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

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/

Hawaii Rental Cars in 2026: What's Changed (Plus My Turo Experiment)

Who this episode is for: Anyone planning Hawaii rental car logistics and pricing for 2026-2027, including whether to try Turo as an alternative to traditional rental agencies.

What you'll learn: Which islands actually require a car versus which allow flexibility, current 2026 pricing ranges, why shortages spike unpredictably, a real cost breakdown of trying to skip a rental car on Oahu, and updates on public transit across all four islands.

Places discussed:

• Oahu (Waikiki, North Shore, Windward side)
• Maui (Kahului)
• Kauai (Lihue, Hanalei)
• Big Island (Kona, Hilo)

Activities discussed:

• Renting a car vs. relying on shuttles/rideshare
• Using public bus systems (Oahu's Skyline rail and bus network, Kauai's North Shore bus, Big Island's Hele-On Bus)
• Booking a Turo rental
• Visiting Kualoa Ranch via shuttle
• Taking a guided North Shore tour
• Visiting Hanauma Bay via rideshare (with real logistical drawbacks)

Marcie's recommendations:

• Oahu: skip a rental if staying in Waikiki and doing mostly Pearl Harbor/beach/shopping — bus and rideshare work fine there; rent for a day or two specifically to cover the North Shore and Windward side, since bus takes 2+ hours each way and Uber can run $75+ one-way
• Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island remain essentially car-required islands for anything beyond the resort strip
• Current (late summer 2026) daily rates: Oahu roughly $40-60/day (biggest fleet, most competition); Maui and Big Island roughly $50-80/day in normal weeks; Kauai more moderate but volatile
• Shortage spikes are real and unpredictable: Big Island Turo listings hit $2,200+ for 4 days around Valentine's/Presidents' Day weekend this year; Kona rates averaged around $127/day at one point, among the most expensive rental markets in the country; Maui saw 30-60% year-over-year price increases tied partly to vehicle recalls pulling minivans/SUVs from circulation; Kahului and Lihue rates routinely run more than double normal around Christmas
• Book as early as you have real travel dates, use a comparison service that allows rebooking if prices drop, and treat any holiday week or high-demand weekend as peak pricing regardless of season
• Marcie books through Discount Hawaii Car Rental — no prepayment required, cancel without a fee if plans change or a better price appears
• Turo has become a real alternative, not just a backup — particularly useful for specific vehicle types or during shortage weeks when traditional agencies are sold out, but Turo prices can spike just as hard (or harder) during shortages
• Skipping a car rental to save money doesn't always pencil out — a real family example: shuttle to Kualoa Ranch (~$30/person round trip), guided North Shore tour ($45-90/person), luau shuttle transportation ($30-40/person round trip), and Hanauma Bay via rideshare (drop-off limited to the top of the access road, longer walk than parking would require) added up to roughly $400-650 total across four outings, plus lost flexibility — often close to or more than a rental car would have cost for the same days
• Oahu bus fares increased in July (first increase in 4 years): $3.25 cash or $3.00 with a Holo card per ride; Holo card caps at $7.50/day and $90/month — worth getting if riding more than twice
• Oahu's Skyline rail now reaches the airport, making it more useful for visitors than a year ago
• Kauai's local bus now runs a North Shore route (Lihue to Hanalei, roughly hourly, ~$2/ride or $5 day pass) — useful supplement if staying along that route, but doesn't reach Waimea Canyon, Kōke'e, or Hā'ena
• The Big Island's Hele-On Bus is currently fare-free (funded through the end of 2028), and ridership has jumped from around 325,000/year to nearly 1 million as a result — worth checking routes if your itinerary is Hilo- or Kona-focused specifically, though it won't replace a car for covering both sides of the island
• Holo Holo app (Oahu, Maui, Big Island, Kauai, Lāna'i) works like a pre-booked private driver — not for spontaneous trips, but useful for airport transfers or set point-to-point rides where Uber coverage is thin
• Hawaii's daily rental car surcharge is $7.50/day as of 2026, set to rise to $8/day starting January 2027 — factor this into budgeting regardless of the daily rate shown
• Don't expect shortages to fully disappear — book the moment you have real dates, hold a refundable rate, and keep checking for better pricing

Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes: 

• Hawaii Travel Tips: Do You Need to Rent a Car? Complete Guide— Ep 11
• Budgeting for a Hawaii Vacation: What to Expect— Ep 16
• Hawaii on a Budget – How to Save Without Sacrificing Fun— Ep 55
• Hawaii Travel Tips: Money-Saving Hacks for Your Vacation— Ep 63

Additional resources:

• Discount Hawaii Car Rental (Marcie's affiliate link) — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Resources
• Hawaii Travel Consultation
• Hawaii Itinerary Review
• Hawaii Travel with Kids Facebook group

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/

Rental Car Break-Ins: What Every Hawaii Visitor Needs to Know

Who this episode is for: Anyone renting a car in Hawaii who wants practical, easy habits to avoid becoming one of the thousands of rental car break-in victims each year.

What you'll learn: How common and opportunistic rental car break-ins actually are, which spots see documented hotspots, what makes a car a target, and simple packing habits that prevent it.

Places discussed:

• Honolulu
• Makapu'u (Oahu) — camera trailers installed, break-ins dropped noticeably in the first month
• Halona (Oahu)
• Lanikai / Pillbox Trailhead (Oahu)
• Iao Valley (Maui)
• Hana Highway pullouts (Maui)
• Waimea Bay (Oahu) — site of a specific, well-documented $15,000 theft case

Activities discussed:

• Renting a car
• Parking at beaches, trailheads, and scenic lookouts

Marcie's recommendations:

• Break-ins are opportunistic, not sophisticated — someone watches a lot and waits for a car that will sit for 30+ minutes, then breaks in for a quick grab
• It's not about the value of an item or the car's license plate (all rentals have Hawaii plates) — it's about whether something is visible, and whether the car looks new/clean/rental-like
• This isn't an Oahu-only issue — it happens on every island
• Documented hotspots: Makapu'u and Halona lookouts (Oahu, where added camera trailers measurably reduced incidents), Lanikai/Pillbox Trailhead (Oahu), Iao Valley and Hana Highway pullouts (Maui)
• No single car model is specifically targeted in a way that should change your rental choice — assume any rental car reads as a rental, regardless of make/model
• The single biggest habit: pack and unpack in the hotel room, not the parking lot — load the car before leaving the hotel and don't open the trunk again once parked
• On red-eye departure days or when switching hotels mid-trip, drop your bags at the hotel first, even before official check-in — most hotels will hold luggage
• Bring anything you might need with you from the start rather than pulling it from the trunk later
• It's fine to leave things in the trunk generally — just be careful never to visibly access it once parked somewhere

Additional resources:

• Hawaii Travel Consultation (60 min/$149, 90 min/$199) — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Travel Consultant
• Hawaii Itinerary Review ($50) — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Itinerary Review
• Hawaii Travel with Kids Facebook group

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 with a Baby: Harder Than You Think, Better Than You Fear

Who this episode is for: Parents planning a Hawaii trip with an infant, especially those considering going solo or before their child starts school.

What you'll learn: Why baby trips can actually work well timing-wise, how to choose an age window and island, real flight logistics (feeding, diapers, car seats), where to stay, what gear matters, and how to structure a simple daily rhythm.

Places discussed: N/A this episode (general baby-travel guidance, not location-specific — Kauai's Poipu Beach mentioned as an anecdote, not a recommendation per se)

Activities discussed:

• Flying with an infant (feeding, diapering, car seat decisions)
• Renting baby gear (cribs, strollers, high chairs, jumperoos) delivered to your accommodation
• Beach time with a baby (pop-up tent, sun protection)
• Scenic drives timed around nap schedules
• Booking a Flytographer session

Marcie's recommendations:

• Travel before school age if possible — mid-April through June or September through mid-December are cheaper, less crowded windows once school schedules are no longer a constraint
• Lap babies (under 2) fly free on domestic flights; most tours and attractions don't charge for infants under 2 either
• Choose one island and stay put — inter-island flights, new car seat installs, and repacking add too much on top of a baby adjusting to a new time zone
• Around 6 months is a strong window for a first baby trip — often easier for sleep and general manageability than 9 months, when babies are more mobile and need more active entertainment
• Babies under 6 months cannot wear sunscreen per AAP guidance — shade (a pop-up tent, sun hat with chin strap) is the sun protection strategy at that age
• Book direct flights rather than connections whenever possible
• Use a backpack as your carry-on so your hands stay free
• Pre-measure dry formula at home if formula feeding; mix with room-temperature bottled water on the plane
• Bring your own car seat rather than renting one from the rental car counter — rental car seats can be genuinely unclean, and you'll only discover that at the worst possible moment
• Book a rental car through Discount Hawaii Car Rental unless staying in Waikiki
• Consider a vacation rental over a resort for a baby trip specifically — kitchen access, separate bedroom for the baby's bedtime, usually included parking, and most resort kids clubs don't accept children under about age 3 anyway
• If staying at a hotel, request a crib in advance, ask about a mini fridge or microwave, and try for a ground-floor room
• A pop-up beach tent is close to non-negotiable — Hawaiian beaches often have little natural shade
• Reef-safe mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) is required — Hawaii statewide bans oxybenzone/octinoxate sunscreens, and Maui County requires mineral-only formulas specifically
• A baby carrier works better than a stroller for beach days or trails; bring the stroller only if staying somewhere with paved paths
• Baby powder can help sand fall off a baby's skin if they dislike the sensation
• Expect early wake-ups from time zone adjustment (Hawaii is 2–3 hours behind the West Coast, 5–6 behind the East Coast) and lean into it — early beach mornings can become a highlight rather than a hardship
• Plan one activity maximum in the morning, keep afternoons unscheduled, and use car naps as built-in downtime
• Eat dinner early and be willing to let takeout on the lanai count as a good dinner
• Skip anything with a strict, unmissable departure time
• If your baby doesn't take to the beach, that's fine — the pool (or any other low-key alternative) is a completely valid substitute
• Consider renting baby gear locally instead of hauling everything from home — cribs, strollers, high chairs, and more are available with delivery on every island
• A Flytographer session is worth the splurge, given how quickly babies change

Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes:

• Is Hawaii Worth It with a Toddler? What I Wish Someone Had Told Me— Ep 84
• How to Choose the Right Hawaiian Island for Your Trip— Ep 3
• One Island vs Two Islands: How to Actually Decide— Ep 70

Related articles:

• Where to Find Vacation Babysitters in Hawaii
• Hawaii Beach Essentials for Babies
• Ultimate Guide to Hawaii with a Baby

Additional resources:

• Discount Hawaii Car Rental (Marcie's affiliate link)
• Flytographer ($20 discount)
• Hawaii Travel Consultation
• Hawaii Itinerary Review ($50)
• Hawaii Travel with Kids Facebook group

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 Babymoon: What Couples Need to Know

Who this episode is for: Pregnant travelers and their partners planning a Hawaii babymoon who want practical guidance on timing, airline policies, island choice, and pregnancy-friendly activities.

What you'll learn: The best trimester and season to travel, how airline pregnancy policies differ by carrier, which islands and resorts fit a babymoon best, what to look for in a resort, pregnancy-friendly activities and foods, and what to skip.

Places discussed:

• Maui (Ka'anapali, Wailea)
• Oahu (Ko Olina, Kailua)
• Kauai (Poipu, Hanalei Bay, North Shore, Waimea Canyon)
• Big Island
• Lāna'i
• Haleakalā
• Road to Hana
• Hanauma Bay

Activities discussed:

• Prenatal spa treatments and massage
• Beach time (calm, protected water specifically)
• Attending a luau
• Scenic drives (Waimea Canyon, Haleakalā at sunset, Road to Hana)
• Sunset/dinner cruises
• Snorkeling (Hanauma Bay specifically recommended)
• Shopping for baby items
• Booking a maternity photo shoot (Flytographer)

Hotels discussed:

• Grand Wailea, Andaz Maui, Fairmont Kea Lani (Wailea) — excellent spas and cabana setups
• Royal Lahaina (Ka'anapali) — reopened post-2023 fires with a new beachfront spa
• Aulani (Ko Olina) — Laniwai Spa's "Hāpai" prenatal massage treatment, plus a pregnancy-safe-temperature hydrotherapy garden
• Turtle Bay (North Shore, Oahu) — quieter option
• Koloa Landing (Poipu, Kauai)
• Four Seasons Hualalai (Big Island) — adults-only pool area, pregnancy-specific spa treatment

Restaurants discussed:

• Roy's (Maui) — recommended for a proper date-night dinner
• Mochiko chicken, kal-bi ribs, and Spam musubi called out as pregnancy-friendly local favorites 
• Shave ice recommended as a daily treat, with an emphasis on trying different spots

Marcie's recommendations:

• Second trimester (weeks 14–27) is the sweet spot — energy is back, nausea has usually passed, not yet uncomfortable
• Third trimester trips can still work if you keep expectations realistic (lagoon floating, massage, good food rather than hikes and full-day adventures)
• April through October tends to be drier and sunnier across most islands; Kauai's North Shore gets more rain in winter
• Check airline pregnancy policy directly and current before booking: 
  • United: travel allowed through 36 weeks without documentation; after that, needs an OB certificate dated close to departure
  • Delta: no hard cutoff, no certificate required, but no travel within 7 days of due date
  • American: doctor's certificate required within 4 weeks of due date; generally no travel within 7 days of due date domestically without special clearance
  • Southwest: recommends against travel from 36 weeks on, doesn't technically prohibit it
  • Hawaiian Airlines: medical certificate required for inter-island flights if due within 7 days; for mainland-Hawaii flights within 30 days of due date, an OB exam within 48 hours of departure plus written certificate is required
  • Always confirm with your doctor regardless of airline policy
• Stay on one island rather than island hopping — extra travel eats into limited rest time
• Maui (Ka'anapali/Wailea) is Marcie's personal top babymoon pick; Kauai for a quieter pace; Big Island for a volcano view without serious hiking; Lāna'i for ultimate seclusion
• Choose a resort with an on-site (not off-site) spa offering prenatal-specific treatments — call ahead to confirm before booking
• Prioritize shaded cabanas, ideally with food/drink service
• Stick to calm, protected beaches: Ka'anapali, Wailea, Kailua, Hanalei Bay, Ko Olina lagoons — skip big-wave beaches
• Luaus are an easy, low-effort pregnancy-friendly activity
• Scenic drives (Waimea Canyon, Haleakalā sunset, Road to Hana at a slow pace) are fully accessible without hiking
• Snorkeling can actually be easier while pregnant due to buoyancy, if your doctor has cleared you — Hanauma Bay recommended
• Skip: intense hikes, big-wave beaches, rough-water activities, zip lines/adventure activities, and hot tubs (discuss the hot tub question specifically with your doctor)
• Don't overschedule — build in more rest than feels necessary and give yourself permission to cancel plans
• Hawaii's food scene extends well beyond poke and sushi — mochiko chicken, kal-bi ribs, Spam musubi, and shave ice are all pregnancy-safe favorites worth seeking out
• Book maternity photos — Flytographer is recommended for an easy, local-photographer-matched process

Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes:

• One Island vs Two Islands: How to Actually Decide— Ep 70
• Hawaii Travel Guide: Are Luaus Worth It? Everything You Need to Know— Ep 6
• Every Oahu Luau I've Been To (Ranked Honestly)— Ep 95
• Every Kauai Luau I've Been To, Ranked Honestly — Ep 131
• Every Maui Luau I've Been To (And Everything Else Worth Knowing), Ranked Honestly— Ep 129
• Every Big Island Luau I've Been To (And Everything Else Worth Knowing), Ranked Honestly— Ep 135
• Waimea Canyon & the Kauai West Side: How to Do This Day Right— Ep 98
• How to Visit Haleakalā Crater on Maui— Ep 10
• What You Need to Know About the Road to Hana on Maui— Ep 31
• Hanauma Bay 2026: What Families Actually Need to Know Before You Go— Ep 91
• Where I Eat on the Big Island— Ep 136
• Where I Actually Eat on Maui— Ep 132
• Where I eat on Oahu— Ep 112 
• Where I Eat on Kauai— Ep 102

Additional resources:

• Flytographer (with listener discount) — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Resources
• Hawaii Travel Consultation — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Travel Consultant
• Hawaii Itinerary Review ($50) — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Itinerary 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/

How Many Days Do You Really Need on the Big Island?

Who this episode is for: Anyone planning a Big Island trip who's underestimating drive times and considering splitting time between Kona and Hilo (or basing entirely in one resort area and day-tripping to the other side).

What you'll learn: Why the Big Island needs more time than people expect, specific drive times between Kona, Hilo, and Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, recommended trip lengths, and how to split nights between Kona and Hilo based on trip style and budget.

Places discussed:

• Kona
• Waikoloa
• Hilo
• Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
• Waipio Valley
• Waimea

Activities discussed:

• Visiting Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
• Taking the shuttle into Waipio Valley (hiking in is no longer allowed; the shuttle is the only practical way in)
• Chasing waterfalls near Hilo
• Renting a car

Marcie's recommendations:

• Drive times: Kona to Hilo is about 1.5–2 hours via Saddle Road, or closer to 3 hours via the southern route past the volcano
• Kona to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is about 2–2.5 hours
• Hilo to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is only about 45 minutes — a key reason to base near Hilo if the park is a priority
• If the Big Island is your only stop: aim for 7–10 days
• If island hopping: 5–7 days works, but be intentional about which side gets more nights
• If you only have 3–4 days: pick one region and let the other go, rather than trying to touch both
• For Kona vs. Hilo split: lean toward more nights in Hilo if you're outdoorsy or budget-conscious (closer to the volcano and Waipio, generally lower rates); lean toward more nights in Kona if a classic resort experience (pools, beach chairs, oceanfront luau) matters more to your group
• For a full week, Marcie typically recommends around 4 nights Kona / 3 nights Hilo, adjusting based on what the family prioritizes
• A rental car is not optional on the Big Island — rideshare doesn't reliably work outside Kona or Hilo town, and isn't practical for long point-to-point drives even within them
• Book your rental car early, especially for Kona pickup, since rates and availability shift fast
• Book through Discount Hawaii Car Rental for consistently better rates than booking direct
• If doing a split stay between Kona and Hilo, double-check for one-way drop-off fees

Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes:

• Planning Your Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Visit: Everything You Need to Know— Ep 53
• Where I Eat on the Big Island— Ep 136
• Best Areas to Stay on the Big Island— Ep 74
• How to Plan a Trip to the Big Island— Ep 51

Additional resources:

• Discount Hawaii Car Rental (Marcie's affiliate link) — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Resources
• Hawaii Travel Consultation — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Travel Consultant
• $50 Itinerary Audit — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Itinerary 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/

Maui's Upcountry: Why Most Visitors Skip It and Shouldn't

Who this episode is for: Anyone visiting Maui who's only planning to drive through Upcountry on the way to Haleakalā and doesn't realize it's worth stopping for on its own.

What you'll learn: What Upcountry Maui actually is, where to eat and shop in Makawao, family-friendly stops like Surfing Goat Dairy and Kula Botanical Garden, the Maui Pineapple Tour, Ulupalakua Ranch, and how to build Upcountry into a half or full day.

Places discussed:

• Upcountry Maui (Kula, Makawao, Hali'imaile)
• Makawao
• Kula Botanical Garden
• Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm
• Hali'imaile
• Ulupalakua Ranch
• Haleakalā (referenced as the usual reason people pass through)

Activities discussed:

• Driving through Upcountry (2,000–4,000 ft elevation, paniolo/cowboy culture)
• Shopping and wandering in Makawao
• Booking a Flytographer photo shoot and pairing it with a lei po'o
• Touring Surfing Goat Dairy (casual farm tour, evening/milking tour, Saturday grand tour, cheese flight and truffle tasting add-ons)
• Visiting Kula Botanical Garden
• Visiting Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm
• Taking the Maui Pineapple Tour (basic tour, tour with lunch, farm and feast with dinner at Hali'imaile General Store, planting experience)
• Driving to Ulupalakua Ranch

Restaurants discussed:

• T. Komodo Store & Bakery (Makawao) — open since 1916; cream puffs and stick donuts; closes at 1 PM and sells out early; closed Wednesdays and Sundays; aim to arrive by 9–10 AM
• Maui Cookie Lady (Makawao) — white chunk mac nut is the best-seller (featured in Condé Nast Traveler, Bon Appétit, Forbes); also recommends salted caramel bliss and the limited-edition Waipoli Twilight (dark chocolate, rum, black cherry, blood orange)
• Hali'imaile General Store — dinner destination on the Maui Pineapple Tour's farm and feast option
• Ulupalakua Ranch Store and Grill — burgers made from ranch-raised beef, venison, and elk; store open Tuesday–Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM; grill 11 AM–4 PM, last call 3:30 PM; closed Mondays

Shopping discussed:

• Holo Holo Surf (Makawao) — Hawaiian print clothing for the whole family, Marcie's favorite shop on the island
• Haku Maui — makes lei po'o (the correct term for what's often called a "flower crown"); good to pair with a photo shoot
• Maui Pineapple Store — even if the full tour doesn't fit your schedule, worth a stop for Maui Gold pineapple and merchandise

Marcie's recommendations:

• Don't just drive straight back down after Haleakalā sunrise — stop in Upcountry on the way
• Get to Komodo's by 9–10 AM at the latest for cream puffs and stick donuts before they sell out; check their Wed/Sun closure against your schedule
• Holo Holo Surf is worth a real browse, not just a walk-past
• Check Surfing Goat Dairy's current tour options before you go, since the offerings have expanded significantly since a 2023 ownership change
• Double-check Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm's hours before building it into your day — open Friday–Monday only, 10 AM–4 PM, last entry 3:45 PM, $5/person entry
• The Maui Pineapple Tour (starting around $95) is worth it, especially for families or anyone wanting real agricultural context, not just a postcard version of Hawaii
• Even a quick stop at the Maui Pineapple Store is worthwhile if the full tour doesn't fit
• Factor in Ulupalakua Ranch's Monday closure if coming down from a Monday sunrise
• Easiest way to fit Upcountry in: pair it with a Haleakalā trip and stop at Komodo's plus a Makawao wander on the way down
• For a full day: pineapple tour in the morning, lunch at Ulupalakua, afternoon in Makawao
• A rental car is required — no way around it
• Upcountry weather is often completely different from the coast (cooler, mistier) — a good backup plan for a hot, crowded beach day

Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes:

• What You Need to Know About the Road to Hana on Maui— Ep 31
• How to Visit Haleakalā Crater on Maui— Ep 10
• How to Plan a Trip to Maui— Ep 47
• The Slow Maui Trip I Needed — 2026 Trip Report— Ep 92

Additional resources:

• Discount Hawaii Car Rental (Marcie's affiliate link)
• Flytographer (link with discount, per show notes)
• Itinerary Audit ($50, written feedback within 2 business days) — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Itinerary Review
• Hawaii Travel Consultation (60/90-min) — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Travel Consultant
• Full resource list — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Resources

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/

Where I Eat on the Big Island

Who this episode is for: Anyone visiting the Big Island who wants real, repeat-tested restaurant picks organized geographically for easy trip planning.

What you'll learn: Marcie's personal Big Island food spots organized by region — Kona, Volcano, Hilo, the North Shore/Hamakua Coast, and Waimea — plus what to order at each.

Places discussed:

• Kona (Ali'i Drive)
• Captain Cook
• Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
• Hilo
• Honoka'a
• Waimea (upcountry)

Activities discussed:

• Renting a car (essential for the Big Island given the distances)

Hotels discussed:

• Volcano House — where Marcie stays when visiting Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Restaurants discussed:

Kona (Ali'i Drive area):

• Gecko Girl's Shave Ice — nearly 30 years on Ali'i Drive, real fruit purees; get anything lilikoi
• Huggo's on the Rocks — casual, open-air, right on the water; poke nachos, virgin lava flows, live music and hula most nights; no reservations, just put your name in
• Lava Lava Beach Club — lawn games, fall-off-the-bone ribs; Marcie's "last day before flying out" spot

Poke and coastal detours:

• Da Poke Shack — tricky parking but worth it; get the shack special (kalua pork also available for non-poke eaters)
• Coffee Shack (Captain Cook, ~25 min south of Kona) — own coffee bushes, 26-mile coastline view, great sandwiches on house-made bread; closed Wednesdays, opens 7 AM, small parking lot fills fast — arrive early
• Kaaloa's Super J's — traditional Hawaiian plate lunch (kalua pork, laulau), no-frills atmosphere, excellent food

Volcano:

• The Rim (at Volcano House) — reservations required for dinner, don't just show up; overlooks Kilauea caldera, locally sourced food

Hilo:

• Cafe 100 — birthplace of loco moco, serving since 1946, holds trademark on "Home of the Loco Moco"; open-air walk-up window, 30+ varieties, good for takeout
• Ken's House of Pancakes — open since 1971, homey diner vibe; pancakes with guava/coconut/lilikoi syrups; get the saimin on a rainy day (their #1 local favorite)
• Zippy's — local diner chain; fried noodles, burgers, musubi; bakery attached
• Two Ladies Kitchen — Instagram-famous mochi, strawberry mochi is the go-to; usually a wait, worth it

North Shore / Hamakua Coast:

• Texas Drive-In (Honoka'a) — square malasadas; beef curry stew on overcast days; also burgers and hot dogs

Waimea (upcountry):

• Merriman's — excellent food, but the real draw is the mai tai with lilikoi honey foam

Marcie's recommendations:

• A rental car is not optional on the Big Island — book through Discount Hawaii Car Rental, a broker that shops rates across companies
• If you want an actual luau on the Big Island, see the Big Island luau ranking episode — Huggo's hula isn't a substitute for the real thing
• Book The Rim at Volcano House well ahead; dinner reservations are genuinely required
• Get to Coffee Shack early, especially heading south in the morning, since the small lot fills fast
• Listen to Episode 51 for full Big Island trip planning before diving into food specifics

Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes:

• Episode 51 (How to Plan a Trip to the Big Island) — recommended listen before this one
• Episode 53 (Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park planning guide)
• Every Big Island Luau I've Been To (And Everything Else Worth Knowing), Ranked Honestly— Ep 135
• Where I Actually Eat on Maui— Ep 132
• Where I eat on Oahu— Ep 112
• Where I Eat on Kauai— Ep 102

Additional resources:

• Discount Hawaii Car Rental (Marcie's affiliate link)
• Hawaii Travel Consultation (60-min and 90-min sessions)
• $50 Itinerary Review
• Hawaii Travel with Kids Facebook group

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/

Ranking Big Island Luaus: Best Picks in Kona, Kohala & Waikoloa (and One to Skip)

The host ranks Big Island luaus and explains the episode differs because they’ve only attended three, noting Big Island has far fewer luau options than Oahu or Maui and is better known for the Merrie Monarch Festival. Their top pick is the Hawaii Loa Luau at the Fairmont Orchid for upscale setting, standout buffet (especially poke), and polished, serious hula. Second is Voyagers of the Pacific at the Royal Kona Resort, recommended for a solid show (Tahitian opener, hula kahiko, Samoan fire knife, garment segment), good value, and easy return to rooms if staying on-site. They strongly caution against Island Breeze at the King Kamehameha Hotel based on a rain-night indoor experience with long waits, disappointing food, and a poorly executed show, though they acknowledge others enjoy it outdoors near historic sites. They also outline other options—Hale Ho’oloha (Mauna Lani), Waikoloa Beach Marriott’s Sunset Luau (with added service charge), and Feast and Fire (Outrigger Kona Resort)—and offer practical selection tips.

00:00 Why Big Island Luaus Differ
01:32 How to Choose a Luau
01:52 Top Pick Fairmont Orchid
03:37 Why the Hula Matters
04:19 Best Value Royal Kona
06:12 Island Breeze Warning
08:22 Picking Tips and Logistics
08:54 Other Luau Options
10:46 Final Rankings and Wrap

Who this episode is for: Anyone booking a Big Island luau who wants an honest ranking instead of marketing copy.

What you'll learn: Marcie's ranking of Big Island luaus, what sets the top pick apart, which one to avoid, and how to pick the right luau for your trip.

Places discussed:

• Kona
• Kohala
• Waikoloa

Activities discussed:

• Attending a luau (hula kahiko, Tahitian and Samoan fire knife performances, buffet dining)
• Merrie Monarch Festival (mentioned as Big Island's bigger hula draw vs. commercial luaus)

Hotels discussed:

• Fairmont Orchid — home of Hawaii Loa Luau, Marcie's top pick
• Royal Kona Resort — home of Voyagers of the Pacific, second pick, good value, easy for on-site guests
• King Kamehameha Hotel — home of Island Breeze, Marcie's caution pick
• Mauna Lani — Hale Ho'oloha luau
• Waikoloa Beach Marriott — Sunset Luau, has an added service charge
• Outrigger Kona Resort — Feast and Fire luau

Marcie's recommendations:

• Top pick: Hawaii Loa Luau at the Fairmont Orchid, for the upscale setting, standout buffet (especially the poke), and polished hula
• Second pick: Voyagers of the Pacific at Royal Kona Resort, for good value and a strong show including a Tahitian opener, hula kahiko, and Samoan fire knife segment
• Caution: Island Breeze at King Kamehameha Hotel, based on a rain-night experience with long waits, disappointing food, and a poorly executed show, though outdoor nights near the historic site may be better
• Note the added service charge at Waikoloa Beach Marriott's Sunset Luau when comparing prices

Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes:

• Hawaii Travel Guide: Are Luaus Worth It? Everything You Need to Know— Ep 6
• Luau vs Cultural Experience: Which Hawaii Cultural Activity Is Worth It?— Ep 42
• Every Oahu Luau I've Been To (Ranked Honestly)— Ep 95
• 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

Related articles: 

• Big Island Luaus: Which One Won’t Disappoint Your Family? (2026 Prices)
• 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/