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

Hawaii’s Best Travel
Hawaii’s Best Travel
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Planning a Hawaii vacation or just love Hawaii? Hawaii’s Best is the top Hawaii travel podcast that helps you decide where to stay, what to do, and how to build a trip that feels like a vacation. Host Bryan Murphy shares practical Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and conversations with local voices across Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island, Lanai, and Molokai. From choosing an island to building your itinerary, you’ll get clear advice for every stage of your Hawaii travel planning. Bryan is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau and founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel. With more than 30+ visits to the islands, he brings firsthand experience and a commitment to respecting Hawaiian culture, caring for natural resources, and supporting local communities. On this travel podcast, you’ll find: • Island guides for Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and Big Island, activities, and realistic itineraries • Hawaii travel news and what it means for your trip • Local food, Hawaiian culture, and traditions • Ways to visit respectfully and support local Hawaii businesses • Interviews with residents, business owners, and cultural practitioners Whether you’re planning your first Hawaii trip or returning to explore another Hawaiian island, follow Hawaii’s Best for practical advice that helps you plan with confidence. New episodes weekly to help you plan your Hawaii vacation.

  1. 1d ago

    Oahu or the Big Island? How to Choose for Your First Hawaii Trip

    Planning your first Hawaii trip but can't decide between Oahu and the Big Island? I usually recommend Oahu for first-time visitors, but depending on what you're looking for, the Big Island might actually be the better choice. In this episode, I'm comparing these two very different islands to help you figure out which one fits your travel style, budget, and the kind of vacation you want. Oahu is still our family's favorite, but the Big Island has become a close second, especially for our three girls. And surprisingly, it wasn't the volcanoes or beaches that made the biggest impression on them! In this episode, you'll learn: Why I usually recommend Oahu for a first Hawaii trip.Where to stay on each island, from Waikiki and Ko Olina to Kona, Kohala, and Hilo.Which island has better beaches, snorkeling, and activities.What to expect from driving, traffic, and rental cars on both islands.Why spending a night or two in Hilo might be worth considering.Which island I'd choose for families, couples, and visitors looking for a relaxing resort vacation._ I'll also share some of our family's experiences, including what surprised us about visiting the Big Island. My goal is to help you choose the right island before you book, so you can spend less time second-guessing your plans and more time enjoying Hawaii. You'll find helpful resources, including my free Hawaii Reservation Checker, in the show notes below. Follow Hawaii's Best for more practical travel tips, local insights, and honest advice to help you plan a better Hawaii trip. _ 🤙 Has the podcast been helpful for you? Let me know and leave a review — even one sentence helps! Consider including your social media handle so I can thank you personally! 🎙️ Got a Hawaii question you’d like answered? Send me a short voice message. Your question may be answered on an upcoming episode of Hawaii’s Best. Resources Mentioned: Hawaii Reservation CheckerHawaii Planning HubHawaii Island QuizHawaii Trip Calculator_ Related Episodes: Which Hawaii Island Is Best for First-Time Visitors?Listen On: APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFYOahu Travel Guide in Under 10 MinutesListen On: APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFYBig Island Travel Guide in Under 10 MinutesListen On: APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY5 Budget-Friendly Hotels on OahuListen On: APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY_ Related Articles: What is the Best Island to Visit in Hawaii? Take the QuizVisiting Oahu for the First Time? Here's What You Need to KnowBig Island Travel Guide: What to Know Before You GoDo You Need to Rent a Car in Hawaii? My Island-by-Island Answer10 Best Beaches on the Big Island: Island of Hawaii Beach Guide_ Chapters: 0:36 Why My Girls Love the Big Island2:13 Why I Recommend Oahu for First-Timers3:12 What Makes the Big Island Different3:43 Relaxing Vacation or Island Adventure?4:37 Where to Stay on Oahu: Waikiki vs Ko Olina6:03 Where to Stay on the Big Island: Kona, Kohala & Hilo7:38 The Driving Mistake to Avoid on Both Islands10:10 Which Island Has Better Beaches?12:03 What Can You Do on Each Island?14:40 Which Island Is More Affordable?15:43 Three Trips: Which Island Would I Choose?17:10 My Final Recommendation for First-Time VisitorsEpisode sponsored by Terraformation. Terraformation is restoring a native Hawaiian forest at ʻIole in North Kohala on Hawaiʻi Island (the Big Island). Your support helps native trees grow from seed to canopy. As the forest takes root, it helps restore habitat and protect Hawaiʻi’s water and reefs. 🌳 Help grow the forest: hawaii.startaforest.com Use promo code BEST for 15% off your first month or first year. _ 🌴 Plan Your Hawaii Trip With Bryan About Your Host: Bryan Murphy is the founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel & a Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawaii Tourism Authority, since 2020. An HVCB member since 2019, he helps first-time & repeat visitors plan respectful Hawaii vacations w/ clear, practical advice & cultural insight. Let's connect on InstagramJoin the Visiting Hawaii Facebook GroupGrab free Hawaii travel tips & guides at hawaiisbesttravel.com🤝 To sponsor the show visit hawaiisbesttravel.com/partner Hawaii travel podcast helps you plan a trip to Hawaii with clarity. Discover practical travel tips, island itineraries, & local insight to help you explore Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island. Edge of the Ocean (w/ permission) Ukulele and Chill (w/ permission) Talk Story (w/ permission)

  2. 6d ago

    Hawaii Travel Hacks I Wish More Visitors Knew

    Your Costco card might be one of the most useful things you pack for Hawaii. Seriously. Not exactly the travel hack you'd expect, but sometimes the simplest tips make the biggest difference. In this episode of Hawaii's Best, I'm sharing nine Hawaii travel hacks that can help you save money, avoid unnecessary headaches, and make your vacation a whole lot easier. We're talking rental cars, hotel savings, transportation, groceries, and a few packing essentials you might not think about until you need them. And by then, well, it's a little late. In this episode, you'll learn: How staying just a couple of blocks from the beach can save you money on Hawaii hotelsWhen Turo might be a better option than a traditional rental carWhy Oahu's HOLO Card is worth knowing aboutHow to save on groceries and gas with Costco, Foodland, and SafewayA few overlooked packing essentials for Hawaii beach days and road tripsWhen Oahu attraction passes are worth the money and when to skip themHow Shaka Guide and other travel apps can make exploring Hawaii easier_ Whether you're visiting Oahu, Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island, these are practical Hawaii vacation tips that can help you spend less on the things that don't matter and make more room for the experiences that do. You'll find the apps and resources mentioned in this episode linked in the show notes. Follow Hawaii's Best for more practical travel tips, local insights, and honest advice to help you plan a better Hawaii trip. _ 🤙 Has the podcast been helpful for you? Let me know and leave a review — even one sentence helps! Consider including your social media handle so I can thank you personally! 🎙️ Got a Hawaii question you’d like answered? Send me a short voice message. Your question may be answered on an upcoming episode of Hawaii’s Best. Related Episodes: 10 Hawaii Travel Tips to Save Your Family MoneyListen On: APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFYDo You REALLY Need a Rental Car in HawaiiListen On: APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFYTuro Hawaii: What to KnowListen On: APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY5 Budget-Friendly Hotels on OahuListen On: APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY_ Related Articles: Do You Need to Rent a Car in Hawaii? My Island-by-Island AnswerKauai Grocery Stores15 Free or Cheap Things to Do on OahuHotel or Airbnb in Hawaii: How to Choose What’s Best for Your Hawaii TripHawaii Trip Calculator_ Chapters: 0:52 Make Your Hawaii Road Trip Better With Shaka Guide2:22 Rental Cars Sold Out? Here's When to Try Turo3:58 The Oahu HOLO Card Hack Visitors Overlook4:58 Save Money on Hawaii Hotels With This Simple Trick5:43 Spend Less on Groceries and Gas in Hawaii7:11 The Small Packing Essentials You'll Be Glad You Brought9:01 Is the Go City Oahu Pass Worth Your Money?9:40 A Free App for Hawaii Travel Alerts and Local Events10:31 Quick Recap: 9 Hawaii Travel HacksEpisode sponsored by Terraformation. Terraformation is restoring a native Hawaiian forest at ʻIole in North Kohala on Hawaiʻi Island (the Big Island). Your support helps native trees grow from seed to canopy. As the forest takes root, it helps restore habitat and protect Hawaiʻi’s water and reefs. 🌳 Help grow the forest: hawaii.startaforest.com Use promo code BEST for 15% off your first month or first year. _ 🌴 Plan Your Hawaii Trip With Bryan About Your Host: Bryan Murphy is the founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel & a Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawaii Tourism Authority, since 2020. An HVCB member since 2019, he helps first-time & repeat visitors plan respectful Hawaii vacations w/ clear, practical advice & cultural insight. Let's connect on InstagramJoin the Visiting Hawaii Facebook GroupGrab free Hawaii travel tips & guides at hawaiisbesttravel.com🤝 To sponsor the show visit hawaiisbesttravel.com/partner Hawaii travel podcast helps you plan a trip to Hawaii with clarity. Discover practical travel tips, island itineraries, & local insight to help you explore Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island. Edge of the Ocean (w/ permission) Ukulele and Chill (w/ permission) Talk Story (w/ permission)

  3. Oct 27

    How to Travel to Hawaii on Points: A Beginner’s Guide with Points Talk

    Want to use points for a Hawaii trip, but feel overwhelmed by the cards, programs, and advice? Alex and Jess from Points Talk explain where to start and how to build a plan around the trip you actually want to take. Free guide: How to travel to Hawaii on pointsI’ve used airline miles to get my family to Hawaii, but I still felt like I was playing the slow game. So I brought my own questions to this conversation, including how many cards you really need and what changes when you’re booking for a whole family. We get into: How credit card welcome offers and flexible points workWhy choosing your trip comes before choosing your cardsHow to research flights and hotel stays using pointsWays families approach companion passes and multiple hotel roomsBeginner mistakes, annual fees, and why paying your balance in full mattersAlex and Jess also share the trips they once thought were out of reach, from taking their kids to Hawaii to a memorable stay on Kauaʻi. Whether you’re starting from zero or already have points sitting in an account, this conversation will help you see a clearer next step. This episode is educational and is not personal financial advice. Connect with Poins Talk: Points Talk WebsitePoints Talk Podcast_ 🤙 Has the podcast been helpful for you? Let me know and leave a review — even one sentence helps! Consider including your social media handle so I can thank you personally! 🎙️ Got a Hawaii question you’d like answered? Send me a short voice message. Your question may be answered on an upcoming episode of Hawaii’s Best. Chapters: 2:52 When Earning Points Isn’t Worth It4:49 Why Flexible Points Give You More Options6:22 Choose Your Hawaii Trip Before Your Credit Card9:28 How Companion Passes Stretch Your Family’s Points12:52 How You and Your Partner Can Earn More Points14:46 The Trips They Never Thought They Could Afford18:49 How Points Work When You’re Booking for Six22:04 Costly Beginner Mistakes and When Fees Make Sense24:14 Book Now or Wait for a Better Points Price?25:45 Where to Start After This EpisodeEpisode sponsored by Terraformation. Terraformation is restoring a native Hawaiian forest at ʻIole in North Kohala on Hawaiʻi Island (the Big Island). Your support helps native trees grow from seed to canopy. As the forest takes root, it helps restore habitat and protect Hawaiʻi’s water and reefs. 🌳 Help grow the forest: hawaii.startaforest.com Use promo code BEST for 15% off your first month or first year. _ 🌴 Plan Your Hawaii Trip With Bryan About Your Host: Bryan Murphy is the founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel & a Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawaii Tourism Authority, since 2020. An HVCB member since 2019, he helps first-time & repeat visitors plan respectful Hawaii vacations w/ clear, practical advice & cultural insight. Let's connect on InstagramJoin the Visiting Hawaii Facebook GroupGrab free Hawaii travel tips & guides at hawaiisbesttravel.com🤝 To sponsor the show visit hawaiisbesttravel.com/partner Hawaii travel podcast helps you plan a trip to Hawaii with clarity. Discover practical travel tips, island itineraries, & local insight to help you explore Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island. Edge of the Ocean (w/ permission) Ukulele and Chill (w/ permission) Talk Story (w/ permission)

  4. Oct 22

    First Trip to Maui? Don't Go Without Knowing This

    Planning your first trip to Maui? A few overlooked details can make the difference between a relaxing vacation and a stressful, expensive one. From choosing where to stay to booking popular experiences, there are some things I wish every first-time Maui visitor knew before heading to the island. In this episode, I'm sharing practical Maui travel tips, lessons from my own visits, and ways to make the most of your trip without spending a fortune. In this episode, you'll learn: The Maui planning mistake that can throw off your vacationWhy where you stay matters more than you might thinkThe Haleakala sunrise reservation detail you don't want to missHow to experience the Road to Hana without the stressWhere to save money without missing out on Maui's best experiencesA meaningful way to support Maui's local communityYou don't have to do everything or spend a fortune to have an incredible Maui vacation. A little planning goes a long way. Resources: Hawaii Planning HubHawaii Reservation Checker🤙 Has the podcast been helpful for you? Let me know and leave a review — even one sentence helps! Consider including your social media handle so I can thank you personally! 🎙️ Got a Hawaii question you’d like answered? Send me a short voice message. Your question may be answered on an upcoming episode of Hawaii’s Best. Related episodes: Leilani's On the BeachWestin MauiMaui Cultural LandsMaui Brewing CompanyRoad to HanaHawaii Vacation RentalsMaui Food Guide Pt 1Maui Food Guide Pt 2_ Chapters: 2:12 Best Times to Visit Maui and Where to Stay3:12 Haleakala Sunrise: What to Book and When to Go4:10 Road to Hana: How to Avoid a Stressful Day6:14 Maui Snorkeling, Beaches, and Experiences Worth Considering7:15 Where to Eat on Maui (And Save Some Money)7:58 How to Save on Maui Without Missing Out10:10 What to Pack for Maui and What to Leave Behind10:50 A Meaningful Way to Give Back During Your Maui Trip12:01 More Resources to Help Plan Your Maui TripTerraformation Help Grow A Native ForestTerraformation is restoring native forest at ʻIole to protect Hawaiʻi’s water, reefs, and habitat.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you._ 🌴 Plan Your Hawaii Trip With Bryan About Your Host: Bryan Murphy is the founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel & a Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawaii Tourism Authority, since 2020. An HVCB member since 2019, he helps first-time & repeat visitors plan respectful Hawaii vacations w/ clear, practical advice & cultural insight. Let's connect on InstagramJoin the Visiting Hawaii Facebook GroupGrab free Hawaii travel tips & guides at hawaiisbesttravel.com🤝 To sponsor the show visit hawaiisbesttravel.com/partner Hawaii travel podcast helps you plan a trip to Hawaii with clarity. Discover practical travel tips, island itineraries, & local insight to help you explore Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island. Edge of the Ocean (w/ permission) Ukulele and Chill (w/ permission) Talk Story (w/ permission)

  5. Oct 20

    10 Hawaii Travel Lessons I Wish I'd Learned Sooner

    Planning a trip to Hawaii? Some of the most important things to know before visiting aren't the ones you'll find on a typical travel checklist. And a few mistakes can cost you time, money, or experiences you were looking forward to. When I first visited Hawaii with my wife in 2007, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what to expect. Nearly 20 years and many trips later, I've learned just how much I didn't know. And honestly, there are a few things I still get wrong. In this episode of Hawaii's Best, I'm sharing 10 Hawaii travel lessons I wish I'd learned sooner, including practical planning advice, local customs, and a few things that completely changed how I experience the islands. In this episode, you'll learn: The packing mistake I still make after nearly 20 years of visiting HawaiiWhy showing up without a reservation could mean missing out on some of Hawaii's most popular experiencesThe driving habits that can make visitors stand out for all the wrong reasonsWhat you're missing if Waikiki is the only Hawaii you experienceWhy trying to visit too many Hawaiian islands could actually make your vacation less enjoyableWhat most travel guides don't fully explain about Hawaiian culture, tourism, and the aloha spiritWhy Hawaii's weather forecast doesn't always tell you what to expectWhether it's your first Hawaii vacation or your tenth, these are the lessons I wish someone had shared with me years ago. Because planning a better Hawaii trip isn't just about knowing where to go or what to do. It's also about understanding the place you're visiting and the people who call it home. Resources: Hawaii Planning HubHawaii Reservation Checker🤙 Has the podcast been helpful for you? Let me know and leave a review — even one sentence helps! Consider including your social media handle so I can thank you personally! 🎙️ Got a Hawaii question you’d like answered? Send me a short voice message. Your question may be answered on an upcoming episode of Hawaii’s Best. Related episodes: What to Know Before Visiting HawaiiFirst Trip to Kauai5 Mistakes When Planning a Trip to Hawaii_ Related blog posts: Visiting Oahu for the First Time? Here’s What You Need to KnowHow Many Days Should You Spend on Kauai?Complete Packing Checklist for Hawaii Vacation_ Chapters: 2:26 What to Pack for Hawaii (And What to Leave Behind)4:15 Hawaii Attractions You Need to Book in Advance5:25 How to Drive in Hawaii Without Upsetting Locals6:50 Why Spending Local Makes Your Hawaii Trip Better8:12 Why You Should Explore Beyond Waikiki9:21 How to Choose the Right Hawaiian Island10:30 Hawaiian Culture: What Visitors Should Know11:45 Hawaii's History and Why Tourism Is Complicated13:46 What the Aloha Spirit Really Means15:40 Why Hawaii's Weather Can Change So Quickly17:12 10 Takeaways for a Better Hawaii TripEpisode sponsored by Terraformation. Terraformation is restoring a native Hawaiian forest at ʻIole in North Kohala on Hawaiʻi Island (the Big Island). Your support helps native trees grow from seed to canopy. As the forest takes root, it helps restore habitat and protect Hawaiʻi’s water and reefs. 🌳 Help grow the forest: hawaii.startaforest.com Use promo code BEST for 15% off your first month or first year. _ 🌴 Plan Your Hawaii Trip With Bryan About Your Host: Bryan Murphy is the founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel & a Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawaii Tourism Authority, since 2020. An HVCB member since 2019, he helps first-time & repeat visitors plan respectful Hawaii vacations w/ clear, practical advice & cultural insight. Let's connect on InstagramJoin the Visiting Hawaii Facebook GroupGrab free Hawaii travel tips & guides at hawaiisbesttravel.com🤝 To sponsor the show visit hawaiisbesttravel.com/partner Hawaii travel podcast helps you plan a trip to Hawaii with clarity. Discover practical travel tips, island itineraries, & local insight to help you explore Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island. Edge of the Ocean (w/ permission) Ukulele and Chill (w/ permission) Talk Story (w/ permission)

  6. Oct 15

    Oahu's Hawaiian History Is Hiding in Plain Sight (with Wahi Pana)

    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 explore the Hawaiian history behind familiar Oahu landmarks, including Diamond Head (Leahi), and how local artists are helping visitors connect with Hawaii beyond the usual sightseeing experience. In this episode, you'll learn: The Hawaiian history behind some of Oahu's most recognizable places.What Wahi Pana is and how it's bringing Hawaiian stories to life.Why understanding the history of a place can make your Hawaii vacation more meaningful.How to discover Wahi Pana's free public art installations on Oahu.How to explore Hawaii with greater curiosity, appreciation, and respect.Whether you're planning your first Oahu vacation or you've visited Hawaii many times, this conversation offers a different way to experience the islands. 🤙 Has the podcast been helpful for you? Please leave a review — even one sentence helps! Consider including your social media handle so I can thank you personally! 🎙️ Got a Hawaii question you’d like answered? Send me a short voice message. Your question may be answered on an upcoming episode of Hawaii’s Best. Connect with Wahi Pana: WebsiteInstagram: @wahipana_ Related Episodes: The Untold Story of Waimea ValleyWhat Native Hawaiian Voices Want You to Know Before VisitingHow to Engage with Hawaiian Culture Responsibly with Kamaka Dias_ Related Articles: Top 10 Must-See Historical Places in HawaiiA Comprehensive Guide to Hawaiian History5 Ways to Travel Responsibly to Hawaii_ Chapters: 1:33 What Is Wahi Pana, and Why Should Visitors Care?3:48 The Hidden Stories Behind Oahu's Public Art5:33 How Knowing Hawaii's History Changes Your Trip8:32 Diamond Head (Leahi): The History You Never Knew10:39 Tourist vs. Visitor: What's the Difference?12:48 Where Wahi Pana Is Heading Next14:33 How to Explore Oahu's Free Wahi Pana Installations16:47 How to Experience Oahu DifferentlyEpisode sponsored by Terraformation. Terraformation is restoring a native Hawaiian forest at ʻIole in North Kohala on Hawaiʻi Island (the Big Island). Your support helps native trees grow from seed to canopy. As the forest takes root, it helps restore habitat and protect Hawaiʻi’s water and reefs. 🌳 Help grow the forest: hawaii.startaforest.com Use promo code BEST for 15% off your first month or first year. _ 🌴 Plan Your Hawaii Trip With Bryan About Your Host: Bryan Murphy is the founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel & a Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawaii Tourism Authority, since 2020. An HVCB member since 2019, he helps first-time & repeat visitors plan respectful Hawaii vacations w/ clear, practical advice & cultural insight. Let's connect on InstagramJoin the Visiting Hawaii Facebook GroupGrab free Hawaii travel tips & guides at hawaiisbesttravel.com🤝 To sponsor the show visit hawaiisbesttravel.com/partner Hawaii travel podcast helps you plan a trip to Hawaii with clarity. Discover practical travel tips, island itineraries, & local insight to help you explore Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island. Edge of the Ocean (w/ permission) Ukulele and Chill (w/ permission) Talk Story (w/ permission)

  7. Oct 13

    Steal My Family's 7-Day Hawaii Itinerary for Oahu (What I Skipped and Why)

    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 Planner Get 3 Oahu itineraries, including our actual family vacation plans, a first-time visitor itinerary, and a more relaxed option. You'll also get a blank planner to build your own trip. 👉 Download your free Oahu itineraries In this episode, you'll learn: How to plan a 7-day Oahu itinerary without cramming every day with activitiesWhich Oahu experiences to book first so you don't miss out or have to rearrange your entire tripHow to avoid wasting vacation time driving back and forth across OahuWhich popular Oahu attractions I'm skipping, and how to decide what's actually worth your timeWhy staying in Ko Olina versus Waikiki can completely change how you plan your vacationThree simple rules to build a better Hawaii itinerary with less rushing and more time to enjoy your tripWhether you're visiting Oahu for the first time, traveling with kids, or returning to Hawaii, you'll get practical ideas for building a trip that fits your family. FREE HAWAII TRIP-PLANNING RESOURCES 🌴 3 Free Oahu Itineraries + Printable Planner ✅ Hawaii Itinerary Reality Checker Check whether your Hawaii vacation plans are realistic, with enough time for activities, driving, and downtime. 📅 Hawaii Reservation Checker Find out when popular Hawaii attractions open reservations and add booking reminders to your calendar. 🤙 Has the podcast been helpful for you? Please leave a review — even one sentence helps! Consider including your social media handle so I can thank you personally! 🎙️ Got a Hawaii question you’d like answered? Send me a short voice message. Your question may be answered on an upcoming episode of Hawaii’s Best. Full show notes available here. Related/Mentioned Episodes: How to Plan Hawaii Like a ProNorth Shore Soap FactoryMargaritas HawaiiPearl Harbor Aviation Museum _ Chapters: 2:08 How to Plan an Oahu Trip Without Overpacking It3:01 Ko Olina vs. Waikiki: Why Where You Stay Matters5:08 What to Book First for Your Oahu Vacation7:06 Our Arrival Day and Sunset Sail Plans8:54 Pearl Harbor: Why We're Giving It a Full Day10:09 North Shore in Winter: Our Planned Stops11:48 Why We're Keeping One Day Flexible12:28 Honolulu and Waikiki: How We're Planning the Day13:40 Why We're Protecting Our Last Resort Day14:30 5 Oahu Attractions I Cut From Our Itinerary15:04 3 Rules for Planning a Better Hawaii Vacation16:31 Get 3 Free Oahu Itineraries + Printable PlannerEpisode sponsored by Terraformation. Terraformation is restoring a native Hawaiian forest at ʻIole in North Kohala on Hawaiʻi Island (the Big Island). Your support helps native trees grow from seed to canopy. As the forest takes root, it helps restore habitat and protect Hawaiʻi’s water and reefs. 🌳 Help grow the forest: hawaii.startaforest.com Use promo code BEST for 15% off your first month or first year. _ 🌴 Plan Your Hawaii Trip With Bryan About Your Host: Bryan Murphy is the founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel & a Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawaii Tourism Authority, since 2020. An HVCB member since 2019, he helps first-time & repeat visitors plan respectful Hawaii vacations w/ clear, practical advice & cultural insight. Let's connect on InstagramJoin the Visiting Hawaii Facebook GroupGrab free Hawaii travel tips & guides at hawaiisbesttravel.com🤝 To sponsor the show visit hawaiisbesttravel.com/partner Hawaii travel podcast helps you plan a trip to Hawaii with clarity. Discover practical travel tips, island itineraries, & local insight to help you explore Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island. Edge of the Ocean (w/ permission) Ukulele and Chill (w/ permission) Talk Story (w/ permission)

  8. Oct 8

    Hawaii Vacations Are Getting Shorter. Is That a Bad Thing?

    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 numbers, and why it caught my attentionWhat may be pushing travelers to cut days from their Hawaii tripsWhy the shift from two islands to one might tell us something bigger about how Hawaii travel is changingThe downside of shorter stays that goes beyond fewer hotel nightsThe spending number that makes this trend much more complicated than it first appearsMy answer to the bigger question: is a shorter Hawaii vacation actually worse?My take: fewer days does not automatically mean a worse vacation. The bigger question is whether your itinerary actually fits the time you have. If you’re planning a Hawaii vacation and deciding how many days to stay or whether to visit one island or two, this episode will help you think through that decision. 🤙 Has the podcast been helpful for you? Please leave a review — even one sentence helps! Consider including your social media handle so I can thank you personally! 🎙️ Got a Hawaii question you’d like answered? Send me a short voice message. Your question may be answered on an upcoming episode of Hawaii’s Best. Full show notes available here. Related Episodes: How to Plan Hawaii Like a Pro_ Chapters: 1:11 The 14% Drop That Caught My Attention2:01 Why Travelers Are Cutting Hawaii Trips Short3:01 One Island or Two? The Smarter Choice4:04 What Shorter Trips Mean for Hawaii5:06 Why I Think Hawaii Trips Are Shrinking5:42 Is a Shorter Hawaii Vacation Actually Worse?6:30 How to Plan Around a Shorter Hawaii Trip7:22 Our Next Oahu Family ItineraryEpisode sponsored by Terraformation. Terraformation is restoring a native Hawaiian forest at ʻIole in North Kohala on Hawaiʻi Island (the Big Island). Your support helps native trees grow from seed to canopy. As the forest takes root, it helps restore habitat and protect Hawaiʻi’s water and reefs. 🌳 Help grow the forest: hawaii.startaforest.com Use promo code BEST for 15% off your first month or first year. _ 🌴 Plan Your Hawaii Trip With Bryan About Your Host: Bryan Murphy is the founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel & a Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawaii Tourism Authority, since 2020. An HVCB member since 2019, he helps first-time & repeat visitors plan respectful Hawaii vacations w/ clear, practical advice & cultural insight. Let's connect on InstagramJoin the Visiting Hawaii Facebook GroupGrab free Hawaii travel tips & guides at hawaiisbesttravel.com🤝 To sponsor the show visit hawaiisbesttravel.com/partner Hawaii travel podcast helps you plan a trip to Hawaii with clarity. Discover practical travel tips, island itineraries, & local insight to help you explore Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island. Edge of the Ocean (w/ permission) Ukulele and Chill (w/ permission) Talk Story (w/ permission)

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Planning a Hawaii vacation or just love Hawaii? Hawaii’s Best is the top Hawaii travel podcast that helps you decide where to stay, what to do, and how to build a trip that feels like a vacation. Host Bryan Murphy shares practical Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and conversations with local voices across Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island, Lanai, and Molokai. From choosing an island to building your itinerary, you’ll get clear advice for every stage of your Hawaii travel planning. Bryan is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau and founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel. With more than 30+ visits to the islands, he brings firsthand experience and a commitment to respecting Hawaiian culture, caring for natural resources, and supporting local communities. On this travel podcast, you’ll find: • Island guides for Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and Big Island, activities, and realistic itineraries • Hawaii travel news and what it means for your trip • Local food, Hawaiian culture, and traditions • Ways to visit respectfully and support local Hawaii businesses • Interviews with residents, business owners, and cultural practitioners Whether you’re planning your first Hawaii trip or returning to explore another Hawaiian island, follow Hawaii’s Best for practical advice that helps you plan with confidence. New episodes weekly to help you plan your Hawaii vacation.

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