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What to do, Where to stay and What to know

Hanauma Bay’s August 2026 Closure Is Over. Here’s What Happened and What to Know Before You Go.

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Lala Has Moved Past Hawaii, but Closures and Damage Remain. What Travelers Need to Know.

The Best Big Island Beaches RANKED…Including Where I Take My Own Family

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Hawaii Just Named Its Most Strained Visitor Hotspots: Here’s What Could Change

Planning a Hawaii Trip? Here’s the Order That Works

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Oʻahu’s Free Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden May Not Stay Free

Iao Valley Closure Extended (Again) Now Through August 7. Here’s What Maui Travelers Should Do.

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Traveling to Hawaii This Week? What Hurricane Fausto Actually Means for Your Trip

Hawaiian Airlines Is Retiring Its Interisland Planes

Hawaii Reservations and Fees 2026: What You Need to Book

Hawaiian Airlines 25% Off Sale Ends Tonight

Is Lahaina Open in 2026? What Visitors Can Access and What Still Remains Closed

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Kilauea Just Put On a 950-Foot Show. Here’s Why It Was Over by Dinner, and How to Catch the Next One.

7 Things Most Visitors Don’t Know Before Visiting Kauai

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Best Local Food in Kauai: 10 Spots You Shouldn’t Miss

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Two Popular Maui Beach Lots Start Charging Visitors July 15. The Morning Rule Matters More.

Lahaina Is Getting Storefronts Near Front Street. But Not the Way Most People Expect.

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Coco Palms Just Landed $431 Million. Will It Finally Reopen in 2028?

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Do You Need a Real ID to Fly to 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.Do You Need a Real ID to Fly to Hawaii? Yes, you need a Real ID or other accepted form of identification to fly to Hawaii. Your driver's...

Anini Beach on Kauai: Your Complete Guide to the North Shore’s Calmest Lagoon

Kaanapali Beach Just Got an Emergency Plastic Barrier. Here’s What It Means for Your Beach Walk.

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Does Hawaii Have Snakes? Yes! (What to Know Before Visiting)

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There’s a New $5 Way to Reach the North Shore From Waikiki or Ko Olina. Here’s How North Shore Huakai Works.

A new shuttle program is launching to support the economic recovery of Oahu’s North Shore following the March Kona Low storms.[dssb_sharing_buttons columns="5" icon_width="fixed" alignment="left" icon_color="#000000" use_custom_icon_size="on" icon_font_size="16px"...

Original Blue Hawaii Cocktail Recipe: The 1957 Hilton Hawaiian Village Drink

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you use the links. View our Privacy Policy and for more.RECOMMENDED POSTS

Explore By Island

Travel Pono (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

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...

Ep 126: 5 Mistakes When Planning a Trip to Hawaii

Planning your trip is just as crucial as the journey itself. Today, we're diving deep into the top five mistakes travelers often make when planning their Hawaiian vacation. Whether it's your first visit or your twentieth, I'm here to help you navigate these common...

Ep 124: Keep it Aloha: How to Engage with Hawaiian Culture Responsibly with Kamaka Dias

In our latest episode of Hawaii’s Best, we had the pleasure of having Kamaka Dias. Kamaka, a native Hawaiian with a rich background that spans across continents, shared not only his life story but also his insights on how to truly embrace and respect Hawaiian culture....

Top 5 Best Eco-Friendly Resorts in Hawaii: Sustainable Luxury Accommodations (2024)

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Top 10 Best Reef Safe Sunscreens for Traveling to Hawaii

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17 Unique Kauai Cultural Activities and Traditions

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5 Ways to Travel Responsibly to Hawaii: A Guide to Ethical and Sustainable Tourism

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Meaning of Kapu: The Hawaiian Concept Tourists Misunderstand (And Why It Still Matters Today)

"File:2013-kapu-Vtorov.jpg" by Ivtorov is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.[dssb_sharing_button...

Ultimate Guide to Hawaiian Holidays in Hawaii: Official and Unofficial State Holidays in 2024

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Planning Your First Trip to Hawaii? Don’t Miss These Essential 3 Tips (and Mistakes To Avoid)

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23 Critical Things to Know for Planning a Trip to Hawaii

[dssb_sharing_button social_network="pinterest" sharing_message="custom_message" network_custom_message="Embark on an unforgettable journey with our guide to planning a...

Episode 114: Volunteer on Maui: Inside the Valley Where Ancient Hawaii Still Thrives with Maui Cultural Lands

Imagine walking through a lush, green valley in Maui, surrounded by ancient Hawaiian archaeological sites, hearing legends and stories from a native Hawaiian cultural practitioner. As you work together with locals to remove invasive species and plant native trees, you...

Top 7 Kauai Volunteer Opportunities to Do While on Vacation

What Are the Best Volunteer Opportunities on Kauai? The best Kauai volunteer opportunities to do while on vacation are: Malama Kauai National Tropical Botanical Garden Kauai Food Bank, Inc. Waipa Foundation Friends of Kamalani and Lydgate Park Surfrider Foundation...

Episode 109: West Maui Reopening…already? What to Know About the Phased Reopening

Planning a trip to Maui soon? With West Maui set to reopen, there's a lot you need to know. Dive into the intricate balance between the needs of the local community and the demands of the tourism industry. Discover the phased approach to reopening, the concerns of the...

Episode 108: Traveling to Maui Soon? What Every Hawaii Traveler Needs to Know from Travel Expert Mindy Poder

If you're planning to travel to Maui soon, you're likely wondering about the situation post-disaster. Is it responsible to visit? Can tourism be a force for good? Mindy Poder, the Executive Editor at Travelage West, joins us to discuss the intricate balance between...

Can You Visit Maui Right Now? Is Maui Open For Travel?

Can you visit Maui right now? Yes, Maui is open for travel right now. The west side is currently off-limits due to the recovery efforts in Lahaina. If visiting Maui in the near future, please travel with aloha and support local.[pac_divi_table_of_contents...

Episode 104: Maui Fires Update (Sept. 1, 2023): This Week in Review with Garrett Marrero of Maui Brewing Company

Planning a visit to Maui soon? Curious about how the recent wildfires impacted local businesses and the community? Dive deep into this episode of Hawaii’s Best to hear firsthand experiences, gain insights, and grasp an in-depth understanding of the current situation....

Recent Podcast Episodes

Planning a Hawaii Trip? Here’s the Order That Works

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Best Local Food in Kauai: 10 Spots You Shouldn’t Miss

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Do You Need a Real ID to Fly to Hawaii?

5 Hawaii Family Travel Mistakes Most Parents Realize Too Late

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What Is King Kamehameha Day? What Hawaii Visitors Should Know

Maui Travel Guide in 10 Minutes: What to Know Before You Book

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Hawaii Travel Mistakes to Avoid Before You Book

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you use the links. View our Privacy Policy and for more.You found a cheap flight. You asked ChatGPT to build your itinerary. You figured four islands in 10 days was totally doable. And now...

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

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...

How Will the 2025 Federal Shutdown Affect Your Hawaii Trip?

Will the federal government shutdown affect your Hawaii trip? That's the urgent question thousands of travelers are asking right now as headlines create confusion about what's actually open and what's closed.If you're planning a Hawaii vacation or currently on the...

EP. 184: Top Hawaiian Words to Know Before Visiting Hawaii with Kahanuola Solatorio

Ep. 181: 10 Best Local Restaurants on Oahu You Can’t Miss

Tired of overpriced resort food and generic chain restaurants in Waikiki? You're missing out on the real taste of Hawaii. The best local restaurants on Oahu offer something no resort dining room can deliver: authentic flavors, family recipes passed down through...

Ep. 180: What to Pack for Your Hawaii Vacation (Checklist Included)

Packing for Hawaii isn't just about tossing swimsuits and flip-flops into your suitcase. The wrong items—or forgotten essentials—can turn your dream vacation into a costly shopping trip on day one. After nearly 20 years of Hawaii travel and over 30 trips to the...

How to Beat the Post-Hawaii Blues: 3 Simple Steps to Keep the Aloha Alive

Ever stepped off the plane from Hawaii and felt like you just hit a wall? You're not alone. That post-Hawaii crash is real, and it affects millions of travelers every year. One day you're sipping coffee on the beach, the next you're sitting in traffic thinking "that...

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