My husband and I decided at the last minute to spend the end of 2023 and the start of 2024 in Las Vegas. One factor motivating this trip was a Hawaiian Air loyalty miles chase by my husband. Fortunately, even though we booked this trip at the last minute, or perhaps because of it, we were able to upgrade the outbound flight for just 25K a person.

We flew to Oahu on the larger Hawaiian Air plane so maybe that’s why we docked at the new terminal. Before heading to the international terminal, we had lunch at the restaurant in the new terminal area where we shared a burger and a shrimp tempura appetizer. Do not order the shrimp tempura for $17. You’ll get 4 pieces of mediocre shrimp tempura with veggie crudite. The crudite consisted of one green bean. And two bean sprouts. And some carrot garnish slivers.

Once we boarded, I enjoyed a pre-flight Prosecco thanks to our upgrade as I settled into the quick trip across the ocean. As usual, we stayed at Orleans casino since my husband has loyalty benefits there and that’s where our friends are also staying.

Day 1. We rented a car and headed to Summerlin to eat at Roy Ellamar’s new restaurant Fine Company in Summerlin. Aaron and I shared a few dishes and my favorite was the salt and pepper shrimp. Chef Roy was so gracious and came to say hi and take a photo with us. Go visit Chef Roy! Next, we stopped at Trader Joe’s to get some snacks and e we’re running low on. After getting back to the hotel, I had time to head to the gym for a workout. Dinner was at Ondori at the Orleans that evening.

Day 2. We drove to Red Rock Canyon, just about 30 minutes away from the Orleans. We got there around 11:30 am but didn’t realize we needed a reservation to enter the park. The next available entry time was 2 p.m. so we headed to a different area in Summerlin to get some lunch to pass the time. We found Hash House A Go Go famous for their fried chicken. I had a big fried chicken salad and did enjoy the crispy, juicy, tasty fried chicken. After lunch, we stopped at Calico Basin to check out the views and the rock climbers before gaining entry into Red Rock Canyon. I enjoyed the drive in the scenic route. Next time, we will plan to go on one of the hikes. It was a little too chilly for us this time. Before heading back to the hotel, we stopped to see Chef Roy and buy some of his famous banana bread at Fine Company to share with our friends. Next stop was at REI where I got some cute rock climbing accessories for my nephew who has some interest in indoor rock climbing right now. Next door was Total Wine where I picked up wine and champagne for our NYE celebration. This evening, we enjoyed KBBQ at 8 Ounce. I love banchan and grilled meat!

Day 3. On this last day of 2023, I got up and worked out before enjoying a facial to hydrate my skin. I lost a few dollars on the machines (specifically $41) while waiting for a table for lunch. I’m not a gambler and that was enough gambling for me. NYE dinner was steak and sides with friends at Alder and Birch at the Orleans. At midnight, we had a great view of the Las Vegas strip fireworks from our oom.

On my final day in Las Vegas, I made sure to get my first workout of 2024 done. I realized, watched some shows I had downloaded and even took a nap. I never get to do these things at home so it felt very indulgent. I would have gotten another facial but the spa was closed on New Year’s Day. I packed up and got ready before getting some dinner and buying caramel apples from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for the kids. Time to go home to reality. Thankfully all our flights were on time. I landed in Hilo and headed straight to work on the first workday of the year.

Happy New Year! Living Hilo Style in Las Vegas.