Hawaii Travel Made Easy Podcast—Hawaii travel tips, Things to do in Hawaii, Hawaii vacation planning

Why Group Trips to Hawaii Get Messy (and How to Avoid the Group Chat Meltdown)

Who this episode is for: Anyone trying to plan a Hawaii trip with a group of friends and already feeling the budget, pace, and activity differences start to pile up before a single thing is booked.

What you’ll learn: Why Hawaii specifically tends to turn group trip planning into a slow-motion group chat meltdown, and Marcie’s actual fixes: having a real money conversation before you book, deciding upfront whether everyone has to do everything together, naming comped-experience and roommate expectations out loud, picking one final decision-maker, and building in recovery time.

Places discussed:

• Kauai
• Princeville, North Shore (Kauai)
• Waikiki
• South Shore, Kauai
• Poipu, Kauai

Activities discussed:

• Kayaking
• Sunrise hiking
• Shopping
• Eating out / brunch
• Cooking at home (self-catering in a vacation rental)
• Ziplining
• Luau
• Pool and beach time
• Content creation for tourism boards and activity providers
• Sunrise coffee run

Restaurants discussed:

• 7-Eleven, for a quick, budget-friendly musubi run instead of a full meal

Marcie’s recommendations:

• Have the money conversation and get an actual number before anyone books a house or hotel, not a vague budget.
• Decide early whether the group will do everything together or split into smaller groups some days, and build that flexibility in from day one.
• If some people in the group work with tourism boards or activity providers and may get comped experiences while others are paying full price, say that out loud early since it changes what feels fair to everyone.
• Sort out room assignments and agree on basic shared-space rules, like kitchen habits and chores, before arriving instead of after.
• Give one person the final call on logistics instead of trying to reach full group consensus on every choice.
• Build in real recovery time, like a lazier morning or solo beach time, since mismatched energy levels turn into trip resentment.
• Book a consultation if a group is stuck between conflicting opinions on where to stay or what to book.
• Get a fifty dollar itinerary review if the group already has a draft itinerary and just needs a second set of eyes.
• Join the Hawaii Travel with Kids Facebook group to compare notes with others who have lived through their own group trip chaos.

Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes:

• Best Areas to Stay on Kauai— Ep 73
• Resort Fees Explained: The Hawaii Hotel Costs They Don't Advertise— Ep 48
• Luau vs Cultural Experience: Which Hawaii Cultural Activity Is Worth It?— Ep 42

About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.

Learn more at https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/

Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation

🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!
https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

Hawaii Holidays Planning Guide: Thanksgiving Through New Year’s (Closures, Costs, Fireworks, and Fukubukuro)

Who this episode is for: Families planning a Hawaiʻi trip between Thanksgiving week and New Year’s Day, especially anyone still booking for this holiday season.

What you’ll learn: Why the holidays are the priciest time to visit and what to book first, which attractions and restaurants close on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day, and how to plan meals around those closures. You’ll also get the 2026 dates for the big holiday events on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi, New Year’s Eve fireworks tips for families, and how Ala Moana’s fukubukuro works.

Places discussed:

• Oʻahu
• Kauaʻi
• Big Island
• Waikīkī
• Kalākaua Avenue
• Ko Olina
• Tantalus, above Honolulu
• Downtown Honolulu
• Honolulu Hale, home of Honolulu City Lights
• Ala Moana Center
• Neiman Marcus at Ala Moana Center
• Pearl Harbor visitor center
• Diamond Head
• Waimea Canyon, closed after Hurricane Lowell
• Hāʻena, closed after Hurricane Lowell
• Wainiha, closed after Hurricane Lowell
• Līhuʻe
• Rice Street in Līhuʻe
• Historic County Building in Līhuʻe

Activities discussed:

• Fukubukuro lucky bags at Ala Moana Center on New Year’s Day
• Experience Nutridge luau on Thanksgiving, including its imu (underground oven)
• Thanksgiving buffets and holiday menus in Waikīkī
• Holiday takeout meals
• Grocery runs before each holiday
• Waikīkī Holiday Parade (Friday, Nov 27)
• Holiday decorations and photo ops in Waikīkī and at Ala Moana Center
• Waikiki Trolley holiday lights tour
• Ala Moana’s 50-foot Santa, Santa’s Surf Shack photos, and the Big Santa Mailbox
• Honolulu City Lights (opens Saturday, Dec 5)
• Honolulu Marathon (Sunday, Dec 13) and its effect on Waikīkī traffic
• Lights on Rice Parade in Līhuʻe (listed for Friday, Dec 4)
• Kauaʻi Festival of Lights
• Santa’s canoe arrival on Christmas Eve in Waikīkī
• Christmas Day luaus
• Christmas stockings and handling gifts when you travel
• Family photo shoots with Flytographer
• Waikīkī New Year’s Eve fireworks at midnight
• Hilton Waikoloa Village fireworks at 9 p.m.
• New Year’s Eve luaus and dinner cruises

Hotels discussed:

• Aulani, holiday decor up before Thanksgiving
• Hilton Waikiki Beach, Thanksgiving buffet
• Sheraton Waikiki, Christmas sand sculpture
• Moana Surfrider, columns wrapped for the holidays
• Royal Hawaiian, where Santa lands by canoe
• The Kahala, Christmas buffets
• Waikiki Beach Marriott, home of Paina Waikiki luau
• Hilton Hawaiian Village, where Marcie watched NYE fireworks
• Hilton Waikoloa Village, 9 p.m. NYE fireworks

Restaurants discussed:

• Hinahina (Sheraton Waikiki): 2026 Thanksgiving buffet, about $145 adults
• Hilton Waikiki Beach: 2026 Thanksgiving buffet, about $90 adults
• Lulu’s Waikiki: à la carte Thanksgiving menu
• Duke’s Waikiki: past Thanksgiving menus, books up fast
• Hula Grill: past Thanksgiving menus, books up fast
• Plumeria Beach House (The Kahala): Christmas Eve and Day buffets last year
• Zippy’s: Christmas luau takeout package last year
• Big City Diner: holiday family packs, order 72 hours ahead
• ABC Stores: grab-and-go musubi and drinks, hours vary

Marcie’s recommendations:

• If your dates are flexible, go in early December, after Thanksgiving and before school breaks.
• If you’re tied to school break, book your hotel and rental car as early as you can.
• Book holiday dinners and luaus as soon as they’re posted.
• Do a real grocery run the day before each holiday, even if you only have a mini fridge.
• Christmas Eve is your grocery day, since Christmas Day is the quietest day for what’s open.
• Don’t count on Costco: it’s closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
• Order a holiday meal to go so you can skip the reservation scramble.
• If the imu turkey at Nutridge is the draw, ask about it when you book.
• Plan Pearl Harbor around the holidays, since the visitor center is closed on all three.
• Check before planning a holiday hike at Diamond Head.
• Don’t drive across Kalākaua on parade night.
• Book the Waikiki Trolley holiday lights tour early, because it sells out.
• On Honolulu Marathon morning, stay near your hotel instead of driving.
• On Kauaʻi, confirm your hotel and activities directly with each company, and check openkauai.org.
• Don’t drive into Kauaʻi neighborhoods affected by the hurricane to look at the damage.
• For Christmas dinner, check your own hotel’s restaurants first so nobody has to drive.
• Pack stockings since they pack flat, and fill them with fidgets, squishies, candy, and a pool book.
• Use gift bags or wrap after you land, because wrapped gifts can get unwrapped at security.
• Call your hotel before shipping presents there.
• Leave room in your suitcase for the trip home.
• Get settled early if you’re watching NYE fireworks near the Hilton Hawaiian Village.
• For little kids, try the 9 p.m. Hilton Waikoloa fireworks or an ocean-view room in Waikīkī.
• If anyone in your family is sensitive to noise or smoke, stay close to the resort areas on New Year’s Eve.
• Don’t buy fireworks to set off yourself, and stick with the professional shows.
• Book NYE luaus and dinner cruises this fall.
• For fukubukuro, look at the participating store list ahead of time and pick a store you’d shop at anyway, since all sales are final.

Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes:

• Every Maui Luau I've Been To (And Everything Else Worth Knowing), Ranked Honestly— Ep 129
• Every Kauai Luau I've Been To, Ranked Honestly — Ep 131
• Every Big Island Luau I've Been To (And Everything Else Worth Knowing), Ranked Honestly— Ep 135
• Hawaii Rental Cars in 2026: What's Changed (Plus My Turo Experiment)— Ep 142
• Where Do You Need Reservations in Hawaii? (2026)— Ep 144

Related articles:

• Christmas in Hawaii with Kids: Your December Vacation Guide
• Where to See the Best Christmas Lights in Hawaii
• Why November in Hawaii Is Perfect for Thanksgiving Celebrations

About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.

Learn more at https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/

Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation

🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!
https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

Hawaii Travel Made Easy: Meet Marcie (and Owen’s Island Rankings)

Hawaii Travel Made Easy is a Hawaiʻi trip planning podcast hosted by Marcie Cheung, a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has been to the islands more than 40 times. New episodes come out every Monday and Wednesday, and most of them answer one planning question, like whether you need a rental car on Oʻahu or if a Haleakalā sunrise is worth a 3 a.m. alarm (bring gloves). You’ll also hear trip reports from guests, answers to listener questions from Marcie’s Thursday AMAs on Instagram, and a lot about how to be a good guest while you’re visiting.

Who this show is for: Anyone planning a trip to Hawaiʻi, whether you’re still picking an island or sorting out the last details.

Good episodes to start with:

• Ep 107: My 12-Year-Old Has Been to Hawaii 14 Times. He Has Opinions.
• Ep 110: Hawaii 101: 2026 Edition
• Ep 155: What It’s Really Like to Be on Maui During a Hurricane with Kids

Plan your trip with Marcie:

• One-on-one consultations
• Send a question for the Thursday AMAs on Instagram: @hawaiitravelwithkids
• Marcie’s favorite booking links and trip planning tools

About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.

Learn more at https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/

Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation

🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!
https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

Movies Filmed in Hawaii: Fun Trivia for Your Flight

Who this episode is for: Anyone with a Hawaii flight already booked who wants a fun, low-effort listen for the plane, plus movie and TV fans curious about real filming locations they can visit.

What you’ll learn: What’s actually filming in Hawaii right now heading into 2027, including Protecting Jared, Untamed season 2, the new Jumanji, and the live-action Moana, plus where classics like Jurassic Park, Lilo & Stitch, Gilligan’s Island, and The White Lotus were really shot, and what to expect (locations, pricing, tips) if you book the Kualoa Ranch Movie Sites tour.

Places discussed:

• Oahu
• Kauai
• Big Island (Hawaii Island)
• Maui
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (Big Island)
• Allerton Garden, Poipu (Kauai)
• Waimea Canyon (Kauai)
• Na Pali Coast (Kauai)
• Kilohana Plantation Railway (Kauai)
• Wailua Falls (Kauai)
• Opaekaa Falls (Kauai)
• Moloaa Beach (Kauai)
• Honolulu (Oahu, shipyard origin of the Gilligan’s Island boat)
• Kualoa Ranch / Kaaawa Valley (Oahu)
• Kalanianaole Highway (Oahu, southeast side)
• Sandy Beach (Oahu)
• Makaha Beach (Oahu, leeward coast)
• Haleiwa (Oahu, North Shore)
• Oahu’s North Shore (general, Blue Crush)
• Halona Cove (Oahu)
• Kapolei (Oahu)
• Wailea (Maui)
• Thailand (where Jurassic World: Rebirth filmed instead of Hawaii)
• Kansas (where Lilo & Stitch was originally set before the switch to Hawaii)
• Los Angeles (studio lot where Gilligan’s Island moved after its Kauai-shot pilot)

Activities discussed:

• Kualoa Ranch Movie Sites & Ranch Tour (open-air bus tour, WWII bunker with movie props, dinosaur “boneyard”)
• Visiting Jurassic Park/Jurassic World filming locations on Kauai and Oahu
• Hiking down to Halona Cove
• Watching or surfing big waves on Oahu’s North Shore (as featured in Blue Crush)
• Luau experience at Germaine’s Luau (noted as a filming location)
• Building a self-guided movie-location day around Kualoa Ranch and other windward Oahu spots

Hotels discussed:

• Kahala Hotel & Resort (Oahu) — stands in as the fictional resort in live-action Lilo & Stitch
• Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea — filmed The White Lotus season 1, bookable as-seen rooms

Marcie’s recommendations:

• Calls the Kualoa Ranch Movie Sites & Ranch Tour one of the best family activities on Oahu
• Tip: arrive early, check-in fills up and tours sell out, especially in peak season
• Tip: bring sunscreen and a hat since most of the tour is outdoors
• Tip: budget extra to tip your tour guide
• Warning: tour pricing shifts, so double check current rates before booking
• Suggests pairing Kualoa Ranch with other windward Oahu spots in the same day so you’re not backtracking across the island
• Offers her trip consultations for building an itinerary like that, and her itinerary review as the lower-commitment option if you already have a draft itinerary

Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes:

• Everything You Need to Know About Kualoa Ranch on Oahu— Ep 12

About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.

Learn more at https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/

Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation

🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!
https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

A Real Maui Trip Planning Consultation: Snorkeling, Luaus, Road to Hana, Haleakala, and Family Photo Tips

Who this episode is for: Families planning a first Hawaii trip with a full house of tweens and teens, especially anyone who wants a real sense of what a Hawaii Travel with Kids consultation actually sounds like before booking one.

What you'll learn: How Marcie walks a family through snorkeling gear decisions, luau options, Haleakala sunrise logistics, and a full Road to Hana game plan, plus what her follow-up consultation email actually includes.

Places discussed:

• Maui
• Ka'anapali / Kaanapali Beach
• Whalers Village
• Haleakala National Park (Haleakala Crater / the volcano)
• Road to Hana
• Paia
• Twin Falls (mile marker 9)
• Pipiwai Trail (near Hana)
• Huelo Lookout
• Halfway to Hana stand
• Hana town
• Black sand beach in Hana (reservation required)
• Kahului, including Target, Walmart, and Safeway for arrival-night supplies
• Kahului Airport
• Kapalua Bay
• Wailea
• Kihei
• South Maui Gardens (food truck park in Kihei)
• Kamaole Beaches
• Westin Maui or Sheraton Maui (unconfirmed, site of a sunset cliff diving ceremony)
• Kauai (mentioned briefly in a discussion of 2026 hurricane season impacts)

Activities discussed:

• Snorkeling, including gear rental vs. buying your own
• Snorkel boat tour (Molokini Crater and Turtle Town)
• Luau
• Haleakala sunrise hike and general volcano visit
• Road to Hana scenic drive
• Waterfall hiking and swimming
• Surfing lessons
• Sunset cliff diving ceremony
• Flytographer family photo shoot
• Beach time and picnicking
• Grocery and food truck stops
• Restaurant reservations

Hotels discussed:

• Hyatt Regency Maui (Jill's hotel, two rooms booked on points, concierge floor)
• Westin Maui or Sheraton Maui (unconfirmed, cliff diving ceremony location)

Restaurants discussed:

• Bruddah Hutts (Hana) – best ribs Marcie's ever had
• Monkeypod Kitchen (Ka'anapali) – great variety, famous lilikoi mai tai
• Honolulu Coffee (Hyatt lobby) – coffee, breakfast sandwiches, mobile order available
• Poolside shave ice stand at the Hyatt (name unclear on the recording) – same brand Marcie loves on Kauai
• Huelo Lookout smoothie stand (Road to Hana) – fresh fruit smoothies, good morning pick-me-up
• South Maui Gardens food trucks (Kihei) – acai bowls lived up to the hype
• Halfway to Hana stand – banana bread Marcie calls a must

Marcie's recommendations:

• Skip buying full snorkel sets unless you'll use them multiple days or on future trips; otherwise rent or buy a cheap set
• Book the Four Winds Maui II snorkel tour, her favorite, kid-friendly with food and a water slide on board
• Pick a morning snorkel tour for the calmest water if anyone gets seasick
• Book your snorkel tour and luau now if you're traveling during a holiday week
• For an easy, no-driving luau, choose the Hyatt's (it doesn't cancel for rain)
• For a more traditional, authentic feel, choose Old Lahaina Luau, and book immediately since it sells out fast
• Consider skipping the Haleakala sunrise hike if the family is on the fence, it eats a huge chunk of a day
• Pack real cold-weather layers for Haleakala (long pants, sweatshirt, beanie, gloves, hand warmers), it can hit the 30s and 40s
• Download the Shaka Guide audio app before driving the Road to Hana
• Get to Twin Falls early, by 7 to 7:30 am, before tour buses arrive
• Add Pipiwai Trail near Hana, a bamboo forest hike to a swimmable waterfall
• Pack protein-heavy snacks for the drive, food options are mostly fruit and sorbet until Hana
• Eat at Bruddah Hut's in Hana, Marcie's favorite ribs anywhere
• Share one coconut water instead of buying one per person, it's a diuretic and bathrooms are scarce on the drive
• It's fine to turn around at the Halfway to Hana stand, there's no prize for finishing the full drive
• Get the banana bread at the Halfway to Hana stand
• Book your Flytographer session soon, popular photographers get booked up
• Bring a shot list to your Flytographer session and tell them if you want posed or candid photos
• Make reservations at hotel sit-down restaurants to avoid waiting with hungry kids, but keep some dinners flexible
• Try Monkeypod Kitchen for menu variety and the lilikoi mai tai
• Stop for snacks and drinks in Kahului on arrival night, hotel restaurants may already be closed
• Don't overpack the itinerary. When in doubt, cut something rather than run everyone ragged
• Hurricane season runs through late November, but that doesn't stop Marcie from planning or recommending fall Hawaii trips

Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes:

• How Many Days Do You Really Need on Maui?— Ep 130
• How to Visit Haleakalā Crater on Maui— Ep 10
• What You Need to Know About the Road to Hana on Maui— Ep 31

Related articles:

• Road to Hana: 16 Things to Know Before You Go (2026 Guide)
• Old Lahaina Luau Worth $230? Honest 2026 Review
• I Sat Through a Luau in a Rainstorm So You Don’t Have To (Drums of the Pacific Luau Review)

About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.

Learn more at https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/

Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation

🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!
https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

Marcie's Hawaii Trip-Planning Toolbox: Free Email Courses, Instagram Keywords, and Updated Island Guides

Who this episode is for: Anyone in the early, overwhelmed stage of planning a Hawaii trip who wants a fast, free way to get oriented before spending money on a guide or a consult.

What you'll learn: Where to find Marcie's free email planning courses, how to use Instagram DM keywords to get them sent straight to your inbox, and what her paid, regularly-updated island guides and Hawaii Resources hub cover for day-by-day planning.

Places discussed:

• Hawaii (general/overall trip planning)
• Kauai
• Maui
• Oahu
• Big Island

Marcie's recommendations:

• Start with the free "How to Travel to Hawaii Like a Pro" email course if you're early in planning and don't know what you don't know
• Use "How to Save Money in Hawaii" if budget is the main driver of your planning
• Once you know your island, use that island's free course (Maui, Oahu, Kauai, or Big Island) instead of the general one
• DM her on Instagram with a keyword (PROEMAIL, BUDGETEMAIL, or an island keyword like MAUIEMAIL) to get the course sent instantly, rather than hunting for the link
• Consider her paid island guides only once you want a full day-by-day plan, not as a first step
• Her guides are worth trusting because she keeps them updated, unlike a guide that hasn't been touched in years
• Bookmark the Hawaii Resources hub as the one link to save if you're only going to save one

Related articles:

• How to Travel to Hawaii Like a Pro (With Kids)
• How to Save Money in Hawaii (With Kids)
• How to Plan a Trip to Oahu With Kids
• How to Plan a Trip to Maui With Kids
• How to Plan a Trip to Kauai With Kids
• How to Plan a Trip to the Big Island With Kids

About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.

Learn more at https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/

Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation

🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!
https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

From Travel Blogger to Hawaii Specialist: Retha on Planning Safer, Slower Hawaii Trips

Who this episode is for: Anyone planning a Hawaii trip who tends to over-schedule their days or wants guidance on which activities are actually worth booking.

What you'll learn: Why slowing down and booking just one activity a day leads to a better trip, and how to tell if an experience (like a manta ray night snorkel or downhill biking) is actually a good fit for your family before you book it.

Places discussed:

• Big Island
• Kauai
• Oahu
• Maui
• Kona
• Kalalau Trail

Activities discussed:

• Manta ray night snorkel near Kona
• Downhill biking tour (Maui)
• Snorkeling
• Sea turtle viewing
• Hiking the Kalalau Trail
• Beach elopement/wedding ceremony
• Hotel cabana days
• Dolphin encounters

Marcie's recommendations:

• Recommends doing a cabana day near the end of a trip so kids can swim while parents relax
• Advises front-loading a trip by spending less on hotel splurges early on, since you'll want a nicer home base once you get tired later in the trip
• Emphasizes giving people the benefit of the doubt around wildlife rules, since many visitors simply don't know the guidelines yet, while still stressing the importance of keeping a safe distance
• Reminds listeners that every family's "dream Hawaii vacation" looks different, so don't feel pressured to do something just because it's popular

Where to find Retha

• Instagram @RoamingRetha
• Facebook

About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.

Learn more at https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/

Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation

🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!
https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

Hawaii Hurricanes and Travel Insurance: What's Covered (and What Isn't) for Flights, CFAR, and Vacation Rentals

Who this episode is for: Anyone with a Hawaii trip on the books during hurricane season, or a vacation rental already reserved, who wants to know whether their coverage would actually hold up if a storm hit.

What you'll learn: What actually triggers hurricane-related travel insurance coverage and why the timing of your purchase matters more than the storm itself, plus how pandemic coverage, Cancel For Any Reason, and Airbnb/Vrbo cancellation policies each work differently than most people assume.

Places discussed:

• Hawaii (statewide)
• Big Island
• Laupahoehoe (Big Island)
• Kauai
• Princeville (Kauai)
• Oahu
• Honolulu

Marcie's recommendations:

• Buy a comprehensive travel insurance policy as early as possible, ideally the same week you book, especially during hurricane season (June through November)
• Look for a policy that explicitly names hurricane or named storm coverage, not just generic trip cancellation
• If you want the flexibility to cancel for any reason, add CFAR within two to three weeks of your first trip deposit, since it can't be tacked on later once a storm is already forming
• Don't assume Airbnb or Vrbo's own policies will protect you during a hurricane. Read the platform's actual policy and carry your own insurance on top of it
• Warns that vacation rental hosts have an incentive to keep a reservation going regardless of conditions on the ground, pointing to accounts out of Princeville after Hurricane Lowell where guests were told it was fine to stay without power for weeks and had trouble getting refunds
• If your Hawaii trip touches more than one island, check your policy's language on connecting flights specifically, since interisland disruptions aren't always treated the same as your original mainland flight
• Once a storm has a name or an official watch or warning is issued, buying insurance after that point almost certainly won't cover it, so don't wait to see how bad it gets
• Credit card travel protection is usually too narrow to rely on for something this specific
• For a short or cheap trip, decide based on how refundable it already is rather than assuming insurance is always worth it
• If you have a trip coming up soon, check your policy's effective date, call your insurer to ask about current advisories for your dates, and get your vacation rental host's cancellation stance in writing ahead of time
• Personally buys whatever Allianz plan is offered when booking flights with Alaska Airlines, every time, without comparison shopping tiers

Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes:

• How to Find Cheap Flights to Hawaii: Expert Tips That Save Hundreds— Ep 69
• When to Book Your Hawaii Flight: The Sweet Spot Window— Ep 68

Related articles:

• Hawaii Travel Insurance: Is It Worth Getting for Your Trip?

About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.

Learn more at https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/

Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation

🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!
https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

Hawaii Fall Travel News Roundup: Hurricanes, Kauai Closures, Punalu’u Changes, and New Inter-Island Check-In Rules

Who this episode is for: Anyone with a Hawaii trip on the calendar this fall or winter, especially families heading to Kauaʻi or flying between islands.

What you'll learn: What's open and closed on Kauaʻi after Hurricane Lowell, what changed at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, and how Hawaiian's new 50-minute interisland check-in rule affects your travel days. Plus fall events, the extended North Shore Huakaʻi shuttle, and how to get ready for Black Friday Hawaii deals.

Places discussed:

• Kauaʻi
• Līhuʻe
• Lydgate Beach
• Kealia Beach
• Kapaʻa Beach
• Coastal bike path, Lydgate to Kealia
• Wailua River and Wailua River State Park
• Secret Falls (hike still closed)
• Fern Grotto
• Hāʻena State Park
• Kalalau Trail
• Na Pali Coast Wilderness Park
• Waimea Canyon
• Kōkeʻe State Park
• Polihale State Park
• Hāʻena and Wainiha (residents and recovery traffic only)
• Poʻipū Beach Park
• Salt Pond Beach Park
• Hanamaʻulu Beach Park
• Black Pot Beach Park, Hanalei
• Hanalei Bridge
• Big Island
• Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
• Kaʻū
• Highway 11 near Waiʻōhinu and Honuʻapo
• Hilo
• Kona
• Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway
• Hāwī
• Aliʻi Drive
• Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and the Kahuku Unit
• Mauna Loa Road
• Hilina Pali Road
• Kīlauea summit
• Maui
• Haleakalā National Park
• Olowalu
• Kahului
• Lahaina and Front Street
• ʻUlu o Lele Marketplace, Lahaina (targeting November)
• Oʻahu
• Honolulu airport
• Waikīkī
• Kalākaua Avenue
• Duke Kahanamoku Beach
• Ko Olina
• North Shore
• Haleʻiwa
• Waialua and the Waialua Sugar Mill
• Banzai Pipeline
• Waimānalo Country Farms
• Aloun Farms country market, Waipahu
• Molokaʻi

Activities discussed:

• Hurricane-season trip planning and travel insurance
• Helicopter tours from Līhuʻe
• Wailua River kayaking
• Smith's Fern Grotto boat tour and luau
• Biking the Kauaʻi coastal path
• Hiking the Kalalau Trail (closed)
• Na Pali boat tours
• Ziplines and botanical gardens on Kauaʻi
• Sea turtle viewing at Punaluʻu
• Interisland flights on Hawaiian, Alaska, Southwest, and Mokulele
• North Shore Huakaʻi shuttle from Waikīkī and Ko Olina
• Fall Harvest Festival and pumpkin patch at Waimānalo Country Farms
• Aloun Farms pumpkin patch
• Halloween on Kalākaua Avenue
• Ironman World Championship
• Molokaʻi Hoe outrigger canoe race
• Honolulu Pride parade
• Hawaii International Film Festival
• Kona Coffee Cultural Festival and coffee farm visits
• Watching winter surf and the Pipe Masters
• Whale season
• Haleakalā sunrise
• Kīlauea lava viewing
• Black Friday and Cyber Monday travel deals

Marcie's recommendations:

• Fall is still a great time to visit, but book refundable when you can
• Travel insurance can really save you in a storm year
• Most people with a Kauaʻi trip should still go, just with a backup plan
• A helicopter tour is the way to see Na Pali and Waimea Canyon right now
• Don't drive out to Hāʻena or Wainiha to see the damage
• Respect closure signs, even if others ignore them
• Give Kauaʻi workers grace and spend at resident-owned businesses
• Check Department of Health water advisories before swimming on Kauaʻi's east side
• At Punaluʻu, plan your bathroom stop ahead and don't count on a lifeguard
• Give the turtles lots of space and never take black sand home
• Check Highway 11 road conditions in Kaʻū after heavy rain
• Arrive 90 minutes early at the smaller airports and 2 hours early in Honolulu
• Check your flight confirmation the night before in case you're on an Alaska 737
• The Huakaʻi shuttle is an easy North Shore day for families in Waikīkī without a car
• Book soon if you want the Ko Olina pickup, since it ends in October
• At Waimānalo Country Farms, go early on weekends and bring cash
• Take little kids to Halloween in Waikīkī from about 6 to 8 p.m.
• On Ironman day, skip long drives up the Kona coast and tight dinner reservations
• Admire North Shore winter waves from the sand
• In Lahaina, go as a guest, stay out of fenced areas, and don't photograph damaged homes
• Check USGS volcano updates the day you plan to visit Kīlauea
• Start tracking fares now so you can spot a real Black Friday deal
• Read the fine print on hotel sales, since some deals are nonrefundable
• Give yourself more buffer than you think you need on travel days

The new nonstops list:

• Chicago to Maui (American): daily from Dec 17
• Boise to Honolulu (Alaska): daily from Dec 17
• Spokane to Honolulu (Alaska): Saturdays from Dec 19
• Minneapolis to Maui (Delta): starts Dec 19, frequency varies
• Boston to Honolulu (Delta): returns Dec 19
• Salt Lake City to Kona (Delta): daily from Nov 9
• Detroit to Honolulu (Delta): goes daily Nov 9
• Honolulu to Auckland (Hawaiian): seasonal service not coming back this November

Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes:

• What's Actually Happening in Hawaii Right Now— Ep 122
• Where Do You Need Reservations in Hawaii? (2026)— Ep 144
• How to Visit the Na Pali Coast on Kauai— Ep 133
• How Many Days Do You Really Need on the Big Island?— Ep 138
• Hawaii Rental Cars in 2026: What's Changed (Plus My Turo Experiment)— Ep 142
• How Many Days Do You Really Need on Oahu?— Ep 126
• How to Find Cheap Flights to Hawaii: Expert Tips That Save Hundreds— Ep 69
• Hawaii Travel Insurance: Do You Need It?— Ep 148

Related articles:

• Halloween in Hawaii 2026: Is It Actually Worth It?

About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.

Learn more at https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/

Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation

🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!
https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

Do You Actually Need a Whale Watching Tour in Maui?

Who this episode is for: Anyone planning a Maui trip during whale season who's deciding between paid boat tours and free shore viewing.

What you'll learn: When whale season actually peaks, where to see whales for free from shore, whether a boat tour is worth it, and Marcie's top three tour picks depending on what kind of experience you want.

Places discussed:

• Maui
• McGregor Point (between Ma'alaea and Lahaina)
• Wailea Beach Walk
• Kamaole Beach Parks (Kihei)
• Ka'anapali (north end, near Black Rock)
• Lāna'i (referenced via the Maui-Lāna'i ferry)
• Molokini Crater / Turtle Town (snorkeling add-on with Pride of Maui)

Activities discussed:

• Whale watching from shore
• Booking a whale watching boat tour
• Snorkeling combined with whale watching (Pride of Maui)

Hotels discussed:

• Hyatt Regency Maui — mentioned as a spot where Marcie personally saw whales breaching from the pool

Marcie's recommendations:

• Humpback whales are in Hawaiian waters officially November through May, but the season isn't even — late October/November brings early scout whales (mostly males), December picks up, and January through March is true peak season
• February tends to have the most whales, but it's also peak tourist season with higher prices and faster-booking tours
• Recent Maui volunteer counts: 694 whales spotted in a single January count, 847 in a single February count (both slightly down year-over-year, likely partly due to duplicate counting of the same whales rather than a real decline) — marine biologists still estimate roughly 12,000 humpbacks made the trip to Hawaiian waters last winter
• You can see whales from shore all over the islands during peak season — spouts and distant tail slaps/breaches are realistic without a boat
• Favorite free Maui shore spots: McGregor Point (probably the single best free spot on Maui, bring binoculars), Wailea Beach Walk, Kamaole Beach Parks (especially mornings), and the north end of Ka'anapali near Black Rock
• Go early in the morning before wind picks up for the best shore-viewing window
• Consider skipping the boat tour if you're on a tight budget, prone to seasickness, or traveling with toddlers — standard catamaran tours have no age minimum, but a 2-hour open-water scan is a tough ask for toddler attention spans; smaller raft-style tours often do have an age minimum (usually 7-8) due to a faster, bumpier ride
• A boat tour offers something shore viewing can't: close-up breaches, hearing whales exhale, hydrophone whale song
• Top tour picks:

• PacWhale Eco-Adventures (formerly/still tied to Pacific Whale Foundation) — best for families, especially kids under 10; certified marine naturalists on every boat, junior naturalist program, hydrophones, and a no-charge rebooking guarantee if you don't see whales on your tour before you leave the island
• Trilogy — splurge pick; real wine glasses, cinnamon rolls, smaller boat capacity, sails under real sail power when conditions allow (note: doesn't mean more whale sightings, just a nicer experience)
• Pride of Maui— combines whale watching with snorkeling (Molokini or Turtle Town, weather-dependent), ~3.5 hours, includes barbecue lunch, open bar, and a water slide; best for kids 8+ or couples wanting whale watching and snorkeling combined; more time on the water means more motion exposure for anyone prone to seasickness

• Book your tour early in your trip (first or second day) rather than saving it for the end, in case weather causes a cancellation
• Marcie's personal take: every time she's paid for a boat tour, it's been worth it to her, but if ~$400 for a family of four would create real financial stress, shore viewing (like McGregor Point with a cup of coffee) is a completely legitimate, whale-guaranteed alternative — there's no wrong answer here

Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes:

• How to Plan a Trip to Maui— Ep 47
• When Is the Best Time to Visit Hawaii?— Ep 4

Additional resources:

• Is Whale Watching in Maui Actually Worth the Money? (From Someone Who’s Done It Both Ways)
• Hawaii Travel Consultation (60 min/$149, 90 min/$199)
• Hawaii Itinerary Review ($50)

About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.

Learn more at https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/

Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation

🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!
https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

Big Island Multi-Gen Trip Recap: Manta Rays, Mauna Kea Renovation, and Planning Tips with Trips with Tykes

Host Marcie welcomes travel blogger Leslie Harvey of Trips with Tykes back from a multi-generational Big Island trip with in-laws, including kids ages 3 to 17. Leslie, a frequent Big Island visitor, shares highlights like the Kona manta ray night snorkel (with Kona Style; notes on timing and operator differences), and reviews the renovated Mauna Kea resort, including its historic feel, new adults infinity pool, and a new, expensive but exceptional spa. She recommends a splurge meal at Kona Village, describes the Big Island as chill with both rural and luxury vibes, and notes drawbacks like long driving distances (she still hasn’t visited Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park). Multi-gen tips include renting a house, not overscheduling, and planning a few key family dinners. Challenges included wind, a Portuguese man o’ war sting, and disappointing value at Hau Tree. Costs were high, so groceries via Instacart helped; she sums the trip as expensive, relaxing, and delicious.

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
00:42 Trip Group Rundown
01:21 Why Big Island Wins
02:23 Manta Ray Night Snorkel
05:14 Mauna Kea Hotel Refresh
06:45 Spa and Splurge Dining
09:26 Big Island Vibe Compared
10:55 Driving Distances Reality
13:20 Best Island for Who
14:48 Multi Gen Planning Tips
19:27 Weather and Food Hiccups
21:32 Budget and Cost Strategies
23:46 What Changed Over Time
25:00 Grocery Delivery Hack
29:08 Next Time Bucket List
31:00 Three Word Wrap Up

Who this episode is for: Families planning a multi-generational Big Island trip, or anyone deciding between a house rental and a resort stay with a mixed-age group.

What you'll learn: What a real multi-gen Big Island trip looks like, an updated review of the renovated Mauna Kea resort, and practical tips for traveling with a wide age range (3 to 17) and multiple generations.

Places discussed:

• Big Island (Kona)
• Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park (mentioned as not yet visited)

Activities discussed:

• Kona manta ray night snorkel (with Kona Style)
• Spa visit at Mauna Kea
• Grocery delivery via Instacart

Hotels discussed:

• Mauna Kea (renovated) — historic feel, new adults-only infinity pool, new spa

Restaurants discussed:

• Kona Village — recommended splurge dinner
• Hau Tree — disappointing value

Guest recommendations (Leslie Harvey, Trips with Tykes):

• Book the Kona manta ray night snorkel with Kona Style; pay attention to timing and operator differences
• Splurge on dinner at Kona Village
• For multi-gen trips: rent a house instead of separate hotel rooms, don't overschedule, and plan a few key family dinners together
• Use Instacart for groceries to help manage high food costs
• Budget for long driving distances between areas of the island

Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes:

• How to Plan a Trip to the Big Island— Ep 51
• Best Areas to Stay on the Big Island— Ep 74
• Navigating Multi-Generational Trips to Hawaii with Melissa Conn— Ep 20

Related articles:

• Big Island travel guide

About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.

Learn more at https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/

Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation

🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!
https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

Hawaii Reservations You Need to Know: Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Haena, and More

Who this episode is for: Anyone building a Hawaii trip around bucket list stops like Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, or Haena who doesn't want to show up and get turned away over a reservation they didn't know they needed.

What you'll learn: Exactly when reservations open, what they cost, and what to watch for at six of Hawaii's most-booked spots, plus which new booking systems are headed to Maui and Oahu and the timing mistakes that trip up most travelers.

Places discussed:

• Ala Moana Center – Honolulu food court, where Marcie waits for reservations to drop
• USS Arizona Memorial / Pearl Harbor National Memorial – Oahu
• Pearl Harbor Visitor Center
• Battleship Missouri
• Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
• Waikiki
• Diamond Head State Monument – Oahu
• Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve – Oahu
• Iao Valley State Monument (Iao Needle) – Maui
• Road to Hana – Maui
• Waiʻanapanapa State Park – Maui, black sand beach
• Haena State Park – Kauai
• Na Pali Coast – Kauai
• Kalalau Trail – Kauai
• Hanakapiai – Kauai
• Honolua Bay – Maui
• Oahu's North Shore
• Haleiwa – Oahu
• Laniakea – Oahu
• Waimea Bay – Oahu
• Lanikai (Mokulua Drive, Aalapapa Drive) – Kailua, Oahu
• Haleakala National Park – Maui

Activities discussed:

• USS Arizona Memorial boat tour and exhibit galleries
• Diamond Head crater hike
• Hanauma Bay snorkeling
• Iao Valley walk to the Needle viewpoints
• Road to Hana driving stops
• Kalalau Trail hiking and camping permits
• Haena shuttle (GoHaena) vs. self-parking
• Sunrise viewing at Haleakala
• Luau attendance
• Boat tours to Molokini Crater and along the Napali Coast
• Helicopter tours

Marcie's recommendations:

• Have payment info ready and refresh right at 3pm HST for Arizona Memorial tickets; check the daily next-day standby release if you miss the main window
• Book Diamond Head the moment the 30-day window opens and grab the earliest slot available
• Go to Diamond Head early, since there's little shade on the trail and the trailhead lot fills fast
• Set an alarm for Hanauma Bay's 48-hour booking window; bring cash, since parking doesn't take cards
• Don't assume a Hanauma Bay reservation guarantees a parking spot
• Visit Iao Valley earlier in the day, before the afternoon mist rolls in
• Pack bug spray for Iao Valley
• Stick to marked trails at Waiʻanapanapa out of respect for nearby sacred sites
• Check ocean conditions before letting kids near the water at Waiʻanapanapa; treat the surf with real caution
• Confirm Haena/Kauai park status directly through GoHaena.com and the state parks site before building a trip around it, given Hurricane Lowell closures
• Don't build a North Shore Oahu trip around the proposed shuttle yet, since it's still early-stage
• Book the hardest, fastest-selling reservations first (Hanauma Bay, Haena) and let everything else flex around them
• Leave breathing room between reservations instead of stacking them back to back
• Don't assume a reservation-only spot will have room if you just show up
• Avoid stacking Diamond Head and Hanauma Bay back to back in one day
• Double-check park closure days before building an itinerary around a spot
• Book luaus, Haleakala sunrise, boat tours, and helicopter tours as soon as your dates are set, not last

Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes:

• How to Visit Pearl Harbor on Oahu— Ep 22
• How to Hike Diamond Head Crater on Oahu— Ep 13
• Hanauma Bay 2026: What Families Actually Need to Know Before You Go— Ep 91
• North Shore Kauai: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go— Ep 125

Related articles:

• How to Get from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor in 2026 (What Actually Works After 40+ Hawaii Trips)
• Pearl Harbor With Kids: Is It Worth It? (2026 Guide)
• Is It Worth Hiking Diamond Head with Kids?
• Hanauma Bay 2026: Everything Families Need to Know Before You Go (Reservations, Prices & What Actually Happens)

About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.

Learn more at https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/

Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation

🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!
https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

Fake Vacation Rental Listings: How to Protect Your Hawaii Trip

Verification steps and regulatory context current as of recording. Hawaii's short-term rental laws are actively changing island by island — verify current rules and always check GET/TAT numbers directly before booking.

Who this episode is for: Anyone booking a Hawaii vacation rental, especially larger multi-generational bookings, who wants to avoid fake listings and scam activity.

What you'll learn: How Hawaii vacation rental scams typically work, why the current legal confusion around short-term rental rules makes it easier for scammers to hide, how to verify a listing's GET and TAT numbers, and other red flags to watch for.

Places discussed:

• Maui (phasing out thousands of rentals)
• Oahu (limiting rentals to resort zoning or grandfathered permits)
• Kauai (rentals allowed only in specific visitor destination areas)
• Big Island (new registration system rolled out this past July)

Activities discussed:

• Booking a vacation rental
• Verifying a rental's legal registration
• Booking through Vrbo vs. Airbnb vs. hotels/resorts

Marcie's recommendations:

• Hawaii state officials have issued a recent warning that fake vacation rental listing scams are increasing, and Hawaii already has one of the highest rental scam rates per capita in the country
• Scammers commonly take a real listing's photos and repost them elsewhere — social media, a fake website, or even a legitimate platform at a lower price to create urgency
• Current confusion around changing short-term rental laws across all four islands makes it easier for scam listings to blend in, even for well-intentioned travelers
• Every legal Hawaii vacation rental should have both a GET number and a TAT number
• Verify these directly at portal.ehawaii.gov → Business → Tax Services → Tax License Search, rather than trying to check island-by-island systems separately
• Red flag: being asked to pay outside the official booking platform (wire transfer, gift card, app) due to a supposed website issue
• Red flag: a price dramatically lower than comparable nearby listings
• Consider a reverse image search on listing photos to check whether they appear elsewhere under a different property or owner name
• Never book a Hawaii vacation rental through Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace — there's no regulation or protection there
• Marcie's personal preference has shifted toward hotels and resorts, less about specific rental problems and more about avoiding pre-trip coordination logistics (check-in, keys, etc.)
• Vrbo has generally worked well for Marcie's multi-generational family trips; Airbnb has been a more negative personal experience, including issues with their affiliate program

Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes:

• Where to Stay in Hawaii: Resort vs Condo vs Hotel vs Vacation Rental Guide— Ep 38
• Resort vs Vacation Rental: The 5-Minute Decision Guide That Could Save You Thousands— Ep 64
• Hawaii Rental Cars in 2026: What's Changed (Plus My Turo Experiment)

Related articles:

• How to Actually Plan a Hawaii Vacation (Without Losing Your Mind)
• Hawaii Is Shutting Down Vacation Rentals in 2026 (Here’s What That Means For Your Trip)

Additional resources:

• Hawaii Travel Consultation (60 min/$149, 90 min/$199)
• Hawaii Itinerary Review ($50)
• Hawaii Travel with Kids Facebook group

Verify a listing:

• Hawaii Tax License Search → Business → Tax Services → Tax License Search

About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.

Learn more at https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/

Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation

🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!
https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

Hawaii Rental Cars in 2026: What's Changed (Plus My Turo Experiment)

Who this episode is for: Anyone planning Hawaii rental car logistics and pricing for 2026-2027, including whether to try Turo as an alternative to traditional rental agencies.

What you'll learn: Which islands actually require a car versus which allow flexibility, current 2026 pricing ranges, why shortages spike unpredictably, a real cost breakdown of trying to skip a rental car on Oahu, and updates on public transit across all four islands.

Places discussed:

• Oahu (Waikiki, North Shore, Windward side)
• Maui (Kahului)
• Kauai (Lihue, Hanalei)
• Big Island (Kona, Hilo)

Activities discussed:

• Renting a car vs. relying on shuttles/rideshare
• Using public bus systems (Oahu's Skyline rail and bus network, Kauai's North Shore bus, Big Island's Hele-On Bus)
• Booking a Turo rental
• Visiting Kualoa Ranch via shuttle
• Taking a guided North Shore tour
• Visiting Hanauma Bay via rideshare (with real logistical drawbacks)

Marcie's recommendations:

• Oahu: skip a rental if staying in Waikiki and doing mostly Pearl Harbor/beach/shopping — bus and rideshare work fine there; rent for a day or two specifically to cover the North Shore and Windward side, since bus takes 2+ hours each way and Uber can run $75+ one-way
• Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island remain essentially car-required islands for anything beyond the resort strip
• Current (late summer 2026) daily rates: Oahu roughly $40-60/day (biggest fleet, most competition); Maui and Big Island roughly $50-80/day in normal weeks; Kauai more moderate but volatile
• Shortage spikes are real and unpredictable: Big Island Turo listings hit $2,200+ for 4 days around Valentine's/Presidents' Day weekend this year; Kona rates averaged around $127/day at one point, among the most expensive rental markets in the country; Maui saw 30-60% year-over-year price increases tied partly to vehicle recalls pulling minivans/SUVs from circulation; Kahului and Lihue rates routinely run more than double normal around Christmas
• Book as early as you have real travel dates, use a comparison service that allows rebooking if prices drop, and treat any holiday week or high-demand weekend as peak pricing regardless of season
• Marcie books through Discount Hawaii Car Rental — no prepayment required, cancel without a fee if plans change or a better price appears
• Turo has become a real alternative, not just a backup — particularly useful for specific vehicle types or during shortage weeks when traditional agencies are sold out, but Turo prices can spike just as hard (or harder) during shortages
• Skipping a car rental to save money doesn't always pencil out — a real family example: shuttle to Kualoa Ranch (~$30/person round trip), guided North Shore tour ($45-90/person), luau shuttle transportation ($30-40/person round trip), and Hanauma Bay via rideshare (drop-off limited to the top of the access road, longer walk than parking would require) added up to roughly $400-650 total across four outings, plus lost flexibility — often close to or more than a rental car would have cost for the same days
• Oahu bus fares increased in July (first increase in 4 years): $3.25 cash or $3.00 with a Holo card per ride; Holo card caps at $7.50/day and $90/month — worth getting if riding more than twice
• Oahu's Skyline rail now reaches the airport, making it more useful for visitors than a year ago
• Kauai's local bus now runs a North Shore route (Lihue to Hanalei, roughly hourly, ~$2/ride or $5 day pass) — useful supplement if staying along that route, but doesn't reach Waimea Canyon, Kōke'e, or Hā'ena
• The Big Island's Hele-On Bus is currently fare-free (funded through the end of 2028), and ridership has jumped from around 325,000/year to nearly 1 million as a result — worth checking routes if your itinerary is Hilo- or Kona-focused specifically, though it won't replace a car for covering both sides of the island
• Holo Holo app (Oahu, Maui, Big Island, Kauai, Lāna'i) works like a pre-booked private driver — not for spontaneous trips, but useful for airport transfers or set point-to-point rides where Uber coverage is thin
• Hawaii's daily rental car surcharge is $7.50/day as of 2026, set to rise to $8/day starting January 2027 — factor this into budgeting regardless of the daily rate shown
• Don't expect shortages to fully disappear — book the moment you have real dates, hold a refundable rate, and keep checking for better pricing

Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes:

• Hawaii Travel Tips: Do You Need to Rent a Car? Complete Guide— Ep 11
• Budgeting for a Hawaii Vacation: What to Expect— Ep 16
• Hawaii on a Budget – How to Save Without Sacrificing Fun— Ep 55
• Hawaii Travel Tips: Money-Saving Hacks for Your Vacation— Ep 63

Additional resources:

• Discount Hawaii Car Rental(Marcie's affiliate link) — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Resources
• Hawaii Travel Consultation
• Hawaii Itinerary Review
• Hawaii Travel with Kids Facebook group

About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.

Learn more at https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/

Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation

🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!
https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

Rental Car Break-Ins: What Every Hawaii Visitor Needs to Know

Who this episode is for: Anyone renting a car in Hawaii who wants practical, easy habits to avoid becoming one of the thousands of rental car break-in victims each year.

What you'll learn: How common and opportunistic rental car break-ins actually are, which spots see documented hotspots, what makes a car a target, and simple packing habits that prevent it.

Places discussed:

• Honolulu
• Makapu'u (Oahu) — camera trailers installed, break-ins dropped noticeably in the first month
• Halona (Oahu)
• Lanikai / Pillbox Trailhead (Oahu)
• Iao Valley (Maui)
• Hana Highway pullouts (Maui)
• Waimea Bay (Oahu) — site of a specific, well-documented $15,000 theft case

Activities discussed:

• Renting a car
• Parking at beaches, trailheads, and scenic lookouts

Marcie's recommendations:

• Break-ins are opportunistic, not sophisticated — someone watches a lot and waits for a car that will sit for 30+ minutes, then breaks in for a quick grab
• It's not about the value of an item or the car's license plate (all rentals have Hawaii plates) — it's about whether something is visible, and whether the car looks new/clean/rental-like
• This isn't an Oahu-only issue — it happens on every island
• Documented hotspots: Makapu'u and Halona lookouts (Oahu, where added camera trailers measurably reduced incidents), Lanikai/Pillbox Trailhead (Oahu), Iao Valley and Hana Highway pullouts (Maui)
• No single car model is specifically targeted in a way that should change your rental choice — assume any rental car reads as a rental, regardless of make/model
• The single biggest habit: pack and unpack in the hotel room, not the parking lot — load the car before leaving the hotel and don't open the trunk again once parked
• On red-eye departure days or when switching hotels mid-trip, drop your bags at the hotel first, even before official check-in — most hotels will hold luggage
• Bring anything you might need with you from the start rather than pulling it from the trunk later
• It's fine to leave things in the trunk generally — just be careful never to visibly access it once parked somewhere

Additional resources:

• Hawaii Travel Consultation (60 min/$149, 90 min/$199) — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Travel Consultant
• Hawaii Itinerary Review ($50) — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Itinerary Review
• Hawaii Travel with Kids Facebook group

About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.

Learn more at https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/

Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation

🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!
https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

Hawaii with a Baby: Harder Than You Think, Better Than You Fear

Who this episode is for: Parents planning a Hawaii trip with an infant, especially those considering going solo or before their child starts school.

What you'll learn: Why baby trips can actually work well timing-wise, how to choose an age window and island, real flight logistics (feeding, diapers, car seats), where to stay, what gear matters, and how to structure a simple daily rhythm.

Places discussed: N/A this episode (general baby-travel guidance, not location-specific — Kauai's Poipu Beach mentioned as an anecdote, not a recommendation per se)

Activities discussed:

• Flying with an infant (feeding, diapering, car seat decisions)
• Renting baby gear (cribs, strollers, high chairs, jumperoos) delivered to your accommodation
• Beach time with a baby (pop-up tent, sun protection)
• Scenic drives timed around nap schedules
• Booking a Flytographer session

Marcie's recommendations:

• Travel before school age if possible — mid-April through June or September through mid-December are cheaper, less crowded windows once school schedules are no longer a constraint
• Lap babies (under 2) fly free on domestic flights; most tours and attractions don't charge for infants under 2 either
• Choose one island and stay put — inter-island flights, new car seat installs, and repacking add too much on top of a baby adjusting to a new time zone
• Around 6 months is a strong window for a first baby trip — often easier for sleep and general manageability than 9 months, when babies are more mobile and need more active entertainment
• Babies under 6 months cannot wear sunscreen per AAP guidance — shade (a pop-up tent, sun hat with chin strap) is the sun protection strategy at that age
• Book direct flights rather than connections whenever possible
• Use a backpack as your carry-on so your hands stay free
• Pre-measure dry formula at home if formula feeding; mix with room-temperature bottled water on the plane
• Bring your own car seat rather than renting one from the rental car counter — rental car seats can be genuinely unclean, and you'll only discover that at the worst possible moment
• Book a rental car through Discount Hawaii Car Rental unless staying in Waikiki
• Consider a vacation rental over a resort for a baby trip specifically — kitchen access, separate bedroom for the baby's bedtime, usually included parking, and most resort kids clubs don't accept children under about age 3 anyway
• If staying at a hotel, request a crib in advance, ask about a mini fridge or microwave, and try for a ground-floor room
• A pop-up beach tent is close to non-negotiable — Hawaiian beaches often have little natural shade
• Reef-safe mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) is required — Hawaii statewide bans oxybenzone/octinoxate sunscreens, and Maui County requires mineral-only formulas specifically
• A baby carrier works better than a stroller for beach days or trails; bring the stroller only if staying somewhere with paved paths
• Baby powder can help sand fall off a baby's skin if they dislike the sensation
• Expect early wake-ups from time zone adjustment (Hawaii is 2–3 hours behind the West Coast, 5–6 behind the East Coast) and lean into it — early beach mornings can become a highlight rather than a hardship
• Plan one activity maximum in the morning, keep afternoons unscheduled, and use car naps as built-in downtime
• Eat dinner early and be willing to let takeout on the lanai count as a good dinner
• Skip anything with a strict, unmissable departure time
• If your baby doesn't take to the beach, that's fine — the pool (or any other low-key alternative) is a completely valid substitute
• Consider renting baby gear locally instead of hauling everything from home — cribs, strollers, high chairs, and more are available with delivery on every island
• A Flytographer session is worth the splurge, given how quickly babies change

Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes:

• Is Hawaii Worth It with a Toddler? What I Wish Someone Had Told Me— Ep 84
• How to Choose the Right Hawaiian Island for Your Trip— Ep 3
• One Island vs Two Islands: How to Actually Decide— Ep 70

Related articles:

• Where to Find Vacation Babysitters in Hawaii
• Hawaii Beach Essentials for Babies
• Ultimate Guide to Hawaii with a Baby

Additional resources:

• Discount Hawaii Car Rental(Marcie's affiliate link)
• Flytographer ($20 discount)
• Hawaii Travel Consultation
• Hawaii Itinerary Review ($50)
• Hawaii Travel with Kids Facebook group

About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.

Learn more at https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/

Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation

🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!
https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

Hawaii Babymoon: What Couples Need to Know

Who this episode is for: Pregnant travelers and their partners planning a Hawaii babymoon who want practical guidance on timing, airline policies, island choice, and pregnancy-friendly activities.

What you'll learn: The best trimester and season to travel, how airline pregnancy policies differ by carrier, which islands and resorts fit a babymoon best, what to look for in a resort, pregnancy-friendly activities and foods, and what to skip.

Places discussed:

• Maui (Ka'anapali, Wailea)
• Oahu (Ko Olina, Kailua)
• Kauai (Poipu, Hanalei Bay, North Shore, Waimea Canyon)
• Big Island
• Lāna'i
• Haleakalā
• Road to Hana
• Hanauma Bay

Activities discussed:

• Prenatal spa treatments and massage
• Beach time (calm, protected water specifically)
• Attending a luau
• Scenic drives (Waimea Canyon, Haleakalā at sunset, Road to Hana)
• Sunset/dinner cruises
• Snorkeling (Hanauma Bay specifically recommended)
• Shopping for baby items
• Booking a maternity photo shoot (Flytographer)

Hotels discussed:

• Grand Wailea, Andaz Maui, Fairmont Kea Lani (Wailea) — excellent spas and cabana setups
• Royal Lahaina (Ka'anapali) — reopened post-2023 fires with a new beachfront spa
• Aulani (Ko Olina) — Laniwai Spa's "Hāpai" prenatal massage treatment, plus a pregnancy-safe-temperature hydrotherapy garden
• Turtle Bay (North Shore, Oahu) — quieter option
• Koloa Landing (Poipu, Kauai)
• Four Seasons Hualalai (Big Island) — adults-only pool area, pregnancy-specific spa treatment

Restaurants discussed:

• Roy's (Maui) — recommended for a proper date-night dinner
• Mochiko chicken, kal-bi ribs, and Spam musubi called out as pregnancy-friendly local favorites
• Shave ice recommended as a daily treat, with an emphasis on trying different spots

Marcie's recommendations:

• Second trimester (weeks 14–27) is the sweet spot — energy is back, nausea has usually passed, not yet uncomfortable
• Third trimester trips can still work if you keep expectations realistic (lagoon floating, massage, good food rather than hikes and full-day adventures)
• April through October tends to be drier and sunnier across most islands; Kauai's North Shore gets more rain in winter
• Check airline pregnancy policy directly and current before booking:

• United: travel allowed through 36 weeks without documentation; after that, needs an OB certificate dated close to departure
• Delta: no hard cutoff, no certificate required, but no travel within 7 days of due date
• American: doctor's certificate required within 4 weeks of due date; generally no travel within 7 days of due date domestically without special clearance
• Southwest: recommends against travel from 36 weeks on, doesn't technically prohibit it
• Hawaiian Airlines: medical certificate required for inter-island flights if due within 7 days; for mainland-Hawaii flights within 30 days of due date, an OB exam within 48 hours of departure plus written certificate is required
• Always confirm with your doctor regardless of airline policy

• Stay on one island rather than island hopping — extra travel eats into limited rest time
• Maui (Ka'anapali/Wailea) is Marcie's personal top babymoon pick; Kauai for a quieter pace; Big Island for a volcano view without serious hiking; Lāna'i for ultimate seclusion
• Choose a resort with an on-site (not off-site) spa offering prenatal-specific treatments — call ahead to confirm before booking
• Prioritize shaded cabanas, ideally with food/drink service
• Stick to calm, protected beaches: Ka'anapali, Wailea, Kailua, Hanalei Bay, Ko Olina lagoons — skip big-wave beaches
• Luaus are an easy, low-effort pregnancy-friendly activity
• Scenic drives (Waimea Canyon, Haleakalā sunset, Road to Hana at a slow pace) are fully accessible without hiking
• Snorkeling can actually be easier while pregnant due to buoyancy, if your doctor has cleared you — Hanauma Bay recommended
• Skip: intense hikes, big-wave beaches, rough-water activities, zip lines/adventure activities, and hot tubs (discuss the hot tub question specifically with your doctor)
• Don't overschedule — build in more rest than feels necessary and give yourself permission to cancel plans
• Hawaii's food scene extends well beyond poke and sushi — mochiko chicken, kal-bi ribs, Spam musubi, and shave ice are all pregnancy-safe favorites worth seeking out
• Book maternity photos — Flytographer is recommended for an easy, local-photographer-matched process

Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes:

• One Island vs Two Islands: How to Actually Decide— Ep 70
• Hawaii Travel Guide: Are Luaus Worth It? Everything You Need to Know— Ep 6
• Every Oahu Luau I've Been To (Ranked Honestly)— Ep 95
• Every Kauai Luau I've Been To, Ranked Honestly — Ep 131
• Every Maui Luau I've Been To (And Everything Else Worth Knowing), Ranked Honestly— Ep 129
• Every Big Island Luau I've Been To (And Everything Else Worth Knowing), Ranked Honestly— Ep 135
• Waimea Canyon & the Kauai West Side: How to Do This Day Right— Ep 98
• How to Visit Haleakalā Crater on Maui— Ep 10
• What You Need to Know About the Road to Hana on Maui— Ep 31
• Hanauma Bay 2026: What Families Actually Need to Know Before You Go— Ep 91
• Where I Eat on the Big Island— Ep 136
• Where I Actually Eat on Maui— Ep 132
• Where I eat on Oahu— Ep 112
• Where I Eat on Kauai— Ep 102

Additional resources:

• Flytographer (with listener discount) — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Resources
• Hawaii Travel Consultation — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Travel Consultant
• Hawaii Itinerary Review ($50) — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Itinerary Review

About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.

Learn more at https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/

Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation

🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!
https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

How Many Days Do You Really Need on the Big Island?

Who this episode is for: Anyone planning a Big Island trip who's underestimating drive times and considering splitting time between Kona and Hilo (or basing entirely in one resort area and day-tripping to the other side).

What you'll learn: Why the Big Island needs more time than people expect, specific drive times between Kona, Hilo, and Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, recommended trip lengths, and how to split nights between Kona and Hilo based on trip style and budget.

Places discussed:

• Kona
• Waikoloa
• Hilo
• Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
• Waipio Valley
• Waimea

Activities discussed:

• Visiting Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
• Taking the shuttle into Waipio Valley (hiking in is no longer allowed; the shuttle is the only practical way in)
• Chasing waterfalls near Hilo
• Renting a car

Marcie's recommendations:

• Drive times: Kona to Hilo is about 1.5–2 hours via Saddle Road, or closer to 3 hours via the southern route past the volcano
• Kona to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is about 2–2.5 hours
• Hilo to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is only about 45 minutes — a key reason to base near Hilo if the park is a priority
• If the Big Island is your only stop: aim for 7–10 days
• If island hopping: 5–7 days works, but be intentional about which side gets more nights
• If you only have 3–4 days: pick one region and let the other go, rather than trying to touch both
• For Kona vs. Hilo split: lean toward more nights in Hilo if you're outdoorsy or budget-conscious (closer to the volcano and Waipio, generally lower rates); lean toward more nights in Kona if a classic resort experience (pools, beach chairs, oceanfront luau) matters more to your group
• For a full week, Marcie typically recommends around 4 nights Kona / 3 nights Hilo, adjusting based on what the family prioritizes
• A rental car is not optional on the Big Island — rideshare doesn't reliably work outside Kona or Hilo town, and isn't practical for long point-to-point drives even within them
• Book your rental car early, especially for Kona pickup, since rates and availability shift fast
• Book through Discount Hawaii Car Rental for consistently better rates than booking direct
• If doing a split stay between Kona and Hilo, double-check for one-way drop-off fees

Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes:

• Planning Your Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Visit: Everything You Need to Know— Ep 53
• Where I Eat on the Big Island— Ep 136
• Best Areas to Stay on the Big Island— Ep 74
• How to Plan a Trip to the Big Island— Ep 51

Additional resources:

• Discount Hawaii Car Rental(Marcie's affiliate link) — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Resources
• Hawaii Travel Consultation — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Travel Consultant
• $50 Itinerary Audit — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Itinerary Review

About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.

Learn more at https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/

Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation

🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!
https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

Maui's Upcountry: Why Most Visitors Skip It and Shouldn't

Who this episode is for: Anyone visiting Maui who's only planning to drive through Upcountry on the way to Haleakalā and doesn't realize it's worth stopping for on its own.

What you'll learn: What Upcountry Maui actually is, where to eat and shop in Makawao, family-friendly stops like Surfing Goat Dairy and Kula Botanical Garden, the Maui Pineapple Tour, Ulupalakua Ranch, and how to build Upcountry into a half or full day.

Places discussed:

• Upcountry Maui (Kula, Makawao, Hali'imaile)
• Makawao
• Kula Botanical Garden
• Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm
• Hali'imaile
• Ulupalakua Ranch
• Haleakalā (referenced as the usual reason people pass through)

Activities discussed:

• Driving through Upcountry (2,000–4,000 ft elevation, paniolo/cowboy culture)
• Shopping and wandering in Makawao
• Booking a Flytographer photo shoot and pairing it with a lei po'o
• Touring Surfing Goat Dairy (casual farm tour, evening/milking tour, Saturday grand tour, cheese flight and truffle tasting add-ons)
• Visiting Kula Botanical Garden
• Visiting Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm
• Taking the Maui Pineapple Tour (basic tour, tour with lunch, farm and feast with dinner at Hali'imaile General Store, planting experience)
• Driving to Ulupalakua Ranch

Restaurants discussed:

• T. Komodo Store & Bakery (Makawao) — open since 1916; cream puffs and stick donuts; closes at 1 PM and sells out early; closed Wednesdays and Sundays; aim to arrive by 9–10 AM
• Maui Cookie Lady (Makawao) — white chunk mac nut is the best-seller (featured in Condé Nast Traveler, Bon Appétit, Forbes); also recommends salted caramel bliss and the limited-edition Waipoli Twilight (dark chocolate, rum, black cherry, blood orange)
• Hali'imaile General Store — dinner destination on the Maui Pineapple Tour's farm and feast option
• Ulupalakua Ranch Store and Grill — burgers made from ranch-raised beef, venison, and elk; store open Tuesday–Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM; grill 11 AM–4 PM, last call 3:30 PM; closed Mondays

Shopping discussed:

• Holo Holo Surf (Makawao) — Hawaiian print clothing for the whole family, Marcie's favorite shop on the island
• Haku Maui — makes lei po'o (the correct term for what's often called a "flower crown"); good to pair with a photo shoot
• Maui Pineapple Store — even if the full tour doesn't fit your schedule, worth a stop for Maui Gold pineapple and merchandise

Marcie's recommendations:

• Don't just drive straight back down after Haleakalā sunrise — stop in Upcountry on the way
• Get to Komodo's by 9–10 AM at the latest for cream puffs and stick donuts before they sell out; check their Wed/Sun closure against your schedule
• Holo Holo Surf is worth a real browse, not just a walk-past
• Check Surfing Goat Dairy's current tour options before you go, since the offerings have expanded significantly since a 2023 ownership change
• Double-check Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm's hours before building it into your day — open Friday–Monday only, 10 AM–4 PM, last entry 3:45 PM, $5/person entry
• The Maui Pineapple Tour (starting around $95) is worth it, especially for families or anyone wanting real agricultural context, not just a postcard version of Hawaii
• Even a quick stop at the Maui Pineapple Store is worthwhile if the full tour doesn't fit
• Factor in Ulupalakua Ranch's Monday closure if coming down from a Monday sunrise
• Easiest way to fit Upcountry in: pair it with a Haleakalā trip and stop at Komodo's plus a Makawao wander on the way down
• For a full day: pineapple tour in the morning, lunch at Ulupalakua, afternoon in Makawao
• A rental car is required — no way around it
• Upcountry weather is often completely different from the coast (cooler, mistier) — a good backup plan for a hot, crowded beach day

Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes:

• What You Need to Know About the Road to Hana on Maui— Ep 31
• How to Visit Haleakalā Crater on Maui— Ep 10
• How to Plan a Trip to Maui— Ep 47
• The Slow Maui Trip I Needed — 2026 Trip Report— Ep 92

Additional resources:

• Discount Hawaii Car Rental (Marcie's affiliate link)
• Flytographer (link with discount, per show notes)
• Itinerary Audit ($50, written feedback within 2 business days) — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Itinerary Review
• Hawaii Travel Consultation (60/90-min) — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Travel Consultant
• Full resource list — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Resources

About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.

Learn more at https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/

Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation

🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!
https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

Where I Eat on the Big Island

Who this episode is for: Anyone visiting the Big Island who wants real, repeat-tested restaurant picks organized geographically for easy trip planning.

What you'll learn: Marcie's personal Big Island food spots organized by region — Kona, Volcano, Hilo, the North Shore/Hamakua Coast, and Waimea — plus what to order at each.

Places discussed:

• Kona (Ali'i Drive)
• Captain Cook
• Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
• Hilo
• Honoka'a
• Waimea (upcountry)

Activities discussed:

• Renting a car (essential for the Big Island given the distances)

Hotels discussed:

• Volcano House — where Marcie stays when visiting Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Restaurants discussed:

Kona (Ali'i Drive area):

• Gecko Girl's Shave Ice — nearly 30 years on Ali'i Drive, real fruit purees; get anything lilikoi
• Huggo's on the Rocks — casual, open-air, right on the water; poke nachos, virgin lava flows, live music and hula most nights; no reservations, just put your name in
• Lava Lava Beach Club — lawn games, fall-off-the-bone ribs; Marcie's "last day before flying out" spot

Poke and coastal detours:

• Da Poke Shack — tricky parking but worth it; get the shack special (kalua pork also available for non-poke eaters)
• Coffee Shack (Captain Cook, ~25 min south of Kona) — own coffee bushes, 26-mile coastline view, great sandwiches on house-made bread; closed Wednesdays, opens 7 AM, small parking lot fills fast — arrive early
• Kaaloa's Super J's — traditional Hawaiian plate lunch (kalua pork, laulau), no-frills atmosphere, excellent food

Volcano:

• The Rim (at Volcano House) — reservations required for dinner, don't just show up; overlooks Kilauea caldera, locally sourced food

Hilo:

• Cafe 100 — birthplace of loco moco, serving since 1946, holds trademark on "Home of the Loco Moco"; open-air walk-up window, 30+ varieties, good for takeout
• Ken's House of Pancakes — open since 1971, homey diner vibe; pancakes with guava/coconut/lilikoi syrups; get the saimin on a rainy day (their #1 local favorite)
• Zippy's — local diner chain; fried noodles, burgers, musubi; bakery attached
• Two Ladies Kitchen — Instagram-famous mochi, strawberry mochi is the go-to; usually a wait, worth it

North Shore / Hamakua Coast:

• Texas Drive-In (Honoka'a) — square malasadas; beef curry stew on overcast days; also burgers and hot dogs

Waimea (upcountry):

• Merriman's — excellent food, but the real draw is the mai tai with lilikoi honey foam

Marcie's recommendations:

• A rental car is not optional on the Big Island — book through Discount Hawaii Car Rental, a broker that shops rates across companies
• If you want an actual luau on the Big Island, see the Big Island luau ranking episode — Huggo's hula isn't a substitute for the real thing
• Book The Rim at Volcano House well ahead; dinner reservations are genuinely required
• Get to Coffee Shack early, especially heading south in the morning, since the small lot fills fast
• Listen to Episode 51 for full Big Island trip planning before diving into food specifics

Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes:

• Episode 51 (How to Plan a Trip to the Big Island) — recommended listen before this one
• Episode 53 (Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park planning guide)
• Every Big Island Luau I've Been To (And Everything Else Worth Knowing), Ranked Honestly— Ep 135
• Where I Actually Eat on Maui— Ep 132
• Where I eat on Oahu— Ep 112
• Where I Eat on Kauai— Ep 102

Additional resources:

• Discount Hawaii Car Rental (Marcie's affiliate link)
• Hawaii Travel Consultation (60-min and 90-min sessions)
• $50 Itinerary Review
• Hawaii Travel with Kids Facebook group

About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.

Learn more at https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/

Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation

🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!
https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/