The Hawaii Tourism Authority's December 2023 hotel performance report included full-year statistics. Despite struggles to maintain occupancy rates last year, average Hawaii hotel rates increased in 2023 when compared to 2022 and remain well above 2019 figures. … [Read more...] about Average Hawaii Hotel Rates Increased in 2023
Destinations
Kilauea Summit Revitalization Project Kicks Off
Six years ago (!!) Kilauea's destructive 2018 Lower Puna Eruption drastically changed Halema'uma'u Crater and, in doing so, irreparably damaged facilities and infrastructure in the area. However, after much planning, a Kilauea summit revitalization project is getting underway to finally remove unsalvagable structures and make general improvements. … [Read more...] about Kilauea Summit Revitalization Project Kicks Off
Hawaiian Surrendered Its Haneda Slots
We just learned about American's win in the battle for Delta's unused Haneda slot. But now, it appears more will become available again as Hawaiian surrendered its Haneda slots. Honestly, I wasn't expecting that, even though doing so makes sense. … [Read more...] about Hawaiian Surrendered Its Haneda Slots
Alaska v Hawaiian-First Class Comparison
In my last installment of the series, I'm covering Alaska v Hawaiian-First Class. Admittedly, this is a topic that I have very little experience of my own with. Unlike many of the big-name travel bloggers, I rarely travel in First because I just don't have the points/miles or cash to do so. But it's pretty easy to draw conclusions here. … [Read more...] about Alaska v Hawaiian-First Class Comparison
Hawaiian Boosts Domestic Service for Summer ’24
With Japanese demand continuing to lag far behind pre-pandemic levels, Hawaiian has an abundance of capacity. To make use of this capacity and to, hopefully, shore up its financials, Hawaiian boosts domestic service for summer '24, doubling down on some of its more popular routes. … [Read more...] about Hawaiian Boosts Domestic Service for Summer ’24
Marriott-MGM Benefits Revealed
No, we don't know when the delayed Marriott-MGM partnership is going to launch. However, the two companies recently released more information about the program. So let's talk about these Marriott-MGM benefits, which I think are a bit disappointing. … [Read more...] about Marriott-MGM Benefits Revealed
Alaska-Hawaiian Merger Backstory
Gather around, everyone! Thanks to a recent proxy statement filed by Hawaiian Airlines, we now know the Alaska-Hawaiian merger backstory. And, oh boy! I wasn't expecting things to go the way they apparently did. It also sheds light on the why, which is along the lines of what I was originally thinking. … [Read more...] about Alaska-Hawaiian Merger Backstory
Large-Scale Disruptions at Kona Airport
Cracks in the sole runway are causing large-scale disruptions at Kona Airport. At this stage, little information is known, but as of this writing - 7:30 pm HST - the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport remains closed until further notice. … [Read more...] about Large-Scale Disruptions at Kona Airport
Remember to Earn Pualani Status in 2024!
With the upcoming Alaska Airlines acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, along with changes made to Alaska Mileage Plan effective January 1, 2024, it is crucial that you remember to earn Pualani status in 2024, as doing so in the new, combined loyalty program will likely be more difficult. … [Read more...] about Remember to Earn Pualani Status in 2024!
Marriott-MGM Partnership is Delayed
I know this is old news now, but I only came to the realization that the Marriott-MGM partnership is delayed when I began working on my year-in-review post and noticed that we're way past the announced "October" timeline of the tie-up. Unfortunately, information on the entire relationship remains limited, even as we approach the new launch window. … [Read more...] about Marriott-MGM Partnership is Delayed