You know that I'm always on the lookout for great eats where ever I go. So, in Carmel, I knew from early on that I wanted to check out the iconic Aubergine Carmel. Yeah, our previous dinner in the area was an utter disappointment, though that was NOT the case at Auberge Carmel - quite the opposite, actually. … [Read more...] about Outstanding: Aubergine Carmel
Island Miler
The Matcha Bar at Obake Honolulu
I was devastated when Kaimuki's HeiHo House closed. Thankfully, many of those involved reappeared at Obake Honolulu. This past weekend, the Mrs. and I went to check out their daytime Matcha Bar at Obake Honolulu. … [Read more...] about The Matcha Bar at Obake Honolulu
Buh-Bye Marriott Bonvoy Premier Visa
As you all know, I've been on a mission to reduce the amount of annual fees I'm paying. The latest development in this mission is me saying buh-by Marriott Bonvoy Premier Visa! This was a no-brainer, given my current travel style and the card's utility to me. … [Read more...] about Buh-Bye Marriott Bonvoy Premier Visa
Japan Drops All Remaining COVID Restrictions
While they reopened last October, certain restrictions remained in place for all those entering the Land of the Rising Sun. However, today Japan drops all remaining COVID restrictions. While that makes traveling to Japan easier, hopefully, it also helps to boost Japanese travel to Hawaii. … [Read more...] about Japan Drops All Remaining COVID Restrictions
Do Your Research Before Heading Out
A slew of rescues spaced close together has Honolulu officials reminding people about trail safety. However, to me, the issue is more that you need to do your research before heading out, so you can better decide if you should even attempt a hike and, if you do, how to best prepare for it. … [Read more...] about Do Your Research Before Heading Out
Pacific Grove Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary
After our adventures in Big Sur, we had a small amount of time to kill. So after scoping out the area around our upcoming dinner reservation, we went to check out the Pacific Grove Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, which was pretty cool! … [Read more...] about Pacific Grove Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary
Hilton Honors Surpass 2023 Review
Now that we're into Q2 2023, I've started collecting Hilton Honors points again. So, it's time to do a Hilton Honors Surpass 2023 review. Spoiler alert: I obviously still like this card since I'm, you know, using it 😉 … [Read more...] about Hilton Honors Surpass 2023 Review
Hawaii Hotel Performance in March 2023
Despite increasingly uncertain economic conditions, Hawaii hotel performance in March 2023 held steady month-over-month. That means that domestic demand appears to be holding, as Japanese visitors have yet to make their return. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Hotel Performance in March 2023
Exploring Big Sur
As is always the case, we were short on time in Carmel, so we only had a day to drive up and down the coast. But, I made the most of exploring Big Sur, making sure we hit up the specific sites that were on my bucket list, though we didn't see anything beyond that. … [Read more...] about Exploring Big Sur
Monk Seals Close a Portion of Waikiki Beach
That's right, Monk Seals close a portion of Waikiki Beach, as another mother gives birth on the bustling beach. Like all the previous births, this one occurred on Kaimana Beach. Unlike last time, though, it's Ka'iwi - not Rocky - that gave birth, and the closure is MUCH bigger this time around. … [Read more...] about Monk Seals Close a Portion of Waikiki Beach