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

Locals line up outside this Kauai restaurant before the doors even open.

🍱 Free Guide: 29 Locally Owned Spots to Eat on Kauai Guide

If you're planning a Kauai trip, skipping the food research can land you at a tourist trap instead of a real local favorite.

👉 Hit play now to find out which tiny walk-up spot locals line up for before it opens.

If you've ever wondered how to spot a real local restaurant on Kauai, this episode is for you.

I'll walk you through my personal top 10 so you know exactly where to eat before you land.

In this episode of Hawaii's Best, we count down my 10 favorite locally owned restaurants on Kauai so you can eat like a local from day one.

👉In this episode, you will:

• Discover how to tell a true local spot from a chain that just looks local.
• Learn exactly what to order at each spot, from puka dogs to poke bowls to kalua pig.
• How to get the full list of 29 local spots with ratings and tips included.

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to find your new favorite meal on Kauai.

🤙 Resources mentioned:

• Save 15% of All Shaka Guide Tours
• 29 Locally Owned Spots to Eat on Kauai Guide

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🎧 Related episodes:

• Kauai Travel Guide
• Best Shave Ice Spots on Kauai
• Best Local Restaurants on Maui
• Best Local Restaurants on Oahu

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💻 Related blog posts:

• Top 5 Nice Restaurants On Kauai
• Best Shave Ice on Kauai
• 10 Best Vegetarian Restaurants In Kauai

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🤓 Chapters:

• 0:24 Why Eating Local Matters
• 2:55 Number 10
• 3:58 Number 9
• 4:32 Number 8
• 5:28 Number 7
• 7:38 Number 6
• 8:31 Number 5
• 9:04 Number 4
• 10:07 Number 3
• 10:37 Number 2
• 11:28 Number 1
• 12:29 Wrap Up

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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)

Which Hawaiian island should you pick when every island looks tempting?

The answer isn't which island is "best," it's which one actually fits the trip you're trying to take right now.

👉 Hit play now to get one simple question for each island, Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island, that makes the decision easy.

If you've ever stared at Hawaii's four main islands and felt stuck picking just one, this episode is for you.

I'll walk you through what makes each island different so you can stop guessing and start planning.

In this episode of Hawaii's Best, we break down Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island one at a time so you can match the island to your trip instead of the other way around.

👉In this episode, you will:

• Learn why Oahu gives you the most options with the least stress
• Find out why Maui feels like the classic Hawaii vacation, even though it usually costs more
• Decide if Kauai's slower pace or the Big Island's spread-out scenery fits your trip better

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to finally know which Hawaiian island is right for you.

🤙Resources mentioned:

• Hawaii Island Quiz
• North Shore Huakai Shuttle 
• Hawaii Trip Cost Calculator

🎧 Related episodes:

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

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💻 Related blog posts:

• Maui vs Kauai (quiz Included)
• Oahu vs Maui (quiz Included)
• Oahu vs Kauai
• Island Hopping Guide

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🤓 Chapters:

• 1:31 North Shore Shuttle Update
• 2:49 One Island Rule
• 4:03 Oahu Most Options
• 6:29 Maui Classic Vacation
• 8:43 Kauai True Getaway
• 12:21 Big Island Surprises
• 15:24 Quick Island 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)

Is July actually a good time to visit Hawaii, or will the crowds and prices ruin your trip?

If you're weighing a July trip, the weather works in your favor, but timing your booking and picking the right island makes all the difference.

👉 Hit play now to find out exactly which island fits your July trip best and what to book first before spots fill up.

If you've ever wondered how to enjoy Hawaii in July without getting caught off guard by peak season chaos, this episode is for you.

I'll walk you through what's actually happening on the ground this month so you can plan smarter and still have an amazing trip.

In this episode of Hawaii's Best, we break down what July really looks like across the islands so you can set realistic expectations and book with confidence.

👉In this episode, you will:

• Learn why July weather is some of the most reliable all year
• Discover which island fits your pace best
• Find out which reservations to lock in early

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to plan your July Hawaii trip the right way, from picking your island to booking before everything fills up.

🤙Resources mentioned:

• Hawaii in July Guide
• Box Jellyfish Calendar
• Hawaii’s 2026 Hurricane Forecast

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🎧 Related episodes:

• Best Time to Visit Hawaii
• Summertime in Hawaii

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💻 Related blog posts:

• Best Time to Visit Hawaii

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🤓 Chapters:

• 1:07 Weather in July
• 2:12 Hurricanes and Jellyfish
• 3:26 Summer Surf Safety
• 4:14 Crowds in July
• 5:43 Choosing Your Island
• 6:25 Volcano Update Big Island
• 7:26 Budgeting and Booking
• 9:17 July Events and Festivals
• 10:49 Reservations and Planning
• 12:20 Recap 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)

What if the "best time to visit Hawaii" is actually different for everyone, and a generic month-by-month answer is setting your trip up for disappointment?

🚗 Save 15% all Shaka Guide tours and bundles (use code HAWAIISBEST)

The truth is, the best time depends on what you want out of your trip, and knowing the difference can save you money, stress, and a lot of crowded beaches.

👉 Hit play now to get the practical, goal-based breakdown that helps you pick the right window before you book anything.

If you've ever typed "best time to visit Hawaii" into a search bar and walked away more confused than when you started, this episode is for you. I'm breaking down weather, crowds, costs, ocean conditions, and island-by-island tips so you can plan with confidence.

In this episode of Hawaii's Best, I walk through the real factors behind Hawaii trip timing so you can stop guessing and start planning smarter.

👉 In this episode, you will:

• Learn why Hawaii has two main seasons and how each one affects your beach days, surf conditions, and overall experience
• Find out which shoulder season windows offer fewer crowds, better rates, and still great weather across Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island
• Discover my personal favorite travel window and why late September to mid-October is the sweet spot I keep coming back to

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to find the best time to visit Hawaii based on your actual goals, not a generic list.

🤙 Resources mentioned:

• First-Day in Hawaii Checklist
• Best Time to Visit Hawaii Guide
• E Noa Tours
• NorthShoreHuakai.com

🎧 Related episodes:

• Best Time to Visit Hawaii for Families
• How to Avoid An Illegal Vacation Rental in Hawaii
• Hawaii in the Summertime

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💻 Related blog posts:

• Month by month in Hawaii
• Best time to visit Hawaii quiz (no email required)

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🤓 Chapters:

• 1:00 North Shore Shuttle Update
• 2:20 Hawaii Seasons Explained
• 3:38 Crowds Costs Timing
• 6:06 Ocean Safety By Season
• 8:03 Self Guided Tours Sponsor
• 9:22 Favorite Visit Windows
• 12:42 Island Tips Final Takeaway

_
🌴 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 trip with kids takes real effort, and the last thing you want is an avoidable mistake turning your vacation into a stressful mess.

👉 Hit play now and walk away with a clear, practical list of what to fix before your family ever lands in Hawaii.

If you've ever wondered how to plan a Hawaii family trip that actually goes the way you hoped, this episode is for you. I'm sharing mistakes my own family has made and ones I see parents repeat all the time, so you can skip the hard lessons.

In this episode of Hawaii's Best, I break down five common family travel mistakes so you can protect your time, your budget, and your kids.

👉 In this episode, you will:

• Learn why Hawaii's ocean behaves differently than mainland beaches and what that means for your kids' safety
• Understand how island hopping, cheap lodging, and skipping reservations can quietly wreck your trip
• Build a smarter family travel mindset around slowing down, reading conditions, and planning ahead

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to avoid the five mistakes that catch most Hawaii families off guard.

🎧 Related episodes:

• 5 Mistakes When Planning a Trip to Hawaii
• Island Hopping in Hawaii
• Best Time to Visit Hawaii for Families
• Tips for Traveling to Hawaii with Teens
• Free Oahu Activities Your Kids Will Love

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💻 Related blog posts:

• Best Things to Do in Maui With Kids
• What's the Best Hawaiian Island for Kids
• Island Hopping in Hawaii Guide
• Common Mistakes When Planning a Trip to Hawaii

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🤓 Chapters:

• 1:36 Mistake #1
• 4:10 Mistake #2
• 6:02 Mistake #3
• 8:10 Mistake #4
• 10:22 Mistake #5
• 12:44 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)

Is your Hawaii trip this summer already locked in, or are you still guessing at what things actually cost and what's happening on the islands right now?

Prices, crowds, ocean conditions, and even the volcano have all shifted since spring, and traveling without that current picture can cost you real money and real frustration.

👉 Hit play now and get a clear, current breakdown of summer 2026 in Hawaii so you can plan smarter before peak pricing and peak crowds fully kick in.

If you've ever wondered how to stretch your budget and avoid the rookie mistakes during peak season, this episode is for you. I walk through the real numbers and real conditions so you leave knowing exactly what to expect and what to book first.

In this episode of Hawaii's Best, I break down the current state of the islands this summer so you can travel smarter, spend less, and stress less.

👉 In this episode, you will:

• Understand where hotel and rental car pricing actually stands island by island right now
• Learn what the volcano, ocean conditions, and hurricane season mean for your trip
• Know which reservations you need to lock in before you land

_
Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to get the honest, current summer 2026 Hawaii travel picture before your trip.

🎧 Related episodes:

• Kauai Travel Guide
• Oahu Travel Guide
• Maui Travel Guide
• Big Island Travel Guide
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Itinerary

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💻 Related blog posts:

• 2026 Trip Planning Calculator
  
  

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🤓 Chapters:

• 1:23 Timing the Value Window
• 2:51 Hotel Price Reality
• 4:39 Rental Car Crunch
• 5:52 Kilauea Eruption Update
• 7:08 Ocean Safety and Swells
• 8:28 Hurricane Season Outlook
• 9:34 Flight Routes and Deals
• 10:49 Crowds Spending and Reservations
• 13:18 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)

Is the Big Island too big to explore, or are most visitors just planning it wrong?

👉 Save 15% on Shaka Guide Tours with code HAWAIISBEST

The largest island in Hawaii requires a real strategy, and most first-timers don't arrive with one.

👉 Hit play now and walk away with a clear Big Island game plan before you land.

If you've wondered how to make the most of the Big Island, this episode is for you. You'll know where to stay, what to book, and what most visitors get wrong.

In this episode of Hawaii's Best, we cover the Big Island travel guide so you can plan confidently.

👉 In this episode, you will:

• Learn whether Kona or Hilo is the right base for your budget and trip length
• Discover what to expect at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and why timing your visit matters
• Find out where to eat well beyond resort prices, from the Hilo Farmers Market to Jackie Ray's Ono Grill

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to get a Big Island travel guide covering where to stay, what to prioritize, and what most visitors get wrong.

🎧 Related episodes:

• Ultimate Kauai Travel Guide
• 1-Day Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Itinerary

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💻 Related blog posts:

• 29 Unique Things to Do on the Big Island
• 10 Best Beaches on the Big Island
• Best Time to Visit the Big Island of Hawaii
• Top 15 Best Things to Do in Hilo, Hawaii for an Unforgettable Vacation
• Big Island Name Change

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🤓 Chapters:

• 1:55 Why the Big Island Feels Huge
• 2:59 Not a Beach-First Island
• 3:42 Where to Stay Kona vs Hilo
• 5:38 Shaka Guide Road Trip Tool
• 6:31 Volcanoes and Key Bookings
• 8:44 Food Spots and 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)

Are you planning your Hawaii trip length based on what sounds good instead of what actually works?

For Hawaii travelers, the number of days you choose can affect everything from island hopping to jet lag, airport time, and how relaxed your trip actually feels.

👉 Hit play now to learn the simple island-by-island rule that can help you plan your Hawaii vacation days with less stress.

If you’ve ever wondered how to decide how long to stay in Hawaii, this episode is for you.

You’ll learn when one island makes the most sense, when island hopping works, and why short trips can feel rushed fast.

In this episode of Hawaii’s Best, we break down how many days to spend on each Hawaiian island so you can plan a trip that fits your time, goals, and pace.

👉In this episode, you will:

• Choose the right trip length for Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island.
• Avoid the common mistake of spending too much vacation time in airports.
• Use the one-week-per-island rule to decide when island hopping makes sense.

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to plan a Hawaii trip that feels relaxed, realistic, and worth the travel time.

🤙 Resources mentioned:

• First-Day in Hawaii Checklist
• ROPE Research (snorkeling)
• Book Your 1-on-1 Hawaii Travel Consultation

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🎧 Related episodes:

• Should you drive the Road to Hana?

_
💻 Related blog posts:

• Best Time to Visit Hawaii
• How Many Days Should You Spend in Hawaii?
• Best time to visit: Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Big Island

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🤓 Chapters:

• 1:09 Seven Day Minimum
• 3:30 Avoid Island Hopping
• 4:13 Ten Days to Two Weeks
• 8:13 Island By Island Guide
• 12:28 Big Island Time Needs
• 14:48 Budget and Value Math
• 15:53 Three Rules and 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.

• 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 packing for Hawaii, but not sure what you actually need?

👉 Download your FREE "What to Pack for Hawaii" checklist!

Packing for Hawaii isn’t just about swimsuits and flip flops, especially if you want to save money, avoid stress, and feel ready once you land.

👉 Hit play now to learn what to pack for Hawaii so you can spend less time shopping and more time enjoying your trip.

If you’ve ever wondered how to pack smarter for a Hawaii vacation, this episode is for you.

You’ll learn what belongs in your bag, what you can leave at home, and which overlooked items can make your trip smoother.

In this episode of Hawaii’s Best, we break down practical Hawaii packing essentials so you can feel prepared without overpacking.

👉In this episode, you will:

• Pack the right sunscreen, swimsuits, shoes, and light layers for Hawaii’s beaches, hikes, and cooler evenings.
• Avoid common packing mistakes that can lead to extra spending once you arrive.
• Bring simple extras like a reusable water bottle, shopping bags, and laundry detergent to make travel easier.

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to pack smarter for your Hawaii trip.

🤙 Resources mentioned:

• What to pack in Hawaii checklist

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🎧 Related episodes:

• First Day in Hawaii Mistakes to Avoid
• Best Island to Visit in Hawaii

_
💻 Related blog posts:

• Best Beaches in Hawaii
• Best Sunscreens for Hawaii

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🤓 Chapters:

• 1:47 Hawaii Packing Essentials
• 3:39 Clothes Shoes Hydration
• 5:57 Smart Extras for Comfort
• 8:32 Bonus Items and 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)

Planning a Maui trip and not sure what you actually need to know before you book?

👉 Save 15% on Shaka Guide Tours with code HAWAIISBEST

Maui gives travelers beaches, resorts, food, scenery, and adventure, but where you stay, how you budget, and how much you plan can change the whole trip.

👉 Hit play now to get the Maui essentials before you book so you can plan with more clarity and fewer surprises.

If you’ve ever wondered how to plan a Maui trip without overpacking your itinerary or choosing the wrong area, this episode is for you.

You’ll learn what to think through before booking, from where to stay to how to plan Haleakala and the Road to Hana.

In this episode of Hawaii’s Best, we break down the Maui planning basics so you can make smarter choices before your trip.

👉In this episode, you will:

• Choose the Maui area that best fits your travel style, from South Maui to West Maui.
• Plan for real Maui costs, including food, parking, rental cars, groceries, and resort fees.
• Understand why Haleakala, the Road to Hana, and West Maui need extra care and planning.

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to plan a Maui trip that fits what you actually want.

🤙 About this episode's sponsor: Shaka Guide

• Their self-guided GPS audio tours help you explore Hawaii at your own pace with turn-by-turn directions, local stories, and helpful travel tips along the way.

Save 15% on Shaka Guide audio tours and bundles with code HAWAIISBEST.

👉Download now: Save 15% on Shaka Guide Tours

🎧 Related episodes:

• Complete Maui Travel Guide
• Maui Food Guide Pt. 1
• Maui Food Guide Pt. 2

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💻 Related blog posts:

• 5 Day Maui Itinerary
• Best Time to Visit Maui
• Rethinking the Road to Hana on Maui: Is it Worth it to Drive or Take a Guided Tour?

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🤓 Chapters:

• 00:59 Is Maui Right For You
• 2:06 Choose Your Base Area
• 2:25 South Maui
• 3:21 West And Central Maui
• 4:11 Budgeting Maui Costs
• 5:12 Plan For Drive Times
• 5:57 Haleakala Sunrise Tips
• 6:44 Road To Hana Planning
• 8:22 West Maui After Wildfires
• 9:41 Final Booking Checklist
• 10:05 Wrap Up

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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)