Last week, I reported that the AC Hotels by Marriott Wailea is opening in April. Hot on the heels of that announcement came the news that a second AC Hotels by Marriott is coming to Hawaii. This time, though, the property will be on Oahu. … [Read more...] about Second AC Hotels by Marriott Coming to Hawaii
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AC Hotel by Marriott Wailea to Open April 2021
In 2019, I reported that Hawaii's first AC Hotel would be built in the Wailea Resort on Maui. At the time, the developer had just broken ground and didn't provide a projected opening date. But now we know the AC Hotel by Marriott Wailea is to open in April 2021. … [Read more...] about AC Hotel by Marriott Wailea to Open April 2021
Hawaiian Air Joins the Hawaii Pre-Clear Program
Late last year, Alaska Airlines piloted Hawaii's new COVID-19 pre-clearance program. Much as Global Entry does for US Customs screenings, Hawaii Pre-Clear allows Safe Travels participants to skip the arrival screenings when they land in Hawaii. And, now, Hawaiian Air joins the Hawaii Pre-Clear program too. … [Read more...] about Hawaiian Air Joins the Hawaii Pre-Clear Program
Review: Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort
As I mentioned during my Royal Weekend Staycation introduction post, I mentioned my stay at the Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort. It's someplace I didn't think I would stay at. But, thanks to my lack of travel due to the pandemic and great kama'aina rates, I finally pulled the trigger. … [Read more...] about Review: Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort
State May Defund Hawaii Tourism Authority
The pandemic and ensuing restrictions have wreaked havoc on Hawaii's tourism industry. So, to me, it's a bit surprising that the state may defund the Hawaii Tourism Authority. But, effectively, that's precisely what Governor David Ige is doing. This decision, of course, shouldn't surprise anyone. … [Read more...] about State May Defund Hawaii Tourism Authority
Waikiki Sand Replenishment Round 2 Begins
In 2012, the State of Hawaii sought to combat Waikiki Beach's erosion with a sand replenishment project. Nine years later, most of that sand is already gone. So the Waikiki sand replenishment round 2 begins to restore the beach once again. … [Read more...] about Waikiki Sand Replenishment Round 2 Begins
Hawaii Lt Governor Outlines His Reopening Plan
For being basically a one-party state, Hawaii's politicians have been absolutely horrible when it comes to aligning COVID-19 strategies. No one can seem to agree on ANYTHING. So, as Hawaii Lt Governor outlines his reopening plan, take his plan with a huge grain of salt. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Lt Governor Outlines His Reopening Plan
Hawaii Legislature Proposes New Car Rental Fee
To help balance the state budget and provide funds to combat the effects of climate change, the Hawaii Legislature proposes a new car rental fee. This fee, should it pass, would be in addition to the two existing fees. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Legislature Proposes New Car Rental Fee
Hawaii Adds South Korea to Safe Travels Program
So far, Hawaii allows pre-travel testing only for travelers from the mainland US and Japan. That will soon change, though, as Hawaii adds South Korea to the Safe Travels program. But, much like the Japanese program, don't expect South Korea's inclusion to make an appreciable economic difference. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Adds South Korea to Safe Travels Program
Maui Requires AlohaSafe Alert App
With Hawaii's contact tracing app now available statewide, Maui requires the AlohaSafe Alert App for all visitors to the island. This is in addition to all other requirements, including pre-travel testing. … [Read more...] about Maui Requires AlohaSafe Alert App