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. 4h ago

    North Shore, No Regrets: One Family's Honest Take on Oahu

    Honest Family Trip Report: 7 Nights on Oahu’s North Shore After the Kona Storms Host Marcie, a Hawaii travel expert, interviews Kim Fidler about her family’s seven-night spring break trip to Oahu’s North Shore (two adults and three kids ages 12, 11, and 9) staying in a VRBO condo near Turtle Bay with a kitchen to manage costs and be prepared after recent Kona storms and lingering brown water. Kim shares highlights including Waimea Valley’s waterfall swim, lush plant life, and the TOA luau, plus a full-day Kualoa Ranch tour featuring the movie tour, WWII bunker, Jurassic Park filming sites, and fresh macadamia nuts. She also praises an intimate Kahuku Farms tour and poke from a small Kahuku market, notes downtown Honolulu closures on Saturday during a Pearl Harbor/Bishop Museum/Iolani Palace day, discusses budgeting and planning 8–9 months ahead using a Delta companion fare, and advises travelers to prioritize downtime and a few must-dos. She recommends Oahu for its mix of beaches, history, culture, and convenience, and wants to visit Kauai next. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:33 Trip Overview North Shore 01:04 Why They Chose Hawaii 02:20 Past Visits and North Shore Love 02:49 Where They Stayed Turtle Bay 03:52 Arriving After Kona Storms 07:46 Top Highlight Waimea Valley 10:50 Kualoa Ranch and Kahuku Farms 15:31 Best Eats Poke and More 17:27 More Tours and Kualoa Tips 20:05 Favorite Day Replay 20:20 North Shore Food Tour 21:15 Luau Feast Highlights 21:49 Storm Prep and Water Safety 23:39 Tourist Traps and Wins 24:21 Costs and Budget Reality 25:33 Booking Timeline Strategy 27:29 Packing Lessons Learned 28:49 Honolulu Weekend Surprise 31:08 What to Do Differently 32:13 Planning Tips and Downtime 33:45 Best Island Pick Oahu 35:41 Next Trip Kauai Dreams 36:50 Three Words and Farewell 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/

    38 min

  2. 2d ago

    How to Get Around Hawaii Without Renting a Car

    Can You Do Hawaii Without a Rental Car? Honest Island-by-Island Transportation Guide Marcie from Hawaii Travel Made Easy explains when you can realistically skip a rental car in Hawaii and how to use alternatives like walking, shuttles, buses, rideshares, and tours, noting Hawaii’s public transit is not like Europe and planning ahead is essential. Oahu—especially Waikiki—is the most car-free friendly with The Bus (Holo card, daily cap, visitor pass), Skyline Rail connections, trolley, Biki, and reliable rideshares, though North Shore trips are long or pricey and return rides can be difficult; rideshares don’t provide car seats. Maui is generally best with a car, but resort-based stays in Ka’anapali, Wailea, or Kihei can work using shuttles and tours with hotel pickup, trading spontaneity for schedule and sometimes higher costs. Kauai usually requires a car, though the Go Haena shuttle is recommended for Haena/Ke’e, and walkable/bikeable areas include Poipu, Hanalei, and Kapaa’s coastal path. The Big Island typically needs a car to explore, but resort-focused travelers can rely on guided excursions. She urges comparing real costs and suggests a hybrid approach: go car-free on resort days and rent a car for a few exploration days. 00:00 Rental Car Regret 01:07 Who Can Skip Cars 02:10 Transit Reality Check 03:01 Oahu Without Wheels 05:51 Maui Car Free Options 08:00 Kauai Shuttles And Bikes 10:56 Big Island Resort Style 12:37 Does It Save Money 14:23 Hybrid Strategy 15:01 Who It Works For 15:49 Resources 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/

    17 min

  3. Jun 10

    Where I eat on Oahu

    Where I Eat on Oahu: My Repeat-Favorite Spots in Waikiki and the North Shore Marcie from Hawaii Travel Made Easy shares her personal repeat-favorite places to eat on Oahu, starting with a tip to skip the dine-in line at Pa’ia Fish Market Waikiki by ordering takeout (she recommends the mahi-mahi with home fries and homemade tartar sauce). She highlights Musubi Cafe Iyasume for Spam and tuna mayo musubi, Waffle & Berry for thick acai bowls, and urges stopping at Hawaii’s 7-Eleven for musubi and sushi rolls. For North Shore days, she plans food stops at Kahuku Farms (plus farm-store favorites like lilikoi balsamic and passion fruit syrup), Fumi’s or Romy’s shrimp trucks (garlic butter; choose by line length), Seven Brothers for burgers, and Sunrise Cafe for acai bowls and lattes. She also recommends Rainbow Drive-In for plate lunch and sit-down picks House Without a Key, Merriman’s, and Deck at Queen Kapiolani Hotel, plus notes on reservations, views, parking, and her itinerary audit service. 00:00 Skip the Paia Line 00:31 Personal Oahu Food List 01:03 Musubi Cafe Breakfast 01:38 Waikiki Acai Bowls 02:10 Paia Fish Order 02:35 Hawaii 7 Eleven Snacks 03:00 North Shore Food Stops 03:06 Kahuku Farms Must Do 03:34 Shrimp Truck Strategy 04:02 Seven Brothers Burgers 04:19 Sunrise Cafe Coffee 04:40 Rainbow Drive In Plate Lunch 05:04 Sit Down Favorites 05:13 House Without a Key 06:04 Merrimans Date Night 06:36 Deck Diamond Head View 07:01 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/

    8 min

  4. Jun 8

    The Comparison Trap: When Other Families Look Like They're Having More Fun

    Escaping the Comparison Trap on a Hawaii Family Vacation Marcie of Hawaii Travel Made Easy shares how comparing her family’s Hawaii vacation to other families, “perfect” restaurant moments, or Instagram reels made her question choices like letting her kids use iPads or eating grocery store poke in a Waikiki hotel room. She offers reality checks: what looks ideal is often staged or only a brief highlight, and every family has hard moments. She stresses that a vacation can be successful even if it doesn’t look like the brochure, and encourages planning around your own kids’ ages, energy, and needs rather than copying others. Marcie describes helping a client reset expectations after comparing to a sister-in-law’s flawless-sounding trip, promotes her itinerary audit at hawaiitravelwithkids.com, and suggests asking “why do you want to do this?” when adding activities like Pearl Harbor or out-of-the-way stops. 00:00 Poolside Comparison Trap 00:58 Restaurant Reality Check 01:52 Instagram Poke Envy 03:04 Behind the Highlight Reel 04:30 You Are Doing It Right 04:47 Plan Your Own Trip 06:06 Itinerary Audit Offer 06:34 Why Is This On Here 07:52 Reset Expectations 08:07 Resources 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/

    9 min

  5. Jun 3

    Hawaii 101: 2026 Edition

    Hawaii 101 for 2026: What’s Changed, Reservations, Islands, and Smarter Planning Marcie updates a “Hawaii 101 for 2026,” warning that much online advice is outdated due to West Maui’s post-2023 fire reality, expanding reservation requirements, new fees, and changing vacation-rental laws. She explains best timing (peak: Dec–Apr, Jun–Aug; shoulder: late Apr–May, Sept–mid Nov; September favorite) and flags logistics like REAL ID, shifting airline routes after Alaska’s 2024 acquisition of Hawaiian, Southwest’s Las Vegas–Hilo route, and Hawaiian ending most free main-cabin meals July 1 in favor of paid pre-orders. She compares island personalities and notes Lahaina remains a recovery area while nearby resorts operate and Pac Whale resumes Lahaina Harbor tours June 1. She stresses booking required reservations early, budgeting higher lodging taxes including the 0.75% “green fee,” verifying legal vacation rentals, renting cars on most islands, packing lightly, and choosing luaus carefully, with itinerary reviews and consultations available. 00:00 Hawaii 2026 Reset 01:14 Best Time to Visit 02:17 Flights and REAL ID 03:35 Choosing Your Island 04:39 Maui After the Fires 05:41 Big Island and Kauai 06:35 Reservations Are Mandatory 08:03 Itinerary Reality Check 09:41 Taxes and Rental Laws 11:10 Cars Packing and Luaus 13:20 Planning Help and Wrap Up How to Plan a Trip to Oahu How to Plan a Trip to Maui How to Plan a Trip to the Big Island How to Plan a Trip to Kauai 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/

    15 min

  6. May 27

    How to Decide Hawaii vs Mexico vs Caribbean With Kids

    Hawaii vs. Mexico/Caribbean: Choose the Vacation You Actually Want The episode argues that the better question than “Hawaii or Cancun?” is what kind of vacation you want: a resort-style, all-inclusive trip focused on ease and relaxation, or an adventure trip built around exploring. The host explains that Mexico and much of the Caribbean excel at all-inclusives with included food, drinks, and kids clubs, while Hawaii has no all-inclusives and costs add up quickly through meals, taxes, and activities, though it offers unique nature and cultural experiences like volcanoes, black sand beaches, scenic drives, luaus, and sunrise at Haleakala. It breaks down how kids’ ages, multigenerational preferences, flight times (West vs. East Coast), passports, language, and weather seasons affect the decision, provides 2026 cost ranges, and advises doing full-trip math before booking. 00:00 Hawaii Or Cancun 01:40 Resort Vs Adventure 02:09 All Inclusive Reality 03:26 Kids Age Factor 04:47 2026 Cost Breakdown 06:52 Flights And Passports 08:22 Weather Expectations 10:08 Family Preferences 11:32 When Hawaii Wins 12:35 When Resorts Win 13:33 Personal Trip Examples 14:43 How To Decide 16:41 Wrap Up 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/

    18 min

  7. May 25

    Day Trip to Lana'i from Maui: The Honest Version

    Day Trip to Lānaʻi from Maui: Ferry Logistics, What to Do, and Who It’s For Marcie Cheung explains how to plan a day trip to Lānaʻi from Maui via the Expeditions Ferry (now from Maʻalaea Harbor), including schedules, booking tips, arrival timing, parking, whale-season seating advice, and motion-sickness precautions. She frames Lānaʻi as quiet, small, and different from other Hawaiian islands, noting limited Hawaiian cultural feel and that it’s best for repeat Maui visitors, off-the-grid travelers, snorkelers, hikers, and cat lovers—not first-time Maui trips. With about 5.5 hours on the island on the common 11:00 AM–5:30 PM schedule (or nearly 10 hours via the 6:30 AM ferry), she recommends prioritizing early lunch in Lānaʻi City due to limited afternoon food, then visiting Hulopoʻe Beach, Sweetheart Rock, the Four Seasons area, the cat sanctuary (with shuttle), or booking a guided 4x4 tour for sites like Garden of the Gods and Shipwreck Beach; she also notes Cathedrals dive trips can depart directly from Maui. 00:00 Whales and First Impressions 01:03 Who Should Day Trip 01:43 Lanai Reality Check 02:41 Ferry Logistics and Parking 04:08 Best Seats and Seasickness 04:45 What to Pack 05:36 Choosing Your Ferry Time 07:02 No Car Highlights 07:39 4x4 Tours and Four Seasons 08:09 Cat Sanctuary Visit 08:33 Lanai City and Food Tips 09:48 Cathedrals Without Ferry 10:28 Families and Final Verdict 11:55 Resources 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/

    13 min

  8. May 20

    My 12-Year-Old Has Been to Hawaii 14 Times. He Has Opinions.

    Owen’s Kid’s-Eye Guide to Hawaii: Acai Bowls, Island Rankings, and Flying Solo at 10 Host Marcie welcomes her 12-year-old son, Owen, to “Hawaii Travel Made Easy,” highlighting his extensive Hawaii experience: about 14 trips, visits to Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island, and a solo flight to Kauai at age 10 to see grandma. Owen shares his February “best acai bowl” mission and picks Tropical Tribe in Waikiki as the winner, recommends shave ice, and says the beach is his must-do every trip. He ranks the islands: Big Island (zip lining on the Kohala zip line), Kauai, Maui, then Oahu. He contrasts Maui as best for pools and beaches and Kauai for food, advises that kids don’t care about long drives for quick photo spots, and urges parents to schedule pool/chill time. Owen reassures families about unaccompanied minor travel and encourages staying in the moment because Hawaii is worth the flight. 00:00 Meet Owen 00:57 Hawaii Credentials 02:15 Acai Bowl Quest 03:24 Kid Approved Activities 04:38 Island Rankings 06:26 Flying Solo 09:43 Parents Plan Too Much 11:07 Five Minute Hawaii Advice 12:08 Wrap Up 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/

    13 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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