Hawaii has been fortunate the past few years. Many tropical storms and hurricanes have come barreling towards the state, though none have hit directly. Despite this luck, the state hasn't escaped unscathed. Over the past month, we've seen very wet weather. This week especially, the weather has been especially bad. The hardest hit island, ironically, has been Maui. This … [Read more...] about September 2016 Maui Storm Damage
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Tasaka Guri Guri
I often write about newer places in Hawaii. We are, after all, a dynamic state undergoing much change. Often, what's new, pays homage to the past now days. And that's a good thing. Hawaii is such a unique and diverse place, it is important to honor our heritage, especially as it continues to quickly disappear. Luckily, though, some parts of our past continue to thrive (for … [Read more...] about Tasaka Guri Guri
Hyatt Centric Waikiki Now Available for Booking
Hyatt Centric Waikiki now available for booking with dates from March 15, 2017, and beyond. Originally slated to open during winter 2016, the property seems to have experienced a slight delay in opening. Technically March 15 is still winter, though just barely, and it isn't going to be 2016 anymore. ? No matter, the Hyatt Centric Waikiki looks like it's going to be a … [Read more...] about Hyatt Centric Waikiki Now Available for Booking
International Market Place Opening 8/25
Many visitors to Hawaii probably remember seeing, and perhaps even exploring, the kitschy, somewhat seedy International Market Place. It was a Waikiki landmark, along with it's iconic banyan tree at its center. Opened in 1957, the International Market Place started life as a first-rate Waikiki attraction. It was always kitschy, with lush gardens, bridges, vines, and … [Read more...] about International Market Place Opening 8/25
Dining Review: Star Noodle
If you've been following along with my Valentines weekend trip to Maui, you'll know that we stayed on the Wailea side of the island. Unfortunately we weren't able to make it into the Lahaina/Kaanapali area this time around. However, the previous two time we were on island we did make it a point to get out to Maui's west side. We weren't staying out that side, but I made it a … [Read more...] about Dining Review: Star Noodle
Review: Andaz Maui
We weren't at Ali'i Kula Lavender long before I received a call from the Andaz Maui. Our room had become available, so after looking around for a few more minutes, we headed back to Wailea. It took us nearly an hour to get back to the Andaz Maui, which seemed like an eternity. Having been teased with the promise of a "special room," I was eager to see what exactly that … [Read more...] about Review: Andaz Maui
What to do During a Tropical Cyclone
Tropical Storm Darby was the first topical cyclone of any type to directly impact Oahu in over a decade. It's been just one of many, however, that have impacted the Hawaiian Islands in recent years. The chaos that ensued, though, and questions that arose from friends that didn't grow up here got me thinking. A great blog post to write would be what to do during a tropical … [Read more...] about What to do During a Tropical Cyclone
Ali’i Kula Lavender
When we arrived at the Andaz Maui in Wailea we were informed that our room wasn't ready yet. Rather than wait around for an undisclosed amount of time, the wife and I decided to head out. Not wanting to be gone too long we simply headed to Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm on the slopes of Haleakala. The final couple of miles to Ali'i Kula Lavender are really windy and narrow … [Read more...] about Ali’i Kula Lavender
Courtyard Waikiki Beach
Following our wonderful stay at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, the wife and I needed to stay in a hotel another night. This wasn't by choice and was last minute. Not wanting to waste points, I looked for the cheapest rate I could find. And rather than simply staying at the HHV another night, I decided to revisit the Courtyard Waikiki Beach. It's been a while since the wife … [Read more...] about Courtyard Waikiki Beach
Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach Coming Soon
As Miles to Memories , mentioned last week, Hyatt is expanding in Hawaii once again with a third hotel in Waikiki, the Hyatt Centric Waikiki. Part of Hyatt's new Hyatt Centric brand, the hotel will provide a more boutique experience. And now we have an idea on what the property will look like and what kind of amenities we can expect. Unlike the Hyatt Regency Waikiki … [Read more...] about Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach Coming Soon