Hawaii Travel Podcast by Hawaii’s Best: Plan a Better Hawaii Vacation

Hawaii vacations are getting shorter. In July, the average Hawaii trip dropped more than 14% compared with 2025, even as visitor arrivals increased.

So what is actually changing, and is a shorter Hawaii vacation really a bad thing?

In this episode, I break down the latest Hawaii travel numbers, what may be driving shorter stays, and why more travelers appear to be simplifying their trips, including choosing one island instead of two.

You’ll learn:

• The surprising gap in Hawaii’s latest tourism numbers, and why it caught my attention
• What may be pushing travelers to cut days from their Hawaii trips
• Why the shift from two islands to one might tell us something bigger about how Hawaii travel is changing
• The downside of shorter stays that goes beyond fewer hotel nights
• The spending number that makes this trend much more complicated than it first appears
• My answer to the bigger question: is a shorter Hawaii vacation actually worse?

My take: fewer days does not automatically mean a worse vacation. The bigger question is whether your itinerary actually fits the time you have.

If you’re planning a Hawaii vacation and deciding how many days to stay or whether to visit one island or two, this episode will help you think through that decision.

🤙 Has the podcast been helpful for you? Please leave a review — even one sentence helps! Consider including your social media handle so I can thank you personally!

🎙️ Got a Hawaii question you’d like answered? Send me a short voice message. Your question may be answered on an upcoming episode of Hawaii’s Best.

Full show notes available here.

Related Episodes:

• How to Plan Hawaii Like a Pro

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Chapters:

• 1:11 The 14% Drop That Caught My Attention
• 2:01 Why Travelers Are Cutting Hawaii Trips Short
• 3:01 One Island or Two? The Smarter Choice
• 4:04 What Shorter Trips Mean for Hawaii
• 5:06 Why I Think Hawaii Trips Are Shrinking
• 5:42 Is a Shorter Hawaii Vacation Actually Worse?
• 6:30 How to Plan Around a Shorter Hawaii Trip
• 7:22 Our Next Oahu Family Itinerary

Episode sponsored by Terraformation.

Terraformation is restoring a native Hawaiian forest at ʻIole in North Kohala on Hawaiʻi Island (the Big Island). Your support helps native trees grow from seed to canopy. As the forest takes root, it helps restore habitat and protect Hawaiʻi’s water and reefs.

🌳 Help grow the forest: hawaii.startaforest.com

Use promo code BEST for 15% off your first month or first year.

_
🌴 Plan Your Hawaii Trip With Bryan

About Your Host: Bryan Murphy is the founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel & a Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawaii Tourism Authority, since 2020. An HVCB member since 2019, he helps first-time & repeat visitors plan respectful Hawaii vacations w/ clear, practical advice & cultural insight.

• Let's connect on Instagram
• Join the Visiting Hawaii Facebook Group
• Grab free Hawaii travel tips & guides at hawaiisbesttravel.com

🤝 To sponsor the show visit hawaiisbesttravel.com/partner

Hawaii travel podcast helps you plan a trip to Hawaii with clarity. Discover practical travel tips, island itineraries, & local insight to help you explore Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island.

Edge of the Ocean (w/ permission)
Ukulele and Chill (w/ permission)
Talk Story (w/ permission)

Planning a Hawaii vacation can get overwhelming fast, especially when you start with hotels, activities, restaurants, and reservations before deciding the bigger pieces of the trip.

✅ Free Hawaii Trip Planning Checklist

In this episode, I’m walking through the 7 decisions I would make first when planning a Hawaii trip, and the order I’d make them in.

You’ll learn how to:

• Set your trip guardrails before you start booking
• Choose the right Hawaiian island, or islands
• Decide how many nights you actually have to work with
• Pick your home base before choosing a hotel
• Identify the reservations that are hardest to move
• Build the skeleton of a realistic Hawaii itinerary
• Add activities, food, transportation, and open time without overplanning

Whether this is your first Hawaii vacation or you’ve visited before, this episode will help you plan in a way that makes the whole trip fit together better.

Free Hawaii Trip Planning Checklist

If you’re looking for practical Hawaii travel tips, Hawaii vacation planning advice, and realistic itineraries, follow Hawaii’s Best so you don’t miss the next episode.

🤙 Has the podcast been helpful for you? Please leave a review — even one sentence helps! Consider including your social media handle so I can thank you personally!

Full show notes available here.

🎙️ Got a Hawaii question you’d like answered? Send me a short voice message. Your question may be answered on an upcoming episode of Hawaii’s Best.

Related Episodes:

• How Early Should You Plan a Hawaii Trip?
• How to Build a Hawaii Itinerary That Actually Feels Like a Vacation
• How Many Days You Actually Need in Hawaii?

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Related Article:

• What is the Best Island to Visit in Hawaii? Take the Quiz
• Hawaii Reservations and Fees 2026: What You Need to Book

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Chapters:

• 2:50 Decision One Guardrails
• 4:19 Decision Two Choose Island
• 6:48 Decision Three Count Days
• 8:15 Decision Four Pick Base
• 9:56 Decision Five Book Anchors
• 12:11 Decision Six Itinerary Skeleton
• 13:53 Decision Seven Fill Details
• 15:31 Recap

Episode sponsored by Terraformation.

Terraformation is restoring a native Hawaiian forest at ʻIole in North Kohala on Hawaiʻi Island (the Big Island). Your support helps native trees grow from seed to canopy. As the forest takes root, it helps restore habitat and protect Hawaiʻi’s water and reefs.

🌳 Help grow the forest: hawaii.startaforest.com

Use promo code BEST for 15% off your first month or first year.

_
🌴 Plan Your Hawaii Trip With Bryan

About Your Host: Bryan Murphy is the founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel & a Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawaii Tourism Authority, since 2020. An HVCB member since 2019, he helps first-time & repeat visitors plan respectful Hawaii vacations w/ clear, practical advice & cultural insight.

• Let's connect on Instagram
• Join the Visiting Hawaii Facebook Group
• Grab free Hawaii travel tips & guides at hawaiisbesttravel.com

🤝 To sponsor the show visit hawaiisbesttravel.com/partner

Hawaii travel podcast helps you plan a trip to Hawaii with clarity. Discover practical travel tips, island itineraries, & local insight to help you explore Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island.

Edge of the Ocean (w/ permission)
Ukulele and Chill (w/ permission)
Talk Story (w/ permission)

Kauai is welcoming visitors back after Hurricane Lowell, but travelers have been much slower to return.

In this episode, I break down what the latest passenger numbers actually show, why they should not be confused with official visitor counts, and what this next stage of recovery means for local businesses and anyone with a Kauai trip coming up.

I also cover what’s currently open, which major parks and outdoor areas remain closed, the latest guidance for visitors, and why supporting businesses that are ready to welcome you can make a difference right now.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why direct passenger traffic into Lihue is still well below last year
• What the latest numbers do and do not tell us about Kauai tourism
• What’s open and what remains closed
• What to know if you’re visiting Kauai soon
• Why Kauai’s recovery has entered a new phase
• How visitors can support local businesses while respecting areas still recovering

If you missed my recent conversation with Meghann Kealoha Matsuda about what recovery and reopening look like on the ground, go back and listen to that episode for additional local perspective.

Conditions can change quickly, so always confirm current information before your trip.

🤙 Has the podcast been helpful for you? Please leave a review — even one sentence helps! Consider including your social media handle so I can thank you personally!

Full show notes available here.

🎙️ Got a Hawaii question you’d like answered? Send me a short voice message. Your question may be answered on an upcoming episode of Hawaii’s Best.

Related Episode:

• Meghann Kealoha Matsuda

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Related Article:

• Ways to Help the People of Kauai

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Chapters:

• 1:19 What’s Open Now
• 2:29 Visitor Numbers
• 3:56 The Awkward Recovery Phase
• 5:05 Closures and Trip Planning
• 5:45 Should You Still Go?
• 6:30 Traveler Frustrations
• 7:38 Ocean Safety Warning
• 8:11 Where Kauai Stands Now

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Help Your Hawaii Travel Friends Plan a Better Trip...

If you enjoy Hawaii’s Best, follow the podcast in whatever app you’re listening on so you don’t miss the next episode.

And if you know someone planning a Hawaii trip, send them this episode. I think this is a conversation worth hearing before they go.

Episode sponsored by Terraformation.

Terraformation is restoring a native Hawaiian forest at ʻIole in North Kohala on Hawaiʻi Island (the Big Island). Your support helps native trees grow from seed to canopy. As the forest takes root, it helps restore habitat and protect Hawaiʻi’s water and reefs.

🌳 Help grow the forest: hawaii.startaforest.com

Use promo code BEST for 15% off your first month or first year.

_
🌴 Plan Your Hawaii Trip With Bryan

About Your Host: Bryan Murphy is the founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel & a Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawaii Tourism Authority, since 2020. An HVCB member since 2019, he helps first-time & repeat visitors plan respectful Hawaii vacations w/ clear, practical advice & cultural insight.

• Let's connect on Instagram
• Join the Visiting Hawaii Facebook Group
• Grab free Hawaii travel tips & guides at hawaiisbesttravel.com

🤝 To sponsor the show visit hawaiisbesttravel.com/partner

Hawaii travel podcast helps you plan a trip to Hawaii with clarity. Discover practical travel tips, island itineraries, & local insight to help you explore Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island.

Edge of the Ocean (w/ permission)
Ukulele and Chill (w/ permission)
Talk Story (w/ permission)

Are visitors welcome in Hawaii? After years of mixed messages around tourism, that’s a question a lot of travelers are still quietly asking.

In this episode, I went back through conversations I’ve had with five Native Hawaiians and listened again to what they’ve shared about visitors, respect, the land, and what it means to visit Hawaii knowing that you’re stepping into someone else’s home.

I’m not Hawaiian, and I’m not trying to speak for Hawaii. Instead, I want their voices to lead this conversation. You’ll hear different perspectives on why tourism can be complicated, what respect looks like beyond simply following rules, and how visitors can come with a better understanding of the place they’re visiting.

In This Episode:

• Why your vacation day is someone else’s everyday life
• Why Native Hawaiian voices should help tell the story of Hawaii
• What ʻāina means beyond simply “land”
• Why respect is more than a list of things not to do
• The tension between Hawaii’s reliance on tourism and the pressures residents face
• What James Kiko says about whether visitors should still come
• Why an open mind may matter more than trying to be the “perfect” visitor
• What I mean when I say, “Don’t just come. Come differently.”

🤙 Has the podcast been helpful for you? Please leave a review — even one sentence helps! Consider including your social media handle so I can thank you personally!

Full show notes available here.

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Links To Things I Talk About:

• Kamaka Pili Episode
  • Apple Podcasts | Spotify
• Kahanuola Solatorio Episode
  • Apple Podcasts | Spotify
• Maui Cultural Lands / Ekolu Lindsey Episode
  • Apple Podcasts | Spotify
• James Kiko / bEASTside Kitchen Episode
  • Apple Podcasts | Spotify
• Anela Evans Episode
  • Apple Podcasts | Spotify

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Chapters:

• 1:35 Kamaka On Real Hawaii
• 2:31 Vacation Vs Workday
• 3:58 Kahanui On Aina
• 6:00 Ekolu Share Aloha
• 7:09 Are Visitors Welcome
• 7:47 James On Economy Stress
• 9:38 Come Differently Mindset
• 9:50 Anela Practical Guidance
• 11:26 Final Takeaways Next Steps

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Help Your Hawaii Travel Friends Plan a Better Trip...

If you enjoy Hawaii’s Best, follow the podcast in whatever app you’re listening on so you don’t miss the next episode.

And if you know someone planning a Hawaii trip, send them this episode. I think this is a conversation worth hearing before they go.

Episode sponsored by Terraformation.

Terraformation is restoring a native Hawaiian forest at ʻIole in North Kohala on Hawaiʻi Island (the Big Island). Your support helps native trees grow from seed to canopy. As the forest takes root, it helps restore habitat and protect Hawaiʻi’s water and reefs.

🌳 Help grow the forest: hawaii.startaforest.com

Use promo code BEST for 15% off your first month or first year.

_
🌴 Plan Your Hawaii Trip With Bryan

About Your Host: Bryan Murphy is the founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel & a Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawaii Tourism Authority, since 2020. An HVCB member since 2019, he helps first-time & repeat visitors plan respectful Hawaii vacations w/ clear, practical advice & cultural insight.

• Let's connect on Instagram
• Join the Visiting Hawaii Facebook Group
• Grab free Hawaii travel tips & guides at hawaiisbesttravel.com

🤝 To sponsor the show visit hawaiisbesttravel.com/partner

Hawaii travel podcast helps you plan a trip to Hawaii with clarity. Discover practical travel tips, island itineraries, & local insight to help you explore Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island.

Edge of the Ocean (w/ permission)
Ukulele and Chill (w/ permission)
Talk Story (w/ permission)

Could fall still be my favorite time to visit Hawaii after one of the most unusual hurricane seasons in years?

👉 FREE Hawaii during fall guide ->

If you’re planning a fall trip, the real question isn’t whether September, October, or November is perfect, but whether the pace, weather, crowds, and tradeoffs fit the kind of trip you want.

👉 Hit play now to hear why I still choose fall and the specific window I’d pick if I could travel anytime.

If you’ve ever wondered how to plan a Hawaii trip in fall without assuming the weather will always cooperate, this episode is for you.

I’ll share what I’ve learned from 20 years of fall trips and what 2026 changed about how I think about hurricane season.

In this episode, you will:

• Understand why late September and October remain my favorite Hawaii travel window.
• Learn the biggest fall tradeoffs, including hurricane season and changing North Shore surf.
• See how lighter crowds and a slower pace can change the feel of a Hawaii trip.

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to decide whether fall fits the Hawaii trip you want.

Related episodes:

• Kauai Travel Update
• September in Hawaii
• November in Hawaii
• Best Time to Visit Hawaii

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Related articles:

• Hawaii in September
• Hawaii in October
• Hawaii In November
• Best Time to Visit Hawaii

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Chapters:

• 1:06 How It Became Tradition
• 3:01 Crowds Prices And Pace
• 4:49 Hurricane Season Reality
• 6:33 Planning With Forecasts
• 8:11 November Surf Shift
• 8:45 My Exact Sweet Spot
• 9:20 Wrap Up And Free Guide

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Episode sponsored by Terraformation.

Terraformation is restoring a native Hawaiian forest at ʻIole in North Kohala on Hawaiʻi Island (the Big Island). Your support helps native trees grow from seed to canopy. As the forest takes root, it helps restore habitat and protect Hawaiʻi’s water and reefs.

🌳 Help grow the forest: hawaii.startaforest.com

Use promo code BEST for 15% off your first month or first year.

_
🌴 Plan Your Hawaii Trip With Bryan

About Your Host: Bryan Murphy is the founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel & a Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawaii Tourism Authority, since 2020. An HVCB member since 2019, he helps first-time & repeat visitors plan respectful Hawaii vacations w/ clear, practical advice & cultural insight.

• Let's connect on Instagram
• Join the Visiting Hawaii Facebook Group
• Grab free Hawaii travel tips & guides at hawaiisbesttravel.com

🤝 To sponsor the show visit hawaiisbesttravel.com/partner

Hawaii travel podcast helps you plan a trip to Hawaii with clarity. Discover practical travel tips, island itineraries, & local insight to help you explore Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island.

Edge of the Ocean (w/ permission)
Ukulele and Chill (w/ permission)
Talk Story (w/ permission)

Kauai is welcoming visitors back after Hurricane Lowell, but recovery is still uneven.

In this episode, I’m joined by Meghann Kealoha Matsuda, a lifelong Kauai resident, entrepreneur, and community organizer who has been directly involved in recovery efforts on the island.

We talk about what things actually look like on the ground right now, which areas are reopening, where visitors still need to be cautious, and what people with upcoming Kauai trips should know before they go.

Meghann also shares how local businesses are being affected, what visitors can do to support the community, and how people on the mainland can help even if they are not traveling to Kauai right now.

If you have a Kauai trip coming up in the next few weeks or months, this conversation will give you a local perspective on what recovery looks like and how to visit with more awareness and flexibility.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What Kauai’s recovery looks like right now
• Which areas are reopening and where visitors should use caution
• What to know if you have a Kauai trip coming up
• How local businesses are being affected
• Ways visitors can support recovery efforts
• How to help local businesses from the mainland

Official sources:

• https://www.gohawaii.com/lowell
• https://kauairecovers.org

Today's guest:

• Connect with Megann on Instagram

Resources mentioned:

• Kamalama Foundation

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Related episodes:

• How to Plan Hawaii in the Right Order
• Why Planning Your 2026 Hawaii Trip Feels Chaotic
• Kauai Travel Update

_
Related articles:

• Hawaii Travel Mistakes to Avoid Before You Book
• How Many Days Do You Need In Hawaii?

_
Chapters:

• 1:41 Kauai Hurricane Update
• 1:15 Meet Megan Kealoha Matsuda
• 2:46 Damage and Closures Update
• 3:44 Why East Side Matters
• 5:21 Redefining Tourism Through Service
• 7:31 Tips for Upcoming Trips
• 9:01 Helping Local Businesses Fund
• 13:29 Final Takeaways and Next Episode

_

Episode sponsored by Terraformation.

Terraformation is restoring a native Hawaiian forest at ʻIole in North Kohala on Hawaiʻi Island (the Big Island). Your support helps native trees grow from seed to canopy. As the forest takes root, it helps restore habitat and protect Hawaiʻi’s water and reefs.

🌳 Help grow the forest: hawaii.startaforest.com

Use promo code BEST for 15% off your first month or first year.

_
🌴 Plan Your Hawaii Trip With Bryan

About Your Host: Bryan Murphy is the founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel & a Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawaii Tourism Authority, since 2020. An HVCB member since 2019, he helps first-time & repeat visitors plan respectful Hawaii vacations w/ clear, practical advice & cultural insight.

• Let's connect on Instagram
• Join the Visiting Hawaii Facebook Group
• Grab free Hawaii travel tips & guides at hawaiisbesttravel.com

🤝 To sponsor the show visit hawaiisbesttravel.com/partner

Hawaii travel podcast helps you plan a trip to Hawaii with clarity. Discover practical travel tips, island itineraries, & local insight to help you explore Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island.

Edge of the Ocean (w/ permission)
Ukulele and Chill (w/ permission)
Talk Story (w/ permission)

Which Oahu 'tourist traps' are actually worth skipping, and which ones are still worth your time?

In this episode, I break down some of the most commonly debated Oahu spots, including Dole Plantation, the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet, Waikiki, luaus, Pearl Harbor, Waimea Valley, and more.

I also share results from a listener poll on the most overrated Oahu attractions and explain where I agree, where I don’t, and what I’d do instead.

Plus, I share a quick Kauai travel update following Hurricane Lowell, including the latest visitor guidance and recovery conditions.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Which Oahu attraction received the most “overrated” votes from travelers
• Why I’d reconsider Dole Plantation but wouldn’t automatically skip it
• When the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet is worth your time
• The Waikiki experience I’d actually skip
• How I decide whether an Oahu attraction is worth the time and money
• What I’d prioritize instead when your Oahu itinerary is already packed

If you’re trying to decide what deserves a spot on your Oahu itinerary, this episode will help you separate what’s genuinely worth your time from what may be easy to skip.

Official sources:

• https://hta.hawaii.gov/alerts/hurricane-lowell-update-8/
• https://www.gohawaii.com/lowell
• https://www.kauai.gov/County-Press-Releases

Resources mentioned:

• Ways to Help Kauai (my article)
• Free PDF of Organizations Helping Kauai (no email need)
• Kauai Travel Updates (my article)

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Related episodes:

• How to Plan Hawaii in the Right Order
• Why Planning Your 2026 Hawaii Trip Feels Chaotic
• Oahu Travel Guide
• Kauai Travel Update

_
Related articles:

• Hawaii Travel Mistakes to Avoid Before You Book
• How Many Days Do You Need In Hawaii?
• Oahu Tourist Traps

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Chapters:

• 1:41 Kauai Hurricane Update
• 4:23 Dole Plantation
• 5:48 Swap Meet
• 6:40 Waikiki Food and Shops
• 8:29 Luaus Worth It?
• 9:36 Do Not Skip These Icons
• 11:29 Waimea Valley and ABC Stores
• 12:53 3 Questions to Decide
• 14:04 Wrap Up

Episode sponsored by Terraformation.

Terraformation is restoring a native Hawaiian forest at ʻIole in North Kohala on Hawaiʻi Island (the Big Island). Your support helps native trees grow from seed to canopy. As the forest takes root, it helps restore habitat and protect Hawaiʻi’s water and reefs.

🌳 Help grow the forest: hawaii.startaforest.com

Use promo code BEST for 15% off your first month or first year.

_
🌴 Plan Your Hawaii Trip With Bryan

About Your Host: Bryan Murphy is the founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel & a Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawaii Tourism Authority, since 2020. An HVCB member since 2019, he helps first-time & repeat visitors plan respectful Hawaii vacations w/ clear, practical advice & cultural insight.

• Let's connect on Instagram
• Join the Visiting Hawaii Facebook Group
• Grab free Hawaii travel tips & guides at hawaiisbesttravel.com

🤝 To sponsor the show visit hawaiisbesttravel.com/partner

Hawaii travel podcast helps you plan a trip to Hawaii with clarity. Discover practical travel tips, island itineraries, & local insight to help you explore Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island.

Edge of the Ocean (w/ permission)
Ukulele and Chill (w/ permission)
Talk Story (w/ permission)

If you have a Kauai trip coming up, the official guidance has changed.

In this update, I explain what Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) is now asking upcoming Kauai visitors to consider, what that means if your trip is only days or weeks away, and why simply having an operating flight does not mean the rest of your vacation is ready to go as planned.

I also talk about the real weight of rescheduling weddings, anniversaries, family trips, and expensive vacations, plus how to check your accommodations, activities, and travel reservations before making a decision.

And for everyone asking how to help, I share where to find vetted organizations supporting Kauai’s recovery and why the best way to kōkua right now may not be showing up in person.

If you heard Tuesday’s Hurricane Lowell episode, this is the update you need.

Official sources:

• https://hta.hawaii.gov/alerts/hurricane-lowell-update-8/
• https://www.gohawaii.com/lowell
• https://www.kauai.gov/County-Press-Releases

Resources mentioned:

• Ways to Help Kauai (my article)
• Free PDF of Organizations Helping Kauai (no email need)
• Kauai Travel Updates (my article)

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Related episodes:

• Tuesday's Episode

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Chapters:

• 1:54 What HTA Is Saying
• 2:21 Check Your Bookings
• 3:28 How Far Out Applies
• 5:42 Reschedule Or Shift Islands
• 5:55 Cancelation Fine Print
• 6:37 Why I Reposted Today
• 7:03 How To Help Kauai
• 8:41 Final Takeaways

_
🌴 Plan Your Hawaii Trip With Bryan

About Your Host: Bryan Murphy is the founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel & a Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawaii Tourism Authority, since 2020. An HVCB member since 2019, he helps first-time & repeat visitors plan respectful Hawaii vacations w/ clear, practical advice & cultural insight.

• Let's connect on Instagram
• Join the Visiting Hawaii Facebook Group
• Grab free Hawaii travel tips & guides at hawaiisbesttravel.com

🤝 To sponsor the show visit hawaiisbesttravel.com/partner

Hawaii travel podcast helps you plan a trip to Hawaii with clarity. Discover practical travel tips, island itineraries, & local insight to help you explore Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island.

Edge of the Ocean (w/ permission)
Ukulele and Chill (w/ permission)
Talk Story (w/ permission)

🚨Updated Episode:

• Apple Podcast
• Spotify

Hurricane Lowell is moving away from Hawaii, but the storm has left major impacts on Kauai and disrupted travel across the islands.

So what does this mean if you have a Hawaii trip coming up?

In this episode, I break down what you should know about airline travel waivers, canceled flights, refunds, and when it actually makes sense to change your plans.

I also explain why the 2026 Central Pacific hurricane season has been unusually active, how El Nino plays a role, and why one active season doesn’t mean you should automatically cancel a Hawaii trip later this year or avoid hurricane season in 2027.

You’ll learn the difference between an airline waiver and an airline cancellation, what happens if you voluntarily cancel first, what to consider if your trip is only days away, and how to build more flexibility into future Hawaii travel.

If Hurricane Lowell has you wondering whether to cancel or keep your Hawaii trip, this episode will help you understand your options and make a calmer, more informed decision.

Resources mentioned:

https://hawaiisbesttravel.com/tropical-storm-lowell-hawaii-forecast/

Official Hurricane Lowell + Hawaii Travel Resources

• https://www.gohawaii.com/lowell
• https://www.kauai.gov/County-Press-Releases
• https://hta.hawaii.gov/alerts/hurricane-lowell
• National Hurricane Center / Central Pacific Hurricane Center
• Kauai Emergency Management Agency
• Hawaii Department of Transportation Airports
• Alaska + Hawaiian Airlines Travel Advisories
• Southwest Airlines Travel Advisories
• American Airlines Travel Alerts
• United Airlines Travel Waivers
• U.S. Department of Transportation Airline Refund Rules
• NOAA Central Pacific Hurricane Outlook

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Chapters:

• 1:50 Current Impacts On Kauai
• 3:14 Travel Waivers Explained
• 5:01 Refunds And Your Rights
• 6:06 Don’t Forget Other Bookings
• 6:30 Should You Change Plans
• 7:12 Why 2026 Is So Active
• 9:05 Planning For Fall Trips
• 9:36 Looking Ahead To 2027
• 10:29 Key Takeaways And Resources

_
🌴 Plan Your Hawaii Trip With Bryan

About Your Host: Bryan Murphy is the founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel & a Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawaii Tourism Authority, since 2020. An HVCB member since 2019, he helps first-time & repeat visitors plan respectful Hawaii vacations w/ clear, practical advice & cultural insight.

• Let's connect on Instagram
• Join the Visiting Hawaii Facebook Group
• Grab free Hawaii travel tips & guides at hawaiisbesttravel.com

🤝 To sponsor the show visit hawaiisbesttravel.com/partner

Hawaii travel podcast helps you plan a trip to Hawaii with clarity. Discover practical travel tips, island itineraries, & local insight to help you explore Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island.

Edge of the Ocean (w/ permission)
Ukulele and Chill (w/ permission)
Talk Story (w/ permission)

Planning a Hawaii itinerary sounds easy until your list of things to do keeps getting longer.

✅ Free Hawaii Itinerary Reality Checklist

Beaches, restaurants, tours, lookouts, reservations. They may all be great options, but trying to fit everything into one trip can quickly turn your vacation into a checklist.

In this episode, I'll share my simple framework I use to build Hawaii days that feel realistic without missing the experiences that matter most.

You’ll learn:

• How to use the Anchor, Add-on, Flex method to plan each day
• Why the advertised length of an activity isn’t its true time cost
• How grouping activities by area can make your days feel less rushed
• Why you should pressure-test your whole trip, not just individual days
• How to leave enough flexibility for the unexpected moments that often become the best part of a Hawaii trip

You probably don’t need to start your Hawaii itinerary over. You may just need to edit it.

Resources mentioned:

✅ Free Hawaii Itinerary Reality Checklist

🌺 Hawaii Planner Hub

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Related episodes:

• How to Plan Hawaii in the Right Order
• Why Planning Your 2026 Hawaii Trip Feels Chaotic

_
Related articles:

• Hawaii Travel Mistakes to Avoid Before You Book
• How Many Days Do You Need In Hawaii?

_
Chapters:

• 1:52 FOMO vs Real Vacation
• 3:08 Plan the Whole Day
• 3:37 True Time Cost
• 4:19 Anchor Add On Flex
• 6:08 Geography and Areas
• 6:54 Pressure Test the Week
• 7:48 Leave Room for Hawaii
• 8:22 Wrap Up and Free Checklist

Episode sponsored by Terraformation.

Terraformation is restoring a native Hawaiian forest at ʻIole in North Kohala on Hawaiʻi Island (the Big Island). Your support helps native trees grow from seed to canopy. As the forest takes root, it helps restore habitat and protect Hawaiʻi’s water and reefs.

🌳 Help grow the forest: hawaii.startaforest.com

Use promo code BEST for 15% off your first month or first year.

_
🌴 Plan Your Hawaii Trip With Bryan

About Your Host: Bryan Murphy is the founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel & a Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawaii Tourism Authority, since 2020. An HVCB member since 2019, he helps first-time & repeat visitors plan respectful Hawaii vacations w/ clear, practical advice & cultural insight.

• Let's connect on Instagram
• Join the Visiting Hawaii Facebook Group
• Grab free Hawaii travel tips & guides at hawaiisbesttravel.com

🤝 To sponsor the show visit hawaiisbesttravel.com/partner

Hawaii travel podcast helps you plan a trip to Hawaii with clarity. Discover practical travel tips, island itineraries, & local insight to help you explore Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island.

Edge of the Ocean (w/ permission)
Ukulele and Chill (w/ permission)
Talk Story (w/ permission)