The Hawaii Traveler

Hotel Hana Maui, Hana’s most exclusive and chi-chi resort and spa, must be feeling the pinch of certain trends in tourism and economics, because their latest fall special is pretty, well, special.
In a radical departure to their traditional policies, there’s no minimum stay requirements at the resort this fall, and there’s the  offer of a 4th night free and reduced room rates. For more information call 800-321-HANA, or see the Hotel Hana Maui Web site.

Comments Off

ResortQuest Hawaii, the same company that will lay off 41 employees at its Maui Lu Hotel by November 10 due to resort closures, plans to offer travel agents incentives and other rewards for booking reservations at ResortQuest properties.
In other economic news, retail sales on the islands continue to slide, which may mean there’s never been a better time to buy goods, services, and real estate.
Photo by Flickr–Creative Commons, by Jenn_Jenn

Comments Off

When the Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson visited the islands, he was at the top of his game. He’d published Treasure Island and Doctor Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde.  It was 1889, about fifty years after Herman Melville visited while making his way back from Tahiti. In 1873, Isabella Bird got off her boat on the way to New Zealand to assist a friend whose son had taken ill. Two years later, her letters about her stay were collected and published as a bestselling book titled Six Months in the Sandwich Islands.
Arguably none of them stayed and savored the islands like …read more

1 Comment

A beach in Hana
If you’ve heard anything about Maui, you’ve heard of “the road to Hana.” While I wouldn’t say it’s treacherous, it is wind-y, it’s twist-y, and it’s long; at the end of it is, in my opinion, the greatest place in the world. Here’s why: There’s nothing to do there.I realize that, to some, this is the description of Hell.  But I think it’s sometimes good to unplug, decompress, and smell the rainforest. This is what Hana is for.  And Hamoa Beach is one of the best beaches in the state.  But here’s the deal with Hana: You …read more

Comments Off

Here’s a question for you: What’s one of Waikiki Beach’s biggest problems? It’s not topless sunbathing. It’s not sharks. It’s not even the void left behind with the passing of Don Ho.Erosion of Waikiki Beach is one of the biggest problems facing the No. 1 tourist destination in the islands, such a problem that there’s no beach at the Sheraton except during times of extremely low tide. But the Sheraton Waikiki has a plan.
The Sheraton Waikiki will proceed with plans to restore a stretch of beach fronting its property and install groins in the water …read more

Comments Off

If it’s happening on O’ahu, it’s happening, period. The Island of O’ahu, known as the Heart of Hawai’i, is the trendsetter of the islands, leading by example with new improvements, changes and additions on an ongoing basis. Here’s a smattering of what’s new on O’ahu:
Hotels & Resorts
From September 2 to December 18, Halekulani will begin an extensive renovation of its public area.
The 81-room Aqua Coconut Waikiki opened on June 1 after completing a $2.6 million renovation.
The Wyland Waikiki Hotel recently welcomed a new restaurant and spa to its 403-room property. Spada Bar and Restaurant features Northern Italian-inspired …read more

Comments Off

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting Maui anytime from December to May, you know that the Au’au channel between Maui and Lana’i is a prime spot for whale watching. It’s the North Pacific herd of humpbacks that migrate there to breed and enjoy the warmer waters after spending the summer and fall eating and living in Alaskan waters.Whale watching is a hit with visitors on every level. It’s an extraordinary scene to watch the whales roll and breech, their babies close by. It’s by far Maui’s best-loved offshore activity, and now Wailea Beach Villas has …read more

1 Comment

If you’ve been keeping your eye on the lifestyles of the rich and famous set, you may have heard about a travel trend that’s growing faster than Robin Leach’s waistline: Luxury Destination Clubs.
Destination Clubs provide members with access to extremely luxurious homes and resorts in Hawaii and all over the world, at prices ranging from moderate to unreachable by most mere mortals’ standards.
Some of the more well-known, higher-end destination clubs include Quintess and Solstice.
Photo by Flickr–Creative Commons, by Neurofibromatosis – Reggie Bibbs

Comments Off

With its friendly climate and limitless sources of comfort and shelter, there’s no doubt you’ve seen your fair share of pests on the islands, by which I mean insects, not your in-laws. We can’t all stay at the Ritz all the time (if ever), so the next time you’re roughing it, hotel-wise, consider this snazzy little device I heard about over at the Geeky Traveler.
Sherry describes the Electro-Magnetic Cockroach Expeller, but hasn’t had the use for one lately, thank goodness, and neither have I. It sounds easier than traveling with a gecko or chameleon (right). How about you? Have …read more

Comments Off

While the $115 M renovation of the Royal Hawaiian Center is wrapping up, the nearby Royal Hawaiian Hotel, a Waikiki historical landmark, will begin its radical transformation into something more millennium.  Will it still be pink? According to sources, yes.

Comments Off