Hyatt's co-brand credit card has been a persistent member of my wallet for some time now. Sure, it might not be my most-used card, but it remains one of my favorites. It's been some time since I did one, so it's time for a World of Hyatt Visa 2023 review, as this is one card I continue to value, even if I rarely ever use it. … [Read more...] about World of Hyatt Visa 2023 Review
Island Miler
West Maui Quietly Reopened
Following a lot of controversy, West Maui quietly reopened to visitors. And while the debate continues to rage, much of the fears regarding an influx of visitors were found to be overblown. In fact, the return of visitors to the far northern areas of West Maui remains but a trickle. … [Read more...] about West Maui Quietly Reopened
Be Sensitive When Visiting Maui
If you've paid any attention at all to what's going on Maui, you'd know that 1) Kapalua Resort is reopening on Sunday, and 2) there are strong feelings about this. So, what should visitors do about this? My recommendation is to be sensitive when visiting Maui. … [Read more...] about Be Sensitive When Visiting Maui
My Encounter of the COVID Kind
It finally happened. After over three years, my luck ran out. So gather 'round guys, gals, and non-binary pals (H/T Kenji Lopez-Alt); it's story time. Today's story is about my encounter of the COVID kind. Cold news? Perhaps. But this was new to me, and I choose what to write, so too bad! … [Read more...] about My Encounter of the COVID Kind
West Maui Will Reopen in Phases
Recently, I reported that West Maui would reopen to visitors on October 8. However, I also warned that plans could and would likely change. And guess what? They have. As the title of this post states, West Maui will reopen in phases now - not all at once. … [Read more...] about West Maui Will Reopen in Phases
What Hawaiian Should Replace the 717 With
I'm not sure why, but a lot of attention has been given to Hawaiian's impending fleet renewal decision. But as readers know, this is old news - they announced this way back in June. But, whatever. I'm here to give my two cents. This is what Hawaiian should replace the 717 with, in my opinion. … [Read more...] about What Hawaiian Should Replace the 717 With
Alaska Air 837 SJC-HNL
Bringing my Living It Up In California series to a close is a final flight review. In this case, it's Alaska Air 837 SJC-HNL. I really wished Alaska would've had better options, or at least better timing for our return flight. Alas, this wasn't the case, which is why we ended up staying close to the airport on our last night. … [Read more...] about Alaska Air 837 SJC-HNL
Hawaii Hotel Performance in August 2023
Oops. Looks like I missed a month. The last time I discussed hotel stats was back in June! Nevertheless, I've been waiting to see what Hawaii hotel performance in August 2023 was like, given all of the confusion and negative press in the wake of the August 8th tragedy in Lahaina. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Hotel Performance in August 2023
Visitors and Survivors Will Be Separated
With West Maui's reopening coming up, many in the community had questions. For example, since roughly 7,000 of them are in hotels, are they going to be kicked out? Will they now be neighbors with visitors? For these questions, at least, we now have answers - visitors and survivors will be separated. … [Read more...] about Visitors and Survivors Will Be Separated
Review: Luna Mexican Kitchen
On our final night in the Bay Area, I tried to get us another fantastic dining experience. This was more difficult than I thought it would be, as San Jose actually has some great options. Eventually, I settled on checking out Luna Mexican Kitchen, which has a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand designation. … [Read more...] about Review: Luna Mexican Kitchen