The Aloha Chapter Begins

Flying into Quarantine

My exhausted brain had created multiple disaster scenarios about my arrival in Hawaii. I hadn’t been sleeping well for weeks. My fitful dreams included strange flights with plexiglass dividers between seats and losing my luggage by leaving it floating on my paddleboard as I swam into shore. Oh dear. The subconscious does not lie. I was riddled with anxiety about the move, and specifically my entry into a state that had made it abundantly clear that my timing for a move is less than optimal.

“We, like most of the United States, are still dealing with the challenges of this pandemic,” he said. “But right now, we see traveling as bringing the virus, and we would prefer people not come until it’s safe to travel again.”

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell – CNN, May 2020

My original direct flight to Kona was cancelled due to Governor Ige’s extension of the mandatory 14 day quarantine order. I was re-routed two days later through Seattle and Honolulu. All passengers arriving to the state must pre-register, declare the location of lodging, length and purpose of stay. Anyone caught breaking quarantine risks a $5000 fine and or 1 year in prison. I’d read news stories of tourist fools posting Insta pics and landing in jail. They are not kidding. All short/long term rentals are illegal until further notice BUT I’m not renting, nor am I a visitor. I am an “intended resident.” We were fairly certain there wouldn’t be any problems, but the fear factor was fierce.

Turns out all my fretting was for naught. Alaska Air stayed true to its word and planes were reasonably spaced with clear precautions being taken by all. I sailed through Honolulu checkpoints without a hitch. My Kona cab was there to greet me. I went straight from plane to cab to palace to begin my 14 days of quarantine. I am not allowed to leave the premises for anything other than a medical emergency. I have to check in daily to declare my state of health. My cell number is registered and my GPS location for daily check-ins is being tracked. All provisions must be delivered. No one is allowed to visit.

Had I been staying in hotel, this set of rules would be unpalatable. But I’m not. I’m in a luxury 4900 square foot home 1 mile from the Kona coast with sweeping panoramic ocean views, a pool, a hot tub, an expansive lanai, and a master suite fit for a princess. I’d seen the VRBO pics which were off the hook, but the real thing surpassed all expectations. This is one of those “pinch me I must be dreaming” scenarios.

Quarantine for 14 days here? SIGN. ME. UP. I think I’ll be just fine.

It is hard to believe this is actually my life.