2022 has been a rough year for hotel awards. First, we have Marriott's previously announced award chart disbandment. Then, Hyatt added an additional category to its chart. Now, Hilton increases award prices with no warning. Luckily, the increase appears to be limited - at least for now. … [Read more...] about Hilton Increases Award Prices with No Warning
Jeffsetter Blog (featuring Island Miler)
Review: Westin Maui Resort and Spa
As I mentioned in a previous post, we split our time on Maui between Kaanapali and Wailea to sample a Marriott and a Hilton. The first of these hotels ended up being the Westin Maui Resort & Spa in Kaanapali. … [Read more...] about Review: Westin Maui Resort and Spa
Taco Maria – Incredible Alta California Cuisine!
At the time of our visit, Taco Maria was the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Orange County, California. But they're so much more than just a starred restaurant - it's a delicious homage to a family, culture, and location. And they're now one of my favorite restaurants anywhere. … [Read more...] about Taco Maria – Incredible Alta California Cuisine!
Hawaii Mask Mandate Ends March 25
Recently, Governor David Ige announced that he would allow Hawaii Safe Travels to expire on March 25. At the time, he said he needed more time to mull other portions of his order. Well, it looks like he's made up his mind now as the Hawaii mask mandate ends on March 25. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Mask Mandate Ends March 25
Hawaii is Getting Busier
With Hawaii's Safe Travels program coming to an end, most experts thought that tourism would pick up again. However, I don't think anyone could've predicted how quickly that would happen. Hawaii is getting busier - and that's causing problems for visitors once again. … [Read more...] about Hawaii is Getting Busier
Maui Ku’ia Estate Chocolate
During our initial lockdown in 2020, I passed the time by finding Hawaii-based tree-to-bar chocolate operations and giving them a try. One of these was Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate. So I made visiting them on this trip one of my top priorities. … [Read more...] about Maui Ku’ia Estate Chocolate