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The Hawaii travel podcast that helps you plan a better trip.

Not sure which island to choose, what to book first, or what’s worth your time?
Get practical Hawaii travel tips from Bryan Murphy, plus conversations with locals and Hawaiian cultural practitioners.
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Bryan Murphy
Hosted by Bryan Murphy
Owner of Hawaii’s Best Travel
Hawaii’s Best podcast cover artwork
750,000+ downloads
Helping Hawaii visitors since 2019
Certified Hawaii Destination Expert
HVCB Member

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.

Browse episodes by topic

Choose your island and budget

2 episodes · Tap to view

Explore the island guides

4 episodes · Tap to view

Hawaiian language and culture

1 episode · Tap to view

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.”

MbpilsnerApple Podcasts review · September 2026Review excerpt

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!”

Chelsea_B.Apple Podcasts review · October 2026Review excerpt

“Your show completely changed how I thought about my whole island experience. We slowed down and enjoyed “talking story” with locals …”

gardencooApple Podcasts review · February 2025Review excerpt

“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.”

K.DelaneyApple Podcasts review · July 2023Review excerpt

“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.”

VanessaMW2Apple Podcasts reviewReview excerpt

Has the podcast helped you? Leave a review.

Bryan Murphy, host of Hawaii’s Best Travel

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.

More about me and Hawaii’s Best Travel

Bryan Murphy interviewing Jason Donez, general manager of Leilani’s on the Beach in Maui.
With Jason Donez, general manager of Leilani’s on the Beach in Maui.
Bryan Murphy with Kamaka Ukulele at NAMM.
Talking with Kamaka Ukulele at NAMM.
Bryan Murphy recording a podcast conversation with Jaedyn Pavao, Miss Aloha Hula and Hawaiian cultural practitioner.
With Jaedyn Pavao, Miss Aloha Hula and Hawaiian cultural practitioner.

Follow Hawaii’s Best On:

Choose your podcast app, or listen to the latest episodes below.

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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 partnership

Have 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 guest

Show Notes

Episode 90: King Kamehameha Day

Episode 90: King Kamehameha Day

[DISPLAY_ULTIMATE_PLUS]Planning a trip to Hawaii? Have any questions? Join our Hawaii's Best Travel Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!This post may contain affiliate links, meaning that I may earn a commission if...

Episode 88: 5 Things Not to Do in Hawaii

Episode 88: 5 Things Not to Do in Hawaii

[DISPLAY_ULTIMATE_PLUS]Planning a trip to Hawaii? Have any questions? Join our Hawaii's Best Travel Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!This post may contain affiliate links, meaning that I may earn a commission if...

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.

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