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As someone who is still learning and exploring the islands of Hawaii, it got me thinking about what is the best island to visit in Hawaii?
The best Hawaiian island: http://livehawaiisbest.com/episode027
In researching this topic and from personal experience, when it comes to choosing the "best" island it is a matter of personal preference and your vacation goals. If you're traveling as a family the "best" island for you may be different than if you're a solo traveler. The best way to decide which is the best island for you is to visit each one. However, I realize that that may not be possible for most. So, I want to help provide you with this guide when it comes time to choose which island to visit.
The Hawaiian Islands are a chain of eight major islands. However, the total number of islands recognized is 137. All of the Hawaiian Islands are special and beautiful in their own way. The eight major Hawaiian Islands are Hawai'i (The Big Island), Maui (The Valley Isle), Oahu (The Gathering Place), Kauai (The Garden Isle), Molokai (The Friendly Isle), Lanai (The Pineapple Isle), Nihau (The Forbidden Isle), and Kahoolawe (The Target Isle).
http://livehawaiisbest.com/episode027
In is this guide we’ll take a closer look at the islands as well as some personal recommendations. Let this be a guide in your decision, not the final say. Hawaii is meant to be explored and discovered. I simply wanted to provide an overview for you as you plan your next visit to Hawaii. Below you will find an overview of the most visited Hawaiian islands (Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and Hawai'i) along with Pros and Cons for each.
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.
🤝 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)
On this episode of Hawaii’s Best, our host Bryan Murphy sits down with Julie Tabarejo the Director of Experiences and Events at Shoreline Hotel Waikiki. This vibrant and modern hotel sits in the heart of Waikiki surrounded by world-class shopping and entertainment.
Shoreline Hotel Waikiki: http://livehawaiisbest.com/episode026
Julie shares how the rebranding of Shoreline Hotel Waikiki has transformed this once “run of the mill” hotel, into a location that is not only a must-stay destination for tourists but an experience all in itself. From the ombré walls to the neon lights, this eccentric hotel in the heart of Waikiki allows guests to feel the excitement and vibrancy that Hawaii has to offer.
Hawaii is known for its great weather and beautiful waters, but this is only at the surface of your stay at Shoreline Hotel Waikiki. This bold and colorful hotel offers experiences that match its tone and style. Enjoy some shave ice on a sunny day, style your hair ombré to match Waikiki’s gorgeous sunsets, a tattoo, or have a professional photographer show you how to take that perfect picture (see current promo offers). Shoreline Hotel Waikiki has a lot to offer to those that are willing.
livehawaiisbest.com/episode026
Julie explains what malama ka’aina (take care of the land) means to her personally and how it has been embedded into not only the culture at Shoreline but how guests are encouraged to be part of this important aspect of Hawaiian culture. Through their partnership with Public Good, they're stocking refillable bottles and decreasing the use of single-use plastic containers. Shoreline strives to create an environment and future that is waste-free.
Resources
Definitions
Connect
Show Some Aloha
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.
🤝 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)
Aloha! We're Bryan and Ali, the faces behind Hawaii's Best. Hawaii’s Best exists to share the best of the islands with the rest of the world. Learn the stories behind Hawaii’s best experiences, influencers, and businesses. Discover everything that makes Hawaii the Aloha State!
Best places to eat on Oahu: http://livehawaiisbest.com/episode025
Download the Guide
When you think of traveled destination, quickly the conversation turns to food. Just like the islands themselves, food is meant to be explored and enjoyed with those you love.
In this guide, you'll find our top places to eat on Oahu as well as other suggestions from our incredible Hawaii's Best 'Ohana.
Narrowing down to just 10 was almost impossible, but we hope this list gives you a great start to experiencing all the amazing cuisines Oahu has to offer. Enjoy!
Be sure to hit subscribe to stay up to date on future episodes.
In This Episode:
Oahu Food Guide
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.
🤝 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)
In this important episode, Bryan from Hawaii's Best sits down with Anela Evans from Lanai. Anela is a cultural practitioner and works at the Four Seasons On Lanai.
With Anela Evans of Lanai: http://livehawaiisbest.com/episode024
Anela describes what life was like growing up on the small island of Lanai and why the culture of each of the islands in Hawaii is so important to have an understanding of.
As an indeciduous woman, here insights on how you can learn more about Hawaiian culture before your next trip to Hawaii.
Be sure to hit subscribe to stay up to date on future episodes.
In This Episode:
Follow Anelea on Instagram
Day Of Conquest Website
Follow Day Of Conquest on Instagram
Lanai Heritage & Cultural Center
SPREAD ALOHA
Be sure you subscribe to the podcast to automatically receive your episodes!
Have a Question? Wanna Share Your Hawaii Tips or Experience?
Send us a message, and we’ll share it on the podcast: speakpipe.com/hawaiisbest
Support the podcast: hawaiisbesttravel.com/support
Get Episode Show Notes Here: --> hawaiisbesttravel.com/episode66 <--
CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL
Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hawaiisbest)
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.
🤝 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)
From creating a carbon wax bottle that breaks down in the ocean to developing durable glass and aluminum made from 100 percent post recycle bottles. We hear from CEO Ryan Emmons of Waiākea on the Big Island of Hawaii, pioneers of Hawaiian volcanic water, and his vision for an eco-friendly future.
After multiple years of research and time put into developing the brand, Ryan shares with Bryan Murphy from Hawaii’s Best why he feels like this was the right step for Waiākea and society.
In this episode, we also get to hear all about upcycling. Ryan explains how this process allows us all to have a smaller carbon footprint by giving materials a second life. To maximize their environmental effort, Waiākea has set up collection centers to gather ocean-bound plastic, preventing the materials from going into the waters of Hawaii.
Ryan dives into leadership and how this company has moved from shareholders to stakeholders, from a singular profit model to a triple bottom line model. Explaining how these stakeholders have created a culture that is upcycled into every product at Waiākea
Over the years, Ryan’s supportive family and many mentors at different companies have shaped him into the leader he is today. Ryan explains how the influencers in his life have been there in the highs and lows. Ohana being first and staying true to his values is what has kept him going for the past years leading Waiākea.
Hit play to listen in as Ryan gives his advice on what you should know when visiting Hawaii and what he loves best about the islands. We also get to hear what exciting adventures are coming this next year for Ryan, his family, and Waiākea.
In This Episode
Waiakea's Website
Waiakea's Store Locator
Follow Waiakea on 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.
🤝 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 beaches are world-famous for many reasons. The shores around Hawaii are home to some of the best surfing, snorkeling, and swimming our blue globe has to offer. It's no wonder that tourists around the world flock to Hawaii for its beautiful beaches and colorful underwater seascapes all year round. Here are our top picks for the best in Hawaii beaches to visit on your next trip.
It was hard to narrow down this list to just five beaches. But we feel these five beaches are well-rounded in discovering the best of Hawaii's beaches.
To stay up to date on future episodes be sure to hit the subscribe button.
Aloha!
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.
🤝 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 on this episode of Hawaii's Best. Garrett is the co-founder of Maui Brewing Company in Maui, Hawaii. We get to hear how Maui Brewing Company started back in 2005 when Garrett was only twenty-six years old.
His vision and dream started in San Diego, California, which turned into cofounding Maui Brewing Company in 2004 and officially opening its doors in January of 2005.
Garrett shares how his passion for micro-brewing started. Growing up in a European family and coming along his Grandpa’s side helped Garrett develop a palette for a great beer at a young age. He knew his previous role in finance didn’t fulfill him the way his passion for beer and entrepreneurship did.
We get to hear why Maui Brewery is leading by example with how their facility is built and operating, producing 100 percent of their energy on-site. Garrett shares with Bryan how this 82,000 square foot facility provides 1.2 mega wats of solar power to their primary location being fully grid-independent.
After working with the State of Hawaii and receiving his small craft producers license, Maui Brewery not only produces beer but produces local soda, whiskey, gin, and now hard spritzers.
If someone comes to Maui for the first time Garrett shares what to do and what not to do. From skipping touristy stuff to just grabbing a six-pack of their Blonde lager, poki, and relaxing by the blue waters of Hawaii in Maui. In this episode, we hear how Garret loves to unwind in a very cool high flying way.
Listen in and hear about how his start on Maui started rocky and how it has developed since then. You’ll also find out about the Beyond Beer Program and what’s next for Maui Brewing Company.
Podcast show notes available here - livehawaiisbest.com/episode021
Download our free travel checklist - livehawaiisbest.com/checklist
Follow us on Instagram - instagram.com/hawaiis.best
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.
🤝 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)
Today on Hawaii's Best, Jason Donez, General Manager of Leilani's on the Beach, joins the show. Jason gravitated to the industry because it is something different every day. Plus, he fell in love with the people.
--> Learn More: hawaiisbesttravel.com/episode020 <--
Leilani's on the Beach is in one of the most beautiful locations in the world. They approach their guests by carefully crafting and sharing the Aloha Spirit. Locals are proud to celebrate their special occasions, and visitors from all over the globe find their home on Maui at Leilani's. Their unique concept bridges the generations with an ambiance that creates a contemporary sense of place while honoring the powerful tradition of Hawaiian culture.
Podcast show notes available here - livehawaiisbest.com/episode020
Download our free travel checklist - livehawaiisbest.com/checklist
Follow us on Instagram - instagram.com/hawaiis.best
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.
🤝 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)
Today on Hawaii's Best, Angel Doane-Mau, from the Maui Tropical Plantation, home of The Mill House joins the show. Angel is born raised on the island of Maui – her roots go very deep. Angel is the Community Outreach Liaison and Communications Associate for the plantation. The Mill House sits at the heart of Maui Tropical Plantation, surrounded by farmland, against the breathtaking Waikapū Valley.
Podcast show notes available here - livehawaiisbest.com/episode019
Download our free travel checklist - livehawaiisbest.com/checklist
Follow us on Instagram - instagram.com/hawaiis.best
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.
🤝 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)
When taking a trip to Hawaii it's important to keep a few important things in mind before jumping off the plane. In today's solo episode, Bryan is discussing 5 things to know before your trip to Hawaii. Many people who take a trip to Hawaii simply pack their swimsuits and jump on a plane. However, to get the most out of your Hawaiian trip it's important to note a few essentials.
Podcast show notes available here - livehawaiisbest.com/episode018
Follow Us On Instagram - Click Here
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.
🤝 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)
From the publisher's feed
Planning a Hawaii vacation or just love Hawaii? Hawaii’s Best is the top Hawaii travel podcast that helps you decide where to stay, what to do, and how to build a trip that feels like a…
Host Bryan Murphy shares practical Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and conversations with local voices across Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island, Lanai, and Molokai. From choosing an island to building your itinerary, you’ll get clear advice for every stage of your Hawaii travel planning.
Bryan is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau and founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel. With more than 30+ visits to the islands, he brings firsthand experience and a commitment to respecting Hawaiian culture, caring for natural resources, and supporting local communities.
On this travel podcast, you’ll find:
• Island guides for Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and Big Island, activities, and realistic itineraries
•Hawaii travel news and what it means for your trip
• Local food, Hawaiian culture, and traditions
• Ways to visit respectfully and support local Hawaii businesses
• Interviews with residents, business owners, and cultural practitioners
Whether you’re planning your first Hawaii trip or returning to explore another Hawaiian island, follow Hawaii’s Best for practical advice that helps you plan with confidence.
New episodes weekly to help you plan your Hawaii vacation.
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