It’s not the accommodations that draw you to Molokai. You come here to get away, slow down and feel the pulse of a quieter life style and perhaps walk in Father Damien’s path. Teri Waros, owner of Kalele Bookstore in Kaunakakai, says it best, “Molokai is like a pilgrimage.” Regardless of what brings you to [...]

Vietnam Airlines has just agreed to purchase four Airbus 380’s and two Airbus 350′s.  The planes will supplement the airline’s currently long-range fleet of 10 Boeing 777’s, which are being used primarily for service between Vietnam and Europe. The reason I found this news especially noteworthy, is that the company plans on flying the new [...]

One of the most beautiful places in Hawaii is also the site of much hardship and enforced imprisonment. Those with Hansen’s Disease were called “lepers” and sent to live here, on Molokai’s Kalaupapa Peninsula, against their will.  They represented all ages, ethnicity and economic status. For $50 I was taken on a tour of the [...]

Pleasant Holidays has some good pricing for air plus hotel from either LA or San Francisco. Travel dates for this first deal are December 1-16. In addition, Pleasant Holidays together with Starwood Resorts has another sale, this one valid through January 28.  Air plus three nights accommodation starts at $399 on Oahu and Maui, $449 on [...]

Hawaii Hotel Occupancy Improving First, on a bright side, we’re finally seeing a little glimmer of hope in Hawaii tourism.  Occupancy rose in September, albeit slightly, for the first time in 18 months.  Hospitality Advisors LLC reported September statewide occupancy of 64.6% vs. 63% a year earlier as the state saw a a 7.2% increase [...]

Kauai’s Poipu Bay golf course will be closing in April for eight months to convert from Bermuda grass to salt water and hurricane resistant Paspalum turfgrass. Paspalum, also designed to provide a more consistent and faster putting surface, has been around for over 30 years, and is popular both in Hawaii and other island locations.  It is [...]

Barbara De Lollis at USA Today is reporting that Expedia’s TripAdvisor will soon be adding direct links to properties.  The catch to adding this long overdue and badly needed feature, is that hotels will have to pay up.  The cost will be from $600 to $15000 per year, depending on the property’s size.  The fee [...]

Here’s an e-certificate from Hawaiian Air that will save you and a friend $50 off your next round trip to or from Hawaii. Here’s how it works: Register (or obtain then register) your HawaiianMiles number at their web site and receive a $25 E-Certificate for 2 in your account the following day. Then, when you [...]