As I said in my previous post, Mrs. Island Miler and I headed to the Big Apple earlier this month. To get there we flew Alaska Airlines using the Bank of America Alaska Airlines Visa Signature companion certificate, which gets you a companion fare for $99 + tax when purchasing a regular price economy class ticket. All-in, I spent just around $1,000 for our roundtrip tickets, … [Read more...] about Alaska Airlines HNL-SEA
Island Air Accepts First Q400
Island Air, the only other scheduled passenger airline in the State of Hawaii is modernizing its fleet. Throughout its history, Island Air has operated a variety of different turboprop aircraft, the most recent of which was is the ATR72. But for most of its modern history, Island Air had operated Bombardier Dash 8 aircraft; specifically the -100 type. That tiny aircraft was … [Read more...] about Island Air Accepts First Q400
A Big Apple Holiday Adventure Introduction
New York during the holidays. I'm sure such an experience is one in which many dream of enjoying. My wife was certainly one of them. And with no big travel plans for this year, I decided to finally book this trip this past spring. I've been to New York before, but the wife has never been... In fact, she's never been to the East Coast period. So this trip included many … [Read more...] about A Big Apple Holiday Adventure Introduction
Atlantis Resort and Residence Ko Olina Update
Right after I published my Hawaii hotel news December 2016 edition, new information about an upcoming Oahu resort was revealed. So, here's an Atlantis Resort and Residence Ko Olina Update. As previously reported, the Atlantis Resort and Residence Ko Olina will be built on Oahu's west side, in the Ko Olina Resort. Atlantis is slated to be built on a 26-acre parcel of … [Read more...] about Atlantis Resort and Residence Ko Olina Update
My Thoughts on United’s Basic Economy
News of United Airline's new Basic Economy fare have been circulating for little while now. For those of you not yet familiar with this fare, United's Basic Economy will be the lowest available fare. It will be similar to Spirit Airline's fare, and will not come with mileage earnings, elite benefits, advanced seat selections, or even a carry-on bag. And while this fare is … [Read more...] about My Thoughts on United’s Basic Economy
Hawaii Hotel News December 2016
This year has been an eventful year for Hawaii's hospitality industry. There's been a number of renovations, ownership shakeups, and new property openings. As we near the end of the year, however, things continue to show no sign of slowing down. So here's the Hawaii hotel news December 2016 edition. Wailea Beach Marriott One of the oldest resorts in Maui's … [Read more...] about Hawaii Hotel News December 2016
Modern Honolulu Names its New Restaurant
A few weeks ago I reported that the Modern Honolulu would be ending its licensing agreement with Chef Masaharu Morimoto, better known as the Iron Chef Japanese. The property, however, had stated that the restaurant would remain open and retain all of its staff, even through its planned close date of December 8. What wasn't clear, however, was what exactly the restaurant space … [Read more...] about Modern Honolulu Names its New Restaurant
The End of Sugar on Maui
Yesterday marked a dramatic change for the island of Maui and the people that call it home. After over 115 years (the current mill) of continuous operation, Alexander & Baldwin's HC&S, also known as the Puunene Sugar Mill, harvested its final crop of sugar cane. And when that final truckload of sugar cane arrived at the mill, it marked not only the end of sugar on … [Read more...] about The End of Sugar on Maui
Haleakala National Park Requires Reservations
Haleakala National Park is undoubtedly one of the most visited sites on the island of Maui. Its otherworldly, high-altitude summit is a unique and fantastic sight to behold. Sunrises and sunset are particularly popular, drawing massive crowds to the dark, cold windswept summit. But a big change is coming: Haleakala National Park requires reservations for sunrise … [Read more...] about Haleakala National Park Requires Reservations
Marriott Reveals More About the Merger
Yesterday Bloomberg posted an article from an interview with Marriott's global brand officer, Tina Edmundson. In the article, Marriott reveals more about the merger with Starwood. While the article answers some questions about the future of the two hospitality giants, some important questions remain. In the article, Marriott's Tina Edmundson states that Marriott will … [Read more...] about Marriott Reveals More About the Merger