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Trip Report Maui

For anyone interested in the free downloadable PDF version of Maui Revealed, after extensively searching online I found this! It truly came in handy.


Since it is not as easy to vacation during the week for us, it is when we have long weekends that we like to take advantage. After visiting Kauai for memorial day weekend in September of 2017 TR Here we loved it so much that we planned to visit all the islands, something that is not as hard to do when living in LA.

Booking our flights about 2 weeks in advance we had a tough time finding availability through KE for their cheap 45k first class flights. When they also didn’t have availability for Y we looked through all our other options before we used MR. Since I have a ton of those and still have 50% back till end of March it made it an easy decision. I booked our way there LAX-OGG on AA for 11,750 each (after the 50% back) and then a hidden city flight, OGG-LAX-SAN, with UA for 9,310 (after the 50% back). So total for the flights were 21,060 a person.

While booking flights there seemed to be no availability for any of the hotels recommended throughout several forums and threads, and it seemed that our only option at the time was the Ritz Carlton. Although, it wouldn’t have been the worst option considering I have several free nights there it seemed that people advised to stay away from that part of the island. Therefore, I set up alerts on hotelroomalerts.com for the Andazz, Marriot, Hilton, Hyatt regency, as well as others. A couple days later I happened to wake up in the middle of the night and for some reason thought it was a good idea to check the Hyatt app for availability. I saw that single days were available for most of our stay at the Hyatt Regency and I booked it! For the days that were missing I adjusted my hotel room alert and a couple days later the rest opened up. The Andaz only had one night available and although I wanted to stay there it wouldn’t have been worth the hassle to have to pack up all the stuff and stay there for such a short time. The Hyatt Regency was 20k UR a night for 4 nights. Totaling to 80k for the hotel stay.

Now that flights and hotels were booked we looked into renting a car. Having Presidents Circle has been great in terms of upgrades and by sheer luck on our Kauai trip a SS Camaro happened to pull in when we were set to pick up our “corolla”. We didn’t want to take the chance this time so I booked with my friends Hertz Platinum status he earned through the black card and some CVV codes we got a great deal at $22.50 a day for a Corolla. Since we were traveling with my brother in law, Sister, and their newborn baby we decided we would chose the Wrangler over the Camaro for our upgrade. Without using Plat status the Wrangler would have been $1,100 for those 4 days while the Camaro was going for $315.

Timing worked perfectly for this flight as a Grubhub promotion came out a week before our flight which allowed one to get $20 off $20. Although I had seen it when every blogger posted about it, I was so busy that I just set it aside for later and almost forgot about it when a friend messaged me asking me about my experience with the promotion. Within 10 or so minutes, I had me, my wife, and my brother in law, get approximately 250 codes to use over the next two weeks before they expire. So for the days leading up to the flight I was ordering SO MUCH food for me, my family, friends (even though I had sent this deal out to them, with a dumbed down explanation explaining how to get unlimited codes, they only get like max 5-10 ::) ), and randoms in need. This deal was truly amazing because I was ably to try all these foods from restaurants around Los Angeles that I typically hesitated to try and would have never actually paid for. While still being able to enjoy massive meals every day, as well as stocking up our house in Snapple’s, we ordered take out food from restaurants all around LA to freeze the food and pack it in the polar bear cooler to reheat in Maui.

Of course, something dramatic just HAD to happen. The night before the flight, we packed all our food and, thankfully, it was stored with my brother-in-law. Our bags and everything we needed was also packed and our alarm was set for 5AM, so I can do some work before our 8 AM flight, as well as every 10-20 minutes after that till 6:20, just incase. Apparently, I had put my phone into the wrong charger, which happened to not be plugged in, something that has never happened to me before, and my phone died in the middle of the night. Therefore, rendering my alarms useless and leaving me dead asleep till 6:58 when my wife woke me up shocked at the time. I typically wake up before my alarm but I guess we went to sleep late that night and were exhausted. My sister and brother in law, parents, and in laws all tried calling but my wife’s phone was on vibrate and I guess it was not enough to wake us up. Neither was the constant banging and knock on doors from my sister who came to try to wake us up. I guess, the way our home is positioned, the bedroom is all the way in the back and when our door is closed you would not be able to hear someone knocking. After giving up and thinking maybe we had already gone to the airport they left, luckily they had the food bag and were able to check it in. Within minutes of our 7AM wake up we were dressed and almost out the door when we noticed a knock on our door. My Mother in Law was asked to check on us and although we ordered an Uber we cancelled it and had her rush drive us to the airport. We, somehow, made it with 10-15 minutes to spare and boarded the plane!

I attempted to take advantage of the several hundred dollars I got from the Groundlink promo but seems as though I could not get through the last part of the booking stage even though my account was active and credits were in the account. When calling in they were not even able to pull up my account… Then, after spending 15 minutes trying to get an Uber from the airport to the hotel, wanting to use some of the thousands of dollars I racked up from the VLO’s, no one accepted our drive request. So, we negotiated with a taxi driver to take us for the hour or so drive to the Hyatt Regency Maui for $80 with a CC. Traffic was pretty bad but we made it.

We decided to reserve the car at the Hertz location at the Regency because it was substantially cheaper, but they did have much less options to choose from. ( I would highly advise one to look into if they will offer complimentary pickup from the airport. We did not know to ask for such a service but I vaguely remember hearing that they do this) We got to the hotel at around 1:30 and the room was not available until 4:00. They took down my number and texted me when it was available and gave me 4 complimentary drink coupons for the inconvenience. They were at 98.2% occupancy, so they couldn’t give me a suite, but they upgraded us to the highest floor with ocean and mountain balcony views.

While waiting we picked up our car a couple hours early. They automatically upgraded our corolla to a Chrysler 300 but we asked for a Jeep and they gave it to us. They only had a two door jeep available and it did not seem to be a newer version of the car. Overall, it was just not the most ideal car for 4 people and a baby so as we were driving towards Costco to restock on some stuff. Since we were nearby we went to the airport Hertz and said the car was having problems and we didn’t feel comfortable driving it, they took the car not asking us to pay for any gas, and although they did not have much available to give (since it was a busy weekend) they traded the Jeep for the Infiniti Q70. This car was much more comfortable, roomy, and was just overall great! With a new car, a new tank of gas, and everyone not feeling cramped, we drove back to the hotel to settle in.

The hotel itself was really nice. Here are some day drone pics and here are some sunset shots of the hotel and areas surrounding it! And here are the, not so well taken, room pics.It seemed like a condensed and not as nice version of the GH Kaui but I thought the pools and beaches were better. There were talking birds, Penguins, Swans, Flamingos, and some other stunning animals and garden areas. The hotel was nice enough to give us a crib, microwave, and an extra fridge for no charge. We went to sleep relatively early after touring the hotel at night. They had a laundry room, macy’s, and other shops.

Character Limit!

I tried to book an Airbnb with this girl in Rome. I liked her profile because it said she was a foodie, a blogger, and a photographer. She rejected my request because she already had a booking off of airbnb.

I must have said something that resonated with her because she messaged me a few days later and invited me to grab some beers with her friends. I'M IN!

Fast forward a few months and I'm in Rome staying somewhere else. Its raining and I'm thinking... maybe I'll bail on this drinks thing - she hasnt really followed up. At the last minute - I'm late now - I decide... what the hell I'm just gonna sit here doing nothing. I hail a taxi and head to a place named Birra+.

She's there and after a warm welcome, I start meeting her friends. First one is a sommelier, next one is a sous chef, next one is a food blogger, and it keeps going... these people are ALL food industry people. "What is going on here?" I thought.

I eventually find out, she's a food blogger AND also a New York Times travel writer. Published a few times, has her own app, etc. WOW! She was testing out an Italian beer tasting tour on her friends, and I got to join it. It really was a fantastic experience.

The rest of my trip was filled with THE BEST food recommendations for any price point. I still keep in touch with some of her friends to this day. I got to go to a michelin star - meet the chef. I got recommendations on best wine bars and which wines to try. It completely made my trip! Memories for a lifetime.

BTW if anyone is interested her name is Katie Parla. She now has her own book and is writing another book on the Italian island food right now. Also looks like she still does the Italian beer tour doesnt look like she lists prices... I'm guessing shes super expensive.

I leave the grinder at home and bring ground coffee because it's easier. I find that as long as I have a consistent grind size that that makes it good enough. We do pour over and cold brew and I use a larger grind for that, so I feel that the ground coffee stays fresher longer. Bringing an aeropress would be good too, but aeropressing coffee for two is a big time sink. I would also use a much finer grind size with my aeropress, so that would make the ground coffee not as fresh, because it is ground finer.

We used to try and support small coffee shops, but I find that I usually am disappointed with the espresso or the brewed coffee.

If it's a blade grinder, I wouldn't bring that because I think pre-ground coffee is better than fresh ground in a blade grinder. A hand-crank burr grinder would be the only thing that would do the trick, but If you get a nice consistent grind at home I find that to get me a better cup of coffee than what I can find locally.

Next trip, I'm going to bring these. I'll fill them with ground coffee at home, and make a one liter batch of cold brew every morning, bring it with and let it brew all day and chill in the fridge all night, take the bag out in the morning and enjoy my cold brew. You have to make it a day in advance, but if you do it every day you'll have awesome cold brew every day.

I travel with my 4yo kid, and my wife is NOT a morning person. I find the effort I put into having nice coffee on my vacation to be well worth the effort.

I know it's not exactly inconspicuous but this is my favorite travel backpack.

I love it because it fits under the seat in front of me so I never have to worry about overhead bin space. It holds my 15.6in laptop in a dedicated sleeve with a secure tab. I like the water bottle pocket and all the organization on the inside. I like that it has a key ring too. I also use the "sunglasses" pocket on the upper inside of the backpack. That's where I keep my passport, etc. I actually keep my sunglasses case in the front outside pocket.

Anyway, the backpack is the PERFECT size for traveling, IMO. And it's cheap enough that you can buy another if you need to in the future.

I recommend a credit card holder like this for sock drawer cards.

As far as the CSP, wait until the annual fee posts, then call to either cancel or PC it to a no annual fee card like the Chase Freedom or Chase Freedom Unlimited (both of which have ways to earn bonus points). The annual fee will be refunded if you PC within 30-41 days.

Also, if you don't have any other premium Chase cards such as CSR or CIP, then make sure you transfer out any UR to any transfer partners before getting rid of the CSP.

This isn't a wallet but I use this 3-Compartment Organizer Tray hold my active gift, credit and debit cards. Perfect size.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KAZ13II/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

> Just ordered this will report back when it arrives,I'm hoping will >allow me to store all my loyalty cards as well. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00UBNWLB2/ref=mp_s_a_1_>2?ie=UTF8&qid=1483394230&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=credit+card+organizer>&dpPl=1&dpID=51OjY2cgVPL&ref=plSrch



I have this wallet for my mass storage, it works very well and I am happy with it.

I use a two wallet system.
There just isn't(or haven't found) a wallet that will hold all 13 of my active cards without being bulky.

So I have this for mass storage, 19 cards, two pockets for cash/MO.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0067FKBDI/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483394344&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=20+card+wallet&dpPl=1&dpID=41ZxDt3DCSL&ref=plSrch

And this for the 3-4 I'm using at the time.
https://factory.jcrew.com/mens-clothing/accessories/wallets/PRDOVR~02848/02848.jsp?color_name=Brown&srcCode=FAGGPF00001_99103085740_192724339_13187519779_62293577359_m_pla_pla-62293577359_9009652&sisearchengine=197&siproduct=02848&noPopUp=true&gclid=CjwKEAiAkajDBRCRq8Czmdj-yFgSJADikZggIpDcS6lIXvIP5qrJcDkLGzcfbAOn2RneQsmolnQXKRoCxcLw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds


Just ordered this will report back when it arrives,I'm hoping will allow me to store all my loyalty cards as well.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00UBNWLB2/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1483394230&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=credit+card+organizer&dpPl=1&dpID=51OjY2cgVPL&ref=plSrch

Many Bank of America cards currently have an offer for a 5% statement credit for Airbnb. That will save you $25.

You could also buy an Amazon gift card at Office Max / Office Depot / Staples using a Chase Ink card that give 5X points at office supply stores. Then use that to buy an Airbnb gift card.

Clearly you need one of these for home.

I got myself a Bellroy Low Down, fits Amex Gold, CSR, Freedom, two MSR cards, debit, ID, health insurance, and 8-10 bills easily and stays super thin.

That actually sounds like an awesome idea.

I predict a lot of people will get this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UBNWLHQ/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Probably one of my best cheap purchases.

I got one of these and it's been a life saver compared to just having a giant pile: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UBNWLB2/ref=twister_B00UBNWKVS?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I only keep 2-5 cards in my wallet (depending on overlap): restaurant bonus, grocery bonus, Costco bonus, and 1-2 min spend cards.

For those looking to organize their sock drawers a bit better, I've been very happy with this holder: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UBNWLB2

The only downside is that it doesn't have any tabs or anything for quickly turning to a particular "group" of cards, so I just used some sticky notes. It has a great feel to it after it's loaded up and I'll probably need a second one real soon now.

You don't need to be a hardcore churner to not waste slots.

The AMEX Amazon card which gives 5% at Amazon and Whole Foods would make a whole lot more sense if you are that desperate. It even has a comparatively generous $125 bonus!

Found the churner nevermind... just realized this IS the churning subreddit. I've personally found this one to be of better quality. And the card pockets are a little easier to insert and remove the cards. As for closing it when it's full, the snap clasp has two positions and the cover is flexible enough for it to close well.

Great question! I've tried a bunch, but by far this is my favorite!

Super slim and with a simple pull on the tab, it allows you quick access to four different cards. It will hold up to 15 cards, no problem!

I carry a Radix One Slim. I currently carry 4 cards, an ID, and a little bit of cash. cheap, small, but pulling cards out gracefully takes a little getting used to. the other downside is that you need to fold your cash, but the R1 Slim is freaking small. been carrying this for a little over 6 months and I love it.

I can't remember if I bought it from Amazon or directly from their website.

http://radixproducts.bigcartel.com/product/radix-one-slim-wallet-smoke-black

I use this for long-term storage and it gets linked in this sub as a storage "binder" kind of often.
https://www.amazon.com/Boshiho-Leather-Credit-Holder-Business/dp/B00UBNWLB2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483395296&sr=8-1&keywords=Boshiho+Leather+Credit+Card+Holder

I use the Basics Slim Wallet and love it. I keep 15-16 cards in it easy.

I was just in your shoes as my former wallet was falling apart. After a decent amount of research I settled on the Distil Union Wally ([link](Distil Union Wally Bifold Slim Leather Wallets for Men - Money Clip, Credit Card Holder, Billfold (Ink with Flexlock) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M8MFWXS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_RcmsybCVVJ324). I've only had it for about two weeks but it's been great thus far. It's a bit on the minimal side, but I had gotten really tired of sitting on a big wad of cards, cash, and receipts all day, so it's been nice to go the other direction.

Did you have a particular style you were looking for?

has the $150 sign up bonus for Amex Amazon Business credit card ended? dont seem to see it here


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07984JN3L/

I keep them in one of these cheap business card holders. I also throw in other reward cards like the ANA reward card, car rentals, store reward cards like CVS, etc and just categorize

Though, I doubt I'd need to take em out to use, but it's just handy to look through when I do need to find something

Here's a few from Amazon:

$3 - 24 cards - cheaply made but probably adequate for storing cards at home - http://www.amazon.com/Fashion-Credit-Business-Holder-Organizer/dp/B00LNWAL6C/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1418238883&sr=8-5&keywords=credit+card+holder

$11 - 20 cards - looks a little better made but probably not everyday carry - http://www.amazon.com/kilofly-Credit-Card-Holder-Gift-/dp/B009AR1N8M/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1418238883&sr=8-7&keywords=credit+card+holder

$10 - 20 cards - bifold style - http://www.amazon.com/Leather-Bifold-Credit-Holder-1529CF/dp/B0067FKBDI/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1418239053&sr=8-4&keywords=credit+card+holder

CIti Costco Anywhere: Gas 4%, dining travel 3%
Chase freedom or/and discover depending on the quarter.
One debt card from chase or citi, does not matter in case credit card is not accepted.
DL.
$20 bill
Photocopy (trimmed) of all membership card that does not use mag strip, total 6 pics, as thin as one credit card.


After reducing the cards in my wallet, I am able to use this wallet. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FICEK6Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have this one. The pull tab is great as I can easily access my MSR cards

Can anyone find me a wallet with this form factor WITHOUT the money slot? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018JOTOOQ/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_7?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A7NZ7TPDDHHLP

Thanks friends

Ive had it for a year now, this thig is wonderful. I recommend it!
EDIT: I was wrong, I have this one. Same brand and i like the clip
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FUYP6YA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

So I have always taken great pride in not letting churning impact what I buy, but unfortunately yesterday I broke my rule and let the hobby directly impact a purchase. With 40 new credit and debit cards in the ~6 months since I have started, and 3 more in the mail and on their way to me, it has become a bit unruly to just toss them in a drawer. What time and day does churners anonymous meet again? I think I am ready to admit I have a problem...

I got this one:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016060BG/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
For what I needed (and really cheap), it's great.

I use this guy, works pretty well for both P2 and me.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UBNWLB2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_bhkXCb4829Q7K

I use this business card album, it works great. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006YZV1I

I got my husband Decadent Minimalist DM1 3-4 years ago, still looks and feels great

I hold my credit and debit cards in a business card folder like this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00UBNWLHQ/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use this Rolodex one that holds 96 cards. Yea it's $18 but the quality is really nice.

I like this 90 card holder - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UBNWLB2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

Edit: As others have pointed out, this one is quite large when filled with cards - definitely storage sized, not pocket sized. :)

I ended up with 24 AU cards from the amex AU bonuses. figured enough was enough and bought two of these, one for credits/AU cards and the other for debits/serve/BB cards

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UBNWLB2/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I keep all my old credit cards in a Rolodex book. It's a nice way to reminisce on churning progress. Plus, they are already canceled, so there is no harm in keeping them around (I track all purchases in Mint just to be sure though).

Distil Union Wally Bifold Slim Leather Wallet. Can hold a couple to many cards - my favorite wallet ever! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M8MFWXS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_xwYAybXE10VSK

I've been struggling with this, too, and have bought every recommended item on this sub so far over the past year. This one is the best for storage, though you will need a second one quicker than some of the others.

Amazon is doing a flash sale on AirBNB GCs; $35 gets you a $50 CG with code AIRBNB15. The site is here. Just fill out the info (select $50) and add the coupon code on the next page.
It looks like it is limited to 1 per Amazon account

Thanks, I ended up getting this one.

I’ve been using the [Boshiho Leather Credit Card Holder] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UBNWLB2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_PpozCbHFEWBNQ) for over 2 years and only a couple slots have torn.

Also, P2 uses the smaller [Business Card Holder Book PU Leather] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZR6OG4I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_jBXLzrjMeCJAY) and it works great.

What do you guys do to keep your cards organized? I was looking at something like this Business ID holder

I just got this wallet. It's cheap ($12), small and compact, and holds 6 cards. You may need something bigger though but for me it works well as I have 3 cards in my every-day wallet and 6 in the other.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0142F0BUC/ref=cm_sw_r_oth_api_uRByybC67MYDS

Leatherette Business Card / Credit Card Organizer Book - 96/188 Cards (96 Cell) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0142F0BUC/ref=cm_sw_r_oth_api_uRByybC67MYDS

They have a business card that will give you $100-$150.


Amazon business credit card (Amex)

I like this a lot: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016060BG/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It holds up to 96 cards and it's only $9.

You need something like this business card organizer.

This could work well for you

https://www.amazon.com/Rolodex-Business-96-Card-Black-67473/dp/B0016060BG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1472733921&sr=8-3&keywords=business+cards+organizer

Mine is Super Simple. I got it when it was on sale for $10. It's literally the size of your credit cards. It can hold up to 15, but I've only gone up to 7 while meeting MSRs. I keep it at 5 otherwise. It has a pocket for cash. It's so small I've started carrying it in my front pocket.

Serman Brands RFID blocker plus money clip bifold. Got rid of my Constanza wallet and started using this and I'll never go back. Looks sleek, no pocket bulge, and good quality. Including ID, I carry 8 cards.

https://www.amazon.com/Blocking-Genuine-Leather-Minimalist-Wallets/dp/B01FUYP6YA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503040938&sr=8-1&keywords=serman+brands+rfid+wallet

I use and have seen a number of folks mention the Boshiho holder for cards.

Two things help me out big time in this game.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0142F0BUC?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd_title

for cards I’m not currently carrying on me, and setting my payment due dates to all be on the 11th and 24th. A lot of folks do the spreadsheet thing but since I’m only working on at most two cards at a time it isn’t hard for me to keep track of my spends.

That used to be me before I got this

I used these cards. 11 $100 and 1 $50.

There doesnt seem to be any limit here

I've got one of the BASICS wallets coming. It's very minimal, and built mostly from elastic.

BASICS Men's Slim Wallet Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TVBOL6S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_g4VAybNC81S9N

Serman Brands

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FUYP6YA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_.pI4AbV831J4Y

Thats a referral link by the way. Non-affiliate link https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0142F0BUC

I use this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UBNWLB2/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Boshiho-Leather-Credit-Holder-Business/dp/B00UBNWLHQ/ref=pd_ybh_a_37?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=VHW7RWNNYSD39VE2DG65

Most churners should have thin card holder type wallets because we only carry our min spend cards on us. What everyone needs is one of those card holder books to store all the other crap at home once we're done with min spends.
https://www.amazon.com/Boshiho-Leather-Credit-Holder-Business/dp/B00UBNWLB2