Honestly, I chose to stay at the Hyatt Regency Maui because of my ability to redeem points, because they were moving up a category, and to review something new-to-me. However, it wasn't the most sensible place for us to stay given what we had planned, doubly so because of how things remain post-fire. … [Read more...] about Review: Hyatt Regency Maui
Destinations
Hawaiian Electric Public Safety Power Shutoff Program
Summertime in Hawai'i means long days at the beach, shave ice, mango, and lychee. It also means hurricane season which, thankfully, isn't usually an issue for us. However, now summertime means wildfire season, and, with it, the potential for disruptions in electrical service with the Hawaiian Electric Public Safety Power Shutoff Program. … [Read more...] about Hawaiian Electric Public Safety Power Shutoff Program
Review: Mr Ojisan Neo Bar and Sushi
Honolulu is home to a plethora of Japanese restaurants, consisting of a mixture of newer spots and older ones, traditional ones and more modern ones. For better or worst, the older spots evolve, while others don't. Mr Ojisan is of the later type, having moved a couple of times and reinvented itself. … [Read more...] about Review: Mr Ojisan Neo Bar and Sushi
Review: Wabisabi Hawaii
The firs thing we did after picking up our rental car (and running to Target so I could hook my phone up to the car) was have lunch at a spot called Wabisabi Hawaii. I had made reservations after learning about the spot from an article in Hawaii Magazine. And, boy was that a great call! … [Read more...] about Review: Wabisabi Hawaii
HNL Parking Rate Increases Begin Today
As part of a multi-year program designed to increase funding for airport facilities improvement projects, HNL parking rate increases begin today. I'm sure we can all agree that HNL desperately needs all the help it can get, but having to pay more for, well, anything, sucks. At least this increase is a relatively small one. … [Read more...] about HNL Parking Rate Increases Begin Today
Access to a Popular Islet Has Been Restricted
If you didn't know, there are quite a few islets dotting coastlines around many of the main Hawaiian Islands. Some of the most popular and accessible of these encircle O'ahu. However, access to a popular islet has been restricted on a temporary basis, which will likely cause headaches for some tour operators. … [Read more...] about Access to a Popular Islet Has Been Restricted
Review: Alamo Kahului Mercedes-Benz GLC 300
I knew we would be driving around a lot for our post-fire visit to Maui, so I wanted something comfortable and (hopefully) fun to drive. Thankfully, I was able to book a luxury vehicle for not much more than a compact car, which is how we ended up with an Alamo Kahului Mercedes-Benz GLC 300. … [Read more...] about Review: Alamo Kahului Mercedes-Benz GLC 300
Review: Southwest 3524 Honolulu to Kahului
To kick off our visit to Maui post-fire, we hopped on a quick flight with Southwest Airlines. Specifically, we chose a mid-morning departure, Southwest 3524 Honolulu to Kahului. Thankfully, things weren't too crazy despite us traveling during a typically busy time on one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. … [Read more...] about Review: Southwest 3524 Honolulu to Kahului
Trip Report: Visiting Maui Post-Fire
The island of Maui changed forever following the tragic fires that obliterated the historic town of Lahaina. Unfortunately, that has had a negative effect on the island's primary economic driver—tourism. So, what is it like visiting Maui post-fire? Honestly? The negativity isn't there, but there are deep wounds and challenges. … [Read more...] about Trip Report: Visiting Maui Post-Fire
Tragic Drowning Reignites Tourism Debate
Tourism has been a hot topic issue in Hawaii, especially since the pandemic gave locals a reprieve. Yes, there are very loud, unreasonable voices standing out against visitors, but there is an increasingly negative sentiment based on behavior, and a tragic drowning reignites tourism debate thanks to the survivor's actions afterward. … [Read more...] about Tragic Drowning Reignites Tourism Debate