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

Do you actually need a rental car in Hawaii, or are you about to pay for one that sits in a parking garage half your trip?

The answer depends a lot on which island you’re visiting, where you’re staying, and how much exploring you actually plan to do.

👉 Play this episode before you book your rental car so you can figure out what your trip really requires.

If you’re staying in Waikiki, you may not need a car for your entire trip. But Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island are a very different story.

In this episode of Hawaii’s Best, I break down when I would rent a car, when I’d skip it, and why renting one for only a day or two can sometimes make more sense than keeping it all week.

👉In this episode, you will:

• Learn when you actually need a rental car on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island
• Find out why Waikiki is one of the easiest places in Hawaii to stay without a car
• Know when a one-day rental, rideshare, tour transportation, or full-trip rental makes the most sense

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now before you automatically book a rental car for your entire Hawaii trip.

Episode sponsors:

• Check current flight deals at Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines

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Resources mentioned:

• Check Discount Hawaii Car Rental (affiliate)
• Hawaii Planner Hub

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Related episodes:

• How to Use Turo in Hawaii
• Should You Drive Maui’s Road to Hana?

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Related blog posts:

• Where to Find Parking in Waikiki Beach
• How Long Does it Take to Drive Around Oahu?
• How to Use Park Maui App

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Chapters:

• 1:06 Plan Your Trip First
• 1:43 Waikiki Without a Car
• 2:48 Oahu Day Trip Car
• 3:54 Airfare Tracking Tips
• 5:28 Maui Kauai Big Island
• 6:54 Final Rental Car Checklist
• 7:38 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)

Are you planning your Hawaii trip too early, too late, or just booking things in the wrong order?

👉 Free Checklist for this Episode

For most Hawaii trips, the bigger issue isn’t booking everything as early as possible. It’s knowing which decisions matter now and which ones can wait.

Hit play now to learn the planning timeline I use so you can book the important parts of your Hawaii trip without feeling like everything has to happen at once.

If you’ve ever wondered how early you should start planning Hawaii, this episode is for you. I’ll walk you through when to research, when to start booking, and how to avoid missing the reservations that matter most.

In this episode of Hawaii’s Best, we break down the Hawaii trip-planning timeline so you can make the right decisions at the right time.

In this episode, you will:

• Learn why six to nine months is a comfortable planning window for most Hawaii trips.
• Know when to focus on flights, lodging, rental cars, and important experiences.
• Understand how Hawaii reservation windows fit into your overall planning timeline.

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to build a Hawaii planning timeline that feels manageable and keeps your most important trip decisions on track.

Episode sponsors:

• Get 15% off Shaka Guide tours with code HAWAIISBEST [Sponsor]
• Check current flight deals at Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines [Sponsor]

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Resources mentioned:

• Hawaii Reservation Checker
• Start planning with the Hawaii Trip Planner Hub

_
Related episodes:

• Plan Hawaii in This Order (Ep. 251)
• Oahu Travel Guide
• Maui Travel Guide
• Kauai Travel Guide
• Big Island Travel Guide

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Related blog posts:

• Hawaii Reservations and Fees 2026: What You Need to Book
• What Is the Best Island to Visit in Hawaii? Take the Quiz
• Hawaii Travel Mistakes to Avoid Before You Book

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Chapters:

• 1:27 Planning Versus Booking
• 2:36 Nine To Twelve Months
• 3:48 Three To Six Months
• 4:23 Flight Watching Tips
• 6:37 Reservation Windows
• 8:25 Relax The Itinerary
• 9:15 Shaka Guide Flexibility
• 10:03 Last Minute Game Plan
• 11:14 Wrap Up Key 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)

Could one purchase at the Made in Hawaiʻi Festival help change a local business’s future? Maybe that sounds dramatic, but it's actually not.

For Hawaiʻi visitors and people who love the islands, knowing who made a product helps every purchase carry more meaning.

👉 Hit play now to learn what to look for before you walk through the festival doors.

If you’ve ever wondered how to support Hawaiʻi businesses more thoughtfully, this episode is for you.

You’ll learn how vendors qualify, stand out, and turn festival exposure into opportunities that can last.

In this episode of Hawaii’s Best, I go behind the booths so you can shop with more intention.

👉In this episode, you will:

• Learn why products must have at least 51% of their value added in Hawaiʻi to qualify.
• Discover how Alikaleo Park carries family artwork forward through everyday sun-protective clothing.
• Hear how Mochi Momma HI grew from a side business into Stacy’s full-time baking career.

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to meet the people behind what you’ll be buying.

About today's guests:

• Made in Hawaii website
• Alikaleo Park website
  • Instagram
• Mochi Momma website
• Instagram

About today's Sponsor:

• Check availability on RedWeek

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Related episodes:

• Made in Hawaii Part 1

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Chapters:

• 0:30 Storm Update
• 3:05 Vendor Requirements
• 6:23 Why Buying Local
• 7:19 Alikaleo Park
• 10:41 Festival Plans
• 12:28 Sponsor Redweek
• 13:14 Mochi Mama
• 14:51 Creative Mochi Flavors
• 19:00 Where To Find Them
• 20:16 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)

What is hula really communicating beyond the movements you see on stage?

For many, hula is something they experience at a luau, but there is a deeper story, tradition, and cultural practice behind every movement, song, and detail.

👉 Hit play now to hear from Miss Aloha Hula Jaedyn Janae Puahaulani Pavao and discover how to experience hula with a deeper understanding on your next Hawaii trip. 

If you’ve ever wondered what the meaning behind hula is and how to respectfully experience Hawaiian culture, this episode is for you.

I sit down with Jaedyn Janae Puahaulani Pavao, the 2025 Miss Aloha Hula, to talk about the stories, traditions, and aloha behind one of Hawaii’s most meaningful cultural practices.

In this episode of Hawaii’s Best, we explore the deeper meaning of hula so you can appreciate the stories being shared the next time you experience it in Hawaii.

👉In this episode, you will:

• Discover why hula is more than a dance and how every movement, song, and detail has meaning.
• Learn what visitors often miss when watching hula and how to better understand the story being shared.
• Understand how to experience Hawaiian culture with an open heart and respect when visiting Hawaii. 

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to better understand hula and carry a deeper appreciation for Hawaiian culture home with you.

🤙 About today's guest:

• Connect with Jaedyn on Instagram
• Watch Jaedyn's 2025 Miss Aloha Hula performance

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🎧 Related episodes:

• How to Engage with Hawaiian Culture Responsibly w/ Kamaka Dias
• The Ban and Revitalization of the Hawaiian Language with Kahanuola Solatorio

_
💻 Related blog posts:

• A Guide to Understanding Luaus in Hawaii
• 17 Unique Kauai Cultural Activities

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🤓 Chapters:

• 1:04 Meet Miss Aloha Hula
• 2:00 Reading the Story in Motion
• 4:43 Hula as Second Language
• 05:55 Merrie Monarch Explained
• 06:27 Purposeful Preparation
• 8:35 Who Can Dance Hula
• 10:49 Respectful Hula on Kauai
• 11:20 Tourist vs Visitor
• 13:26 What Aloha Means
• 14:23 Advice for First Timers
• 16:04 Kauai Local Food Picks
• 18:26 Final Takeaways

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 you planning your Hawaii trip in the wrong order without even realizing it?

👉 Start planning with the Hawaii Trip Planner Hub

Most people start with flights or a bucket list, and that's actually backwards, it just leads to stress and wasted money.

Hit play now and get the exact 8-step order that takes the guesswork out of planning your Hawaii trip.

If you've ever wondered what to actually do first when planning Hawaii, this episode is for you. I'll walk you through the order that actually works, from picking your island to locking in the right reservations.

In this episode of Hawaii's Best, we break down the right order to plan a Hawaii trip so you can avoid costly mistakes and actually enjoy the process.

👉In this episode, you will:

• Learn why picking your island should come after deciding what kind of trip you want, not before
• Discover which few reservations can control your whole itinerary and need to be locked in early
• Find out why pricing the whole trip, not just the flight, saves you from budget surprises later

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to plan your next Hawaii trip in the right order, start to finish.

🤙 Resources mentioned:

• Start planning with the Hawaii Trip Planner Hub
• Get 15% off Shaka Guide tours with code HAWAIISBEST [Sponsor]
• Find resort-style lodging for less at RedWeek.com [Sponsor]

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🎧 Related episodes:

• Oahu Travel Guide
• Maui Travel Guide
• Kauai Travel Guide
• Big Island Travel Guide

_
💻 Related blog posts:

• Hawaii Reservations and Fees 2026: What You Need to Book
• Hanauma Bay Reservations Get Major Update with New Transportation System
• Hawaii Travel Mistakes to Avoid Before You Book

_
🤓 Chapters:

• 1:11 Step 1 Define Your Trip
• 3:42 Step 2 Pick the Island
• 4:54 Step 3 Shape the Details
• 6:07 Step 4 Price the Whole Trip
• 7:23 RedWeek Lodging Hack
• 8:29 Step 5 Book the Big Stuff
• 9:42 Step 6 Anchor Reservations
• 10:49 Shaka Guide Explore More
• 11:51 Step 7 Build Your Itinerary
• 13:15 Step 8 Final Reality Check
• 15:29 Closing and Next Steps

_
🌴 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)

Here's the updated description with a resources section added below it:

What's the one mistake that can turn Hawaii's biggest shopping event into hours stuck in line?

Heading to Oahu this August? Your arrival time at Made in Hawaii Festival can make or break your visit.

👉 Hit play now for the exact dates, prices, and timing tips before this year's festival sells out.

If you've ever wondered how to shop nearly 600 local vendors without the crowds, this episode is for you. You'll learn when to arrive and how to support the local families behind it all.

In this episode of Hawaii's Best, we talk story with the festival's spokesperson and two vendors about what makes this festival worth the trip.

👉In this episode, you will:

• Learn why Saturday and Sunday afternoons beat mornings for skipping lines.
• Discover what's new on the third floor, from talk story sessions to first time vendors.
• Meet two Big Island and Maui makers who turned a family farm and a garage into full time businesses.

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to plan your visit before Hawaii's biggest local shopping event sells out.

🤙 Resources mentioned:

• Made in Hawaii Festival
  • Tickets and info: madeinhawaiifestival.com
• Kalapana Beauty
  • Website: kalapanabeauty.com
  • Instagram: @kalapana_beauty
• Cymz Sweet Kre8tionz
  • Website: cymzsweetkre8tionz.com
  • Instagram: @cymz_sweet_kre8tionz_llc
• Check availability on RedWeek [Sponsor]

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🤓 Chapters:

• 3:57 Festival Origins Growth
• 5:06 Tickets Timing Tips
• 7:25 Third Floor Highlights
• 9:33 Sponsor RedWeek
• 10:22 Kalapana Beauty
• 11:12 Farm to Face Process
• 16:01 Why Local Support Matters
• 18:08 Cymz Sweet Kre8tionz
• 19:42 Maui Sourced Desserts
• 21:49 First Festival Prep
• 24:27 Supporting Makers Year Round

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)

What if one of the most important dates in Hawaii history is also one most visitors never learn about?

For Hawaii travelers and people who love the islands, understanding July 31 helps explain why Hawaiian sovereignty is not just history, but part of a living conversation today.

👉 Hit play now to understand how Hawaii lost control of its government twice, why it was restored once, and why that difference still matters.

If you’ve ever wondered how to better understand the history behind the Hawaii you visit, this episode is for you.

I’ll walk you through the key events clearly so you can travel with more context and respect.

In this episode of Hawaii’s Best, we examine Sovereignty Restoration Day and the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom so you can better understand Hawaiʻi’s history and its impact today.

👉In this episode, you will:

• Learn how the Hawaiian Kingdom regained its sovereignty on July 31, 1843.
• Understand how the 1893 overthrow differed from the earlier British occupation.
• See why this history matters when visiting places like ʻIolani Palace and hearing conversations about Hawaiian sovereignty.

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to understand why July 31 still matters in Hawaii.

🎧 Related episodes:

• The Ban and Revitalization of the Hawaiian Language with Kahanuola Solatorio
• Waikīkī’s Past with Kamaka Pili
• How to Engage With Hawaiian Culture Responsibly with Kamaka Dias

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🤓 Chapters:

0:38 Why July 31 Matters
1:14 1843 British Occupation
2:20 Sovereignty Restored
3:04 Bayonet Constitution Shift
3:49 1893 Overthrow Begins
4:51 Annexation And Apology
5:32 Travel With Context
6:43 How To Visit Responsibly

_
🌴 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 one missed reservation derail the Hawaii day you planned your whole trip around?

Free Hawaii Reservation Checker

Hawaii’s most popular sites use different booking windows, release times, and entry rules, which can make planning confusing even when you start months ahead.

👉 Hit play now to learn which Hawaii reservations matter most, when they open, and what options you still have if tickets are gone.

If you’ve ever wondered what to book first for your Hawaii trip, this episode is for you.

I’ll help you understand the key reservation systems so you can set reminders, build a realistic itinerary, and avoid last-minute surprises.

In this episode of Hawaii’s Best, I break down major reservation requirements across Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island so you can plan each day with more confidence.

👉In this episode, you will:

• Identify which popular Hawaii stops require advance reservations and which ones don’t
• Learn when major booking windows open and how second releases or cancellations can help
• Discover practical backup options when your preferred reservation is already sold out

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to know what to reserve first and when to book it.

🤙 Resources mentioned:

• Free Hawaii reservation checker
• Check Current Flights on Hawaiian Airlines
• Check current flight deals to Hawaii [Sponsor]
• Check current flight deals from Hawaii [Sponsor]

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🎧 Related episodes:

• Oahu Travel Guide
• Maui Travel Guide
• Kauai Travel Guide
• Big Island Travel Guide

_
💻 Related blog posts:

• Hawaii Reservations and Fees 2026: What You Need to Book
• Hanauma Bay Reservations Get Major Update with New Transportation System
• Hawaii Travel Mistakes to Avoid Before You Book

_
🤓 Chapters:

• 2:23 Why Reservations Exist
• 3:26 Oahu Must Book Spots
• 7:31 Maui Sunrise and Parks
• 10:52 Sponsor Hawaiian Airlines
• 12:20 Kauai Reservation Hotspots
• 14:45 Big Island Easy Planning
• 15:53 Booking Tips and Time Math
• 17:49 Free Reservation Checker Tool
• 18:51 Wrap Up

_
🌴 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)

How much does a Hawaii trip really cost in 2026, and are you budgeting enough before you book?

I break down the real costs travelers face so you can plan a Hawaii vacation without unexpected expenses.

👉 Hit play now to learn what to budget for flights, hotels, food, transportation, and activities in 2026.

If you’ve ever wondered how to create a realistic Hawaii trip budget, this episode is for you.

You’ll learn where your money goes and how to make smarter choices when planning your Hawaii vacation.

In this episode of Hawaii’s Best, I break down the true cost of a Hawaii trip in 2026 so you can plan with confidence.

👉In this episode, you will:

• Estimate realistic Hawaii trip costs for couples and families.
• Understand how flights, lodging, taxes, food, transportation, and activities impact your budget.
• Compare the costs of Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island.

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to build a more realistic budget for your Hawaii trip

🤙 Resources mentioned:

• Check Current Flights on Hawaiian Airlines
• 2026 Hawaii Trip Calculator

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🎧 Related episodes:

• When is the Cheapest Time to Visit Hawaii?
• 10 Hawaii Travel Tips to Save Your Family Money in 2026

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💻 Related blog posts:

• Hotel or Airbnb in Hawaii?
• Hawaii Travel Mistakes to Avoid Before You Book
• Island-Hopping Guide

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🤓 Chapters:

• 2:39 Couples vs Families
• 4:49 Why Costs Rising
• 5:43 Flight Budget Breakdown
• 7:09 Hidden Travel Addons
• 7:58 Island Hopping Costs
• 8:43 Hawaiian Airlines Sponsor
• 9:49 Lodging Real Price
• 11:51 Food Budget Guide
• 13:20 Getting Around Islands
• 14:29 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)

Why does Kauai look small on a map but take twice as long to get around as you'd think?

If you're planning a Kauai trip, that mismatch between the map and reality can wreck a good itinerary fast.

👉 Hit play now and you'll walk away knowing the exact reason you can't loop the island, so you stop losing hours to backtracking.

If you've wondered what makes Kauai different from the other Hawaiian islands, this episode is for you. I'll walk you through seven things most first-time visitors don't know before they land.

In this episode of Hawaii's Best, I cover the history, geography, and driving realities of Kauai so you can plan a trip that actually feels relaxed instead of rushed.

👉In this episode, you will:

• Learn why Kauai was never conquered in battle and how that shaped its own distinct identity
• Discover why you can't drive around the island and how the Nepali Coast changes your whole itinerary
• Find out why Kauai's small towns like Hanalei and Waimea deserve a stop, not just a drive-by

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to plan a Kauai trip that moves at the island's pace instead of fighting it.

🤙 Resources mentioned:

• Maui Cultural Lands: episode with Ekolu Lindsey

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🎧 Related episodes:

• Kauai Travel Guide
• 7-Day Kauai Itinerary

_
💻 Related blog posts:

• Best Things to Do in Kauai
• How Many Days Should You Spend on Kauai
• Kauai Cultural Activities

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🤓 Chapters:

• 2:19 Never Conquered History
• 3:05 Russia on Kauai
• 4:08 Wailua River Significance
• 4:53 No Island Road Loop
• 5:40 Off Limit Areas
• 6:40 Realistic Drive Planning
• 8:04 Small Towns
• 9:18 Wrap Up and Resources

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)