When we have staycations at the Waikiki Beach Marriott, we usually dine at Sansei Waikiki. But, thanks to the pandemic, none of the hotel's restaurants are open. As a result, we decided to trek over to the Royal Hawaiian Center and get dinner at Island Vintage Wine Bar. … [Read more...] about Restaurant Review: Island Vintage Wine Bar
hawaii
Hawaii Requires Pre-Travel Test for Vaccinated Travelers
Have you gotten a COVID-19 vaccine already? Great! However, if you plan on visiting the islands, you should know that Hawaii still requires a pre-travel test for vaccinated travelers. And there are good, scientific reasons for this requirement. Oh, and the City reverses course on the new Hanauma Bay rules. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Requires Pre-Travel Test for Vaccinated Travelers
Hawaii Pre-Travel Testing Fails to Attract Japanese
Just as I predicted, Hawaii pre-travel testing fails to attract Japanese visitors. And, the reasons why the program failed are, mostly, due to those that I cited in my predictions. Who could've seen that coming? … [Read more...] about Hawaii Pre-Travel Testing Fails to Attract Japanese
Waikiki Clinic Reports Uptick in COVID Cases
With cases surging around the US and particularly in Hawaii's single largest source of visitors - California, it's no surprise that a Waikiki clinic reports an uptick in COVID cases. And, of course, this is especially true of travelers arriving from California. … [Read more...] about Waikiki Clinic Reports Uptick in COVID Cases
Walk-In Entry No Longer Permitted at Hanauma Bay
Heads up! Walk-in entry no longer permitted at Hanauma Bay due to a multitude of safety concerns. This restriction will remain in place until the City & County of Honolulu can implement a new online reservation system. … [Read more...] about Walk-In Entry No Longer Permitted at Hanauma Bay
Hawaii Suspends Surfing Competitions
Surf and surf competitions are hallmarks of winter in Hawaii. However, this winter isn't your typical kind of winter. Big crowds are not a good idea at the moment. So, thanks to rising rates of infection in the islands, Hawaii suspends surfing competitions indefinitely to curtail large gatherings. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Suspends Surfing Competitions
Maui Reinstates Restrictions on Restaurants
For months now, Maui has seen very low levels of infection. But, with the holidays, that changed. Average daily infection numbers jumped by over 100% from low, single-digits, to about 23 per day according to the latest figures. So, as a result, Maui reinstates restrictions on restaurants and gatherings to curb the spread. … [Read more...] about Maui Reinstates Restrictions on Restaurants
Kauai Rejoins Inter-Island Pre-Travel Testing Program
Back in December, Kauai suspended its participation in the Hawaii Safe Travels program. However, the Garden Isle is slowly opening itself back up again as Kauai rejoins the inter-island pre-travel testing program. … [Read more...] about Kauai Rejoins Inter-Island Pre-Travel Testing Program
Most Popular Hawaii Marriotts for Award Redemptions
Marriott has released lists outlining its top 10 most popular hotels for award redemptions around the world. Those lists are all interesting because there are hotels on there that I didn't expect. However, for this post, I'll be focusing on the most popular Hawaii Marriotts for award redemptions. … [Read more...] about Most Popular Hawaii Marriotts for Award Redemptions
The New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel Rebrands
New Otani Hotels is a small hotel operator headquartered in Japan. And, until recently, the company had two properties outside of their home country. But, now, they have only one as the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel rebrands. … [Read more...] about The New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel Rebrands