In the past, Marriott's Renaissance brand had two Hawaii outposts - the Renaissance Ilikai and the Renaissance Wailea. The former is now simply the Ilikai, while the latter became the Andaz Maui. But the Renaissance brand is returning to Hawaii with a brand new hotel now under construction in Honolulu. … [Read more...] about The Renaissance Brand is Returning to Hawaii
Travel News
There Will Be No Hyatt Unbound Coco Palms
The on-again-off-again efforts to resurrect the iconic Coco Palms hotel on Kauai seem to have finally come to an end. Recent development all but confirms that there will be no Hyatt Unbound Coco Palms and probably no hotel at this site ever again. … [Read more...] about There Will Be No Hyatt Unbound Coco Palms
Outrigger Moves Ahead with Kona Resort Purchase
Last year, I reported that the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay would be leaving Marriott. The reason for the departure was the acquisition of the property by Hawaii-based Outrigger Hotels & Resorts. And though it seemed like the sell was off, Outrigger moves ahead with the Kona resort purchase. … [Read more...] about Outrigger Moves Ahead with Kona Resort Purchase
Hawaii Safe Travels to Stay in Place Through 2021
Hawaii Lieutenant Governor Josh Green can't seem to make up his mind. Two weeks ago, he implored Governor David Ige to fully reopen Hawaii, citing low risk and economic impact. However, just yesterday, Green says he thinks Hawaii Safe Travels is to stay in place through 2021, thanks to the Delta variant. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Safe Travels to Stay in Place Through 2021
CLEAR Health Pass Now Valid in Hawaii
About two weeks ago, Hawaii expanded its vaccine passport program to everyone in the US. However, the initial process to set up the passport leaves a lot to be desired. However, there is an easier option now since the CLEAR Health Pass is now valid in Hawaii. … [Read more...] about CLEAR Health Pass Now Valid in Hawaii
Hawaii Rental Car Surcharge is Increasing
As reported the other day, Hawaii's Transient Accommodations Tax is likely increasing. But that wasn't the only travel-related increase we're seeing. The Hawaii rental car surcharge is increasing too. This, however, isn't a one-time increase. Instead, the version of the bill that went into effect spreads the impact out over the next several years. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Rental Car Surcharge is Increasing
Get Ready for Higher Hotel Taxes in Hawaii
A while back, I reported on Hawaii House Bill 862. Much maligned by the visitor industry, HB 862 came with several blows. Unfortunately, the most impactful of these for the general public is changes to Hawaii's Transient Accommodations Tax. So, get ready for higher hotel taxes in Hawaii soon. … [Read more...] about Get Ready for Higher Hotel Taxes in Hawaii
Hawaii Vaccine Passport Begins Today + Other Changes
The moment so many has been waiting for is finally here - the Hawaii vaccine passport begins today! Along with the vaccine passport program, though, comes a number of other changes that impact both visitors and residents alike. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Vaccine Passport Begins Today + Other Changes
Paradise Cove at Ko Olina to Close Permanently
Oahu doesn't have a whole lot of luaus given our, well, lack of space - especially in bustling Waikiki. But, what has been the largest and most well-known luaus on the island is about to disappear as Paradise Cove at Ko Olina is to close permanently. … [Read more...] about Paradise Cove at Ko Olina to Close Permanently
Maui Sugar Cane Train is For Sale
While I theorized that the Lahaina, Kaanapali, and Pacific Railroad was done for last year, the fact that the Maui Sugar Cane Train is for sale now all but confirms my theory. And, no, this isn't a sale of the railroad as a going concern, as the listing all but confirms its demise. … [Read more...] about Maui Sugar Cane Train is For Sale