Earlier this year, the State of Hawaii made the controversial move to cut all of the countys' allocation of transient accommodations tax they collect. Instead, they're allowing counties to levy their own tax. Well, that time has come, and Kauai County is the first to boost hotel tax with its own surcharge. … [Read more...] about Kauai County is the First to Boost Hotel Tax
Travel News
Maui Sugar Museum Plans Expansion
Back in December 2016, the Pu'unene Sugar Mill in Central Maui shut down after 145 years processed its last crop of sugar cane. However, the mill's legacy lives on at the Pu'unene Sugar Museum. And, now, we get news that the Maui Sugar Museum plans an expansion with new exhibits on the way. … [Read more...] about Maui Sugar Museum Plans Expansion
Hilton Extends Statuses Through 2022
There's no doubt that the Delta variant of COVID-19 has put a major damper on travel. As things begin to slow once again, Hilton extends statuses through 2022, allowing members that earned/renewed status in 2019 to keep that status for a total of an additional two years. … [Read more...] about Hilton Extends Statuses Through 2022
Maui Safer Outside Begins Today
The other week, I reported on new safety measures coming to the Valley Isle called Maui Health Pass. Well, county officials decided to change the program's name. The now Maui Safer Outside begins today, bringing with it a bevy of new restrictions. … [Read more...] about Maui Safer Outside Begins Today
Honolulu City Council Votes to Remove Haiku Stairs
An extremely controversial hike on Oahu's windward side looks like it may have met its end as the Honolulu City Council votes to remove the Haiku Stairs. The famous but illegal hike is still frequented on a daily basis by residents and tourists alike. … [Read more...] about Honolulu City Council Votes to Remove Haiku Stairs
Safe Access Oahu Begins Today
Two weeks ago, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced Hawaii's first internal vaccine pass program. However, he pushed implementation off for a bit to give people time to vaccinate. Well, implementation is now here, and Safe Access Oahu begins today. … [Read more...] about Safe Access Oahu Begins Today
Hawaii SMART Health Card Available Today
With just days to go before Safe Access Oahu - Hawaii's first vaccine requirement for business patrons - goes into effect, Hawaii SMART Health Card makes its debut today. The system promises to make showing proof of vaccination easier while also verifying authenticity. … [Read more...] about Hawaii SMART Health Card Available Today
Hawaii Hotel Operator Announces Vaccine Mandate
In a first for the state, a Hawaii hotel operator announces a vaccine mandate for all employees, guests, and patrons. Company executives say Safe Access Oahu helped influence this decision, as did a desire to keep guests, employees, and their families safe. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Hotel Operator Announces Vaccine Mandate
Maui Health Pass to Begin on September 15
Following in the footsteps of the City & County of Honolulu's Safe Access Oahu, Maui Health Pass is to begin on September 15. Unlike the Oahu version of the vaccine pass, though, Maui's is a bit less restrictive. … [Read more...] about Maui Health Pass to Begin on September 15
Hawaiian is Now Relocating Afghan Refugees
The other day, I wrote about the Civil Reserve Air Fleet's activation by the Department of Defense. Among airlines being called up for service was Hawaii's very own hometown carrier. And, as of yesterday, Hawaiian is now relocating Afghan refugees across the country. … [Read more...] about Hawaiian is Now Relocating Afghan Refugees