Events and Attractions

Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Ben Ono

The Safe Access Oahu regulations apply to the following events and locations:

• Restaurants
• Bars
• Nightclubs
• Gyms and other fitness facilities 
• The Waikiki Aquarium
• Museums, including Bishop Museum, Battleship Missouri Memorial, Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
• Indoor group physical activity classes, such as exercise classes or hula dance workshops
• Commercial boat tours, such as sunset catamaran tours at Waikiki beach

The above list is not exhaustive, and some so-called "grey areas" may or may not be enforced depending on the operator or owner. For instance, while popular Hawaiian lūʻaus are not explicitly listed in the Safe Access Oahu guidelines, the following lūʻaus have said they are enforcing the regulations:

• Paradise Cove Lūʻau
• The Polynesian Cultural Center Lūʻau

What You Need to Do to Comply With Safe Access Oahu

Plan ahead if you're planning on visiting any indoor events, restaurants, tourist attractions, and similar establishments this fall:

• Make reservations in advance, since most restaurants and bars are limited to 50% indoor capacity
• If you're vaccinated against COVID-19, have proof of full vaccination ready to show to the establishment before you enter
• If you are not vaccinated, have proof of a negative COVID-19 test ready to show to the establishment before you enter

Acceptable proof of COVID-19 vaccination includes one of the following, plus a valid photo ID (e.g., a passport, driver's license, etc.):

• A physical state-approved vaccination card

• A screenshot, photograph, or digital copy of a state-approved vaccination card

• A Hawaii state-approved digital/smart device app, such as the Safe Travels app, the state's SMART Health Card, or the SMART Health Card Verifier App

For those who aren't vaccinated, you must:

• Take an approved COVID-19 test no earlier than 48 hours before you enter the establishment or tourist attraction
• Obtain a negative test result to show the establishment before you enter
• Show a photo ID with the same name as the one displayed on the negative COVID-19 test

Because the COVID-19 situation changes frequently, check the official Safe Access Oahu program's website for the latest updates and guidance, as well as the current list of exemptions.