Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, one thing that remained constant is the State's steadfast commitment to keep residents and visitors safe. In an ever evolving environment in which rules, protocol and guidelines are changing in an on-going basis, oftentimes what we knew to be the correct way of doing something yesterday is suddenly incorrect today. With that as a disclaimer, as service to our site visitors, below are the current guidelines (as of the date of publishing this post, on November 1). There is a talk of a Statewide Face mask mandate in the works, but for now broken down by County: Maui County  The wearing of face masks or face coverings is mandatory for anyone above the age of 5 when in public. Failure to do so is in violation of the County's Public Health Emergency Rules and may be subject to fines up to $5K and one year in jail. Visit the Maui County COVID-19 Info Page for updated information (click here). Permitted Face Masks of Facial Coverings:  Rule 5 of the County of Maui, Public Health Emergency Proclamation, amended on October 23, 2020 defines permitted masks or facial coverings as masks that completely cover the nose and mouth, have two or more layers of washable breathable fabric, and fit snugly against the sides of your face without gaps.  Pleated, multi-layer masks are allowed.  Unpermitted Face Masks or Facial Coverings: Rule 5 of the County of Maui, Public Health Emergency Proclamation, amended on October 23, 2020 defines unpermitted masks or facial coverings as masks with exposed external valves, neck gaiters, bandanas, and face shields without permitted mask underneath. Masks and other facial coverings shall not be required:  *  At or inside a private residence. *  Inside a private automobile, provided the only occupants are members of the same household or residence. * Inside a hotel, motel, or commercial lodging establishment guest room, or inside any apartment. * Of persons who cannot wear a mask or facial covering due to an existing medical condition. * Of an individual who is hearing impaired or an individual who is communicating with an individual who is hearing impaired. *  Where federal or state safety or health regulations prohibit the wearing of facial coverings. * Of persons actively engaged in strenuous outdoor physical activity (i.e. running, hiking), provided adequate social distancing is both possible and practiced. * Of persons swimming or engaged in other activities that may cause the facial covering to become wet. * While persons are actively eating, drinking, or smoking. * While a person is receiving services that require access to that person’s nose or mouth (i.e. dental work).  Businesses or designated operations shall refuse to allow entry to persons not wearing face coverings, unless an exception applies under this section. Please take the information above with the utmost seriousness as you peruse the Maui real estate market in person, whether by Open Houses or showing appointment basis. Alternatively, visit hundreds of listings virtually by visiting the Maui Real Estate 3-D Tours page.  Honolulu County For updated information, visit the Honolu County COVID-19 Information page, click here. All individuals within the city of Honolulu shall wear face coverings while outdoors in public spaces when maintaining a physical distance of six (6) feet from other individuals (who are not members of the same household or living unit) is not feasible. All individuals within the City shall wear face coverings while indoors in public spaces, including, but not limited to enclosed common areas of commercial and residential buildings. All employees who work at businesses or perform services at Essential Businesses, Designated Businesses and Operations, and City departments shall wear face coverings over their noses and mouths when engaged and interacting with customers, visitors, and other employees of the Essential Business, Designated Business/Operation, or City department at issue.  All customers and visitors of businesses and organizations defined as Essential Businesses, Designated Businesses and Operations, and City departments shall wear face coverings over their noses and mouths to provide additional protection for employees and customers of the Essential Business, Designated Business/Operation, or City department at issue.  All passengers and users of public modes of transportation (TheBus and TheHandi-Van) shall wear face coverings over their noses and mouths when on board.  An owner or operator of an Essential Business, Designated Business/Operation, or City department may refuse admission or service to any individual who fails to wear face coverings.  Face coverings under this Order may not be worn only under the following circumstances: * * Within banks, financial institutions, or using automated teller machines where the inability to verify the identity of the customer or visitor of the bank, financial institution or automated teller machine poses a security risk * By individuals with medical conditions or disabilities where the wearing of a face covering may pose a health or safety risk to the individual * By individuals engaging in physical activity outdoors where proper physical distancing of at least six (6) feet is maintainable and maintained (e.g., walking, jogging, hiking, etc.) * By children under the age of 5 * By first responders (Honolulu Police Department, Honolulu Fire Department, Honolulu Emergency Services Department) to the extent that wearing face coverings may impair or impede the safety of the first responder in the performance of his/her duty * By children in childcare, educational, and similar facilities consistent with the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) for such facilities; * As specifically allowed by another provision of this Order (order implementing Tier-2, dated 10/20/2020). Kauai For updated information, please visit the Kauai County COVID-19 info page, click here. Pursuant to applicable County regulations and the Governor’s Proclamation, except as provided herein, all persons five (5) years of age or older are required to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth, whether indoors or outdoors, in any setting in which they are in close contact (within 6 feet) of people who don’t live in their immediate household. Face coverings must be worn by employees, customers, and visitors at all times inside any establishment in which close contact may occur.Exceptions:The only exceptions to this rule are individuals who can prove by a preponderance of evidence that they are:* Engaging in the consumption of a food or beverage;* Requested to verify their identity by a bank or other institution where the inability to verify the identity of the person may pose a security risk;* Interacting with a person who is hearing impaired that may rely on lip-reading to communicate;* Engaged in outdoor exercise in accordance with the Kaua‘i Business and Recreational Guidelines for COVID-19 * Incapable of wearing a face covering due to a medical condition or disability. Medical exemptions must be issued by a licensed medical doctor (MD), doctor of osteopathy (DO), advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), or physician assistant (PA). Medical exceptions should not specify the medical condition that precludes wearing of face coverings. Individuals must be able to present evidence of a medical exception when asked for it by law enforcement. Hawaii County (Big Island) Face Coverings Required -  All persons within the County shall wear non-medical grade face coverings, over their nose and mouth, while in public settings. For updated information, please visit the County of Hawaii COVID page, click here. Face coverings are not required in the following circumstances, unless specifically indicated otherwise in this rule:* Persons five (5) years of age or younger;* Persons with health or medical conditions that prevents them from wearing a face covering;* Persons actively communicating with a person who is hearing impaired, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication;* Persons obtaining a service involving the nose or face for which temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to perform the service;* Persons for whom wearing a face covering would create a risk to the person related to their work, as determined by local, state, or federal regulators or workplace safety guidelines;* Persons actively engaged in work-related activities and able to maintain a physical distance of at least six (6) feet from others;* Persons actively engaged in exercise activity so long as physical distancing requirements are maintained;* Persons who are engaged in outdoor activities when alone, with members of their household, or when able to maintain a distance of at least six (6) feet from others.Disclaimer - All of the information on this page is intended as general information and has not been confirmed/verified. Please visit the pertinent pages for County websites or call the proper authorities. We wish all of our site visitors, friends, clients, and family well as we recover from the pandemic. For those who want to 'view' real estate virtually from the comfort of their homes, we have created the Hawaii Real Estate Virtual Tours page, covering the ENTIRE state.