There's a Waikiki celebrity chef restaurant shakeup happening right now! With the opening of the new International Market Place, Waikiki got yet another celebrity chef restaurant: Michael Mina's Strip Steak. Roy Yamaguchi even opened his second Waikiki location at the International Market Place, Eating House 1849. But, it isn't all good news in Waikiki, especially if you're … [Read more...] about Waikiki Celebrity Chef Restaurant Shakeup!
Waikiki
Hyatt Centric Waikiki is Opening on December 8
The Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach, as previously reported, is the first Hyatt Centric property in Hawaii. The property's page initially listed the opening date as "Winter 2016." Reservations then opened up for March 15, 2017, and beyond last month. Now we've learned that the Hyatt Centric Waikiki is Opening on December 8, 2016. The new opening date was reported in an … [Read more...] about Hyatt Centric Waikiki is Opening on December 8
Waikiki Select-Service Hotel Comparison
Select-service hotels, such as Courtyard & Hyatt Place are quickly spreading around the world. They're supposed to be a cheaper alternative to full-service properties like Hyatt Regency, Sheraton, etc. And as the category name suggests, these hotels typically offer just basic services. You definitely will not find room service or concierges' at these properties, for … [Read more...] about Waikiki Select-Service Hotel Comparison
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
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
Waikiki Shave Ice Guide
Shave ice is the quintessential local snack. It's cold and refreshing, perfect on a hot Hawaiian day. I've covered my favorite shave ice spot before, but Waikiki has a growing number of shave ice stands. So for those of you that choose to stay in Waikiki, I've decided to prepare a Waikiki shave ice guide. As you may know from my previous posts, I'm a fan of the new wave … [Read more...] about Waikiki Shave Ice Guide
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