Welcome to our Hawaii Diary 2001, a travelogue of our visit to Hawaii thanks to the folks at Pleasant Hawaiian Holidays and the Sheraton Hotels and Resorts of Hawaii. Our trip took us by direct flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City to Honolulu International Airport. We spent two nights at the Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel in Waikiki and two nights at the Sheraton Maui Resort on Kaanapali Beach.

Pleasant Hawaiian Holidays recently began scheduled non-stop Air Cruise flights from New York and Chicago. The flights are on ATA (American Trans Air), a solid, well-respected carrier for over 25 years. The flights depart from Kennedy on Sundays and Tuesdays and from Chicago's O'Hare on Fridays and Saturdays. Return flights to Kennedy are on Saturdays and Mondays and to O'Hare on Thursdays and Fridays.

Guests on Pleasant Hawaiian Holidays' "Air Cruises" are treated to Island-style hospitality, including a welcoming cocktail, two free movies and headsets, two free meals, complimentary wine with dinner, Hawaiian entertainment and hot towel service. The best news, however, is that the price for airfare alone is significantly better than is regularly available for east coast travelers headed to Hawaii. Pleasant Holidays also offers complete packages including airfare, lodging and car rental for excellent prices.

Throughout 2001, with the sale of each ticket, Pleasant will donate $5 to the Hogan Angel Flight Fund to benefit seriously ill people who need, but cannot afford, airline transportation for treatment. We have more details on the Hogan Angel Fund in our first full trip report.

The Sheraton Hotels of Hawaii are well known for exceptional accommodations and superb service to their guests. In Waikiki, Sheraton operates four hotels, the Sheraton Moana Surfrider, where we will be staying, as well as the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani and the Sheraton Waikiki. All four resorts are in the top echelon of resorts on Oahu. The Sheraton Maui, located on world famous Ka'anapali Beach, is considered the premier resort on the west coast of Maui.

We were kept very busy every day during our stay in Hawaii. We hope that you enjoy reading our Hawaii Diary 2001.