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
Travel News
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
Hanauma Bay Entry Fee More Than Doubles
Hilton Swaps Free Breakfasts for Elite Credits
Veiled as a response to members' requests, Hilton is changing one of its most important elite member benefits. In that change, Hilton swaps free breakfasts for elite credits instead. Oh, and they say the change is only temporary. … [Read more...] about Hilton Swaps Free Breakfasts for Elite Credits
How to Create a Hawaii Vaccine Passport
With Hawaii on the cusp of allowing virtually anyone in the US to bypass our testing and quarantine requirements, let's go over how to create a Hawaii vaccine passport. The process, while fairly easy, is a little more convoluted than it needs to be. … [Read more...] about How to Create a Hawaii Vaccine Passport
Hawaii Vaccine Passport Begins July 8
Good news! It's about to get a whole lot easier to travel to the islands! That's because the Hawaii vaccine passport begins on July 8, finally allowing those vaccinated in other parts of the country to bypass our pre-travel testing requirements. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Vaccine Passport Begins July 8