People often think of Japan as a homogeneous society - it is not. There are two major minorities in Japan, including the Ainu in the North and Okinawans down in, well, Okinawa. Each has its own, unique cuisines, which are often difficult to experience. Luckily, in Honolulu, we have places like Utage Restaurant serving up Okinawan fare. … [Read more...] about Review: Utage Restaurant
Destinations
Kilauea June 2023 Eruption is Officially Over
Almost two weeks ago, Hawaii's most active volcano abruptly stopped erupting and has been sitting quietly ever since. Well, scientists are now declaring that the Kilauea June 2023 eruption is officially over. … [Read more...] about Kilauea June 2023 Eruption is Officially Over
Mokulele Suspends Hilo Service
Hawaii's last remaining commuter airline has been under fire recently. The reliability is in the tank while their prices are soaring. Despite promises, things haven't gotten all that better. To cope, Mokulele suspends Hilo service to focus more on its core markets. … [Read more...] about Mokulele Suspends Hilo Service
Hawaii Hotel Occupancy May 2023
In April, we saw occupancy and rates drop in the islands. Not by a lot, but any decrease is welcome news, given how expensive hotels have gotten since 2020. And the Hawaii hotel occupancy May 2023 report continues to reflect a downward trend. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Hotel Occupancy May 2023
Hawaii Tourism Has a Long Road to Recovery
A couple of reports that came out last week hint that Hawaii tourism has a long road to recovery. Sure, tourism is booming, but the mix of visitor isn't the same as it was pre-pandemic, which also means that visitor spending isn't what it used to be. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Tourism Has a Long Road to Recovery
Offshore Rescues Are Up On Oahu
Doing it for the Gram combined with a poor understanding of the environment, failure to do research, and not understanding one's abilities is the reason why offshore rescues are up on Oahu. And that has officials pleading with the public to think twice before heading out. … [Read more...] about Offshore Rescues Are Up On Oahu
El Nino 2023 is Here
Recently, I reported on Hawaii's prediction for its 2023 Hurricane Season. At the time of the forecast, there was a good chance for an above-average season, though the likelihood of that just increased because El Nino 2023 is here. … [Read more...] about El Nino 2023 is Here
Exploring the Pebble Beach 17-Mile Drive
After our time at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we couldn't really figure out what to do. After a quick search, we decided to go check out the Pebble Beach 17-Mile Drive, since it was nearby. … [Read more...] about Exploring the Pebble Beach 17-Mile Drive
Central Pacific Hurricane Season 2023
Recently, Hawaii has been really lucky. We haven't been hit by a hurricane in YEARS and have only had a couple of close calls the past few years. However, the Central Pacific Hurrican Season 2023 could be different. … [Read more...] about Central Pacific Hurricane Season 2023
West Coast Arrivals are Slipping
Ever since Hawaii reopened to visitors, domestic tourists have been the lifeblood of our tourism economy. Mind you; the Western U.S. has always been Hawaii's most important market. However, West Coast arrivals are slipping, and that has officials worried. … [Read more...] about West Coast Arrivals are Slipping