I've long wanted to stay at a Ritz-Carlton property. But, I never could bring myself to pay the cash or award rate for the privilege. That is, until now. You see, since the pandemic continues to be a very real threat, I decided to treat the Mrs. & I to a staycation at the Ritz-Carlton Residence Waikiki Beach. … [Read more...] about Review: Ritz-Carlton Residence Waikiki Beach
Destinations
The Big Island Implements New Testing Requirements
In Hawaii's revolving door of pre-travel testing rules, the Big Island implements new testing requirements for all arriving passengers. What's more, some exempt travelers will now need to test upon arrival too. At the same time, Honolulu's Mayor Kirk Caldwell does have his own suggested changes too. … [Read more...] about The Big Island Implements New Testing Requirements
Kauai Suspends Pre-Travel Testing – Quarantine Returns
Kauai long enjoyed being COVID-free. But, since Hawaii began its pre-travel testing program, Kauai has seen steady growth in new cases. The island even experienced its first COVID death recently. As a result, Kauai suspends pre-travel testing to help slow the island's rate of infection. … [Read more...] about Kauai Suspends Pre-Travel Testing – Quarantine Returns
Hawaii Surveillance Testing is a Complete Joke
Governor Ige and Lt. Governor Josh Green have long told us to not worry about imported COVID cases because they're monitoring the situation by testing 10% of passengers upon arrival. However, it turns out that Hawaii surveillance testing is a complete joke. Surprised? I'm not. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Surveillance Testing is a Complete Joke
Hawaii Tightens Pre-Travel Testing Requirements
The other day, Hawaii's mayors expressed concerns about the state's pre-travel testing program's lax nature. Chief among them were people getting on planes without results and arriving positive. So, Governor Ige, surprisingly, responded. As a result, Hawaii tightens it's pre-travel testing requirements. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Tightens Pre-Travel Testing Requirements
Hawaii Adds More Domestic Pre-Travel Testing Partners
Over a month after welcoming visitors back, Hawaii adds more domestic pre-travel testing partners. This is great news since this was promised from the very beginning. Especially since tests remain difficult to obtain, while much confusion continues to persist around what kind of test and from where are acceptable. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Adds More Domestic Pre-Travel Testing Partners
Hawaii Implements Statewide Mask Mandate
Since the beginning, masking requirements in Hawaii has been a patchwork of different requirements. This made compliance confusing at best, especially for visitors. So, it's great that, finally, Hawaii implements a statewide mask mandate. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Implements Statewide Mask Mandate
The Time We Almost Missed the Train to Belgium
I've never written about the honeymoon my wife and I took way back in 2013. But, since we can't travel right now, I want to tell the story about the time we almost missed the train to Belgium. … [Read more...] about The Time We Almost Missed the Train to Belgium
Hawaii Welcomes Back Japanese Visitors
On November 6, the Japan Pre-Travel Testing Program launched. But, there are still major obstacles with the arrangement. So, even as Hawaii welcomes back Japanese visitors, it really isn't going to help much economically. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Welcomes Back Japanese Visitors
Restaurant Review: Delores PDX
For our last dinner outing in Portland last year, we decided to check out Delores PDX. The specialty here is Polish food, which is something that's nearly impossible to find out here in Hawaii. … [Read more...] about Restaurant Review: Delores PDX