Debuting as The Waikiki EDITION under Marriott, this property has had the most tumultuous existence in Hawaii's tourism industry's history - at least as far as I know. And it's undergoing a major change yet again, as The Modern Honolulu rebrands, though we knew this was going to happen for a while now. … [Read more...] about The Modern Honolulu Rebrands
Destinations
West Maui Quietly Reopened
Following a lot of controversy, West Maui quietly reopened to visitors. And while the debate continues to rage, much of the fears regarding an influx of visitors were found to be overblown. In fact, the return of visitors to the far northern areas of West Maui remains but a trickle. … [Read more...] about West Maui Quietly Reopened
Be Sensitive When Visiting Maui
If you've paid any attention at all to what's going on Maui, you'd know that 1) Kapalua Resort is reopening on Sunday, and 2) there are strong feelings about this. So, what should visitors do about this? My recommendation is to be sensitive when visiting Maui. … [Read more...] about Be Sensitive When Visiting Maui
West Maui Will Reopen in Phases
Recently, I reported that West Maui would reopen to visitors on October 8. However, I also warned that plans could and would likely change. And guess what? They have. As the title of this post states, West Maui will reopen in phases now - not all at once. … [Read more...] about West Maui Will Reopen in Phases
Alaska Air 837 SJC-HNL
Bringing my Living It Up In California series to a close is a final flight review. In this case, it's Alaska Air 837 SJC-HNL. I really wished Alaska would've had better options, or at least better timing for our return flight. Alas, this wasn't the case, which is why we ended up staying close to the airport on our last night. … [Read more...] about Alaska Air 837 SJC-HNL
Hawaii Hotel Performance in August 2023
Oops. Looks like I missed a month. The last time I discussed hotel stats was back in June! Nevertheless, I've been waiting to see what Hawaii hotel performance in August 2023 was like, given all of the confusion and negative press in the wake of the August 8th tragedy in Lahaina. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Hotel Performance in August 2023
Visitors and Survivors Will Be Separated
With West Maui's reopening coming up, many in the community had questions. For example, since roughly 7,000 of them are in hotels, are they going to be kicked out? Will they now be neighbors with visitors? For these questions, at least, we now have answers - visitors and survivors will be separated. … [Read more...] about Visitors and Survivors Will Be Separated
Review: Luna Mexican Kitchen
On our final night in the Bay Area, I tried to get us another fantastic dining experience. This was more difficult than I thought it would be, as San Jose actually has some great options. Eventually, I settled on checking out Luna Mexican Kitchen, which has a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand designation. … [Read more...] about Review: Luna Mexican Kitchen
Kilauea September 2023 Eruption Ends
Just as quickly as it began, the Kilauea September 2023 eruption ends. in fact, this eruption was so quick that is was the shortest eruption to occur all year. Oh well, such is the way of things at Halema'uma'u Crater. … [Read more...] about Kilauea September 2023 Eruption Ends
Review: Hyatt House San Jose Airport
For our final night in the Bay Area, I wanted to book a hotel close to our airport, especially since we weren't flying in and out of San Francisco. After much research, I settled on the Hyatt House San Jose Airport. … [Read more...] about Review: Hyatt House San Jose Airport