Marriott Rewards has long been my hotel loyalty program of choice. While often ignored by hardcore points/miles collectors because of it's difficult to attain elite status with weak benefits, I grew to be a fan of the program because it's the best earn and burn option around. In my opinion, Marriott Rewards strikes a great balance compared to it's peers, allowing for … [Read more...] about Maximize Marriott Rewards Earnings
Sam Sato’s
Like I said before in, like in my review of Mitch's Sushi, some of the best food you'll find in Hawaii, are in unlikely and/or obscure places. Sam Sato's, like Mitch's is in a somewhat obscure location with terrible parking. But unlike Mitch's, Sam Sato's is an old school, local institution. Located above Kahului, in the county seat of Wailuku, Sam Sato's is buried in … [Read more...] about Sam Sato’s
Ululani Shave Ice
Shave ice is one of Hawaii's most iconic foods, and while not as renown as Matsumoto's Shave Ice on Oahu's North Shore, Ululani Shave Ice is one of the most iconic shave ice vendors in the State. Available only on Maui, Ululani Shave Ice is quite different from the likes of Matsumoto's and most other famous shops on Oahu. Why? Because Ululani has an enormous menu of … [Read more...] about Ululani Shave Ice
Review: Courtyard Maui Kahului Airport
In my previous post, I covered the Maui Seaside Hotel, which isn't a property I cared for much. In fact, when I'm on Maui, my go-to property is the Courtyard Maui Kahului Airport Hotel. Yes the Courtyard Maui isn't on the beach, and is next to the airport and a Costco, but it has a convenient, central location, good value (for Maui), and provides good quality. When I … [Read more...] about Review: Courtyard Maui Kahului Airport
Hotel Review: Maui Seaside Hotel
Over the past two years I've been to Maui 4 times, 3 of which had a hotel stay or two. Though rare for me, one of the trips was for work, which meant I had no say in the hotel I stayed at. My employer booked me into the Maui Seaside hotel, which is located in Kahului Maui. Because most of the flights were identical to my flight to Kona, so I'll spare you the … [Read more...] about Hotel Review: Maui Seaside Hotel
Mitch’s Sushi Bar
Sometimes the best things in life are found in the places you'd least expect them. This is especially true for a major tourism destination like Hawaii, where many of the places locals love are off the beaten path. Mitch's Sushi Bar is definitely one of these places, offering some of the best sushi in town, in an unlikely locale. This small sushi restaurant buried in an … [Read more...] about Mitch’s Sushi Bar
Review: Waikiki Parc Hotel
I was debating whether or not to review this property, as the Waikiki Parc Hotel is closing this fall for an extensive, 2 year renovation. The renovation will slash the room count in half, and will undoubtedly raises prices appreciably, but for now, the Waikiki Parc remains a good value. In fact, I recommended the property to Mr. & Mrs. J, which was admittedly a long shot … [Read more...] about Review: Waikiki Parc Hotel
Moke’s Bread and Breakfast
After getting back to our car from the Lanikai Pillbox Trail, the wife and I took a 15 minute drive into Kailua town to have breakfast at Moke's Bread & Breakfast. Kailua is actually home to many famous breakfast places, the more well known ones being Cinnamon's and Boots & Kimos, but in my opinion, Moke's is the best. Located in a side street in central Kailua, … [Read more...] about Moke’s Bread and Breakfast
Hawaiian Pilots Will Vote on Strike Authorization
Heads up! If you're headed to Hawaii there is a potential for a strike at the State's largest airline, Hawaiian. Negotiations for a new pilot contract have been ongoing for about a year now, and with little progress made, the Air Line Pilot Association (ALPA) is getting impatient, so Hawaiian pilots will vote on strike authorization. The strike authorization vote is expected … [Read more...] about Hawaiian Pilots Will Vote on Strike Authorization
Hiking Lanikai Pillbox Trail
When people come to Hawaii, many have a tendency to develop a disdain for my home island, Oahu. Yes the capitol city Honolulu is one of the largest in the U.S., and things like crowding, and especially traffic, are major issues on the island. But I think the biggest reason why people dislike Oahu is because it's misunderstood and/or they don't get out and explore enough. So … [Read more...] about Hiking Lanikai Pillbox Trail