My very first standalone dining experience with Na'au Hilo was in September 2022. But eight months later, the stars aligned, and they had another dinner during my impromptu hop over to the island. So, in May 2023, I had a Na'au Hilo round 2 dinner. And it was fantastic! … [Read more...] about Na’au Hilo Round 2
Earn More United PQPs with Credit Card Spend
It's going to get a little easier to earn MileagePlus Premier status, as you will be able to earn more United PQPs with credit card spend next year. These changes apply to cards issues by both Chase and First Hawaiian Bank. That's right, FHB issues a United credit card - something I totally forgot about until now. … [Read more...] about Earn More United PQPs with Credit Card Spend
World of Hyatt is Changing in 2024
Of the four major remaining hotel loyalty programs, Hyatt's is probably the best. Part of the reason for this is that it hasn't change too much in recent years. However, World of Hyatt is changing in 2024, though, thankfully, it seems to be a positive change. … [Read more...] about World of Hyatt is Changing in 2024
Alaska Air is Acquiring Hawaiian Air
Well, this isn't something I was expecting: Alaska Air is acquiring Hawaiian Air. There's no doubt that Hawaiian Air is struggling to recover from the pandemic. Such a combination could provide great synergies for both, though critical considerations, such as disparate fleets, led me to believe such a combo wouldn't happen. I was wrong. … [Read more...] about Alaska Air is Acquiring Hawaiian Air
Chase Freedom Flex 2023 Review
Earlier this year, I updated my review of the Freedom Flex's fraternal twin, the Freedom Unlimited. But I neglected this update on the original Freedom card, so it's time to do a Chase Freedom Flex 2023 review. … [Read more...] about Chase Freedom Flex 2023 Review
Hawaiian Air is Flying to SLC in 2024
Well, here's a new route announcement I wasn't expecting: Hawaiian Air is flying to SLC in 2024! I get that there's demand on the route, but there's a HUGE elephant (or two) in the room that makes me question the new route. That said, they announced some new SMF routes, too. … [Read more...] about Hawaiian Air is Flying to SLC in 2024
Review: Grand Naniloa Hotel – a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
For our most recent trip to the Big Island, we stayed in Hilo. That means we had only three hotels to choose from, and only one of them is associated with a large chain. As such, I decided to give the Grand Naniloa Hotel a try. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be returning, which means I now have only one other option in the area. … [Read more...] about Review: Grand Naniloa Hotel – a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
Hawaii Proposes a Japanese Pre-Clearance Facility
There's no doubt that Japanese tourism to Hawaii hasn't recovered to pre-pandemic levels. As such, a delegation from Hawaii traveled to the Land of the Rising Sun to discuss Hawaii and Japan's important relationship. While there Hawaii proposes a Japanese pre-clearance facility to provide visitors with better convenience. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Proposes a Japanese Pre-Clearance Facility
Hawaii Hotel Performance in October 2023
Hawaii's travel industry has not been having a good year. Even before the Lahaina fire, visitor arrivals were declining year-over-year. Of course, the fires annihilated any hope of keeping up with 2022. That's why I'm closely following our monthly performance and why I'm excited to see Hawaii hotel performance in October 2023. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Hotel Performance in October 2023
Big Island Chocolate Adventure
When we landed in Hilo, our hotel room wasn't ready, so after dropping our bags, we quickly got back into our car and headed back out. We didn't have a plan for this contingency but ended up having an impromptu Big Island Chocolate Adventure of sorts. … [Read more...] about Big Island Chocolate Adventure