A few weeks ago I reported that the Modern Honolulu would be ending its licensing agreement with Chef Masaharu Morimoto, better known as the Iron Chef Japanese. The property, however, had stated that the restaurant would remain open and retain all of its staff, even through its planned close date of December 8. What wasn't clear, however, was what exactly the restaurant space … [Read more...] about Modern Honolulu Names its New Restaurant
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New Waikiki Hotel Rooms on the Cheap!
Hotel rates in Hawaii are pretty high at the moment. Rooms are largely full, and unfortunately, the number of available rooms have been in decline. But, there is an opportunity right now to take advantage of some good deals. Currently you can get some new Waikiki hotel rooms on the cheap. The resort fee is even waived under this deal! Incredible right? When was the last … [Read more...] about New Waikiki Hotel Rooms on the Cheap!
Oahu North Shore Eats Part II
The other day I discussed some of my favorite Oahu North Shore dining discoveries. Those where the places the wife and I decided to checkout while on our Turtle Bay staycation. We really didn't want to pay the exorbitant prices at Turtle Bay's dining establishment. And yes, I know resorts are always expensive, but Turtle Bay is an exception. This Oahu North Shore Eats Part … [Read more...] about Oahu North Shore Eats Part II
Oahu Dining Hidden Gems
Hawaii, like many tourist destinations, has a lot of great places to eat, but also a lot of bad ones. Knowing where to go, however, is only half the battle. With Hawaii's isolation, price also plays a major factor. So when you find somewhere that's great, it's awesome. But when you find a great place and doesn't cost a lot... Score! Of course the best resource for finding … [Read more...] about Oahu Dining Hidden Gems
Restaurant Review: Piggy Smalls
The Pig and The Lady is one of the hottest restaurants in the state. Heck, it's one of my favorite restaurants in the world. Period. They're known for their take on modern Vietnamese cuisine, as well as their outstanding dessert program. So when it was announced that the P&L team would be opening a new restaurant, it sent ripples through the local restaurant scene. That … [Read more...] about Restaurant Review: Piggy Smalls
Waikiki Celebrity Chef Restaurant Shakeup!
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!
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
Hampton Inn and Suites Kapolei Now Open
Hilton has been growing its Hawaii portfolio rather aggressively lately. Yes, Hyatt has received a lot of press over it's upcoming Unbound Collection Coco Palms (Kahai) and Hyatt Centric Waikiki (Oahu). But Hilton has been far more active in new property openings, it just hasn't received as much attention. This is likely because that growth has been focused on mid to lower … [Read more...] about Hampton Inn and Suites Kapolei Now Open
Atlantis Resort Ko Olina Confirmed
Last week I wrote about Ko Olina's latest development possibly beginning construction next year. At the time, all we knew was the name of the landowner: China Oceanwide Holdings. The company paid $280 million for the 26 acres of land on Ko Olina's Lagoon 2. This plot of land is next-door to Disney's Aulani. However, earlier this week Ko Olina's master developer, Jeff Stone … [Read more...] about Atlantis Resort Ko Olina Confirmed
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