With Hawaii's recent surge in tourism, things have been quite different than before the pandemic. For one, many more visitors are doing things they aren't supposed to be doing. So, as a reminder, touching protected species is a felony - both at the state and the federal level. … [Read more...] about PSA: Touching Protected Species is a Felony
Destinations
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
Most Hawaii Airport Modernization Projects Nearly Done
With travel to Hawaii surging back to levels higher than before the pandemic, Hawaii's airport inadequate infrastructure is becoming increasingly evident. So it's good, then, that most Hawaii airport modernization projects are nearly done. … [Read more...] about Most Hawaii Airport Modernization Projects Nearly Done
Review: Eating House 1849 Waikiki Revisited
It's been years since we last dined at Roy Yamaguchi's Eating House 1849 Waikiki. But, a recent restaurant week even brought me back in to try some of their new dishes. So, it's time for an Eating House 1849 Waikiki revisited post. Spoiler alert: I came away pleasantly surprised. … [Read more...] about Review: Eating House 1849 Waikiki Revisited
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
Southwest is Done with Its Hawaii Expansion – For Now
Despite the pandemic, Southwest Airlines continued on with its Hawaii plans. This included a BIG recent push that saw their route network expanded to routes many here in Hawaii were hoping for. However, it appears Southwest is done with its Hawaii expansion - at least for now. … [Read more...] about Southwest is Done with Its Hawaii Expansion – For Now
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
Hotel Review: Sheraton Waikiki
This year, we already stayed at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and the Westin Moana Surfrider. That's two out of three Waikiki oceanfront hotels owned by Kyo-Ya Hotels & Resorts. So, why not complete the trio and give the Sheraton Waikiki a try? … [Read more...] about Hotel Review: Sheraton Waikiki
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
