* Hawaiian Airlines raised the cost of checked luggage for interisland flights. The good news is that you can avoid that increase by becoming a HawaiianMiles member, which is a free, frequent-flier membership. The fee for the first checked bag increased from $17 to $25, but the fee for HawaiianMiles members has dropped to $15. See this link for more information and fees for additional checked bags for interisland and North America flights.
* Hawaii interisland carrier go! Airlines will soon be gone! The airline announced that they are ceasing operations effective April 1, 2014. If you have a ticket on go! April 1 or after, see this link for refund instructions.
* Hawaiian Airlines is giving giving 240,000 HawaiianMiles to the winner of their Explorer Video Contest. This contest is open to legal residents of Australia and the US. Learn how to enter at this link.
* Big Island Video News shared a good update on recent Kilauea volcanic activity earlier this month. In short, there are a couple of very active spots and a substantial flow. The churning lava lake at Halemaumau Crater is still very active and easily accessed in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for viewing. The lava flow activity is remote. For the general public, the current lava flow is visible only by helicopter or plane tours.
* If the lava activity has piqued your interest in going to Hawaii, the Big Island, you might want to check out this hotel deal for four-star Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. You can purchase a three-night voucher in this newly refurbished, beachfront hotel for $599, which works out to just less than $200 per night. Multiple vouchers can be purchased for longer stays. This deal includes an upgraded oceanview room for up to two adults and two children as well as a free round of golf or $100 resort dining certificate. This link also includes a deal for Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Hapuna Prince’s sister resort, for $899 for a three night voucher.
* Kudos to Hawaii Outrigger Hotels and Resorts for their in-room and resort-wide recycling efforts that topped a new high for 2013. They collected more than 27 tons of recyclables which not only helps the environment, this effort also raised $27,000 for a local nonprofit providing services to Hawaii families in need.
Sheila Beal
