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

Ellie Salazar, Founder of Tutu's Pantry, joins the podcast! We dive deep into the captivating tale of founding and nurturing Tutu's Pantry in the heart of Maui. We discuss the story behind the brand, and Ellie's perspective on responsible tourism.

What we discuss with Ellie:

• The origin story of Tutu's Pantry
• The influence of Hawaiian culture on Ellie's brand
• The essence and importance of shopping local
• Ways to travel responsibly to Maui
• Best places to eat on Maui, as recommended by Ellie

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Tutu's Pantry Website
• Tutu's Pantry Instagram

👉 Full show notes and resources can be found here: hawaiisbesttravel.com/episode106

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)

David Yamashiro, co-founder of Ululani's Shave Ice 🍧, joins the show! We dive deep into the after-effects of the fires on Maui regarding tourism and the livelihood of the locals. The dialogue uncovers the resilience of Lahaina's community, Ululani's continued commitment to help, and the importance of supporting Maui's other untouched regions.

What we discuss with David Yamashiro:

• Economic strain on locals relying on jobs within the tourism industry.
• Ululani's commitment to aid the affected community.
• Introduction of new Ululani's locations.
• Details about the GoFundMe initiative for relief efforts.
• Appeal to tourists to continue visiting parts of Maui besides Lahaina.
• Challenges of rebuilding Lahaina and uncertainties about its future layout.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Ululani's GoFundMe Page
• Ululani's Website

👉 Full show notes and resources can be found here: hawaiisbesttravel.com/episode105

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)

Garrett Marrero, CEO of Maui Brewing Co, joins the show! We dive deep into the aftermath of the Maui wildfires and its impact on the Lahaina community. The conversation reveals the struggles of local businesses, innovative housing solutions for displaced residents, and the essential role of community support during these challenging times.

What we discuss with Garrett Marrero:

• Impact of Maui wildfires on Lahaina and nearby areas.
• Economic challenges faced by local businesses due to the fires.
• Current status of restaurants and boat companies post-fire.
• Temporary housing solutions for Lahaina residents, including Airbnb and hotels.
• Discussion on tiny home communities as potential long-term solutions.
• Importance of speedy cleanup post-wildfire.
• Role of donations in the rebuilding process.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Maui Brewing Co. Fire Fund
• Legacy of Aloha

Full show notes and resources can be found here: hawaiisbesttravel.com/episode104

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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)

Join host Bryan Murphy as he delves into the struggles faced by local artists in Lahaina, Maui, focusing on the impact that the fires have made. Through a conversation with Maui artist Patrick Parker, you'll gain insight into the challenges and losses experienced by artists in the community. Learn how, out of aloha and love for the community, Patrick's GoFundMe campaign has helped Lahaina artists to keep creating. Find out in this gripping episode of Hawai's Best podcast.

What we discuss with Patrick Parker:

• The implications of current events on the creative life of local artists on Maui.
• How Maui's art community's steadfast passion and determination keep it flourishing.
• Learn about Lahaina artists' empowering tool in the form of Patrick Parker's GoFundMe campaign.
• The process and criticality of commission work in artists' sustenance and artistic expression.
• The concept of responsible tourism on Maui and understanding why it holds a pivotal role in the island's preservation.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Visit hawaiisbesttravel.com/art to directly access the GoFundMe page for Lahaina artists affected by the fires.
• Support local businesses and artists on Maui by buying their art or dining at local restaurants.
• Consider commissioning a piece of art from Patrick Parker or another artist to support their work and passion.
• Share the GoFundMe link and spread the word about supporting the art community in Lahaina.
• The previous episode with Patrick Parker.

Full show notes and resources can be found here: hawaiisbesttravel.com/episode103

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)

Garrett Marrero joins us to dive into the aftermath of the Maui fires. We delve into the challenges the local community faces and responsible tourism's role in rebuilding. Garrett shares insights on the economic impact, the need for foresight in adversity, and the heartening image of locals and visitors uniting to reconstruct Maui.

"Leadership means in the face of adversity, having foresight and thinking about how your actions impact the future." - Garrett Marrero

What we discuss with Garrett :

• Discussion on the changing stance towards tourism in Maui post-fires.
• Non-essential travel restrictions to West Maui until October 17th, but the rest of Maui remains open.
• Emphasis on promoting responsible tourism.
• Mention of economic repercussions: significant evacuations from Maui and job losses in South Maui's tourism sector.
• Vision of locals and visitors collaborating to rebuild Maui.
• Warning against taking insensitive photos in front of burned homes.

Full show notes and resources can be found here: hawaiisbesttravel.com/episode97

Maui Strong Resources:

• Hawaii Community Foundation
• Maui Food Back
• Lahaina Ohana Venmo Instagram

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)

I just wanted to give a quick update about the direction of episodes you can expect in the coming weeks. We are turning all of our attention to supporting Maui and responsible tourism.

If this podcast has brought you value in any way, I'm asking for your help in three simple ways:

1) Please rate and review this podcast on Apple Podcasts.

2) If you're listening on Apple or Spotify, please hit the follow button.

3) Share this podcast with someone.

Mahalo,
Bryan

_
🌴 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)

Welcome to Part 2 of our Made in Hawaii series. We're joined by Paul Rivera, Executive Chef of Hula Girl Waikiki! We dive deep into Hawaii's rich culinary tapestry, discussing his ascent from a culinary student to a celebrated chef. Our chat unravels the mysteries of the Hawaiian superfruit, Noni, with Puna Noni. We'll also welcome local chef and restaurant owner, Keaka Lee from Hapa Hale. And finish on the Big Island with Ahualoa Family Farms.
What we discuss within this episode:

Local Chefs

• Insights from Executive Chef Paul Rivera of Hula Girl Waikiki.
• Insights from Hapa Hale's chef and owner, Keaka Lee.
• Highlighting sustainable culinary practices.
• Collaborations with local farmers for fresh produce.
• Special mention of breadfruit ('Ulu) in Hawaiian dishes.
• Glimpse into the “Made in Hawaii Festival”.

Puna Noni

• Introduction to the Hawaiian superfruit, Noni.
• Discussion on the health benefits of Noni juice.
• Tips for integrating Noni into daily meals.

Ahualoa Family Farms

• Tour of Ahualoa Family Farms on Hawai'i Island.
• Overview of the Honoka farm, known as the oldest macadamia factory.

Full show notes and resources can be found here: hawaiisbesttravel.com/episode101

Maui Strong Resources:

• Hawaii Community Foundation
• Maui Food Back
• Lahaina Ohana Venmo Instagram
• Ekolu Lindsey Venmo
• Patrick Parker Art

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)

This episode discusses the aftermath of the Maui wildfires and its impact on the island's travel and tourism. Lauren Zirbel, President of the Hawaii Food Industry Association, Alexis Akiona of Lexbreezy Hawaii, and musician Keilana also join the show to discuss this year's Made in Hawaii Festival. They share how this festival is significant for Hawaii's local economy and the importance of supporting local and Maui families during this time.

What we discuss within this episode:

• Maui Wildfires: Current situation on Maui.
• Impact of wildfires on travel and tourism.
• Ways to support those affected by the wildfires.
• Made in Hawaii Festival: Overview and its role in Hawaii's economy.
• Tips for festival attendees.
• Interview with Lexbreezy Hawaii: Their mission and support for fire victims.
• Talk Story with Musician Keilana.

Full show notes and resources can be found here: hawaiisbesttravel.com/episode100

Episode Resources Mentioned:

• Hawaii Community Foundation
• Maui Food Back
• Lahaina Ohana Venmo Instagram
• Ekolu Lindsey Venmo
• Patrick Parker Art

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)

This episode unveils cultural insights, environmental initiatives like the plastic bag ban, and other essential things to know before you visit Hawaii.

What we discuss on this solo episode of the podcast:

• The Significance of Lei Etiquette
  • The cultural importance of giving and receiving leis.
  • Proper ways to accept and wear a lei to show respect.
• Hawaii's Plastic Bag Ban Initiative
  • The environmental reasons behind the ban.
  • Encouragement for visitors to use and carry reusable bags.
• Marine Life in Hawaii
  • The importance of observing marine life from a distance to avoid disturbances.
• Ocean Safety Guidelines
  • The unpredictable nature of Hawaiian waters.
  • Awareness of current ocean conditions.
• Reef-Safe Sunscreen
• Hawaiian Language 
• Made in Hawaii Festival
  • A showcase event for local businesses and authentic Hawaiian culture.
  • Music, cuisine, products, and more.
• Respecting Hawaiian Land and Traditions
  • The importance of understanding and adhering to local customs.
  • Hawaii's strict laws on trespassing, both on private and government lands.
  • The principle of "leave no trace" when exploring and visiting.

Full show notes and resources can be found here: hawaiisbesttravel.com/episode99

Resources Mentioned:

• Hawaii in September
• Made in Hawaii Festival
• Hawaiian words to know
• Hā'iku Stairs (Stairway to Heaven)

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)

Holly Sevier, Vice President of Friends of Ha'ikū Stairs, joins the show! We dive into her journey of protecting and preserving the Hai'kū Stairs, fondly known as the Stairway to Heaven on O'ahu. The conversation illuminates the history of the stairs, the complexities of conservation, legal challenges, and the group's initiatives toward maintaining this iconic structure amidst environmental concerns.

What we discuss with Holly Sevier:

• The rich history of the Haiku Stairs (also known as the Stairway to Heaven) deeply rooted in World War II, emerging as a symbol of resilience post the Pearl Harbor attack.
• The original purpose of the stairs as a route to reach a US Navy communications facility and its current status, closed to the public due to legal complications.
• The controversial 2021 Honolulu city council vote favoring the removal of the stairs.
• Introduction to Friends of Haiku Stairs, a non-profit organization formed in 1987 in response to the closure of the stairs, dedicated to their preservation.
• The actions taken by Friends of Haiku Stairs to protect the structure and its environment, which include maintaining the structure, removing invasive species, and raising awareness about its historical significance.
• The current legal status of the stairs, with plans to dismantle the structure.
• The introduction of an alternative proposal by the Kotolau Foundation to transform the area into a cultural park.
• How to support the cause by donating to Friends of Haiku Stairs, signing petitions (residents only), or engaging in respectful discussions about the future of the stairs on social media.
• Emphasizing the importance of heritage preservation and respectful tourism, underscoring the necessity of balancing preserving the past and paving the way for a future.

Full show notes and resources can be found here: hawaiisbesttravel.com/episode98

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)