The Best Pearl Harbor Tour from Honolulu

Above, the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Anyone visiting the Hawaiian islands should include Pearl Harbor as a "must" in their itineraries. 

This especially goes for people who are interested in World War II history. 

When I went to Hawaii in 2016, a visit to Pearl Harbor was included. While there, we screened a video on the Pearl Harbor attack before boarding the shuttle boat to the USS Arizona Memorial. 

DestinationLess Travel posted an article on the best Pearl Harbor tour from Waikiki.

They begin it with:

How do you even begin to understand a place as significant as Pearl Harbor? In my experience, taking a tour makes the experience easier to navigate and more meaningful.

Visiting Pearl Harbor is one of the most important things to do in Honolulu, especially if you want to learn more about what happened on December 7, 1941, and its impact on Hawaii, the United States, and the world.

When I visited Honolulu with my family, we took this Pearl Harbor tour from Waikiki and thought it was a really simple and well-organized way to visit the memorial. So, I’ve written this honest review to share exactly what the tour was like, what I loved, and a few things to know before you book.

To read more, go here.

4 Best Hawaiian Luaus In Honolulu

Over the years, I have been to several luaus.

Most of them were political campaign events in the South Bay area of Los Angeles. I have been to one in Hawaii, the Big Kahuna Luau in Honolulu. They are defunct, the last I've heard.

Destinationless Travel has posted an article of their best luaus in Honolulu.

They begin it with:

Planning a trip to Honolulu and wondering which Hawaiian luau is actually worth booking? You’re in the right place!

I’ve attended quite a few luaus in Hawaii over the years, and I can tell you that choosing the right one makes a huge difference. The best experiences combine incredible Polynesian performances, delicious Hawaiian food, and cultural activities that help you learn more about the islands and their traditions.

Honolulu has several fantastic options, whether you want something convenient in Waikiki or a more traditional experience a little farther away. In this guide, I’m breaking down my four favorite luaus near Honolulu so you can easily decide which one is the best fit for your trip.

To read more, go here. 

MSN: 14 Hawaii Tourist Traps To Avoid

Above, resort luaus are seen as commercialized, focusing on
spectacle rather than authentic tradition. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whether one is traveling domestically or internationally, tourist trap abound everywhere one goes. 

This is also true when going to Hawaii. With Hawaiian vacation costs rising insanely, avoiding tourist traps is one way to save some money.

That is the topic of a slideshow article at MSN.

They begin it with:

Many popular Hawaiian destinations are criticized for overcrowding, commercialization, and diminished cultural authenticity. From overdeveloped beaches and staged luaus to costly attractions and safety concerns, these spots often leave visitors underwhelmed or at risk. Understanding these pitfalls can help travelers seek more genuine and sustainable experiences across the islands.

 To read more, go here.

Hawaii Travelers Brace As Comfort Collapse Spreads Across Airlines

Above, a Kona Airport gate. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Flights to Hawaii from Los Angeles are five hours in length. At one time, wide body aircraft ruled the routes from the mainland to the islands. 

Airlines are dropping two-aisle aircraft for smaller one-aisle aircraft sacrificing comfort. Flying to Hawaii was once an enjoyable experience. No longer. People are treated like cattle.

Beat of Hawaii has posted an article on how the airlines are treating air travel to Hawaii like any other domestic flight. 

They begin it with:

Flights to Hawaii once defined aviation. There was a time when flying to Hawaii was not only a big deal for passengers but also for the airlines themselves. Pan Am, TWA, and United all built prestige around their Hawaii services. The Boeing 747 and other wide-bodies turned the Pacific crossing into a statement of comfort. Lounges, two aisles, and a sense of occasion were part of the journey.

Those days are gone. Hawaii has now been reduced to what airlines treat as another domestic run. For the carriers, it is simply a five-hour flight to manage with maximum efficiency, no different in their playbook than service to Des Moines. The sense of grandeur that once surrounded Hawaii flying has slipped away.

To read more, go here. 

They Used To Save Miles For Hawaii. Not Anymore.

Above, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu. Photo by Armand Vaquer..

Airline mileage award programs used to be relatively easy. People accrued airline mileage over a year or more and redeemed them for economic travel.

One of the places they used to redeem their mileages was Hawaii. It appears to be no longer the case.

According to Beat of Hawaii:

For decades, Hawaii was the crown jewel of airline award travel within the US. It was where you redeemed miles after stockpiling them all year or longer. But increasingly, travelers are saying it is no longer worth it.

What used to be a relatively easy redemption is now a struggle. Availability is tight, prices are up, upgrades are scarce, and the experience has changed. The individuals making these claims are not new to loyalty programs. Many are longtime members who used to book Hawaii year after year. Now, they are shifting their miles elsewhere. 

Miles don’t stretch as far, and upgrades are harder to get.

Redemption levels have climbed across all programs. An economy ticket that once cost 35,000 miles round-trip now often requires 60,000 or more. Premium cabins regularly hit six figures, with little consistency or transparency. Dynamic pricing has made redemptions unpredictable and frustrating.

To read more, go here. 

Affording Hawaii In 2025

Above, a view of Diamond Head from Waikiki Beach. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Pretty much everything costs much more thanks to the rampant inflation we're enduring.

That also includes travel. Travel to Hawaii has skyrocketed during the past several years. People are wondering if it is too expensive.

Travel to Hawaii is more expensive, but there are ways to cutting costs. That is the topic of an article in Beat of Hawaii. 

They begin it with:

Hawaii’s soaring travel costs have left many wondering if a vacation to the islands can ever be within reach. Between rising airfare, astronomical hotel rates overall, activities, and everyday expenses, the perception is that Hawaii has become too expensive except for the wealthy. But with the right strategies, a trip to paradise can still be affordable—even in 2025. Here’s how.

To read more, go here. 

Hawaii Resort Fees Are Skyrocketing Again

Above, hotels in Waikiki Beach with Diamond Head in the background. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It looks like that it was a good thing that I went to Hawaii when I did in 2016. Hotels and resorts are planning to hike their resort fees on stays.

Beat of Hawaii reported:

Hawaii resort fees rankle travelers and residents alike, significantly inflating the cost of a hotel stay. These charges can easily add hundreds more dollars to the bill, often covering questionably chargeable services like internet access or beach amenities that might otherwise be included in the room rate.

Combined with Hawaii’s 18% state and county accommodation taxes, plus a range of other fees labeled as everything from “conservation” to “local tax,” hotel bills can quickly surge by over 50%. That’s before factoring in parking costs, adding as much as an additional $60 per night.

Hawaii visitors often feel blindsided by how these fees are disclosed.

While the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has advocated for pricing transparency, most hotels reveal resort fees late in the booking process. On platforms like Booking.com, nightly rates have become loss leaders, luring travelers before piling on hidden costs.

Despite federal initiatives, resort fees will remain widespread across Hawaii in 2025, leaving many questioning if meaningful change is possible. Although earlier proposals inspired some hope, doubts persist about whether the industry will shift, even in the face of consumer outrage.

Hawaii resort fees now.

Resort fees in Hawaii vary significantly depending on the property. Here’s just an assortment. Since Hawaii has such a vast number of hotels, you’ll need to check. The Royal Hawaiian will increase its fee to $52 per night starting December 2024. Fairmont Orchid recently raised its resort fee to $48 per night. Hilton Hawaiian Village remains among the highest in Waikiki at $59 per night. Montage Kapalua Bay maintains its $50 per night charge, with additional costs for valet parking.

To read more, go here. 

Lonely Planet: Guide To O'ahu

Above, a view of Diamond Head from Waikiki Beach. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that vacation season is here and one is planning to spend a vacation in Hawaii, Lonely Planet has posted guide to O'ahu for first-timers. Oddly, it doesn't mention paying a visit to Pearl Harbor. That should be a must-see for everyone, especially first-timers.

It begins with:

Welcome to Oʻahu, home to some of the most well-known natural landmarks in the world – from famed Waikiki Beach to towering Diamond Head to the surfable North Shore.

Known as a beautiful beach destination, this island is great for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing to your heart’s content. But beyond the sunny shorelines, Oʻahu has a wealth of greenery-filled hikes, internationally-inspired restaurants, and cultural landmarks for you to explore.

To read more, go here. 

Hawaii Hotel Rates Rising

Above, surfers on Waikiki Beach. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It was a good thing that I took a vacation trip to Hawaii eight years ago before the current inflation rate made hotel accommodations very expensive. Prices have risen so much so that it is pricing out some potential visitors.

According to SFGATE:

Hawaii’s hotel room rates have increased dramatically in the past five years. It’s causing some travelers to look elsewhere, as the number of visitors to Hawaii is declining.

The state’s average daily hotel room rate increased 35% in April 2024 compared to April 2019, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s Hawaii Hotel Performance Report. Oahu increased the least, at about 20%.

“It’s inflation. Some people try to blame it on Hawaii. It’s everywhere,” Jo Wattle, travel adviser and owner of Travel with Jo, told SFGATE. 

The Island of Hawaii and Kauai top the state in terms of percentage increase. Daily room rates in April 2019 were $260 and $267 respectively, while April 2024 data shows rates have increased more than 60% to $442 and $432.

Josh Hargrove, general manager of the Westin Maui Resort & Spa, agrees that inflation has increased Hawaii’s overall room rates. 

To read more, go here. 

Mark James, Writer of "Suspicious Minds", Dies At 83

Mark James, who penned "Suspicious Minds" that Elvis Presley made into his last number one hit, has died. He was 83.

Best Classic Bands reported:

Mark James, who wrote such memorable songs as “Suspicious Minds,” a #1 single for Elvis Presley in 1969 and “Hooked on a Feeling,” a top 5 single for B.J. Thomas that same year—and later a #1 smash for the Swedish rock group, Blue Swede—died June 8, 2024, at age 83. His death, in Nashville, was reported by the Houston Chronicle [story is behind a paywall] today (June 11). James also co-wrote with two others “Always on My Mind,” which was first recorded in 1972 by Brenda Lee. A decade later, the song was recorded by Willie Nelson and became a #1 country hit. Its popularity was so significant that it earned its writers the Grammy Award for Song of the Year.  

To read more, go here.

10 Best Honolulu Hotels For Every Type of Traveler

Above, a hilltop view of Waikiki hotels and Diamond Head. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If there is a shortage of anything in Honolulu, Hawaii, it certainly isn't the number of hotels. There are plenty to choose from.

Travel + Leisure has compiled a list of what they consider to be the ten best hotels in Honolulu.for every type of traveler.

They begin with:

Honolulu, the capital of the “Aloha State,” located on Oʻahu, became a popular vacation destination with the advent of convenient air travel during the 1950s and 60s. Beloved for its gorgeous shoreline, stunning sunsets, tropical scenery, and friendly Aloha spirit, Honolulu has grown as visitors have increased over the years.

Couples, families, groups of friends, and business travelers flock to Honolulu’s beaches, restaurants, and attractions like the Pearl Harbor Arizona Memorial, museums, golf courses, and places of natural beauty like Diamond Head. Hotels have been built, renovated, and recreated to meet the demand, and there’s something for every type of traveler, from budget to extravagant. 

Combining recommendations from travel advisors, frequent visitors, and Travel + Leisure readers who vote in the annual World’s Best Awards, we’ve created this list of Honolulu hotel suggestions.

To read more, go here. 

3 Best Hotels In Honolulu

Above, a view of Diamond Head from the Sheraton Waikiki. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Previously, I had blogged that hotels in Hawaii have hiked their prices around 70% since the end of the pandemic. Some say that this may ease the "overtourism" that has been reported.

Those who are undaunted about going to Hawaii, particularly Honolulu, The Manual has posted what they consider to be the three best hotels there.

As it turns out, the first one listed is the Sheraton Waikiki, which recently completed a massive renovation. I stayed there in 2016 and, even then, it was quite a nice hotel.

The Manual starts with: 

Honolulu is home to some 47,000 hotel rooms. And while it’s virtually impossible to have a bad time in paradise, some of these establishments are in an elite league of their own. Like the very best wines or a timeless rock ‘n’ roll record, the superiority lies in the details.

The following three hotels in Honolulu not only offer prime locations and unmatched service but also go the extra mile by way of unrivaled experiences like high tea or immersive luaus. Some are teeming with incredible history, while others get bonus points for being highly sustainable. Together, they capture the incredible brand of hospitality genuinely unique to Hawaii and allow visitors to absorb legendary Waikiki and Honolulu, Hawaii’s largest metro area and a delightfully diverse one at that.

To read more, go here. 

When's The Best Time of The Year To Visit Hawaii?

Above, a view of Diamond Head. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When we went to Hawaii seven years ago, it was during the month of May. We enjoyed warm weather and no rain.

The places we were at were Waikiki/Honolulu and at Kona on the Big Island. 

If one is wondering when is the best time of the year to visit Hawaii, AFAR Media has an article that will be a big help in one's trip planning.

It starts with:

There isn’t exactly a bad time to visit Hawai‘i. But while its islands enjoy year-round sun and consistently warm temperatures, other factors like hotel prices, crowds, and your itinerary can determine a more ideal time to visit the Hawaiian islands. Humpback whale migrations take place from December to March, making that the perfect time for snorkelers hoping to hear their calls. Meanwhile, those trying to catch (or watch) those totally-gnarly-dude
swells also may want to come in the winter, when 30- and 40-foot waves hit the North Shore.

Peak crowds arrive in December and January and on a lesser scale during the summer as people migrate for the holidays and school vacations, offering the argument that the best time to visit Hawai‘i is during the shoulder seasons of April to May or September to November. During this period, the crowds thin out and the state experiences less rainfall (though topography, like whether a location is on Hawai‘i’s leeward or windward side, can affect precipitation amounts).

To read more, go here. 

Sheraton Waikiki Unveils $200 Million Renovation

Above, the Sheraton Waikiki in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For me, the criteria for liking a place enough is to want to go or stay there again. Such is the case of the Sheraton Waikiki, where I stayed in 2016 while in Oahu. Yeah, I'd stay there again.

The hotel, even then, was a nice place and it has recently completed its $200 million renovation. 

According to Travel Weekly:

The oceanfront Sheraton Waikiki has completed its $200 million renovation of all 1,636 guestrooms and suites. Guests will also notice upgrades in the hallways, elevator landings and event and retail spaces.

The refreshed guestrooms feature platform beds, spa-like bathrooms and daybeds on the balconies.

"We're thrilled with the results of the renovations and are beyond excited for our guests to experience the beauty, comfort and aloha spirit that the Sheraton Waikiki offers," area general manager Tom Calame said in a press release.

To read more, go here. 

What Not To Pack For A Hawaii Vacation

Above, the Royal Hawaiian Center at Waikiki. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since many airlines slap on surcharges on luggage weighing over 50 lbs., more people are learning the fine art of packing light.

That goes for travel to Hawaii. There are things that are unnecessary to pack as most are available to purchase in Hawaii.

Beat of Hawaii posted an article on things not to pack before leaving the mainland.

They start with:

Whether you’re the most seasoned traveler or a newbie who doesn’t think about a packing checklist for Hawaii, today’s post will help keep your luggage under control. Your editors, Rob and Jeff, use Google Docs to keep a packing list up to date for mainland travel, and even then, something is always forgotten.

What to pack for a Hawaii vacation should seemingly be pretty easy given our general lack of dress codes, casual nature, and near-constant tropical temperatures. We say, “Keep it simple” and “Less is better.” But even then, it can get weird.

Here’s what not to pack for your Hawaii vacation.

First, there’s almost nothing you can’t buy here in Hawaii if you need it, including food and medications. Second, most of it won’t cost much more than on the mainland if you shop wisely. So don’t lose sleep if you should forget something. Leave these things off the list to begin with.

To read more, go here. 

Two Dukes

Above, the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon and the Hilton Hawaiian
 Village in the background. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

At Waikiki Beach on the Hawaiian island of Oahu is a lagoon next to the Hilton Hawaiian Village the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon. It is a man-made lagoon named for Duke Kahanamoku. Kahanamoku was a Hawaiian competition swimmer who popularized the sport of surfing.

In May 2016, we swam in the lagoon while in Oahu.

Duke Kahanamoku was a friend to another "Duke" until his death in 1968: John Wayne.

From the official John Wayne Facebook page:

Above, John "Duke" Wayne and Duke Kahanamoku in a scene from Wake of the Red Witch (1948). ​​​​​​​​

Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku was a Hawaiian competition swimmer who introduced a powerful style of swimming, winning five medals (three gold) over three Olympic Games. He then became a surfing ambassador to the world, popularizing that sport. A Native Hawaiian, he was born to a minor noble family less than three years before the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom.​​​​​​​​

​​​Did you know? While living in Newport Beach, California on June 14, 1925, Duke Kahanamoku rescued eight men from a fishing vessel that capsized in heavy surf while attempting to enter the city’s harbor. Using his surfboard, he was able to make quick trips back and forth to shore to increase the number of sailors rescued. Newport’s police chief at the time called Duke’s efforts “the most superhuman surfboard rescue act the world has ever seen.” Thus was born the tradition of lifeguards having rescue surfboards at the ready.​​​​​​​​

​​​​​​Duke and Duke both lived in Newport Beach, CA, were members of the famed Outrigger Canoe Club in Honolulu, HI, and starred in Wake of the Red Witch. They remained friends throughout their lives.​​​​​​​​

Hawaii Flight Turbulence Injures 20

Air turbulence is the the only thing about flying that I don't like. I've experienced some over the years, the worst being in April 1976 while flying from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. It was so bad that passengers across the aisle from me got their rosary beads out.

That pales to comparison to what passengers on a flight from Phoenix to Honolulu experienced Sunday.

TravelPulse reported:

A Hawaiian Airlines flight experienced severe turbulence on Sunday, leaving at least 20 people injured, including three crew members.

According to Reuters.com, Hawaiian Airlines Flight 35 was en route from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu with 278 passengers and 10 crew members on board when the pilots reported experiencing severe turbulence.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the Hawaiian Airlines Airbus A330 was around 30 minutes away from landing in Honolulu when the incident occurred. The flight crew declared an emergency and the plane was able to land safely at about 10:50 a.m. local time.

To read more, go here. 

The 16 Most Amazing Attractions In Honolulu

Above, a view of surfers and Diamond Head from Waikiki Beach. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whether or not one has ever been to Honolulu, Hawaii, they are sure to miss some attractions there by either not knowing about them or by time constraints.

If one falls under the former catergory, MSN has posted a list of 16 "most amazing" attractions in Honolulu.

They begin it with:

Honolulu is the most populous island and capital of Hawaii which is known for its fabulous natural setting, the city is filled with gorgeous beaches and adventurous hikes. Aside from the breathtaking views, Honolulu has a pretty vibrant food scene, with Pipikaula and delicious Laulau topping the charts. Start the day with a hike on the diamond head for spectacular views at the top or take a moment of solace on Waikiki beach, the place is pretty much worth every moment.

In Honolulu you will find some beautiful attractions that you just cannot miss! Places like Uss Arizona Memorial, Check Out The Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, and Waikiki Beach and many more. Continue scrolling to know more.

To read more, go here. 

Classic Rock Music Monday

The stuff that now passes as "music", particularly rock 'n roll, leaves me cold. So, to start off the week, here's a video of a classic rock artist.

To start off the week is a rarity. 

Back in January 1973, Elvis Presley made television history by being the first (and only) performer to have a worldwide satellite broadcast of a concert from Honolulu, Hawaii. It is known as "Elvis: Aloha From Hawaii". It is estimated that 1.5 billion people tuned in and saw the concert.

The concert was later broadcast in the U.S. and in some other nations after the initial live broadcast. To fill the time slots, Presley taped some insert songs on January 14, 1973. 

The video below has all takes from the session; the songs included:

Elvis Presley- Aloha From Hawaii Insert Songs-All Takes-January 14th 1973

Blue Hawaii

Ku-U-I-Po- Take 1

Ku-U-I-Po - Take 2

Ku-U-I-Po- Take 3

No More - Attempted Take

No More - Take 1

No More - Take 2

Hawaiian Wedding Song - Take 1

Hawaiian Wedding Song - Take 2

Hawaiian Wedding Song - Take 3

Hawaiian Wedding Song - Take 4

Early Morning Rain

Some Hawaii Airfares To Go Up 250% or More

Above, dancers at a Honolulu luau. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Following the easing of restrictions of travel to Hawaii, some airlines, most notably Southwest Airlines, have been offering $39 airfares.

Naturally, airfares like this won't last long and common sense will tell you that they are not enough to sustain an airline. They are bound to go up. And, according to Beat of Hawaii, some will go up 250% or more.

According to Beat of Hawaii:

If you love the current $39 airfares being driven by Hawaii’s relative newcomer Southwest Airlines, and largely matched by bellwether Hawaiian Airlines, here’s our best suggestion:

Get them quick and enjoy them while you can. 

Your editors are taking our own advice and flying all over the state until the end of the year.

In many comments noted below, you’ve said you are grateful for the hugely reduced cost of flying interisland with both airlines. Frankly, who can complain about that?

But where is this heading? We looked around, and here’s what we can tell you. We compared the ten shortest nonstop routes that Southwest offers, both in Hawaii and on the mainland. The results are eye-opening.

To read more, go here.