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
oahu
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
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
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
Pacific Beach Hotel Redevelopment
The Pacific Beach Hotel is a local landmark and one of the largest hotels on Oahu. The property has 839 rooms across two towers and is home to a 280,000 gallon aquarium. In fact, the aquarium is the centerpiece of the Oceanarium Restaurant, a locally popular buffet. I'm personally not a fan of either the hotel or the Oceanarium Restaurant. And it isn't because the hotel is … [Read more...] about Pacific Beach Hotel Redevelopment
Cinnamon’s at the Ilikai
Hawaii has an obsession with breakfast and brunch. Why? I don't really know. What I do know is that some of our favorite dishes are primarily breakfast foods. Think local style (Japanese-based) fried rice, loco moco, and corned beef hash. And one of the very first restaurants dedicated to brunch was Cinnamon's in Kailua. Nearly two years ago Cinnamon's opened a second … [Read more...] about Cinnamon’s at the Ilikai
Hilton Hawaiian Village
The Hilton Hawaiian Village is a mainstay of Waikiki hotels and is the largest resort on the island. It's size and popularity HHonors members means the place is, in my opinion, a bit of a circus. The number of people staying at the Hilton Hawaiian Village at any one time is a bit staggering. The property does have nearly 3,400 rooms, after all, and is still growing! And … [Read more...] about Hilton Hawaiian Village
Ko Olina Dining Guide
Ko Olina Resort is a great place to stay if you want to kick back and relax. It's far from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki and Downtown Honolulu, which is both good and bad. Positive points of staying in Ko Olina are the lack of crowds, congestion, noise, etc. But with that serenity comes a negative; Ko Olina lacks shopping and has limited dining options. While greater … [Read more...] about Ko Olina Dining Guide
Value of Disney Vacation Club Ownership
After my post on Aulani's accommodations, some of you had asked about the value of Disney Vacation Club Ownership. Originally I hadn't want to write about the value of a timeshare ownership, as its rather complex. But Disney Vacation Club is a bit different from traditional timeshare ownership programs. Plus, while the wife and I were Disney Vacation Club owners, we have … [Read more...] about Value of Disney Vacation Club Ownership