It's no secret that the Road to Hana is one of Maui's top attractions. But it's popularity is the source of ever-worsening problems in the region. And while the issue of overcrowding is going to be difficult to overcome, many issues can be avoided. All people need to do is be respectful on the Road to Hana. … [Read more...] about Be Respectful on the Road to Hana
Turtle Bay Resort is Set for a Major Expansion
Acquired earlier this year by Blackstone, Oahu's Turtle Bay Resort is set for a major expansion. This expansion project will dramatically increase the resort's room count, though it isn't as large as one proposed years earlier. … [Read more...] about Turtle Bay Resort is Set for a Major Expansion
St Regis Princeville is Leaving Marriott + Strike Update 3
Last week Friday I reported on the confirmed sale of the St. Regis Princeville. However, a reader left a comment with additional information. And thanks to this info, we now know that the St Regis Princeville is leaving Marriott. I also have an update on the Marriott Hawaii strike. … [Read more...] about St Regis Princeville is Leaving Marriott + Strike Update 3
Starwood Capital Confirmed as Buyer of the St Regis Princeville
At the end of July, I reported on the supposed sale of the St. Regis Princeville. However, at the time, neither of the parties involved would confirm the sale. But, now Starwood Capital confirmed as buyer of the St Regis Princeville. … [Read more...] about Starwood Capital Confirmed as Buyer of the St Regis Princeville
Review: Gourmet Plate Lunches at Gochi Grill
Though I've been writing about a lot of upscale restaurants lately, that's not how I normally eat. My usual diet is much simpler, though simpler doesn't have to mean boring. Case in point, the gourmet plate lunches at Gochi Grill. … [Read more...] about Review: Gourmet Plate Lunches at Gochi Grill
Hawaiian Accelerates the Retirement of the 767 Fleet
Hawaiian Airlines sure has been busy. In the past couple of weeks, they've announced the cancellation of their Beijing service and the addition of their second East Coast route. And now, they're removing their oldest widebody jets from service, as Hawaiian accelerates the retirement of the 767 fleet. … [Read more...] about Hawaiian Accelerates the Retirement of the 767 Fleet
Marriott Hawaii Hotel Worker Strike Update 2
I've got some encouraging news with this Marriott Hawaii hotel worker strike update 2. Officials with Unite Here! Local 5, Marriott, and Kyo-ya Hotels and Resorts are going to meet. … [Read more...] about Marriott Hawaii Hotel Worker Strike Update 2
Alaska Airlines Increases Checked Bag Fees
And another one bites the dust. Following JetBlue and the US Big 3, Alaska Airlines increases checked bag fees too. That leaves Hawaiian Airlines as the last one not to raise fees. I mean, there's Southwest too, but they won't charge fees. And airlines like Sun Country don't count, right? … [Read more...] about Alaska Airlines Increases Checked Bag Fees
Review: Stripsteak Waikiki
I love a good steak. But, in my opinion, finding a place that makes perfect steaks can be difficult; especially since I'm pretty good at cooking steaks myself ?. But I got to try Stripsteak Waikiki during a business dinner and liked it, so I decided to take Mrs. Islander to try the place out. … [Read more...] about Review: Stripsteak Waikiki
Hawaii Marriott Strike Update and Impacts
On October 8, 2,700 Marriott employees in Hawaii walked off the job. They joined other Marriott employees across the country demanding more pay and job security. And while the impacted hotels continue to be open, things aren't business as usual. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Marriott Strike Update and Impacts