Gov. David Ige announced the State of Hawaii is safely open to vaccinated residents and visitors who are traveling domestically and between islands for business or pleasure, starting November 1.

The governor made the announcement in Kona , at the opening of the permanent Federal Inspection Services (FIS) facility at the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA).

"I think we are all encouraged by what we've seen over the last several weeks with the continuing trend of lower case counts," said Gov. Ige. "Our hospitals are doing better, and we have fewer COVID patients in them. Most importantly, our health care system has responded, and we have the ability to move forward with economic recovery. Because of this, it is now safe for fully vaccinated residents and visitors to resume non-essential travel to and within the State of Hawaii."

On August 23, Gov. Ige said it was not a good time to travel to Hawaii. "I'm asking all residents and visitors alike to restrict travel, curtail travel to Hawaii to essential activities only," Gov. Ige said.

The state continues to seek information from the federal government about its plans for international travel and will have an appropriate plan in place prior to November 8.