For my Big Island Bird-Watching Adventure, I chose to rent with Avis Car Rental Hilo. Why? Price, of course. I would've much rather gone with Alamo, which, spoiler alert, was confirmed by this experience, but Avis was much cheaper for my dates. So, Avis, it was. … [Read more...] about Review: Avis Car Rental Hilo
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Review: Tali’s Bagels and Schmear
Recently, I had a hankering for some bagels & lox. Since we were in the area, I decided to check out Tali's Bagels and Schmear and Ward Center. This is the second bagel shop that's popped up in recent years, the other being Montreal-style bagel spot Empty Elle's in Kailua. … [Read more...] about Review: Tali’s Bagels and Schmear
Hilton LXR Brand is Coming to Hawaii
No, Hilton isn't developing a new hotel, nor is it rebranding an existing property. Instead, an existing luxury condo-hotel is rebranding, which is how the Hilton LXR brand is coming to Hawaii. But what property is rebranding? Read on to find out. … [Read more...] about Hilton LXR Brand is Coming to Hawaii
Review: Obake Honolulu
The loss of Kaimuki's HeiHo House was a gut-punch to me. There, they served up quirky, unique, yet insanely delicious food and drink, by some of the best people in the industry. So I was elated to hear that the team would be back together at a completely different concept: Obake Honolulu. … [Read more...] about Review: Obake Honolulu
Maui Tourism Remains Depressed
Three months since the deadly Maui wildfires, and things are still far from normal - no surprise there, really. Despite West Maui reopening completely (with the exception of Lahaina), Maui tourism remains depressed and is likely to stay that way well into 2024. Of course, that's only making the situation worse. … [Read more...] about Maui Tourism Remains Depressed
United is Taking Newark-Honolulu Seasonal
Currently, you can fly from Honolulu to three cities on the U.S. East Coast non-stop year round. However, that's changing next year as it seems that United taking Newark-Honolulu seasonal. This is, of course, United's longest domestic flight, along with their longest Hawaii flight. … [Read more...] about United is Taking Newark-Honolulu Seasonal
Review: Hawaiian Airlines 212 HNL-ITO
As I mentioned in my introductory post, I chose not to fly Southwest Airlines to Hilo because of the poor timing. That's how we found ourselves on Hawaiian Airlines 212 - the first time I've purchased an inter-island flight on Hawaiian in nearly a decade. … [Read more...] about Review: Hawaiian Airlines 212 HNL-ITO
West Maui Will Reopen on November 1
Maui Mayor Richard Bissen has changed his mind again. Just weeks after switching to and beginning a phased reopening plan, he's ditching altogether and now saw West Maui will reopen on November 1. … [Read more...] about West Maui Will Reopen on November 1
Businesses and Residents Are Leaving Lahaina
Just over two months after the tragic Maui fires, Maui's visitor industry continues to struggle, and the County continues to hemorrhage money. Unsurprisingly, those affected can't wait anymore and, as a result, businesses and residents are leaving Lahaina. Some with the intent of returning, and some are leaving for good. … [Read more...] about Businesses and Residents Are Leaving Lahaina
West Maui Quietly Reopened
Following a lot of controversy, West Maui quietly reopened to visitors. And while the debate continues to rage, much of the fears regarding an influx of visitors were found to be overblown. In fact, the return of visitors to the far northern areas of West Maui remains but a trickle. … [Read more...] about West Maui Quietly Reopened