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
Destinations
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
Outstanding! Kusano Sushi
Hilo is home to some surprising food options. Na'au Hilo and Moon & Turtle are two of the most visible (in my opinion), but other options exist as well. One of these is Kusano Sushi, which is a takeout-only sushi concept that requires preordering in advance. Sound familiar? It should. Kusano Sushi operates very similarly to the former FoodxJitsu, though both have very … [Read more...] about Outstanding! Kusano Sushi
Alaska vs Hawaiian-Extra Space Comparison
In my last post, I compared the basic service offerings of both Alaska and Hawaiian-Main Cabin. Today, we're going to move up one rung on the seating hierarchy ladder in my Alaska vs Hawaiian-extra space comparison post. … [Read more...] about Alaska vs Hawaiian-Extra Space Comparison
The Boeing 737 is Not Good for Inter-Island Ops
In the investor materials announcing Alaska Air's intent to acquire Hawaiian Air, Alaska Air notes that the 737 - the backbone of their mainline fleet - may be a suitable replacement for Hawaiian's venerable Boeing 717s. Well, I'm here to say the Boeing 737 is not good for inter-island ops. Again. … [Read more...] about The Boeing 737 is Not Good for Inter-Island Ops
Revisit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
The title of this series is Big Island Bird-Watching. Well, the best way to do that was for me to revisit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, as its native ecosystems are the most accessible places to see some of Hawaii's last remaining honeycreepers. … [Read more...] about Revisit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
SEC Filing Previews The Future of HawaiianMiles
It's been a little over a week since Alaska's and Hawaiian's bombshell announcement, which was followed by a flurry of regulatory filings. One such SEC filing previews the future of HawaiianMiles. That said, take anything disclosed at this early stage with a massive grain of salt. … [Read more...] about SEC Filing Previews The Future of HawaiianMiles