I don't know what I was looking forward to more during our Royal Weekend staycation - our stay at the Royal Hawaiian or dinner at the Hau Tree at the Kaimana Beach Hotel? After all, the culinary team behind the Hau Tree is almost like a foodie dream team. … [Read more...] about Dinner at the Hau Tree at the Kaimana Beach Hotel
Review: Tsurutontan Waikiki Deals
After settling into our suite at the Royal Hawaiian, we decided to get some lunch. Given the pandemic, that's a bit more difficult than you'd think. But, I remembered seeing something I wanted to check out. That's how we ended up taking advantage of the amazing Tsurutontan Waikiki deals. … [Read more...] about Review: Tsurutontan Waikiki Deals
Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort Renovation
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