Traveling to Maui in 2021: How to prepare, have fun, or even WFH (Work From Hawaii)
/Updated Dec 26th, 2020
WFH - Work from Hawaii
How to Travel to Maui after October 2020, what it’s like, and WFH - Work from Hawaii!
We go to Hawaii every year and not even 2020 can stop us. We had booked our trip back in February before the shutdown and even in March, we figured we’d have no problem taking our annual trip in October. Boy were we wrong! Luckily our timing was perfect, the 2-week quarantine requirement was lifted (as long as you come with a negative test) for Hawaii on Oct 15, 2020, and our trip was booked for the following week.
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The vibe was different, as it was less crowded than usual and we were on high alert taking all precautions. It was still relaxing and fun as we tried new adventures, a new place to stay, and a couple of different restaurants. Less worrisome than running around Los Angeles.
Here is everything you need to know about getting to Maui and what it’s like there during the pandemic…
PLEASE check the Hawaiian Government Health site for the latest protocols and procedures.
What you need to do to get into Hawaii
The hardest (and most stressful) part of our trip was getting tested to go to Maui.
Per the Hawaiian government site:
The pre-travel testing program for COVID-19 began Oct. 15, 2020. Pre-travel testing enables travelers to avoid a mandatory 10-day quarantine if they are tested within 72 hours before their flight to Hawaii departs with an FDA-approved nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT).
Passengers must receive and have proof of their negative test result prior to the flight’s departure. The State of Hawaii will ONLY accept test results from TRUSTED TESTING AND TRAVEL PARTNERS. Please see the list of partners at https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel-partners/ Upon arrival in Hawaii travelers will have their temperature checked as the exit their aircraft. Passengers unable to provide proof of an approved negative test from a trusted testing and travel partner will be required to quarantine for 10 days or the duration of their trip, whichever is shorter. For more information and an FAQ please visit https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel/
Passengers must receive and have proof of their negative test result prior to the flight’s departure. The State of Hawaii will ONLY accept test results from TRUSTED TESTING AND TRAVEL PARTNERS. We looked at all the options and were nervous about the self-administered test as we hadn’t had any COVID tests at all, this was not the time to botch a test. We had 72 hours to get tested and get our results. None of the tests were covered by insurance and were all in the $140 range.
We went with CVS since there was a location close to us in Santa Monica. We booked at midnight 3 days prior to get the designated time and day we wanted. It’s tricky since you need need to be within 72 hours prior to departure and most places say they’ll have results between 2-5 days. We tested on a Monday at 10a at CVS and got our negative results on Weds around 8pm, which was less than 12 hours until we had to be at the airport.
Again, PLEASE check the Hawaiian Government Health site for the latest protocols and procedures.
Stopped and had lunch
Air Travel October 2020
LAX was a breeze! We’ve never seen it so empty, except for the line at the Hudson News for bottled water.
We had extra legroom seats booked so we thought we’d board first. Nope. United was boarding back to front to eliminate less exposure to people walking by. I guess that makes sense. We were worried about overhead bin space since we had 2 carry-ons and the snorkel gear in a mesh bag but flight attendants were keeping them clear.
As soon as we stepped on the plane, the United flight attendant handed us a sanitizing wipe for your tray, seat, armrest, seatbelt, window, etc. After takeoff, the flight attendants came through handing out a baggie with another sanitizing wipe, water bottle, and snacks. Don’t worry there was still a beverage service.
During the flight, masks were required unless you were eating or drinking. May I suggest getting a comfortable adjustable mask like the Travleisure Adjustable Reusable Mask.
Once we landed in Maui, we were required to show our QR code from the mandatory State of Hawaii Travel and Health form. Make sure you fill everything out ahead of time and take the questionnaire. Our status said “manual approval was required,” but that was because we didn’t complete all the steps! We answered the questions, and voila, QR code appeared. After we showed we had the QR code we had to hop in a line to check-in with an agent who needed our ID and the QR code. After a few questions, they handed us a piece of paper and said ALOHA!
We picked up our Jeep from Alamo (where there was NO line) and proceeded on our merry way. Also, Alamo has a fleet of BRAND NEW Jeeps! Pro tip: We got a padlock to attach to the door handle (or undercarriage) for the electronic car key so if we both got in the water the key wouldn’t break or get stolen if unattended.
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Sunset views from our Airbnb condo at the Papakea Resort
Where to Airbnb Stay in Maui
We typically stay at the Sheraton Maui, but it wasn’t opening until November and they canceled our reservation! We booked the Hyatt Regency Maui (that’s where the penguins and flamingos are), but thought we’d try something different and stay in an Airbnb condo in Kaanapali.
The condo at the Papakea Resort had EVERYTHING we needed - from boogie boards to any pot or pan or kitchen utensil you can think of to laundry, this place was like being at home. We loved spending time on the patio with the gorgeous waterfront views! We had a few questions and the host responded right away. The bed is a little firm, but definitely not a deal-breaker. There is a grocery store, food trucks, and a few restaurants are within walking distance. Kaanapali Beach and Lahaina are just a quick drive down the road. There's a little bit of beach to hop in the ocean and wasn't too crowded during the day.
The wifi was great, good enough for us both to work, so we decided to extend our stay a week and WFH - Worked From Hawaii!
Hawaii is even offering a remote work program called Movers and Shakas which includes free flights and discounted hotels or lodging, as well as restaurant discounts. This is a great way to stimulate the economy in Hawaii and help their community! Currently, it looks like Oahu is the only option for this offer.
Things to Do in Maui Right Now
With fewer people on the island, take advantage of the following:
Snorkel Black Rock - there were more fish than usual and fewer people than any trip. Some of the hotels are still closed or at a lower capacity so the beach is pretty empty!
Go Diving! We did a shore dive with Extended Horizons and had our very own guide! Normally we go out on a boat and there are a ton of people but it was so nice to have our own guide and feel safe from exposure. We did a twilight and night dive with Dave at Black Rock and saw a ton of fish, lobsters, turtles, nudibranchs, and even a shark!
Road to Hana - Not all stops are open, but there are fewer tourists and tour buses! Take advantage of some Hana beach stops!
Go for a hike! Some trails are closed, but we hiked the Waihee Ridge trail and it wasn’t too bad. The view stays pretty much the same, you just are higher in elevation. It was a nice sunny hike that took us about 2 hours round trip, over 2 miles, and almost 1500 ft in elevation per my Apple Watch. Lots of parking, easy in and out, and porta-potties.
Waihee Ridge Trail - Kahekili Hwy, Wailuku, HI 96793
Waihee Ridge Trail
Duke’s Beach House Hula Pie
Where to Eat in Maui
Some of our favorite restaurants weren’t open or tough to get in. A lot of them offered to-go options so we often picked up food and ate it on our balcony with ocean views. See ALL of our favorite restaurants here:
Best Food Trucks and Restaurant Take-out Options in Lahaina/Kaanapali
Lunch at Tin Roof - We ALWAYS stop at Tinroof after we land and pick-up a pork and chicken plate to take to the beach to enjoy! Don’t forget to order the babinga cake for dessert!
Address: 360 Papa Pl Ste 116, Kahului, HI 96732
Breakfast at Island Press Coffee - You can’t go wrong with an egg, cheese, and bacon croissant with a Mac nut latte! They also have other croissant variations as well as other pastries (try the crumb cake). We went here twice, taking our breakfast to go to enjoy on the beach!
Address: 2580 Kekaa Dr STE 104, Lahaina, HI 96761
Breakfast at Java Jazz - Within walking distance of the Papakea resort, we picked up breakfast to go a few times here. Our favorites were Coconut Mac Nut lattes, Hawaiian Omelette (ham, pineapple, onion, cheese) with potatoes, and pancakes with apple cinnamon topping. Indoor seating also available.
Address: 3350 Lower Honoapiilani Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761
Breakfast or Lunch at TaquerEATa Food Truck - Gina serves up some mean tacos Texan style so they are jam-packed tacos, perfect for any appetite! I had the chicken fajita which was amazing! We also made a few build your own breakfast tacos with a combination of egg, cheese, bacon, and pork! There are lots of salsa options from mild to hot to complete your perfect taco.
Address: 737 Waine'e St, Lahaina, HI 96761
Lunch at Aloha Braised Food Truck - We went here two days in a row we liked it so much. It’s a little off the beaten path but also conveniently located next to a grocery store and near our favorite dive shop, Extended Horizons! If you like spicy, you must try the Volcano Chicken (fried chicken with spicy mayo) served with rice and mac salad! Josh liked the pork belly! Get a side of fries to share!
Address: 58 Kupuohi St, Lahaina, HI 96761
Dinner from Sale Pepe - Best pizza in Maui! An Italian and New Yorker teamed up to create the perfect menu of Italian food in Lahaina. We liked the pasta, but we loved the PIZZA! We ordered 2 pizzas and a pasta dish and got 3 meals out of it for the 2 of us. Our favorite pizza was the Tomato, Fior di Latte, Red Onion, Pecorino, Maui Cattle Co. Meatballs Pizza. They cut their slices in 4ths, so if you want smaller pieces I suggest you request it when you order! Indoor seating also available here.
Address: 878 Front St #7,8, Lahaina, HI 96761
Lunch or Dinner at Maui Brew Company - We picked up some brews for the condo and took food to go, but you could sit and enjoy a meal at a table or at the bar.
Address: 4405 HI-30 Ste 217, Lahaina, HI 96761
Sunset at Merriman’s October 2020
Restaurants to eat at with open-air seating
Dinner at Merriman’s Grill - Merriman’s is offering dinner service on the patio and it is the perfect place to go for a sunset dinner and Mai Tais! The tables are all outdoors and spread apart. Try and get there an hour and a half before sunset if you want a table to see the sun go down! Check their website for their daily specials but I have to say the perfect dinner was the house burger, garlic truffle fries, and homemade Klondike bar!
Address: 1 Bay Club Pl, Lahaina, HI 96761
Lunch or Dinner at Duke’s Beach House Maui - The iconic Duke’s is now open and we enjoyed a lovely sunset dinner here complete with Mai Tais and Hula Pie!
Address: 130 Kai Malina Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761
Lunch or Dinner at Kimo’s Maui in Lahaina - After a long WFH day, I needed a Mai Tai! We ended up at Kimo’s and I had a delicious prime rib, while Josh had the fish and chips. We completed the meal with a huge slice of Hula Pie!
Address: 845 Front St a, Lahaina, HI 96761
Overall, our trip was fantastic! The test was the hardest part, but once we got there, it was nice to spend 10 days and live like a local!
RELATED POST: How much does it cost to go to Maui in 2021? - Itinerary, budget, and more!
Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.
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