I've long wanted to stay at a Ritz-Carlton property. But, I never could bring myself to pay the cash or award rate for the privilege. That is, until now. You see, since the pandemic continues to be a very real threat, I decided to treat the Mrs. & I to a staycation at the Ritz-Carlton Residence Waikiki Beach. … [Read more...] about Review: Ritz-Carlton Residence Waikiki Beach
Island Miler
The Big Island Implements New Testing Requirements
In Hawaii's revolving door of pre-travel testing rules, the Big Island implements new testing requirements for all arriving passengers. What's more, some exempt travelers will now need to test upon arrival too. At the same time, Honolulu's Mayor Kirk Caldwell does have his own suggested changes too. … [Read more...] about The Big Island Implements New Testing Requirements
Kauai Suspends Pre-Travel Testing – Quarantine Returns
Kauai long enjoyed being COVID-free. But, since Hawaii began its pre-travel testing program, Kauai has seen steady growth in new cases. The island even experienced its first COVID death recently. As a result, Kauai suspends pre-travel testing to help slow the island's rate of infection. … [Read more...] about Kauai Suspends Pre-Travel Testing – Quarantine Returns
What I’m Thankful for This Year – 2020 Edition
Typically, I title these posts, "Happy Thanksgiving YYYY!" But, given the wild ride we've been on this year, that didn't seem appropriate. So, instead, I'm opting for a more subdued, reflective "What I'm Thankful For This Year - 2020 Edition" post. … [Read more...] about What I’m Thankful for This Year – 2020 Edition
Hawaii Surveillance Testing is a Complete Joke
Governor Ige and Lt. Governor Josh Green have long told us to not worry about imported COVID cases because they're monitoring the situation by testing 10% of passengers upon arrival. However, it turns out that Hawaii surveillance testing is a complete joke. Surprised? I'm not. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Surveillance Testing is a Complete Joke
Hawaii Tightens Pre-Travel Testing Requirements
The other day, Hawaii's mayors expressed concerns about the state's pre-travel testing program's lax nature. Chief among them were people getting on planes without results and arriving positive. So, Governor Ige, surprisingly, responded. As a result, Hawaii tightens it's pre-travel testing requirements. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Tightens Pre-Travel Testing Requirements
Hawaii Adds More Domestic Pre-Travel Testing Partners
Over a month after welcoming visitors back, Hawaii adds more domestic pre-travel testing partners. This is great news since this was promised from the very beginning. Especially since tests remain difficult to obtain, while much confusion continues to persist around what kind of test and from where are acceptable. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Adds More Domestic Pre-Travel Testing Partners
Hawaii Implements Statewide Mask Mandate
Since the beginning, masking requirements in Hawaii has been a patchwork of different requirements. This made compliance confusing at best, especially for visitors. So, it's great that, finally, Hawaii implements a statewide mask mandate. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Implements Statewide Mask Mandate
Credit Card Review – Chase Freedom Flex
The new card of the year, or at least one of them, has got to be the Chase Freedom Flex. And, recently, I finally decided to upgrade my old Chase Freedom to the Freedom Flex. Yes - upgrade. … [Read more...] about Credit Card Review – Chase Freedom Flex
Silvercar is Pulling Out of All Airport Locations
It looks like the pandemic has claimed yet another victim - sort of. This time that victim what is, in my opinion, one of the best car rental options around. And while they'll still be around, they'll be very impractical to rent from because Silvercar is pulling out of all airport locations. … [Read more...] about Silvercar is Pulling Out of All Airport Locations