It's long been my dream to see endemic Hawaiian honeycreepers in the wild. So, with some time to kill on our second day on Maui, we decided to go bird-watching at Hosmer Grove in Haleakala National Park. … [Read more...] about Bird-Watching at Hosmer Grove
Trip Reports
Paradise Dynasty Costa Mesa
Shortly before we arrived in SoCal, a hot, new dim spot opened at South Coast Plaza. Being the dim sum lovers that we are, Mrs. Island Miler and I decided to check out Paradise Dynasty Costa Mesa on our second and final night in Irvine. … [Read more...] about Paradise Dynasty Costa Mesa
Pizzeria Mozza Newport Beach
I've long been a fan of Nancy Silverton. Her eponymous La Brea Bakery was my go-to before quality, artisan bread became available here on Oahu. So when we went to Costa Mesa last September, I made it a point to give Pizzeria Mozza Newport Beach a try. … [Read more...] about Pizzeria Mozza Newport Beach
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!
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
Alamo Rent A Car Los Angeles Airport
When I was looking at car prices in Los Angeles, National was stupid expensive. So, I settled for the slightly less expensive Alamo Rent A Car Los Angeles Airport. I did, however, spring for a midsize CUV (still cheaper than Emerald Aisle), which may not have been the best idea. … [Read more...] about Alamo Rent A Car Los Angeles Airport
Review: SixtyTwo MarcKet Wailuku Brunch
Knowing that our room wouldn't be ready for a while, I made brunch reservations for our day of arrival on Maui. Wanting to try something new this time, I chose SixtyTwo MarcKet in Wailuku for our first meal on-island. … [Read more...] about Review: SixtyTwo MarcKet Wailuku Brunch
Alaska Air 3384 Las Vegas to Los Angeles
As our time in Vegas came to an end, we headed to Harry Ried International Airport to take what would become one of our most interesting (bad) flights to date - Alaska Air 3384 Las Vegas to Los Angeles. … [Read more...] about Alaska Air 3384 Las Vegas to Los Angeles