On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 epidemic a pandemic. Soon after, life as we knew it came to a screeching halt. Here in Hawaii, though, things changed a little later than elsewhere. So let’s talk about how things have been going over what’s essentially been a lost year.
In typical Hawaii fashion, it took Hawaii Governor David Ige about a week from the pandemic declaration date until any action was taken. On March 17, 2020, Governor Ige asked visitors around the world to postpone their vacations to Hawaii. True, state governors have no power to restrict travel, but it was a meager response to a global threat that humanity hadn’t experienced in about a century. Days later, Hawaii’s mayors took matters into their own hands, shuttering restaurants, attractions, and non-essential stores across the state. Then, a few days after his initial announcement, and under immense pressure from the Lt. Governor, county mayors, and medical experts, Governor Ige instituted a statewide travel quarantine rule. That quarantine order went into effect on March 24, 2020, and is still in effect today.
So, one year later, how has pandemic life been?
Lost Year of Travel
I’ve written about this multiple times before, but the pandemic forced me to lose out on my business travel and personal trips. Trips to Kauai, Maui, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Seattle – gone in an instant. Things were all that bad, though. Once things began reopening, we did end up going on a number of staycations. They included:
- Ritz-Carlton Residence Waikiki Beach
- Waikiki Beach Marriott
- Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort
- Westin Moana Surfrider – review coming soon!
That means I only have two Marriott locations left to review in Waikiki. It only took me seven years, but I’m finally nearing my unstated goal of reviewing all Marriott Waikiki locations. Why? Just because.
Staycations certainly aren’t a replacement for actual travel, but they’ve been providing a nice change of pace. Plus, staying local helps to support our hospitality industry. An industry that’s certainly been struggling to stay afloat. And speaking with hotel staff during our stay, they’re certainly elated to see locals supporting our local economy.
New Routines
Of course, it isn’t just the lack of travel that’s different. Everyday life is endless to say, far from different too. For the past year, I’ve been working from home. And have basically been staying home. Rarely do I ever venture out. Aside from occasional outings to the office, for groceries, to support local businesses, for drive-thru baby showers, etc., of course. I do, after all, have many high-risk people in my life. But, with vaccinations ramping up, the light at the end of the tunnel is growing brighter.
At the same time, vaccination efforts in Hawaii are lagging. What’s more, while the US has made great strides at reducing the virus’s spread, we seem to be heading in the wrong direction once again. Even Hawaii is seeing a spike in cases, albeit a much smaller one than before. As a result, it’s difficult to say for sure when things will begin getting back to normal. However, current projections say later this summer – and I certainly hope so.
That said, I do think I’m handling things rather well. While I do have occasional bouts of cabin fever, I’ve adapted to hermit life quite well. Besides working and blogging, I keep myself busy with cooking experiments, playing video games, and catching up on my streaming.
Reopening Plans
What I’m Looking Forward to the Most
When we do eventually begin returning to normal, I hope to travel somewhere – anywhere to scratch my itch. At the moment, I’m considering jumping over to Maui or Kauai for a few days – Maui, especially if I can secure a decent award stay at the Grand Wailea. Oh, and only if travel testing requirements go away. Outside of that, I’m looking forward to being able to freely dine out once again. While we’ve dined out a few times under rare and controlled circumstances, it’s just not the same. Plus, there are a few indoor-only restaurants I’ve been dying to try out.
Most of all, though, I’m looking forward to being able to hang out with friends once again. Whether that be my life-long friends or those I’ve made through my travels. Being able to socialize in-person once again, safely, and without worry, is what I, and most everyone else, I’m sure, are looking forward to the most.
A Lost Year – One Year of Pandemic Living, Final Thoughts
Reflecting on the last year, I must say that it’s been an interesting ride. And while I miss life as it was, things have been ok. I’ve been fortunate to maintain my employment and my health. Things could definitely be worse. So, how are you doing? What have you been doing to pass the time during the pandemic? What are you looking forward to most when we finally return to normal? Where are you planning to travel to first?