I just received word from Priceline that they will continue to offer American Airlines’ flights on their system.  You can earn your AAdvantage frequent flyer miles booking thru them, as well.

For those who have not noticed, American Airlines recently pulled their flight availability from Orbitz and Expedia.  So, when searching for flights on those two systems, you will no longer have AA flights and prices searched.

It is an unfortunate trend as the more airlines pull their availability from various search sites, the less convenient it becomes for travelers to find the best price.  I happen to be a fan of both Orbitz and Expedia.  I should point out that American Airlines flights can also still be found on CheapOAir.com, at least as of this writing.

As airfares continue their trend to higher and higher levels, and there does not seem to be any end in sight for rising oil/fuel costs, it is less and less likely that you will find flights available at 2010 levels.  So, if you’re among those lucky ones who purchased your airline tickets earlier, congratulations!  (I’m jealous.)  For the rest of us, all I can say is that there are still some good deals to be had from the west coast, especially from Hawaiian Airlines.

Back in October of last year, I  commented on the United/Continental Airlines merger and how it might affect the number and cost of seats to Hawaii.  Well, I’m happy to observe that there has at least been one positive addition to come from this merger.

United/Continental has just announced that Continental will begin direct service in and out of Hilo (ITO) to Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO).  This brings direct service in and out of Hilo for the first time in 21 years.

Flights to and from LAX will be offered on a daily basis while flights to and from SFO will be offered once a week.  These new flights are scheduled to begin in June of this year.

This should be a welcome service to Hilo residents who will no longer have to drive to Kona (KOA) for direct service to the mainland or connect through Honolulu (HNL).  It could also be good for Hilo by making Hilo a more easily accessible destination for those interested in visiting the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which is only 30 miles away.

No special introductory rates have been announced, but tickets may be purchased now.  An initial check comes up with a rd-trip, mid-week ticket cost of $676 LAX-ITO.

That’s Merry Christmas for all of you who aren’t as familiar with this Hawaiian greeting as you may be with Aloha!

By now you’ve completed your Christmas shopping and are simply looking forward to getting together with the family, sitting back and enjoying, as the wrapping paper is shredded and boxes torn opened and in mere seconds, days…weeks…months of finding the perfect gift, is over.

These are difficult times that we are struggling to get through, the best way we can.  Hawaii, with its tourist based economy, is especially hard hit by the world economic slow down.  Tourism is down, hotel rooms sit idle, and restaurant revenues are less than they’d like, which means higher unemployment levels throughout the state.

Its a good time to remind ourselves that Christmas is NOT all about the gift giving or receiving.  It is a time to celebrate the Christian beliefs or whatever beliefs in a higher power you may hold.  It is truly a season for giving, but not necessarily in a physical gift.

It is the sharing of the gift of love for one another that no lack of money can take away.  In fact, often the tougher our finances become, the more the power of family, of Ohana, comes through the strongest.

So, with that in mind, I wish you all a Very Merry Christmas!

Now, don’t forget to cheer on the University of Hawaii Warriors at tonight’s Sheraton Hawaii Bowl…8:00 PM EST!

Randy

I don’t know if you’ve heard, but its not enough that car rental companies charge you a late fee if you return your car more than an hour later than you say you will, but now it appears, some of them are charging a fee if you return your car earlier than you said you would!

Dollar and Thrifty now charge a penalty if you return your car a day or more earlier than you had scheduled it for.  So, make sure your plans are firm if you intend on renting your car from either of these two companies.

Think that’s bad?  Well, ever since I heard the airlines were going to start charging a fee for blankets and pillows, I have been joking about how they will start charging to use the bathroom next!

Well, its finally happening!  After charging us for baggage, taking away the meals, downgrading snacks, and adding a fee for using their blankets…Ryanair, a European airline, recently announced plans to start charging $1.50 to use the bathroom!

Ryanair recently garnered media attention when passengers revolted by refusing to get off the airplane when fog closed their destination airport and caused them to land at another airport.   For the full story on the passenger revolt:  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40233766/

Of course, there’s always a chance that this charge will not spread, as the overhead baggage charge of $45 for using the overhead bin on Spirit Airlines, which has so far not gained support from any other airlines. (Knock-on-wood!)

Anyone care to add your two-cents to this post?

As of today, United Airlines and Continental Airlines are ONE!  It will likely take till the end of next year before all components of their operation are unified, but their airplanes should start to show off their new “United/Continental Globe” look, soon.

Since United and Continental represent a significant percentage of passenger seats from the mainland to Hawaii, this merger will result in higher fares we will all have to pay more to fly back and forth.  As if Hawaii’s tourist-reliant economy is not already suffering from the on-going recession (I don’t really care that the government says that we are “officially” NOT in a recession, nor do I think that most hotel/restaurant/service unemployed workers in Hawaii care), higher airfares will simply add to these woes.  To be fair, I should also include restaurant/hotel management/owners to that list.

The advantage to United/Continental are obvious.  Consolidation of operational services will result in savings.  The elimination of redundant flights will result in savings.  The removal of a competitor in a market will permit higher fares.

Notice, none of these merger benefits result in better service or lower fares as a result of these improved efficiencies.  In most businesses, operational savings often result in lower prices to the consumer, but the airlines operate under a completely different set of rules.

The existence of, and continued growth of, Southwest Airlines shows that the flying public is quickly reaching their limit of higher fares and add-on fees.  Southwest Airlines’ latest advertising campaign highlighting their “Bags Fly Free” policy makes a great point that by the time you ticket a family of four for a vacation, you end up paying for a 5th ticket by the time you add in all the add on fees the airlines seem intent on charging us.

AOL published an article regarding both these issues today:

http://news.travel.aol.com/2010/08/13/airline-fees-on-the-rise-again/

The one change I would love to see is making the costs of tickets transparent and easily comparable.  Right now, when you go to a ticketing website and find a fare, what you see is not often what you end up with!   I know I have gotten excited about finding a low fare, only to have that excitement smothered by the time I see the final price after they have added on all the fees and airport security and landing fees, etc.

If they know these fees apply to a particular routing and there is no option for NOT paying them to fly, then isn’t that really part of the cost of the ticket?  Does it really matter, other than being a technically different part of the cost?  When I click to select a flight based on the fare offered, I don’t want to have to go through another step, let alone 2 or 3, in order to see what the final cost of that ticket will actually be.

I would like to see travel websites and airline websites show the actual ticket cost up front, including all fees and charges.  I would also like them to post all the “optional” add-on fees in an easy to read, even easier to find, chart…baggage charges, seat selection charges, blanket/pillow use fees, etc., similar to the one that the AOL article uses.

What do you think?

World Class or Street Fare and Everything In-Between

It wasn’t that long ago that Hawaii was considered a waste land when it came to “good eats”, but that has changed and even the fussiest of connoisseurs will find dishes that will satisfy their pallets.  As for me, I personally am drawn to the more everyday dishes that can be found throughout the islands.

Some local favorites are well-known, such as King’s Hawaiian Bread which can be found in most grocery stores throughout the US.  Most tourists have heard of kahlua pig and the greater majority eventually get to try some at one of the many commercial luau’s.  And, of course, there’s the always popular, “poi”, which has been most aptly described as being a “paste-like dish”,  in appearance, consistency, and taste.  Even many of the locals add sugar when they eat it.

The beauty of Hawaii is the variety of food that are so readily available.  Food Courts have become standard fare at every major mall across the country.  Unfortunately, so have the vendors…the usual fast food chains, Chinese take-out, and occasionally a local or regional surprise or two.  My favorite food court doesn’t quite fit this standard mold and sits in a non-plus setting of the Ala Moana Shopping Center.  It doesn’t matter what you or those you are with are in the mood for, everyone will find something that will appeal to them.

Whether I’m in the mood for Chinese, Hawaiian, Japanese, a slice of pizza or a hotdog…they offer it.  And, for the most part, very tasty fare at that.   Its popularity with the locals attest to that.  It’s hard to beat the combination of variety and prices offered and I never miss an opportunity to eat there.

Odds are that you will have ample opportunities to try “Spam musubi” and “Loco-Moco”, both iconic foods unique to Hawaii.  It should be noted that, contrary to what many think, “Spam” is not made in Hawaii, but rather in Minnesota.  However, Hawaii leads the world in per capita consumption of this somewhat mysterious meat.  A love affair that can be traced back to the rations of World War II.   (I will say that if you compare the ingredients with the more popular hot dog, you might re-think your lowly opinion of Spam.)  You can even attend the annual Spam Jam, held in Waikiki around the end of April each year.

Loco-Moco is a dish consisting of rice topped traditionally with a hamburger patty, fried egg, and brown gravy.  Currently, there are a myriad of iterations of this favorite dish, cholesterol not withstanding.  Some places give you options as to what type of meat you’d prefer, some add macaroni salad as a side, but the rice, egg, and gravy are pretty much mainstays to the dish.  In other words, a lot of food for the money and a fitting meal for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

I also have a soft spot for Chinatown.  Whether I’m just wanting some manapua, char siu, roast duck, almond cookies, or something more substantial, the quality of food available there is pretty consistent.  It has to be, after all that’s where many of the recent arrivals and locals get their food daily.  Having said that, it should be noted that everyone has their favorite place to go when they want some manapua or char siu, which often times is not in the confines of Chinatown.

Legends restaurant is hard to beat for their dim sum…and I admit to having a passion for these little plates of delicacies.   The novelty and the chance to try something different by simply pointing out a tasty looking dish from a passing cart is hard to beat.  If you go, go with an adventurous mind and revel in new tastes and flavors that come with not knowing exactly what it is you’re pointing at!

The only danger is forgetting that each finger-point adds to the bill that can sometimes surprise you at checkout time.  Of course, you can get yourself somewhat prepared by simply counting the dishes piled on the table in front of you as your eyes add to your bill.

What’s your favorite eating establishment?  Is there a must-have dish for you?

What do you think about the continuing controversy of this Waikiki landmark? It appears that the International Marketplace’s days are numbered, as the Queen Emma Foundation (owner’s of the property) continue to review proposals from multiple land developers.

International Market Place, A Waikiki Icon

Do you think Waikiki really needs another “upscale” shopping mall?  Admittedly, the International Marketplace has grown long in the tooth and some of the kiosks and buildings are showing their age.  Maybe I’m just feeling too nostalgic these days, after years of watching so many of my old haunts disappear.

Map of the International Marketplace

Best guess, it will be well into 2011 before anything concrete can be anticipated.  So, at least for now, the International Marketplace will continue on, business as usual.  I, for one, will miss watching my daughters bargain-hunt for that perfect dress to take home.

Target date for some sort of decision has been set as the end of summer by the foundation.

What are your feelings?

Update: The days are numbered for this Waikiki landmark, as the International Marketplace will likely be razed before the end of 2013.  In its place, an upscale mall which will forever change the landscape as one of the oldest parts of this vacation destination disappears.

Update: Well, the wait is over and the International Marketplace is a thing of the past…at least  the original International Marketplace.  Removal of the old Marketplace began the first of 2014 and construction of the upscale mall began a few months later.  Check out a more recent post at http://www.myhawaiifoodfun.com/oahu/aloha-oi-international-marketplace/.

the GoSelect Card!   This discount program is brought to you by Smart Destinations, the same people who offer the Oahu GoCard.   Here’s how it works.   First, pick one of two pre-built packages:

1. the Popular Hawaii Three Pack (incl. Germaine’s Luau, Grand Circle Island Tour, and Pearl Harbor/Honolulu City Tour)  with a savings of 32% over walk-up prices; or
2. the Hawaiian Sand and Surf Package (incl. the Makani Catamaran Sail, Hanauma Bay Snorkel, Beach gear rental, and Canoe Ride by Hawaiian Ocean’s) with a savings of 28% over walk up prices.

Then, you can scroll thru more than two dozen other participating attractions and order a la carte.  The more you pick, the greater your savings. On the right side of the page you’ll see a summary of your choices and your overall Pass price and savings compared to paying walk-in price to these same attractions.

You must start off by picking one of the pre-built packages, then you must add at least two additional attractions to it or you can simply take one of the pre-built packages alone.

They still offer the Go Oahu Card, which offers discounts on 38 participating attractions and is good for 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7-days.  You have up to 2-weeks to use your allocated days.  In other words, if you had a 3-day card and planned on being in Honolulu for a week, you could use the card on any three of the days you choose and as often as you want on those three days.

I have previously said, and continue to believe, that the best buy is their 3 or 5-day cards.  The main reason I prefer those is because the 3, 5, and 7-day cards come with a bonus of your choice of one of the following:

• Dolphin Encounter at Sea Life Park (a $100 value)
• HA Breath of Life Dinner Show at the Polynesian Cultural Center (a $70 value)
• Half-Day Sunset Experience at Kualoa Ranch (Visit the sites of Hollywood blockbusters & TV shows filmed in the famed Kaaawa Valley,once the home of Kings and a place reserved for Hawaiian Royalty. This tour was named one of America’s top 10 Movie Site Tours and is Kualoa’s most popular way to see the Ranch. OR, the second included Tour is a visit to an ancient Hawaiian Fishpond & tropical gardens in beautiful Molii) (a $89 value)
• 18-holes of golf, a shared cart w/transportation from Waikiki (a $125 value)
• 1-day car rental from Dollar Rent-a-Car (a $49 value)
• Hawaiian Ocean Surf Lesson of at least an hour (a $35 value)
• Germaine’s Luau (a $72 value).

As you can see, worse case scenario, you are getting an additional $35 discount for getting the 3 or 5-day GoCard.  (Of course, in my case, I would be getting an additional $70-72 because I’d be eating my bonus at either the Polynesian Cultural Center luau or Germaine’s!)

So, why do I not include the 7-day card in my recommendation?  Well, I think that you can easily take advantage of just about every thing you want to do in 5-days and save the $36 difference.  Of course, if you plan on being on Oahu for a couple of weeks, you may want to get the 7-day Oahu GoCard and revisit some of your favorite attractions.

Prices were accurate as of  May 17, 2011.