For the first time since the start of the pandemic, the Waikiki Spam Jam returns. However, it won't be the same as it was in the before times. … [Read more...] about Waikiki Spam Jam Returns With Different Format
Travel Blogging
Caesars Downgraded My Status
Yesterday, I read a report from Miles to Memories about Caesars' change in program terms regarding status matches. Literally minutes after that, I got an email stating that Caesars downgraded my status, citing an error on their behalf. … [Read more...] about Caesars Downgraded My Status
Hilton Increases Award Prices with No Warning
2022 has been a rough year for hotel awards. First, we have Marriott's previously announced award chart disbandment. Then, Hyatt added an additional category to its chart. Now, Hilton increases award prices with no warning. Luckily, the increase appears to be limited - at least for now. … [Read more...] about Hilton Increases Award Prices with No Warning
Review: Westin Maui Resort and Spa
As I mentioned in a previous post, we split our time on Maui between Kaanapali and Wailea to sample a Marriott and a Hilton. The first of these hotels ended up being the Westin Maui Resort & Spa in Kaanapali. … [Read more...] about Review: Westin Maui Resort and Spa
Taco Maria – Incredible Alta California Cuisine!
At the time of our visit, Taco Maria was the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Orange County, California. But they're so much more than just a starred restaurant - it's a delicious homage to a family, culture, and location. And they're now one of my favorite restaurants anywhere. … [Read more...] about Taco Maria – Incredible Alta California Cuisine!
Hawaii Mask Mandate Ends March 25
Recently, Governor David Ige announced that he would allow Hawaii Safe Travels to expire on March 25. At the time, he said he needed more time to mull other portions of his order. Well, it looks like he's made up his mind now as the Hawaii mask mandate ends on March 25. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Mask Mandate Ends March 25
Hawaii is Getting Busier
With Hawaii's Safe Travels program coming to an end, most experts thought that tourism would pick up again. However, I don't think anyone could've predicted how quickly that would happen. Hawaii is getting busier - and that's causing problems for visitors once again. … [Read more...] about Hawaii is Getting Busier
Maui Ku’ia Estate Chocolate
During our initial lockdown in 2020, I passed the time by finding Hawaii-based tree-to-bar chocolate operations and giving them a try. One of these was Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate. So I made visiting them on this trip one of my top priorities. … [Read more...] about Maui Ku’ia Estate Chocolate
Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
After our interesting flight and securing our car, all I wanted to do was get something to eat and get to bed. However, that meant driving 45-ish minutes on the 405 down to Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. … [Read more...] about Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Hawaii Safe Travels to End on March 25
In October 2020, Hawaii launched its first pre-travel testing program. That program later adopted a vaccination exemption and became Hawaii Safe Travels. But now, just under a year-and-a-half later, Hawaii Safe Travels is to end on March 25. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Safe Travels to End on March 25