There's a Waikiki celebrity chef restaurant shakeup happening right now! With the opening of the new International Market Place, Waikiki got yet another celebrity chef restaurant: Michael Mina's Strip Steak. Roy Yamaguchi even opened his second Waikiki location at the International Market Place, Eating House 1849. But, it isn't all good news in Waikiki, especially if you're … [Read more...] about Waikiki Celebrity Chef Restaurant Shakeup!
Travel Blogging
Hyatt Centric Waikiki is Opening on December 8
The Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach, as previously reported, is the first Hyatt Centric property in Hawaii. The property's page initially listed the opening date as "Winter 2016." Reservations then opened up for March 15, 2017, and beyond last month. Now we've learned that the Hyatt Centric Waikiki is Opening on December 8, 2016. The new opening date was reported in an … [Read more...] about Hyatt Centric Waikiki is Opening on December 8
Home Security When Traveling
Home security when traveling has always been a concern, and even more so now days. We've already talked about ways to prevent break-ins on the road in your RV but not it's time to talk about how you protect your home while you're on the road. Depending on where you live, home break-ins can be a non-existent to a serious issue. And while it can seem like these times of crimes … [Read more...] about Home Security When Traveling
Do You Explore Through Food?
At last week's Hawaii Tourism Conference, food was a big topic of discussion. In this case it was how do we use food to lure more tourist to Hawaii? Food based tourism is already big in other parts of the world, so why not here too? If you think about it, it makes sense. Hawaii is famous for its coffee, pineapples, and fresh seafood. Increasingly, though, Hawaii has become … [Read more...] about Do You Explore Through Food?
Hampton Inn and Suites Kapolei Now Open
Hilton has been growing its Hawaii portfolio rather aggressively lately. Yes, Hyatt has received a lot of press over it's upcoming Unbound Collection Coco Palms (Kahai) and Hyatt Centric Waikiki (Oahu). But Hilton has been far more active in new property openings, it just hasn't received as much attention. This is likely because that growth has been focused on mid to lower … [Read more...] about Hampton Inn and Suites Kapolei Now Open
New Premium Amex Card Coming Soon?
When the Citi Prestige launched it was a revolutionary credit card. It offers up to 3x points earning, a flexible $250 airline credit, $100 TSA/Global Entry credit every 5 years, and hotel 4th night free when booking through Citi's concierge service. Then the Chase Sapphire Reserve came out and stole it's thunder with it's $300 annual travel credit, primary rental collision … [Read more...] about New Premium Amex Card Coming Soon?
Atlantis Resort Ko Olina Confirmed
Last week I wrote about Ko Olina's latest development possibly beginning construction next year. At the time, all we knew was the name of the landowner: China Oceanwide Holdings. The company paid $280 million for the 26 acres of land on Ko Olina's Lagoon 2. This plot of land is next-door to Disney's Aulani. However, earlier this week Ko Olina's master developer, Jeff Stone … [Read more...] about Atlantis Resort Ko Olina Confirmed
Hawaiian Considering London Flights and A380s
Hawaiian Airlines' CEO Mark Dunkerley dropped some shocking news yesterday in an interview with Bloomberg. In short, Hawaiian considering London flights and A380s! Ok, so flights to London aren't really a shocker. They've been on Hawaiian's radar for some time now. Unfortunately, Hawaiian's current fleet of A330-200's don't have the legs to fly the route non-stop. In the … [Read more...] about Hawaiian Considering London Flights and A380s
Marriott-Starwood Merger Approved
The Marriott's acquisition of its smaller rival, Starwood, has been in limbo as they waited out approval from Chinese regulators. However, the wait is no more, as news broke yesterday that Chinese regulators decided to give Marriott the green light. What this means in the near-term, obviously, is that with the Marriott-Starwood merger approved, the two companies will now work … [Read more...] about Marriott-Starwood Merger Approved
Does Fear Affect Your Travels?
The world is not what it used to be. Terrorism, from radicalized groups and homegrown, seems to be regular events now days. This is especially true of big cities like Paris, New York, Boston, London, Los Angeles, Orlando etc. Sometimes the event is simply a scare, while other times a few people get injured, and others are serious events with mass casualties. Given this, … [Read more...] about Does Fear Affect Your Travels?