Waikiki May Soon Look Nothing Like You Remember

Above, Waikiki Beach near the Sheraton Waikiki. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2016, I went on a vacation trip to Hawaii. The first part of it was at the Sheraton Waikiki on Oahu.

Much of the time on the beach was spent at the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon near the Hilton Hawaiian Village hotel, a favorite haunt of Elvis Presley.

It seems that Waikiki Beach has been eroding away and the powers-that-be are taking steps to restoring it. In looking over my photos of Waikiki, there's not much sand there.

According to Beat of Hawaii:

Waikiki Beach is quietly slipping away—and with it, a century of shoreline illusions. Engineered more than a hundred years ago and maintained ever since with imported sand and coastal structures, Hawaii’s most famous beach is now retreating faster than ever before. In some places, the sand is already gone. In others, walkways are simply crumbling underfoot.

Now, state lawmakers are being asked for $5 million to kickstart final plans for the latest $60 million beach rescue effort. But experts warn: if the funding stalls, so does Waikiki’s future.

To read more, go here. 

Top 5 Mistakes Families Make at Pearl Harbor

Above, the battleship USS Missouri and the USS Arizona Memorial. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2016, I visited Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Prior to the visit, I got tickets beforehand. They included the bus rides to and from Pearl Harbor. Everything went smoothly.

There are mistakes that families make at Pearl Harbor. MSN lists five and how to avoid them.

They begin with:

Planning your first family trip to Hawaii can be thrilling. There’s so much to see and do, and one must-visit spot is Pearl Harbor.

It’s not just a beautiful place—it’s a site filled with history and emotion, marking important events that changed the course of American history.

Having been to Pearl Harbor and Oahu many times, I’ve picked up on a few common mistakes families often make when visiting this historic site.

I’m here to share these insights so you can avoid them and have a memorable, respectful visit.

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. 

Hawaii Hotel Prices Up 70%, May Stifle Overtourism

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

The "powers that be" in Hawaii are talking about stifling overtourism by adding fees lately.'

However, that may not be necessary since hotel room rates have risen 70% since the end of the pandemic. They may take care of the overtourism "problem".

According to Beat of Hawaii:

With the nightly cost of Hawaii hotels, the state may not need to worry much longer about over-tourism. Between high prices and the pressure on vacation rentals, the issue could become self-regulating. Regular commenter John W. said today that “Hawaii hotel prices are outlandish.” And we concur. The December numbers speak for themselves.

BOH editors will be in West Maui in February to bring you more on-the-ground coverage. What we found, no matter how hard we tried, or where we looked, was what we deemed to be just too high pricing. In the end, given the cost, we chose not to book yet, waiting until the last minute. In addition to costs, the cancellation notice and penalties were too much to feel comfortable.

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.​​​​​​​​

20 Things To Do In Waikiki

Above, Diamond Head from the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that people can go to Hawaii again, if one needs to plan out what things to do in the Waikiki/Honolulu vicinity, all they have to do is to read an article posted by Travel2Next.

They posted a list of 20 things to do in Waikiki.

It starts with:

Waikiki is a stunning city to the south of Hawaii’s capital, Honolulu. Forming part of the greater Honolulu metro area, Waikiki is where people come to have a great time in Hawaii, with some of the state’s best restaurants, shops and beaches. You’ll most definitely find many exciting things to do in Waikiki, its beach and vibrant streets.

Waikiki’s beaches are world-famous, and the city is a natural wonderland. As the former seat of power of the once mighty Hawaiian monarchy, Waikiki is a cultural and historical beacon of Oahu. From the famous Diamond Head Crater, which looks over Waikiki, to the sprawling Ala Moana Shopping Center, Waikiki has so much to see, do and experience that makes coming back to Waikiki again and again fun every time.

To see what are the 20 things to do, go here. 

Hawaii At Nearly Pre-Pandemic Visitation Numbers

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

It appears that Hawaii's visitation numbers have almost fully recovered since the start of the pandemic over two years ago.

TravelPulse reported:

Hawaii’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) today released preliminary visitor statistics, which revealed that the Aloha State received a total of 919,154 visitors during the month of July 2022, demonstrating a 92.4 percent recovery from July 2019’s pre-pandemic numbers.

This represents the highest monthly visitor volume the Hawaiian Islands have experienced since January 2020, just before COVID-19 made its initial impact on tourism. Last month’s tourists collectively spent $1.94 billion during their visits, up 14.3 percent from July 2019’s total of $1.7 billion.

To read more, go here. 

T + L: 20 Best Hawaii Resorts

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

It is that time of the year again where Travel + Leisure posts its results of the "best" travel places, resorts, hotels and others as voted on by their readers.

They have posted their list of 20 best resorts in Hawaii. 

They start it off with:

After the Aloha State lifted COVID-19 restrictions, Travel + Leisure readers — particularly families and couples looking for a solid yet remote vacation destination — eagerly returned. The best resorts in Hawaii have kept pace with renovations and updates, making this famous archipelago in the Pacific more appealing than ever.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels (including safari lodges) were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities.

To see which resorts in Hawaii are the best, according to readers, go here. 

Hawaii: What To Know and Pack

Above, the lounge area near the Sheraton Waikiki's infinity pool. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Hawaii is wide open again to tourists.

If one is about to take a first-time trip to Hawaii or are an experienced Hawaii traveler, but forgot how to pack, USA Today has a handy article on what to pack for a trip to the Aloha State. 

It has been six years since I was last in Hawaii and I don't really remember what I packed. But I did pack with some of the recommended items in the article.

They begin it with:

If you’re finally thinking of taking a long-awaited trip to Hawaii now that the state’s travel restrictions and mask mandates have been lifted, it’s a great time to do so, as airline ticket prices are still relatively low. Whether you’re looking to escape it all or want a city experience with a tropical vibe, Hawaii offers something for every kind of tourist.

No matter where your Hawaii travel plans take you, there’s no reason to pack a huge suitcase when you really only need a small carry-on. Take it from me, a frequent traveler to Hawaii as well as a former resident of the Big Island: Less is definitely more.  

I’ve put together a comprehensive list of things to know about traveling to Hawaii, as well as a Hawaii packing list that includes all the necessities so that you can vacation in style without bringing too much stuff. 

To read more, go here.

Reservations Needed To Visit Diamond Head

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

Out-of-state tourists in Hawaii will have to make reservations to visit iconic Diamond Head on Oahu.

AP News (Associated Press) reports:

HONOLULU (AP) — Out-of-state visitors will soon need reservations to visit one of Hawaii’s most recognizable natural sites.

State land officials announced Monday the new policy for Diamond Head State Monument will take effect on May 12.

The iconic ancient volcanic crater stands at the end of Waikiki Beach on the island of Oahu.

Diamond Head is the third state park to have such a rule. Non-residents must also make reservations for Haena State Park on Kauai and Waianapanapa State Park on Maui. Reservations are required at certain times to visit Haleakala National Park on Maui.

To read more, go here. 

7 Things You Have to Do in Oahu

Above, the view before sunset at Waikiki. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since none of us can go to Japan as the government has closed the borders to foreign tourists, we can at least go about half way and visit Hawaii.

The most populous island is Oahu, which is home to the capital city, Honolulu. If one has limited time and just have enough for Oahu, there's seven things they can do while there.

Paste Magazine has posted an article on 7 things one has to do while in Oahu. Of the seven, I did three of them.

They begin it with:

If you’re looking for an amazing vacation destination, look no further than Oahu. Hawaii’s most populated island is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, while also offering all the luxury and splendor you can expect from a major city like Honolulu. Whether you’re interested in nature, history, or nightlife, Oahu has something to offer. Let’s take a look at seven things that you don’t want to miss when visiting Oahu.

To see what they are, go here. 

Key West Vs. Oahu: Which Island To Choose?

Above, Oahu's Waikiki Beach. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Suppose you are a beach person and someone has given you the choice of going to either Key West, Florida or Oahu, Hawaii for a vacation.

Which one would you choose?

I have been to both (Oahu in 2016 and Key West in 2019). I actually have more of a desire to revisit Key West. I had more fun there.

Above. a morning arrival at Key West by ship. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It just so happens that The Travel has posted an article comparing the two. It should provide enough information to a traveler to make a choice.

They begin it with:

Travel Conundrum is obvious between the unapologetic eccentricity of Key West, Florida Keys, or the multicultural vibe of Oahu, Hawaii. Both places have tropical oases, turquoise waters, incredible beaches, outdoor adventures, eclectic range of food, the quandary to choose one over the other persists. Let's see what both Key West & Oahu has to offer.

To read further, go here. 

Key West Makes Tripadvisor's Top Ten List

Above, author Ernest Hemingway's office in Key West. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tripadvisor has put out their top ten list of U.S. destinations.

Annually, Tripadvisor puts out their Travelers' Choice Awards. This is for 2022.

CBS Miami reported:

MIAMI (CBSMiami/CNN) – Congratulations to Miami Beach and Key West. They’ve made Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2022 for two of the best destinations in the U.S.

Las Vegas came in at number one, followed by Hawaii’s Oahu and Maui.

Key West was listed as America’s fourth most favorite city to visit. Miami Beach came in eighth.

Other cities in the top 10 were New York City, New Orleans, Nashville, Savannah, and Sedona, Arizona.

To read more, go here.

Hawaii's COVID-19 Rules Vary By Island

Above, the food lines at an Oahu luau. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Heading to Hawaii?

Before going it may behoove you to check what COVID-19 rules are at the places on the itinerary. Rules for visitors vary by county and island.

The following will be a big help in one's research before going.

Travel Weekly posted:

Just prior to Thanksgiving, Gov. David Ige announced that starting Dec. 1 all statewide restrictions on social gatherings, gyms, bars and restaurants would be lifted. Additionally, the state is no longer requiring county governments to obtain state approval prior to enacting emergency rules, allowing mayors more flexibility to adjust emergency regulations.

However, a statewide indoor mask mandate and Hawaii's SafeTravels Program remain in effect. SafeTravels requires out-of-state travelers to provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination or a negative test no more than 72 hours prior to entering Hawaii or submit to a 10-day quarantine. 

"Hawaii continues to have amongst the lowest rates of infection and fatalities in the nation due to the Covid-19 pandemic," Ige said. "As we have seen an improvement and stabilization of the virus activity in our community, it really is a good time to pivot state coordination back to the counties."

Hawaii's current rate of 10 Covid-19 cases per day per 100,000 people is the third-lowest in the U.S., and 72% of the total population is fully vaccinated.

In conjunction with the governor's announcement, the county mayors have all eased Covid-19 rules, but the regulations within each county all differ in some way, and travelers to the Islands, especially those planning any type of event, should be sure to consult the specific restrictions for the county they are visiting.

Here's an up-to-date look at the regulations in place across the state and its four counties.  

To read what the regulations are, go here. 

Hawaii Responsible Tourism Tips

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

Thanks to more airlines providing air service to Hawaii, the cost of round-trip flights have been dropping due to the increased competition.

Canada's Travelweek News has some tips in their "Hawaiian Responsible Tourism" collection of videos. These tips will be useful to first-time visitors or for those who have been there previously.

They begin with:

Hawaii’s cultural experts discuss how important it is to change your mindset while visiting the Hawaiian Islands. You must think about it from a Hawaiian perspective, and come with an open mind and open heart. By learning about our unique culture and traditions, you’ll be better able to appreciate Hawaii. 

There is so much natural beauty to discover in Hawaii, and with the right information, you can ensure that you are experiencing the islands in the best way possible. Land safety experts share their tips on weather preparedness, land access, and trail protocol so that you stay safe and minimize your impact on the trails.

To see more, go here. 

Hawaii Set New Spending Record In January

Above, Diamond Head at dusk. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With more airlines providing service to Hawaii and specials some of them are offering, tourism has increased over a year ago and, along with that, so has spending.

Travel Weekly reported:

Hawaii followed two straight years of record tourism numbers with a strong start to 2018.  

Visitor spending in January was $1.69 billion statewide, a 5% increase over the same period of 2017. The total set a new record for visitor spending in any single month, according to Hawaii Tourism Authority preliminary figures. Maui, Kauai and Hawaii Island set individual monthly high marks for visitor spending. 

To read more, go here. 

Hawaii Transient Accommodations Tax To Rise 1% In 2018

Above, the Sheraton Wakiki in Honolulu. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Like a lot of things, the new year brings new taxes and fees. Hawaii is no exception.

According to the Los Angeles Times:

Hawaii visitors can expect to shell out a little bit more money for their hotel rooms in 2018. On Jan. 1, the Transient Accommodations Tax will increase 1%. While the tax hike will affect tourists statewide, money raised from the increase will be used exclusively to fund a new light rail project on Oahu.

To read more, go here.

Hawaii Magazine's "Destination: Oahu"

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

If one is planning a vacation stay in Hawaii, Hawaii Magazine's website has much information tourists can glean from.

Case in point is their new article, "Destination: Oahu".

It begins with:

Oahu, the most visited of the Hawaiian Islands, is known as The Gathering Place. Rich with historical sites, outstanding Pacific Rim cuisine and famous surf breaks, it’s easy to see why most Hawaii residents choose Oahu to live, work and play. Home of the world’s largest outdoor shopping mall, the nation’s only royal palace and the state’s biggest city, Oahu is energetic and captivating, offering unspoiled shorelines and jungle landscapes as well as a bustling city center full of art and culture. Expertly combining the flavor of ancient Hawaii with modern decadence, Oahu offers a tasteful blend of old and new.

The article has some places to see and do.

To read more, go here.

Hawaii: Keeping Costs Down In Oahu

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

The Los Angeles Times must be in a "Hawaii mode" today as they have posted another money-saving article on Hawaii.

This time it is saving dough in Oahu.

They begin with:

Hawaii has certain allures, but low prices aren’t necessarily among them. With these insider tips to Oahu, though, you can have a Champagne experience at sparkling-cider prices.

The tips they provide are good ones. We spent a week in Hawaii last year (Oahu and the Big Island) and we were able to get a bargain deal though the Automobile Club of Southern California. For seven days, it cost only $1,400 each and the price included airfare (to and from Hawaii), land transportation, accommodations and inter-island airfares.

To read more, go here.