The Surfjack Hotel was the second mid-century modern hotel to open in Waikiki, following The Laylow. Given how much we enjoyed The Laylow and the cool aesthetic of the Surfjack, I've long wanted to give them a try. Too bad many inconveniences hold back the hotel. … [Read more...] about The Surfjack Hotel Waikiki is Stymied by Inconveniences
Trip Reports
Waikiki Beach Marriott Ocean Front Junior Suite Review
The last time I stayed in a junior suite at the Waikiki Beach Marriott was way back in the before times of 2019. This was before the pandemic and before the property completed its renovations. So I was curious to see how the refreshed Waikiki Beach Marriott Ocean Front Junior Suite is. … [Read more...] about Waikiki Beach Marriott Ocean Front Junior Suite Review
Visiting the Matsui Persimmon Farm in Kula
I'm not usually a fan of persimmons. To me, they're often overly sweet, dry, and one-dimensional. However, this isn't the case with Maui persimmons, which is how we found ourselves visiting the Matsui Persimmon Farm in Kula. … [Read more...] about Visiting the Matsui Persimmon Farm in Kula
Maui Specialty Chocolates – The Best Maui Omiyage
Whenever we travel within Hawaii, there are places we always have to stop. On the Big Island, that's Two Ladies Kitchen. On the Valley Isle, it's Maui Specialty Chocolates in Kahului. … [Read more...] about Maui Specialty Chocolates – The Best Maui Omiyage
Review: Mahina and Suns Dinner
I'm a fan of Chef Ed Kenny. His mantra of local first and organic when possible has translated into outstanding cuisine, especially at his Hawaiian-local comfort place Mud Hen Water. So it only seemed right that I give Mahina and Suns dinner a try. … [Read more...] about Review: Mahina and Suns Dinner
Review: Poke by the Pound
For years, I've passed by Poke by the Pound when driving along Honolulu's Nimitz Highway. So while searching for a place to have lunch during a recent weekend, I decided to drop in and give them a try. … [Read more...] about Review: Poke by the Pound
Disappointing Breakfast at the Grand Wailea
Many were unhappy with Hilton's decision to convert the elite complimentary breakfast benefit to a dining credit. I'm not one of them. Especially after our disappointing breakfast at the Grand Wailea. The credit is much better spent at dinner! … [Read more...] about Disappointing Breakfast at the Grand Wailea
The Laylow Waikiki Junior Suite
Though we made it back to Hawaii, this Las Vegas + Irvine Trip Report isn't over yet! That's because, upon our return, we had to quarantine away from our families for five days. Thankfully, we enjoyed a nice Laylow Waikiki junior suite during our self-imposed exile. … [Read more...] about The Laylow Waikiki Junior Suite
Dinner at Humuhumunukunukuapua’a
During our stay at the Grand Wailea, I contemplated returning to Spago or Ka'ana Kitchen. However, I decided to give the Grand's signature restaurant a shot and booked dinner at Humuhumunukunukuapua'a. … [Read more...] about Dinner at Humuhumunukunukuapua’a
Restaurant Marlow and Donut Dynamite
During our only full day in Wailea, we weren't supposed to leave the Grand Wailea. However, there were things we wanted to check out, so we ventured out. While we were out, we checked out Restaurant Marlow and Donut Dynamite. … [Read more...] about Restaurant Marlow and Donut Dynamite