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

By Bryan Murphy - Certified Hawaii Travel Expert & Creator of Hawaii’s Best Travel

Dreaming of a Hawaii vacation that's unforgettable, authentic, and stress-free?

Hawaii's Best is the top Hawaii travel podcast for planning your trip from start to finish. Each wee

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The podcast currently has 264 episodes available.

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

The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

Number 1: Hawaii Travel After Hurricane Lowell: Should You Cancel or Keep Your Trip?
🚨Updated Episode:Apple PodcastSpotifyHurricane Lowell is moving away from Hawaii, but the storm has left major impacts on Kauai and disrupted travel across the islands. So what does this mean if you have a Hawaii trip coming up? In this episode, I break down what you should know about airline travel waivers, canceled flights, refunds, and when it actually makes sense to change your plans. I also explain why the 2026 Central Pacific hurricane season has been unusually active, how El Nino plays a role, and why one active season doesn’t mean you should automatically cancel a Hawaii trip later this year or avoid hurricane season in 2027. You’ll learn the difference between an airline waiver and an airline cancellation, what happens if you voluntarily cancel first, what to consider if your trip is only days away, and how to build more flexibility into future Hawaii travel. If Hurricane Lowell has you wondering whether to cancel or keep your Hawaii trip, this episode will help you understand your options and make a calmer, more informed decision. Resources mentioned: https://hawaiisbesttravel.com/tropical-storm-lowell-hawaii-forecast/ Official Hurricane Lowell + Hawaii Travel Resourceshttps://www.gohawaii.com/lowellhttps://www.kauai.gov/County-Press-Releaseshttps://hta.hawaii.gov/alerts/hurricane-lowellNational Hurricane Center / Central Pacific Hurricane CenterKauai Emergency Management AgencyHawaii Department of Transportation AirportsAlaska + Hawaiian Airlines Travel AdvisoriesSouthwest Airlines Travel AdvisoriesAmerican Airlines Travel AlertsUnited Airlines Travel WaiversU.S. Department of Transportation Airline Refund RulesNOAA Central Pacific Hurricane Outlook_ Chapters:1:50 Current Impacts On Kauai3:14 Travel Waivers Explained5:01 Refunds And Your Rights6:06 Don’t Forget Other Bookings6:30 Should You Change Plans7:12 Why 2026 Is So Active9:05 Planning For Fall Trips9:36 Looking Ahead To 202710:29 Key Takeaways And 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 InstagramJoin the Visiting Hawaii Facebook GroupGrab 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)
September 08, 202612min
Number 2: How to Build a Hawaii Itinerary That Actually Feels Like a Vacation
Planning a Hawaii itinerary sounds easy until your list of things to do keeps getting longer. ✅ Free Hawaii Itinerary Reality Checklist Beaches, restaurants, tours, lookouts, reservations. They may all be great options, but trying to fit everything into one trip can quickly turn your vacation into a checklist. In this episode, I'll share my simple framework I use to build Hawaii days that feel realistic without missing the experiences that matter most. You’ll learn:How to use the Anchor, Add-on, Flex method to plan each dayWhy the advertised length of an activity isn’t its true time costHow grouping activities by area can make your days feel less rushedWhy you should pressure-test your whole trip, not just individual daysHow to leave enough flexibility for the unexpected moments that often become the best part of a Hawaii tripYou probably don’t need to start your Hawaii itinerary over. You may just need to edit it. Resources mentioned: ✅ Free Hawaii Itinerary Reality Checklist 🌺 Hawaii Planner Hub _ Related episodes:How to Plan Hawaii in the Right OrderWhy Planning Your 2026 Hawaii Trip Feels Chaotic_ Related articles:Hawaii Travel Mistakes to Avoid Before You BookHow Many Days Do You Need In Hawaii?_ Chapters:1:52 FOMO vs Real Vacation3:08 Plan the Whole Day3:37 True Time Cost4:19 Anchor Add On Flex6:08 Geography and Areas6:54 Pressure Test the Week7:48 Leave Room for Hawaii8:22 Wrap Up and Free ChecklistEpisode 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 InstagramJoin the Visiting Hawaii Facebook GroupGrab 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)
September 01, 202610min
Number 3: Do You REALLY Need a Rental Car in Hawaii?
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 IslandFind out why Waikiki is one of the easiest places in Hawaii to stay without a carKnow when a one-day rental, rideshare, tour transportation, or full-trip rental makes the most sense_ 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_ Resources mentioned:Check Discount Hawaii Car Rental (affiliate)Hawaii Planner Hub_ Related episodes:How to Use Turo in HawaiiShould You Drive Maui’s Road to Hana?_ Related blog posts:Where to Find Parking in Waikiki BeachHow Long Does it Take to Drive Around Oahu?How to Use Park Maui App_ Chapters:1:06 Plan Your Trip First1:43 Waikiki Without a Car2:48 Oahu Day Trip Car3:54 Airfare Tracking Tips5:28 Maui Kauai Big Island6:54 Final Rental Car Checklist7:38 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.Check Flights Alaska & Hawaiian Airlines Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines operate as a combined company under Alaska Air Group. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. _ 🌴 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 InstagramJoin the Visiting Hawaii Facebook GroupGrab 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)
August 28, 202610min
Number 4: Before You Go to a Hawaiian Luau, Know This About Hula | Miss Aloha Hula Jaedyn Pavao
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. _ 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 InstagramWatch Jaedyn's 2025 Miss Aloha Hula performance_ 🎧 Related episodes:How to Engage with Hawaiian Culture Responsibly w/ Kamaka DiasThe Ban and Revitalization of the Hawaiian Language with Kahanuola Solatorio_ 💻 Related blog posts:A Guide to Understanding Luaus in Hawaii17 Unique Kauai Cultural Activities_ 🤓 Chapters:1:04 Meet Miss Aloha Hula2:00 Reading the Story in Motion4:43 Hula as Second Language05:55 Merrie Monarch Explained06:27 Purposeful Preparation8:35 Who Can Dance Hula10:49 Respectful Hula on Kauai11:20 Tourist vs Visitor13:26 What Aloha Means14:23 Advice for First Timers16:04 Kauai Local Food Picks18:26 Final TakeawaysEpisode 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 InstagramJoin the Visiting Hawaii Facebook GroupGrab 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)
August 14, 202622min
Number 5: The Oahu Tourist Traps 1,000 Travelers Say to Skip
Which Oahu 'tourist traps' are actually worth skipping, and which ones are still worth your time? In this episode, I break down some of the most commonly debated Oahu spots, including Dole Plantation, the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet, Waikiki, luaus, Pearl Harbor, Waimea Valley, and more. I also share results from a listener poll on the most overrated Oahu attractions and explain where I agree, where I don’t, and what I’d do instead. Plus, I share a quick Kauai travel update following Hurricane Lowell, including the latest visitor guidance and recovery conditions. In this episode, you’ll learn:Which Oahu attraction received the most “overrated” votes from travelersWhy I’d reconsider Dole Plantation but wouldn’t automatically skip itWhen the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet is worth your timeThe Waikiki experience I’d actually skipHow I decide whether an Oahu attraction is worth the time and moneyWhat I’d prioritize instead when your Oahu itinerary is already packedIf you’re trying to decide what deserves a spot on your Oahu itinerary, this episode will help you separate what’s genuinely worth your time from what may be easy to skip. Official sources:https://hta.hawaii.gov/alerts/hurricane-lowell-update-8/https://www.gohawaii.com/lowellhttps://www.kauai.gov/County-Press-ReleasesResources mentioned:Ways to Help Kauai (my article)Free PDF of Organizations Helping Kauai (no email need)Kauai Travel Updates (my article)_ Related episodes:How to Plan Hawaii in the Right OrderWhy Planning Your 2026 Hawaii Trip Feels ChaoticOahu Travel GuideKauai Travel Update_ Related articles:Hawaii Travel Mistakes to Avoid Before You BookHow Many Days Do You Need In Hawaii?Oahu Tourist Traps_ Chapters:1:41 Kauai Hurricane Update4:23 Dole Plantation5:48 Swap Meet6:40 Waikiki Food and Shops8:29 Luaus Worth It?9:36 Do Not Skip These Icons11:29 Waimea Valley and ABC Stores12:53 3 Questions to Decide14:04 Wrap UpEpisode 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 InstagramJoin the Visiting Hawaii Facebook GroupGrab 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)
September 15, 202616min