Hawaii Travel Podcast by Hawaii’s Best: Hawaii Travel Tips, Things to Do in Hawaii & Vacation Planning - Hallgatás Online

You can visit Oahu, take pictures of Diamond Head, explore its beautiful landscapes, and still miss some of the most meaningful stories behind these places. But what if understanding those stories could completely change how you experience Hawaii? In this episode, I'm joined by Jennifer Santos from Honolulu's Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts to talk about Wahi Pana, a public art project bringing Hawaiian history, culture, and storytelling to places visitors already know and love. We exp...

Planning a family vacation to Hawaii? I'm sharing the 7-day Oahu itinerary I'm putting together for our family of seven, including what we're doing, what we're skipping, and why. We're staying in Ko Olina and planning visits to Pearl Harbor, the North Shore, Iolani Palace, and Waikiki. But instead of filling every day with activities, I'm building our Hawaii vacation around experiences that matter to our family, with plenty of time to actually enjoy the resort. 🎁 FREE 7-Day Oahu Itinerary Pla...

Hawaii vacations are getting shorter. In July, the average Hawaii trip dropped more than 14% compared with 2025, even as visitor arrivals increased. So what is actually changing, and is a shorter Hawaii vacation really a bad thing? In this episode, I break down the latest Hawaii travel numbers, what may be driving shorter stays, and why more travelers appear to be simplifying their trips, including choosing one island instead of two. You’ll learn: The surprising gap in Hawaii’s latest tourism...

Planning a Hawaii vacation can get overwhelming fast, especially when you start with hotels, activities, restaurants, and reservations before deciding the bigger pieces of the trip. ✅ Free Hawaii Trip Planning Checklist In this episode, I’m walking through the 7 decisions I would make first when planning a Hawaii trip, and the order I’d make them in. You’ll learn how to: Set your trip guardrails before you start bookingChoose the right Hawaiian island, or islandsDecide how many nights you act...

Kauai is welcoming visitors back after Hurricane Lowell, but travelers have been much slower to return. In this episode, I break down what the latest passenger numbers actually show, why they should not be confused with official visitor counts, and what this next stage of recovery means for local businesses and anyone with a Kauai trip coming up. I also cover what’s currently open, which major parks and outdoor areas remain closed, the latest guidance for visitors, and why supporting business...

Are visitors welcome in Hawaii? After years of mixed messages around tourism, that’s a question a lot of travelers are still quietly asking. In this episode, I went back through conversations I’ve had with five Native Hawaiians and listened again to what they’ve shared about visitors, respect, the land, and what it means to visit Hawaii knowing that you’re stepping into someone else’s home. I’m not Hawaiian, and I’m not trying to speak for Hawaii. Instead, I want their voices to lead this con...

Could fall still be my favorite time to visit Hawaii after one of the most unusual hurricane seasons in years? 👉 FREE Hawaii during fall guide -> If you’re planning a fall trip, the real question isn’t whether September, October, or November is perfect, but whether the pace, weather, crowds, and tradeoffs fit the kind of trip you want. 👉 Hit play now to hear why I still choose fall and the specific window I’d pick if I could travel anytime. If you’ve ever wondered how to plan a Hawaii trip...

Kauai is welcoming visitors back after Hurricane Lowell, but recovery is still uneven. In this episode, I’m joined by Meghann Kealoha Matsuda, a lifelong Kauai resident, entrepreneur, and community organizer who has been directly involved in recovery efforts on the island. We talk about what things actually look like on the ground right now, which areas are reopening, where visitors still need to be cautious, and what people with upcoming Kauai trips should know before they go. Meghann also s...

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 Lo...

If you have a Kauai trip coming up, the official guidance has changed. In this update, I explain what Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) is now asking upcoming Kauai visitors to consider, what that means if your trip is only days or weeks away, and why simply having an operating flight does not mean the rest of your vacation is ready to go as planned. I also talk about the real weight of rescheduling weddings, anniversaries, family trips, and expensive vacations, plus how to check your accommodat...

🚨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 play...

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...

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. I...

Are you planning your Hawaii trip too early, too late, or just booking things in the wrong order? 👉 Free Checklist for this Episode For most Hawaii trips, the bigger issue isn’t booking everything as early as possible. It’s knowing which decisions matter now and which ones can wait. Hit play now to learn the planning timeline I use so you can book the important parts of your Hawaii trip without feeling like everything has to happen at once. If you’ve ever wondered how early you should start p...

Could one purchase at the Made in Hawaiʻi Festival help change a local business’s future? Maybe that sounds dramatic, but it's actually not. For Hawaiʻi visitors and people who love the islands, knowing who made a product helps every purchase carry more meaning. 👉 Hit play now to learn what to look for before you walk through the festival doors. If you’ve ever wondered how to support Hawaiʻi businesses more thoughtfully, this episode is for you. You’ll learn how vendors qualify, stand out, an...

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 Hawai...

Are you planning your Hawaii trip in the wrong order without even realizing it? 👉 Start planning with the Hawaii Trip Planner Hub Most people start with flights or a bucket list, and that's actually backwards, it just leads to stress and wasted money. Hit play now and get the exact 8-step order that takes the guesswork out of planning your Hawaii trip. If you've ever wondered what to actually do first when planning Hawaii, this episode is for you. I'll walk you through the order that actually...

Here's the updated description with a resources section added below it: What's the one mistake that can turn Hawaii's biggest shopping event into hours stuck in line? Heading to Oahu this August? Your arrival time at Made in Hawaii Festival can make or break your visit. 👉 Hit play now for the exact dates, prices, and timing tips before this year's festival sells out. If you've ever wondered how to shop nearly 600 local vendors without the crowds, this episode is for you. You'll learn when to ...

What if one of the most important dates in Hawaii history is also one most visitors never learn about? For Hawaii travelers and people who love the islands, understanding July 31 helps explain why Hawaiian sovereignty is not just history, but part of a living conversation today. 👉 Hit play now to understand how Hawaii lost control of its government twice, why it was restored once, and why that difference still matters. If you’ve ever wondered how to better understand the history behind the Ha...

Could one missed reservation derail the Hawaii day you planned your whole trip around? Free Hawaii Reservation Checker Hawaii’s most popular sites use different booking windows, release times, and entry rules, which can make planning confusing even when you start months ahead. 👉 Hit play now to learn which Hawaii reservations matter most, when they open, and what options you still have if tickets are gone. If you’ve ever wondered what to book first for your Hawaii trip, this episode is for yo...

How much does a Hawaii trip really cost in 2026, and are you budgeting enough before you book? I break down the real costs travelers face so you can plan a Hawaii vacation without unexpected expenses. 👉 Hit play now to learn what to budget for flights, hotels, food, transportation, and activities in 2026. If you’ve ever wondered how to create a realistic Hawaii trip budget, this episode is for you. You’ll learn where your money goes and how to make smarter choices when planning your Hawaii va...

Why does Kauai look small on a map but take twice as long to get around as you'd think? If you're planning a Kauai trip, that mismatch between the map and reality can wreck a good itinerary fast. 👉 Hit play now and you'll walk away knowing the exact reason you can't loop the island, so you stop losing hours to backtracking. If you've wondered what makes Kauai different from the other Hawaiian islands, this episode is for you. I'll walk you through seven things most first-time visitors don't k...

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 exact...

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 gues...

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 y...

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 anythi...

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 l...

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 wond...

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 Ha...

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...

👉 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 value...

Aloha! Ever wondered how to show respect and etiquette while traveling to the beautiful islands of Hawaii? Join us for an inspiring conversation with our special guest Elijah McShane, a native Hawaiian, who shares his top five ways to stay conscious and respectful of the culture, environment, and people during your visit. In this episode, we dive into the importance of understanding Hawaiian history and pre-educating ourselves before traveling to the islands. Our guest, Elijah, shares his pe...

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 be...

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...

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 eve...

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 e...

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 fee...

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...

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...

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’...

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 ...

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 th...

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 fami...

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 ...

Is Hawaii actually cheaper at certain times of the year, or does it just feel that way until you check the prices? Most travelers assume Hawaii is expensive no matter when you go, and that assumption ends up costing them real money. 👉 Hit play now and find out the two value windows every year where prices drop, crowds thin out, and the weather still delivers. If you've ever wondered how to visit Hawaii without overpaying, this episode is for you. Bryan breaks down exactly when to go, which we...

Which 5 experiences on Kauai are actually worth your time, and which ones will you forget by the time you land back home? Choosing what to do on Kauai isn't hard. Choosing what will actually stay with you is. FREE GUIDE: 20 Things to do on Kauai 👉 Hit play now and walk away with a clear, experience-driven Kauai itinerary built around adventure, culture, and something genuinely meaningful. If you've ever wondered how to plan a Kauai trip that feels more intentional than just checking boxes, th...

Want to help Hawaii after the floods but not sure if what you're doing is actually making a difference? Most people have the heart to help but end up lost in outdated Instagram posts, unverified GoFundMe pages, and scattered information that wastes time and misses the people who need it most. 👉 Hit play now and walk away knowing exactly where to send your money, your time, and your skills so they reach verified families and organizations on the ground. If you've ever wondered how to truly sho...

Is April actually one of the best times to visit Hawaii, or are you walking into a crowd and cost trap without knowing it? April sits in Hawaii's shoulder season, and most travelers either skip it entirely or accidentally book the one week they should avoid. 👉 Hit play now and get the exact breakdown of April weather, crowds, costs, and events so you can plan a smarter, more affordable Hawaii trip. If you've ever wondered how to time a Hawaii trip to get good weather without the summer crowds...

Duke Kahanamoku's story isn't just about swimming fast or riding waves. It's about resilience, humility, and carrying the spirit of Hawaii to every shore he touched. 👉 Hit play now and discover how one Hawaiian waterman changed surf culture forever, saved eight lives with a surfboard, and became a living symbol of aloha. If you've ever wondered how surfing became a global phenomenon, this episode is for you. You'll learn the true story behind the man who sparked it all and why his legacy st...

Oahu and Kauai couldn’t feel more different, and most travelers don’t realize that until they’ve already booked. 📥 Download our FREE Oahu vs Kauai Decision Guide In this episode of Hawaii’s Best, we compare Oahu and Kauai side by side so you can stop guessing and start planning with confidence. 👉 In this episode, you will: Find out why the cheaper island might actually cost you more in ways you haven't consideredLearn the one question Bryan asks every traveler before recommending an islandGet...