Yesterday was September 11, 2016, 15 years since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. It is a day which few will forget due to the sheer surprise and horror of the events. Thousands perished during the tragic events brought on by the terrorist group al-Qaeda. The events of that day, of course, had a profound effect on our nation and the world. It not only kicked off … [Read more...] about Where Were You on September 11?
Waikoloa Beach Marriott Conversion
Rumors have circulated among the Marriott loyalist about a possible Waikoloa Beach Marriott conversion. Supposedly Marriott Vacation Club sales people, some of them anyway, have been telling prospective buyers and/or current owners about plans to flip the property. It appears that these rumors are true, at least in part. In an article ran earlier this week, the Pacific … [Read more...] about Waikoloa Beach Marriott Conversion
Researching Car Rental Pricing
Depending on who you are, figuring out your car rentals may be something given little thought. For me, figuring out my rental car is one of the first things I do. I often travel on a budget, so finding the best deal is important to me. Sort of. I'm not really willing to rent a beater after all. ? So researching car rental pricing is a critical part of my trip planning … [Read more...] about Researching Car Rental Pricing
Waikiki Select-Service Hotel Comparison
Select-service hotels, such as Courtyard & Hyatt Place are quickly spreading around the world. They're supposed to be a cheaper alternative to full-service properties like Hyatt Regency, Sheraton, etc. And as the category name suggests, these hotels typically offer just basic services. You definitely will not find room service or concierges' at these properties, for … [Read more...] about Waikiki Select-Service Hotel Comparison
The Poke Bowl Obsession
When it comes to food, Hawaii is known for a number of things. Shave ice, Kings Hawaiian sweet bread, and Spam musubis come to mind, among others. Perhaps nothing, though, is spreading across the nation quite like the poke bowl. It seems like just a year or two ago, in fact, that poke bowl shops started popping up all over the place. California and New York in … [Read more...] about The Poke Bowl Obsession
Great Points Portal Shop Closing
One of my points earning strategies is to shop through online portals. Whether it be AAdvantage eShopping, Marriott's ShopMyWay Mall, the Ultimate Rewards portal, etc., these places are a great place to maximize your rewards potential. A great points portal shop closing is always sad, however. Especially one that's so useful. Unfortunately, that is the case today, as … [Read more...] about Great Points Portal Shop Closing
Disney Aulani Turns 5!
A few days ago Walt Disney Hotels & Resort's celebrated a milestone. The resort officially opened on August 29, 2011, so this year Aulani turns 5. And of course, Disney celebrated by announcing new features for the resort. No, Aulani isn't adding any new attractions as part of its celebration. It is adding new (to the resort) characters, however. Those characters … [Read more...] about Disney Aulani Turns 5!
Residence Inn Maui Wailea is Now Open
The Residence Inn Maui Wailea is now open, with its grand opening ceremony occurring today. Granted the hotel has been open for a little while, but now it's official! As its name suggests, the Residence Inn Maui Wailea is located in the Wailea Resort on Maui's southeast coast. It is the first Residence Inn by Marriott in the State of Hawaii. Like other properties in this … [Read more...] about Residence Inn Maui Wailea is Now Open
September 2016 Maui Storm Damage
Hawaii has been fortunate the past few years. Many tropical storms and hurricanes have come barreling towards the state, though none have hit directly. Despite this luck, the state hasn't escaped unscathed. Over the past month, we've seen very wet weather. This week especially, the weather has been especially bad. The hardest hit island, ironically, has been Maui. This … [Read more...] about September 2016 Maui Storm Damage
Tasaka Guri Guri
I often write about newer places in Hawaii. We are, after all, a dynamic state undergoing much change. Often, what's new, pays homage to the past now days. And that's a good thing. Hawaii is such a unique and diverse place, it is important to honor our heritage, especially as it continues to quickly disappear. Luckily, though, some parts of our past continue to thrive (for … [Read more...] about Tasaka Guri Guri