Although we have been plenty busy here at the Inn during the months of lockdown and quarantine, we are so excited to get back to doing what we do best: welcoming you to your home-away-from-home on the Big Island. We have been hard at work giving the Inn a makeover, improving the grounds, and developing enhanced procedures to keep you safe and healthy, and now we are able to share it all with you once again. We are still committed to providing you with the most relaxing and indulgent getaway, now with the added peace of mind that we are taking the utmost precautions in light of COVID-19. Our foremost concern is that you have a perfectly safe and thoroughly enjoyable stay on the Big Island.
If you are planning to stay with us, there are a few things you should know regarding travel:
- Travelers flying directly to Kona from the mainland are allowed in provided they receive a negative result on a COVID-19 test within 72 hours before boarding their flight.
- Upon arriving in Kona all travelers must take a second COVID-19 rapid test (free of charge). If the test result is negative, they are free to go. If the test is returned positive, they then must take a full COVID-19 test and quarantine until a negative result is returned.
- Travelers flying to Honolulu from the mainland and connecting to Kona are allowed in with a negative COVID-19 test. However, if they leave the Honolulu airport they are subject to the 14-day quarantine if they then go to another island.
- Island hopping is not allowed, even if travelers have a negative COVID-19 test result. Travelers have to stay on one island to avoid the 14-day quarantine. The one exception is traveling to Oahu – there is no 14-day quarantine for that island. So a guest could come to the Big Island first, then travel to Oahu. This rule is currently in effect until October 31st.
Please visit this site for more specific details about testing and travel.
Although the current travel rules are a bit cumbersome, they are helping keep both our island residents and our guests safe, and providing the opportunity for visitors to begin their getaways immediately upon arrival. Once you are here, you will be free to indulge in all of the outdoor recreation activities that make our island so special. One of the best things about being here is that you can almost always be outside:
- All State and County beach parks are now open, with social-distancing rules in effect
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is open, although the Visitors’ Center is closed.
- The Kahuku Unit of the National Park is open on Saturday and Sunday from 9-4.
- The summit of Mauna Kea is open and accessible with a 4×4 vehicle. The Visitors’ Center is closed.
- Snorkeling and diving boat tours are available with seating limited to 50% capacity.
- Many restaurants and bars are open with limited seating capacity. Many places have outdoor seating and takeaway options.
Of course, while you are here you are also welcome to stay close and relax at the Inn. The Inn is large enough to provide ample space for distancing among guests staying in any of our six luxuriously-appointed rooms and suites. However, we also have the option to stay in the Darrell M. Hill Cottage or the Red Barn if you desire even more privacy and space to enjoy your Big Island getaway. You are free to explore the grounds and see the improvements we are making to the estate, including new gardens, orchards, and walking paths. Take a soak in one of our hot tubs or relax poolside. We are offering private yoga lessons and massage to enhance your stay while ensuring you remain safe.
We know that things are still tumultuous around the world, but whenever you are ready to get away, know that we will be ready to welcome you home.
— Aloha, a hui hou —
