Hawaii has always been such a special destination, and let’s all do a happy dance because…it still is!

I’m spending five fabulous days here on Oahu, swimming, eating and laying in the sun, and it’s an incredibly joyful and restorative trip - not only because I’m travelling solo and having a monster of a me-time, but because it’s just so good to be back in the Hawaiian sunshine, Mai Tai in hand, floating in the turquoise Waikiki water.

Watch: The horoscopes at the airport. Post continues below.

I’ve been sharing my trip on Instagram, and here are the answers to the questions I’ve been asked the most about holidaying in Hawaii right now.

What’s the process for flying to Hawaii from Australia?

Protocols are often changing so check Smart Traveller, US entry requirements and your airline’s covid information before you go.

You’ll need to organise your US travel authorisation, known as an ESTA, before you go, and it can take up to 72 hours (mine took six), so do this well in advance of your flight.

To leave Australia you must be vaccinated if you’re 12 and over, and show printed copies of your International Vaccination Certificate (download through Medicare in your MyGov account) at check-in.

To enter the US, everyone over two years old needs a negative PCR, taken within one calendar day of departure.

‘One calendar day’ means that you can test the day before you leave, but I had mine within 24 hours, just to be sure.

Bring printed copies of your results, as well as your CDC Attestation Form confirming your negative PCR or covid recovery, and the CDC Contact Tracing Form, for everyone over two years old. You can find both forms here.

Print your return flight details to show on entry to the US, and make sure you have travel insurance that has covid coverage – you’d be crazy to go anywhere without it.

I got to Sydney Airport just a little more than three hours before my flight and it didn’t take long to check-in and get through Immigration, and boarding was on time.

My overnight flight with Hawaiian Airlines touched down into Honolulu at 10.30am and the timing couldn’t have been better.

While I was expecting it to take ages to enter the US, there were no queues, and I was through US Immigration within minutes, showing my passport and my return flight details and having a good old chat with the welcoming Border Protection crew. Good vibes, good vibes.

What was the flight like?

The flight from Sydney to Honolulu is 10 hours long and masks must be worn at all times, except when actively eating or drinking.

I took disinfectant wipes and did my own clean, kept my mask on and sanitised a lot!

I really like that the Hawaiian Airlines flight leaves at 9.40pm, as overnight flights not only mean you can (try to) sleep, but that you have a better chance of working in with your destination’s time zone.

Although it’s one day behind us, on the clock Hawaii is only three hours ahead, and I was on the beach by early afternoon.

Is it easy to get to and from the airport?

Yes it is! Uber is about half the price of taxis at around $26 USD from the airport to Waikiki.

You can also get a shuttle for $23.50 but it makes sense to Uber, especially as right now they’re only ever five minutes away. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes from the airport to Waikiki, depending on traffic.

Do you feel safe?

Absolutely.

I’ve found people are very conscientious about mask wearing and distancing, and I’m outdoors most of the time.

I’ve only eaten inside in a restaurant once though, as I still feel uncomfortable about not wearing masks indoors (while eating) – a positive test would really ruin the trip!

I’m sanitising for Australia and wearing my mask on the streets when there’s a crowd, even though I don’t have to.

Bring pocket/purse sized sanitiser to keep on you, as while hotels and some cafes and restaurants have it available, it’s not everywhere like it is at home.

Where did you stay?

I split my time between the Waikiki Beachcomber - which has a rooftop pool, live music and brewery, is opposite The Cheesecake Factory and a minute to the beach - and the Outrigger Reef, which is just a little south of the centre with its own beach, huge pool and 180 degree views of the coast.

Both are at the southern end of Waikiki, which is my favourite area to stay as everything you need is only ever a block away, and the beach is perfection.

Hotels and resorts here are operating at about 60 to 80 per cent occupancy, restaurants are pumping and stores are open - but while it’s definitely busy, to me Waikiki doesn’t feel overcrowded.

What are the covid rules in Hawaii?

Right now, you need to show your vaccination certificate to dine in at restaurants (I showed mine digitally in my iPhone wallet) and masks are required indoors until March 26 when Hawaii’s mask mandate will be lifted.

What does it feel like to be in Hawaii?

It’s completely joyful.

I feel so happy, a