Hawaii Travel Made Easy Podcast—Hawaii travel tips, Things to do in Hawaii, Hawaii vacation planning

Hawaii Holidays Planning Guide: Thanksgiving Through New Year’s (Closures, Costs, Fireworks, and Fukubukuro)

Who this episode is for: Families planning a Hawaiʻi trip between Thanksgiving week and New Year’s Day, especially anyone still booking for this holiday season.

What you’ll learn: Why the holidays are the priciest time to visit and what to book first, which attractions and restaurants close on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day, and how to plan meals around those closures. You’ll also get the 2026 dates for the big holiday events on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi, New Year’s Eve fireworks tips for families, and how Ala Moana’s fukubukuro works.

Places discussed:

• Oʻahu
• Kauaʻi
• Big Island
• Waikīkī
• Kalākaua Avenue
• Ko Olina
• Tantalus, above Honolulu
• Downtown Honolulu
• Honolulu Hale, home of Honolulu City Lights
• Ala Moana Center
• Neiman Marcus at Ala Moana Center
• Pearl Harbor visitor center
• Diamond Head
• Waimea Canyon, closed after Hurricane Lowell
• Hāʻena, closed after Hurricane Lowell
• Wainiha, closed after Hurricane Lowell
• Līhuʻe
• Rice Street in Līhuʻe
• Historic County Building in Līhuʻe

Activities discussed:

• Fukubukuro lucky bags at Ala Moana Center on New Year’s Day
• Experience Nutridge luau on Thanksgiving, including its imu (underground oven)
• Thanksgiving buffets and holiday menus in Waikīkī
• Holiday takeout meals
• Grocery runs before each holiday
• Waikīkī Holiday Parade (Friday, Nov 27)
• Holiday decorations and photo ops in Waikīkī and at Ala Moana Center
• Waikiki Trolley holiday lights tour
• Ala Moana’s 50-foot Santa, Santa’s Surf Shack photos, and the Big Santa Mailbox
• Honolulu City Lights (opens Saturday, Dec 5)
• Honolulu Marathon (Sunday, Dec 13) and its effect on Waikīkī traffic
• Lights on Rice Parade in Līhuʻe (listed for Friday, Dec 4)
• Kauaʻi Festival of Lights
• Santa’s canoe arrival on Christmas Eve in Waikīkī
• Christmas Day luaus
• Christmas stockings and handling gifts when you travel
• Family photo shoots with Flytographer
• Waikīkī New Year’s Eve fireworks at midnight
• Hilton Waikoloa Village fireworks at 9 p.m.
• New Year’s Eve luaus and dinner cruises

Hotels discussed:

• Aulani, holiday decor up before Thanksgiving
• Hilton Waikiki Beach, Thanksgiving buffet
• Sheraton Waikiki, Christmas sand sculpture
• Moana Surfrider, columns wrapped for the holidays
• Royal Hawaiian, where Santa lands by canoe
• The Kahala, Christmas buffets
• Waikiki Beach Marriott, home of Paina Waikiki luau
• Hilton Hawaiian Village, where Marcie watched NYE fireworks
• Hilton Waikoloa Village, 9 p.m. NYE fireworks

Restaurants discussed:

• Hinahina (Sheraton Waikiki): 2026 Thanksgiving buffet, about $145 adults
• Hilton Waikiki Beach: 2026 Thanksgiving buffet, about $90 adults
• Lulu’s Waikiki: à la carte Thanksgiving menu
• Duke’s Waikiki: past Thanksgiving menus, books up fast
• Hula Grill: past Thanksgiving menus, books up fast
• Plumeria Beach House (The Kahala): Christmas Eve and Day buffets last year
• Zippy’s: Christmas luau takeout package last year
• Big City Diner: holiday family packs, order 72 hours ahead
• ABC Stores: grab-and-go musubi and drinks, hours vary

Marcie’s recommendations:

• If your dates are flexible, go in early December, after Thanksgiving and before school breaks.
• If you’re tied to school break, book your hotel and rental car as early as you can.
• Book holiday dinners and luaus as soon as they’re posted.
• Do a real grocery run the day before each holiday, even if you only have a mini fridge.
• Christmas Eve is your grocery day, since Christmas Day is the quietest day for what’s open.
• Don’t count on Costco: it’s closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
• Order a holiday meal to go so you can skip the reservation scramble.
• If the imu turkey at Nutridge is the draw, ask about it when you book.
• Plan Pearl Harbor around the holidays, since the visitor center is closed on all three.
• Check before planning a holiday hike at Diamond Head.
• Don’t drive across Kalākaua on parade night.
• Book the Waikiki Trolley holiday lights tour early, because it sells out.
• On Honolulu Marathon morning, stay near your hotel instead of driving.
• On Kauaʻi, confirm your hotel and activities directly with each company, and check openkauai.org.
• Don’t drive into Kauaʻi neighborhoods affected by the hurricane to look at the damage.
• For Christmas dinner, check your own hotel’s restaurants first so nobody has to drive.
• Pack stockings since they pack flat, and fill them with fidgets, squishies, candy, and a pool book.
• Use gift bags or wrap after you land, because wrapped gifts can get unwrapped at security.
• Call your hotel before shipping presents there.
• Leave room in your suitcase for the trip home.
• Get settled early if you’re watching NYE fireworks near the Hilton Hawaiian Village.
• For little kids, try the 9 p.m. Hilton Waikoloa fireworks or an ocean-view room in Waikīkī.
• If anyone in your family is sensitive to noise or smoke, stay close to the resort areas on New Year’s Eve.
• Don’t buy fireworks to set off yourself, and stick with the professional shows.
• Book NYE luaus and dinner cruises this fall.
• For fukubukuro, look at the participating store list ahead of time and pick a store you’d shop at anyway, since all sales are final.

Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes: 

• Every Maui Luau I've Been To (And Everything Else Worth Knowing), Ranked Honestly— Ep 129
• Every Kauai Luau I've Been To, Ranked Honestly — Ep 131
• Every Big Island Luau I've Been To (And Everything Else Worth Knowing), Ranked Honestly— Ep 135
• Hawaii Rental Cars in 2026: What's Changed (Plus My Turo Experiment)— Ep 142
• Where Do You Need Reservations in Hawaii? (2026)— Ep 144

Related articles: 

• Christmas in Hawaii with Kids: Your December Vacation Guide
• Where to See the Best Christmas Lights in Hawaii
• Why November in Hawaii Is Perfect for Thanksgiving Celebrations

About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.

Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com

Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation

🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!
https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

Hawaii Travel Made Easy: Meet Marcie (and Owen’s Island Rankings)

Hawaii Travel Made Easy is a Hawaiʻi trip planning podcast hosted by Marcie Cheung, a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has been to the islands more than 40 times. New episodes come out every Monday and Wednesday, and most of them answer one planning question, like whether you need a rental car on Oʻahu or if a Haleakalā sunrise is worth a 3 a.m. alarm (bring gloves). You’ll also hear trip reports from guests, answers to listener questions from Marcie’s Thursday AMAs on Instagram, and a lot about how to be a good guest while you’re visiting.

Who this show is for: Anyone planning a trip to Hawaiʻi, whether you’re still picking an island or sorting out the last details.

Good episodes to start with:

• Ep 107: My 12-Year-Old Has Been to Hawaii 14 Times. He Has Opinions.
• Ep 110: Hawaii 101: 2026 Edition
• Ep 155: What It’s Really Like to Be on Maui During a Hurricane with Kids

Plan your trip with Marcie:

• One-on-one consultations
• Send a question for the Thursday AMAs on Instagram: @hawaiitravelwithkids
• Marcie’s favorite booking links and trip planning tools

About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.

Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com

Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation

🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!
https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

Movies Filmed in Hawaii: Fun Trivia for Your Flight

Who this episode is for: Anyone with a Hawaii flight already booked who wants a fun, low-effort listen for the plane, plus movie and TV fans curious about real filming locations they can visit.

What you’ll learn: What’s actually filming in Hawaii right now heading into 2027, including Protecting Jared, Untamed season 2, the new Jumanji, and the live-action Moana, plus where classics like Jurassic Park, Lilo & Stitch, Gilligan’s Island, and The White Lotus were really shot, and what to expect (locations, pricing, tips) if you book the Kualoa Ranch Movie Sites tour.

Places discussed:

• Oahu
• Kauai
• Big Island (Hawaii Island)
• Maui
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (Big Island)
• Allerton Garden, Poipu (Kauai)
• Waimea Canyon (Kauai)
• Na Pali Coast (Kauai)
• Kilohana Plantation Railway (Kauai)
• Wailua Falls (Kauai)
• Opaekaa Falls (Kauai)
• Moloaa Beach (Kauai)
• Honolulu (Oahu, shipyard origin of the Gilligan’s Island boat)
• Kualoa Ranch / Kaaawa Valley (Oahu)
• Kalanianaole Highway (Oahu, southeast side)
• Sandy Beach (Oahu)
• Makaha Beach (Oahu, leeward coast)
• Haleiwa (Oahu, North Shore)
• Oahu’s North Shore (general, Blue Crush)
• Halona Cove (Oahu)
• Kapolei (Oahu)
• Wailea (Maui)
• Thailand (where Jurassic World: Rebirth filmed instead of Hawaii)
• Kansas (where Lilo & Stitch was originally set before the switch to Hawaii)
• Los Angeles (studio lot where Gilligan’s Island moved after its Kauai-shot pilot)

Activities discussed:

• Kualoa Ranch Movie Sites & Ranch Tour (open-air bus tour, WWII bunker with movie props, dinosaur “boneyard”)
• Visiting Jurassic Park/Jurassic World filming locations on Kauai and Oahu
• Hiking down to Halona Cove
• Watching or surfing big waves on Oahu’s North Shore (as featured in Blue Crush)
• Luau experience at Germaine’s Luau (noted as a filming location)
• Building a self-guided movie-location day around Kualoa Ranch and other windward Oahu spots

Hotels discussed:

• Kahala Hotel & Resort (Oahu) — stands in as the fictional resort in live-action Lilo & Stitch
• Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea — filmed The White Lotus season 1, bookable as-seen rooms

Marcie’s recommendations:

• Calls the Kualoa Ranch Movie Sites & Ranch Tour one of the best family activities on Oahu
• Tip: arrive early, check-in fills up and tours sell out, especially in peak season
• Tip: bring sunscreen and a hat since most of the tour is outdoors
• Tip: budget extra to tip your tour guide
• Warning: tour pricing shifts, so double check current rates before booking
• Suggests pairing Kualoa Ranch with other windward Oahu spots in the same day so you’re not backtracking across the island
• Offers her trip consultations for building an itinerary like that, and her itinerary review as the lower-commitment option if you already have a draft itinerary

Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes:

• Everything You Need to Know About Kualoa Ranch on Oahu— Ep 12

About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.

Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com

Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation

🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!
https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

A Real Maui Trip Planning Consultation: Snorkeling, Luaus, Road to Hana, Haleakala, and Family Photo Tips

Who this episode is for: Families planning a first Hawaii trip with a full house of tweens and teens, especially anyone who wants a real sense of what a Hawaii Travel with Kids consultation actually sounds like before booking one.

What you'll learn: How Marcie walks a family through snorkeling gear decisions, luau options, Haleakala sunrise logistics, and a full Road to Hana game plan, plus what her follow-up consultation email actually includes.

Places discussed:

• Maui
• Ka'anapali / Kaanapali Beach
• Whalers Village
• Haleakala National Park (Haleakala Crater / the volcano)
• Road to Hana
• Paia
• Twin Falls (mile marker 9)
• Pipiwai Trail (near Hana)
• Huelo Lookout
• Halfway to Hana stand
• Hana town
• Black sand beach in Hana (reservation required)
• Kahului, including Target, Walmart, and Safeway for arrival-night supplies
• Kahului Airport
• Kapalua Bay
• Wailea
• Kihei
• South Maui Gardens (food truck park in Kihei)
• Kamaole Beaches
• Westin Maui or Sheraton Maui (unconfirmed, site of a sunset cliff diving ceremony)
• Kauai (mentioned briefly in a discussion of 2026 hurricane season impacts)

Activities discussed:

• Snorkeling, including gear rental vs. buying your own
• Snorkel boat tour (Molokini Crater and Turtle Town)
• Luau
• Haleakala sunrise hike and general volcano visit
• Road to Hana scenic drive
• Waterfall hiking and swimming
• Surfing lessons
• Sunset cliff diving ceremony
• Flytographer family photo shoot
• Beach time and picnicking
• Grocery and food truck stops
• Restaurant reservations

Hotels discussed:

• Hyatt Regency Maui (Jill's hotel, two rooms booked on points, concierge floor)
• Westin Maui or Sheraton Maui (unconfirmed, cliff diving ceremony location)

Restaurants discussed:

• Bruddah Hutts (Hana) – best ribs Marcie's ever had
• Monkeypod Kitchen (Ka'anapali) – great variety, famous lilikoi mai tai
• Honolulu Coffee (Hyatt lobby) – coffee, breakfast sandwiches, mobile order available
• Poolside shave ice stand at the Hyatt (name unclear on the recording) – same brand Marcie loves on Kauai
• Huelo Lookout smoothie stand (Road to Hana) – fresh fruit smoothies, good morning pick-me-up
• South Maui Gardens food trucks (Kihei) – acai bowls lived up to the hype
• Halfway to Hana stand – banana bread Marcie calls a must

Marcie's recommendations:

• Skip buying full snorkel sets unless you'll use them multiple days or on future trips; otherwise rent or buy a cheap set
• Book the Four Winds Maui II snorkel tour, her favorite, kid-friendly with food and a water slide on board
• Pick a morning snorkel tour for the calmest water if anyone gets seasick
• Book your snorkel tour and luau now if you're traveling during a holiday week
• For an easy, no-driving luau, choose the Hyatt's (it doesn't cancel for rain)
• For a more traditional, authentic feel, choose Old Lahaina Luau, and book immediately since it sells out fast
• Consider skipping the Haleakala sunrise hike if the family is on the fence, it eats a huge chunk of a day
• Pack real cold-weather layers for Haleakala (long pants, sweatshirt, beanie, gloves, hand warmers), it can hit the 30s and 40s
• Download the Shaka Guide audio app before driving the Road to Hana
• Get to Twin Falls early, by 7 to 7:30 am, before tour buses arrive
• Add Pipiwai Trail near Hana, a bamboo forest hike to a swimmable waterfall
• Pack protein-heavy snacks for the drive, food options are mostly fruit and sorbet until Hana
• Eat at Bruddah Hut's in Hana, Marcie's favorite ribs anywhere
• Share one coconut water instead of buying one per person, it's a diuretic and bathrooms are scarce on the drive
• It's fine to turn around at the Halfway to Hana stand, there's no prize for finishing the full drive
• Get the banana bread at the Halfway to Hana stand
• Book your Flytographer session soon, popular photographers get booked up
• Bring a shot list to your Flytographer session and tell them if you want posed or candid photos
• Make reservations at hotel sit-down restaurants to avoid waiting with hungry kids, but keep some dinners flexible
• Try Monkeypod Kitchen for menu variety and the lilikoi mai tai
• Stop for snacks and drinks in Kahului on arrival night, hotel restaurants may already be closed
• Don't overpack the itinerary. When in doubt, cut something rather than run everyone ragged
• Hurricane season runs through late November, but that doesn't stop Marcie from planning or recommending fall Hawaii trips

Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes:

• How Many Days Do You Really Need on Maui?— Ep 130
• How to Visit Haleakalā Crater on Maui— Ep 10
• What You Need to Know About the Road to Hana on Maui— Ep 31

Related articles:

• Road to Hana: 16 Things to Know Before You Go (2026 Guide)
• Old Lahaina Luau Worth $230? Honest 2026 Review 
• I Sat Through a Luau in a Rainstorm So You Don’t Have To (Drums of the Pacific Luau Review)

About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.

Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com

Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation

🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!
https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

Marcie's Hawaii Trip-Planning Toolbox: Free Email Courses, Instagram Keywords, and Updated Island Guides

Who this episode is for: Anyone in the early, overwhelmed stage of planning a Hawaii trip who wants a fast, free way to get oriented before spending money on a guide or a consult.

What you'll learn: Where to find Marcie's free email planning courses, how to use Instagram DM keywords to get them sent straight to your inbox, and what her paid, regularly-updated island guides and Hawaii Resources hub cover for day-by-day planning.

Places discussed:

• Hawaii (general/overall trip planning)
• Kauai
• Maui
• Oahu
• Big Island

Marcie's recommendations:

• Start with the free "How to Travel to Hawaii Like a Pro" email course if you're early in planning and don't know what you don't know
• Use "How to Save Money in Hawaii" if budget is the main driver of your planning
• Once you know your island, use that island's free course (Maui, Oahu, Kauai, or Big Island) instead of the general one
• DM her on Instagram with a keyword (PROEMAIL, BUDGETEMAIL, or an island keyword like MAUIEMAIL) to get the course sent instantly, rather than hunting for the link
• Consider her paid island guides only once you want a full day-by-day plan, not as a first step
• Her guides are worth trusting because she keeps them updated, unlike a guide that hasn't been touched in years
• Bookmark the Hawaii Resources hub as the one link to save if you're only going to save one

Related articles: 

• How to Travel to Hawaii Like a Pro (With Kids)
• How to Save Money in Hawaii (With Kids)
• How to Plan a Trip to Oahu With Kids
• How to Plan a Trip to Maui With Kids
• How to Plan a Trip to Kauai With Kids
• How to Plan a Trip to the Big Island With Kids

About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.

Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com

Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation

🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!
https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

From Travel Blogger to Hawaii Specialist: Retha on Planning Safer, Slower Hawaii Trips

Who this episode is for: Anyone planning a Hawaii trip who tends to over-schedule their days or wants guidance on which activities are actually worth booking.

What you'll learn: Why slowing down and booking just one activity a day leads to a better trip, and how to tell if an experience (like a manta ray night snorkel or downhill biking) is actually a good fit for your family before you book it.

Places discussed:

• Big Island
• Kauai
• Oahu
• Maui
• Kona
• Kalalau Trail

Activities discussed:

• Manta ray night snorkel near Kona
• Downhill biking tour (Maui)
• Snorkeling
• Sea turtle viewing
• Hiking the Kalalau Trail
• Beach elopement/wedding ceremony
• Hotel cabana days
• Dolphin encounters

Marcie's recommendations:

• Recommends doing a cabana day near the end of a trip so kids can swim while parents relax
• Advises front-loading a trip by spending less on hotel splurges early on, since you'll want a nicer home base once you get tired later in the trip
• Emphasizes giving people the benefit of the doubt around wildlife rules, since many visitors simply don't know the guidelines yet, while still stressing the importance of keeping a safe distance
• Reminds listeners that every family's "dream Hawaii vacation" looks different, so don't feel pressured to do something just because it's popular

Where to find Retha

• Instagram @RoamingRetha
• Facebook

About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.

Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com

Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation

🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!
https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

Hawaii Hurricanes and Travel Insurance: What's Covered (and What Isn't) for Flights, CFAR, and Vacation Rentals

Who this episode is for: Anyone with a Hawaii trip on the books during hurricane season, or a vacation rental already reserved, who wants to know whether their coverage would actually hold up if a storm hit.

What you'll learn: What actually triggers hurricane-related travel insurance coverage and why the timing of your purchase matters more than the storm itself, plus how pandemic coverage, Cancel For Any Reason, and Airbnb/Vrbo cancellation policies each work differently than most people assume.

Places discussed:

• Hawaii (statewide)
• Big Island
• Laupahoehoe (Big Island)
• Kauai
• Princeville (Kauai)
• Oahu
• Honolulu

Marcie's recommendations:

• Buy a comprehensive travel insurance policy as early as possible, ideally the same week you book, especially during hurricane season (June through November)
• Look for a policy that explicitly names hurricane or named storm coverage, not just generic trip cancellation
• If you want the flexibility to cancel for any reason, add CFAR within two to three weeks of your first trip deposit, since it can't be tacked on later once a storm is already forming
• Don't assume Airbnb or Vrbo's own policies will protect you during a hurricane. Read the platform's actual policy and carry your own insurance on top of it
• Warns that vacation rental hosts have an incentive to keep a reservation going regardless of conditions on the ground, pointing to accounts out of Princeville after Hurricane Lowell where guests were told it was fine to stay without power for weeks and had trouble getting refunds
• If your Hawaii trip touches more than one island, check your policy's language on connecting flights specifically, since interisland disruptions aren't always treated the same as your original mainland flight
• Once a storm has a name or an official watch or warning is issued, buying insurance after that point almost certainly won't cover it, so don't wait to see how bad it gets
• Credit card travel protection is usually too narrow to rely on for something this specific
• For a short or cheap trip, decide based on how refundable it already is rather than assuming insurance is always worth it
• If you have a trip coming up soon, check your policy's effective date, call your insurer to ask about current advisories for your dates, and get your vacation rental host's cancellation stance in writing ahead of time
• Personally buys whatever Allianz plan is offered when booking flights with Alaska Airlines, every time, without comparison shopping tiers

Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes:

• How to Find Cheap Flights to Hawaii: Expert Tips That Save Hundreds— Ep 69
• When to Book Your Hawaii Flight: The Sweet Spot Window— Ep 68

Related articles:

•  Hawaii Travel Insurance: Is It Worth Getting for Your Trip?

About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.

Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com

Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation

🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!
https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

Hawaii Fall Travel News Roundup: Hurricanes, Kauai Closures, Punalu’u Changes, and New Inter-Island Check-In Rules

Who this episode is for: Anyone with a Hawaii trip on the calendar this fall or winter, especially families heading to Kauaʻi or flying between islands.

What you'll learn: What's open and closed on Kauaʻi after Hurricane Lowell, what changed at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, and how Hawaiian's new 50-minute interisland check-in rule affects your travel days. Plus fall events, the extended North Shore Huakaʻi shuttle, and how to get ready for Black Friday Hawaii deals.

Places discussed:

• Kauaʻi
• Līhuʻe
• Lydgate Beach
• Kealia Beach
• Kapaʻa Beach
• Coastal bike path, Lydgate to Kealia
• Wailua River and Wailua River State Park
• Secret Falls (hike still closed)
• Fern Grotto
• Hāʻena State Park
• Kalalau Trail
• Na Pali Coast Wilderness Park
• Waimea Canyon
• Kōkeʻe State Park
• Polihale State Park
• Hāʻena and Wainiha (residents and recovery traffic only)
• Poʻipū Beach Park
• Salt Pond Beach Park
• Hanamaʻulu Beach Park
• Black Pot Beach Park, Hanalei
• Hanalei Bridge
• Big Island
• Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
• Kaʻū
• Highway 11 near Waiʻōhinu and Honuʻapo
• Hilo
• Kona
• Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway
• Hāwī
• Aliʻi Drive
• Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and the Kahuku Unit
• Mauna Loa Road
• Hilina Pali Road
• Kīlauea summit
• Maui
• Haleakalā National Park
• Olowalu
• Kahului
• Lahaina and Front Street
• ʻUlu o Lele Marketplace, Lahaina (targeting November)
• Oʻahu
• Honolulu airport
• Waikīkī
• Kalākaua Avenue
• Duke Kahanamoku Beach
• Ko Olina
• North Shore
• Haleʻiwa
• Waialua and the Waialua Sugar Mill
• Banzai Pipeline
• Waimānalo Country Farms
• Aloun Farms country market, Waipahu
• Molokaʻi

Activities discussed:

• Hurricane-season trip planning and travel insurance
• Helicopter tours from Līhuʻe
• Wailua River kayaking
• Smith's Fern Grotto boat tour and luau
• Biking the Kauaʻi coastal path
• Hiking the Kalalau Trail (closed)
• Na Pali boat tours
• Ziplines and botanical gardens on Kauaʻi
• Sea turtle viewing at Punaluʻu
• Interisland flights on Hawaiian, Alaska, Southwest, and Mokulele
• North Shore Huakaʻi shuttle from Waikīkī and Ko Olina
• Fall Harvest Festival and pumpkin patch at Waimānalo Country Farms
• Aloun Farms pumpkin patch
• Halloween on Kalākaua Avenue
• Ironman World Championship
• Molokaʻi Hoe outrigger canoe race
• Honolulu Pride parade
• Hawaii International Film Festival
• Kona Coffee Cultural Festival and coffee farm visits
• Watching winter surf and the Pipe Masters
• Whale season
• Haleakalā sunrise
• Kīlauea lava viewing
• Black Friday and Cyber Monday travel deals

Marcie's recommendations:

• Fall is still a great time to visit, but book refundable when you can
• Travel insurance can really save you in a storm year
• Most people with a Kauaʻi trip should still go, just with a backup plan
• A helicopter tour is the way to see Na Pali and Waimea Canyon right now
• Don't drive out to Hāʻena or Wainiha to see the damage
• Respect closure signs, even if others ignore them
• Give Kauaʻi workers grace and spend at resident-owned businesses
• Check Department of Health water advisories before swimming on Kauaʻi's east side
• At Punaluʻu, plan your bathroom stop ahead and don't count on a lifeguard
• Give the turtles lots of space and never take black sand home
• Check Highway 11 road conditions in Kaʻū after heavy rain
• Arrive 90 minutes early at the smaller airports and 2 hours early in Honolulu
• Check your flight confirmation the night before in case you're on an Alaska 737
• The Huakaʻi shuttle is an easy North Shore day for families in Waikīkī without a car
• Book soon if you want the Ko Olina pickup, since it ends in October
• At Waimānalo Country Farms, go early on weekends and bring cash
• Take little kids to Halloween in Waikīkī from about 6 to 8 p.m.
• On Ironman day, skip long drives up the Kona coast and tight dinner reservations
• Admire North Shore winter waves from the sand
• In Lahaina, go as a guest, stay out of fenced areas, and don't photograph damaged homes
• Check USGS volcano updates the day you plan to visit Kīlauea
• Start tracking fares now so you can spot a real Black Friday deal
• Read the fine print on hotel sales, since some deals are nonrefundable
• Give yourself more buffer than you think you need on travel days

The new nonstops list: 

• Chicago to Maui (American): daily from Dec 17
• Boise to Honolulu (Alaska): daily from Dec 17
• Spokane to Honolulu (Alaska): Saturdays from Dec 19
• Minneapolis to Maui (Delta): starts Dec 19, frequency varies
• Boston to Honolulu (Delta): returns Dec 19
• Salt Lake City to Kona (Delta): daily from Nov 9
• Detroit to Honolulu (Delta): goes daily Nov 9
• Honolulu to Auckland (Hawaiian): seasonal service not coming back this November

Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes:

• What's Actually Happening in Hawaii Right Now— Ep 122
• Where Do You Need Reservations in Hawaii? (2026)— Ep 144
• How to Visit the Na Pali Coast on Kauai— Ep 133
• How Many Days Do You Really Need on the Big Island?— Ep 138
• Hawaii Rental Cars in 2026: What's Changed (Plus My Turo Experiment)— Ep 142
• How Many Days Do You Really Need on Oahu?— Ep 126
• How to Find Cheap Flights to Hawaii: Expert Tips That Save Hundreds— Ep 69
• Hawaii Travel Insurance: Do You Need It?— Ep 148

Related articles: 

• Halloween in Hawaii 2026: Is It Actually Worth It?

About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.

Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com

Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation

🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!
https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

Do You Actually Need a Whale Watching Tour in Maui?

Who this episode is for: Anyone planning a Maui trip during whale season who's deciding between paid boat tours and free shore viewing.

What you'll learn: When whale season actually peaks, where to see whales for free from shore, whether a boat tour is worth it, and Marcie's top three tour picks depending on what kind of experience you want.

Places discussed:

• Maui
• McGregor Point (between Ma'alaea and Lahaina)
• Wailea Beach Walk
• Kamaole Beach Parks (Kihei)
• Ka'anapali (north end, near Black Rock)
• Lāna'i (referenced via the Maui-Lāna'i ferry)
• Molokini Crater / Turtle Town (snorkeling add-on with Pride of Maui)

Activities discussed:

• Whale watching from shore
• Booking a whale watching boat tour
• Snorkeling combined with whale watching (Pride of Maui)

Hotels discussed:

• Hyatt Regency Maui — mentioned as a spot where Marcie personally saw whales breaching from the pool

Marcie's recommendations:

• Humpback whales are in Hawaiian waters officially November through May, but the season isn't even — late October/November brings early scout whales (mostly males), December picks up, and January through March is true peak season
• February tends to have the most whales, but it's also peak tourist season with higher prices and faster-booking tours
• Recent Maui volunteer counts: 694 whales spotted in a single January count, 847 in a single February count (both slightly down year-over-year, likely partly due to duplicate counting of the same whales rather than a real decline) — marine biologists still estimate roughly 12,000 humpbacks made the trip to Hawaiian waters last winter
• You can see whales from shore all over the islands during peak season — spouts and distant tail slaps/breaches are realistic without a boat
• Favorite free Maui shore spots: McGregor Point (probably the single best free spot on Maui, bring binoculars), Wailea Beach Walk, Kamaole Beach Parks (especially mornings), and the north end of Ka'anapali near Black Rock
• Go early in the morning before wind picks up for the best shore-viewing window
• Consider skipping the boat tour if you're on a tight budget, prone to seasickness, or traveling with toddlers — standard catamaran tours have no age minimum, but a 2-hour open-water scan is a tough ask for toddler attention spans; smaller raft-style tours often do have an age minimum (usually 7-8) due to a faster, bumpier ride
• A boat tour offers something shore viewing can't: close-up breaches, hearing whales exhale, hydrophone whale song
• Top tour picks: 
  • PacWhale Eco-Adventures (formerly/still tied to Pacific Whale Foundation) — best for families, especially kids under 10; certified marine naturalists on every boat, junior naturalist program, hydrophones, and a no-charge rebooking guarantee if you don't see whales on your tour before you leave the island
  • Trilogy — splurge pick; real wine glasses, cinnamon rolls, smaller boat capacity, sails under real sail power when conditions allow (note: doesn't mean more whale sightings, just a nicer experience)
  • Pride of Maui — combines whale watching with snorkeling (Molokini or Turtle Town, weather-dependent), ~3.5 hours, includes barbecue lunch, open bar, and a water slide; best for kids 8+ or couples wanting whale watching and snorkeling combined; more time on the water means more motion exposure for anyone prone to seasickness
• Book your tour early in your trip (first or second day) rather than saving it for the end, in case weather causes a cancellation
• Marcie's personal take: every time she's paid for a boat tour, it's been worth it to her, but if ~$400 for a family of four would create real financial stress, shore viewing (like McGregor Point with a cup of coffee) is a completely legitimate, whale-guaranteed alternative — there's no wrong answer here

Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes:

• How to Plan a Trip to Maui— Ep 47
• When Is the Best Time to Visit Hawaii?— Ep 4

Additional resources:

• Is Whale Watching in Maui Actually Worth the Money? (From Someone Who’s Done It Both Ways)
• Hawaii Travel Consultation (60 min/$149, 90 min/$199)
• Hawaii Itinerary Review ($50)

About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.

Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com

Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation

🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!
https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

Big Island Multi-Gen Trip Recap: Manta Rays, Mauna Kea Renovation, and Planning Tips with Trips with Tykes

Host Marcie welcomes travel blogger Leslie Harvey of Trips with Tykes back from a multi-generational Big Island trip with in-laws, including kids ages 3 to 17. Leslie, a frequent Big Island visitor, shares highlights like the Kona manta ray night snorkel (with Kona Style; notes on timing and operator differences), and reviews the renovated Mauna Kea resort, including its historic feel, new adults infinity pool, and a new, expensive but exceptional spa. She recommends a splurge meal at Kona Village, describes the Big Island as chill with both rural and luxury vibes, and notes drawbacks like long driving distances (she still hasn’t visited Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park). Multi-gen tips include renting a house, not overscheduling, and planning a few key family dinners. Challenges included wind, a Portuguese man o’ war sting, and disappointing value at Hau Tree. Costs were high, so groceries via Instacart helped; she sums the trip as expensive, relaxing, and delicious.

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
00:42 Trip Group Rundown
01:21 Why Big Island Wins
02:23 Manta Ray Night Snorkel
05:14 Mauna Kea Hotel Refresh
06:45 Spa and Splurge Dining
09:26 Big Island Vibe Compared
10:55 Driving Distances Reality
13:20 Best Island for Who
14:48 Multi Gen Planning Tips
19:27 Weather and Food Hiccups
21:32 Budget and Cost Strategies
23:46 What Changed Over Time
25:00 Grocery Delivery Hack
29:08 Next Time Bucket List
31:00 Three Word Wrap Up

Who this episode is for: Families planning a multi-generational Big Island trip, or anyone deciding between a house rental and a resort stay with a mixed-age group.

What you'll learn: What a real multi-gen Big Island trip looks like, an updated review of the renovated Mauna Kea resort, and practical tips for traveling with a wide age range (3 to 17) and multiple generations.

Places discussed:

• Big Island (Kona)
• Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park (mentioned as not yet visited)

Activities discussed:

• Kona manta ray night snorkel (with Kona Style)
• Spa visit at Mauna Kea
• Grocery delivery via Instacart

Hotels discussed:

• Mauna Kea (renovated) — historic feel, new adults-only infinity pool, new spa

Restaurants discussed:

• Kona Village — recommended splurge dinner
• Hau Tree — disappointing value

Guest recommendations (Leslie Harvey, Trips with Tykes):

• Book the Kona manta ray night snorkel with Kona Style; pay attention to timing and operator differences
• Splurge on dinner at Kona Village
• For multi-gen trips: rent a house instead of separate hotel rooms, don't overschedule, and plan a few key family dinners together
• Use Instacart for groceries to help manage high food costs
• Budget for long driving distances between areas of the island

Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes:

• How to Plan a Trip to the Big Island— Ep 51
• Best Areas to Stay on the Big Island— Ep 74
• Navigating Multi-Generational Trips to Hawaii with Melissa Conn— Ep 20

Related articles:

• Big Island travel guide

About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.

Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com

Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation

🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!
https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/