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

Marcie Cheung—Hawaii Travel Expert, Blogger & Guide Book Author
  • 4.0 (28)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL

Hawaii Travel Made Easy is the ultimate Hawaii travel podcast for families and first-time Hawaii visitors looking to plan a stress-free and unforgettable Hawaii vacation. Hosted by a seasoned Hawaii travel expert, this show delivers essential Hawaii travel tips, Hawaii vacation planning advice, and insider insights to help you navigate the Hawaiian Islands with confidence.Marcie Cheung is a certified Hawaii destination expert by the Hawaii Tourism Authority, runs the popular Hawaii family travel site Hawaii Travel with Kids, and has visited Hawaii more than 40 times. Whether you're dreaming of your first trip to paradise or planning your return visit, each episode provides budget-friendly recommendations, cultural insights, and must-know Hawaii travel guide information to make your Hawaii vacation planning simple and stress-free. From choosing the right island to finding hidden gems, we'll help you create the perfect Hawaii experience! New episodes drop every Monday & Wednesday!

  1. 2H AGO

    Is Hawaii With Kids Worth It? A Brutally Honest Comparison

    Is Hawaii Worth $10,000 With Kids? How to Decide (and When to Skip It) The script helps parents decide whether an expensive Hawaii trip with kids is worth it, arguing the answer depends on money, time, and what kind of vacation experience they want. It breaks down typical costs for a weeklong family-of-four trip ($7,000–$12,000+), including flights, hotels plus ~19% taxes/fees (with a new green fee added in early 2026), car rentals, food, and pricey activities like luaus and snorkel tours, and compares these to cheaper alternatives like Mexico all-inclusives and Puerto Rico. Hawaii is recommended when families can stay at least a full week, want cultural immersion plus adventure-and-beach days, and can afford it without stress; it’s discouraged for short trips, tight budgets, or when anxiety about kids “not remembering” will ruin the experience. The script shares consultation stories, emphasizes realistic expectations, notes every kid age can work depending on tolerance for chaos, and offers budget tips (condos with kitchens, groceries, free activities) plus paid itinerary reviews, consultations, email courses, and island guides. 00:00 Should You Book Hawaii 00:56 Real Cost Breakdown 02:53 Cheaper Alternatives 04:20 When Hawaii Is Worth It 05:47 When To Skip Hawaii 07:41 Fear Of Wasting Money 09:17 Best Age For Kids 11:03 Backyard Or Hawaii 12:17 Make Hawaii Affordable 13:35 Final Takeaway 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 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/

    14 min

  2. 2D AGO

    Where I Eat on Kauai

    Kauai Food Guide: Best Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Shave Ice, and Bucket List Spots Marcie, a certified Hawaii destination expert, shares her organized-by-meal Kauai food guide based on what she orders, opening with her arrival tradition of Mark’s Place near Lihue Airport for takeout plate lunch (especially beef stew). For breakfast she recommends Java Kai, Sunrise Coffee, Holey Grail Donuts, Little Fish, and Passion Bakery malasadas. Lunch picks include Tahiti Nui in Hanalei, Kenji Burger (plus furikake fries), Kickshaw’s, Hamura Saimin, and musubi trucks. Dinner suggestions cover Lava Lava Beach Club, Hukilau Lanai, Merriman’s in Poipu (notably the mai tai), Postcards in Hanalei, Japanese Grandma’s Cafe in Hanapepe, and Kokee Lodge Portuguese bean soup, plus The Plantation House and Mamahune’s. She also lists favorite shave ice (Wishing Well, Waikomo) and a bucket list: Mama Bear’s Kitchen, Eating House 1849, Haunani’s, Bar Acuda (timed reservations), and Pono Market poke. 00:00 Arrival Plate Lunch Ritual 00:49 How This Food Guide Works 01:19 Breakfast Coffee Stops 01:57 More Morning Treats 02:53 Lunch Favorites Islandwide 04:33 Dinner With a View 06:29 North Shore and West Side Dinners 07:59 Best Shave Ice Stops 08:22 My Kauai Food Bucket List 10:50 Final Tips and Wrap Up 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 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/

    12 min

  3. APR 29

    Big Island vs Kauai: What You Actually Need to Know to Choose

    Big Island vs. Kauai: Which Hawaii Island Fits Your Trip Best? The script compares Hawaii’s Big Island and Kauai, explaining that both are less crowded than Oahu or Maui but offer very different trips. The Big Island is huge, often requiring significant driving or a split stay between Kona and Hilo/Volcano to see Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, waterfalls, and varied landscapes; it also offers unique activities like the Kona submarine, manta ray night swims, coffee farms, and a cultural ATV tour, but it’s not known for beaches and some beach parking is costly. Kauai is smaller and easier to base in one location, with distinct microclimates, generally better family-friendly beaches, dramatic scenery like Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast, and unique activities such as mountain tubing and Wailua River kayaking. The script covers snorkeling, hiking, luaus, costs, seasonal considerations, and decision factors based on priorities, travel style, and group needs. 00:00 Big Island vs Kauai Intro 01:03 Trip Size and Driving 02:35 Big Island Highlights 04:52 Kauai Beaches and Vibe 06:39 Head to Head Comparisons 07:51 Budget and Tour Costs 08:59 Who Should Choose Which 09:38 Seasons and Weather 10:22 Decision Checklist 11:00 Consultations and Resources 12:02 Final Takeaways 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 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/

    13 min

  4. APR 22

    Hawaii Booking Mistakes to Avoid: What a Travel Agent Wants You to Know

    Hawaii Booking Myths, Airfare & Hotel Pricing, and When to Use Points (with Travel Agent Kim Tate) Marcie celebrates the 100th episode of Hawaii Travel Made Easy by bringing on her friend Kim Tate of Stuffed Suitcase, a travel agent she trusts to book trips after Marcie’s Hawaii consultations. They cover what confuses travelers most when booking Hawaii: how to judge airfare swings using Google Flights (multiple airports, calendar view, price graph, and typical/high/low indicators), why last-minute Hawaii flight deals are rare—especially with high oil prices—and how to rebook for a lower fare or use paid services that track price drops for a commission. For hotels, Kim advises comparing similar properties using filters and maps, checking total costs including resort fees, taxes, and vacation-rental cleaning fees, and often booking direct to avoid undesirable rooms. They discuss when loyalty status is and isn’t worth chasing, how to evaluate point redemptions, and why points can be best used to reduce financial stress since they depreciate. Kim explains what travel agents do in 2026—research, logistics, perks, and itinerary coordination—and Marcie shares how to book her consultations or a $50 itinerary audit. 00:00 Booking Confusion Setup 00:35 Meet Kim Travel Agent 01:06 How Their Partnership Works 05:22 Airfare Stress and Timing 05:37 Google Flights Price Tracking 08:45 Last Minute Deals Myth 11:47 Hotel Rates and Comparisons 14:10 Booking Direct vs OTAs 15:15 Hotel Status and Credit Cards 17:28 Resort Fees and Hidden Costs 20:39 Points vs Cash Framework 24:44 Pay Cash or Points 25:43 Chasing Airline Status 26:20 Split Bookings Smartly 27:39 Starting the Points Game 28:45 Award Availability Reality 31:20 What Travel Agents Do 34:48 When You Need an Agent 36:51 How We Work Together 38:53 Agent Planning Workflow 41:12 Prep Budget and Points 42:08 Wrap Up and 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 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/

    47 min

  5. APR 20

    The Oahu Day Trip Mistake Almost Everyone Makes

    How to Plan Oahu Day Trips Without Rushing: Pearl Harbor, North Shore, Windward & Hanauma Bay Marcie, a certified Hawaii destination expert, explains how to plan Oahu day trips with realistic pacing by choosing one main “anchor” activity and building around it, since traffic, lines, and logistics often derail packed Circle Island itineraries. She advises treating Pearl Harbor as a full-day experience due to multiple sites, Ford Island shuttles, security and bag rules, and the need to book USS Arizona Memorial tickets on recreation.gov up to 56 days ahead. For the North Shore, she recommends only one or two intentional food stops, time to explore places like Laniakea (Turtle) Beach, Haleiwa, Matsumoto Shave Ice, and Waimea Bay, and suggests pairing Waimea Valley with an evening TOA Luau. She describes Windward side/Kualoa Ranch as a full day (multiple tours, cafe) or pairing it with Byodo-In Temple, Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden, or Kualoa Beach Park, and reframes Hanauma Bay as a well-organized full beach day requiring early, pre-booked entry. She compares guided tours versus rental cars for flexibility and promotes her car rental link, resources, and paid itinerary reviews/consultations. 00:00 Overpacked Oahu Day 00:36 Day Trip Mindset 01:36 Pick One Anchor 02:03 Pearl Harbor Full Day 03:30 North Shore Done Right 04:53 Windward And Kualoa 05:42 Hanauma Bay Beach Day 06:52 Car Versus Tours 07:27 Resources And Reviews 08:04 Slow Down Closing What I mentioned in the show: How to Visit Pearl Harbor on Oahu episodeKualoa Ranch blog postHanauma Bay reservationsAbout 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 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/

    8 min

  6. APR 15

    Waimea Canyon & the Kauai West Side: How to Do This Day Right

    Kauai West Side Day Guide: Waimea Canyon, Kōkeʻe State Park & Kalalau Lookout Host Marcie Cheung shares a cautionary story about driving to Waimea Canyon in fog, then explains how to plan a full Kauai West Side day around Waimea Canyon and Kōkeʻe State Park. She describes the canyon’s size, colors, and key lookouts (Waimea Canyon Lookout, Puʻu Ka Pele, Puʻu Hinahina) plus Kalalau Lookout, emphasizing checking the National Weather Service West Mountains forecast, going early, and waiting out fog. Tips include wearing layers (about 20° cooler), avoiding clothes that can be stained by red dirt, stopping at Red Dirt Falls, and checking Hawaii State Parks alerts. She details fees ($10/vehicle non-residents plus $5/person), recommends stopping at all lookouts, suggests family-friendly Iliau Nature Loop and other hikes, and notes Kōkeʻe Lodge as the main food option. Additional West Side stops include Waimea’s swinging bridge, Shrimp Station, Hanapēpē (mural, shops, Friday Art Walk), Port Allen Na Pali tours (Captain Andy’s, Holo Holo), and remote Polihale Beach; she outlines an itinerary and time estimates. 00:00 Foggy Canyon Lesson 00:41 West Side Day Overview 01:30 What Waimea Canyon Is 02:54 Weather Timing Tips 03:56 What to Wear 04:52 Drive Up and Red Dirt Falls 06:13 Parking Fees and Pass 06:52 Must See Lookouts 08:46 Hikes and Trails 09:47 Food at Kokee Lodge 11:04 More West Side Stops 12:43 Sample Itinerary Wrap Up 13:46 Final Tips and Aloha 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 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/

    14 min

  7. APR 13

    10 Hawaii Mistakes First-Timers Make (That Cost Thousands)

    Hawaii Trip Mistakes to Avoid: Islands, Costs, Reservations, and Safety Tips Marcie of “Hawaii Travel Made Easy” shares common first-timer mistakes that waste money and time in Hawaii, drawing on 40+ trips and hundreds of consultations. She urges travelers to slow down, limit island-hopping (minimum four nights per island; choose one or two for 7–10 days), and avoid costly one-day interisland detours like Pearl Harbor without a multi-night Oahu stay. She warns about illegal vacation rentals (Oahu crackdowns; Maui’s 2025 law phasing out apartment-zone rentals), and explains true lodging costs with resort and parking fees, noting US hotels must show fees upfront as of May 2025. Key planning tips include booking luaus, popular dining, and required reservations (Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay) early, pacing to one major activity per day, buffering drive times and traffic, choosing beaches by season, preventing car break-ins, packing reef-safe sunscreen, budgeting for tipping, respecting wildlife distance rules, and not taking rocks/sand/coral. She also promotes itinerary reviews and consultations via HawaiiTravelWithKids.com. 00:00 Trip Planning Reality Check 01:03 Stop Island Hopping Overload 03:01 Pearl Harbor Day Trip Trap 03:53 Avoid Rental Scams 04:55 True Hotel Costs 05:46 Book Luaus And Reservations 06:39 Plan For Slow Days 07:25 Traffic And Ocean Seasons 08:10 Prevent Car Break Ins 09:03 Sunscreen Tipping Wildlife 10:07 Itinerary Reviews And Consults 11:23 Slow Down Final Takeaways Podcast episodes to listen to: What You Need to Know About the Road to Hana on MauiEvery Oahu Luau I've Been To (Ranked Honestly)How to Plan a Trip to OahuHow to Plan a Trip to MauiHow to Plan a Trip to KauaiHow to Plan a Trip to Big IslandAbout 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 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/

    12 min

  8. APR 8

    What I Would Cut From Your Hawaii Itinerary

    What to Cut (and Keep) in a 4–5 Day Maui Itinerary Marcie of “Hawaii Travel Made Easy” warns that many Maui itineraries are overpacked 10-hour logistical puzzles that leave travelers exhausted and miserable, and explains what to cut and what to protect on short trips. She recommends reconsidering Haleakalā sunrise (suggesting summit sunset instead if you’re on the fence), the full Road to Hāna on a four-day trip (offering a partial drive to around mile marker 25 as a middle option), doing multiple luaus, trying to cover multiple Maui regions in one day, and booking a helicopter tour without enough time or weather flexibility. She urges travelers to fight to keep unscheduled time, intentional sunset time, and real beach time as anchors. She gives a Kauaʻi example showing how deceptive maps and drive times can be, then promotes her $50 itinerary review and longer consultations via HawaiiTravelWithKids.com. 00:00 Overpacked Maui Itineraries 00:41 Why It Feels Miserable 01:22 Cut Haleakala Sunrise 02:15 Rethink Road to Hana 02:56 Skip Duplicates and Overdriving 04:02 Helicopter Tour Tradeoffs 04:33 Protect Unscheduled Time 04:59 Sunset and Beach Anchors 05:42 Kauai Two Day Example 06:34 Get a Pro Itinerary Review 08:19 Final Takeaways and Wrap 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 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/

    9 min
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4
out of 5
28 Ratings

About

Hawaii Travel Made Easy is the ultimate Hawaii travel podcast for families and first-time Hawaii visitors looking to plan a stress-free and unforgettable Hawaii vacation. Hosted by a seasoned Hawaii travel expert, this show delivers essential Hawaii travel tips, Hawaii vacation planning advice, and insider insights to help you navigate the Hawaiian Islands with confidence.Marcie Cheung is a certified Hawaii destination expert by the Hawaii Tourism Authority, runs the popular Hawaii family travel site Hawaii Travel with Kids, and has visited Hawaii more than 40 times. Whether you're dreaming of your first trip to paradise or planning your return visit, each episode provides budget-friendly recommendations, cultural insights, and must-know Hawaii travel guide information to make your Hawaii vacation planning simple and stress-free. From choosing the right island to finding hidden gems, we'll help you create the perfect Hawaii experience! New episodes drop every Monday & Wednesday!

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