The State of Hawaii's plan to dismantle the Hawaii Tourism Authority will have other far-reaching consequences. One of these is the fact that the state may cut the Visitor Aloha Society funding - an organization that serves as a critical support organization for Hawaii's visitors in need. … [Read more...] about State May Cut Visitor Aloha Society Funding
Hawaii
Hawaii Allows $30 Million in COVID Tests to Expire
Not long ago, I reported that the State of Hawaii has a large stockpile of unused COVID-19 tests. Those tests, they say, can only be used for community testing, despite a lack of community testing. Well, they never did find a use. As a result, Hawaii allows $30 million in COVID tests to expire. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Allows $30 Million in COVID Tests to Expire
Turtle Bay Resort to Reopen July 1
Turtle Bay Resort was one of the smarter properties in Hawaii. After they were forced to close due to COVID-related travel restrictions went into place, they began a massive renovation project. That project is being wrapped up now, and Turtle Bay Resort is to reopen on July 1. … [Read more...] about Turtle Bay Resort to Reopen July 1
Intra-Hawaii Vaccine Passport Launching May 11
After weeks of discussing it, state officials have finally given us the low down on the Intra-Hawaii vaccine passport launching May 11. Yup, the vaccine passport is for travel exclusively within the state for the time being. Oh, and you have to have gotten your vaccinations in Hawaii for this to work too. … [Read more...] about Intra-Hawaii Vaccine Passport Launching May 11
Maui County Considering Restricting Beach Access
Visitors surging back is, undoubtedly, good for Hawaii's economy. But having experienced a less congested lifestyle, combined with long-standing questions about balanced tourism, officials in Maui County are considering restricting beach access. … [Read more...] about Maui County Considering Restricting Beach Access
Skip Big Island Post-Arrival Test With Vaccination
Since the state won't allow the Big Island to use its stockpile of tests, and with mounting costs, Hawaii County officials have been considering canceling its post-arrival testing program. But, it seems like they're going a different way - for now. That's because you can now skip the Big Island post-arrival test with vaccination cards. … [Read more...] about Skip Big Island Post-Arrival Test With Vaccination
Kauai Parks to Begin Charging Admission Fees
Balancing tourism with Hawaii's delicate environment and residents' quality of life has been a major topic of discussion since the pandemic shutdown tourism. The State of Hawaii's solution? To limit capacity and implement fees. So, it comes as no surprise that Kauai parks are to begin charging admission fees. … [Read more...] about Kauai Parks to Begin Charging Admission Fees
Hawaiian is Giving Away 1 Million HawaiianMiles!
Recently, Hawaiian Airlines announced that HawaiianMiles no longer expire. And to commemorate the event, Hawaiian is giving away 1 million HawaiianMiles via their Endless Hawaii Sweepstakes. What's more, unlike recent contests, you don't need a social media profile to enter this one. … [Read more...] about Hawaiian is Giving Away 1 Million HawaiianMiles!
The Hawaii Car Rental Apocalypse
When visitors came flooding back into Hawaii, we weren't prepared. And we're still not. Restaurant reservations are hard to get, take-out lines are chaotic, and Waikiki, in general, feels pre-pandemic crowded. The worst problem of all, though, appears to be the Hawaii car rental apocalypse. So let's talk about that and how to get around it. … [Read more...] about The Hawaii Car Rental Apocalypse
Hawaii to Pilot Vaccine Passport with Inter-Island Travel
Lieutenant Governor Josh Green says that Hawaii to pilot vaccine passport with inter-island travel. However, Hawaii's plan for its vaccine passport has degraded quite a bit. In fact, I question whether the program will even be effective anymore. … [Read more...] about Hawaii to Pilot Vaccine Passport with Inter-Island Travel