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

What if the best Hawaii travel advice is the stuff most visitors hear after they’ve already planned too much?

For Hawaii travelers and people who love Hawaii, this episode is about building a trip that respects the place, avoids avoidable problems, and still leaves room for the moments you can’t plan.

👉 Hit play now to hear the late-stage travel advice that can help you avoid closed areas, missed reservations, and an itinerary that looks better online than it feels in real life.

If you’ve ever wondered how to plan a Hawaii trip that feels full without feeling packed, this episode is for you.

You’ll learn how to spot the choices that can create stress, safety issues, or missed opportunities before they become part of your trip.

In this episode of Hawaii’s Best, we unpack the Hawaii travel advice many visitors hear too late so you can plan with more respect, more flexibility, and fewer regrets.

👉In this episode, you will:

• Learn why signs, closures, and no trespassing areas matter, even when other people ignore them.
• Plan ahead for reservations at popular parks, tours, luaus, restaurants, and sunrise spots.
• Choose the kind of Hawaii itinerary your family can actually enjoy, not just one that checks every box.

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to plan a Hawaii trip with better timing, better expectations, and more room for the memories you didn’t see coming.

📱Connect with Erica and Jordan:

• YouTube 
• Instagram
• Website

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🎧 Related episodes:

• Hawaii Travel Hacks That Actually Work
• 3 First Day in Hawaii Mistakes to Avoid

_
💻 Related blog posts:

• Island-Hopping Guide
• What To Know Before Planning Your Trip

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🤓 Chapters:
3:34 Respect Closed Places
03:39 No Trespassing Lessons
6:18 Experience Hawaiian Culture
7:42 How To Choose A Luau
8:58 Expect Imperfect Trips
10:10 Reservations Are Essential
12:21 Plan Your Own Hawaii
15:46 Favorite Maui Food Spots
18:32 Final Wrap 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 spending your one day at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park hoping for the best and just winging it?

👉 FREE Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Itinerary

Hawaii Volcanoes is one of the most dynamic places on earth, and without a solid plan, it's easy to miss the highlights, fight crowds, and leave feeling like you barely scratched the surface.

👉 Hit play now and get Bryan's complete one-day itinerary so you can see active lava, explore hidden gems, and leave feeling like you made the most of every hour.

If you've ever wondered how to plan a single day at one of the world's most active volcanoes, this episode is for you. Bryan walks you through a clear, time-tested route that covers the top sites without feeling rushed.

In this episode of Hawaii's Best, we break down the ultimate one-day Hawaii Volcanoes National Park itinerary so you can experience the park with confidence and zero wasted time.

👉 In this episode, you will:

• Learn the best arrival time, where to start, and how to avoid parking headaches and midday crowds
• Discover the top stops from Kilauea Iki and the Thurston Lava Tube to Chain of Craters Road and the Holei Sea Arch
• Get practical tips on what to pack, when to hike, and how to respect the sacred land throughout your visit

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to walk away with a complete, confidence-building game plan for your day at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

🎧 Related episodes:

• Top 5 Big Island Experiences
• Big Island vs Kauai

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💻 Related blog posts:

• 29 Unique Things to Do on the Big Island of Hawaii
• Best Time to Visit the Big Island of Hawaii
• 15 Best Things to Do in Hilo

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🤓 Chapters:

• 1:55 HVNP Overview
• 3:09 Visitor Center
• 4:45 Steam Vents & Junior Ranger Program
• 6:15 Caldera Views Lava Tube
• 7:49 Kilauea Iki Lunch Stop
• 9:50 Chain of Craters & 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 making Hawaii travel mistakes that could cost you time, money, or your safety before you even leave home?
Most visitors head to Hawaii with the best intentions but fall into the same traps that turn a dream trip into an exhausting, expensive mess.

👉 Hit play now to hear Bryan Murphy and the Hawaii Vacation Guide team break down 10 of the 15 most common Hawaii travel mistakes so you can avoid the ones that matter most.

If you've ever wondered how to actually plan a Hawaii trip that feels good from start to finish, this episode is for you. You'll walk away knowing exactly what to skip, what to book ahead, and how to show up in a way that's safer and more fulfilling.

In this episode of Hawaii's Best, we walk through real planning, budget, and safety mistakes with Jordan and Erica from the Hawaii Vacation Guide so you can build a smarter, calmer Hawaii itinerary.

👉 In this episode, you will:

• Learn why trusting AI itineraries can lead you to places that don't exist or aren't safe to visit
• Understand why lodging eats about 50% of your total Hawaii trip budget and how to plan around it
• Know the ocean safety rules that could literally save your life on any Hawaiian island

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to stop making the mistakes that quietly wreck Hawaii trips and start planning the one you actually want.

📱Connect with Erica and Jordan:

• YouTube 
• Instagram
• Website

_
🎧 Related episodes:

• Hawaii Travel Hacks That Actually Work
• 3 First Day in Hawaii Mistakes to Avoid

_
💻 Related blog posts:

• Island-Hopping Guide
• What To Know Before Planning Your Trip

_
🤓 Chapters:
3:03 Planning Mistakes Overview
4:10 Mistake 1
6:02 Too Much Island Hopping
7:56 Overpacked Itineraries
10:56 Flights Before Hotels
13:12 Best Rental Car Deals
14:35 Island Drive Time Reality
16:31 Weather App Misreads
18:29 Hikes
19:23 Beaches
21:15 Snorkeling
22:46 Wrap Up and Next Episode

Episode sponsored by Terraformation.

Terraformation is restoring a native Hawaiian forest at ʻIole in North Kohala on Hawaiʻi Island (the Big Island). Your support helps native trees grow from seed to canopy. As the forest takes root, it helps restore habitat and protect Hawaiʻi’s water and reefs.

🌳 Help grow the forest: hawaii.startaforest.com

Use promo code BEST for 15% off your first month or first year.

_
🌴 Plan Your Hawaii Trip With Bryan

About Your Host: Bryan Murphy is the founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel & a Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawaii Tourism Authority, since 2020. An HVCB member since 2019, he helps first-time & repeat visitors plan respectful Hawaii vacations w/ clear, practical advice & cultural insight.

• Let's connect on Instagram
• Join the Visiting Hawaii Facebook Group
• Grab free Hawaii travel tips & guides at hawaiisbesttravel.com

🤝 To sponsor the show visit hawaiisbesttravel.com/partner

Hawaii travel podcast helps you plan a trip to Hawaii with clarity. Discover practical travel tips, island itineraries, & local insight to help you explore Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island.

Edge of the Ocean (w/ permission)
Ukulele and Chill (w/ permission)
Talk Story (w/ permission)

Thinking about Kauai but not sure where to start or what could go wrong before you even land?

👉 FREE Kauai Travel Guide

Kauai rewards the traveler who plans ahead, and this episode breaks down exactly what you need to know before you book anything.

👉 Hit play now and walk away with a clear, honest picture of when to go, where to stay, and how to make the most of every day on Kauai.

I cover the whole island so you can show up informed, confident, and ready to actually enjoy it.

In this episode of Hawaii's Best, I break down the complete Kauai travel guide so you can plan smarter and experience more of what the island has to offer.

👉 In this episode, you will:

• Learn which regions fit your travel style, from the lush North Shore to the sunny South Shore around Poipu
• Discover must-do activities including the Napali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and top beaches like Poipu and Tunnels
• Understand what requires advance reservations and what trail or beach conditions can affect your plans

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to build your Kauai trip plan with confidence.

🎧 Related episodes:

• Kauai Travel Guide (extended)
• Oahu Travel Guide (quick)
• Maui Travel Guide (extended)

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💻 Related blog posts:

• Best Time to Visit Kauai
• How Many Days Should You Spend on Kauai?
• Guide to Po'ipu Beach

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🤓 Chapters:
1:37 Best Time to Visit Kauai
2:17 Flights and Rental Cars
3:04 Where to Stay on Kauai
4:41 Areas to Explore
7:06 Best Beaches on Kauai
9:32 Unique Activities to Try
11:24 Reservations and Packing
11:53 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)

Feeling overwhelmed by where to eat on Oahu?

Oahu has no shortage of restaurants, but Hawaii travelers don’t need another endless food list when they’re trying to plan a simple, better trip.

👉 Hit play now to get five practical Oahu food picks across the island so you can spend less time scrolling and more time enjoying your trip.

If you’ve ever wondered how to choose a few good places to eat without turning your vacation into a restaurant scavenger hunt, this episode is for you.

You’ll get a short, useful list matched to the areas you may already be visiting.

In this episode of Hawaii’s Best, we break down five Oahu food stops across the island so you can plan meals that fit your actual itinerary.

👉In this episode, you will:

• Find one west side pick, two Honolulu and Waikiki picks, one Kailua pick, and one North Shore pick.
• Learn how to choose between a vacation-style dinner, traditional Hawaiian food, fresh fish, a slower brunch stop, and a sit-down North Shore meal.
• Plan smarter by matching food stops to where you’ll already be on Oahu.

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to make eating on Oahu feel simple, practical, and worth it.

🎧 Related episodes:

• Quick Oahu Travel Guide
• Complete Oahu Travel Guide

_
💻 Related blog posts:

• My Monkeypod (copycat) Mai Tai Recipe

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🤓Chapters:
1:50 West Side Spot
3:08 Honolulu Spot
4:41 Waikiki Spot
5:46 Kailua Spot
7:03 North Shore Spot
8:37 Recap And Final Tips

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 already stressed about your Oahu trip and you haven’t even packed yet?

Oahu is one of the most visited islands in Hawaii for a reason. But all those options, where to stay, what to skip, how to get around, can quietly turn your dream vacation into a giant to-do list.

FREE Oahu Travel Guide

👉 Hit play now and let’s simplify it together!

This episode is your no-fluff, practical guide to planning Oahu the right way so your itinerary actually feels like a vacation, not a marathon.

If you’ve ever opened a tab to research Oahu and ended up more confused than when you started, this one’s for you.

We’re talking about where to stay (and why it matters more than you think), when to go, how to get around without losing half your day to traffic, and most importantly, how to slow the whole thing down so you actually enjoy it.

👉 In this episode, you’ll learn how to:

• Choose the right home base based on your travel style, not just what everyone else does
• Lock in the reservations that matter
• Build a relaxed five-day itinerary that leaves room to breathe

You don’t need to do everything. You just need the right plan.

⬆️ Scroll up and hit play. Your best Oahu trip starts here.

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🎧 Related episodes:

• Complete Oahu Travel Guide
• 7-Day Oahu Itinerary
• Top 5 Oahu Experiences

_
💻 Related blog posts:

• How Long Does it Take to Drive Around Oahu?
• Best Time to Visit Oahu

_
🤓 Chapters:
1:19 Best Time To Visit Oahu
2:37 Where To Stay
4:48 Rental Cars And Planning Days
5:44 Waikiki And Key Reservations
6:57 Windward Side Highlights
7:38 North Shore Essentials
8:18 Five Day Itinerary
9:08 Final Tips

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)

Did you know Lei Day in Hawaii is about more than wearing a beautiful lei?

For Hawaii visitors and people who love Hawaii, Lei Day is a chance to understand the deeper meaning behind one of the islands’ most recognized traditions.

👉 Hit play now to learn what Lei Day celebrates and why lei are connected to aloha, the land, and Hawaiian culture.

If you’ve ever wondered how to better understand Lei Day before visiting or celebrating Hawaii, this episode is for you.

You’ll learn the meaning behind the day, how it’s celebrated, and what travelers should know with more respect and context.

In this episode of Hawaii’s Best, we explore Lei Day in Hawaii so you can appreciate the tradition beyond the tourist image.

👉In this episode, you will:

• Learn why the first Lei Day was held in 1928 and why lei are tied to Hawaiian culture.
• Understand how schools, music, hula, storytelling, and lei contests are part of the celebration.
• Clarify the difference between haku lei and lei po'o.

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to understand Lei Day in Hawaii with more meaning and respect.

📱Connect with Kahanui:

• Instagram
• Website

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🎧Related episodes:

• Overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom
• Hawaiian Words to Know

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🤓Chapters:
1:52 Lei Day Origins and Meaning
3:09 How Hawaii Celebrates
4:20 Island Events and Lei Contests
4:59 Lei Day Court and Schedule
5:27 Lei Styles Explained
7:03 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)

You finally booked time off for Hawaii and now you're losing sleep over which island to pick?

Maui vs Big Island Decision Guide

The right island depends entirely on your travel style, budget, and what kind of experience you want to bring home.

👉 Hit play now and get a direct, experience-backed breakdown that helps you stop guessing and start planning with confidence.

If you've ever wondered how to pick the right island for your specific trip, this episode is for you.

Bryan cuts through the noise with honest comparisons, 2026 updates, and personal stories from both islands so you can make a clear decision before you book.

In this episode of Hawaii's Best, we compare Maui and the Big Island head-to-head so you can choose the Hawaiian island that actually fits your trip.

👉 In this episode, you will:

• Understand exactly who should choose Maui and who belongs on the Big Island
• Learn the real cost difference, crowd levels, and snorkeling conditions on each island in 2026
• Discover why the Big Island runs about 20% cheaper and what Kilauea's current eruption cycle means for your trip

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to finally decide between Maui and the Big Island with confidence.

🎧 Related episodes:

• Visiting Maui for the First Time
• Which Island for First-Timers
• Top Things to do on the Big Island

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💻 Related blog posts:

• Best Time to Visit the Big Island
• Best Time to Visit Maui

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🤓 Chapters:
0:43 Maui Overview
1:01 Big Island Overview
2:20 Lahaina Update
3:46 Why Choose Maui
5:01 Why Choose Big Island
6:24 Volcano Update Tips
9:04 Head to Head Breakdown
10:18 Which Island Fits
11:00 Island Hop Option
11:39 Wrap Up 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)

Are you planning a Big Island trip but not sure what's actually worth your time and what's just hype?

Most Hawaii travelers spend hours researching the Big Island only to show up with expectations that don't match reality.

👉 Hit play now and get an honest, firsthand breakdown of five Big Island experiences worth your time and money before you book a single thing.

If you've ever wondered how to plan a Big Island trip without the guesswork, this episode is for you. Bryan shares what his family loved, what they wouldn't do again, and exactly what to expect so you can enjoy every experience instead of chasing a highlight reel.

In this episode of Hawaii's Best, Bryan breaks down the top five Big Island experiences across every budget so you can show up prepared and make the most of your time on the island.

Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to get the honest, firsthand guide to the top five Big Island experiences before your trip.

🎧Related episodes:

• Top 5 Kauai Experiences
• Top 5 Oahu Experiences
• Top 5 Maui Experiences

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🤓 Chapters:
0:29 Honest Expectations
1:27 Activity #1
5:00 Activity #2
6:15 Activity #3
7:59 Activity #4
9:17 Activity #5
10:39 Wrap Up And Next Episodes

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)

Did you know one of Hawaii's islands has been off limits to visitors for over 150 years?

For Hawaii travelers, Ni'ihau isn't just a curiosity on the map. It's a living example of what intentional cultural preservation actually looks like, and understanding it changes how you see the rest of Hawaii.

👉 Hit play now to finally get the real story behind the Forbidden Island, including what's actually kept it closed and what very few visitors ever get to experience.

If you've ever spotted Ni'ihau from Kauai's west side and wondered what's really going on over there, this episode is for you. You'll come away with a clear picture of why the island stays closed, who can access it, and why that matters for anyone who loves Hawaii.

In this episode of Hawaii's Best, I break down the true story of Ni'ihau so you can understand and respect one of the most unique places in the entire Hawaiian island chain.

👉 In this episode, you will:

• Learn why the Robinson family has kept Ni'ihau closed since 1864 and what promise started it all
• Discover the limited ways visitors can experience the island without setting foot in the village
• Understand how Ni'ihau's isolation has protected both the Hawaiian language and rare native wildlife

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to understand why Ni'ihau stays closed and what that means for traveling responsibly in Hawaii.

🎧Related episodes:

• Kauai Travel Guide
• Planning Your First Trip to Kauai

_
 💻Related blog posts:

• Overview of Ni'ihau
• Best Time to Visit Kauai

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🤓Chapters:

2:57 How Isolation Began
3:42 Who Can Visit and Why
4:44 Culture and Conservation Today
6:00 Limited Tours and Access Options
7:53 A Fragile Balance for the Future
8:32 Respecting Privacy in Hawaii

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)