A few things I found of interest early this morning (Hawaii time): 1. Expedia continues industry consolidation. Today they are believed to be have purchased Farecast for $75M. Farecast tries to predict future airfares. Expedia also disclosed that it spent over $750K last year on government lobbying efforts. Expedia is flexing its muscle while reducing [...]

A preview of things you’ll soon find at Beat of Hawaii: 1. We’ve heard some inside scoop about changes coming at Hawaiian Airlines. We’re gathering additional corroboration, but we understand they are aggressively shopping for more aircraft and may soon have additional routes. Stay tuned. 2. There are a number of HD videos we are [...]

A look back at a few of our best recent posts: 1. Top 7 In-Flight Airline Tips. These are some great tips to making the trip from and to the mainland as comfortable as possible. 2. Be cautious about sharks. They can be found in our waters at any time, but the most likely time [...]

We fly 75,000 miles a year between Hawaii and the mainland. Even though we’re experienced Pacific travelers, we still get caught in uncomfortable seating arrangements. Here’s one example we faced when flying to Seoul in the most narrow seats we’ve seen! Today I’ve put together a list of our top 7 airline tips to make [...]

Mesa said in an SEC filing yesterday that it’s seeking shareholder approval to issue up to $37.8 million in new common stock to pay off bondholders. If they do not have adequate cash resources, “… the Company could be in default… and the Company’s business and operations could be materially adversely affected. “ The Honolulu [...]

National Park Service has now closed the Park and museum due to high levels of VOG and sulfur dioxide gas emissions. Stay tuned for more Kilauea updates.

1. Hawaii Superferry. The ship was back in service yesterday with few passengers, and many of those few seasick. Maui News reported high swells, rough seas, and vomiting passengers. Personal reports indicate yesterday’s first day back yielded approximately 45 passengers and 15 cars in each direction. As you’ll recall, capacity is nearly 900 passengers. 2. [...]

Looking for a unique stop when visiting the Kona Coffee Farms? I was and found the H.N. Greenwell Store. With the help of costumed interpreters, I was soon shopping in the 1890′s. This is a living history museum so everyone gets in on the act. After a short orientation, I took on the role of [...]

See our February post about why you should consider travel insurance for your upcoming Hawaii vacation. In light of recent developments, I thought it timely to revisit the subject. Travel insurance, bought online, can protect your family vacation in the event of failure of an airline (or other carrier) to provide services contracted for. While [...]

1. With Aloha and ATA gone, what’s likely to happen next? We’ve got that covered. Airfares both mainland-Hawaii and inter-island are heading stratospherically high, at least for the moment. Prices are fast-changing, and running 30-40% higher than usual. They are not sustainable, however, so if you are still trying to find reasonably priced trans-Pacific tickets, [...]