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What to do, Where to stay and What to know
Why a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert Is the Key to Stress-Free Hawaii Trip Planning
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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...
Hawaii Vacation Rental Laws 2026 – How to Verify Before You Book
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Hanauma Bay Reservations Get Major Update with New Transportation System
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![[Updated] FAA cuts flights at 40 airports including Honolulu. Here’s what Hawaii travelers need to know ahead of holiday season](https://hawaiisbesttravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/faa-cuts-flights-hawaii-travel-affected-1080x675.jpg "Subscriber Thank You - Download 5")
[Updated] FAA cuts flights at 40 airports including Honolulu. Here’s what Hawaii travelers need to know ahead of holiday season
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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...
Christmas in Hawaii – Guide to Everything You Need to Know in 2025
Photo by the Grand WaileaPlanning a Christmas vacation and visiting Hawaii in December? Why not indulge in the festive spirit of Hawaii? As the cool breeze of early December dances with the warm oceans, Hawaii at Christmas transforms into a holiday paradise. Beyond...
Hawaii In November – Is November A Good Time to Visit Hawaii? (2025)
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Unforgettable Things to Do in Hawaii with Teens (They’ll Actually Love!)
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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
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. 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...
Ep. 179: 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...
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. 177: Why September Is the Best Month to Visit Hawaii
Did you know most travelers completely overlook September when planning their Hawaii vacation? While everyone fights for summer dates or winter escapes, September quietly offers some of the best conditions Hawaii has to offer. After years of helping travelers plan...
Ep. 175: 3 First Day in Hawaii Mistakes to Avoid
Grab the First-Day in Hawaii Checklist Did you know simple first-day mistakes in Hawaii can derail your whole trip before day two even starts? For a lot of visitors, the first 24 hours are packed with excitement—and that’s when avoidable slip-ups happen with ocean...
Ep. 174: HawaiianMiles Are Ending: What Hawaii Travelers Lose With Atmos Rewards
Hawaiian Airlines just announced a massive change that impacts almost every Hawaii traveler. HawaiianMiles are ending on October 1, 2025, and they will be replaced by a new program called Atmos Rewards. If you’ve been collecting miles for years like I have, this...
Ep. 173: Listener Q&A: Your TOP Hawaii Travel Questions Answered
Planning a Hawaii vacation can be exciting, but it also brings up a lot of questions. From figuring out how much it costs to take your family, to deciding which island to visit, there’s a lot to think about. In this episode, I’m answering the Top Hawaii Travel...
Top 10 Best Beaches in Kauai: Your Ultimate Guide to Kauai’s Coastline
Looking to explore the alluring Kauai beaches, but feeling overwhelmed by an abundance of options? Noted as Hawaii's island gem, Kauai is renowned for its stunning shorelines stretching out into miles of white sand and azure waters. This blog post will guide you...
Ep. 170: Skip These Hawaii Tourist Traps: Travelers Share What’s Not Worth It
Love the Podcast? Join as a member for FREE!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 stood in a long line at a famous Hawaii attraction, watching your precious...
Ep. 168: Top 20 Unique Things to Do on Maui (Beyond Road to Hana & Haleakalā)
Love the Podcast? Join as a member for FREE!This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you use the links. View our Privacy Policy and for more.Most Maui visitors stick to the exact same itinerary: Road to Hana and Haleakalā. That's it....
Explore By Island
Travel Pono (responsibly)
Podcast episodes and posts about how to travel responsibly to Hawaii
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...
Avoid These 10 Common Mistakes When Planning a Trip to Hawaii
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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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What Does Kapu Mean? Understanding the Ancient Hawaiian Code of Conduct and Taboos
"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 (2024)
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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....
Episode 101: Supporting Local Businesses at Made in Hawaii Festival 2023: Part 2
Welcome to Part 2 of our Made in Hawaii series. We're joined by Paul Rivera, Executive Chef of Hula Girl Waikiki! We dive deep into Hawaii's rich culinary tapestry, discussing his ascent from a culinary student to a celebrated chef. Our chat unravels the mysteries of...
Recent Podcast Episodes
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
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. 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...
Ep. 179: 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...
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. 177: Why September Is the Best Month to Visit Hawaii
Did you know most travelers completely overlook September when planning their Hawaii vacation? While everyone fights for summer dates or winter escapes, September quietly offers some of the best conditions Hawaii has to offer. After years of helping travelers plan...
Ep. 175: 3 First Day in Hawaii Mistakes to Avoid
Grab the First-Day in Hawaii Checklist Did you know simple first-day mistakes in Hawaii can derail your whole trip before day two even starts? For a lot of visitors, the first 24 hours are packed with excitement—and that’s when avoidable slip-ups happen with ocean...
Ep. 174: HawaiianMiles Are Ending: What Hawaii Travelers Lose With Atmos Rewards
Hawaiian Airlines just announced a massive change that impacts almost every Hawaii traveler. HawaiianMiles are ending on October 1, 2025, and they will be replaced by a new program called Atmos Rewards. If you’ve been collecting miles for years like I have, this...
Ep. 173: Listener Q&A: Your TOP Hawaii Travel Questions Answered
Planning a Hawaii vacation can be exciting, but it also brings up a lot of questions. From figuring out how much it costs to take your family, to deciding which island to visit, there’s a lot to think about. In this episode, I’m answering the Top Hawaii Travel...
Ep. 170: Skip These Hawaii Tourist Traps: Travelers Share What’s Not Worth It
Love the Podcast? Join as a member for FREE!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 stood in a long line at a famous Hawaii attraction, watching your precious...
Ep. 168: Top 20 Unique Things to Do on Maui (Beyond Road to Hana & Haleakalā)
Love the Podcast? Join as a member for FREE!This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you use the links. View our Privacy Policy and for more.Most Maui visitors stick to the exact same itinerary: Road to Hana and Haleakalā. That's it....
Why You Can’t Travel Between Hawaii’s Islands by Boat
Love the Podcast? Join as a member for FREE!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're planning your Hawaiian vacation and wondering why you can't just hop on a ferry to...
Ep. 165: The Untold Story of Waimea Valley on Oahu: More Than a Waterfall
Love the Podcast? Join as a member for FREE!This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you use the links. View our Privacy Policy and for more.If you're planning a trip to Oahu, you might think Waimea Valley Oahu is just another...
Ep. 164: 10 Things I Wish I Would Have Known Before Visiting Hawaii
Love the Podcast? Join as a member for FREE!This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you use the links. View our Privacy Policy and for more.Picture this: You step off the plane in Honolulu with two massive suitcases, only to...
Ep. 162: The Kahala Hotel & Resort: An Honest Review of Our Stay in Oahu’s Hidden Luxury
Love the Podcast? Join as a member for FREE!This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you use the links. View our Privacy Policy and for more.Are you wondering if Oahu's most exclusive resort actually lives up to its legendary...
Ep. 160: Don’t Visit Kauai Without Knowing This
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you use the links. View our Privacy Policy and for more.Are you making these critical mistakes that could turn your dream Kauai vacation into a stressful experience? Most travelers arrive in...
Ep. 156: 10 Kauai Travel Tips in 10 Minutes
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you use the links. View our Privacy Policy and for more.Are you planning a trip to Kauai or dreaming of one? Maybe you're even on the Garden Isle right now? In this episode of Hawaii's Best, I...
Ep. 155: Don’t Visit Maui for the First Time Without Knowing This
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you use the links. View our Privacy Policy and for more.If you're planning your first trip to Maui in 2025, you need to know what's changed. From Lahaina's ongoing recovery to rising...
Ep. 152: Best Time to Visit Hawaii for Families: Low Prices and Quiet Beaches (+ 3 Weeks to Skip)
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 family vacation to Hawaii requires strategic timing if you want to maximize value and minimize stress. As a certified Hawaii...
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