Flights to Hawaii have been super cheap lately especially off-season. We couldn't pass it up. We haven't traveled to Hawaii since the pandemic. We had to upload our info to the Hawaii Safe Travel website.
You can get Pre-Cleared at your departure airport to bypass the quarantine check when you land. Otherwise, you'll have a long line to wait in when you land. If you're traveling with kids under 5 y/o you cannot bypass the quarantine check. For Southwest flights, the pre-clear kiosk is located at Gate 28. I'd recommend going there right after you pass security since it's so close.
We arrived at the airport early so that we can utilize the lounge.
When you get approved for Pre-Clear they give you a wrist band so that you can bypass the quarantine check.
Seasonal drink at the lounge
Harvest Whiskey Crush: Jim Beam, honey jasmine tea, lemon, apple cider, bitters, club soda.
Robyn let the kids choose their own snacks for the flight. Jaylyn chose crackers and candy. I'm not surprised.
Southwest's snack pack. I do miss the meal that Hawaiian Airlines offers.
The weather was a perfect 80 degrees and it wasn't that humid either.
Some things have changed since the last time we visit Hawaii. It looks like the state is cracking down on short-term rentals. I noticed there were not that many houses available for rent on websites. I thought that the houses got rented out because it was busy, but as looked into it further the state had changed some rules. Homes have a minimum rental of 30 days (I've heard that they're trying to increase this minimum to 90-180 days) If rental properties get caught renting for less than the minimum there are huge fines. Apartments and condos are still available but I always enjoyed renting a beachfront home. I guess the issue with rental homes was that a lot of the owners figured out they would make more money renting short-term to tourists than to rent long-term to locals who wanted to live there. I can see why they're doing it, but I'm bummed that expensive to rent a house now.
We rented a condo at Waikiki Banyan. We've stayed here before and it's an excellent location in Waikiki and the price is great.
After we dropped off our things we headed to Rainbow Drive-In. It's our go-to spot for comfort food.
Breaded Pork Cutlet lunch plate and added gravy and eggs.
Mixed Plate: BBQ beef, breaded chicken, and Mahi Mahi.
Right down the street from Rainbow Drive-In is Safeway so we stocked up on snacks and beverages for the condo. We spent the remaining night having drinks at Robyn and John's condo.
We ended up going to bed early. We had a really early golf tee time. So I wanted to be well-rested for our first golf travel trip.
Tomorrow we're playing at Royal Hawaiian Golf Club and the rest of the group arrive.
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