The Hawaii travel podcast that helps you plan a better trip.
New to the show? Start here.
You don’t need to listen to every episode to plan a good trip. Start with the question you’re working through right now.
Planning your first trip? Start with Ep. 264 below.
How To Plan a Hawaii Vacation Step by Step
Browse episodes by topic
Choose your island and budget
2 episodes · Tap to view
Best Island to Visit in Hawaii
Hawaii Travel Tips to Save Your Family Money
Explore the island guides
4 episodes · Tap to view
Oahu Travel Guide
Maui Travel Guide
Kauai Travel Guide
Big Island Travel Guide
Hawaiian language and culture
1 episode · Tap to view
Hawaiian Words and Phrases
Why listen to Hawaii’s Best?
Whether you’re planning your first trip, returning with family, or simply missing Hawaii, you’re in the right place.
Tuesday episodes help you plan a better trip. Thursday episodes help you stay connected to the islands.
Choose the right island for your trip.
Compare islands, places to stay, and things to do based on your budget, interests, and pace. Find what fits your trip, rather than trying to do everything.
Make family travel feel more manageable.
Get Hawaii travel tips for planning with kids, from choosing activities to leaving enough room for beach days, downtime, and the unexpected.
“This podcast has been a wealth of knowledge for us as we're planning a first time trip to HI. … we've learned so much about the culture and have really been able to plan a trip that allows us to experience Hawaii- not just visit.”
Know what to book and what’s changed.
Avoid common planning mistakes, understand reservation requirements, and catch travel updates that could affect your plans, even if you’ve visited before.
Understand Hawaii and travel with aloha.
Learn about Hawaiian culture and hear perspectives from locals and Hawaiian cultural practitioners. Discover local businesses and practical ways to respect the land, ocean, and people who call Hawaii home.
Arrive prepared, not just excited.
What listeners are saying
Better plans. A deeper connection to Hawaii.
“Truly an invaluable resource for planning a Hawaii vacation … This podcast made our trip that much better!”
“Your show completely changed how I thought about my whole island experience. We slowed down and enjoyed “talking story” with locals …”
“Hawaii's Best does a great job educating people on how to travel responsibly and tips to help lessen the impact of tourism on Hawaii's delicate ecosystem.”
“This podcast has been so helpful to listen to you in car rides, commutes, doing dishes, working out. Squeezing in as much information as I can between life to be able to make the most out of every second of our trip.”
Has the podcast helped you? Leave a review.
Meet Bryan
Aloha, I’m Bryan Murphy.
I’m the owner and host of Hawaii’s Best Travel, an independent Hawaii travel media brand. Some of my favorite memories with my wife, Ali, and our three daughters were made in the islands. Those family memories are a big part of why I fell in love with Hawaii.
I started this podcast in 2019 to help you make memories of your own, without turning trip planning into a second job. I bring years of Hawaii travel experience and training as a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert.
Alongside locals and Hawaiian cultural practitioners, I share practical ways to travel with aloha, support local businesses, and enjoy the kind of trip your family will talk about for years.
Follow Hawaii’s Best On:
Choose your podcast app, or listen to the latest episodes below.
A few questions before you listen
Here’s how to get started and keep Hawaii’s Best handy for your next trip.
Which episode should I listen to first?
Planning your first Hawaii trip? Start with How To Plan a Hawaii Vacation Step by Step. Already have a question in mind? Browse the starting episodes by topic for island guides, budget tips, and Hawaiian language and culture.
Is the podcast free, and how do I follow?
Yes, listening and following are free. Choose Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or another app in the listening section. Following keeps the show easy to find. Need a hand with Apple Podcasts? Here’s how to follow the show.
When do new episodes come out?
Tuesday episodes help you plan a better Hawaii trip. Thursday episodes help you stay connected through local voices, stories, perspectives, and timely updates. You can catch up on recent episodes in the player above.
Is this just for people planning a trip?
First-time visitors and families will find plenty of practical help, but you don’t need a flight booked to enjoy the show. Return visitors and people missing Hawaii can hear local stories, discover businesses, and learn more about the islands between trips.
Where can I find show notes and resources?
Check the episode description in your podcast app for links and resources. The starting episodes above also link to episode pages or listening destinations, so you can explore the topic that interests you.
Partner with Hawaii’s Best
Help Hawaii visitors discover your business before they arrive. Let’s talk about a partnership that fits your goals and gives listeners something useful.
Explore a partnershipHave a story to share?
Are you a local business owner, Hawaiian cultural practitioner, or someone with a perspective visitors should hear? Tell me what you’d help listeners understand.
Get in touch about being a guestShow Notes
Ep 123: Hawaii in the Summertime: Top Activities and Events You Can’t Miss
Introduction Ever wonder what it’s like to experience Hawaii in the summertime? This episode is your ultimate guide to making the most of your Hawaiian summer vacation. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip, this episode has something for...
Episode 122: Turo Hawaii Adventures: Family Travel Tips from Jena Carvalho for Mother’s Day
In today’s episode, we delve into the innovative world of Turo, the peer-to-peer car-sharing service that’s changing how visitors explore our islands. Whether you’re headed to the shores of Oahu, the landscapes of Maui, or anywhere across the beautiful Hawaiian...
Episode 121: Lei Day in Hawaii Explained: History, Traditions, and Significance
In this special episode, we are diving into the enchanting celebration of Lei Day in Hawaii. If you're a traveler planning a trip to the islands or simply curious about Hawaiian culture, this episode is a must-listen. Joining us is the Kumu Kahanuola Solatorio, a...
Episode 120: Top 5 Best Snorkel Spots on Oahu: What to Know Before Snorkeling in Hawaii
Please be aware that snorkeling within 72 hours of a long flight may carry additional risks, including an increased chance of developing Rapid Onset Pulmonary Edema (ROPE); always consult with a medical professional and use caution.In this solo episode, hosted by...
Episode 119: Turo Hawaii: Transforming Hawaii Travel with Local Insights
Today, we delve into an innovative approach to experiencing the islands: Turo Hawaii. With special guests Catherine Mejia and Leonani Puailihau from Turo, the leading car-sharing marketplace, we explore how this service offers a more personal, impactful, and...
Episode 117: Koloa Rum Company: What Makes Hawaiian Rum Unique?
Today, we're venturing into the lush landscapes of Kauai to explore a story steeped in heritage, culture, and the smooth, rich flavors of rum. Join me as we sit down with Bob Gunter, President and CEO of the Kōloa Rum Company, a beacon of Hawaiian tradition and a...
Episode116: First Time to Hawaii: An Unforgettable Beginner’s Guide to the Islands
Are you planning your first trip to Hawaii and feeling overwhelmed with the plethora of information out there? Well, you've just struck gold! In this comprehensive podcast episode, I will be your personal guide to unraveling the mystique of Hawaii's enchanting...
Episode 115: Sovereignty and Identity: Exploring the Overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom
The story of the Hawaiian Kingdom's overthrow is more than just a historical account. It's a narrative that resonates deeply with themes of sovereignty, identity, and resilience in its people. It's a tale that speaks to the enduring spirit of the Hawaiian people and...
Be a Guest on the Show
Want to be a guest on Hawaii’s Best? We’re always looking for local voices, cultural experts, and businesses that help visitors experience Hawaii responsibly — reach out and let’s talk story.