Plan Your Hawaii Trip With Confidence — From the #1-Rated Hawaii Travel Podcast
Trusted by 650,000+ listeners. Helping families plan Hawaii trips that are simple, meaningful, and respectful of the islands. Start PlanningPick Your Island
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The #1 Hawaii travel podcast. Short episodes, real advice, no fluff.
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Planning a Hawaii trip in 2026?
Read our Hawaii Travel 2026 planning guide covering new visitor laws, reservations, and travel changes.
Recent Hawaii Travel Guides
Our latest guides to help you plan your Hawaii vacation
Visit Hawaii in May: Is May a Good Time to Go to Hawaii? (2026)
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Alaska Hawaiian App: What Travelers Need to Know Before April 21
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Hawaii Flood Watch April 2026: What Visitors Need to Know
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Alaska Airlines Cuts Hawaii Flights: What’s Changing in 2026
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Unique Kauai Activities: 5 Experiences Actually Worth Your Time
This post is based on Episode 224 of the Hawaii's Best podcast.Most Kauai itineraries look pretty similar. Beach, snorkel, sunset. And those things are great, don't get me wrong. But if you want to leave Kauai feeling like you actually got the island, you need a few...
Oahu vs Kauai: Which is Better for Your Hawaii Trip?
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Hawaii Flooding Disrupts Travel Across the Islands — What to Know Now and How to Help
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The Ultimate Guide to Kauai Grocery Stores: How to Eat Like a Local in Kauai
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14 Essential Hawaiian Words and Phrases for Your Next Vacation
Planning your Hawaii vacation? Learning basic Hawaiian words shows respect for local culture and transforms your travel experience. I sat down with Hawaiian language teacher Kahanuola Solatorio to discuss essential words every visitor should know. In this episode,...
Hotel or Airbnb in Hawaii: How to Choose What’s Best For Your Hawaii Trip
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Best Hawaii Travel Podcasts for Planning Your Hawaii Vacation
Hawaii's Best Travel is the #1-ranked Hawaii travel podcast on Feedspot, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Audible, rated 4.9/5 from 260+ reviews with 600,000+ downloads since 2018. The podcast covers the full planning journey from island selection to cultural...
5 Best Places to Watch the Sunset in Oahu
Where is the best place to watch the sunset on Oahu? Finding the finest spots to enjoy a breathtaking sunset on Oahu is simple if you know where to look. Sunset Beach, Waikiki, Tantalus Drive, and Ko Olina are among the best spots. Read on for the complete list and...
Bryan Murphy – Founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel, Podcast Host, and Certified Hawaii Destination Expert
Need help planning your trip? Book a 1-on-1 session with Bryan.
E komo mai / Welcome to Hawaii’s Best Travel! Since 2017, Hawaii’s Best Travel has helped visitors plan better trips to Hawaii through practical guidance, cultural respect, and trusted local insight shared through our Hawaii travel podcast and in-depth Hawaii travel guides.
Aloha, I’m Bryan Murphy, founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel, an independent media outlet focused exclusively on Hawaii travelers. I’ve been a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert since 2020 and an active member of the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau since 2019.
At HawaiisBestTravel.com, you’ll find Hawaii trip planning advice, island comparisons, travel updates, local voices, and cultural guidance to help you experience Hawaii more thoughtfully.
Explore Each Hawaiian Island
Waterfalls, Na Pali Coast, and the quieter side of Hawaii
Waikiki, North Shore, Pearl Harbor, and Honolulu city life
Road to Hana, whale watching, and world-class beaches
Volcanoes, black sand beaches, and stargazing on the Big Island
Listen to Our Top-Rated Podcast
#1-ranked Hawaii travel podcast on Feedspot, Apple Podcasts, & Spotify. Top-30 U.S. Travel Podcast. 4.9 stars from 275+ reviews. New episodes weekly.
How to Travel to Hawaii Responsibly
Podcast episodes and posts about how to travel responsibly to Hawaii
14 Essential Hawaiian Words and Phrases for Your Next Vacation
Planning your Hawaii vacation? Learning basic Hawaiian words shows respect for local culture and transforms your travel experience. I sat down with Hawaiian language teacher Kahanuola Solatorio to discuss essential words every visitor should know. In this episode,...
Avoid These 10 Mistakes When Planning a Trip to Hawaii
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Why a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert Is the Key to Stress-Free Hawaii Trip Planning
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EP. 184: Top Hawaiian Words to Know Before Visiting Hawaii with Kahanuola Solatorio
Planning your Hawaii vacation? Learning basic Hawaiian words shows respect for local culture and transforms your travel experience. I sat down with Hawaiian language teacher Kahanuola Solatorio to discuss essential words every visitor should know.Love the Podcast?...
Ep. 178: 7 Things Not to Do in Hawaii
Planning a trip to Hawaii? Most travelers focus on what to do—booking tours, finding beaches, packing sunscreen. But knowing what NOT to do can make or break your Hawaiian vacation. These aren't your typical travel warnings. I'm not talking about forgetting your...
Ep. 139: Hidden Waikiki: What the Hawaii Tourist Brochures Won’t Tell You with Kamaka Pili
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you use the links. View our Privacy Policy and for more.In this special episode of Hawaii's Best, I sat down with Kamaka Pili, native Hawaiian cultural practitioner and creator of Aloha...
Ep. 137: How to Visit Hawaii With Aloha: A Conversation With Kamaka Pili, Native Hawaiian Cultural Practitioner
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you use the links. View our Privacy Policy and for more.Have you ever wondered what it truly means to "live with aloha"? Is it just a greeting, or is it something much deeper that connects...
Ep. 135: 3 Mistakes to Avoid When Picking the Best Time to Visit Hawaii
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you use the links. View our Privacy Policy and for more.Planning a trip to Hawaii is an exciting but sometimes overwhelming experience. While fantasizing about sun-soaked beaches and...
Podcast Show Notes
Unique Kauai Activities: 5 Experiences Actually Worth Your Time
This post is based on Episode 224 of the Hawaii's Best podcast.Most Kauai itineraries look pretty similar. Beach, snorkel, sunset. And those things are great, don't get me wrong. But if you want to leave Kauai feeling like you actually got the island, you need a few...
14 Essential Hawaiian Words and Phrases for Your Next Vacation
Planning your Hawaii vacation? Learning basic Hawaiian words shows respect for local culture and transforms your travel experience. I sat down with Hawaiian language teacher Kahanuola Solatorio to discuss essential words every visitor should know. In this episode,...
Ep. 213: Top 5 Maui Experiences You Won’t Forget! (Free and Paid Options)
Are you about to overspend on Maui activities that aren’t worth it while missing the island’s most incredible free experience? 👉 20+ Maui Free + Paid ExperiencesLove the Podcast? Join as a premium member today!This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a...
Ep. 207: Top 5 Oahu Experiences You Won’t Forget! (Free and Paid Options)
Planning your Oahu trip and feeling overwhelmed by all the options? This episode cuts through the noise and focuses on five experiences that actually stick with you long after you leave. You'll learn about a mix of free and paid activities that balance culture,...
Ep. 206: Is Hawaii Still Worth Visiting in 2026?
Is Hawaii still worth visiting in 2026? It's a fair question, especially if you've been hearing about higher costs, new reservation systems, and crowded beaches. This episode tackles that question head-on, not with a simple yes or no, but with the context you actually...
The Ultimate 7-Day Kauai Itinerary: From Hidden Gems to Must-Do Activities
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you use the links. View our Privacy Policy and for more.Planning a trip to Kauai and wondering how to make the most of your time? This comprehensive 7-day itinerary will guide you through...
10 Hawaii Travel Tips to Save Your Family Money in 2026
Planning a Hawaii trip in 2026? You're probably feeling the squeeze. With new fees hitting January 1st and costs climbing across the board, families are trying to figure out how to make their dream vacation work on a tighter budget. I get it. We're right there with...
7 Completely Free Things to Do on Oahu with Kids
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Ep. 193: 3 First-Time Hawaii Visitor Mistakes to Avoid
Planning your very first Hawaii vacation can be exciting and overwhelming all at the same time. Between flights, choosing which island, and figuring out where to stay, there's a lot to think about. But I'm going to share three simple first-time Hawaii visitor...
Ep. 191: Top 5 Can’t Miss Things to Do on Oahu, Hawaii
There's a reason most locals don't do half the things visitors pay for on Oahu. After years of helping families plan their Hawaii trips, I've seen the same pattern: people overspend on overcrowded attractions while missing the experiences their families will remember...
Ep. 188: 9 Hawaii Travel Hacks That Actually Work in 2025
Planning a trip to Hawaii means sorting through endless advice online. Most of it? Recycled tips that sound good but don't deliver. I've spent years helping travelers experience Hawaii authentically, and I'm sharing nine proven Hawaii travel hacks that will save you...
Ep. 187: 25 Best Local Restaurants on Maui You Can’t Miss
Are you tired of overpriced tourist traps and wondering where locals actually eat on Maui? You're not alone. Most visitors stick to resort restaurants or fall for tourist-focused spots that drain your wallet without delivering authentic Hawaiian flavors. I recently...
