Hawaii Travel Podcast: Hawaii Travel Tips & Things to Do in Hawaii for Your Hawaii Vacation Planning | Hawaii’s Best Travel

Bryan Murphy — Certified Hawaii Travel Expert & Owner of Hawaii’s Best Travel | Hawaii Travel Podcast

Dreaming of a Hawaii vacation that’s unforgettable, authentic, and stress-free Hawaii’s Best Travel is the top Hawaii travel podcast helping for your Hawaii vacation planning from start to finish with the best Hawaii travel tips, things to do in Hawaii, and insider advice from local voices. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning traveler, this Hawaii travel and vacation guide helps you uncover the most memorable experiences across Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island, Lanai, and Molokai. Each episode features practical Hawaii travel planning advice, cultural insights, and expert recommendations so you can explore the islands responsibly and with confidence. Hosted by Bryan Murphy — Certified Hawaii Travel Expert and founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel — the show combines real-world experience with official training through the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau. Bryan has visited the islands more than 30 times and remains active in Hawaii’s visitor industry. His guidance follows the principles of Ma‘ema‘e Hawai‘i, emphasizing authenticity, respect for natural resources, and regenerative tourism practices that care for (mālama) the islands. As one of the leading voices in Hawaii travel, Bryan provides practical Hawaii vacation planning strategies, Hawaii travel hacks, and budget-friendly recommendations that make exploring Hawaii simple and meaningful. You’ll also hear interviews with local residents, business owners, and cultural practitioners who share personal stories and Hawaii travel insights you won’t find in typical guidebooks. What you’ll discover on Hawaii’s Best Travel: • Top things to do in Hawaii and can’t-miss activities on every island • Up-to-date Hawaii travel news and visitor tips • Authentic food, culture, and traditions that define the Hawaiian Islands • Responsible and respectful Hawaii travel guidance aligned with local values Each week, tune in for concise, value-packed episodes and inspiring guest interviews that help you plan your Hawaii vacation with clarity and aloha. From learning how to visit sacred sites respectfully to finding the best Hawaii travel itineraries, you’ll gain insider knowledge that transforms your trip from ordinary to unforgettable. If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii or dreaming of your next island getaway, this is your trusted Hawaii travel guide to experience the islands authentically and responsibly. Subscribe to Hawaii’s Best Travel today and start planning your perfect Hawaii vacation. Tune in each week for concise, value-packed solo episodes and inspiring guest interviews to help your Hawaii travel planning!

  1. 2D AGO

    On-Island Update: How To Actually Help Hawaii Flood Victims Using Verified Local Resources with Star Dohl-Thurston

    Want to help Hawaii after the floods but not sure if what you're doing is actually making a difference? Most people have the heart to help but end up lost in outdated Instagram posts, unverified GoFundMe pages, and scattered information that wastes time and misses the people who need it most. 👉 Hit play now and walk away knowing exactly where to send your money, your time, and your skills so they reach verified families and organizations on the ground. If you've ever wondered how to truly show up for Hawaii in a meaningful way, this episode is for you. You'll discover why good intentions aren't always enough and what to do instead to make your help count. In this episode of Hawaii's Best, we sit down with Malama Map founder Star Dahl-Thurston to break down the most effective ways to support Hawaii flood relief so you can take real, confident action today. 👉 In this episode, you will: Learn how Malama Map connects you directly to verified nonprofits, skilled volunteer opportunities, and families in needUnderstand why showing up without coordinating through the right organizations can actually disrupt relief effortsDiscover how visitors traveling to Hawaii this summer can turn their trip into a meaningful act of service_ Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to find out exactly how to help Hawaii flood victims using trusted, verified local resources. 🤙Resources mentioned: Malama Map_ 📱Connect with Star Dohl-Thurston: Instagram: @stardahlthurstonWebsite: malamamap.org_ 🎧Related episodes: What to know planning a trip to Hawaii in 2026_  🤓Chapters: 1:51 North Shore Recovery Update3:08 How Off Island Can Help5:20 Visitors Volunteering Pono7:34 Why Malama Map Exists9:34 How to Help13:38 Wrap Up and Next Steps_ About Your Host: Bryan Murphy is the founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel & a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawaii Tourism Authority, since 2020. An HVCB member since 2019, he helps first-time & repeat visitors plan unforgettable Hawaii vacations w/ clear, practical advice & authentic cultural insight. 👉 Book a Hawaii Travel Consultation 📲 Connect on Instagram 🌺 Hawaii Planning Facebook Group ✉️ 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)

    16 min
  2. 5D AGO

    Is April a Good Time to Go to Hawaii? Yes, just avoid THIS one week

    Is April actually one of the best times to visit Hawaii, or are you walking into a crowd and cost trap without knowing it? April sits in Hawaii's shoulder season, and most travelers either skip it entirely or accidentally book the one week they should avoid. 👉 Hit play now and get the exact breakdown of April weather, crowds, costs, and events so you can plan a smarter, more affordable Hawaii trip. If you've ever wondered how to time a Hawaii trip to get good weather without the summer crowds or holiday prices, this episode is for you. Bryan Murphy lays out what April in Hawaii actually looks like, week by week, so you know exactly what to expect before you book. In this episode of Hawaii's Best, we break down visiting Hawaii in April so you can avoid the costly mistakes and make the most of one of Hawaii's least crowded months. 👉 In this episode, you will: Understand why the second half of April delivers the best shoulder season conditionsDiscover three April-only eventsLearn the early April whale watching window when mother and calf humpback pairs are still in the islandScroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to nail the timing of your April Hawaii trip and avoid the one week that changes everything. 🎧Related episodes: Spring Break in HawaiiBest Time to Visit HawaiiBest Island for First-Time Visitors_  💻Related blog posts: Hawaii in April GuideSpring Break in Hawaii Guide_  🤓Chapters: 0:21 Shoulder Season Explained1:54 April Weather Breakdown2:45 Rain Tips and Best Shores4:07 Crowds and Easter Week6:15 Costs and New Taxes8:14 April Festivals and Events10:30 Whale Watching Window11:14 Wrap Up and Resources_ About Your Host: Bryan Murphy is the founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel & a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawaii Tourism Authority, since 2020. An HVCB member since 2019, he helps first-time & repeat visitors plan unforgettable Hawaii vacations w/ clear, practical advice & authentic cultural insight. 👉 Book a Hawaii Travel Consultation 📲 Connect on Instagram 🌺 Hawaii Planning Facebook Group ✉️ 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)

    13 min
  3. MAR 27

    More Than a Statue: Why Duke Kahanamoku's Story Should Matter to Every Hawaii Visitor

    Duke Kahanamoku's story isn't just about swimming fast or riding waves. It's about resilience, humility, and carrying the spirit of Hawaii to every shore he touched. 👉 Hit play now and discover how one Hawaiian waterman changed surf culture forever, saved eight lives with a surfboard, and became a living symbol of aloha. If you've ever wondered how surfing became a global phenomenon, this episode is for you. You'll learn the true story behind the man who sparked it all and why his legacy still shapes the ocean culture we know today. In this episode of Hawaii's Best, we uncover the remarkable true story of Duke Kahanamoku so you can understand the deep Hawaiian roots behind the waves you love. 👉In this episode, you will: Discover how a native Hawaiian overcame racial prejudice to win Olympic gold at the 1912 Stockholm Games and shatter world records by whole seconds.Learn how Duke's 1912 surfboard demonstration on Sydney's Freshwater Beach sparked a worldwide movement that turned surfing into a global culture.Explore the 1925 Newport Beach rescue where Duke used his surfboard to save eight lives, forever changing how lifeguards protect people in the surf._ Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to uncover the full, inspiring true story of Duke Kahanamoku and the aloha spirit he carried around the world. 🤓Chapters: 2:25 Waikiki Roots and Upheaval4:20 Record-Breaking Swimmer5:24 Prejudice and Aloha Ambassador5:59 Surfing Goes Global6:48 Newport Beach Rescue Hero8:17 Sheriff and Community Icon8:41 Legacy in Surf Culture9:45 Waves of Aloha_ About Your Host: Bryan Murphy is the founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel & a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawaii Tourism Authority, since 2020. An HVCB member since 2019, he helps first-time & repeat visitors plan unforgettable Hawaii vacations w/ clear, practical advice & authentic cultural insight. 👉 Book a Hawaii Travel Consultation 📲 Connect on Instagram 🌺 Hawaii Planning Facebook Group ✉️ 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)

    11 min
  4. MAR 24

    Oahu or Kauai? The Difference Most Visitors Realize Too Late

    Oahu and Kauai couldn’t feel more different, and most travelers don’t realize that until they’ve already booked. 📥 Download our FREE Oahu vs Kauai Decision Guide In this episode of Hawaii’s Best, we compare Oahu and Kauai side by side so you can stop guessing and start planning with confidence. 👉 In this episode, you will: Find out why the cheaper island might actually cost you more in ways you haven't consideredLearn the one question Bryan asks every traveler before recommending an islandGet the 2026 ground-level updates that could affect your trip before you even land in Hawaii_ Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to finally decide between Oahu and Kauai with clarity and confidence. _ 🎧Related episodes: Kauai Travel GuideOahu Travel GuideOahu vs MauiMaui vs KauaiKauai vs Big IslandDon’t Visit Oahu for the First Time Without Knowing This7-Day Kauai ItineraryKauai's Hidden Gems_  🤓Chapters: 1:46 2026 Travel Updates5:03 Island Differences6:52 Why Choose Oahu9:08 Why Choose Kauai11:37 Costs and Crowds13:14 Who Each Island Fits_ About Your Host: Bryan Murphy is the founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel & a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawaii Tourism Authority, since 2020. An HVCB member since 2019, he helps first-time & repeat visitors plan unforgettable Hawaii vacations w/ clear, practical advice & authentic cultural insight. 👉 Book a Hawaii Travel Consultation 📲 Connect on Instagram 🌺 Hawaii Planning Facebook Group ✉️ 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)

    17 min
  5. MAR 17

    Hotels vs. Airbnb Short-Term Rentals in Hawaii: What You Need to Know BEFORE You Book

    Is the vacation rental you’re booking in Hawaii actually legal, and what happens to your money if it isn’t? Most Hawaii travelers assume Airbnb or VRBO has them covered when something goes wrong. In 2026, that assumption is costing people real money. 👉 Hit play now and get a clear, island-by-island breakdown of what to book, what to avoid, and how to protect your trip before you spend a single dollar. If you’ve ever wondered whether a hotel or vacation rental is the right call for your Hawaii trip, this episode is for you. Bryan walks you through the real risks, the real numbers, and the exact steps to verify any rental before you commit. 👉 In this episode, you will: Understand why Hawaii’s new 18.5% lodging tax applies to every option and what a $200 night actually costs youLearn the current short-term rental rules on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island so you don’t arrive at a property that’s been shut downUse a four-step verification checklist to confirm any vacation rental is legal before you bookScroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to know exactly what to book, what to avoid, and how to protect your Hawaii trip in 2026. 🤙Resources mentioned: Check STR EligibilityBook a Hawaii Vacation Planning Session w/ Bryan_ 🎧Related episodes: 5 Mistakes When Planning a Trip to Hawaii_  💻Related blog posts: Hawaii Vacation Rental Laws 2026Hawaii 2026 Travel Changes_  🤓Chapters: 3:27 Which Traveler Are You4:27 Timeshare Middle Option7:26 When Rentals Save Money9:03 Legal Risks By Island10:35 Oahu Rules And Verification11:11 Maui Bill 9 Crackdown11:52 Kauai And Big Island Rules12:35 Listener Story16:30 Wrap Up And Resources_ About Your Host: Bryan Murphy is the founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel & a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawaii Tourism Authority, since 2020. An HVCB member since 2019, he helps first-time & repeat visitors plan unforgettable Hawaii vacations w/ clear, practical advice & authentic cultural insight. 👉 Book a Hawaii Travel Consultation 📲 Connect on Instagram 🌺 Hawaii Planning Facebook Group ✉️ 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)

    18 min
  6. MAR 13

    The Pearl Harbor Experience Most Visitors Don't Know Exists

    Most visitors to Pearl Harbor only see it from the ground, but that just changed! The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum just opened a brand new experience, and if you’re heading to Oahu, you’ll want to know about this before you go. 👉 Hit play now to hear from the museum’s first-ever CEO, a former Blue Angels pilot, on exactly what’s new and how to plan a visit that’s actually worth your time. If you’ve ever wondered how to get more out of Pearl Harbor than a quick walkthrough, this episode is for you. You’ll walk away knowing what’s new, what to book, and how to make the most of a full day on Oahu. In this episode of Hawaii’s Best, we sit down with the man leading Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum so you can show up informed, skip the guesswork, and experience Pearl Harbor the way most visitors never do. 👉In this episode, you will: Discover the new Tower View Experience, climb 168 feet to the top of the Ford Island Control Tower and finally see Pearl Harbor the way it was attacked, from the air.Learn how to plan your visit from start to finish, including the free shuttle, current security requirements, and the optional $10 docent-led deep dive.Hear the one piece of advice the museum’s CEO gives every visitor that most people never hear before they arrive._ Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to plan a Pearl Harbor visit that goes way beyond the surface. 👉Book the Pearl Harbor Tower View Experience 🎧Related episodes: 5 Oahu Experiences You Won't Forget!_ 💻Related blog posts: Must-See Historical Places in Hawaii_ 🤓Chapters: 2:45 From Blue Angels to CEO4:48 Why Pearl Harbor Still Matters7:29 Attack Seen From the Tower10:24 Tower View Experience Explained13:06 John’s First Pearl Harbor Moment15:54 Plan Your Ideal Museum Visit17:23 Security and Getting On Base19:18 One Tip Most Visitors Miss20:21 Where to Eat on Oahu23:12 Final Takeaways_ About Your Host: Bryan Murphy is the founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel & a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawaii Tourism Authority, since 2020. An HVCB member since 2019, he helps first-time & repeat visitors plan unforgettable Hawaii vacations w/ clear, practical advice & authentic cultural insight. 👉 Book a Hawaii Travel Consultation 📲 Connect on Instagram 🌺 Hawaii Planning Facebook Group ✉️ 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)

    25 min
  7. MAR 10

    Which Hawaii Island Is Best for First-Time Visitors?

    Picking the wrong island can cost you thousands of dollars and the trip you’ve been dreaming about for years. For first-time Hawaii travelers, the four main islands each deliver a completely different experience, and matching the right one to your travel style is the decision that makes or breaks everything. In this episode of Hawaii’s Best, we walk through all four main islands side by side so you can make a confident, informed decision before you book a single thing. 👉 In this episode, you will: Learn which island fits your travel style using one focused question per island, covering Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.Avoid costly booking mistakes like island hopping on a short trip, selling-out permits, and unlicensed short-term rentals that can get shut down mid-stay.Know exactly what to book first including rental cars, sunrise permits, and state park reservations that sell out within minutes of opening._ Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to find your island and start planning a Hawaii trip that actually fits the vacation you want. 👉 Book a Hawaii Travel Consultation 🎧Related episodes: Island-Hopping GuideKauai Travel GuideMaui Travel GuideOahu Travel GuideOahu for the First-Time_ 🤓Chapters: 2:01 Island Overview2:46 Oahu: Easy And Flexible5:15 Maui: Classic Resort Vibes7:29 Kauai: Unplug And Slow Down9:43 Big Island: Epic Landscapes11:10 Rental Cars And Permits14:02 Final Island Recap14:30 Costs Timing And Support_ About Your Host: Bryan Murphy is the founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel & a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawaii Tourism Authority, since 2020. An HVCB member since 2019, he helps first-time & repeat visitors plan unforgettable Hawaii vacations w/ clear, practical advice & authentic cultural insight. 👉 Book a Hawaii Travel Consultation 📲 Connect on Instagram 🌺 Hawaii Planning Facebook Group ✉️ 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)

    17 min
  8. MAR 3

    Big Island vs Kauai: Which Hawaii Island Fits Your Trip?

    Picking between the Big Island and Kauai sounds simple until you realize one wrong choice can eat your whole budget, your driving days, and your sanity. Big Island vs. Kauai FREE Decision Guide These two islands could not be more different, and for Hawaii travelers trying to make the most of one week, the gap between a great trip and a frustrating one often comes down to this single decision. 👉 Hit play now and get a clear, honest breakdown of both islands so you can stop second-guessing and start planning with confidence. 👉 In this episode, you will: Discover why the Big Island’s size is both its biggest selling point and its sneakiest planning trapLearn which island wins for beaches, snorkeling, and budget based on real firsthand experienceFind out the one logistics mistake that quietly steals an entire day from your Hawaii vacation_ Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to finally know which island is the right fit for your trip. 🎧Related episodes: Episode 194 - Oahu vs. MauiEpisode 214 - Maui vs. KauaiEpisode 131 - Christmas in HawaiiEpisode 125 - Island Hopping in Hawaii_ 🤓Chapters: 2:14 Big Island Highlights6:08 Kauai The Garden Isle8:18 Head to Head Comparison9:27 Costs and Hidden Fees10:34 Island Hopping Time Trap11:59 Which Island Should You Choose12:37 Free Guide and Planning Help13:42 Wrap Up_ About Your Host: Bryan Murphy is the founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel & a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawaii Tourism Authority, since 2020. An HVCB member since 2019, he helps first-time & repeat visitors plan unforgettable Hawaii vacations w/ clear, practical advice & authentic cultural insight. 👉 Book a Hawaii Travel Consultation 📲 Connect on Instagram 🌺 Hawaii Planning Facebook Group ✉️ 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)

    15 min

Hosts & Guests

4.9
out of 5
277 Ratings

About

Dreaming of a Hawaii vacation that’s unforgettable, authentic, and stress-free Hawaii’s Best Travel is the top Hawaii travel podcast helping for your Hawaii vacation planning from start to finish with the best Hawaii travel tips, things to do in Hawaii, and insider advice from local voices. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning traveler, this Hawaii travel and vacation guide helps you uncover the most memorable experiences across Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island, Lanai, and Molokai. Each episode features practical Hawaii travel planning advice, cultural insights, and expert recommendations so you can explore the islands responsibly and with confidence. Hosted by Bryan Murphy — Certified Hawaii Travel Expert and founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel — the show combines real-world experience with official training through the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau. Bryan has visited the islands more than 30 times and remains active in Hawaii’s visitor industry. His guidance follows the principles of Ma‘ema‘e Hawai‘i, emphasizing authenticity, respect for natural resources, and regenerative tourism practices that care for (mālama) the islands. As one of the leading voices in Hawaii travel, Bryan provides practical Hawaii vacation planning strategies, Hawaii travel hacks, and budget-friendly recommendations that make exploring Hawaii simple and meaningful. You’ll also hear interviews with local residents, business owners, and cultural practitioners who share personal stories and Hawaii travel insights you won’t find in typical guidebooks. What you’ll discover on Hawaii’s Best Travel: • Top things to do in Hawaii and can’t-miss activities on every island • Up-to-date Hawaii travel news and visitor tips • Authentic food, culture, and traditions that define the Hawaiian Islands • Responsible and respectful Hawaii travel guidance aligned with local values Each week, tune in for concise, value-packed episodes and inspiring guest interviews that help you plan your Hawaii vacation with clarity and aloha. From learning how to visit sacred sites respectfully to finding the best Hawaii travel itineraries, you’ll gain insider knowledge that transforms your trip from ordinary to unforgettable. If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii or dreaming of your next island getaway, this is your trusted Hawaii travel guide to experience the islands authentically and responsibly. Subscribe to Hawaii’s Best Travel today and start planning your perfect Hawaii vacation. Tune in each week for concise, value-packed solo episodes and inspiring guest interviews to help your Hawaii travel planning!

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