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
  • 3.8 (22)
  • 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 Wednesday!

  1. 3D AGO

    Hawaii Spring Break Guide: Best Islands, Activities & Real Costs

    Surviving Spring Break in Hawaii: A Parent's Guide This episode is a comprehensive guide for parents planning a spring break trip to Hawaii with their kids. It covers travel logistics, budgeting, activities, and tips for managing varying age groups. Marcie offers realistic insights into the busy season, emphasizing the necessity of early bookings, strategic planning, and flexibility in scheduling to ensure a memorable family vacation. The guide also addresses common mistakes families make, from underestimating costs to over-packing their itineraries. Additional services for tailored consultation are recommended for personalized itinerary planning. 00:00 Introduction: Spring Break Panic in Hawaii 00:37 Reality Check: Spring Break Crowds and Costs 02:09 Choosing the Right Island for Your Family 04:14 Budgeting for Food and Activities 05:50 A Day in the Life: Realistic Expectations 07:38 Top Activities Worth Your Time and Money 11:04 Managing Different Age Groups 12:49 Dealing with Rainy Days 13:49 Budget Breakdown: Real Costs of a Hawaii Trip 15:20 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them 16:18 Conclusion: Planning for an Amazing Trip Buy my Hawaii guides on my blog or Amazon Book a Hawaii Travel Consultation Blog: Hawaii Travel with Kids Instagram @HawaiiTravelWithKids 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/

    19 min

  2. 5D AGO

    Is the Polynesian Cultural Center Worth It? My Honest Take

    Is the Polynesian Cultural Center Worth Your Time and Money? In this episode of Hawaii Travel Made Easy, Marcie provides an in-depth review of the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) on Oahu. Reflecting on her personal experience and comparing it to an authentic Maori cultural experience in New Zealand, she outlines the pros and cons of visiting PCC. Marcie discusses the types of experiences available at the center, highlights the costs and time investment, and offers practical tips for visitors, such as what to bring and when to arrive. She advises on who might enjoy PCC the most and suggests alternative cultural experiences for those with limited time or different interests. Marcie's honest take aims to help listeners make informed decisions about including PCC in their Hawaiian vacation plans. 00:00 Introduction: The Truth About Polynesian Cultural Center 00:37 Overview of Polynesian Cultural Center 01:21 Is PCC Worth Your Time? 02:27 Logistics: Getting to PCC 03:08 What to Bring and Timing Tips 03:53 Authenticity and Cultural Experience 04:59 Common Mistakes to Avoid 06:41 Recommended Packages and Activities 07:57 A Day at PCC: What to Expect 11:47 Alternative Activities and Final Thoughts 14:48 Conclusion and Farewell Buy my Hawaii guides on my blog or Amazon Book a Hawaii Travel Consultation Discount Hawaii Car Rentals--This is where I book ALL my car rentals Tours related to this podcast Islands of Polynesia PackageHa: Breath of Life ShowToa LuauMauka Warriors LuauFollow me on Instagram @hawaiitravelwithkids 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

  3. JAN 28

    How to Plan a Hawaii Family Trip Without the Overwhelm

    Hawaii Family Vacation Planning: Expert Tips for Stress-Free Travel In this episode of 'Hawaii Travel Made Easy,' host Marcie Cheung shares her comprehensive process for planning family trips to Hawaii. Drawing from over 40 trips and countless consultations, Marcie outlines five crucial steps to ensure a magical, stress-free vacation. She advises on how to determine your family's travel preferences, match the right Hawaiian island to your needs, optimize travel timing, book efficiently, and create realistic itineraries. Marcie also highlights common planning mistakes to avoid and offers budget-friendly strategies. With her expertise, you can plan a trip where everyone, from toddlers to teens, has a great time. For personalized planning, Marcie offers consultations available at HawaiiTravelWithKids.com. 00:00 Welcome to Hawaii Travel Made Easy 00:58 Step 1: Define Your Ideal Vacation 02:03 Step 2: Choose the Right Island 03:27 Step 3: Perfect Timing for Your Trip 04:42 Step 4: Booking Your Trip Efficiently 06:09 Step 5: Crafting a Realistic Itinerary 08:13 Common Planning Mistakes to Avoid 12:36 Budgeting Tips and Strategies 14:19 Creating Kid-Friendly Itineraries 16:51 Conclusion and Consultation Services Buy my Hawaii guides on my blog or Amazon Book a Hawaii Travel Consultation Blog: Hawaii Travel with Kids Instagram @HawaiiTravelWithKids 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

  4. JAN 26

    Best Areas to Stay on the Big Island

    Kona vs. Hilo: Choosing the Right Side of the Big Island for Your Vacation In this episode of Hawaii Travel Made Easy, Marcie explains the critical differences between staying in Kona and Hilo on the Big Island. She offers detailed advice on which side to choose based on your planned activities, the length of your stay, and the type of experience you seek. Marcie highlights the geographic challenges of traveling between the two sides, the unique weather patterns, and the types of accommodations available. She also provides practical tips on budgeting for accommodations and state park fees. Whether you are planning beach activities and snorkeling or exploring Volcanoes National Park and waterfalls, this episode will help you make an informed decision to maximize your Hawaii vacation experience. 00:00 Introduction: Kona or Hilo? 00:28 Deciding Based on Activities 01:32 Travel Time Considerations 02:13 Trip Length and Split Stays 02:42 Weather and Vibe: Kona vs. Hilo 03:28 Accommodation Options 04:38 Budgeting for Your Trip 05:11 Final Tips and Conclusion Hawaii Travel Guides Book a Hawaii Travel Consultation Free Email Planning Courses Blog Posts Related to this Episode 15 Free Things to Do on the Big Island That Kids Will Love22 Best Things to Do in Kona on Your Big Island Vacation10 Fun Things to Do on the Big Island for Free or at a Low Cost13 Worst Big Island Mistakes People Make: A Guide to a Better Vacation10 Big Island Secrets Every Parent Must Know Before Booking Your Trip! Etsy Shop Follow me on Instagram @hawaiitravelwithkids 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/

    6 min

  5. JAN 21

    Best Areas to Stay on Kauai

    Choosing the Perfect Area to Stay in Kauai: A Comprehensive Guide In this episode, Marcie breaks down the key factors to consider when choosing where to stay in Kauai, Hawaii. She details the differences between the North Shore, South Shore, East Side, and West Side, providing insights on weather, beaches, accessibility, and overall vibe of each area. Marcie advises on the best spots depending on your travel priorities, whether you're looking for sunny beaches, dramatic scenery, central location, or solitude. The episode also offers guidance on making the decision easier with personalized consultations. Perfect for first-time visitors trying to navigate the diverse options of Kauai. 00:00 Common Mistakes When Booking in Princeville 00:18 Choosing the Right Area in Kauai 01:09 Why Poipu is Popular 02:31 Exploring the North Shore: Princeville and Hanalei 03:54 The East Side: Kapaa, Wailua, and Lihue 04:59 The Remote West Side: Waimea and Kekaha 05:36 Final Tips for Choosing Your Kauai Destination 05:59 Personalized Travel Consultations 06:53 Conclusion and Subscription Reminder Buy my Hawaii guides on my blog or Amazon Book a Hawaii Travel Consultation Discount Hawaii Car Rentals--This is where I book ALL my car rentals Blog posts related to this podcast 10 Must-Know Tips BEFORE You Plan a Trip to KauaiFREE 7 Day Email Course: How to Plan a Trip to KauaiAvoid Vacation Fails: Essential Kauai Tips Every Parent Needs to Know!Follow me on Instagram @hawaiitravelwithkids 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/

    7 min

  6. JAN 19

    Best Areas to Stay on Oahu

    Oahu Accommodation Guide: Waikiki vs. North Shore In this episode of 'Hawaii Travel Made Easy,' host Marcie tackles the common dilemma of choosing between North Shore and Waikiki for your stay on Oahu. Marcie shares her insights from over 40 visits to Hawaii, highlighting mistakes travelers often make and providing practical advice on how to select the best area based on your preferences, planned activities, and budget. She covers the pros and cons of Waikiki, Honolulu, the North Shore, and Ko Olina, helping you decide whether to rent a car, handle crowds, and manage accommodation costs. The episode also introduces the benefits of personalized travel consultations to optimize your Hawaiian vacation. 00:00 Introduction: Choosing Between North Shore and Waikiki 00:22 Personal Experience and Common Mistakes 02:18 Key Questions to Ask Yourself 04:00 Detailed Area Breakdown 06:45 Consultation and Final Advice Hawaii Travel Guides Book a Hawaii Travel Consultation Free Email Planning Courses Blog Posts Related to this Episode: 16 Best Places to Stay in Oahu for Any BudgetBest Area to Stay on Oahu Etsy Shop Follow me on Instagram @hawaiitravelwithkids 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

  7. JAN 14

    Best Areas to Stay on Maui

    Choosing the Perfect Spot to Stay in Maui: A Comprehensive Guide In this episode, Marcie guides you through the best areas to stay in Maui, breaking down the unique characteristics and benefits of each region. Whether you are looking for a luxury resort experience in Kapalua, a family-friendly atmosphere in Ka'anapali, budget-friendly condos in Kihei, or high-end accommodations in Wailea, this guide will help you make an informed decision based on your vacation preferences. Marcie also discusses the importance of considering drive times for popular activities like Haleakala sunrise and the Road to Hana. For a more detailed comparison of Wailea and Ka'anapali, she recommends referring to episode 56. Personalized consultation services are also available for tailored recommendations. Don't miss this vital information for planning your next trip to Maui. 00:00 Introduction: Planning Your Maui Trip 01:14 Overview of Maui's Main Resort Areas 01:55 Exploring West Maui: Kapalua to Lahaina 02:46 Family-Friendly Ka'anapali 03:33 Impact of the 2023 Wildfires on Lahaina 04:27 Discovering South Maui: Kihei to Wailea 06:13 Considering Drive Times and Activities 07:20 Personal Recommendations and Consultation Services 08:40 Conclusion: Choosing the Right Area for Your Stay Buy my Hawaii guides on my blog or Amazon Book a Hawaii Travel Consultation Discount Hawaii Car Rentals--This is where I book ALL my car rentals Blog posts related to this podcast Planning Your Trip? Find Out the Best Area to Stay in Maui10 Essential Things to Know BEFORE Planning a Trip to MauiFREE 7 Day Email Course: How to Plan a Trip to MauiFollow me on Instagram @hawaiitravelwithkids 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

  8. JAN 12

    One Island vs Two Islands: How to Actually Decide [BONUS EPISODE]

    One or Two Islands: Making the Best Decision for Your Hawaii Trip In this episode, we address one of the most common questions in Hawaii trip planning: Should you visit one island or two? The decision heavily influences the quality of your vacation. We provide a framework for making this choice, focusing on factors such as trip length, whether it's your first visit, the type of vacation you want, and your comfort with logistics. We also discuss how inter-island travel can consume significant vacation time and offer advice for different trip lengths and visitor types. For trips less than a week, it's recommended to stick to one island; for longer stays, two islands can be feasible if planned correctly. Finally, we emphasize the importance of personal preferences and suggest that a consultation can help tailor the perfect itinerary. 00:00 Introduction: The Crucial Decision for Your Hawaii Trip 00:23 Factors to Consider: Trip Length and Travel Logistics 01:43 First-Time Visitors: The Urge to See It All 02:25 Vacation Style: Relaxation vs. Variety 03:17 Logistics: The Hidden Challenges of Island Hopping 04:13 Making the Right Choice: One Island or Two? 04:44 Pairing Islands: Best Combinations for Your Trip 05:21 Conclusion: Personalized Advice for Your Perfect Trip 06:25 Next Week's Preview: Beach Parking Tips Buy my Hawaii guides on my blog or Amazon Book a Hawaii Travel Consultation Buy my customizable mobile itineraries on Etsy Discount Hawaii Car Rentals--This is where I book ALL my car rentals Blog posts related to this podcast How Many Days in Maui Do You Need?How Many Days in Kauai Do You Need?How Many Days in Oahu Do You Need?Follow me on Instagram @hawaiitravelwithkids 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/

    7 min
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3.8
out of 5
22 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 Wednesday!

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