One of the last Hawaii Hotels to reopen since they all shut down last March is, perhaps, one of the most iconic in the state, as the Halekulani sets a fall reopening date. But, the hotel owners have been making great use of their downtime. … [Read more...] about Halekulani Sets Fall Reopening Date
Waikiki
Waikiki Sand Replenishment 2 to Finish Early
I've got some good news and some bad news. First, the good news. The much-needed Waikiki sand replenishment 2 is to finish early. But, to finish the project sooner, the vendor handling the project needs to close large swaths of Waikiki Beach for 12 hours per day. … [Read more...] about Waikiki Sand Replenishment 2 to Finish Early
The Tastiest Secret Spot in Waikiki
Recently, some of my favorite culinary minds in Hawaii came together to open a hidden foodie oasis in Waikiki. The place is, admittedly, a little difficult to find. But, if you seek them out, you'll be rewarded with fantastic Italian food and ice cream. That's why I'm dubbing this place the tastiest secret spot in Waikiki! … [Read more...] about The Tastiest Secret Spot in Waikiki
Mai Tai Bar Breakfast at the Royal Hawaiian
During our recent stay at the Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, the only on-property restaurant open at that time was the Mai Tai Bar. This, of course, is due to the pandemic. And because I wasn't given an elite benefit choice at check-in and was given a breakfast voucher, here's my Mai Tai Bar Breakfast review. … [Read more...] about Mai Tai Bar Breakfast at the Royal Hawaiian
Monkeypod Kitchen is Opening in Waikiki
Monkeypod Kitchen by Peter Merriman is set to open its fourth location later this year. It'll be the brand's second Oahu location and its first inside a hotel. And while its menu will be similar to its other locations, it'll have some unique offerings. So where's it going? That's right, Monkeypod Kitchen is opening in Waikiki! … [Read more...] about Monkeypod Kitchen is Opening in Waikiki
Dinner at the Hau Tree at the Kaimana Beach Hotel
I don't know what I was looking forward to more during our Royal Weekend staycation - our stay at the Royal Hawaiian or dinner at the Hau Tree at the Kaimana Beach Hotel? After all, the culinary team behind the Hau Tree is almost like a foodie dream team. … [Read more...] about Dinner at the Hau Tree at the Kaimana Beach Hotel
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
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
Restaurant Review: Island Vintage Wine Bar
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
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