Hawaii Governor David Ige has urged residents and visitors to restrict travel to the US state to essential business activities amid a surge in cases of Covid-19 in the islands, Reuters reports.

The governor highlighted the restrictions on restaurant capacities and limited access to rental cars and said that those who choose to visit the islands will not be able to enjoy a typical Hawaii holiday.

"It is not a good time to travel to the islands," the governor said in a press conference.

"We are seeing more Covid patients in our hospitals and ICUs are filling up," he said, adding that the state is working towards expanding healthcare facilities.