Updated 4/17/09:  It was great news earlier today when the price has dropped to $388 on Continental’s non-stop from Newark to Honolulu.  This afternoon however, they raised it back to $535, which is still a great price.  The fare is inching up again and is at $400 from American, Delta, Northwest, and US Air. Delta/Northwest  [...]

Alaska Airlines has just announced much closer ties with Delta Airlines starting in 2009.  It’s been widely rumored that this agreement will precede Delta’s plans to acquire Alaska.  After this news announcement, Alaska’s stock went up 19 percent yesterday. What I believe this agreement and a likely acquisition will mean to Hawaii-bound visitors: Delta will [...]

Airline luggage fees has us all thinking that less is more.  There are still times, however, when I schlep luggage.  I’ve had my share of pulls and strains in the process. In fact, Jeff and I have both had airport escalator accidents.  So take extra care when bringing rolling luggage on escalators: Mine happened as [...]

This morning I was pleased to find a $349 Pleasant Hawaiian Holidays offer from San Francisco to Honolulu which included January travel. Also listed is Maui at $399. The deal includes 3 nights hotel and roundtrip airfare.  It was also listed today on Frommers “Smart Deal of the Week,” among other websites. No matter how [...]

The four Matson Navigation ships carrying fresh cut Christmas trees are arriving.  The first arrived on November 15, and the final ship will arrive on December 6.  While the total number of trees shipped is unknown, Matson says that they transport more than 100,000 Oregon and Washington grown trees each year. The trees typically go [...]

In a nutshell:  The deals offered are not very good. I received an email from NWA today with a seemingly good fare sale between the Mainland and Hawaii.  The offers are valid for travel through February 8, if you purchase your tickets by December 16. They’re even throwing in 3,000 (relatively worthless) bonus miles. The [...]

Here’s my take on the upcoming 2008 holiday travel season: Even though most airlines have reduced their Hawaii service and Aloha and ATA have gone out of business, there’s far more availability than is normal during the holidays.  In the past there have been many sold out travel dates by this time for Christmas holidays.  [...]

If at all possible, consider a dramatically price-reduced Hawaii vacation between now and next May. Why? You will not see these values again, probably ever.  Without the crowds, this is truly the idyllic Hawaii of yesteryear. This isn’t the first time I’ve pondered the economy and how it impacts those of us who live here [...]