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

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/

Hawaii Reservations You Need to Know: Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Haena, and More

Who this episode is for: Anyone building a Hawaii trip around bucket list stops like Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, or Haena who doesn't want to show up and get turned away over a reservation they didn't know they needed.

What you'll learn: Exactly when reservations open, what they cost, and what to watch for at six of Hawaii's most-booked spots, plus which new booking systems are headed to Maui and Oahu and the timing mistakes that trip up most travelers.

Places discussed:

• Ala Moana Center – Honolulu food court, where Marcie waits for reservations to drop
• USS Arizona Memorial / Pearl Harbor National Memorial – Oahu
• Pearl Harbor Visitor Center
• Battleship Missouri
• Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
• Waikiki
• Diamond Head State Monument – Oahu
• Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve – Oahu
• Iao Valley State Monument (Iao Needle) – Maui
• Road to Hana – Maui
• Waiʻanapanapa State Park – Maui, black sand beach
• Haena State Park – Kauai
• Na Pali Coast – Kauai
• Kalalau Trail – Kauai
• Hanakapiai – Kauai
• Honolua Bay – Maui
• Oahu's North Shore
• Haleiwa – Oahu
• Laniakea – Oahu
• Waimea Bay – Oahu
• Lanikai (Mokulua Drive, Aalapapa Drive) – Kailua, Oahu
• Haleakala National Park – Maui

Activities discussed:

• USS Arizona Memorial boat tour and exhibit galleries
• Diamond Head crater hike
• Hanauma Bay snorkeling
• Iao Valley walk to the Needle viewpoints
• Road to Hana driving stops
• Kalalau Trail hiking and camping permits
• Haena shuttle (GoHaena) vs. self-parking
• Sunrise viewing at Haleakala
• Luau attendance
• Boat tours to Molokini Crater and along the Napali Coast
• Helicopter tours

Marcie's recommendations:

• Have payment info ready and refresh right at 3pm HST for Arizona Memorial tickets; check the daily next-day standby release if you miss the main window
• Book Diamond Head the moment the 30-day window opens and grab the earliest slot available
• Go to Diamond Head early, since there's little shade on the trail and the trailhead lot fills fast
• Set an alarm for Hanauma Bay's 48-hour booking window; bring cash, since parking doesn't take cards
• Don't assume a Hanauma Bay reservation guarantees a parking spot
• Visit Iao Valley earlier in the day, before the afternoon mist rolls in
• Pack bug spray for Iao Valley
• Stick to marked trails at Waiʻanapanapa out of respect for nearby sacred sites
• Check ocean conditions before letting kids near the water at Waiʻanapanapa; treat the surf with real caution
• Confirm Haena/Kauai park status directly through GoHaena.com and the state parks site before building a trip around it, given Hurricane Lowell closures
• Don't build a North Shore Oahu trip around the proposed shuttle yet, since it's still early-stage
• Book the hardest, fastest-selling reservations first (Hanauma Bay, Haena) and let everything else flex around them
• Leave breathing room between reservations instead of stacking them back to back
• Don't assume a reservation-only spot will have room if you just show up
• Avoid stacking Diamond Head and Hanauma Bay back to back in one day
• Double-check park closure days before building an itinerary around a spot
• Book luaus, Haleakala sunrise, boat tours, and helicopter tours as soon as your dates are set, not last

Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes: 

• How to Visit Pearl Harbor on Oahu— Ep 22
• How to Hike Diamond Head Crater on Oahu— Ep 13
• Hanauma Bay 2026: What Families Actually Need to Know Before You Go— Ep 91
• North Shore Kauai: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go— Ep 125

Related articles: 

• How to Get from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor in 2026 (What Actually Works After 40+ Hawaii Trips)
• Pearl Harbor With Kids: Is It Worth It? (2026 Guide)
• Is It Worth Hiking Diamond Head with Kids?
• Hanauma Bay 2026: Everything Families Need to Know Before You Go (Reservations, Prices & What Actually Happens)

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/

Fake Vacation Rental Listings: How to Protect Your Hawaii Trip

Verification steps and regulatory context current as of recording. Hawaii's short-term rental laws are actively changing island by island — verify current rules and always check GET/TAT numbers directly before booking.

Who this episode is for: Anyone booking a Hawaii vacation rental, especially larger multi-generational bookings, who wants to avoid fake listings and scam activity.

What you'll learn: How Hawaii vacation rental scams typically work, why the current legal confusion around short-term rental rules makes it easier for scammers to hide, how to verify a listing's GET and TAT numbers, and other red flags to watch for.

Places discussed:

• Maui (phasing out thousands of rentals)
• Oahu (limiting rentals to resort zoning or grandfathered permits)
• Kauai (rentals allowed only in specific visitor destination areas)
• Big Island (new registration system rolled out this past July)

Activities discussed:

• Booking a vacation rental
• Verifying a rental's legal registration
• Booking through Vrbo vs. Airbnb vs. hotels/resorts

Marcie's recommendations:

• Hawaii state officials have issued a recent warning that fake vacation rental listing scams are increasing, and Hawaii already has one of the highest rental scam rates per capita in the country
• Scammers commonly take a real listing's photos and repost them elsewhere — social media, a fake website, or even a legitimate platform at a lower price to create urgency
• Current confusion around changing short-term rental laws across all four islands makes it easier for scam listings to blend in, even for well-intentioned travelers
• Every legal Hawaii vacation rental should have both a GET number and a TAT number
• Verify these directly at portal.ehawaii.gov → Business → Tax Services → Tax License Search, rather than trying to check island-by-island systems separately
• Red flag: being asked to pay outside the official booking platform (wire transfer, gift card, app) due to a supposed website issue
• Red flag: a price dramatically lower than comparable nearby listings
• Consider a reverse image search on listing photos to check whether they appear elsewhere under a different property or owner name
• Never book a Hawaii vacation rental through Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace — there's no regulation or protection there
• Marcie's personal preference has shifted toward hotels and resorts, less about specific rental problems and more about avoiding pre-trip coordination logistics (check-in, keys, etc.)
• Vrbo has generally worked well for Marcie's multi-generational family trips; Airbnb has been a more negative personal experience, including issues with their affiliate program

Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes: 

• Where to Stay in Hawaii: Resort vs Condo vs Hotel vs Vacation Rental Guide— Ep 38
• Resort vs Vacation Rental: The 5-Minute Decision Guide That Could Save You Thousands— Ep 64
• Hawaii Rental Cars in 2026: What's Changed (Plus My Turo Experiment)

Related articles: 

• How to Actually Plan a Hawaii Vacation (Without Losing Your Mind)
• Hawaii Is Shutting Down Vacation Rentals in 2026 (Here’s What That Means For Your Trip)

Additional resources:

• Hawaii Travel Consultation (60 min/$149, 90 min/$199)
• Hawaii Itinerary Review ($50)
• Hawaii Travel with Kids Facebook group

Verify a listing:

• Hawaii Tax License Search → Business → Tax Services → Tax License Search

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/