Recently, the Outrigger Hospitality Group unveiled its $80 million Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort renovation project. The project, which was stuck in planning stages for years, touches nearly every aspect of the property and even adds new rooms. … [Read more...] about Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort Renovation
Kauai Not Rejoining Pre-Travel Testing Until May
If you were hoping to take a Kauai vacation sometime soon, you might want to rethink your plans. At least for now, Kauai is not rejoining pre-travel testing until May at least. This being Mayor Kawakami, though, there is a very good reason for this. … [Read more...] about Kauai Not Rejoining Pre-Travel Testing Until May
My 2021 Credit Card Strategy
Well, then. I did not realize I totally skipped 2020 as far as credit card strategies go. But, in hindsight, I guess it wasn't all that necessary anyway, right? After all, the whole year ended up being blah. And even though most of 2021 looks like it'll be similar, I want to talk about my 2021 credit card strategy. … [Read more...] about My 2021 Credit Card Strategy
Second AC Hotels by Marriott Coming to Hawaii
Last week, I reported that the AC Hotels by Marriott Wailea is opening in April. Hot on the heels of that announcement came the news that a second AC Hotels by Marriott is coming to Hawaii. This time, though, the property will be on Oahu. … [Read more...] about Second AC Hotels by Marriott Coming to Hawaii
AC Hotel by Marriott Wailea to Open April 2021
In 2019, I reported that Hawaii's first AC Hotel would be built in the Wailea Resort on Maui. At the time, the developer had just broken ground and didn't provide a projected opening date. But now we know the AC Hotel by Marriott Wailea is to open in April 2021. … [Read more...] about AC Hotel by Marriott Wailea to Open April 2021
Hawaiian Air Joins the Hawaii Pre-Clear Program
Late last year, Alaska Airlines piloted Hawaii's new COVID-19 pre-clearance program. Much as Global Entry does for US Customs screenings, Hawaii Pre-Clear allows Safe Travels participants to skip the arrival screenings when they land in Hawaii. And, now, Hawaiian Air joins the Hawaii Pre-Clear program too. … [Read more...] about Hawaiian Air Joins the Hawaii Pre-Clear Program
Review: Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort
As I mentioned during my Royal Weekend Staycation introduction post, I mentioned my stay at the Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort. It's someplace I didn't think I would stay at. But, thanks to my lack of travel due to the pandemic and great kama'aina rates, I finally pulled the trigger. … [Read more...] about Review: Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort
State May Defund Hawaii Tourism Authority
The pandemic and ensuing restrictions have wreaked havoc on Hawaii's tourism industry. So, to me, it's a bit surprising that the state may defund the Hawaii Tourism Authority. But, effectively, that's precisely what Governor David Ige is doing. This decision, of course, shouldn't surprise anyone. … [Read more...] about State May Defund Hawaii Tourism Authority
Marriott Bonvoy 2021 Category Changes in Hawaii
While the pandemic continues to rage on, Marriott remains intent on having changing around its hotel award categories this year. Even though most hotels sat relatively empty over most of the last year. So, let's discuss the Marriott Bonvoy 2021 category changes in Hawaii. … [Read more...] about Marriott Bonvoy 2021 Category Changes in Hawaii
Waikiki Sand Replenishment Round 2 Begins
In 2012, the State of Hawaii sought to combat Waikiki Beach's erosion with a sand replenishment project. Nine years later, most of that sand is already gone. So the Waikiki sand replenishment round 2 begins to restore the beach once again. … [Read more...] about Waikiki Sand Replenishment Round 2 Begins