Aloha Podcast Network

This is the third in a series on daily life as we recall it during a brighter, more hot pink time in America's history. If you were a kid in The ‘80s, what did you do for fun? We Gen Xers (roughly those born between 1965 and 1980) were probably the last American generation to experience a “free-range” childhood. That’s not what it was called back then of course. It was just called childhood. Let the kids loose on the streets to figure out for themselves how to stay entertained. Play outside. Ride your bikes without helmets until the street lights came on. Or until your mom called your friend’s house, asked if you were there, and told you to come home.

https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/80slife3

https://instagram.com/sienaandtoast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is the second episode in a series on daily life as we remember it during a brighter, more hot pink time in America’s history. We’re talking about The ‘80s. In this episode, we focus on ‘80s fashion, where  everything was big. Big hair, big clothes. I mean really really big, loud, bright, and too much. We know this now. But we didn’t know it then.

https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/80slife2

https://instagram.com/sienaandtoast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you in the depths of travel planning overload? It’s time to stop the endless scrolling and officially book your Hawaii trip. But it can be tough when you’re trying to create an authentic Hawaii vacation.

Today on the Hawaii Aloha Travel Podcast, Aloha Bruce is talking about the reality of a Hawaii vacation. You’ll likely discover it doesn’t quite look like the image of Hawaii you see on TV, in magazines, and in your imagination. 

The good news? If you manage your expectations and open yourself up to new experiences, it could look even better than you dreamed!

Choosing the Most Authentic Experiences

Bruce begins this episode with a quick rundown of what he looks for in a vacation. It’s really interesting to hear how Bruce - a professional travel expert - tries to experience new places. 

Then he shares how he brings that same approach to his travel clients. So if you’re hoping to have an authentic, immersive experience in Hawaii, you’ll want to listen to this. 

What kinds of experiences will bring you closer to true Hawaii? Of course, Bruce talks about luau – and recommends the most traditional option on Oahu (spoiler: you can’t rely only on reviews to pick out the best one!). You’ll also hear about island tours, and how local, small-scale tours are more affordable than you think. 

Looking for other immersive Hawaii experiences? Bruce touches on voluntourism and agricultural experiences that get you up close and personal with Hawaii’s rich landscape. 

Bruce also loves recommending hole-in-the-wall restaurants over the more iconic “touristy” restaurants – allowing his travel clients to get a taste of real Hawaii, just like the locals eat every day. How about that for an authentic Hawaii vacation?

Planning Your Authentic Hawaii Vacation

You want an immersive, unforgettable vacation experience, but you don’t have thousands of dollars to drop each day on high-end, curated itineraries like celebrities do. No problem. Hawaii Aloha Travel is a local agency ready to custom-make a vacation plan that includes the islands’ most authentic experiences. 

“I always felt that one of our core philosophies is connecting people in the mainland with the people of Hawaii and with true experiences in Hawaii,” Bruce says. And this means going beyond what you can find on the internet.

So don’t “follow the pack” and go with the most talked-about activities. Call us at 1-800-843-8771 to talk to Bruce or one of our other great agents today. We’ll help recommend top-notch experiences with local, passionate guides who want to show you the best of Hawaii.

Get in the Delorean because in this episode, we’re going Back To The ‘80s. 

This is the first in a series on daily life as we remember it during a brighter, more hot neon time in America’s history.

In this episode, we recall the phenomenology and pace of life when your only options are rotary phones that belong to an entire household, music on vinyl, cassette, or terrestrial radio, and eventually CDs, and also the wonder of dual cassette boom boxes.

https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/80slife1

https://instagram.com/sienaandtoast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Astoria, Oregon, is the site of the first American-owned settlement on the Pacific coast of North America. In this episode, we share what we learned on our very first visit to Astoria: about Astoria’s origin story and our experience at its Flavel House Museum, which is somewhat haunted, because yes, I felt something, and so have other folks, apparently. Come join us for a quick day trip to one of Oregon’s most famous towns. 

Lots more show notes at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/astoriaflavelhouse

https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/astoriaflavelhouse

https://instagram.com/sienaandtoast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you haven’t been to Hawaii in a few years, there’s one big change waiting for you here: reservation requirements at parks and beaches. 

It began as a way to control crowds and guarantee spots at high-demand attractions. Now the program has grown and spread throughout the state. You’ll see at select national, county, and state parks in Hawaii – but not all of them (not yet, anyway!). 

What does that mean for your vacation? Well, you can no longer come to Hawaii and just “wing it.” Not without some disappointments, anyway. You’ll want to plan your itinerary with a little more care. And it all starts with knowing which attractions require reservations. 

Let’s learn about Hawaii’s reservation requirements and get an idea of how to plan for it as you look forward to your vacation. 

What to know About Hawaii Reservations at Park

Many parks and areas in Hawaii now require reservations to visit, and more will likely be added to the list in the next year or two. 

This is to help keep crowds down, reserve space for residents, and help maintain some environmental balance. 

Also, some areas have become off-limits except to approved tour companies. So though Waipio Valley on Hawaii Island isn’t a park and doesn’t have a public reservation system, you do need to book a tour in advance to visit that area. 

But for now, reservations are just required at a handful of parks and locations that have been overwhelmed with visitors – especially since the post-COVID visitor surge. 

In most cases, these aren’t make-or-break fees. Instead, it’s a few bucks that you need to pay online to secure your spot. Here’s what to look for as you reserve your Hawaii activities:

What Are You Paying For When You Make a Reservation?

Some reservation systems require you to pay a full entry fee when you sign up online. Others (like Haleakala National Park Sunrise Reservations) require you to pay a couple of dollars online and then pay your remaining entry fee at the gate. Review what you’re paying for as you make your reservations so there are no surprises later. 

How Far In Advance Can You Reserve?

Most parks have a revolving window where you can make reservations. For example, you can make Pearl Harbor reservations up to 8 weeks in advance, with additional tickets becoming available the day before. 

It’s Worth Checking for Last-Minute Hawaii Reservations

For peak days and times, reservations get booked up quickly. If you are planning a spur-of-the-moment outing, check on the reservation site to see if there happen to be any openings. It could be your lucky day. If not, head to a park that doesn’t require reservations.

Sunrise at Haleakala and Throughout Hawaii 

It was always an early start if you wanted to watch the sunrise at Haleakala National Park. But we used to have to plan to get there even earlier than necessary because of crowds. When I took visitors up to the peak of Haleakala to watch the sunrise, we were always worried about the parking lots becoming full, and us getting turned away at the gate. 

But then, in 2017, the park introduced a reservation system. For $1.50, you secured your spot in the park, allowing you to drive up without worrying about getting turned away. The reservations weren’t optional – you had to have one to access the park during sunrise hours. 

Now, years later, the reservation requirement endures. And while some hopeful sunrise spectators see it as an obstacle to accessing Haleakala, I appreciate the assurance of it. You have your reservation, you’re all set, and you know you’re not risking getting turned away after waking up early and driving up to the mountaintop. 

And, if you can’t secure a pass for sunrise access, you can always watch the (often equally) stunning Haleakala sunset without reservation. 

Post-Covid Tourism Surge

During Covid, some parks began requiring reservations to control gathering sizes. But the real regulation happened post-covid,

In this episode, we share our experiences with meditation: learning about it, practicing it, not practicing it; using it, abusing it, misunderstanding it, and eventually getting to a place of actually understanding it. 

We discuss the meditation apps we’ve tried over the years, the things we’ve liked or not liked about various ones, the minimum effective dose of meditation, and of course, what we think is the wrong way to meditate. 

show notes: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/wrong-meditation

https://instagram.com/sienaandtoast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is based on a talk called “Working with Insomnia” by clinical psychologist Seth Gillihan. It covers tips for getting into a good groove when it comes to our sleep lives, that are all science-based and down-to-earth and doable. No crazy technology required.

Show notes at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/sleepdrives

Related episode: How To Get A Better Sleep https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/how-to-get-a-better-sleep originally published on 11/14/23

https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/sleepdrives

https://instagram.com/sienaandtoast

Related episode: How To Get A Better Sleep https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/how-to-get-a-better-sleep originally published on 11/14/23

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the podcast, I dive into the unforgettable spots in Hawaii that make the islands a unique paradise to live on. From personal anecdotes to expert insights, we explore the landscapes and experiences that have left a lasting impression on residents and travelers alike. Join us as we journey through the beauty and diversity of Hawaii. This podcast is your guide to understanding why these spots are etched in the memories of those who experience them and make it so I never tire of living here.

East Shore to Windward side

Venturing just 15 miles east of Honolulu leads to the serene beginning of Oahu's Windward Coast, stretching to Kahana Bay. Along this picturesque shoreline, abundant trails, beaches, lava tubes, and surf breaks await exploration, offering endless opportunities for hiking and beachcombing. Families often enjoy the paved Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail, while seasoned surfers tackle the challenging waves of Makapuʻu Beach and Sandy Beach.Sherwoods Beach in Waimānalo holds a special place in my heart. Its soft sands, gentle waves, and stunning backdrop of the Ko'olau mountains make it a beloved spot for family outings. After a day by the sea, the journey home is sprinkled with local delights like shave ice, lau lau, and malasadas, adding a flavorful touch to the experience.Further along Windward Oahu, Kailua Beach and Lanikai Beach beckon windsurfers and kayakers with their pristine beauty. Kualoa Ranch, a vast 4,000-acre reserve, offers thrilling adventures such as zip lining and horseback riding, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rich 'āina (land) heritage. And tucked away like a hidden treasure, Sherwood Beach enchants with its gentle waves and panoramic views of the majestic Ko'olau mountains.

Upcountry Maui

Every time I head to Maui one of my first treks is Upcountry and a visit to Haleakalā National Park.

Spanning over 30,000 acres, the park is dominated by a dormant volcano, occupying 75 percent of Maui and soaring to 10,023 feet. Haleakalā is a sanctuary for numerous endangered and indigenous species, its name translating to "House of the Sun" in Hawaiian. Locals revere it as a sacred site where ancient high priests sought wisdom through meditation.

Exploring Upcountry Maui, I suggest visiting the Saturday Upcountry Farmers Market in Makawao. Here, you'll discover an array of locally sourced delights, from tropical fruits to artisanal goods and fresh blooms. We always take a trip to Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm, where we stock up on Lavender soap, lotion, and sanitizer and always find something new to bring back to Honolulu that we can't find here.

We Podcast About Hawaii Because We Love Hawaii

Get Help Planning Your Trip

Kauai South Shore

The less developed island of Kauai is nicknamed the "Garden Island." Home to one of the wettest spots on Earth, Mount Waialeale, this destination receives a good amount of rain. But the South Shore is a slightly drier escape. This sunny swath of Kauai is popular among snorkelers, swimmers, and Poipu Beach resort guests.

For sure, the South Shore has some of the best sunsets. Baby Beach, is I think one of the best places to see it, This is a protected cove just west of Poipu Beach, where you'll find "calm, ankle-deep waters, perfect for families with babies — hence the name — and small children." Also, a place known as Sunset Wall, a local favorite spot at Koloa Landing, is just down the road from Ko'a Kea Resort. Also, I love the Sunsets from Salt Pond Beach Park, where a protected lagoon with clear water offers a serene sunset experience.

Hamakua Coast - Hawaii Island

I love this drive so much that I can't wait to return to it every time I am on the Big Island. It starts with the Pepe’ekeo Scenic Drive, conveniently nestled just a short drive north of Hilo on Highway 19, offering a delightful escape into the essence of old Hawai'i.

Have you ever felt sorta gross and grimy and a shower only helped so much, because the space you were in, itself, somehow felt heavy or gross? Well, if you had authority over that space, because it’s your home, or your room, or your office, you could do what’s called Space Clearing or Energy Clearing. In this episode, we talk about the mindset and methods we’ve used to "clear a space."

Related episodes:

Do You Have Good Energy Etiquette? (12/5/23)

https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/do-you-have-good-energy-etiquette

How To Declutter With Your Partner Part 1 (1/16/24)

https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/declutter-tips

How To Declutter With Your Partner Part 1 (1/23/24)

https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/declutter-tips-part2

https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/energyclearingintro

https://instagram.com/sienaandtoast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices