In the investor materials announcing Alaska Air's intent to acquire Hawaiian Air, Alaska Air notes that the 737 - the backbone of their mainline fleet - may be a suitable replacement for Hawaiian's venerable Boeing 717s. Well, I'm here to say the Boeing 737 is not good for inter-island ops. Again. … [Read more...] about The Boeing 737 is Not Good for Inter-Island Ops
Hawaii
Revisit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
The title of this series is Big Island Bird-Watching. Well, the best way to do that was for me to revisit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, as its native ecosystems are the most accessible places to see some of Hawaii's last remaining honeycreepers. … [Read more...] about Revisit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
SEC Filing Previews The Future of HawaiianMiles
It's been a little over a week since Alaska's and Hawaiian's bombshell announcement, which was followed by a flurry of regulatory filings. One such SEC filing previews the future of HawaiianMiles. That said, take anything disclosed at this early stage with a massive grain of salt. … [Read more...] about SEC Filing Previews The Future of HawaiianMiles
Alaska is Considering Molokai and Lanai Service, But…
Hawaii News Now reports that, during the Hawaiian acquisition presser, Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci mentioned that Alaska is considering Molokai and Lanai service. However, he tempered expectations by stating that they'd need to study the feasibility of the routes. … [Read more...] about Alaska is Considering Molokai and Lanai Service, But…
Get Rapid Rewards Points for Giving
The holiday season is all about giving. But, typically, during this time of year, we often think solely of giving to friends of family. However, non-profits still need our help, too. But this year, you can get Rapid Rewards points for giving to participating Hawaii-based charities, including some of my favorites. … [Read more...] about Get Rapid Rewards Points for Giving
Na’au Hilo Round 2
My very first standalone dining experience with Na'au Hilo was in September 2022. But eight months later, the stars aligned, and they had another dinner during my impromptu hop over to the island. So, in May 2023, I had a Na'au Hilo round 2 dinner. And it was fantastic! … [Read more...] about Na’au Hilo Round 2
Hawaiian Air is Flying to SLC in 2024
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
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