I'm doing a bit of packing today preparing to leave for Maui tomorrow. We'll stay for about two and half weeks, mostly at our condo in Honokōwai. We will also spend a couple days over Thanksgiving in Hana. Looking forward to getting some sunshine. It is dark this time of year in Seattle.

The plane tickets are close to free thanks to the Alaska Visa card. The sign-up bonus varies, but it is typically 60-70,000 miles which is plenty to get a round trip to ticket from Seattle to Maui. The annual fee is $95, which includes a companion fare for $121, so pretty good value. Also, Bank of America doesn't seem to have a limit on the number of times you can sign up for the card. I'd guess I've signed up and canceled 10-15 times. The effect on my credit score has been very close to, if not actually, zero. If you live in Alaska's service area, you might wish to consider it.

I recently signed up for the Hawaiian Airlines credit card, which is almost as good. They were running a promotion where there was no minimum spend required. I literally bought a coffee and got 70,000 miles. Alas, it appears they have ended it. But still a good deal. Alaska and Hawaiian recently merged, and presumably their mileage plans will merge soon as well, which prompted me to sign up. Hawaiian flies to Asia and the South Pacific, so I'm hoping to be able to book reward travel to those locations direct with Hawaiian. You can do it on Alaska partner airlines, but reward seats are limited.

We're also staying at the Hana Hyatt on points. The Hana Hyatt is a great property. It is mid-century modern design, because it was, well, built in the mid-century. So a very classic, throw-back feel. Lovely pool and amazing views. No TV, no Internet, both of which I'm looking forward to.