In 2022, Apple announced a new slew of states that would be joining their digital identification program. Then, nothing. No updates, no timeline estimates, nada. However, out of no where, the option popped up in the wallet app. So, I'm happy to announced that Hawai'i IDs are now available in Apple Wallet! … [Read more...] about Hawai’i IDs Are Now Available in Apple Wallet!
hawaii
Hawai’i Hotel Workers Say Strike is Imminent
Recently, I reported that workers at seven of the largest hotels in the islands voted to strike. Well, apparently, Hawai'i hotel workers say strike is imminent. The affected properties are among the largest and most popular in the state, which will have huge implications for visitors. … [Read more...] about Hawai’i Hotel Workers Say Strike is Imminent
Waikiki Hotel Workers Voted to Strike
Hot on the heels of a strike beginning at the Grand Wailea resort on Maui, Waikiki hotel workers voted to strike. Unite Here Local 5 held a strike vote late last week, and an overwhelming majority of affected members voted in favor of a strike, which will be bad news for visitors if an agreement with the union isn't reached soon. … [Read more...] about Waikiki Hotel Workers Voted to Strike
Turtle Bay is Now Live With Marriott
Not long ago, I reported that the Turtle Bay Resort in Kahului was to be acquired by Host Hotels & Resorts, which would then reflag the property a Ritz-Carlton. Well, that time has come, and the Turtle Bay is now live with Marriott. … [Read more...] about Turtle Bay is Now Live With Marriott
Maui One Year Later
It's hard to believe that it's already been one year since raging wildfires consumed Lahaina. The frightening images still seem just as fresh today as they were then. Yet, here we are. So, let's talk about Maui one year later. How are things going, especially as it relates to the visitor industry? … [Read more...] about Maui One Year Later
Hawaiian Electric Public Safety Power Shutoff Program
Summertime in Hawai'i means long days at the beach, shave ice, mango, and lychee. It also means hurricane season which, thankfully, isn't usually an issue for us. However, now summertime means wildfire season, and, with it, the potential for disruptions in electrical service with the Hawaiian Electric Public Safety Power Shutoff Program. … [Read more...] about Hawaiian Electric Public Safety Power Shutoff Program
Access to a Popular Islet Has Been Restricted
If you didn't know, there are quite a few islets dotting coastlines around many of the main Hawaiian Islands. Some of the most popular and accessible of these encircle O'ahu. However, access to a popular islet has been restricted on a temporary basis, which will likely cause headaches for some tour operators. … [Read more...] about Access to a Popular Islet Has Been Restricted
Tragic Drowning Reignites Tourism Debate
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
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
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