The Surfjack Hotel was the second mid-century modern hotel to open in Waikiki, following The Laylow. Given how much we enjoyed The Laylow and the cool aesthetic of the Surfjack, I've long wanted to give them a try. Too bad many inconveniences hold back the hotel. … [Read more...] about The Surfjack Hotel Waikiki is Stymied by Inconveniences
Waikiki
Hilton Hawaiian Reached a Tentative Agreement
Good news! The first hotel workers' contract negotiation process went smoothly as Hilton Hawaiian reached a tentative agreement with Unite Here Local 5. The new contract still needs to be ratified, so we're not out of the woods yet, but this is a good sign. … [Read more...] about Hilton Hawaiian Reached a Tentative Agreement
Review: Mahina and Suns Dinner
I'm a fan of Chef Ed Kenny. His mantra of local first and organic when possible has translated into outstanding cuisine, especially at his Hawaiian-local comfort place Mud Hen Water. So it only seemed right that I give Mahina and Suns dinner a try. … [Read more...] about Review: Mahina and Suns Dinner
The Laylow Waikiki Junior Suite
Though we made it back to Hawaii, this Las Vegas + Irvine Trip Report isn't over yet! That's because, upon our return, we had to quarantine away from our families for five days. Thankfully, we enjoyed a nice Laylow Waikiki junior suite during our self-imposed exile. … [Read more...] about The Laylow Waikiki Junior Suite
Hilton Hawaiian Village Fireworks Return!
One of my favorite Honolulu attractions is making a comeback as the Hilton Hawaiian Village fireworks return after a long, pandemic-induced hiatus. … [Read more...] about Hilton Hawaiian Village Fireworks Return!
Diamond Head to Require Reservations
Hawaii continues to grapple with over-tourism. As a result, we've seen a variety of coping strategies, most of which revolve around fees and reservations. And that's exactly how officials plan to control crowds at one of Oahu's most popular sites. Of course, that means Diamond Head is to require reservations for visitors. … [Read more...] about Diamond Head to Require Reservations
Waikiki Spam Jam Returns With Different Format
For the first time since the start of the pandemic, the Waikiki Spam Jam returns. However, it won't be the same as it was in the before times. … [Read more...] about Waikiki Spam Jam Returns With Different Format
Herringbone Waikiki Revisited
When we figured out we wouldn't be running the Honolulu Marathon Start to the Park, we decided to do the exact opposite. That gave me the chance to do a Herringbone Waikiki revisited post, as they recently reopened under new management. … [Read more...] about Herringbone Waikiki Revisited
Review: Kith Treats Waikiki
Besides Wicked Maine Lobster, the other newbie at the Royal Hawaiian Center is Kith Treats Waikiki. Billed as an adult cereal bar, Kith Treats is associated with a lifestyles apparel brand by the same name. … [Read more...] about Review: Kith Treats Waikiki
Review: Wicked Maine Lobster Waikiki
Honolulu is in the midst of a lobster roll obsession. Many new lobster-based businesses have popped up in the last couple of years, with the most recent being a California chain called Wicked Maine Lobster Waikiki. How good can a chain from California be? Pretty good, actually! … [Read more...] about Review: Wicked Maine Lobster Waikiki