Last month I wrote about four recent Hawaii hotel foreclosures.  At that time it did not appear that the foreclosures would directly affect visitors.  Now I’ve learned that in fact that may not be true. Good question from a reader. Micc wrote a comment on the previous post and had the good sense and perhaps [...]

Our top dining pick at Ala Moana Shopping Center is the Mariposa.  It’s located on the third level of Neiman Marcus.  We recently had a most pleasant and reasonable lunch there for under twenty dollars per person. The location is incredible; upstairs and ocean side in the center of the mall.  It’s a large restaurant [...]

This photo might give you some idea that there is trouble brewing at the beach in front of the Sheraton Waikiki. The problem is that there is no beach.  The small amount seen in the photo is only visible at very low tide.  At all other times, the waves lap up on the beach wall [...]

With most travelers cutting back on the cost, frequency and duration of vacations, will Hawaii be in for serious competition this year from Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic?  These tropical rivals are regularly posting deals from $500-$1000 per person, for one week, including airfare, hotel, food, drink, and activities. Very shortly, I am expecting [...]

Updated 1/19:  The Rusty Harpoon on Maui will be having an Inauguration party.  It is located at 2290 Ka’anapali Parkway, and doors open at 6:30am. They have 14 flat screen TVs.  No Cover. Breakfast and cocktails available off their menu. If you’re going to be in Washington D.C. for the inauguration, you may want to [...]

Here’s a great deal for Beat of Hawaii’s British readers. I found good availability well into June, which includes the first part of the traditionally sky-high summer season. Airlines:  Air Canada, Continental, United Routing:  Various routings, but no stopovers Cost:  $742, equivalent to 490 GBP. round-trip (all-inclusive) to Honolulu (or $755 to Kahului, Maui). Days:  [...]

I have a new and perhaps surprising favorite on the Waikiki Strip after my recent six night stay.  It’s Aqua’s Park Shore Waikiki Hotel.  This is my pick for best views and location in the moderately priced category. Just look at the view from my spacious oceanfront lanai.  With a view like this, who cares [...]

This is a good deal on a reasonably nice, well reviewed and well located Kapaa, Kauai beach hotel.  It claims to be 50% off.  I don’t know about that, but at $119, or $129 (ocean-view), it is a solid value. Resortquest Kauai Beach at Makaiwa Book by January 16 Valid for stays through May 31 [...]

This is great news that we hope will be enduring.  The VOG has been irritating to our lungs and skin and that of visitors, and has hurt Big Island tourism.  It has also been destructive to crops including vegetables and flowers. Recently we’ve noticed that even in southerly wind conditions, the VOG throughout the Hawaiian [...]

Updated 1/31/10: The lowest price for inter-island travel remains $58 (Go!’s attempt to raise it to $63 has thus far failed).  The base price fares remain widely available, although I’ve recently seen economy one-way fares as high as $127. Be mindful of significantly higher fares for last minute and other in-demand dates and times, and [...]