Apr 30 2008
This Oahu hotel had stellar TripAdvisor reviews. We were floored on arrival, and thought about leaving immediately and sleeping in the car. It was the 2005 Pro Bowl weekend and everything was booked solid, except for this hotel. We checked out after one night, which was one night too many.
It all comes down to who do you trust.
Apr 29 2008
The ancient stones of Mookini Heiau (temple) call to your soul and connect you to a time long ago. Our journey here has not been easy. We encountered potholes in the road as big as the heiau itself. Several cars that followed us in have turned back. We kept going and completed the final mile on foot.
Apr 28 2008
While The Continental/United merger is at least temporarily off, I’m not sure that we’ve heard the last of this deal yet. In the meanwhile, US Airways will be United’s “official” merger dance partner.
Continental is now likely to pursue a deal with American Airlines. It is speculated that such an alliance would have the companies work together in many ways, but might not include a full merger of brands and operations.
Apr 25 2008
Here’s my contrary tip to save money this summer and have your dream vacation too:
Don’t book early.
In fact, don’t book at all. Booking early and paying the max is exactly what airlines, hotels and car rentals are counting on right at this time.
If you’re reading USA Today’s article Cheap Tricks for Summer Travel, you’ll see their suggestion to “book far in advance.” If you’re feeling philanthropic towards the ailing airline industry, then by all means do follow that advice.
I, however, suggest the following money saving tips: Continue Reading »
Apr 24 2008
Airline food is disappearing as quickly as the cheap ticket. If you find it, and can stand the taste, you’ll be eating food high in fat, salt, and sugar. Airline food is hard to digest due to the effect of low air pressure on your gut. Studies show that people feel better when they eat the opposite, with more carbohydrates and less fat.
To have tasty and nutritious food on board, and be the envy of your fellow passengers, you need to bring your own. With advance planning, you can eat like a King or Queen on the plane. Another advantage is that food is served on your schedule.
Here are four time saving tips to make it easier.
1. Choose your food: Casseroles, salads and sandwiches work best.
Another option is to freeze your favorite leftovers in the week before travel. Most any food that tastes good cold will do, and that way there is virtually no extra work. I also choose snacks I like to eat onboard, like protein bars, raisins, pretzels, and nuts.
2. Pick your food containers: I use inexpensive ones made of recyclable plastic.
Once the food is in containers, I’ll keep it in the freezer until defrosting prior to departure.
3. Get ready the night before to avoid last minute stress.
I make sandwiches and bring the casseroles from freezer to refrigerator to thaw. If the casserole I’m bringing is very perishable (which I don’t recommend), I only partially thaw it before packing. It can then finish thawing as I travel.
Each container (plus plastic cutlery and paper towels) goes in a plastic gallon bag to avoid leaks in my carry-on. Salad dressing (if not a one serving package) goes into a small container which I put inside the one quart TSA “liquids” bag. I put all the food and snacks into a reusable zippered insulated bag then stuff that into my carry-on.
If I’m not starting from home, or something goes terribly awry, I’ll stop at a grocery store and hit the salad and deli/sandwich bar. But from that point, I package it just the same as if I made it.
Do you have any favorite airline food tips? Be sure to post them here.
Apr 23 2008
If you think that the exchange rate from Dollars to Euros isn’t enough to spoil your European beach vacation, and send you packing to Hawaii, there is a new and potentially serious problem arising there.
The Economist is reporting an unprecedented invasion of jellyfish on European beaches this summer. Theorists point to global warming, overfishing and ocean pollution as likely causes.
Apr 22 2008
Beat of Hawaii was (temporarily) banned from Fodors yesterday. When I logged on to Fodors last night, I was greeted with the following message:
Apr 22 2008
Here’s a good excuse to catch the next plane to Kauai. You can relax and unwind at the just opened Kauai Westin Princeville Ocean Resort for a fraction of the regular price.
Location: Two hundred feet above Kauai’s famous north shore Anini Beach (yet not visible from below), sits the new elegant yet casual property, a mere 6 minute walk from the ocean.
The deal: Based on availability, the nightly rate is $299 on a minimum five night stay. Also included is a 2 for 1 coupon at Princeville Ranch Adventures (a $150 value). Just book by May 31 and complete your stay by December 31.
Apr 21 2008
Here’s our latest from the blue waters of the Pacific and our home base on Kauai:
1. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) adds new fuel surcharge.
The $9/day charge will average $120 per couple. With only one NCL ship left in Hawaii starting next month, the cost of their 7-day cruises have become staggering, given the cruise costs, fees, taxes and now fuel surcharges. I’m working on an in-depth post about Hawaii cruises and NCL Hawaii.
Apr 21 2008
We’re excited to announce added features at Beat of Hawaii.
Apr 20 2008
This was a tremendous week for us. Thank you again, our loyal readers and friends, for your support.
Beat of Hawaii recently received national notice for which we are most grateful:
Some of the Beat’s recent top posts included Continue Reading »
Apr 19 2008
Experience the culture of Bhutan in Honolulu between now and May 23.
Make a prayer flag, observe sacred dance, meet a guide from Bhutan, try on a Bhutanese robe, see art never on exhibit before and participate in daily rituals with monks.
We did all of this in one afternoon last week at the Honolulu Academy of Arts.
Their lastest exhibition, “The Dragon’s Gift: The Sacred Arts of Bhutan,” is the most ambitious show ever launched by the Academy.
A video of the exhibit follows:
