Hawaii Vacation Connection

Aloha Bruce and Yaling Fisher are talking Maui on this Sunday, March 13, 2022 episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast (the first of two parts), and tips about the Road to Hana for Dummies. But first, the latest news about the lifting of Hawaii travel and masking requirements set for March 25 and a quick […]

Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast hosts Aloha Bruce and Yaling Fisher talk about how important it is to book your Hawaii vacation now or miss out this year on this Sunday, February 27, 2022, episode. Bruce starts with some important Covid-related Hawaii travel news, noting that Hawaii’s indoor mask mandate will remain in place despite new CDC guidance issued recently. Bruce says that this makes Hawaii the only US state with an indoor mask mandate. He also says that Hawaii’s mask mandate is one of the reasons Hawaii has the 2nd lowest Covid positivity and death rates in the country. “We’re extra cautious about these kinds of things,” Bruce says. The topic moves to a podcast listener’s question about the high number of hiker rescues being reported on Kauai. Our hosts discuss the challenging and dangerous Kalalau Trail. “Unprepared hikers are getting into trouble over there,” Bruce says the have been 13 rescues on Kauai so far this year, with 9 requiring helicopter airlifts. “People are underestimating these trails.” Bruce moves on to discuss several recent rescue incidents. “You just gotta be careful!” Bruce also notes a recent rescue Queen’s Bath that nearly became fatal for the victim. Bruce moves on to discussing vacation rental reforms, especially on Maui. He says that a Maui County commission is looking into ways to curb unsustainable visitor arrival numbers and mentions a two-year moratorium on new vacation rentals. Bruce says 3,000,000 visitors arrived on Maui in 2019. The shutdown of Hawaii early in the pandemic forced a tourism pause and many residents and officials took the relative quiet to reflect on tourism impact on Hawaii’s communities. “Kaanapali is almost like a mini-Honolulu,” Bruce offers. He mentions several other specific proposals and the potential impact such steps would have. It’s a complicated situation with many important factors. “It’s getting overwhelming.” Bruce and Yaling move on to briefly discuss the Restaurant of the Week, Macaroni Grill. “It’s a fun place to eat and the service is great.” They particularly enjoyed Mac N Cheese Bites, and Bruce talks about the custom of sharing drinks and some other unique dishes. Our hosts note that they will be going on vacation to Maui soon and will not have a new podcast episode next week. But they promise to come back with an abundance of valuable Maui content and hotel information. They will be doing site visits to a number popular Maui properties. Our hosts reach out to the audience for help generating engagement on the Hawaii Aloha Travel Instagram page and other social media platforms. We’d love for you to get involved! Bruce then tells the story of a viral short HAT TikTok post featuring the stars of Magnum P.I. filming in Waikiki that has now more than 2 million views in just 48 hours. Incredible! “Maybe I should try to be TikTok celebrity?!” Bruce jokes. Bruce and Yaling move on to the main topic of this episode: Book your Hawaii vacation now or miss out this year. “Right now, we are getting a lot of calls for March and April, for Spring Break,” says Bruce. He notes some unpleasant surprises that cheap airfare deals sometimes come with. Reservations for the summer months are filling up fast. “It’s very difficult for June and July.” And demand for reservations toward the end of the year is already very busy. This is why it is vital to book your Hawaii vacation now or miss out this year. Bruce and Yaling explain why prices around the Holidays are much higher. “We’ll find you the ‘puka’, or the perfect time and place for your Hawaii vacation,” Bruce says. Bruce again encourages listeners to engage with the podcast and leave comments and interact with the HAT Instagram page, Facebook page, and TikTok account (check out the Magnum P.I. video!). We want to hear from you!

On today's podcast, Bruce and yaling offer 4 less crowded Maui destinations to visit on your Hawaii Vacation for this Sunday, February 20, 2022. Our hosts start off by announcing three new Delta flights to Hawaii from Atlanta, New York City (JFK), and Detroit in 2022 before moving on to important Hawaii travel and vacation news and offering some out-of-the-way, less-crowded Maui destinations. Our hosts are confident that the Hawaii indoor mask mandate may soon be lifted but remains in place. “This is the way it is here,” Bruce says. “We’re just very cautious here,” Bruce mentions the prevalence of the Aloha Spirit in Hawaii and recalls a recent news story about a local artist who found a lost phone while snorkeling in Waikiki. He dried out the phone in rice (it works!) and managed to locate the owner and return it (along with an expensive pair of sunglasses) to her. This was back in 2020, and the woman recently returned to Hawaii to thank the artist in person. Bruce recalls all kinds of personal belongings he’s found on his daily hikes, noting that he (and most Hawaii people) makes a point of trying to return such items to their owners. “People lose things here in Hawaii all the time!” The Restaurant of the Week is Mariposa at Neimann Marcus at Ala Moana Center, where Bruce and Yaling enjoyed indoor seating and the “afternoon experience”. Noting their favorite selections, our hosts also mention vegetarian and plant-based options. Yaling raves about an intermezzo chicken soup that was fantastic. Bruce says that the live music played by a local musician was wonderful. Moving on to special less-crowded Maui destinations, Bruce discusses Waihou Spring Trail in Upcountry Makawao, a moderate forest hike. Our hosts recommend visiting the Surfing Goat Dairy in nearby Kula, a lavender farm, and the local Ocean Spirits Distillery. Bruce also mentions a guided 2-mile hike at Kopili’ula Falls along the Road to Hana at Marker 21. Bruce and Yaling talk about how long the Road to Hana takes to drive, and not an option to fly into Hana, less crowded Maui destinations may be harder and harder to find with all the info on the web but you can still find some hidden gems. Our hosts note the high demand for Hawaii travel and discuss a couple of recent bookings at the Waikiki Beach Marriott. “We’re seeing some really great prices for Marriott,” says Bruce, mentioning a HAT resort fee discount. Another booking noted is a 2-week stay for two at the legendary Royal Hawaiian Hotel with an ocean view that came in at about $8400. Bruce says that the Royal Hawaiian is a 5-star property and even at that cost, the daily room rate is a very good price at the famous “Pink Palace” hotel. “It’s actually a darn good deal!” If you headed to the Garden Isle then less crowded Maui destinations can be found! We blog about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. Get Help Planning Your Trip

On today's podcast for February 13th, 2022 (Super Bowl day) Yaling and Bruce ( the owners of Hawaii Aloha Travel) talk about some essential things you need to know about Hawaii hotel room configurations. They discuss the many challenges clients face and solutions to make decisions easier. The podcast begins with our hosts covering the latest information on covid-19 restrictions. According to Lieutenant Governor Josh Green, the regulations could be lifted by Spring. He says that “ if it weren't for the Omicron variant, the restrictions would have already been lifted by now.” Welcome news to all of us here in Hawaii and across the world. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. Get Help Planning Your Trip While this might seem like a pretty straightforward process, there's a lot to consider when choosing the fitting Hawaii hotel room for a Hawaii vacation. Granted, if you're just two people traveling, there's not much to worry about except to confirm you're bedding. However, if you are more than two people, either adults or children, staying together, the process can get very complicated and lead to disappointment. Many consumers don't realize that hotel rooms in Hawaii generally don't have two queen beds but two double beds. Not understanding this leads to frustration upon arrival at the hotel and sometimes can sour an entire vacation. The good news is that we have all the answers to these kinds of questions. Here at Hawaii Aloha Travel, all of our advisors look for these red flags, and we make sure that our client's requirements are of the utmost importance. We pay attention to all the details including, room configurations, special requests, and the physical room location, and make sure requests are followed up on with our suppliers. Even with all this due diligence, requests are not guaranteed. Hence, it makes the most sense to use a travel advisor located here in the islands to troubleshoot and follow through on requests, which will give you a better likelihood of being granted.

We get it! Hawaii is an expensive destination, and you want to save money any way you can!! 6 mistakes people make when trying to save money on a Hawaii vacation! On this episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast for Sunday, February 6th, 2022, Yaling and Aloha Bruce talk about 6 mistakes people make when trying to save money on a Hawaii vacation. Whether it's booking your airfare to the wrong island, not allocating enough time to visit the island, or simply picking the wrong location, this podcast will help you with the essential budget concerns. After bringing listeners up-to-date on Chinese New Year celebrations, Bruce and Yaling discuss our restaurant of the week: Keneke’s in Waimanalo, a favorite among locals for Hawaiian food and great local plate lunch selections. Out hosts offer an update on COVID news, which remains relatively unchanged. Bruce is confident that some restrictions will be lifted soon. Bruce and Yaling also discuss a proposal at the State Legislature to restrict peer-to-peer vehicle rentals like Turo, and the tax revenue implications it brings. Bruce mentions Oahu’s Hui vehicle sharing service. Our hosts get deep into the budgeting and planning process, primarily focused on mistakes people make over and over again when deciding to come to visit the islands. Bruce and Yaling share that it comes down to proper planning and understanding many hidden costs and complications in choosing which islands to stay. Bruce shares the story of a client who found cheap airfare to Kauai for three days but failed to research rental cars and accommodations and blew her budget up. Our hosts agree that booking such a short stay on Kauai severely limits the activities and amenities available. “People want to save money, so they book a shorter trip,” Bruce says. “But they end up not having a very good time.” We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. Get Help Planning Your Trip Next, Bruce and Yaling talk about the importance of budgeting currently and considering “incidentals” like tipping, resort fees, gas prices, debit card deposits, and how many businesses do not accept pre-paid credit cards. “Have some emergency funds available for a Hawaii vacation. Bruce moves on to discuss potential confusion about Hawaii’s airports for visitors who travel to multiple islands. The Big Island, for example, has busy airports in both Hilo and Kailua-Kona. “It just depends on which islands you’re going to!” Knowing your arrival and departure airports on each island can eliminate that confusion. The conversation moves on to discuss booking “cheap hotels”. Bruce says even cheap hotels average about $160. Yaling notes surprise cleaning fees and other charges like parking and resort fees. Even if you can find a “cheap hotel” you’ll likely be faced with considerable additional fees. Our hosts then get into talking about arranging transportation and discuss ride-sharing options like Uber and Lift. “It’s costly!” says Bruce. “To Uber everywhere is ridiculously expensive.” Finally, Bruce and Yaling agree that the most common mistake people make when booking a Hawaii vacation is waiting until the last minute. A room that comes at a reasonable rate on one day may be much more expensive on the next. “The same thing happens with airfare,” Bruce says. “You’ve got to be very careful with all of this.”

On this Wednesday January 26, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce offers suggestions for Off the Beaten Path Towns to Visit in Hawaii, some Hawaii Covid news, including Maui’s new requirement of proof of a booster shot to be considered “fully vaccinated” for places like restaurants, bars, and gyms. Bruce notes that this does not include the Hawaii Safe Travels Program, but Governor Ige has expressed interest in implementing the requirement statewide. Bruce also mentions Hawaii’s high gas prices (about a dollar more per gallon than the mainland average), and how that may affect your plans to get a rental vehicle on a Hawaii vacation. For the Restaurant of the Week, Bruce offers Brick Fire Tavern, a relatively new pizza restaurant in the retail/dining corridor of Kaimuki in Honolulu. Bruce was craving meatballs, he said, which were delicious. They followed with a Marguerita-style pizza with a perfect crust. He mentions some other non-pizza selections and notes that everything was terrific. Bruce moves the topic to the Malama Hawaii program that seeks to promote regenerative tourism that promotes the conservation and preservation of Hawaii's natural and cultural resources. There are programs available that provide for a free night’s stay at various properties if visitors volunteer for community projects like tree planting and beach cleanups. The Sustainable Hotel Package at the Waikiki Prince Hotel is noted as exceptional. Bruce offers details about the hotel’s program, including beach cleanups. Bruce says that he sees more and more discarded facemasks along with his daily Ka Iwi Coast hikes. He also mentions the Kualoa Ranch Malama Experience, a 2-hour “eco-adventure” that’s great for kids to learn about traditional Hawaiian methods of sustainability and taro farming. Bruce notes that the Hawaii Tourism Authority has a list of Hawaii hotels and resorts that participate in the Malama Hawaii program. The discussion turns to Off the Beaten Path Towns to Visit in Hawaii, and how supporting businesses there can help with sustainability efforts. Bruce first mentions a self-guided tour in the old sugar town of Koloa on Kauai, the Koloa Heritage Trail. It features many local foods and products and a monthly food truck and live music event. Bruce moves on to discuss Off the Beaten Path Towns such as Hawaii Haleiwa Town on Oahu’s North Shore, where the surfing, art, and restaurant communities are thriving far from the bustle of Waikiki and Honolulu. On the Big Island, Holualoa in “coffee country” is a great small town for local shopping. Bruce says Makawao in Upcountry Maui features Hawaii’s paniolo (cowboy) culture, and he mentions the popular Komodo Store there that offers deliciously baked and fried treats. Bruce suggests taking a horseback tour in Makawao and mentions the annual Makawao Rodeo. Bruce circles back to Heeia on Oahu, a tiny town on Kaneohe Bay. There is a small boat harbor, Heeia Pier, home to Heeia General Store (a beloved local eatery with sophisticated but affordable selections. Bruce also notes that Heeia is home to an 800-year-old native Hawaiian fishpond. “It’s really an amazing experience,” Bruce says, noting that the HAT Cultural Tour features the historic location. “Experiencing Hawaii’s small towns is a great way to immerse yourself in Hawaii’s island culture.”

Aloha Bruce offers some important Hawaii Travel Do's and Don'ts for your Hawaii vacation and talks about the importance of not “winging it” when it comes to planning a Hawaii vacation on the latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. He also gives some important Covid developments on potential Hawaii travel policy and requirement changes. Bruce starts by discussing proposed fees for Hawaii visitors to come to Hawaii and that they are unlikely to be implemented. He also notes that a “booster shot” requirement may soon be added by the State of Hawaii in order to be considered “fully vaccinated” under the Hawaii Safe Travels Program. Many State parks now require fees from visitors, for admission as at Hanauma Bay on Oahu or parking fees at the Nuuanu Pali Lookout. Bruce mentions several locations in Hawaii that have already instituted those kinds of fees. State and County parks and nature areas have different requirements. Bruce notes that these fees are part of the reason that you shouldn’t “wing it” when planning your Hawaii vacation. “You need to make your reservations in advance,” Bruce says. “You can’t just think that you’ll come here and get it all done.” He breaks down how public and industry policies have changed because of the Covid pandemic. Moving on to the Hawaii Travel Do's and Don'ts, Bruce remembers consulting for the Travel Channel on some things that are always true and some that have changed. He says that using words like “aloha” and “mahalo” sincerely can be helpful. He also notes that attempting to speak Hawaiian “pidgin” if you don’t speak it naturally is probably a bad idea. Bruce mentions HAT friend Lanai Tabura’s Hawaiian pidgin app as particularly insightful for those planning a Hawaii vacation. Bruce shares his own personal experience in moving to Hawaii 27 years ago and how long it took him to adjust to the pace of life in Hawaii. “Leave that Mainland attitude behind,” Bruce says, riffing on the peculiarities of driving in Hawaii. He also talks about not disturbing rock formations or trying to build them. “Just in general, stay away from that kind of thing.” And don't go naked at the beach! There are many social and cultural taboos that most visitors might be unaware of during a Hawaii vacation. Aloha Bruce’s expert insight offers important tips on how to avoid them, and how to best experience Hawaii while respecting its native and multicultural traditions. HAT’s sister company Secret Hawaii Tours is an excellent way to experience Hawaii in just such a manner.

This Tuesday, January 11, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast features host Aloha Bruce discussing the latest Hawaii Covid travel news, the Restaurant of the Week, and the differences between a regular condo and a “hybrid condo” for your Hawaii vacation. Bruce begins by discussing changes to the Hawaii Safe Travel Program, and he explains the QR code aspect of the program. He also says that it looks like Governor David Ige is close to making a third booster shot a requirement to be considered fully vaccinated. The recent arrival of the Grand Princess cruise ship is the first arrival of a cruise in Honolulu Harbor in two years, with more scheduled to return in the weeks and months to come. Bruce says you’ll need a proof of vaccination or a negative Covid ship to leave the ship while it is docked in Hawaii waters. The Restaurant of the Week is Lulu’s in Waikiki, across the street from Waikiki and Queen’s Beach. Bruce notes the outdoor seating option, and says that it makes a lot of people more comfortable than indoor dining. He mentions a couple of notable dishes (delicious) and says the price for food and drinks was very reasonable for Waikiki. Bruce moves on to the topic of the best time to vacation in Hawaii and when the best rates are available. April through mid-June and September through mid-December are the times of year for the best rates for a Hawaii vacation. He also recommends traveling with a group to get discounted rates. Bruce says accommodations with a kitchen can help save on food costs. He also mentions the importance of picking the right island(s) for your vacation needs and preferences. He also recommends enjoying many of the free and inexpensive attractions Hawaii offers, including the Pearl Harbor Memorial. The topic of choosing a condominium is up next, and Bruce explains the difference between different types of condos available throughout Hawaii. He also discusses “hybrid condos” like the Honua Kai on Maui. These condos have amenities like spas, restaurants and bars, and even activities for kids. Hybrid condos are slightly more expensive, and Bruce mentions the Kaanapali Shores as being highly popular for visitors. Bruce says Hawaii Aloha Travel can help you choose the vacation condo, hybrid or otherwise, that best suits what you are looking for on your Hawaii vacation.

For the first Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast of 2022, Aloha Bruce offers his picks for Hawaii “kid-friendly” vacation hotels and resorts with the best waterparks and pool slides for kids, as well as the latest COVID developments relating to Hawaii travel. Bruce begins with the news of changes to the Hawaii Safe Travels Program that […]

Aloha Bruce offers up a special extended 2021 year-end episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection for Tuesday, December 21, 2021 (new episodes return in the new year of 2022). He talks about booking Hawaii cruises (there are many), offers his restaurant recommendations, and gives his own unique perspective on the year that was 2021. Our host recalls talking with local news broadcaster Mahealani Richardson at the beginning of the COVID pandemic, and how two years have slipped by in the grips of the global crisis. Bruce notes that no new travel restrictions have been put in place as the Omicron variant continues to spread. Bruce begins with the Restaurants of the Week. Up first is The Counter, a unique burger place in Kahala Mall on Oahu, where he and Yaling enjoyed the turkey burger, impossible burger, a “burger bowl” and fried pickles. Bruce also mentions Fete in Chinatown, saying “I’m gonna give them another chance.” The topic of Duane “The Rock” Johnson is up next, and Bruce comments on the Hawaii superstar’s affinity for bringing fanny-packs for his Hawaii visits and Oahu being his favorite island. “Fanny packs are in!” Bruce also notes that the Obama family is back in Kailua on Oahu, where they stay at a Paradise Point property that goes for $5400 per night. “A lot of celebrities have stayed there,” Bruce notes. He also says Obama is building a home at the former Magnum PI “Masters Estate” in East Oahu. The topic moves on to what happens if you test positive for COVID during a Hawaii vacation. “It is quite a mess if that happens,” Bruce says. He mentions HAT’s Facebook Covid Support Page, a community of 5000 that tackles tough questions. “A lot of hotels are not accepting people who are Covid-positive.” Vacationers who do test positive are required to undergo 10 days of mandatory quarantine (without clearance from the Department of Health) out of their pocket. “It’s really a big problem now,” Bruce offers. He also makes the important point that visitors should have a contingency plan in the event that they do test positive. Next in Hawaii news is the high number of hiker rescues that have been made recently and an alarming number of trails that have been closed due to hazards, including an incident at Sacred Falls that killed multiple hikers years ago. Bruce says that Hawaii’s hiking community is increasingly frustrated with these closures due to hikers needing rescue from illegal trails. “Please take heed on these trails!” Bruce implores. The common question of finding remote, “exotic” Hawaii locations is up next. “Hawaii is not an exotic destination,” Bruce explains. “We’re not another country.” He discusses Kauai and the Big Island as being something close to “exotic” locations. Bruce notes that we are seeing an increase in cruise bookings. “Cruising, I think, is coming back,” he says, and offers some recommends a variety of Hawaii cruise options. He mentions a 17-day Holland America “circle island” cruise out of San Diego that visits each of the major islands, with day-stops. Among the many cruises and stops Bruce mentions is a Royal Caribbean “Quantum of the Seas” cruise that offers a wide variety of on-board activities out of Vancouver that makes stops on Maui and Oahu. The Norwegian Cruise Lines “Pride of America” Hawaii 7-day cruise also comes up, and Bruce mentions that rates are fairly high-end. The “Safari Explorer” yacht cruise that visits four islands including Molokai and Lanai is noted. BruceAlohaBruce signs off with a warm thank you and mahalo and happy holiday wishes to Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast listeners over the past 14 years from him and Aloha Yaling Fisher. “I love hearing from you!” We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii.

Trying to Get your Hawaii Vacation Budget worked out? Aloha Bruce gives listeners the insider low-down on hidden “resort” and “destination” fees that can catch visitors unaware and blow up a Hawaii vacation budget on this December 14, 2021, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. He’s coming in hot! Bruce starts off by noting that Hawaii is back to pre-pandemic visitor numbers during this busy holiday season. He also says that pandemic conditions remain essentially the same, with some restrictions lifted but almost everyone remaining masked indoors and getting vaccinated. Hawaii Aloha Travel can help visitors navigate the Hawaii Safe Travels program. Bruce’s Restaurant of the Week is on Oahu: Thai Valley Cuisine. It’s in Kalama Valley in Hawaii Kai. It’s great for takeout when enjoying area sights like the famous (and dangerous) Spitting Cave cliff overlook. The curries at Thai Valley, including delicious pineapple and “Evil” curry creations are “not too hot.” Moving on to the topic of resort fees, Bruce dives deep into the nature of how they are applied. “They are jacking up these fees to no end!” he says. They’re called “resort fees”, “destination fees”, “connection fees” and other sneaky ways of piling on charges. Bruce also discusses the hefty taxes levied on visitor accommodations. Bruce is animated as ever when talking about hidden Hawaii vacation budget busters; things like the excise tax, and the Transient Accommodation Tax (TAT) that comes in at 10.25%, and the fact that Hawaii’s counties are now able to add an additional 3% on top of the TAT. “Of course the counties have done it!” Bruce laughs. Most hotels, Bruce notes, do not include the tax with their published rates. He also talks about one unnamed hotel chain that will tack on a $5 “donation” to your bill. Fees can be changed at any time, and Bruce offers his 20-plus years of expertise about how to identify and understand them. They can be raised at any time which can take its toll on your Hawaii Vacation Budget! Bruce says that many condo properties are adding to the common “cleaning fee” an additional “resort fee”. Bruce jokes about an “air conditioner fee” at one property that applies when you don’t empty the home appliance before you leave. “Do you believe this? Who remembers to do this stuff?” Bruce also talks about bringing pets and service dogs along on a Hawaii vacation and how that may incur additional fees. A proposed “green fee” for all visitors comes up next, as well as another “pandemic fee” that has also been suggested. Bruce mentions an “extra person fee” at Sheraton, and when it might apply. He also talks about parking fees, “free breakfasts”, and other charges that add up in the end. In this latest episode of the podcast, Bruce offers a vital introduction to the kinds of taxes, charges, and fees that anyone planning and budgeting a Hawaii vacation should know about, and that only seasoned vacation planners like Hawaii Aloha Travel can help you understand. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. Get Help Planning Your Trip

After a week hiatus, Aloha Bruce is back for this Monday, December 6, 2021, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast with a Hawaii Travel update and he begins by talking about the current severe weather affecting most, if not all, of the Aloha State. Bruce explains that this time of year is our rainy […]

This Monday, November 22, 2021 Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast has Aloha Bruce discussing the latest developments in Hawaii vacation news, some listener questions, and some excellent holiday gift ideas from Hawaii as the busy Hawaii holiday season arrives. Bruce starts out by noting that Hawaii Holiday visitor arrivals surpassed 36,000 on this past Saturday alone. […]

Aloha Bruce is talking about some new and renovated Hotels available in Hawaii for 2021, as well from the vacation rental property debate underway throughout Hawaii’s counties on this Sunday, November 14, 2021 episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. “It feels like we’re coming out of the pandemic and you have to relearn everything about traveling!” Bruce observes. The $100 million renovations done at the Four Seasons on the Big Island is discussed, the largest they’ve done in 25 years. Bruce mentions several new amenities, including the Kumukai Marine Center, a million-gallon swimmable aquarium, and the addition of golf training facilities at Hualalai. Bruce moves on to the Outrigger Reef on the Beach in Waikiki, including a new 5-story Diamond Head Tower with various luxury suites, including a massive new private lanai, and renovations at the Kanikapila Grill, Monkeypod, and Merriman’s restaurants. “The whole design is pretty amazing,” says Bruce. Also on Oahu, the Turtle Bay Resort has completed renovations as well, the second major renovation in about 10 years. Bruce says the design has a lot of Native Hawaiian themes and notes other upgraded amenities. The Hilton Hawaiian Village has announced plans to build another skyscraper hotel on its Waikiki property for timeshares. Bruce also mentions a new Hilton property on Maui, as well as AC by Marriott in Wailea which is a great alternative to higher-end properties. Bruce notes that Hana Hotel by Hyatt is the only major property in the remote town. Renovations at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel are wrapping up, and Bruce mentions the Highgate renovation of the Royal Lahaina Hotel. On Kauai, The Timbers is noted, and The Lodge at Kukui Ula has opened on the site of a former sugar plantation in historic Koloa that offers unlimited amenities, including the opportunity to pick your own produce, which ties into the concept of “Malama Hawaii” or mindful tourism. The Princeville Resort on Kauai’s North Shore has been completely renovated, and Bruce notes that Hawaii Aloha Travel can offer the best deals on rates that are sometimes prohibitively expensive. Bruce moves on to discuss vacation rentals on Oahu, and an effort to restrict permitting on the island. The City Council recently passed restrictions through a key committee due to concerns of overcrowding in residential neighbors and the lack of affordable housing for residents. Bruce gives a quick rundown of recent measures at the City Council, including a proposal to increase the minimum stay of six months on residential properties and levying a $10,000 per day fine for violators. Bruce mentions HAT’s legal vacation rentals in Waikiki, and notes proposed expansions of resort areas to allow for more vacation rental inventory on Oahu.

Aloha Bruce tackles the question of whether or not to take your kids out of school for a Hawaii trip on this episone Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Bruce marvels that the pandemic has been going on this long, and notes that he received his vaccine booster shot without any side effects at all. He says being vaccinated makes a Hawaii vacation much more enjoyable than having to get tested to do almost anything indoors without it. “I’m not getting why so many people are so resistant to it,” Bruce says. “The vaccine is the way to go.” Bruce gives a rundown of the latest developments in Hawaii’s travel restrictions and requirements. “We are in, probably, the safest place in the country.” He talks about a common question from listeners and explains Hawaii Aloha Travel’s “all-inclusive” packages. He notes some booking mistakes people make, such as booking cheap airfare before booking accommodations that fit their travel budget. Bruce says that a vast majority of on HAT’s Facebook group page would absolutely take their kids out of school if it means getting a better deal on their Hawaii vacation. Cheaper rates come along during “off season” months, which coincide with when kids are in school. Bruce wonders out loud about creating distance learning for kids away from school with their families on vacation. “You can beat the crowds and beat the prices is to book during the off months,” Bruce says. He explains how HAT books families with kids during the school year and says planning well in advance is key. He advises informing teachers about your trip and possibly having kids do their schoolwork in advance, and incentivizing kids to get the work done here in Hawaii and at home. Bruce also discusses how much money you can save by booking well in advance and during the off seasons. “I don’t think you should feel guilty about pulling your kids out of school for a Hawaii vtrip. They might not even want to go back!”, Bruce jokes, and mentions the popular HBO series White Lotus, which was filmed on Maui. “That’s what happened to me!”