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
  • 3.9 (27)
  • 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. 1D AGO

    Every Oahu Luau I've Been To (Ranked Honestly)

    Oahu Luau Rankings: Honest Reviews from a Former Hula Dancer The speaker, a certified Hawaii destination expert and former professional hula dancer who has visited Hawaii 40+ times, gives an honest ranking of Oahu luaus and related shows based on cultural care, experience style, and practicality. Top picks are TOA Luau (family-run, authentic Polynesian cultures, small scale, includes Waimea Valley entry but requires a long drive from Waikiki), Mauka Warriors (large cohesive warrior-themed production with fun activities and optional Waikiki shuttle), and Experience Nutridge (small, immersive estate setting near Honolulu with standout food). Na Lei Aloha is the best hotel luau (small, all-Hawaiian, strong buffet) and Aulani’s Ka Wa’a is best for Disney families already staying there. The Polynesian Cultural Center is recommended for daytime villages and the HA: Breath of Life show, while skipping the luau dinner; Rock-A-Hula and Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Auana are also highlighted, and Germaine’s is not recommended. 00:00 Honest Luau Rankings 01:21 Quick Tip Itinerary Reviews 01:37 How To Choose A Luau 02:23 Top Pick Toa Luau 04:02 Big Energy Mauka Warriors 05:45 Hidden Gem Nutridge 07:07 Best Waikiki Hotel Luau 08:33 Disney Aulani Ka Wa'a 09:52 PCC The Complicated One 12:08 More Oahu Night Shows 13:59 New Luau And Avoid Germaine's 14:55 Wrap Up Final Recommendations Oahu luau links Toa LuauMauka WarriorsExperience NutridgeNa Lei Aloha at Hyatt WaikikiDisney Aulani LuauPolynesian Cultural CenterRock-A-HulaCirque du Soleil's AuanaAbout 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/

    16 min

  2. 6D AGO

    What Maui Locals Want You to Know: Post-Fire, Post-Storm, and Why You Should Still Go

    Should You Still Visit Maui? A Local’s Take After the Lahaina Fire and Kona Storm Host Marcie addresses listener concerns about whether it’s a good time to visit Maui after the August 2023 Lahaina wildfire and March Kona storm flooding and road damage by interviewing longtime Maui resident blogger and Maui Life Podcast co-host Liza Pierce. Pierce shares what locals want visitors to understand: learn basic Hawaiian values such as aloha as a way of life, malama the land (including packing out trash), respecting wildlife like turtles and nēnē, honoring kupuna, and practicing kōkua through helping and giving. She notes common visitor missteps like driving too slowly, forcing pidgin, and seeking “hidden” or kapu spots. She encourages supporting local businesses and explains Lahaina’s Front Street remains closed while surrounding areas, restaurants, and Old Lahaina Luau are open; visitors should not tour the burn zone. Pierce says most areas have recovered from the Kona storm, with detours and reopened roads. 00:00 Maui's Recent Challenges 01:10 Meeting Liza Pierce 02:24 Liza's Maui Journey 04:30 From Mommy Blogs to Hawaii 06:08 Understanding Hawaiian Culture 10:49 Tourist Mistakes to Avoid 16:05 How to Be a Good Visitor 18:20 Supporting Local Businesses 18:58 Lahaina Today 22:03 Skip the Burn Zone 22:37 Kona Storm Damage Update 23:57 Road Closures and Detours 26:08 Should You Cancel Your Trip 26:43 Birthday Trip Storm Gamble 30:53 Resilience and Real Help 34:08 Social Media Info Overload 36:04 Leave Maui With Gratitude 37:48 Where to Find Lisa 41:02 Planning Resources and Wrap Where to find Liza: InstagramA Maui BlogMaui Life PodcastRelated shows: February Maui trip report episodeEpisode 47: How to Plan a Trip to MauiEpisode 31: What You Need to Know About the Road to HanaAbout 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/

    42 min

  3. MAR 30

    Maui Ocean Center: Is It Worth It? (A Three-Visit Honest Review)

    Maui Ocean Center: Honest Review, Best Exhibits, Tickets, and Family Tips (Plus Ululani’s Shave Ice) Marcie shares an honest, family-focused review of Maui Ocean Center based on three visits over more than a decade, explaining it features only animals from Hawaii’s waters and includes well-integrated, respectful Hawaiian cultural exhibits. She highlights the 54-foot Open Ocean Tunnel with sharks and manta rays, Turtle Lagoon with Hawaiian green sea turtles, baby shark displays, and the Living Reef, plus a 3D sphere theater and optional guided tours (culture/botanical Tuesdays and Thursdays; behind-the-scenes on other days). She notes Ululani’s Shave Ice is now inside and recommends strategies for the line, and says the large gift shop has higher-quality items than typical souvenirs. Practical tips include buying tickets online ($49.95 adults, $39.95 ages 4–12; under 3 free), easy QR-code parking at Ma‘alaea Harbor, planning 2–3 hours or closer to half a day, avoiding crowd pinch points with school groups, splitting groups with nearby boat tours, and pairing the aquarium with an afternoon at Kamaole Beaches. 00:00 Honest Aquarium Overview 00:38 Hawaii Only Exhibits 00:53 Culture Done Right 01:20 Must See Highlights 02:34 Reef Theater And Tours 03:11 Ululanis Shave Ice 04:08 Surprising Gift Shop 04:34 Tickets Parking Timing 05:28 Crowds And Split Day 06:15 Perfect Maui Day Plan 06:57 Is It Worth It 07:29 Resources And Wrap Up Get Tickets Read my full Maui Ocean Center Review About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories. Learn more at 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. MAR 25

    The Slow Maui Trip I Needed — 2026 Trip Report

    Four Slow Days in Maui (Feb 2026): Hyatt Regency Kaanapali, Flytographer, and One Main Thing a Day Marcie shares what a real Maui trip looks like for her and her 12-year-old in February 2026 after five workdays on Oahu: a slow four-day itinerary with one main activity per day, good food, and lots of pool time. After a frustrating Thrifty rental car upsell at OGG, she recommends booking through Discount Hawaii Car Rental. They stay at the Hyatt Regency Maui on points, do a Flytographer session in Wailea, eat at Coconuts Fish Cafe, Sweet Hula, and Cafe O’Lei at the Plantation, and visit Maui Ocean Center and Iao Valley State Park (timed entry required). Highlights include a cabana day and Drums of the Pacific luau in the rain, whale watching from the hotel, and handling a late-night red-eye departure. 00:00 Safety Pins at Dawn 00:18 Slow Maui Trip Plan 00:47 Rental Car Reality Check 02:08 Hyatt Check In Day 03:22 Flytographer Morning 04:31 Aquarium and Pool Time 05:38 Cabana Day and Luau 07:29 Red Eye Day Four 08:29 Upcountry and Iao Valley 09:38 Airport Run and Wrap Up 10:02 Expert Takeaways 10:33 Resources and Farewell Resources: Maui Ocean Center Review: Is the $50 Ticket Actually Worth It? (A Mom’s Take After 3 Visits)How to Plan a Trip to Maui With Kids About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories. Learn more at 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

  5. MAR 23

    Hanauma Bay 2026: What Families Actually Need to Know Before You Go

    Hanauma Bay in 2026: Reservations, Parking, Costs, and What to Expect Marcie explains what visiting Hanauma Bay in 2026 is really like, emphasizing that logistics are “half the battle” and why families prioritize it as the most beginner-friendly snorkeling spot on Oahu with calm, protected water and fish visible in the shallows. She details the 48-hour reservation system opening exactly at 7:00 AM Hawaii time (closed Mondays and Tuesdays), entry pricing ($25 ages 13+, kids 12 and under free, residents and active military free), and an alternative Roberts Hawaii shuttle package that allows booking up to a month ahead. She warns that reservations don’t guarantee parking (300 first-come spaces) and parking is $3 cash only, while the snack bar is card-only with high prices; small coolers and outside food are allowed. She outlines the mandatory orientation video, tram vs. steep walking path, rental gear costs, reef-safe sunscreen enforcement, seasonal considerations, and when to skip Hanauma Bay in favor of other snorkeling options. 00:00 Reservation Scramble 01:04 Why Hanauma Bay 02:11 Booking Rules Explained 03:09 Shuttle Booking Option 03:46 Arrival and Parking 05:00 Orientation and Tram 05:57 Walk Down Views 06:34 Beach Setup and Gear 07:32 Crowds Sun and Wildlife 08:04 Snack Bar Sticker Shock 09:00 Is It Worth It 10:14 Alternatives and Wrap Up 10:44 Final Tips Summary 11:37 Consultations and Goodbye Helpful Links How to Plan a Trip to Oahu episodeHanauma Bay ReservationsRoberts Hawaii TransportationHow to Visit Hanauma Bay blog post 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

  6. MAR 18

    My Honest Oahu Trip Report: What's Worth It in 2026

    Oahu Trip Report (Feb): What Was Worth It, What I'd Skip, and a Rental Car Mistake Marcie, a Hawaii destination expert, shares a February Oahu trip report with her 12-year-old, noting some experiences were hosted for honest coverage. They stayed five nights at Hyatt Regency Waikiki (great oceanfront room and smooth check-in; annoying tight, offsite parking and $65/night fee). She covers tips and takeaways from Hanauma Bay reservations and logistics, Kahuku Farms’ full tour and cafe, Cirque du Soleil Auana’s Hawaiian cultural integration, Wai Kai’s mixed results depending on what’s operating, and Kualoa Ranch ziplining’s scenic tandem format. She reviews Mauka Warriors Luau (strong show, okay food, far drive), Pearl Harbor highlights including the Aviation Museum and Missouri, and an intimate Na Lei Aloha dinner/show at the Hyatt. She also recounts unknowingly driving a Thrifty rental with expired tabs and lists planning lessons like booking USS Arizona tickets early and confirming reservations. 00:00 Big Oahu Trip Report 01:52 Hyatt Regency Waikiki 03:24 Hanauma Bay Tips 04:58 Kahuku Farms Tour 06:04 Cirque du Soleil Auana 07:07 Wai Kai Water Park 08:04 Kualoa Ranch Zipline 09:31 Mauka Warriors Luau 10:31 Pearl Harbor Updates 12:08 Na Lei Aloha Dinner 12:59 Thrifty Rental Car Fail 14:46 What I’d Do Differently 15:43 Planning Resources Wrap Up Links to Tours/Activities Hanauma Bay ReservationsKahuku Farms TourCirque du Soleil AuanaWai KaiKualoa Ranch ZiplineMauka WarriorsPearl Harbor Aviation MuseumPearl Harbor Complete Experience PassportNa Lei AlohaBuy 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/

    17 min

  7. MAR 16

    Skip-Gen Hawaii Adventures - When Grandparents & Grandkids Travel Together

    Skip-Gen Travel to Hawaii: Grandparents Taking Grandkids Without Parents Marcie Cheung of Hawaii Travel Made Easy discusses the growing trend of “skip generation” (skip-gen) travel, where grandparents take grandchildren to Hawaii without parents, sharing her son’s trips to Kauai at age 3 with grandma and again at 10 flying solo as an unaccompanied minor. She cites survey data showing skip-gen trips help bonding (82% of grandparents) and notes rising multigenerational travel overall, driven by post-COVID priorities, parental burnout, and more active, financially able grandparents. She explains why Hawaii works well (no passports, strong infrastructure, lifeguards, cultural learning, reliable weather), recommends ages 8–12 and 5–7 day trips, outlines island-by-island fit, warns about stricter vacation rental regulations starting September 2025, and covers planning tips, common mistakes, activity ideas, and the benefits of focused grandparent-grandchild bonding. 00:00 Toddler’s First Kauai Trip 00:56 Skip Gen Travel Explained 02:02 PB&J and Shave Ice Memories 02:50 Flying Solo at Ten 03:43 Why These Trips Work 03:53 Trend Data and Growth 04:55 Why Hawaii Fits Skip Gen 05:47 Best Ages and Teen Tips 07:10 Picking the Right Island 08:31 Where to Stay and Rental Rules 10:05 Activities for Both Generations 11:25 Common Mistakes to Avoid 12:42 Benefits and Lasting Impact 13:29 Planning Checklist and Resources 15:16 Final Thoughts and Wrap Up 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/

    16 min

  8. MAR 15

    They Turned Down $1,000 to Fly Into a Disaster [BONUS]

    Vacation Brain vs. Kona Storm: What to Know Before Flying to Hawaii The speaker records an unplanned bonus episode after witnessing families at San Diego Airport boarding for Maui during spring break as a gate agent sought eight volunteers to deplane due to weight restrictions from a major Hawaii storm, offering a transferable $1,000 voucher, hotel, Lyft, food, and a guaranteed seat the next day. The episode explains the statewide impact of a damaging Kona Low that built for five days: an emergency declaration, school and office closures, major flooding, rescues, road closures, widespread power outages, and blizzard conditions on Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, with the state still under flood watch on March 15. The speaker urges families to avoid “vacation brain” and recommends checking local news sources, treating big bump offers as warning signals, remembering high season doesn’t prevent weather disruption, buying travel insurance covering delays/interruptions, and building buffer days. 00:00 Bonus Episode Setup 00:18 Airport Maui Flight Shock 01:46 Kona Storm Explained 02:35 Oahu Flooding Impacts 04:11 Maui Crisis Conditions 04:59 Big Island Snow And Floods 05:39 Kauai Molokai And Ongoing Watch 06:13 Vacation Brain Reality Check 07:07 Five Travel Safety Rules 08:56 Final Takeaways And Resources hawaiinewsnow.commauicounty.govready.hawaii.govhawaiipublicradio.org (great ongoing storm coverage)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/

    10 min
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3.9
out of 5
27 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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