👉 Elijah Kalā, a voice of the Hawaiian community, joins the show! We talk story about the essence of traveling with aloha in Hawaii. The conversation delves into the heart of authentic Hawaiian experiences, community engagement, and the evolution of Aloha.

What we discuss with Elijah Kalā:

• How to be a part of the Hawaiian community while vacationing.
• Tangible ways to give back to the Hawaiian community during a trip.
• The true spirit of Aloha.
• Understanding and respecting Hawaiian cultural values for an authentic experience.
• The need for visitors to embody Hawaiian principles for a better experience.
• How travelers' mindset impacts the community of Lahaina and all of Hawaii.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Elijah's Instagram
• awakenedaloha.org
• evolutionofaloha.com
• nakiaiomaui.org
• Lahaina Strong Instagram
• helpmauirise.org

👉 Full show notes and resources can be found here.

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This podcast is for travelers looking to plan a trip to Hawaii. Discover travel tips, itineraries, and traveling tips & hacks with guides to help you explore Hawaii. Whether you’re planning a vacation to the Hawaiian islands, dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway, or visiting Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, Oahu, or Big Island we’ll help you travel with aloha.

Edge of the Ocean, Stick Figure (w/ permission)

Ukulele and Chill, Coby G (w/ permission)

Today, we dive deep into the West Maui reopening debate! We explore the delicate balance between tourism and the Lahaina community's healing after the tragic fires. This episode uncovers the phased reopening strategy, local grassroots movements, and the importance of traveling with Aloha in Hawaii.

What we discuss in this episode:

• West Maui's phased reopening
• Local concerns about the reopening timeline
• Lahaina Strong's grassroots movement and their demands
• The structured three-phase reopening approach
• Economic implications of reopening for Maui's tourism industry
• Traveling responsibly and with aloha to Maui

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Hawaii's Best Website
• Hawaii's Best Instagram
• Episode 108: TravelAge West
• Episode 106: Tutu's Pantry
• Episode 105: Ululani's Shave Ice
• Episode 103: Patrick Parker

👉 Full show notes and resources can be found here.

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This podcast is for travelers looking to plan a trip to Hawaii. Discover travel tips, itineraries, and traveling tips & hacks with guides to help you explore Hawaii. Whether you’re planning a vacation to the Hawaiian islands, dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway, or visiting Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, Oahu, or Big Island we’ll help you travel with aloha.

Edge of the Ocean, Stick Figure (w/ permission)

Ukulele and Chill, Coby G (w/ permission)

✈️ Mindy Poder, Executive Editor of TravelAge West, hops onto the podcast! We discuss her insights on traveling to Maui, particularly during these times. Our conversation dives into the heart of local businesses, the changing travel landscape, and the responsibility tourists hold when visiting destinations like Maui.

What we discuss with Mindy Poder:

• Impact of disasters on tourism and its revival.
• Mindy's personal trip to Maui and her insights from the visit.
• The delicate situation in Maui post-disaster and its recovery.
• Examples of post-disaster tourism rebounds in global destinations.
• The importance of responsible tourism and definitions surrounding it.
• The role and advice of travel advisors regarding trips to Maui post-disaster.
• The anticipated tourism trends for the fall and festive season.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• TravelAge West Website
• Mindy's Maui Article 

👉 Full show notes and resources can be found here.

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This podcast is for travelers looking to plan a trip to Hawaii. Discover travel tips, itineraries, and traveling tips & hacks with guides to help you explore Hawaii. Whether you’re planning a vacation to the Hawaiian islands, dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway, or visiting Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, Oahu, or Big Island we’ll help you travel with aloha.

Edge of the Ocean, Stick Figure (w/ permission)

Ukulele and Chill, Coby G (w/ permission)

Weighing the pros and cons of driving independently or booking a certified tour, this episode emphasizes responsible tourism and respecting local communities. From charming towns to breathtaking landscapes, experience the wonders of Hana Highway while promoting sustainability and enhancing your journey.

-> Learn More Here <-

Episode Resources

• In-Depth Blog on Driving the Road to Hana
• Finding a certified Road to Hana Tour Guide
• Hana Highway Regulation Code of Conduct

Full show notes are available here.
(Episode first aired on April 12, 2023)

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This podcast is for travelers looking to plan a trip to Hawaii. Discover travel tips, itineraries, and traveling tips & hacks with guides to help you explore Hawaii. Whether you’re planning a vacation to the Hawaiian islands, dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway, or visiting Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, Oahu, or Big Island we’ll help you travel with aloha.

Edge of the Ocean, Stick Figure (w/ permission)

Ukulele and Chill, Coby G (w/ permission)

Ellie Salazar, Founder of Tutu's Pantry, joins the podcast! We dive deep into the captivating tale of founding and nurturing Tutu's Pantry in the heart of Maui. We discuss the story behind the brand, and Ellie's perspective on responsible tourism.

What we discuss with Ellie:

• The origin story of Tutu's Pantry
• The influence of Hawaiian culture on Ellie's brand
• The essence and importance of shopping local
• Ways to travel responsibly to Maui
• Best places to eat on Maui, as recommended by Ellie

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Tutu's Pantry Website
• Tutu's Pantry Instagram

👉 Full show notes and resources can be found here: hawaiisbesttravel.com/episode106

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This podcast is for travelers looking to plan a trip to Hawaii. Discover travel tips, itineraries, and traveling tips & hacks with guides to help you explore Hawaii. Whether you’re planning a vacation to the Hawaiian islands, dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway, or visiting Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, Oahu, or Big Island we’ll help you travel with aloha.

Edge of the Ocean, Stick Figure (w/ permission)

Ukulele and Chill, Coby G (w/ permission)

David Yamashiro, co-founder of Ululani's Shave Ice 🍧, joins the show! We dive deep into the after-effects of the fires on Maui regarding tourism and the livelihood of the locals. The dialogue uncovers the resilience of Lahaina's community, Ululani's continued commitment to help, and the importance of supporting Maui's other untouched regions.

What we discuss with David Yamashiro:

• Economic strain on locals relying on jobs within the tourism industry.
• Ululani's commitment to aid the affected community.
• Introduction of new Ululani's locations.
• Details about the GoFundMe initiative for relief efforts.
• Appeal to tourists to continue visiting parts of Maui besides Lahaina.
• Challenges of rebuilding Lahaina and uncertainties about its future layout.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Ululani's GoFundMe Page
• Ululani's Website

👉 Full show notes and resources can be found here: hawaiisbesttravel.com/episode105

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📲Connect

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This podcast is for travelers looking to plan a trip to Hawaii. Discover travel tips, itineraries, and traveling tips & hacks with guides to help you explore Hawaii. Whether you’re planning a vacation to the Hawaiian islands, dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway, or visiting Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, Oahu, or Big Island we’ll help you travel with aloha.

Edge of the Ocean, Stick Figure (w/ permission)

Ukulele and Chill, Coby G (w/ permission)

Garrett Marrero, CEO of Maui Brewing Co, joins the show! We dive deep into the aftermath of the Maui wildfires and its impact on the Lahaina community. The conversation reveals the struggles of local businesses, innovative housing solutions for displaced residents, and the essential role of community support during these challenging times.

What we discuss with Garrett Marrero:

• Impact of Maui wildfires on Lahaina and nearby areas.
• Economic challenges faced by local businesses due to the fires.
• Current status of restaurants and boat companies post-fire.
• Temporary housing solutions for Lahaina residents, including Airbnb and hotels.
• Discussion on tiny home communities as potential long-term solutions.
• Importance of speedy cleanup post-wildfire.
• Role of donations in the rebuilding process.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Maui Brewing Co. Fire Fund
• Legacy of Aloha

Full show notes and resources can be found here: hawaiisbesttravel.com/episode104

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This podcast is for travelers looking to plan a trip to Hawaii. Discover travel tips, itineraries, and traveling tips & hacks with guides to help you explore Hawaii. Whether you’re planning a vacation to the Hawaiian islands, dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway, or visiting Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, Oahu, or Big Island we’ll help you travel with aloha.

Edge of the Ocean, Stick Figure (w/ permission)

Ukulele and Chill, Coby G (w/ permission)

Join host Bryan Murphy as he delves into the struggles faced by local artists in Lahaina, Maui, focusing on the impact that the fires have made. Through a conversation with Maui artist Patrick Parker, you'll gain insight into the challenges and losses experienced by artists in the community. Learn how, out of aloha and love for the community, Patrick's GoFundMe campaign has helped Lahaina artists to keep creating. Find out in this gripping episode of Hawai's Best podcast.

What we discuss with Patrick Parker:

• The implications of current events on the creative life of local artists on Maui.
• How Maui's art community's steadfast passion and determination keep it flourishing.
• Learn about Lahaina artists' empowering tool in the form of Patrick Parker's GoFundMe campaign.
• The process and criticality of commission work in artists' sustenance and artistic expression.
• The concept of responsible tourism on Maui and understanding why it holds a pivotal role in the island's preservation.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Visit hawaiisbesttravel.com/art to directly access the GoFundMe page for Lahaina artists affected by the fires.
• Support local businesses and artists on Maui by buying their art or dining at local restaurants.
• Consider commissioning a piece of art from Patrick Parker or another artist to support their work and passion.
• Share the GoFundMe link and spread the word about supporting the art community in Lahaina.
• The previous episode with Patrick Parker.

Full show notes and resources can be found here: hawaiisbesttravel.com/episode103

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📲Connect

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This podcast is for travelers looking to plan a trip to Hawaii. Discover travel tips, itineraries, and traveling tips & hacks with guides to help you explore Hawaii. Whether you’re planning a vacation to the Hawaiian islands, dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway, or visiting Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, Oahu, or Big Island we’ll help you travel with aloha.

Edge of the Ocean, Stick Figure (w/ permission)

Ukulele and Chill, Coby G (w/ permission)

Garrett Marrero joins us to dive into the aftermath of the Maui fires. We delve into the challenges the local community faces and responsible tourism's role in rebuilding. Garrett shares insights on the economic impact, the need for foresight in adversity, and the heartening image of locals and visitors uniting to reconstruct Maui.

"Leadership means in the face of adversity, having foresight and thinking about how your actions impact the future." - Garrett Marrero

What we discuss with Garrett :

• Discussion on the changing stance towards tourism in Maui post-fires.
• Non-essential travel restrictions to West Maui until October 17th, but the rest of Maui remains open.
• Emphasis on promoting responsible tourism.
• Mention of economic repercussions: significant evacuations from Maui and job losses in South Maui's tourism sector.
• Vision of locals and visitors collaborating to rebuild Maui.
• Warning against taking insensitive photos in front of burned homes.

Full show notes and resources can be found here: hawaiisbesttravel.com/episode97

Maui Strong Resources:

• Hawaii Community Foundation
• Maui Food Back
• Lahaina Ohana Venmo Instagram

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This podcast is for travelers looking to plan a trip to Hawaii. Discover travel tips, itineraries, and traveling tips & hacks with guides to help you explore Hawaii. Whether you’re planning a vacation to the Hawaiian islands, dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway, or visiting Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, Oahu, or Big Island we’ll help you travel with aloha.

Edge of the Ocean, Stick Figure (w/ permission)

Ukulele and Chill, Coby G (w/ permission)

I just wanted to give a quick update about the direction of episodes you can expect in the coming weeks. We are turning all of our attention to supporting Maui and responsible tourism.

If this podcast has brought you value in any way, I'm asking for your help in three simple ways:

1) Please rate and review this podcast on Apple Podcasts.

2) If you're listening on Apple or Spotify, please hit the follow button.

3) Share this podcast with someone.

Mahalo,
Bryan

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This podcast is for travelers looking to plan a trip to Hawaii. Discover travel tips, itineraries, and traveling tips & hacks with guides to help you explore Hawaii. Whether you’re planning a vacation to the Hawaiian islands, dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway, or visiting Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, Oahu, or Big Island we’ll help you travel with aloha.

Edge of the Ocean, Stick Figure (w/ permission)

Ukulele and Chill, Coby G (w/ permission)