I love credit cards so much! v6.0 - 2023 (see first page for add'l details)

My heart hurts for Maui. I’ve been to the island probably half a dozen times and seeing the photos and videos is truly devastating to me. I have friends who live there and they are safe and their homes currently are as well, which is a blessing.

That said, I will be adjusting my upcoming Hawaii trip so as not to take resources away from Maui’s recovery.

I could either hop over to the Big Island (probably my preference) or extend my stay on Oahu. I’m already spending a few nights at Aulani, but would probably stay in Waikiki if I extend.

I’m Marriott Plat and Hyatt nothing lol. I’m currently pretty tapped out on points having just booked upcoming travel. I have maybe 100k Marriott points or am willing to spend up to $300/nt on hotel.

TL;DR Anyone have any suggestions for Waikiki or the Kona area of the Big Island?
 
My heart hurts for Maui. I’ve been to the island probably half a dozen times and seeing the photos and videos is truly devastating to me. I have friends who live there and they are safe and their homes currently are as well, which is a blessing.

That said, I will be adjusting my upcoming Hawaii trip so as not to take resources away from Maui’s recovery.

I could either hop over to the Big Island (probably my preference) or extend my stay on Oahu. I’m already spending a few nights at Aulani, but would probably stay in Waikiki if I extend.

I’m Marriott Plat and Hyatt nothing lol. I’m currently pretty tapped out on points having just booked upcoming travel. I have maybe 100k Marriott points or am willing to spend up to $300/nt on hotel.

TL;DR Anyone have any suggestions for Waikiki or the Kona area of the Big Island?

The hyatt across from the beach on waikiki is nice. Depends on what you plan to do when you are there and for how many nights. But also there are good hotels that aren't big chain that are goof since you are willing to pay cash.

I'd also take a look at the big island. It's nothing like what's hit Maui but they do have a fire near waikaloa.

Heard lahaina including boats at the marina are all gone. The giant banyan tree too. Such crazy circumstances to get to this point. They are evacuating tourists and residents to the convention center on Oahu if needed. Hopefully they can get control of the fire near wailea, haven't heard anything other than it's near the four seasons which means near a lot of resorts.
 
Heard lahaina including boats at the marina are all gone. The giant banyan tree too. Such crazy circumstances to get to this point. They are evacuating tourists and residents to the convention center on Oahu if needed. Hopefully they can get control of the fire near wailea, haven't heard anything other than it's near the four seasons which means near a lot of resorts.

That's so tragic about Lahaina and the banyan tree.

ETA: The banyan tree has become a worldwide attraction as it is the largest banyan tree in Hawaii and the US. Spanning 1.94 acres, the enormous tree possesses 16 trunks and stands over 60ft high on 671 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761
 
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The hyatt across from the beach on waikiki is nice. Depends on what you plan to do when you are there and for how many nights. But also there are good hotels that aren't big chain that are goof since you are willing to pay cash.

I'd also take a look at the big island. It's nothing like what's hit Maui but they do have a fire near waikaloa.

Heard lahaina including boats at the marina are all gone. The giant banyan tree too. Such crazy circumstances to get to this point. They are evacuating tourists and residents to the convention center on Oahu if needed. Hopefully they can get control of the fire near wailea, haven't heard anything other than it's near the four seasons which means near a lot of resorts.
They let the people from Kihei that had been evacuated back last I heard.

I didn’t realize Big Island had fires too. Thankful it’s not worse there.

I’ve been to both Oahu and the Big Island before and done a lot of the tourist stuff so I may just be a pool/beach bum.

I’m also considering Lana’i. I was originally supposed to do a day trip from Maui there on the ferry but obviously that’s not going to happen. But I discovered that you can fly direct from Honolulu, so maybe I’ll hop over there for a couple days. I do know that there are very few hotels over there and they’re pretty pricey.

I’m just experiencing decision paralysis 🤣
 
That's actually what I use right now--a Kate Spade continental wallet that my sister gave me. I know that style works for me. I wish I could get used to a smaller wallet, but I don't think it's possible for everyday use. I need a middle zipper for cones, a section for gift and loyalty cards, and lots of credit card slots. I probably just need another Kate Spade--don't fix what isn't broken!
I love my Kate Spade. I have the large slim bifold, the continental felt too big for me. I also use a small card holder for my most used CCs.
 
They let the people from Kihei that had been evacuated back last I heard.

I didn’t realize Big Island had fires too. Thankful it’s not worse there.

I’ve been to both Oahu and the Big Island before and done a lot of the tourist stuff so I may just be a pool/beach bum.

I’m also considering Lana’i. I was originally supposed to do a day trip from Maui there on the ferry but obviously that’s not going to happen. But I discovered that you can fly direct from Honolulu, so maybe I’ll hop over there for a couple days. I do know that there are very few hotels over there and they’re pretty pricey.

I’m just experiencing decision paralysis 🤣

We've stayed at the HGVC Kings' Land twice before and enjoy it. Big pool complex plus you get access to the Hilton Waikoloa Village pools. Cash rates are often a little under $300 (without taxes though) and they are all suites.

Or Moloka'i? I haven't been but it intrigues me. Can also fly direct from HNL. Should be cheaper than Lana'i.
 
They let the people from Kihei that had been evacuated back last I heard.

I didn’t realize Big Island had fires too. Thankful it’s not worse there.

I’ve been to both Oahu and the Big Island before and done a lot of the tourist stuff so I may just be a pool/beach bum.

I’m also considering Lana’i. I was originally supposed to do a day trip from Maui there on the ferry but obviously that’s not going to happen. But I discovered that you can fly direct from Honolulu, so maybe I’ll hop over there for a couple days. I do know that there are very few hotels over there and they’re pretty pricey.

I’m just experiencing decision paralysis 🤣

If/when I go back to Hawaii I want to go to Molokai. Heard good things about lanai.

I don't know anything about the pool at the hyatt. Since you've been there I'd try somewhere new or go to the big island if you want relaxing and pool. That doesn't describe Waikiki to me 🙂 I think HHV would be a bummer after Aulani.
 
They let the people from Kihei that had been evacuated back last I heard.

I didn’t realize Big Island had fires too. Thankful it’s not worse there.

I’ve been to both Oahu and the Big Island before and done a lot of the tourist stuff so I may just be a pool/beach bum.

I’m also considering Lana’i. I was originally supposed to do a day trip from Maui there on the ferry but obviously that’s not going to happen. But I discovered that you can fly direct from Honolulu, so maybe I’ll hop over there for a couple days. I do know that there are very few hotels over there and they’re pretty pricey.

I’m just experiencing decision paralysis 🤣
Whenever I go to Hawaii I think to myself I’d love to do Lanai- but as soon as I google up the hotel prices I quickly decide the other available islands are quite lovely!
 
@ten6mom and anyone else looking at Hawaii ot has a trip planned. Maui may be out for awhile depending on where and when you are going. These wild fires are devastating and has burned some of Lahaina. Sounds like kannapali also has been hit. No signs of containment any time soon either. So sad and feel for all the residents that have lost their homes.
Our hearts go out to all of the people in Hawaii dealing with the devastating fires and loss. We have a trip planned which starts mid-Sept and includes 8 nights on Maui (hotel in Lahaina). The damage looks catastrophic, and I think we should change to a different island for this part of the trip since the island's resources are limited and need to be utilized for residents.
 
One of our very favorite vacations was in Lakeside, Ohio--the Chautauqua on Lake Erie. I found it after reading a Family Fun Magazine story on great beach towns. It was charming, relaxing, and close to Cedar Point, so we spent a day there. The beaches, however, were very different. The dark water was very shallow so we could walk out quite a distance, and the shores were pebbly rather than sand. I keep trying to get us back to that place because it was such a good vacation for our young family.

from Wiki: Chautauqua is an adult education and social movement in the United States that peaked in popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Chautauqua assemblies expanded and spread throughout rural America until the mid-1920s. The Chautauqua brought entertainment and culture for the whole community, with speakers, teachers, musicians, showmen, preachers, and specialists of the day.[1] U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt said that Chautauqua is "the most American thing in America".[2][3]​
I didn't realize until this past weekend that Chautauqua was something that happened across the US. We went for a hike at the Chautauqua in Boulder (which I'd always just thought was a name for the location, not a social and educational movement) and it felt almost magical. It was unseasonably cool for an August day, with mist and fog settling on the tops of the Flatirons and so many people outdoors with friends, family, and dogs. The Boulder Philharmonic was rehearsing in the auditorium and flowers were blooming. As we were hiking we came upon a deer that was munching on dandelion leaves and it was so calm and we were able to pass by so close to it, all while hearing symphonic music in the background. It was one of those moments I wish I could have frozen and kept forever. An educational plaque I saw said the Boulder Chautauqua is the oldest continuously operating Chautauqua west of the Mississippi. If you're ever visiting Colorado I highly recommend checking it out. But I'll add that it's great if you're able-bodied, and not great if you have mobility issues.
 
I believe it was a new benefit added in 2021?... according to the points guy at least. I've never kept a CSP past the year, but you are supposed to get a 10% anniversary bonus. Mine shows an ongoing "tracker" online of how much my bonus will be.

ETA: Here's what it looks like from my Rewards Activity page... and it shows the amount of URs next to it...
View attachment 784155
Been out of touch for a couple of days. I completely forgot about the 10% bonus.
Thanks for the reminder.
 
I didn't realize until this past weekend that Chautauqua was something that happened across the US. We went for a hike at the Chautauqua in Boulder (which I'd always just thought was a name for the location, not a social and educational movement) and it felt almost magical. It was unseasonably cool for an August day, with mist and fog settling on the tops of the Flatirons and so many people outdoors with friends, family, and dogs. The Boulder Philharmonic was rehearsing in the auditorium and flowers were blooming. As we were hiking we came upon a deer that was munching on dandelion leaves and it was so calm and we were able to pass by so close to it, all while hearing symphonic music in the background. It was one of those moments I wish I could have frozen and kept forever. An educational plaque I saw said the Boulder Chautauqua is the oldest continuously operating Chautauqua west of the Mississippi. If you're ever visiting Colorado I highly recommend checking it out. But I'll add that it's great if you're able-bodied, and not great if you have mobility issues.
I had no idea they did this in Boulder. This is one of my favorite places on earth and what you described would have been just magical to experience in person. Thank you for putting this on my radar, I can picture it in my head!
 
For the few that have flown air canada. Is it generally cheaper miles to redeem via United or aeroplan? Or is that something I can look up if I register for aeroplan?
 
What would you all do? My original plan was to pay for our roof with my Amex Hilton Biz, but just got the invoice and they don’t take Amex. Which ruins my plans for our Disney trip, was hoping to earn a FNC from the $15K spend.

We have to pay with Visa or Master Card.
We have Hyatt, CIP, Citi AA, CIC, NavyFed Flagship.
We'll pay $4K on our CIP to meet the MSR. So we would need to charge the other $8K on a card. What would you all do?
 
What would you all do? My original plan was to pay for our roof with my Amex Hilton Biz, but just got the invoice and they don’t take Amex. Which ruins my plans for our Disney trip, was hoping to earn a FNC from the $15K spend.

We have to pay with Visa or Master Card.
We have Hyatt, CIP, Citi AA, CIC, NavyFed Flagship.
We'll pay $4K on our CIP to meet the MSR. So we would need to charge the other $8K on a card. What would you all do?

Use the hyatt to get the fnc for spend there?

Or open a new card.
 

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