Aloha Podcast Network

A lot has happened here in Hawaii in the last few years. I don’t have to remind you about COVID-19 and the wildfires, but one thing hasn’t changed, and that’s the beauty of the islands and their appeal as vacation destinations. One of the things we love to do here is share fun things to do and, hotel reviews, off-the-bean path spots, help visitors understand these islands, share Hawaii's Worst-Kept Secrets, and how to prepare for a memorable vacation.

Surfing Sucks- Don't Try It

Have you ever seen or heard the meme, “surfing sucks don’t try it”? If you have then I’m sure you know the purpose behind it. Any local can attest to the frustration of their hometown becoming more and more crowded, and not just the popular towns of Hawaii like Waikiki. It’s happening everywhere. 

I think there’s something to be said about this. First and foremost, the earth is a thriving place. It’s ignorant to think that population growth won’t affect your hometown. Whether it’s happening now or 25 years from now, the place that you call home will (or already does) see more people within its borders than it did when you were growing up.

I understand why so many people feel this is a bad thing. I can definitely get frustrated when trying to get around town.  I wouldn't say I like being held up by slow-moving cars, hoards of tour bus pedestrians crossing the road, or unusual traffic, all caused by overcrowding. But all that being said, if you don’t change your attitude about it, you’ll always be conflicted by it. Unfortunately, it is inevitable, and the only way to stay happy amongst an ever-growing population is to embrace it. Or at least learn to accept it. Or move I guess. I know it’s hard.

So in honor of changing our attitude toward population growth, I’m highlighting Hawaii’s worst-kept secrets. The destinations of the islands are what everyone knows about, but the locals wish they could be kept secret forever.

It’s these ‘secrets’ that give visitors a unique experience in Hawaii though, which they have a right to enjoy. Everyone deserves to have an insightful and fun vacation right? Locals from the islands want to know about the best nightclubs in Vegas or the secret surf spots in California, just like I wanted to know about the best wineries in Bordeaux or the most fun place to surf in Barbados when I traveled there.

We're here to help, check out our All-Inclusive Hawaii Packages or get help with airfare, picking hotels or activities. If it's in Hawaii we can make it happen.Get Help With Planning

Hawaii's Worst Kept Secrets

This is why I’m sharing the top things about Hawaii that should have been kept a secret a long time ago, but are now widely known for your vacation pleasure. Enjoy.

Snorkeling

There was a time when visitors came to Hawaii but didn’t swim. Well, they did swim, but it was in layered gowns, stockings, wool suits, and swimming caps and only wading out to their waists. Getting in the water wasn’t a widely enjoyed outdoor activity, especially because bathing suits (especially for women) were very uncommon until about the early 1900s. So you can bet that Hawaii's now popular water activity- snorkeling- was definitely not a common thing to do. Thus the waters were void of snorkelers.

But today, snorkeling has become one of the top ocean sports for visitors to partake in during their Hawaii experience. Which means many of the top snorkel spots are crowded. But if you’re adventurous enough, there are coastlines, coves, and beaches that are snorkel-friendly AND uncrowded, you have to be willing to explore a little. Top snorkel spots that are Hawaii’s worst-kept secrets are Hanauma Bay in Honolulu, Shark’s Cove on Oahu’s North Shore, Poipu Beach on Kauai, Molokini off of Maui and Kahaluu in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island. Remember, if it’s crowded, it must be for a reason!

Food Trucks

Hawaii has quite possibly one of the most popular food truck scenes in the country.

In this episode we swap some memories of childhood Christmases in Hawaii during the '70s and '80s. Then we share ideas for managing extra ribbons, cards, treats, and gifts, and at the end, we include a song about a sometimes snow-capped mountain called Mauna Kea, on The Big Island of Hawaii.

Show notes: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/1970s-1980s-hawaii-christmas-reusing-gifts

https://instagram.com/sienaandtoast

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

We’re not mental health pros but we do have some thoughts and feelings about the holiday blues, some of which, we bet, you won’t find in a Google search. At least we haven’t seen it. If you want to jump ahead to the main topic, it starts at about 10 minutes in. Lots and lots more show notes at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/holiday-blues

https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/holiday-blues

https://instagram.com/sienaandtoast

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

When thinking about a Hawaii vacation, it’s important to consider the type of traveler you are. Do you want to have an adventure? Are you looking just to chill out? Is this a special occasion, a once-in-a-lifetime experience? 

Or maybe you don't know! 

These are some of the questions I ask clients when planning their Hawaii vacations, and I am sometimes very surprised that some people have no idea or haven't traveled much, so they need guidance.

The good news is that when you're traveling to Hawaii, chances are that any travel style or preference can be accommodated. Here are some of the most common travel styles and categories I typically encounter when helping people plan their Hawaii vacations.

The Touristy Traveler

Let's start by discussing traditional or tourist-oriented travelers. Demographics often play a significant role in this type of traveler. Typically, this type of travel wants to stay in their comfort zone. They may be older, less active, or first-time travelers new to the experience. If this description fits you, Hawaii is the ideal destination. You will likely enjoy typical tourist activities such as group bus tours, luaus, farmers' markets, sunset cruises, and easy hikes.

The Adventure Traveler

Next up are the adventure enthusiasts. In general, they gravitate towards off-the-beaten-path experiences and have a strong passion for exploring and nature. These individuals often seek out moderate to challenging hikes and extreme adventures such as waterfall rappelling, bungee jumping, cliff diving, or skydiving.

The Pampering Traveler

Another category of travelers includes those seeking pampering and restful relaxation. Typically, these travelers prefer resort properties with a plethora of amenities. They often indulge in spa treatments and tend to have more disposable income than the average traveler. These individuals may be celebrating a once-in-a-lifetime trip, honeymoon, or wedding, and they relish private tours, solitary beach time, cooking classes, or fine dining experiences.

The Budget Traveler

Now, let's turn our attention to the budget-conscious traveler. Let’s face it: Who isn't looking for the best deal?

I'm primarily referring to individuals who aim to maximize their Hawaii vacation experience without exceeding their budget. This type of traveler may require assistance in exploring independently. They are usually open to flexible travel dates and comfortable with modest accommodations. They often rely on public transportation to get around and participate in group tours and free festivals across the islands.

The Family Travelers

Last but not least, we have family travelers. Families usually have fixed vacation periods, often involving multiple generations. Considering this, itineraries must be adaptable and inclusive for all age groups. There's no one-size-fits-all approach, as family vacation styles can encompass any of the aforementioned traveler types in our list. Typically, we'll plan some activities that the whole family can enjoy together, as well as individual options for members who may not share the same interests or abilities as others in the group.

In this episode, we discuss anxieties specific to the holidays. Anxieties about gift-giving, social events, the pressure to make dreams come true, and more. We also discuss some thoughts, practices, and attitudes that can make for less anxiety and a little more heavenly peace.

We discuss specific Holiday Anxieties such as:

Feeling like you’re behind in gift-giving

Worrying about your budget when it comes to gifts and festivities

Creating a card, and ordering them, and sending them out

The fear that the holidays will fly by and you’ll feel like you missed it 

Doubting whether it’s worth all the effort it takes to decorate and celebrate

Worrying whether gift-recipients will feel adequately thought-of, considered, and loved by the gifts you give them

Feeling the pressure to ‘make dreams come true’ – or to at least to make reality look a little like the romanticized, idealized Hallmark Movie Holidays™ – for loved ones

https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/holiday-anxiety-how-to-feel-more-heavenly-peace

Instagram https://instagram.com/sienaandtoast

Cat lovers go here

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

If you've been considering a trip to Maui recently, you might be surprised by the steep prices you encounter. One would expect that with such high prices, Maui would have a thriving tourism industry, and supply and demand would naturally govern the current pricing. However, from my perspective, something seems amiss. Given the impact of the wildfires on visitor arrivals, one would anticipate a natural adjustment in pricing, possibly resulting in lower rates. However, that's simply not the reality. If you've been checking out Maui prices lately, you'll likely be taken aback, particularly when it comes to hotels on the West side, close to the Lahaina area affected by the fires. At present, hotels in this region are commanding prices ranging from $600 to $700, and I regrettably lack a clear explanation. Some hoteliers I've conversed with claim that this is simply where the current pricing is settling, suggesting that the market has become somewhat unconventional due to certain factors.

Locals Want You to Come to Maui

Contrary to any misconceptions that may have arisen following the destructive Maui wildfires, Hawaii needs to welcome back tourists. This sentiment isn't limited to tourism officials; it resonates strongly among the local residents as well. The outspoken minority certainly makes themselves heard—quite vociferously. They are seizing this moment to criticize the Hawaii tourism industry relentlessly. Those involved in the tourism sector have been unfairly targeted as scapegoats. Are we to be held responsible for all of this? I don't believe so; we are part of the solution. The information we exchange here, along with others who are sharing the facts, will contribute to finding resolutions. While this is not a novel situation, the volume of voices has undeniably increased. During the pandemic, we encountered similar negativity regarding over-tourism.

On an emotional level, there's no denying that the disaster has deeply affected the entire island. However, at this juncture, I've heard from tourism employees, local inhabitants, and Hawaiian authorities, all of whom have emphasized the pressing need for tourists to come back to help restore stability to Maui and the broader Hawaiian Islands' already struggling economy. While it's impossible to quantify the human and personal toll of the fire's devastation, analysts have projected that the fires resulted in an economic loss ranging from $4 to $6 billion for the state.

We Podcast About Hawaii Because We Love Hawaii

Get Help Planning Your Trip

Maui Tourism - The Reality

The reality is that there were conflicting opinions regarding tourism in the aftermath of the fires, and this wasn't limited to just immediate visits. Some locals suggested that tourists should refrain from coming to respect those who had suffered significant losses. However, this message was disseminated widely or persisted longer than anticipated, causing challenges for certain small businesses and residents who depend on tourism revenue for their livelihoods.

Tourism has seen a significant decline in various parts of Hawaii, as reported by the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. This decline is particularly pronounced in Maui. According to the latest figures from the Hawaii Bureau of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, in October 2023, Maui welcomed 132,909 visitors, marking a substantial decrease compared to October 2022 (-42.3%) and October 2019 (-44.2%)

Maui is welcoming visitors throughout the entire island, with the exception of the areas directly impacted by the fire. This presents an opportune moment to consider planning your trip, as there are fewer tourists at the moment.

You can currently enjoy a less crowded experience, and prices have somewhat leveled off since the peak of the travel rebound that followed the easing of pandemic-related restrictions.

How’s your etiquette when it comes to energy? Do you have good energy etiquette? In this episode, we chat about what Energy Etiquette is, how it relates to good manners, and how it’s not the same as having good intentions. We discuss how Energy Etiquette overlaps with self-awareness, personal development, self-care, and more. And also part of the conversation are quick discussions about empaths and Highly Sensitive People, about Dr. Masaru Emoto’s work with water crystals, water energy, and consciousness, and even examples of energy etiquette involving squirrels, kittens, and little kids.

Here are links to the things we mention:

The blog post about the frequency of Love: https://loveandabovecatclub.com/blogs/post/what-is-love-and-above

Dr. Masaru Emoto and Water Consciousness: https://thewellnessenterprise.com/emoto

The blog post about the frequency of Love: https://loveandabovecatclub.com/blogs/post/what-is-love-and-above

Dr. Masaru Emoto and Water Consciousness: https://thewellnessenterprise.com/emoto

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

Instagram https://instagram.com/sienaandtoast

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

In this episode we discuss our reaction to watching The Silence of The Lambs, the movie from 1991, in 2023. The discussion is mostly about LGBTQ+ rights, and the evolution of social norms. We remember what it was like in The ’90s because we were there, and yes, things have indeed evolved. 

The main discussion starts at around 10 minutes in.

See show notes at for way more details. https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/silence-of-the-lambs

And if you'd like to suggest a topic or question for a future episode, you can let us know by DM-ing us on Instagram (@sienaandtoast) or emailing us at [email protected]. Thanks!

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

Conventional wisdom in personal growth circles used to include the adage: “Don’t just survive, thrive!” As if ‘surviving’ was undesirable, and as if the opposite of surviving was thriving. But the actual opposite of surviving is not thriving, it’s dying, it’s croaking and breathing your last.

In this episode, were inspired by the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, to engage in some “straight talk” about the pressures surrounding how one SHOULD feel about the holiday, and about gratitude, about accomplishments, and yes about surviving and thriving.

https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/thriving-surviving

Related episode: Gratitude 2.0 ( https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/gratitude-20 )

Instagram https://instagram.com/sienaandtoast

Cat lovers go here!

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

The world’s gotten pretty tense and anxiety-ridden in recent years, and it isn’t going to let up anytime soon. This affects all of us, even in our personal lives. In this episode, we share the things that have helped us get a better sleep. A good sleep helps us cope, helps us be as strong and as supple as we can be, for ourselves and each other during these difficult times.

The main topic starts at about 8:15

Siena and Toast https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/how-to-get-a-better-sleep

Instagram https://instagram.com/sienaandtoast

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