The Surfjack Hotel was the second mid-century modern hotel to open in Waikiki, following The Laylow. Given how much we enjoyed The Laylow and the cool aesthetic of the Surfjack, I've long wanted to give them a try. Too bad many inconveniences hold back the hotel. … [Read more...] about The Surfjack Hotel Waikiki is Stymied by Inconveniences
Island Miler
Hilton Hawaiian Reached a Tentative Agreement
Good news! The first hotel workers' contract negotiation process went smoothly as Hilton Hawaiian reached a tentative agreement with Unite Here Local 5. The new contract still needs to be ratified, so we're not out of the woods yet, but this is a good sign. … [Read more...] about Hilton Hawaiian Reached a Tentative Agreement
Fast Track to Marriott Gold Status with Chase
While some cards give you status with their brand, that typically isn't the case with Chase. Well, I guess you can consider Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite a status? Every Chase Marriott card comes with that. But, now, you can fast track to Marriott Gold Status with Chase, though you need one of two non-Marriott cards. … [Read more...] about Fast Track to Marriott Gold Status with Chase
Contract Bargaining Begins at 19 Hawaii Hotels
Do you remember the great Marriott/Kyo-ya hotel worker strike of 2018? If so, the word that contract bargaining begins at 19 Hawaii hotels likely gives you some pause. I know it does for me. … [Read more...] about Contract Bargaining Begins at 19 Hawaii Hotels
Check Your Chase Q3 2022 Bonuses
Beyond the quarterly Freedom bonuses, Chase often offers others on the rest of their card lineup. So be sure to check your Chase Q3 2022 bonuses to see what kind of offers you've been targeted for. … [Read more...] about Check Your Chase Q3 2022 Bonuses
Waikiki Beach Marriott Ocean Front Junior Suite Review
The last time I stayed in a junior suite at the Waikiki Beach Marriott was way back in the before times of 2019. This was before the pandemic and before the property completed its renovations. So I was curious to see how the refreshed Waikiki Beach Marriott Ocean Front Junior Suite is. … [Read more...] about Waikiki Beach Marriott Ocean Front Junior Suite Review
Visiting the Matsui Persimmon Farm in Kula
I'm not usually a fan of persimmons. To me, they're often overly sweet, dry, and one-dimensional. However, this isn't the case with Maui persimmons, which is how we found ourselves visiting the Matsui Persimmon Farm in Kula. … [Read more...] about Visiting the Matsui Persimmon Farm in Kula
Fantastic Eats at the Honolulu Farmers Market
Oahu has seen an explosion of farmer's markets in recent years. However, some of our oldest markets are still among our best. That's why I'd like to show you all some fantastic eats at the Honolulu Farmers Market. … [Read more...] about Fantastic Eats at the Honolulu Farmers Market
Amex Devalues the Bonvoy Brilliant
I don't have the Bonvoy Brilliant card because I need another super-premium card like I need a hole in the head. But I wouldn't get it even more so now as Amex devalues the Bonvoy Brilliant. … [Read more...] about Amex Devalues the Bonvoy Brilliant
Japan Made Visiting Even More Difficult
Japan recently reopened to certain visitors. As we all know, this wasn't a full reopening, as visiting comes with numerous caveats. Apparently, that wasn't enough for them, as Japan made visiting even more difficult. … [Read more...] about Japan Made Visiting Even More Difficult