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

Your Costco card might be one of the most useful things you pack for Hawaii. Seriously. Not exactly the travel hack you'd expect, but sometimes the simplest tips make the biggest difference.

In this episode of Hawaii's Best, I'm sharing nine Hawaii travel hacks that can help you save money, avoid unnecessary headaches, and make your vacation a whole lot easier.

We're talking rental cars, hotel savings, transportation, groceries, and a few packing essentials you might not think about until you need them. And by then, well, it's a little late.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How staying just a couple of blocks from the beach can save you money on Hawaii hotels
• When Turo might be a better option than a traditional rental car
• Why Oahu's HOLO Card is worth knowing about
• How to save on groceries and gas with Costco, Foodland, and Safeway
• A few overlooked packing essentials for Hawaii beach days and road trips
• When Oahu attraction passes are worth the money and when to skip them
• How Shaka Guide and other travel apps can make exploring Hawaii easier

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Whether you're visiting Oahu, Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island, these are practical Hawaii vacation tips that can help you spend less on the things that don't matter and make more room for the experiences that do.

You'll find the apps and resources mentioned in this episode linked in the show notes.

Follow Hawaii's Best for more practical travel tips, local insights, and honest advice to help you plan a better Hawaii trip.

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🤙 Has the podcast been helpful for you? Let me know and 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.

Related Episodes:

• 10 Hawaii Travel Tips to Save Your Family Money
  • Listen On: APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY
• Do You REALLY Need a Rental Car in Hawaii
  • Listen On: APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY
• Turo Hawaii: What to Know
  • Listen On: APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY
• 5 Budget-Friendly Hotels on Oahu
  • Listen On: APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY

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Related Articles:

• Do You Need to Rent a Car in Hawaii? My Island-by-Island Answer
• Kauai Grocery Stores
• 15 Free or Cheap Things to Do on Oahu
• Hotel or Airbnb in Hawaii: How to Choose What’s Best for Your Hawaii Trip
• Hawaii Trip Calculator

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Chapters:

• 0:52 Make Your Hawaii Road Trip Better With Shaka Guide
• 2:22 Rental Cars Sold Out? Here's When to Try Turo
• 3:58 The Oahu HOLO Card Hack Visitors Overlook
• 4:58 Save Money on Hawaii Hotels With This Simple Trick
• 5:43 Spend Less on Groceries and Gas in Hawaii
• 7:11 The Small Packing Essentials You'll Be Glad You Brought
• 9:01 Is the Go City Oahu Pass Worth Your Money?
• 9:40 A Free App for Hawaii Travel Alerts and Local Events
• 10:31 Quick Recap: 9 Hawaii Travel Hacks

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)

Want to use points for a Hawaii trip, but feel overwhelmed by the cards, programs, and advice? Alex and Jess from Points Talk explain where to start and how to build a plan around the trip you actually want to take.

• Free guide: How to travel to Hawaii on points

I’ve used airline miles to get my family to Hawaii, but I still felt like I was playing the slow game. So I brought my own questions to this conversation, including how many cards you really need and what changes when you’re booking for a whole family.

We get into:

• How credit card welcome offers and flexible points work
• Why choosing your trip comes before choosing your cards
• How to research flights and hotel stays using points
• Ways families approach companion passes and multiple hotel rooms
• Beginner mistakes, annual fees, and why paying your balance in full matters

Alex and Jess also share the trips they once thought were out of reach, from taking their kids to Hawaii to a memorable stay on Kauaʻi.

Whether you’re starting from zero or already have points sitting in an account, this conversation will help you see a clearer next step.

This episode is educational and is not personal financial advice.

Connect with Poins Talk:

• Points Talk Website
• Points Talk Podcast

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🤙 Has the podcast been helpful for you? Let me know and 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.

Chapters:

• 2:52 When Earning Points Isn’t Worth It
• 4:49 Why Flexible Points Give You More Options
• 6:22 Choose Your Hawaii Trip Before Your Credit Card
• 9:28 How Companion Passes Stretch Your Family’s Points
• 12:52 How You and Your Partner Can Earn More Points
• 14:46 The Trips They Never Thought They Could Afford
• 18:49 How Points Work When You’re Booking for Six
• 22:04 Costly Beginner Mistakes and When Fees Make Sense
• 24:14 Book Now or Wait for a Better Points Price?
• 25:45 Where to Start After This 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)

Planning your first trip to Maui? A few overlooked details can make the difference between a relaxing vacation and a stressful, expensive one.

From choosing where to stay to booking popular experiences, there are some things I wish every first-time Maui visitor knew before heading to the island.

In this episode, I'm sharing practical Maui travel tips, lessons from my own visits, and ways to make the most of your trip without spending a fortune.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The Maui planning mistake that can throw off your vacation
• Why where you stay matters more than you might think
• The Haleakala sunrise reservation detail you don't want to miss
• How to experience the Road to Hana without the stress
• Where to save money without missing out on Maui's best experiences
• A meaningful way to support Maui's local community

You don't have to do everything or spend a fortune to have an incredible Maui vacation. A little planning goes a long way.

Resources:

• Hawaii Planning Hub
• Hawaii Reservation Checker

🤙 Has the podcast been helpful for you? Let me know and 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.

Related episodes:

• Leilani's On the Beach
• Westin Maui
• Maui Cultural Lands
• Maui Brewing Company
• Road to Hana
• Hawaii Vacation Rentals
• Maui Food Guide Pt 1
• Maui Food Guide Pt 2

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Chapters:

• 2:12 Best Times to Visit Maui and Where to Stay
• 3:12 Haleakala Sunrise: What to Book and When to Go
• 4:10 Road to Hana: How to Avoid a Stressful Day
• 6:14 Maui Snorkeling, Beaches, and Experiences Worth Considering
• 7:15 Where to Eat on Maui (And Save Some Money)
• 7:58 How to Save on Maui Without Missing Out
• 10:10 What to Pack for Maui and What to Leave Behind
• 10:50 A Meaningful Way to Give Back During Your Maui Trip
• 12:01 More Resources to Help Plan Your Maui Trip

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🌴 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 trip to Hawaii? Some of the most important things to know before visiting aren't the ones you'll find on a typical travel checklist. And a few mistakes can cost you time, money, or experiences you were looking forward to.

When I first visited Hawaii with my wife in 2007, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what to expect. Nearly 20 years and many trips later, I've learned just how much I didn't know. And honestly, there are a few things I still get wrong.

In this episode of Hawaii's Best, I'm sharing 10 Hawaii travel lessons I wish I'd learned sooner, including practical planning advice, local customs, and a few things that completely changed how I experience the islands.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The packing mistake I still make after nearly 20 years of visiting Hawaii
• Why showing up without a reservation could mean missing out on some of Hawaii's most popular experiences
• The driving habits that can make visitors stand out for all the wrong reasons
• What you're missing if Waikiki is the only Hawaii you experience
• Why trying to visit too many Hawaiian islands could actually make your vacation less enjoyable
• What most travel guides don't fully explain about Hawaiian culture, tourism, and the aloha spirit
• Why Hawaii's weather forecast doesn't always tell you what to expect

Whether it's your first Hawaii vacation or your tenth, these are the lessons I wish someone had shared with me years ago.

Because planning a better Hawaii trip isn't just about knowing where to go or what to do. It's also about understanding the place you're visiting and the people who call it home.

Resources:

• Hawaii Planning Hub
• Hawaii Reservation Checker

🤙 Has the podcast been helpful for you? Let me know and 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.

Related episodes:

• What to Know Before Visiting Hawaii
• First Trip to Kauai
• 5 Mistakes When Planning a Trip to Hawaii

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Related blog posts:

• Visiting Oahu for the First Time? Here’s What You Need to Know
• How Many Days Should You Spend on Kauai?
• Complete Packing Checklist for Hawaii Vacation

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Chapters:

• 2:26 What to Pack for Hawaii (And What to Leave Behind)
• 4:15 Hawaii Attractions You Need to Book in Advance
• 5:25 How to Drive in Hawaii Without Upsetting Locals
• 6:50 Why Spending Local Makes Your Hawaii Trip Better
• 8:12 Why You Should Explore Beyond Waikiki
• 9:21 How to Choose the Right Hawaiian Island
• 10:30 Hawaiian Culture: What Visitors Should Know
• 11:45 Hawaii's History and Why Tourism Is Complicated
• 13:46 What the Aloha Spirit Really Means
• 15:40 Why Hawaii's Weather Can Change So Quickly
• 17:12 10 Takeaways for a Better Hawaii Trip

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)

You can visit Oahu, take pictures of Diamond Head, explore its beautiful landscapes, and still miss some of the most meaningful stories behind these places.

But what if understanding those stories could completely change how you experience Hawaii?

In this episode, I'm joined by Jennifer Santos from Honolulu's Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts to talk about Wahi Pana, a public art project bringing Hawaiian history, culture, and storytelling to places visitors already know and love.

We explore the Hawaiian history behind familiar Oahu landmarks, including Diamond Head (Leahi), and how local artists are helping visitors connect with Hawaii beyond the usual sightseeing experience.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The Hawaiian history behind some of Oahu's most recognizable places.
• What Wahi Pana is and how it's bringing Hawaiian stories to life.
• Why understanding the history of a place can make your Hawaii vacation more meaningful.
• How to discover Wahi Pana's free public art installations on Oahu.
• How to explore Hawaii with greater curiosity, appreciation, and respect.

Whether you're planning your first Oahu vacation or you've visited Hawaii many times, this conversation offers a different way to experience the islands.

🤙 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.

Connect with Wahi Pana:

• Website
• Instagram: @wahipana

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Related Episodes:

• The Untold Story of Waimea Valley
• What Native Hawaiian Voices Want You to Know Before Visiting
• How to Engage with Hawaiian Culture Responsibly with Kamaka Dias

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Related Articles:

• Top 10 Must-See Historical Places in Hawaii
• A Comprehensive Guide to Hawaiian History
• 5 Ways to Travel Responsibly to Hawaii

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Chapters:

• 1:33 What Is Wahi Pana, and Why Should Visitors Care?
• 3:48 The Hidden Stories Behind Oahu's Public Art
• 5:33 How Knowing Hawaii's History Changes Your Trip
• 8:32 Diamond Head (Leahi): The History You Never Knew
• 10:39 Tourist vs. Visitor: What's the Difference?
• 12:48 Where Wahi Pana Is Heading Next
• 14:33 How to Explore Oahu's Free Wahi Pana Installations
• 16:47 How to Experience Oahu Differently

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 family vacation to Hawaii? I'm sharing the 7-day Oahu itinerary I'm putting together for our family of seven, including what we're doing, what we're skipping, and why.

We're staying in Ko Olina and planning visits to Pearl Harbor, the North Shore, Iolani Palace, and Waikiki. But instead of filling every day with activities, I'm building our Hawaii vacation around experiences that matter to our family, with plenty of time to actually enjoy the resort.

🎁 FREE 7-Day Oahu Itinerary Planner

Get 3 Oahu itineraries, including our actual family vacation plans, a first-time visitor itinerary, and a more relaxed option. You'll also get a blank planner to build your own trip.

👉 Download your free Oahu itineraries

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to plan a 7-day Oahu itinerary without cramming every day with activities
• Which Oahu experiences to book first so you don't miss out or have to rearrange your entire trip
• How to avoid wasting vacation time driving back and forth across Oahu
• Which popular Oahu attractions I'm skipping, and how to decide what's actually worth your time
• Why staying in Ko Olina versus Waikiki can completely change how you plan your vacation
• Three simple rules to build a better Hawaii itinerary with less rushing and more time to enjoy your trip

Whether you're visiting Oahu for the first time, traveling with kids, or returning to Hawaii, you'll get practical ideas for building a trip that fits your family.

FREE HAWAII TRIP-PLANNING RESOURCES

🌴 3 Free Oahu Itineraries + Printable Planner

✅ Hawaii Itinerary Reality Checker
Check whether your Hawaii vacation plans are realistic, with enough time for activities, driving, and downtime.

📅 Hawaii Reservation Checker
Find out when popular Hawaii attractions open reservations and add booking reminders to your calendar.

🤙 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/Mentioned Episodes:

• How to Plan Hawaii Like a Pro
• North Shore Soap Factory
• Margaritas Hawaii
• Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum 

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Chapters:

• 2:08 How to Plan an Oahu Trip Without Overpacking It
• 3:01 Ko Olina vs. Waikiki: Why Where You Stay Matters
• 5:08 What to Book First for Your Oahu Vacation
• 7:06 Our Arrival Day and Sunset Sail Plans
• 8:54 Pearl Harbor: Why We're Giving It a Full Day
• 10:09 North Shore in Winter: Our Planned Stops
• 11:48 Why We're Keeping One Day Flexible
• 12:28 Honolulu and Waikiki: How We're Planning the Day
• 13:40 Why We're Protecting Our Last Resort Day
• 14:30 5 Oahu Attractions I Cut From Our Itinerary
• 15:04 3 Rules for Planning a Better Hawaii Vacation
• 16:31 Get 3 Free Oahu Itineraries + Printable Planner

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)

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.

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🌴 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)