Well, here's a new route announcement I wasn't expecting: Hawaiian Air is flying to SLC in 2024! I get that there's demand on the route, but there's a HUGE elephant (or two) in the room that makes me question the new route. That said, they announced some new SMF routes, too. … [Read more...] about Hawaiian Air is Flying to SLC in 2024
Destinations
Review: Grand Naniloa Hotel – a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
For our most recent trip to the Big Island, we stayed in Hilo. That means we had only three hotels to choose from, and only one of them is associated with a large chain. As such, I decided to give the Grand Naniloa Hotel a try. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be returning, which means I now have only one other option in the area. … [Read more...] about Review: Grand Naniloa Hotel – a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
Hawaii Proposes a Japanese Pre-Clearance Facility
There's no doubt that Japanese tourism to Hawaii hasn't recovered to pre-pandemic levels. As such, a delegation from Hawaii traveled to the Land of the Rising Sun to discuss Hawaii and Japan's important relationship. While there Hawaii proposes a Japanese pre-clearance facility to provide visitors with better convenience. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Proposes a Japanese Pre-Clearance Facility
Hawaii Hotel Performance in October 2023
Hawaii's travel industry has not been having a good year. Even before the Lahaina fire, visitor arrivals were declining year-over-year. Of course, the fires annihilated any hope of keeping up with 2022. That's why I'm closely following our monthly performance and why I'm excited to see Hawaii hotel performance in October 2023. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Hotel Performance in October 2023
Big Island Chocolate Adventure
When we landed in Hilo, our hotel room wasn't ready, so after dropping our bags, we quickly got back into our car and headed back out. We didn't have a plan for this contingency but ended up having an impromptu Big Island Chocolate Adventure of sorts. … [Read more...] about Big Island Chocolate Adventure
Intra-Hawaii Award Travel
I know everyone is up in arms over Southwest's most recent devaluation, and I get it - any reduction in value SUCKS. But how do Southwest's new redemption rates compare to Hawaiian for intra-Hawaii award travel? Let's take a look. … [Read more...] about Intra-Hawaii Award Travel
Review: Waiahole Poi Factory Windward Mall
It's been years since I last visited Waiahole Poi Factory. Though I love the place, its distance from me, coupled with the insane crowds that descend onto the small roadside eatery every day, have kept me away. That's why I'm so glad that Waiahole Poi Factory Windward Mall recently opened. … [Read more...] about Review: Waiahole Poi Factory Windward Mall
Review: Avis Car Rental Hilo
For my Big Island Bird-Watching Adventure, I chose to rent with Avis Car Rental Hilo. Why? Price, of course. I would've much rather gone with Alamo, which, spoiler alert, was confirmed by this experience, but Avis was much cheaper for my dates. So, Avis, it was. … [Read more...] about Review: Avis Car Rental Hilo
Review: Tali’s Bagels and Schmear
Recently, I had a hankering for some bagels & lox. Since we were in the area, I decided to check out Tali's Bagels and Schmear and Ward Center. This is the second bagel shop that's popped up in recent years, the other being Montreal-style bagel spot Empty Elle's in Kailua. … [Read more...] about Review: Tali’s Bagels and Schmear
Hilton LXR Brand is Coming to Hawaii
No, Hilton isn't developing a new hotel, nor is it rebranding an existing property. Instead, an existing luxury condo-hotel is rebranding, which is how the Hilton LXR brand is coming to Hawaii. But what property is rebranding? Read on to find out. … [Read more...] about Hilton LXR Brand is Coming to Hawaii