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 (33)
  • 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 Hawaii travel consultant Marcie Cheung, 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 Hawaii travel consultant for families and a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawaii Tourism Authority. She runs the popular Hawaii family travel site Hawaii Travel with Kids, has visited Hawaii more than 40 times, and offers one-on-one Hawaii trip planning consultations and itinerary reviews at hawaiitravelwithkids.com. 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 figuring out what's actually worth your time, we'll help you create the perfect Hawaii experience! New episodes drop every Monday & Wednesday!

  1. 1d ago

    What It's Really Like to Be on Maui During a Hurricane with Kids— Ep 155

    Family Trip to Maui During Hurricane Lala: What It Was Really Like (Plus Kid-Friendly Tips) Who this episode is for: Families planning a Hawaii trip in late summer or fall who are nervous about hurricane season, especially with young kids. What you'll learn: How Kendra's family got ready for Hurricane Lala and handled a day without power in a Napili vacation rental with a 4 and 7 year old. You'll also hear what Maui beach parking cost them, what travel insurance may not cover in a hurricane, and how a Resort Pass day room made their red-eye day easier. Places discussed: MauiNapili (West Maui), where Kendra's family stayedKa'anapaliLahaina, for the grocery store and chain restaurantsMa'alaea, home of the Maui Ocean CenterKihei, including a big shaded park with a play structureKapalua, for snorkeling and easy beach daysIronwoods Beach, for family photosMaui Ocean CenterCostco on MauiSafeway on MauiKonaBig IslandKauaiActivities discussed: Private shore-based snorkeling tour with Maui Ocean Project at Kapalua (beach lesson on sea life, wetsuits, life jackets, two-person boogie boards, photos included)Seeing sea turtles while snorkelingBuilding a sand turtle on the beachBoat snorkel tours (considered, skipped with young kids)Maui Ocean Center visit, about an hour to an hour and a halfFree Maui Ocean Center entry with a Pacific Science Center reciprocal membershipFlytographer family photo shoot at Ironwoods (Marcie's trusted Hawaii resources, including Flytographer, are at hawaiitravelwithkids.com/hawaii-resources)Beach days at Kapalua, with chair and umbrella rentalsPaid beach parking on Maui ($35 for an evening at Ironwoods, one code good at several Napili area beaches)Pool time at the vacation rentalPlayground time in KiheiCostco run for food, flashlights, and battery lanternsGrilling at the rental during the power outageSkip-Bo and Uno by lantern lightPacking a suitcase of toys (Legos, Matchbox cars, Wikki Stix, Magna-Tiles)Resort Pass day-rate room with pool and water slide before a red-eye flightHotels discussed: Four-bedroom Airbnb with a pool in Napili (owner on property, solar battery backup)Sheraton or Hilton on Maui, Kendra's Resort Pass day-rate roomThe Hyatt on Maui, next to the Sheraton, where Marcie has stayedHilton Waikoloa Village, Marcie's Costco Travel bookingRestaurants discussed: Starbucks by the Maui Ocean Center: had power after the storm, 45-minute lineMarcie's recommendations: A rental with a pool is the right call with young kids, since they can swim before or after dinner.Marcie usually doesn't factor hurricane season into trip planning because it's rarely been an issue. This year has been unusual, with three storms as of early October.Don't count on ChatGPT for real-time info like whether an attraction is open. Call directly.Maui Ocean Center is amazing but pricey, so the reciprocal membership tip is a big money saver.Maui beach parking fees catch people off guard. Read the signs and know which lot you're in.Travel insurance often won't cover a hurricane unless there's a state of emergency or things are legitimately shut down.Hurricanes headed toward Hawaii can change direction fast, so you can't predict much ahead of time.Spring break and February midwinter break flights from Seattle are usually very expensive.Marcie watches for Cyber Monday deals from Alaska and Hawaiian, and only pays the deposit on a package until flights are sorted.Book a Resort Pass day-rate room for your last day before a red-eye, especially if you're in a vacation rental. Marcie did this on Kauai and wants to do it every time.The Hyatt's pool area is fabulous, with ocean views and the beach right there.Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes:  Hawaii Travel Insurance: Do You Need It?— Ep 148How to Find Cheap Flights to Hawaii: Expert Tips That Save Hundreds— Ep 69About 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/

  2. 3d ago

    The Group Chat Meltdown: How Planning Hawaii With Friends Ends Friendships— Ep 154

    Why Group Trips to Hawaii Get Messy (and How to Avoid the Group Chat Meltdown) Who this episode is for: Anyone trying to plan a Hawaii trip with a group of friends and already feeling the budget, pace, and activity differences start to pile up before a single thing is booked. What you’ll learn: Why Hawaii specifically tends to turn group trip planning into a slow-motion group chat meltdown, and Marcie’s actual fixes: having a real money conversation before you book, deciding upfront whether everyone has to do everything together, naming comped-experience and roommate expectations out loud, picking one final decision-maker, and building in recovery time. Places discussed: KauaiPrinceville, North Shore (Kauai)WaikikiSouth Shore, KauaiPoipu, KauaiActivities discussed: KayakingSunrise hikingShoppingEating out / brunchCooking at home (self-catering in a vacation rental)ZipliningLuauPool and beach timeContent creation for tourism boards and activity providersSunrise coffee runRestaurants discussed: 7-Eleven, for a quick, budget-friendly musubi run instead of a full mealMarcie’s recommendations: Have the money conversation and get an actual number before anyone books a house or hotel, not a vague budget.Decide early whether the group will do everything together or split into smaller groups some days, and build that flexibility in from day one.If some people in the group work with tourism boards or activity providers and may get comped experiences while others are paying full price, say that out loud early since it changes what feels fair to everyone.Sort out room assignments and agree on basic shared-space rules, like kitchen habits and chores, before arriving instead of after.Give one person the final call on logistics instead of trying to reach full group consensus on every choice.Build in real recovery time, like a lazier morning or solo beach time, since mismatched energy levels turn into trip resentment.Book a consultation if a group is stuck between conflicting opinions on where to stay or what to book.Get a fifty dollar itinerary review if the group already has a draft itinerary and just needs a second set of eyes.Join the Hawaii Travel with Kids Facebook group to compare notes with others who have lived through their own group trip chaos.Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes:  Best Areas to Stay on Kauai— Ep 73Resort Fees Explained: The Hawaii Hotel Costs They Don't Advertise— Ep 48Luau vs Cultural Experience: Which Hawaii Cultural Activity Is Worth It?— Ep 42About 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/

  3. Oct 28

    Holiday Honest Takes: Thanksgiving, Christmas & NYE in Hawaii — Ep 153

    Hawaii Holidays Planning Guide: Thanksgiving Through New Year’s (Closures, Costs, Fireworks, and Fukubukuro) Who this episode is for: Families planning a Hawaiʻi trip between Thanksgiving week and New Year’s Day, especially anyone still booking for this holiday season. What you’ll learn: Why the holidays are the priciest time to visit and what to book first, which attractions and restaurants close on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day, and how to plan meals around those closures. You’ll also get the 2026 dates for the big holiday events on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi, New Year’s Eve fireworks tips for families, and how Ala Moana’s fukubukuro works. Places discussed: OʻahuKauaʻiBig IslandWaikīkīKalākaua AvenueKo OlinaTantalus, above HonoluluDowntown HonoluluHonolulu Hale, home of Honolulu City LightsAla Moana CenterNeiman Marcus at Ala Moana CenterPearl Harbor visitor centerDiamond HeadWaimea Canyon, closed after Hurricane LowellHāʻena, closed after Hurricane LowellWainiha, closed after Hurricane LowellLīhuʻeRice Street in LīhuʻeHistoric County Building in LīhuʻeActivities discussed: Fukubukuro lucky bags at Ala Moana Center on New Year’s DayExperience Nutridge luau on Thanksgiving, including its imu (underground oven)Thanksgiving buffets and holiday menus in WaikīkīHoliday takeout mealsGrocery runs before each holidayWaikīkī Holiday Parade (Friday, Nov 27)Holiday decorations and photo ops in Waikīkī and at Ala Moana CenterWaikiki Trolley holiday lights tourAla Moana’s 50-foot Santa, Santa’s Surf Shack photos, and the Big Santa MailboxHonolulu City Lights (opens Saturday, Dec 5)Honolulu Marathon (Sunday, Dec 13) and its effect on Waikīkī trafficLights on Rice Parade in Līhuʻe (listed for Friday, Dec 4)Kauaʻi Festival of LightsSanta’s canoe arrival on Christmas Eve in WaikīkīChristmas Day luausChristmas stockings and handling gifts when you travelFamily photo shoots with FlytographerWaikīkī New Year’s Eve fireworks at midnightHilton Waikoloa Village fireworks at 9 p.m.New Year’s Eve luaus and dinner cruisesHotels discussed: Aulani, holiday decor up before ThanksgivingHilton Waikiki Beach, Thanksgiving buffetSheraton Waikiki, Christmas sand sculptureMoana Surfrider, columns wrapped for the holidaysRoyal Hawaiian, where Santa lands by canoeThe Kahala, Christmas buffetsWaikiki Beach Marriott, home of Paina Waikiki luauHilton Hawaiian Village, where Marcie watched NYE fireworksHilton Waikoloa Village, 9 p.m. NYE fireworksRestaurants discussed: Hinahina (Sheraton Waikiki): 2026 Thanksgiving buffet, about $145 adultsHilton Waikiki Beach: 2026 Thanksgiving buffet, about $90 adultsLulu’s Waikiki: à la carte Thanksgiving menuDuke’s Waikiki: past Thanksgiving menus, books up fastHula Grill: past Thanksgiving menus, books up fastPlumeria Beach House (The Kahala): Christmas Eve and Day buffets last yearZippy’s: Christmas luau takeout package last yearBig City Diner: holiday family packs, order 72 hours aheadABC Stores: grab-and-go musubi and drinks, hours varyMarcie’s recommendations: If your dates are flexible, go in early December, after Thanksgiving and before school breaks.If you’re tied to school break, book your hotel and rental car as early as you can.Book holiday dinners and luaus as soon as they’re posted.Do a real grocery run the day before each holiday, even if you only have a mini fridge.Christmas Eve is your grocery day, since Christmas Day is the quietest day for what’s open.Don’t count on Costco: it’s closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.Order a holiday meal to go so you can skip the reservation scramble.If the imu turkey at Nutridge is the draw, ask about it when you book.Plan Pearl Harbor around the holidays, since the visitor center is closed on all three.Check before planning a holiday hike at Diamond Head.Don’t drive across Kalākaua on parade night.Book the Waikiki Trolley holiday lights tour early, because it sells out.On Honolulu Marathon morning, stay near your hotel instead of driving.On Kauaʻi, confirm your hotel and activities directly with each company, and check openkauai.org.Don’t drive into Kauaʻi neighborhoods affected by the hurricane to look at the damage.For Christmas dinner, check your own hotel’s restaurants first so nobody has to drive.Pack stockings since they pack flat, and fill them with fidgets, squishies, candy, and a pool book.Use gift bags or wrap after you land, because wrapped gifts can get unwrapped at security.Call your hotel before shipping presents there.Leave room in your suitcase for the trip home.Get settled early if you’re watching NYE fireworks near the Hilton Hawaiian Village.For little kids, try the 9 p.m. Hilton Waikoloa fireworks or an ocean-view room in Waikīkī.If anyone in your family is sensitive to noise or smoke, stay close to the resort areas on New Year’s Eve.Don’t buy fireworks to set off yourself, and stick with the professional shows.Book NYE luaus and dinner cruises this fall.For fukubukuro, look at the participating store list ahead of time and pick a store you’d shop at anyway, since all sales are final.Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes:  Every Maui Luau I've Been To (And Everything Else Worth Knowing), Ranked Honestly— Ep 129Every Kauai Luau I've Been To, Ranked Honestly — Ep 131Every Big Island Luau I've Been To (And Everything Else Worth Knowing), Ranked Honestly— Ep 135Hawaii Rental Cars in 2026: What's Changed (Plus My Turo Experiment)— Ep 142Where Do You Need Reservations in Hawaii? (2026)— Ep 144Related articles:  Christmas in Hawaii with Kids: Your December Vacation GuideWhere to See the Best Christmas Lights in HawaiiWhy November in Hawaii Is Perfect for Thanksgiving CelebrationsAbout 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/

  4. Oct 27

    Hawaii Travel Made Easy Trailer

    Hawaii Travel Made Easy: Meet Marcie (and Owen’s Island Rankings) Hawaii Travel Made Easy is a Hawaiʻi trip planning podcast hosted by Marcie Cheung, a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has been to the islands more than 40 times. New episodes come out every Monday and Wednesday, and most of them answer one planning question, like whether you need a rental car on Oʻahu or if a Haleakalā sunrise is worth a 3 a.m. alarm (bring gloves). You’ll also hear trip reports from guests, answers to listener questions from Marcie’s Thursday AMAs on Instagram, and a lot about how to be a good guest while you’re visiting. Who this show is for: Anyone planning a trip to Hawaiʻi, whether you’re still picking an island or sorting out the last details. Good episodes to start with: Ep 107: My 12-Year-Old Has Been to Hawaii 14 Times. He Has Opinions.Ep 110: Hawaii 101: 2026 EditionEp 155: What It’s Really Like to Be on Maui During a Hurricane with KidsPlan your trip with Marcie: One-on-one consultationsSend a question for the Thursday AMAs on Instagram: @hawaiitravelwithkidsMarcie’s favorite booking links and trip planning toolsAbout 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/

  5. Oct 26

    Movies Filmed in Hawaii: Fun Trivia for Your Flight— Ep 152

    Movies Filmed in Hawaii: Fun Trivia for Your Flight Who this episode is for: Anyone with a Hawaii flight already booked who wants a fun, low-effort listen for the plane, plus movie and TV fans curious about real filming locations they can visit. What you’ll learn: What’s actually filming in Hawaii right now heading into 2027, including Protecting Jared, Untamed season 2, the new Jumanji, and the live-action Moana, plus where classics like Jurassic Park, Lilo & Stitch, Gilligan’s Island, and The White Lotus were really shot, and what to expect (locations, pricing, tips) if you book the Kualoa Ranch Movie Sites tour. Places discussed: OahuKauaiBig Island (Hawaii Island)MauiHawaii Volcanoes National Park (Big Island)Allerton Garden, Poipu (Kauai)Waimea Canyon (Kauai)Na Pali Coast (Kauai)Kilohana Plantation Railway (Kauai)Wailua Falls (Kauai)Opaekaa Falls (Kauai)Moloaa Beach (Kauai)Honolulu (Oahu, shipyard origin of the Gilligan’s Island boat)Kualoa Ranch / Kaaawa Valley (Oahu)Kalanianaole Highway (Oahu, southeast side)Sandy Beach (Oahu)Makaha Beach (Oahu, leeward coast)Haleiwa (Oahu, North Shore)Oahu’s North Shore (general, Blue Crush)Halona Cove (Oahu)Kapolei (Oahu)Wailea (Maui)Thailand (where Jurassic World: Rebirth filmed instead of Hawaii)Kansas (where Lilo & Stitch was originally set before the switch to Hawaii)Los Angeles (studio lot where Gilligan’s Island moved after its Kauai-shot pilot)Activities discussed: Kualoa Ranch Movie Sites & Ranch Tour (open-air bus tour, WWII bunker with movie props, dinosaur “boneyard”)Visiting Jurassic Park/Jurassic World filming locations on Kauai and OahuHiking down to Halona CoveWatching or surfing big waves on Oahu’s North Shore (as featured in Blue Crush)Luau experience at Germaine’s Luau (noted as a filming location)Building a self-guided movie-location day around Kualoa Ranch and other windward Oahu spotsHotels discussed: Kahala Hotel & Resort (Oahu) — stands in as the fictional resort in live-action Lilo & StitchFour Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea — filmed The White Lotus season 1, bookable as-seen roomsMarcie’s recommendations: Calls the Kualoa Ranch Movie Sites & Ranch Tour one of the best family activities on OahuTip: arrive early, check-in fills up and tours sell out, especially in peak seasonTip: bring sunscreen and a hat since most of the tour is outdoorsTip: budget extra to tip your tour guideWarning: tour pricing shifts, so double check current rates before bookingSuggests pairing Kualoa Ranch with other windward Oahu spots in the same day so you’re not backtracking across the islandOffers her trip consultations for building an itinerary like that, and her itinerary review as the lower-commitment option if you already have a draft itineraryRelated Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes: Everything You Need to Know About Kualoa Ranch on Oahu— Ep 12About 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. Oct 21

    What a Real Hawaii Consultation Sounds Like— Ep 151

    A Real Maui Trip Planning Consultation: Snorkeling, Luaus, Road to Hana, Haleakala, and Family Photo Tips Who this episode is for: Families planning a first Hawaii trip with a full house of tweens and teens, especially anyone who wants a real sense of what a Hawaii Travel with Kids consultation actually sounds like before booking one. What you'll learn: How Marcie walks a family through snorkeling gear decisions, luau options, Haleakala sunrise logistics, and a full Road to Hana game plan, plus what her follow-up consultation email actually includes. Places discussed: MauiKa'anapali / Kaanapali BeachWhalers VillageHaleakala National Park (Haleakala Crater / the volcano)Road to HanaPaiaTwin Falls (mile marker 9)Pipiwai Trail (near Hana)Huelo LookoutHalfway to Hana standHana townBlack sand beach in Hana (reservation required)Kahului, including Target, Walmart, and Safeway for arrival-night suppliesKahului AirportKapalua BayWaileaKiheiSouth Maui Gardens (food truck park in Kihei)Kamaole BeachesWestin Maui or Sheraton Maui (unconfirmed, site of a sunset cliff diving ceremony)Kauai (mentioned briefly in a discussion of 2026 hurricane season impacts)Activities discussed: Snorkeling, including gear rental vs. buying your ownSnorkel boat tour (Molokini Crater and Turtle Town)LuauHaleakala sunrise hike and general volcano visitRoad to Hana scenic driveWaterfall hiking and swimmingSurfing lessonsSunset cliff diving ceremonyFlytographer family photo shootBeach time and picnickingGrocery and food truck stopsRestaurant reservationsHotels discussed: Hyatt Regency Maui (Jill's hotel, two rooms booked on points, concierge floor)Westin Maui or Sheraton Maui (unconfirmed, cliff diving ceremony location)Restaurants discussed: Bruddah Hutts (Hana) – best ribs Marcie's ever hadMonkeypod Kitchen (Ka'anapali) – great variety, famous lilikoi mai taiHonolulu Coffee (Hyatt lobby) – coffee, breakfast sandwiches, mobile order availablePoolside shave ice stand at the Hyatt (name unclear on the recording) – same brand Marcie loves on KauaiHuelo Lookout smoothie stand (Road to Hana) – fresh fruit smoothies, good morning pick-me-upSouth Maui Gardens food trucks (Kihei) – acai bowls lived up to the hypeHalfway to Hana stand – banana bread Marcie calls a mustMarcie's recommendations: Skip buying full snorkel sets unless you'll use them multiple days or on future trips; otherwise rent or buy a cheap setBook the Four Winds Maui II snorkel tour, her favorite, kid-friendly with food and a water slide on boardPick a morning snorkel tour for the calmest water if anyone gets seasickBook your snorkel tour and luau now if you're traveling during a holiday weekFor an easy, no-driving luau, choose the Hyatt's (it doesn't cancel for rain)For a more traditional, authentic feel, choose Old Lahaina Luau, and book immediately since it sells out fastConsider skipping the Haleakala sunrise hike if the family is on the fence, it eats a huge chunk of a dayPack real cold-weather layers for Haleakala (long pants, sweatshirt, beanie, gloves, hand warmers), it can hit the 30s and 40sDownload the Shaka Guide audio app before driving the Road to HanaGet to Twin Falls early, by 7 to 7:30 am, before tour buses arriveAdd Pipiwai Trail near Hana, a bamboo forest hike to a swimmable waterfallPack protein-heavy snacks for the drive, food options are mostly fruit and sorbet until HanaEat at Bruddah Hut's in Hana, Marcie's favorite ribs anywhereShare one coconut water instead of buying one per person, it's a diuretic and bathrooms are scarce on the driveIt's fine to turn around at the Halfway to Hana stand, there's no prize for finishing the full driveGet the banana bread at the Halfway to Hana standBook your Flytographer session soon, popular photographers get booked upBring a shot list to your Flytographer session and tell them if you want posed or candid photosMake reservations at hotel sit-down restaurants to avoid waiting with hungry kids, but keep some dinners flexibleTry Monkeypod Kitchen for menu variety and the lilikoi mai taiStop for snacks and drinks in Kahului on arrival night, hotel restaurants may already be closedDon't overpack the itinerary. When in doubt, cut something rather than run everyone raggedHurricane season runs through late November, but that doesn't stop Marcie from planning or recommending fall Hawaii tripsRelated Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes: How Many Days Do You Really Need on Maui?— Ep 130How to Visit Haleakalā Crater on Maui— Ep 10What You Need to Know About the Road to Hana on Maui— Ep 31Related articles: Road to Hana: 16 Things to Know Before You Go (2026 Guide)Old Lahaina Luau Worth $230? Honest 2026 Review I Sat Through a Luau in a Rainstorm So You Don’t Have To (Drums of the Pacific Luau 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/

  7. Oct 19

    You Don't Have to Plan This Alone— Ep 150

    Marcie's Hawaii Trip-Planning Toolbox: Free Email Courses, Instagram Keywords, and Updated Island Guides Who this episode is for: Anyone in the early, overwhelmed stage of planning a Hawaii trip who wants a fast, free way to get oriented before spending money on a guide or a consult. What you'll learn: Where to find Marcie's free email planning courses, how to use Instagram DM keywords to get them sent straight to your inbox, and what her paid, regularly-updated island guides and Hawaii Resources hub cover for day-by-day planning. Places discussed: Hawaii (general/overall trip planning)KauaiMauiOahuBig IslandMarcie's recommendations: Start with the free "How to Travel to Hawaii Like a Pro" email course if you're early in planning and don't know what you don't knowUse "How to Save Money in Hawaii" if budget is the main driver of your planningOnce you know your island, use that island's free course (Maui, Oahu, Kauai, or Big Island) instead of the general oneDM her on Instagram with a keyword (PROEMAIL, BUDGETEMAIL, or an island keyword like MAUIEMAIL) to get the course sent instantly, rather than hunting for the linkConsider her paid island guides only once you want a full day-by-day plan, not as a first stepHer guides are worth trusting because she keeps them updated, unlike a guide that hasn't been touched in yearsBookmark the Hawaii Resources hub as the one link to save if you're only going to save oneRelated articles:  How to Travel to Hawaii Like a Pro (With Kids)How to Save Money in Hawaii (With Kids)How to Plan a Trip to Oahu With KidsHow to Plan a Trip to Maui With KidsHow to Plan a Trip to Kauai With KidsHow to Plan a Trip to the Big Island With KidsAbout 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. Oct 14

    Why Slowing Down Is the Secret to a Great Hawaii Trip (with Retha from Roaming Retha)— Ep 149

    From Travel Blogger to Hawaii Specialist: Retha on Planning Safer, Slower Hawaii Trips Who this episode is for: Anyone planning a Hawaii trip who tends to over-schedule their days or wants guidance on which activities are actually worth booking. What you'll learn: Why slowing down and booking just one activity a day leads to a better trip, and how to tell if an experience (like a manta ray night snorkel or downhill biking) is actually a good fit for your family before you book it. Places discussed: Big IslandKauaiOahuMauiKonaKalalau TrailActivities discussed: Manta ray night snorkel near KonaDownhill biking tour (Maui)SnorkelingSea turtle viewingHiking the Kalalau TrailBeach elopement/wedding ceremonyHotel cabana daysDolphin encountersMarcie's recommendations: Recommends doing a cabana day near the end of a trip so kids can swim while parents relaxAdvises front-loading a trip by spending less on hotel splurges early on, since you'll want a nicer home base once you get tired later in the tripEmphasizes giving people the benefit of the doubt around wildlife rules, since many visitors simply don't know the guidelines yet, while still stressing the importance of keeping a safe distanceReminds listeners that every family's "dream Hawaii vacation" looks different, so don't feel pressured to do something just because it's popularWhere to find Retha Instagram @RoamingRethaFacebookAbout 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/

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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 Hawaii travel consultant Marcie Cheung, 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 Hawaii travel consultant for families and a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawaii Tourism Authority. She runs the popular Hawaii family travel site Hawaii Travel with Kids, has visited Hawaii more than 40 times, and offers one-on-one Hawaii trip planning consultations and itinerary reviews at hawaiitravelwithkids.com. 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 figuring out what's actually worth your time, we'll help you create the perfect Hawaii experience! New episodes drop every Monday & Wednesday!

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