Christine Hitt

Los Angeles

Freelance Writer and Editor at Freelance

Contributor at SFGate

Hawaiian writer from Oʻahu. Former EIC of Mana and Hawaiʻi magazines. Hawaiʻi contributing editor for @sfgate. Kamehameha and UH grad. IG: @hwnroots

Articles

At this hidden theme park near Disneyland, waits are only 15 minutes

5 days ago | sacbee.com | Christine Hitt

May 11-Sitting in the shadows of megaparks Knott's Berry Farm and Disneyland is a little theme park, independently owned, at the edge of Anaheim. Adventure City is a secret that mostly locals know about, hidden 2 miles down the street from Knott's, apart from its roller coaster peeking above the fence line. The entrance to the park is under a splashy "Adventure City" sign, leading into a photo-worthy courtyard, reminding me of Disneyland.
The little theme park between Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm

5 days ago | sfgate.com | Christine Hitt

The entrance to the park is under a splashy “Adventure City” sign, leading into a photo-worthy courtyard, reminding me of Disneyland. Right away, it’s clear that this isn’t anything like a carnival or fair, nor is it similar to family entertainment parks, such as Camelot Golfland and Boomers. It’s quite literally a theme park, only smaller, and focuses on families with kids. That Ansdell owns a theme park makes sense, knowing his history.
Lei Stand bar moves to Romer House Waikiki

5 days ago | travelweekly.com | Christine Hitt

"With an emphasis on highlighting local neighborhoods and paying homage to Hawaii's beloved customs, the reopening of the Lei Stand at Oahu's first adults-only hotel is the perfect alignment of both brands. We couldn't be more excited to invite our friends and visitors to 'Get Lei'd in Waikiki," said Lei Stand co-founder Tara Kanani Shimooka in a news release. "The Lei Stand is more than just a bar; it's a celebration of Hawaii's rich traditions and vibrant future.
Relaxing at the Renaissance Honolulu: Travel Weekly

6 days ago | travelweekly.com | Christine Hitt

But of course, all that buzz adds up to crowds. The Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa bucks that arithmetic, offering the chance to truly get away on a Hawaii vacation getaway. The hotel is the tower on the right, and the Sky Deck can be seen on the 8th floor above Kapiolani Boulevard. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & SpaThe 39-story Renaissance opened in 2024, the first newbuild hotel in Honolulu in two decades. It's the brand's first on Oahu.
Hawaiian Airlines unveils 'Lilo & Stitch' livery

6 days ago | travelweekly.com | Christine Hitt

The rascal alien Stitch is wearing a hibiscus flower in his ear on a Hawaiian's Airbus A330. A second design shows Stitch painting flowers on the side of an Airbus A321. A third design will be revealed in June. Insight: Hawaii tourism is changing"At Hawaiian Airlines, Hawaii is our home, and we consider our guests to be our ohana," said Alisa Onishi, director of brand and culture at Hawaiian Airlines.
Hawaii Legislature passes bill that will increase Transient Accommodations Tax: Travel Weekly

1 week ago | travelweekly.com | Christine Hitt

The Hawaii Legislature has passed SB1396, a measure meant to mitigate the effects of climate change by increasing the state's portion of the TAT from 10.25% to 11%, effective January 2026. Counties are also given the authority to increase their TAT up to 3%.
‘Outdated and antiquated’: The decline of a once-popular Disneyland ride

1 week ago | sacbee.com | Christine Hitt

May 4-I have fond memories of Star Tours, the motion-simulated spaceship ride through the "Star Wars" galaxy. I went on the ride with my parents when I was a child and took my own kid as an adult. It was always my favorite ride, dodging meteors and enemy fire, and feeling the jump into hyperspace. But the last few times I've visited Disneyland, Star Tours appeared a little lackluster compared with the newer rides across the park at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.
The decline of a once-popular Disneyland ride

1 week ago | sfgate.com | Christine Hitt

I have fond memories of Star Tours, the motion-simulated spaceship ride through the “Star Wars” galaxy. I went on the ride with my parents when I was a child and took my own kid as an adult. It was always my favorite ride, dodging meteors and enemy fire, and feeling the jump into hyperspace. But the last few times I’ve visited Disneyland, Star Tours appeared a little lackluster compared with the newer rides across the park at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
This unique Hawaii attraction starts in a Waikiki parking garage

2 weeks ago | sfgate.com | Christine Hitt

I didn’t even know it was there, though I’ve walked by it multiple times, as it looks like a three-story apartment building. But on Kuhio Avenue in Waikiki, there’s a little museum right on the main street that you get to by walking through a parking garage. “In ’82, we moved here from Taiwan, then we don’t see any gemstone museum in Hawaii,” Flora Lu tells SFGATE. “Any other big city, they always have a nature museum, but we don’t have in Hawaii.
Riskier Voyages Ahead

2 weeks ago | kawaiola.news | Christine Hitt

Climate change has become the most pressing challenge for ocean voyagersFifty years ago, when Hōkūleʻa set sail on its maiden voyage, the focus was to revive Hawaiʻi’s connection to ocean voyaging and then to perpetuate the tradition for future generations. However, as voyaging looks toward its next chapter, a challenge has emerged and it’s not one that can be ignored. “The No. 1 challenge that’s coming up right now is climate change.