Tourism has been a hot topic issue in Hawaii, especially since the pandemic gave locals a reprieve. Yes, there are very loud, unreasonable voices standing out against visitors, but there is an increasingly negative sentiment based on behavior, and a tragic drowning reignites tourism debate thanks to the survivor's actions afterward. … [Read more...] about Tragic Drowning Reignites Tourism Debate
Destinations
Pan-Pacific Festival Returns to Honolulu
After a five-year hiatus, the Pan-Pacific Festival returns to Honolulu this weekend! The three-day cultural event in Waikiki celebrates the cultures of Hawai'i, Japan, and other countries around the Pacific. However, with the festivities come major disruptions, especially those driving into and out of Waikiki. … [Read more...] about Pan-Pacific Festival Returns to Honolulu
Kilauea June 2024 Eruption
Early yesterday morning, the Kilauea June 2024 eruption quietly began in a part of the volcano that hasn't seen eruptive activity for the past 50 years. The area is inaccessible by car or foot, though the eruption has triggered some closures within the park. … [Read more...] about Kilauea June 2024 Eruption
A Ritz-Carlton Hotel is Coming to Oahu
I know what you're thinking, Ritz-Carlton already has a property on Oahu! Yes, it does. Sort of. The Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki is, well, a residences property, which is a condo-hotel, meaning it can be a hotel or a place people live. That's why I say a Ritz-Carlton hotel is coming to Oahu, which will be our first true Ritz-Carlton. … [Read more...] about A Ritz-Carlton Hotel is Coming to Oahu
Alaska Air Offers Maui CARE Flights
As we near the one-year anniversary of the tragic wildfires on Maui, one airline is stepping up to offer residents a reprieve from their current situation. That reprieve is coming in the form of Disneyland vacations as Alaska Air offers Maui CARE flights. … [Read more...] about Alaska Air Offers Maui CARE Flights
Hawaii Visitor Demand Remains Soft
Even before the tragic wildfires on Maui, Hawaii was experiencing slowing tourism demand. Unfortunately, things aren't looking better this year as we head into what should normally be the busy summer months. In fact, through the rest of this year, Hawaii visitor demand remains soft. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Visitor Demand Remains Soft
Hawaii Hotel Management is Evolving
Hospitality is big business in Hawaii. Traditionally, the established players (Marriott, Starwood, Hilton) ruled the scene, blended with a smattering of local hotel groups and independent operations. But Hawaii hotel management is evolving thanks to a relative newcomer, which is now poised to become a dominant player. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Hotel Management is Evolving
Extensive Akaka Falls Closures Begin Today
Heads up! If you're traveling to Hawaii Island in the next couple of weeks, one of the island's most popular attractions may be unavailable while you're here, as extensive Akaka Falls closures begin today for important rock fall mitigation work. … [Read more...] about Extensive Akaka Falls Closures Begin Today
Review: Southwest 851 Hilo to Honolulu
Oh boy! I've been working on this trip report for nearly a year now! Alas, it's time to wrap it up with a review of my flight home: Southwest 851 Hilo to Honolulu. … [Read more...] about Review: Southwest 851 Hilo to Honolulu
OAK Officials Voted to Rename The Airport
Oakland International Airport, one of three airports serving the San Francisco Bay Area, has a problem - it's been losing traffic since before the pandemic. To help remedy this, OAK officials voted to rename the airport. … [Read more...] about OAK Officials Voted to Rename The Airport