People often think of Japan as a homogeneous society - it is not. There are two major minorities in Japan, including the Ainu in the North and Okinawans down in, well, Okinawa. Each has its own, unique cuisines, which are often difficult to experience. Luckily, in Honolulu, we have places like Utage Restaurant serving up Okinawan fare. … [Read more...] about Review: Utage Restaurant
Travel Blogging
Kilauea June 2023 Eruption is Officially Over
Almost two weeks ago, Hawaii's most active volcano abruptly stopped erupting and has been sitting quietly ever since. Well, scientists are now declaring that the Kilauea June 2023 eruption is officially over. … [Read more...] about Kilauea June 2023 Eruption is Officially Over
Mokulele Suspends Hilo Service
Hawaii's last remaining commuter airline has been under fire recently. The reliability is in the tank while their prices are soaring. Despite promises, things haven't gotten all that better. To cope, Mokulele suspends Hilo service to focus more on its core markets. … [Read more...] about Mokulele Suspends Hilo Service
Disappointing: La Bicyclette Carmel
For our final dinner in Carmel by the Sea, I decided to reserve us a table at La Bicyclette Carmel. This little French Bistro looked promising, with an intriguing, rustic menu built around a wood-burning oven. Too bad it ended up being a massive disapointment. … [Read more...] about Disappointing: La Bicyclette Carmel
Always Do Your Homework
Are you tired of reading about the OceanGate submersible tragedy? I know I am. But I'm going to base a post on this incident to remind everyone to always do your homework when making any and all travel plans. … [Read more...] about Always Do Your Homework
Hawaii Hotel Occupancy May 2023
In April, we saw occupancy and rates drop in the islands. Not by a lot, but any decrease is welcome news, given how expensive hotels have gotten since 2020. And the Hawaii hotel occupancy May 2023 report continues to reflect a downward trend. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Hotel Occupancy May 2023
Hawaii Tourism Has a Long Road to Recovery
A couple of reports that came out last week hint that Hawaii tourism has a long road to recovery. Sure, tourism is booming, but the mix of visitor isn't the same as it was pre-pandemic, which also means that visitor spending isn't what it used to be. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Tourism Has a Long Road to Recovery
The End for Hawaiian 717s May Be Near
Hawaiian's inter-island fleet is becoming the bain of their existence. The venerable McDonnell Douglas-designed and Boeing-built aircraft are constantly breaking. But based on remarks by the Airline's CEO earlier this month, it appears that the end for Hawaiian 717s may be near. … [Read more...] about The End for Hawaiian 717s May Be Near
Offshore Rescues Are Up On Oahu
Doing it for the Gram combined with a poor understanding of the environment, failure to do research, and not understanding one's abilities is the reason why offshore rescues are up on Oahu. And that has officials pleading with the public to think twice before heading out. … [Read more...] about Offshore Rescues Are Up On Oahu
El Nino 2023 is Here
Recently, I reported on Hawaii's prediction for its 2023 Hurricane Season. At the time of the forecast, there was a good chance for an above-average season, though the likelihood of that just increased because El Nino 2023 is here. … [Read more...] about El Nino 2023 is Here