Tops in dreams, 10th in reality

People planning a summer vacation are more likely to view the Honolulu page on TripAdvisor’s website than any other domestic destination, but many of them are just dreaming.

Honolulu ranks 10th in people actually making rental inquiries with the tourism agency’s website.

Not surprisingly, Hawaii’s higher rental costs and lengthier distance are major factors in people opting for mainland sites in Florida, California, Maryland and South Carolina. Also, summer is not Hawaii’s peak vacation rental, explained Hank Hudepohi, TripAdvisor’s director of vacation rentals.

On the plus side: Travelers who do choose Honolulu are obviously those willing to spend for the experience.

Scratching for good food at school

Yes, made-from-scratch foods can be lower in salt and sugar than processed items that have been sneaking into school lunches in recent decades.

But although it is welcome news that Hawaii cafeteria managers are joining a national "back to scratch" movement, here’s a cautionary note: Just because it’s not processed doesn’t mean you can push it down the gullet without worry. Those "school-kine" cookies we all love, for instance? Definitely meant to be eaten sparingly.

It would be even better to see cafeterias serve more grown-in-Hawaii stuff.

Just a gentle hint.