When the Chase Sapphire cards came out, they were revolutionary products. But, in the years since, other products have launched, while others got refreshes that gave the Sapphire duo a run for their money. Sadly, Chase hasn't done much to keep them competitive. In fact, half-hearted Sapphire enhancements are on the way soon. … [Read more...] about Half-Hearted Sapphire Enhancements On the Way
Island Miler
Hawaii Tightens Capacity Restrictions Once Again
The Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus is wreaking havoc here in Hawaii. Currently, the islands are experiencing the worst surge we've seen since the start of the pandemic. As a result, Hawaii tightens capacity restrictions once again in an effort to slow the spread. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Tightens Capacity Restrictions Once Again
What Domestic Airline Has the Best Catering to Hawaii?
Recently, Matt over at Live and Let's Fly reported on United's updated Hawaii economy class catering. That got me thinking - what domestic airline has the best catering to Hawaii? Let's compare and contrast. … [Read more...] about What Domestic Airline Has the Best Catering to Hawaii?
Maui County Cracks Down on Illegal Vacation Rentals
As I've said many times already, over-tourism is a major issue right now in Hawaii. As it turns out, though, it's not because there are too many hotels here. No, rather, the issue seems to be vacation rentals. To remedy this, Maui County cracks down on illegal vacation rentals. … [Read more...] about Maui County Cracks Down on Illegal Vacation Rentals
NYC to Require Proof of Vaccination for Indoor Dining
As our current COVID-19 surge continues to worsen, it's interesting to see the different mitigation strategies begin to pop up. To date, most government-level actions are focused on masking. But, New York City is taking a firm stance on things. Taking a page from France's playbook, NYC is to require proof of vaccination for indoor dining. … [Read more...] about NYC to Require Proof of Vaccination for Indoor Dining
The Renaissance Brand is Returning to Hawaii
In the past, Marriott's Renaissance brand had two Hawaii outposts - the Renaissance Ilikai and the Renaissance Wailea. The former is now simply the Ilikai, while the latter became the Andaz Maui. But the Renaissance brand is returning to Hawaii with a brand new hotel now under construction in Honolulu. … [Read more...] about The Renaissance Brand is Returning to Hawaii
There Will Be No Hyatt Unbound Coco Palms
The on-again-off-again efforts to resurrect the iconic Coco Palms hotel on Kauai seem to have finally come to an end. Recent development all but confirms that there will be no Hyatt Unbound Coco Palms and probably no hotel at this site ever again. … [Read more...] about There Will Be No Hyatt Unbound Coco Palms
Review: Et Al Hawaii by Foodland
Hawaii-based supermarket chain Foodland has been busy reinventing itself. Part of that reinvention is new stores like the company's Foodland Farms and smaller Kahala Market concepts. But, their diversification now includes restaurants. Recently, I got to try one of these restaurants - Et Al Hawaii by Foodland. … [Read more...] about Review: Et Al Hawaii by Foodland
Outrigger Moves Ahead with Kona Resort Purchase
Last year, I reported that the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay would be leaving Marriott. The reason for the departure was the acquisition of the property by Hawaii-based Outrigger Hotels & Resorts. And though it seemed like the sell was off, Outrigger moves ahead with the Kona resort purchase. … [Read more...] about Outrigger Moves Ahead with Kona Resort Purchase
Marriott CEO’s Remarks Shouldn’t Surprise Anyone
There's been a lot of talk about the comments made by Marriott's new CEO Anthony Capuano over the past week. But why I ask? In my opinion, Marriott CEO's remarks shouldn't surprise anyone. And that's not just because of our perception of the company today. … [Read more...] about Marriott CEO’s Remarks Shouldn’t Surprise Anyone