Stephanie Serino's Travel Blog

We are at the Honolulu Airport waiting to board our flight to the Big Island. Last night we had a wonderful dinner at Orchids at Halekulani (the coconut cake was divine). Then we celebrated our last night on Oahu with a delicious lavender-cucumber Mojito at RumFire , the ocean-front hot spot at the Sheraton Waikiki . The moon was full, the breeze was as refreshing as the drink, and the view of Waikiki Beach was sensational. It's a 45 minute flight to Kona on the Big Island. We check into the Fairmont Orchid and then head to dinner at Mauna Lani Bay .

I had an amazing experience on the Island Seaplane Tour of Oahu. I took one million photos, click here for the Slideshow . Enjoy our Happy Landing!.

Aloha! Greetings from the Royal Hawaiian , A Luxury Collection Resort on Waikiki Beach. It's a beautiful day in Honolulu. It's a beautiful property and my room is lovely. This is my first Pink Palace hotel experience (but I hope it won't be the last). Last night we enjoyed the Royal Hawaiian Luau Aha'aina which is an amazing dinner show. The Samoan Fire Dancer was my personal favorite. We've been touring resorts since 6am this morning. So far, we've seen the Royal Hawaiian, Sheraton Waikiki, the Westin Moana Surfrider and the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Next stop, Trump International. And tomorrow, I will ride a Seaplane.

My trip to Hawaii has been confirmed for April 26-May 3! I'm really excited to stay at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Honolulu and the Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island. The itinerary is manic; we tour three or four resorts per day. Highlights of the trip will be: having dinner at the new Trump International , and the Halekulani (both with resort tours). On the Big Island, I'm arranging a private tour of the Four Seasons Hualalai . I'll try to make time to visit Pearl Harbor and the volcano too. I'll be posting details and photos here, so stay tuned.

Spirit Airlines has taken baggage fees to the next level and begun charging for carry-on bags. In fact, passengers will pay more for carry-on bags than checked bags (although personal items are still free). The excuse is that overhead bins are too crammed, which makes getting on and off the plane take longer. The logic is if you bring less, you pay less. The big question is: Will other airlines add similar fees? Wait and see - I'll keep you posted. Here's is a summary of Spirit's new policy: -If it's small enough to fit under the seat in front of you, it's free (16 x 14 x 12"). -Carry-on bag for overhead bin costs $30 online, $45 at gate (22 x 18 x 10") -First Checked bag is $19 online, $25 at airport -Second Checked bag is $25 online, $25 at airport -Third, fourth and fifth checked bags cost $100 each. *Members of their Club pay reduced baggage fees. The new policy is in effect for tickets purchased after April 6, and travel departing August 1, 2010 a...

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