Tropical Storm Darby was the first topical cyclone of any type to directly impact Oahu in over a decade. It's been just one of many, however, that have impacted the Hawaiian Islands in recent years. The chaos that ensued, though, and questions that arose from friends that didn't grow up here got me thinking. A great blog post to write would be what to do during a tropical … [Read more...] about What to do During a Tropical Cyclone
Ali’i Kula Lavender
When we arrived at the Andaz Maui in Wailea we were informed that our room wasn't ready yet. Rather than wait around for an undisclosed amount of time, the wife and I decided to head out. Not wanting to be gone too long we simply headed to Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm on the slopes of Haleakala. The final couple of miles to Ali'i Kula Lavender are really windy and narrow … [Read more...] about Ali’i Kula Lavender
Hands Free Luggage Holder?
Have you ever thought to yourself that it would be great to, uh, not hold your luggage while you walk through the airport? Well this guys has! For the sole purpose of being able to hold his coffee, talk on the phone, and roll your luggage at the same time it seems. And that's why he'd developed his very own hands free luggage holder. Actually, My Hitch's inventor, … [Read more...] about Hands Free Luggage Holder?
Eat Like a Local Sweepstakes
Hawaiian Airlines is giving away 140,000 miles in their Eat Like a Local Sweepstakes! To win, all you need to do is visit Hawaiian Air's Facebook page, like it, and click the "Eat Like a Local" tab. Unfortunately, I only recently found out about the Eat Like a Local Sweepstakes. And this week is already the second to the last week to enter. Still, you've got a chance … [Read more...] about Eat Like a Local Sweepstakes
Courtyard Waikiki Beach
Following our wonderful stay at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, the wife and I needed to stay in a hotel another night. This wasn't by choice and was last minute. Not wanting to waste points, I looked for the cheapest rate I could find. And rather than simply staying at the HHV another night, I decided to revisit the Courtyard Waikiki Beach. It's been a while since the wife … [Read more...] about Courtyard Waikiki Beach
Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach Coming Soon
As Miles to Memories , mentioned last week, Hyatt is expanding in Hawaii once again with a third hotel in Waikiki, the Hyatt Centric Waikiki. Part of Hyatt's new Hyatt Centric brand, the hotel will provide a more boutique experience. And now we have an idea on what the property will look like and what kind of amenities we can expect. Unlike the Hyatt Regency Waikiki … [Read more...] about Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach Coming Soon
Pacific Beach Hotel Redevelopment
The Pacific Beach Hotel is a local landmark and one of the largest hotels on Oahu. The property has 839 rooms across two towers and is home to a 280,000 gallon aquarium. In fact, the aquarium is the centerpiece of the Oceanarium Restaurant, a locally popular buffet. I'm personally not a fan of either the hotel or the Oceanarium Restaurant. And it isn't because the hotel is … [Read more...] about Pacific Beach Hotel Redevelopment
Waikiki Shave Ice Guide
Shave ice is the quintessential local snack. It's cold and refreshing, perfect on a hot Hawaiian day. I've covered my favorite shave ice spot before, but Waikiki has a growing number of shave ice stands. So for those of you that choose to stay in Waikiki, I've decided to prepare a Waikiki shave ice guide. As you may know from my previous posts, I'm a fan of the new wave … [Read more...] about Waikiki Shave Ice Guide
What’s in My Wallet July 2016
I've said it before, and I said it again, my points and miles strategies differ somewhat from many other bloggers. I don't travel for work, nor do I have much disposable income to throw around. Because of this, I primarily earn miles to redeem for free travel and don't focus much on earning elite status. … [Read more...] about What’s in My Wallet July 2016
Cinnamon’s at the Ilikai
Hawaii has an obsession with breakfast and brunch. Why? I don't really know. What I do know is that some of our favorite dishes are primarily breakfast foods. Think local style (Japanese-based) fried rice, loco moco, and corned beef hash. And one of the very first restaurants dedicated to brunch was Cinnamon's in Kailua. Nearly two years ago Cinnamon's opened a second … [Read more...] about Cinnamon’s at the Ilikai