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
Destinations
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
Hyatt Centric Waikiki Now Available for Booking
Hyatt Centric Waikiki now available for booking with dates from March 15, 2017, and beyond. Originally slated to open during winter 2016, the property seems to have experienced a slight delay in opening. Technically March 15 is still winter, though just barely, and it isn't going to be 2016 anymore. ? No matter, the Hyatt Centric Waikiki looks like it's going to be a … [Read more...] about Hyatt Centric Waikiki Now Available for Booking
Hawaiian Air Pilots Escalating Negotiations
Hawaiian Air pilots escalating negotiations is no surprise. A few moths ago Hawaiian Airlines pilots voted to offer a strike. The strike vote was overwhelming supported by Hawaiians 600 pilots. Of them, 99% voted in favor of a strike. And now, The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the labor union that represents Hawaiian's cockpit crews, has stated they will open a … [Read more...] about Hawaiian Air Pilots Escalating Negotiations
International Market Place Opening 8/25
Many visitors to Hawaii probably remember seeing, and perhaps even exploring, the kitschy, somewhat seedy International Market Place. It was a Waikiki landmark, along with it's iconic banyan tree at its center. Opened in 1957, the International Market Place started life as a first-rate Waikiki attraction. It was always kitschy, with lush gardens, bridges, vines, and … [Read more...] about International Market Place Opening 8/25
Dining Review: Star Noodle
If you've been following along with my Valentines weekend trip to Maui, you'll know that we stayed on the Wailea side of the island. Unfortunately we weren't able to make it into the Lahaina/Kaanapali area this time around. However, the previous two time we were on island we did make it a point to get out to Maui's west side. We weren't staying out that side, but I made it a … [Read more...] about Dining Review: Star Noodle
Andaz Maui Dining
The Andaz Maui is a nice resort with great rooms on a beautiful beach. But what sets the Andaz Maui apart from many of the other properties around it is it's dining. Andaz Maui dining has a more local focus than other resort restaurants, though only at its own dining outlets. In total, the Andaz Maui has 5 dining venues: Ka'ana Kitchen Lehua Lounge Bumbye Beach … [Read more...] about Andaz Maui Dining