During an unusual announcement on Tuesday, Governor Ige welcomes back visitors to the islands two months after telling people to stay away. Not only was the announcement itself unusual, but so was the fact that there was no substance to his announcement either. Let's discuss. … [Read more...] about Governor Ige Welcomes Back Visitors
Destinations
Elements by Westin Hotel Coming to Kapolei
Oahu has been seeing a bit of a hotel boom in recent years. But, these hotels aren't what you'd expect when you think about Hawaii, as they're all limited-service city hotels. So, news that an Elements by Westin hotel is coming to Kapolei doesn't surprise me one bit. … [Read more...] about Elements by Westin Hotel Coming to Kapolei
Biki Bikeshare is Making a Comeback
When COVID-19 shut the state down, it had major impacts on our economy. One company that nearly bled out during that time is Honolulu-based Bikeshare non-profit Biki. Thankfully, they didn't. In fact, Biki Bikeshare is making a comeback. … [Read more...] about Biki Bikeshare is Making a Comeback
Maui Loosens Restrictions
With infections and hospitalizations falling to levels not seen since before the Delta-variant fueled surge, the Valley Isle is now following Oahu's lead. Yup, just as Hawaii's most populous island, Maui loosens restrictions too. … [Read more...] about Maui Loosens Restrictions
The New Honolulu Airport Mauka Concourse
Before I get to the trip itself, I want to talk about the new Honolulu Airport Mauka Concourse. After all, this new concourse is the first new major addition at Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in decades! And, as luck would have it, our flight was departing out of this new terminal. … [Read more...] about The New Honolulu Airport Mauka Concourse
Honolulu Relaxes Restrictions
Thanks to Oahu's falling COVID-19 cases and hospitalization rates, Governor David Ige and Mayor Rick Blangiardi are ready to make some changes. Specifically, Honolulu relaxes restrictions in an effort to return to a little more normalcy. … [Read more...] about Honolulu Relaxes Restrictions
Honolulu Considers Raising Hotel Tax by 3%
Earlier this year, the State of Hawaii stopped distributing shares of the transient accommodations tax to the counties as a way to plug its budgetary hole. That, however, left the counties with a large hole of their own. So, to plug that hole, Honolulu considers raising hotel tax by 3%. … [Read more...] about Honolulu Considers Raising Hotel Tax by 3%
NOAA Bans Swimming with Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins
In recent years, it has become popular to swim with the endemic Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins out in the wild. However, this isn't going to be possible in the near future, as NOAA bans swimming with Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins. … [Read more...] about NOAA Bans Swimming with Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins
Hawaii Extends Emergency Orders for 2 Months
Hawaii is in a much better place than we were a few weeks ago. However, we're still doing pretty bad compared to before the Delta variant. As a result, Hawaii extends emergency orders for 2 months. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Extends Emergency Orders for 2 Months
MGM Taking Over Management of the Cosmopolitan
The Las Vegas Strip has been hitting us with a lot of bombshells lately. Lately, that's primarily been MGM Resorts International offloading many of their signature properties, such as the Bellagio. But now we're learning that MGM is taking over the management of the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. … [Read more...] about MGM Taking Over Management of the Cosmopolitan