The airline industry may lose as much as $6.1 billion this year, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). I was thinking about the likely impact this has on Airbus and Boeing, and looked at each company’s recent comments thereon. From my seat, it looks as though we’re going to be traveling on older [...]

Hanalei Bay was closed again late yesterday due to multiple sightings of hammerhead sharks. We had intended to go swimming, but County lifeguards closed the beach at about 5:30pm. The group of sharks, likely scalloped hammerheads, were swimming around the Hanalei pier, eating fish. Hammerheads of this variety are not “usually” dangerous to people. For [...]

1.  I came  across a free offer for Cruise Travel Magazine that I’m passing along to our readers.   The magazine has been around nearly 30 years, and a subscription normally costs $20.  I’ve received free magazines through this distributor before.  The only downside to it being free is that you have to fill out [...]

The softness in the airline sector is directly impacting hotel reservations and room pricing. PKF, a hospitality research firm, believes that for every 1 percent domestic airline capacity reduction, there will be up to .39 percent less hotel demand. If they are correct, U.S. hotels could see as many as 40 million fewer room nights [...]

1.  Hawaiian Airlines: On-Time?  In May, Hawaiian had an 89% on-time arrival rate.  The highest of 19 domestic airlines. That is not meaningful however, and here’s why.  Hawaiian has the majority of its flights operating inter-island, and within approximately 100 miles from its hub in Honolulu.  Add to that the lack of weather issues, and [...]

If you’re looking for that completely unique gift to bring home with you from your Hawaii vacation, look no further. Hamakua mushrooms are a gourmet treat from Hawaii and some of the best mushrooms I’ve tasted. They have both a wonderful flavor and texture. You can legally import them to the mainland, inasmuch as they [...]

Updated 5/11/10:  See my comment below for update on health warnings re: Po Chai. Here’s a look inside my suitcase. Some of my unusual packing items may come in handy on your next trip. LED keychain flashlight. I like Photon Micro Lights. They are purely amazing! Foam earplugs for hotel and airplane. To me, these [...]

When should you use a travel agency? If you meet any of the profiles below, it may be a good idea to consider their services. Limited computer access or ability. No time for or interest in travel research. Planning a cruise. Here travel agents can often find discounts and upgrades that might be difficult to [...]

July 4th is the opening day for this year’s Methley plum season. It’s a day I look forward to each year. Methley plums are delicious, small, sweet-tart plums which grow in Koke’e State Park. Falsely believed to be a Japanese cultivar, they originated in China and have been grown there for thousands of years. Methley [...]

Two days ago, we published an article on smarterTRAVEL’s (Expedia) deal gone bad.  At the time, we were unable to locate the deal offered.  It was unavailable after checking multiple websites including Hawaiian Airlines. Today however, on rechecking the Hawaiian Airlines website, I see that the deal offered has either been released or restored, I’m [...]