Back in May, Hawaiian Airlines revealed its new business class products. For the first time in the Airline's history they'd be offering lie-flat seats. While new for Hawaiian, lie-flat seats are nothing new. But, since Hawaiian primarily serves leisure travelers, it's understandable that they'd take their time deciding. And over the past couple of months they slowly began … [Read more...] about Hawaiian Air Lie-Flat Seats are Now Bookable
Hawaii
Iao Valley State Monument Reconstruction Begins
Back in mid-September, torrential rains pummeled Maui and much of the rest of the state. Maui, however, saw the most damage out of all the islands. And while much of the island experienced bad flooding, the worst devastation occurred in Iao Valley. There, the Wailuku River doubled in size during this weather event and devastated everything in its path. But today, the Iao … [Read more...] about Iao Valley State Monument Reconstruction Begins
All Nippon Airways A380 Design Contest
In January 2015, Skymark Airline, a Japanese low-cost carrier filed for bankruptcy. Skymark had four Airbus A380s on order at the time, two of which were already completely assembled. The airline received a number of sponsor plans, the leading of which were from Delta and All Nippon Airways (ANA). Many thought that Delta would win, as they have a cosy relationship with … [Read more...] about All Nippon Airways A380 Design Contest
Hampton Inn and Suites Kapolei Now Open
Hilton has been growing its Hawaii portfolio rather aggressively lately. Yes, Hyatt has received a lot of press over it's upcoming Unbound Collection Coco Palms (Kahai) and Hyatt Centric Waikiki (Oahu). But Hilton has been far more active in new property openings, it just hasn't received as much attention. This is likely because that growth has been focused on mid to lower … [Read more...] about Hampton Inn and Suites Kapolei Now Open
Waikoloa Beach Marriott Conversion
Rumors have circulated among the Marriott loyalist about a possible Waikoloa Beach Marriott conversion. Supposedly Marriott Vacation Club sales people, some of them anyway, have been telling prospective buyers and/or current owners about plans to flip the property. It appears that these rumors are true, at least in part. In an article ran earlier this week, the Pacific … [Read more...] about Waikoloa Beach Marriott Conversion
Waikiki Select-Service Hotel Comparison
Select-service hotels, such as Courtyard & Hyatt Place are quickly spreading around the world. They're supposed to be a cheaper alternative to full-service properties like Hyatt Regency, Sheraton, etc. And as the category name suggests, these hotels typically offer just basic services. You definitely will not find room service or concierges' at these properties, for … [Read more...] about Waikiki Select-Service Hotel Comparison
The Poke Bowl Obsession
When it comes to food, Hawaii is known for a number of things. Shave ice, Kings Hawaiian sweet bread, and Spam musubis come to mind, among others. Perhaps nothing, though, is spreading across the nation quite like the poke bowl. It seems like just a year or two ago, in fact, that poke bowl shops started popping up all over the place. California and New York in … [Read more...] about The Poke Bowl Obsession
Disney Aulani Turns 5!
A few days ago Walt Disney Hotels & Resort's celebrated a milestone. The resort officially opened on August 29, 2011, so this year Aulani turns 5. And of course, Disney celebrated by announcing new features for the resort. No, Aulani isn't adding any new attractions as part of its celebration. It is adding new (to the resort) characters, however. Those characters … [Read more...] about Disney Aulani Turns 5!
Residence Inn Maui Wailea is Now Open
The Residence Inn Maui Wailea is now open, with its grand opening ceremony occurring today. Granted the hotel has been open for a little while, but now it's official! As its name suggests, the Residence Inn Maui Wailea is located in the Wailea Resort on Maui's southeast coast. It is the first Residence Inn by Marriott in the State of Hawaii. Like other properties in this … [Read more...] about Residence Inn Maui Wailea is Now Open
September 2016 Maui Storm Damage
Hawaii has been fortunate the past few years. Many tropical storms and hurricanes have come barreling towards the state, though none have hit directly. Despite this luck, the state hasn't escaped unscathed. Over the past month, we've seen very wet weather. This week especially, the weather has been especially bad. The hardest hit island, ironically, has been Maui. This … [Read more...] about September 2016 Maui Storm Damage