Hawaii Lieutenant Governor Josh Green can't seem to make up his mind. Two weeks ago, he implored Governor David Ige to fully reopen Hawaii, citing low risk and economic impact. However, just yesterday, Green says he thinks Hawaii Safe Travels is to stay in place through 2021, thanks to the Delta variant. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Safe Travels to Stay in Place Through 2021
Island Miler
My American Express Hilton Aspire Saga
Late last year, I got an American Express Hilton Aspire card under what I thought was a good deal. As it turned out, though, the deal was an error, and one Amex wasn't going to honor. So, I downgraded the card, and that was that. But, a new turn of events means that my American Express Hilton Aspire saga isn't over yet. … [Read more...] about My American Express Hilton Aspire Saga
Sheraton Waikiki Breakfast at KAI Market
During our stay at the Sheraton Waikiki, I once again decided to check out the property's on-site breakfast options. Sure, there are other options conveniently located nearby, but I wanted to be able to report on the full experience for you all 😉. So we checked out the Sheraton Waikiki Breakfast at KAI Market. … [Read more...] about Sheraton Waikiki Breakfast at KAI Market
PSA: Touching Protected Species is a Felony
With Hawaii's recent surge in tourism, things have been quite different than before the pandemic. For one, many more visitors are doing things they aren't supposed to be doing. So, as a reminder, touching protected species is a felony - both at the state and the federal level. … [Read more...] about PSA: Touching Protected Species is a Felony
CLEAR Health Pass Now Valid in Hawaii
About two weeks ago, Hawaii expanded its vaccine passport program to everyone in the US. However, the initial process to set up the passport leaves a lot to be desired. However, there is an easier option now since the CLEAR Health Pass is now valid in Hawaii. … [Read more...] about CLEAR Health Pass Now Valid in Hawaii
My MacBook Pro Keyboard Replacement
Three years ago, I purchased a 15" MacBook Pro. At the time, issues with its defective keyboards were well documented. However, Apple promised that they fixed the issue for the 2018 model year. That turned out to be far from the truth. So, here is my MacBook Pro keyboard replacement experience. … [Read more...] about My MacBook Pro Keyboard Replacement
Hawaii Rental Car Surcharge is Increasing
As reported the other day, Hawaii's Transient Accommodations Tax is likely increasing. But that wasn't the only travel-related increase we're seeing. The Hawaii rental car surcharge is increasing too. This, however, isn't a one-time increase. Instead, the version of the bill that went into effect spreads the impact out over the next several years. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Rental Car Surcharge is Increasing
Get Ready for Higher Hotel Taxes in Hawaii
A while back, I reported on Hawaii House Bill 862. Much maligned by the visitor industry, HB 862 came with several blows. Unfortunately, the most impactful of these for the general public is changes to Hawaii's Transient Accommodations Tax. So, get ready for higher hotel taxes in Hawaii soon. … [Read more...] about Get Ready for Higher Hotel Taxes in Hawaii
Hawaii Vaccine Passport Begins Today + Other Changes
The moment so many has been waiting for is finally here - the Hawaii vaccine passport begins today! Along with the vaccine passport program, though, comes a number of other changes that impact both visitors and residents alike. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Vaccine Passport Begins Today + Other Changes
Hotel Review: Sheraton Waikiki
This year, we already stayed at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and the Westin Moana Surfrider. That's two out of three Waikiki oceanfront hotels owned by Kyo-Ya Hotels & Resorts. So, why not complete the trio and give the Sheraton Waikiki a try? … [Read more...] about Hotel Review: Sheraton Waikiki