It's been about a week and a half since fires ravaged the historic town of Lahaina. The town, as I'm sure everyone knows by now, is almost completely gone. And I'm here to tell you that West Maui recovery will take years to accomplish. Not weeks or months. YEARS. And it's not going to be easy. … [Read more...] about West Maui Recovery Will Take Years
Hawaii
Call to Reschedule Your Maui Travel
If you have upcoming travel to Maui and decide to do the right thing, you'll need to make changes. However, don't just jump online to make those changes. I think you should call to reschedule your Maui travel. … [Read more...] about Call to Reschedule Your Maui Travel
Maui Needs Help
By now, I'm sure you've all seen the devastation on Maui. Numerous brush fires turned much of Lahaina, parts of Kihei, and a portion of Kula into absolute hellscapes. Because of this, Maui needs help - and not just financially or via human effort. They need everyone's kokua in ways you may not even think of. … [Read more...] about Maui Needs Help
CLEAR is Coming to Hawaii
CLEAR has been around (at least in its current incarnation) for around a decade. Allowing members to skip the TSA or TSA Pre-Check line, CLEAR is beloved in busy airports. But it's never been available in the islands, at least until now, as CLEAR is coming to Hawaii. … [Read more...] about CLEAR is Coming to Hawaii
Hawaii Hotel Performance in June 2023
Oh boy! We're at the end of July, so I better get with updating you all on Hawaii hotel performance in June 2023. And it seems that predictions of Hawaii's visitor numbers cratering this summer appear, at least for now, to be false. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Hotel Performance in June 2023
The First Cyclone to Threaten Hawaii in 2023
Well, this hurricane season was predicted to be an above-average one. And two weeks into the season, the first cyclone to threaten Hawaii in 2023 is here. As you read this, Calvin is barrelling toward Hawaii Island, threatening it - especially the Hilo side - with torrential rains and strong winds. … [Read more...] about The First Cyclone to Threaten Hawaii in 2023
Officials Must Charter Flights to Molokai
I've been reporting on the deplorable state of travel to Molokai and Lanai for several months now, and there doesn't seem to be a good solution in sight. In fact, things are so bad that officials must charter flights to Molokai when traveling there on official business. … [Read more...] about Officials Must Charter Flights to Molokai
Hawaii is a Special Place
I'm sure most people will agree that Hawaii is a special place. However, the reason why people think Hawaii is special will vary based on who you ask. Specifically, born & raised locals' answers will differ quite a lot from that of visitors and transplants. … [Read more...] about Hawaii is a Special Place
Review: Utage Restaurant
People often think of Japan as a homogeneous society - it is not. There are two major minorities in Japan, including the Ainu in the North and Okinawans down in, well, Okinawa. Each has its own, unique cuisines, which are often difficult to experience. Luckily, in Honolulu, we have places like Utage Restaurant serving up Okinawan fare. … [Read more...] about Review: Utage Restaurant
Kilauea June 2023 Eruption is Officially Over
Almost two weeks ago, Hawaii's most active volcano abruptly stopped erupting and has been sitting quietly ever since. Well, scientists are now declaring that the Kilauea June 2023 eruption is officially over. … [Read more...] about Kilauea June 2023 Eruption is Officially Over