Hawaii’s average room rates down 18% According to an industry survey conducted by Hospitality Advisors and Smith Travel Research for the week ending July 11, the average cost of a hotel room in Hawaii was $172 per night, a plunge of more than 18% from the same period in 2008. Maui room rates saw the largest decline, sinking 22.6%, but occupancy on Maui is holding relatively stable year over year. Our clients are finding the Read more…
Tradewinds dead, humidty high, waves higher. I have been to Kona four times and have never seen waves like this trip. As soon as we turned the corner into town we could see enormous white explosions as the waves exploded on the rocks. A high surf advisory is in effect through Friday. Today went to snorkel at famous Kahalu’u Beach Park near Keahou Bay. But after renting our gear we read the pamphlet and the Read more…
View from the top floor penthouse at the Waikiki Beach Tower Honolulu, Hawaii 22 July 2009 Photo: T Drew
No other place in Hawaii can match the Banyan Court at the Moana/Surfrider for drinks at night. Pull up a chair to the bar for some tropical refreshment or get a table under the Banyan Tree for drinks and pupus. The lights twinkle, the ocean breezes kiss the air and one can truly imagine what old Waikiki felt like. During the day, the Mai Tai Bar at the Royal Hawaiian is the place to be. Read more…
Today’s cruise promotions and low prices cause reactions ranging from “this looks interesting” to “how could this be true?” The cruise experts at Stellar Travel have a list of questions they always ask before helping our clients to proceed with any cruise reservations. 1. What is the cruise ship? 2. What is the itinerary? 3. What is the stateroom category offered? 4. What is the true cost? 5. Is this the right cruise for you? Read more…
The new, larger Cell Phone Waiting Lot opens at 9 a.m. on Monday morning, July 27. The new lot, located just north of the old lot location on Air Cargo Road, includes nearly 100 spaces for vehicles. Parking in the lot is free and drivers can wait up to 30 minutes until arriving passengers have deplaned, collected luggage and called to be picked up outside of Baggage Claim. Drivers must stay with their vehicles. The Read more…
I was delighted to see that the just-released 2009 annual list of the "World's Best Cities" (as chosen by worldwide readers of Travel + Leisure magazine) was topped by a city we visited last year. Udaipur, in the heart of Rajasthan, was selected as the best city in the world by the magazine readers for its unspoiled beauty, luxury accommodations, art collections and shopping opportunities for fabrics, antiques and handmade clothing. I enjoyed those things Read more…
Book your Starwood hotel with Stellar Travel by 5:00 pm Monday, July 20th to receive 50% off for stays through October 12, 2009. Some blackout dates apply, depending on the hotel, but overall, there is good value for business and vacation reservations. The question is “50% off what rate?”, but we’ll help you sort it out and do the side-by-side comparisons in our system. The Starwood worldwide brand includes Westin, Sheraton, The Luxury Collection, St. Read more…
One of our Oahu insiders offers the following tips to help enhance your Hawaii vacation experience: Huli Huli Chicken – local style chicken often sold for fund raisers. Check for ads in the local newspaper this summer. Normally held in street side parking lots. “huli” means to “turn over” as you turn over the chicken on the grill to keep from burning. Lots of different recipes, but usually marinated in combo of soy sauce, pineapple, Read more…
There are two reasons why we always go back to the Big Island of Hawaii. Well, there are many reasons, but the top two are the weather and the many golf courses. As the southern-most island in the Hawaiian chain, the island of Hawaii or “the Big Island” (as it is called by the Hawaiians) offers up the sunniest days, mild tropical breezes and some of the best golf in all of the islands. This Read more…
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