Hawaii Travel Made Easy Podcast—Hawaii travel tips, Things to do in Hawaii, Hawaii vacation planning

Marcie Cheung—Hawaii Travel Expert, Blogger & Guide Book Author
  • 4.0 (28)
  • Places & Travel

Hawaii Travel Made Easy is the ultimate Hawaii travel podcast for families and first-time Hawaii visitors looking to plan a stress-free and unforgettable Hawaii vacation. Hosted by a seasoned Hawaii travel expert, this show delivers essential Hawaii travel tips, Hawaii vacation planning advice, and insider insights to help you navigate the Hawaiian Islands with confidence.Marcie Cheung is a certified Hawaii destination expert by the Hawaii Tourism Authority, runs the popular Hawaii family travel site Hawaii Travel with Kids, and has visited Hawaii more than 40 times. Whether you're dreaming of your first trip to paradise or planning your return visit, each episode provides budget-friendly recommendations, cultural insights, and must-know Hawaii travel guide information to make your Hawaii vacation planning simple and stress-free. From choosing the right island to finding hidden gems, we'll help you create the perfect Hawaii experience! New episodes drop every Monday & Wednesday!

  1. 18h ago

    Every Maui Luau I've Been To (And Everything Else Worth Knowing), Ranked Honestly

    Ranking the Best Maui Luaus (Plus Updates, Closures, and Alternatives) The host ranks Maui luaus based on four firsthand visits: Feast at Mokapu at the Andaz Maui in Wailea as the top luxury splurge with oceanfront setting and family-style service; Old Lahaina Luau second for a culturally focused Hawaiian/Tahitian show and updated post-2023 wildfire format (now four-course family-style with open bar); Drums of the Pacific at the Hyatt Regency Maui third for a large, multi-Polynesian spectacle with fire knife dancing and resort convenience in Ka’anapali; and Myths of Maui at Royal Lahaina fourth as a more budget-friendly buffet with fire knife dancing. They also describe other options they haven’t attended (Grand Wailea, Te Au Moana, Maui Nui at Black Rock, Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, Gilligan’s Island) and Maui Ocean Center’s Friday-only “Migrations” dinner show. Updates include Feast at Lele permanently closed and South Maui Gardens’ Polynesian show paused/closed, with backups like Gilligan’s Island and the Napili Kai Foundation keiki hula show. 00:00 Maui Luau Ranking Setup 01:11 Feast at Mokapu Top Pick 02:14 Old Lahaina Luau Updates 03:37 Drums of the Pacific Spectacle 04:59 Myths of Maui Budget Choice 05:45 Other Maui Luaus Rundown 07:14 Avoiding Luau Mismatches 08:02 Migrations Dinner Show Option 08:35 Closures and Key Updates 09:58 Final Recommendations and Resources About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories. Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation 🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now! https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

  2. 2d ago

    Moloka'i: The Island Most People Skip (And Why You Shouldn't)

    Molokai Travel Guide: Flights, Where to Stay, and Must-Do Experiences Marcie shares a Molokai trip she took with her mom, describing the island as the least visited and “most Hawaiian,” with no traffic lights, minimal development, and uncrowded beaches. She explains logistics: Molokai is reachable only by Mokulele Airlines from Maui (about 30 minutes) with occasional maintenance groundings, and visitors need a rental car due to no Uber or public transit. In Kaunakakai, she recommends Hulu Bean Cafe, A Taste of Molokai food truck, and Kanemitsu’s Bakery “hot bread” (Thu–Sun nights), noting many businesses close Sundays. Highlights include Molokai Plumeria Farm lei-making, the scenic drive to Halawa Valley and guided Mo’oula Falls hike, and the Molokai Museum’s Kalaupapa history plus the Kalaupapa Lookout; limited Kalaupapa tours require permits and are air-access only. Lodging includes Hotel Molokai and rentals, and she advises staying 2–3 nights over a rushed day trip. 00:00 Why Molokai Now 00:45 Getting There by Air 01:51 Rental Car Essentials 02:25 Molokai Vibe and Etiquette 03:26 Kaunakakai Eats and Hot Bread 04:50 Plumeria Farm Lei Making 06:00 Halawa Valley Scenic Drive 06:47 Museum and Kalaupapa History 07:58 Where to Stay 08:42 Day Trip or Overnight 09:45 Final Tips and Wrap Up Kalaupapa Settlement 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/

  3. Jul 29

    My Most Controversial Hawaii Travel Opinions

    Hawaii Travel Hot Takes: Skip the Checklist, Plan What Fits The host shares Hawaii travel opinions that often surprise clients, arguing that packing too much into a trip backfires. She explains why squeezing multiple islands into a short stay wastes half-days on checkout, airports, rental cars, and waiting for rooms, and suggests itinerary audits and a framework for island hopping. She notes you don’t always need a rental car—especially on Oahu—where transit and tours can work, while acknowledging the freedom a car provides. She says the Polynesian Cultural Center can feel sanitized and inauthentic, advises skipping Pearl Harbor if your group isn’t genuinely interested, and says the Road to Hana isn’t mandatory or has to be an all-day commitment. She contrasts tourist-trap luaus with smaller, higher-intention ones, recommends the Pride of America cruise as a smart first-timer sampler, and explains why she avoids publicly naming “hidden gems” due to safety, private property, and overexposure. 00:00 Truth Over Checklists 00:57 Stop Island Hopping 02:24 Skipping The Rental Car 04:01 PCC Reality Check 05:22 Pearl Harbor Permission 06:40 Road To Hana Optional 07:35 Choosing A Good Luau 08:56 Cruising The Islands 10:04 Hidden Gems Dilemma 11:27 Wrap Up And Invite 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/

  4. Jul 27

    How Many Days Do You Really Need on Oahu?

    How Many Days Do You Need on Oahu? (3, 5, 7–10 Day Breakdown) Marcie shares guidance on how long to spend on Oahu based on 40+ trips, recommending 7–10 days if it’s your only island, 5–7 days if island hopping, and noting that five full days can still work on a tight budget. She explains that Oahu is often underestimated beyond Waikiki and Pearl Harbor, with major time commitments like a half-day at Pearl Harbor, a reserved Diamond Head hike, Kualoa Ranch, and a full North Shore road-trip day (Dole Plantation, Haleiwa, Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach/Pipeline). Using her own recent six-day visit, she highlights the trade-off of limited beach time and recommends a 7–10 day split stay—Waikiki for sightseeing, then Ko Olina (or Turtle Bay) to relax. She also shares a client regret story after booking only one night on Oahu and offers consultations and a $50 itinerary audit. 00:00 How Many Days Oahu 01:01 Quick Day Recommendations 01:23 Why Oahu Takes Time 02:38 Six Day Reality Check 03:17 Split Stay Waikiki Ko Olina 03:50 Shorter Trips Trend 04:32 One Night Mistake Story 05:42 Trip Length Itinerary Shapes 06:35 Consultations And Wrap Up About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories. Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation 🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now! https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

  5. Jul 22

    North Shore Kauai: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

    North Shore Kauai: Where to Stay, Weather Tips, and How to Plan Haʻena State Park Marcie of Hawaii Travel Made Easy shares a personal guide to North Shore Kauai—Princeville, Hanalei, and Kilauea—covering how the area’s rainier weather shapes planning, that you can’t drive around the island, and that a rental car is necessary from Lihue (45–60 minutes). She explains seasonal strategy (avoid basing on the North Shore in winter; late spring–early fall is best) and warns about possible road closures near the one-lane bridge during heavy rain. The key planning item is Haʻena State Park, which requires advance reservations; parking is hard to get, so she recommends the Go Haena Shuttle (Waipa Park and Ride; 2026 pricing and flexible returns). She highlights beaches (Keʻe, Hanalei Bay, Tunnels, Anini, Secret Beach), Kilauea Point refuge reservations/hours, Limahuli Garden, Hanalei Valley Lookout, farmers market, favorite food spots, rental-rule cautions, Kalalau camping permits, and her planning services/resources. 00:00 North Shore Love Story 01:02 Towns and Weather Basics 02:32 Getting There and Road Closures 03:22 Stay or Day Trip 04:18 Rentals and Day Trip Plan 05:24 Haena Reservations Must Know 06:21 Shuttle Tips and Trails 08:43 Best North Shore Beaches 10:49 Extra Stops and Lookouts 12:40 Where to Eat 14:17 Costs Permits and Help 15:46 Final North Shore Checklist 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. Jul 20

    AI Wrote Their Hawaii Itinerary

    Why AI Hawaii Itineraries Fail (and How to Fix Yours) Marcie of Hawaii Travel Made Easy explains why AI and generic itinerary tools often produce unrealistic Hawaii plans by relying on outdated blog posts and secondhand information, then shares a recent consultation where a family’s Maui/Big Island itinerary from a “Hawaii-specialist” agent had major red flags: repeated long drives from Kona to Volcanoes National Park and Hilo, Road to Hana paired with Haleakala stargazing after an exhausting day, confusion between Molokini and Lanai snorkel trips, and Mauna Kea summit stargazing despite guidance that kids under 16 shouldn’t go. She scrapped the plan and rebuilt it around one island—Maui—for a full week, arguing that limited time usually works best on a single island. She promotes her consultation, itinerary review services, and asks listeners to leave a podcast review. 00:00 AI Itinerary Reality Check 00:57 Consultation Case Study Setup 01:28 Red Flags in Their Plan 02:33 Why It Was So Wrong 03:07 Rebuilding the Trip Right 03:59 Travel Agents vs Real Experience 04:29 Outdated Search and AI Content 05:00 How Marcie Plans Hawaii 05:25 Consultations and Itinerary Reviews 06:32 Wrap Up and Review Request 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. Jul 15

    The Biggest Hawaii Booking Mistakes I See Over and Over

    Avoid These Common Hawaii Booking Mistakes (Flights, Islands, Tours, Cars, and Hidden Fees) Marcie shares a Kauai client’s last-minute panic after key experiences like the Go Haena shuttle to the Hā‘ena/ Hanakapi‘ai trailhead and Nā Pali Coast boat tours sold out, then explains common Hawaii booking mistakes: booking flights before choosing the right island, trying to do too many islands in one trip, hotel hopping instead of using one good base, underestimating driving/parking time (especially on Oahu), and booking activities too late (Go Haena opens 30 days out and sells out fast; Nā Pali tours can book months ahead). She advises booking most tours when booking flights, booking rental cars early but rechecking rates, and comparing hotels using real totals including resort fees and parking. She promotes a $50 Hawaii Itinerary Audit and one-on-one consultations, and notes the Kauai client still had a great trip but wished she’d planned earlier. 00:00 Kauai Booking Panic 00:57 Flights Before Plans 01:36 Pick the Right Island 02:07 Too Many Islands 03:15 Hotel Hopping Trap 04:17 Driving Reality Check 05:10 Book Activities Early 06:48 Rental Car Strategy 07:27 Resort Fees Surprise 08:18 Itinerary Help Options 09:19 Final Kauai Lesson 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. Jul 13

    What's Actually Happening in Hawaii Right Now

    Is Hawaii OK Right Now? June/July Travel Updates: Oahu Shuttle, Kalaupapa Tours, Kauai Closures, Kilauea, and Na Pali Sail-By Return UPDATE: Kalaupapa Tours are on hiatus Marcie shares a fast, island-by-island update for travelers asking if Hawaii is okay right now, covering shifting logistics after March storms and ongoing Kilauea activity. On Oahu, a new $5 North Shore Huaka‘i daily shuttle pilot (starting June 29) runs from Waikiki/Ko Olina to Waialua and Haleiwa with cultural storytelling, about 3.5 hours of free time, a passport stamp challenge, and a fixed return time to support storm-hit businesses. On Molokai, Kalaupapa National Historical Park begins ranger-led public tours July 9 (Thursdays/Saturdays), requiring a strenuous ~8-mile hike with 1,700 feet elevation change, age 16+, reservations via recreation.gov, and a 100-visitor daily cap. On Kauai, Waimea Canyon Drive construction closes a key section weekdays 8 a.m.–11:30 p.m. June 22–Aug 17. The Big Island’s Kilauea remains episodic with the park fully open, and Norwegian’s Pride of America restores the Na Pali Coast sail-by starting Oct 3 with an earlier Nawiliwili departure. 00:00 Is Hawaii Okay 00:46 Oahu Shuttle Pilot 02:28 Molokai Kalaupapa Tours 04:04 Kauai Road Closures 05:18 Big Island Kilauea Update 06:38 Na Pali Sailby Returns 08:04 Resources And Thanks 09:13 Final Wrap Up About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories. Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation 🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now! https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

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4
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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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