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:
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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 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
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
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...
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.