Hawaii Travel Podcast by Hawaii’s Best: Plan a Better Vacation

Are visitors welcome in Hawaii? After years of mixed messages around tourism, that’s a question a lot of travelers are still quietly asking.

In this episode, I went back through conversations I’ve had with five Native Hawaiians and listened again to what they’ve shared about visitors, respect, the land, and what it means to visit Hawaii knowing that you’re stepping into someone else’s home.

I’m not...

Could fall still be my favorite time to visit Hawaii after one of the most unusual hurricane seasons in years?

👉 FREE Hawaii during fall guide ->

If you’re planning a fall trip, the real question isn’t whether September, October, or November is perfect, but whether the pace, weather, crowds, and tradeoffs fit the kind of trip you want.

👉 Hit play now to hear why I still choose fall and the specific window I’d pi...

Kauai is welcoming visitors back after Hurricane Lowell, but recovery is still uneven.

In this episode, I’m joined by Meghann Kealoha Matsuda, a lifelong Kauai resident, entrepreneur, and community organizer who has been directly involved in recovery efforts on the island.

We talk about what things actually look like on the ground right now, which areas are reopening, where visitors still need to be cautious, and what people wi...

Which Oahu 'tourist traps' are actually worth skipping, and which ones are still worth your time?

In this episode, I break down some of the most commonly debated Oahu spots, including Dole Plantation, the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet, Waikiki, luaus, Pearl Harbor, Waimea Valley, and more.

I also share results from a listener poll on the most overrated Oahu attractions and explain where I agree, where I don’t, and what I’d do i...

If you have a Kauai trip coming up, the official guidance has changed.

In this update, I explain what Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) is now asking upcoming Kauai visitors to consider, what that means if your trip is only days or weeks away, and why simply having an operating flight does not mean the rest of your vacation is ready to go as planned.

I also talk about the real weight of rescheduling weddings, anniversaries, family trips...

🚨Updated Episode:

• Apple Podcast
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Hurricane Lowell is moving away from Hawaii, but the storm has left major impacts on Kauai and disrupted travel across the islands.

So what does this mean if you have a Hawaii trip coming up?

In this episode, I break down what you should know about airline travel waivers, canceled flights, refunds, and when it actually makes sense to change your plans.

I also explain why the 2026 Central ...

Planning a Hawaii itinerary sounds easy until your list of things to do keeps getting longer.

✅ Free Hawaii Itinerary Reality Checklist

Beaches, restaurants, tours, lookouts, reservations. They may all be great options, but trying to fit everything into one trip can quickly turn your vacation into a checklist.

In this episode, I'll share my simple framework I use to build Hawaii days that feel realistic without missing the experiences...

Do you actually need a rental car in Hawaii, or are you about to pay for one that sits in a parking garage half your trip?

The answer depends a lot on which island you’re visiting, where you’re staying, and how much exploring you actually plan to do.

👉 Play this episode before you book your rental car so you can figure out what your trip really requires.

If you’re staying in Waikiki, you may not need a car for your ...

Are you planning your Hawaii trip too early, too late, or just booking things in the wrong order?

👉 Free Checklist for this Episode

For most Hawaii trips, the bigger issue isn’t booking everything as early as possible. It’s knowing which decisions matter now and which ones can wait.

Hit play now to learn the planning timeline I use so you can book the important parts of your Hawaii trip without feeling like everything has...

Could one purchase at the Made in Hawaiʻi Festival help change a local business’s future? Maybe that sounds dramatic, but it's actually not.

For Hawaiʻi visitors and people who love the islands, knowing who made a product helps every purchase carry more meaning.

👉 Hit play now to learn what to look for before you walk through the festival doors.

If you’ve ever wondered how to support Hawaiʻi businesses more thoughtfully, ...

What is hula really communicating beyond the movements you see on stage?

For many, hula is something they experience at a luau, but there is a deeper story, tradition, and cultural practice behind every movement, song, and detail.

👉 Hit play now to hear from Miss Aloha Hula Jaedyn Janae Puahaulani Pavao and discover how to experience hula with a deeper understanding on your next Hawaii trip. 

If you’ve ever wondered what t...

Are you planning your Hawaii trip in the wrong order without even realizing it?

👉 Start planning with the Hawaii Trip Planner Hub

Most people start with flights or a bucket list, and that's actually backwards, it just leads to stress and wasted money.

Hit play now and get the exact 8-step order that takes the guesswork out of planning your Hawaii trip.

If you've ever wondered what to actually do first when planning Hawaii, this episod...

Here's the updated description with a resources section added below it:

What's the one mistake that can turn Hawaii's biggest shopping event into hours stuck in line?

Heading to Oahu this August? Your arrival time at Made in Hawaii Festival can make or break your visit.

👉 Hit play now for the exact dates, prices, and timing tips before this year's festival sells out.

If you've ever wondered how to shop nearly 600 local vendors without...

What if one of the most important dates in Hawaii history is also one most visitors never learn about?

For Hawaii travelers and people who love the islands, understanding July 31 helps explain why Hawaiian sovereignty is not just history, but part of a living conversation today.

👉 Hit play now to understand how Hawaii lost control of its government twice, why it was restored once, and why that difference still matters.

If you’v...

Could one missed reservation derail the Hawaii day you planned your whole trip around?

Free Hawaii Reservation Checker

Hawaii’s most popular sites use different booking windows, release times, and entry rules, which can make planning confusing even when you start months ahead.

👉 Hit play now to learn which Hawaii reservations matter most, when they open, and what options you still have if tickets are gone.

If you’ve ever w...

How much does a Hawaii trip really cost in 2026, and are you budgeting enough before you book?

I break down the real costs travelers face so you can plan a Hawaii vacation without unexpected expenses.

👉 Hit play now to learn what to budget for flights, hotels, food, transportation, and activities in 2026.

If you’ve ever wondered how to create a realistic Hawaii trip budget, this episode is for you.

You’ll learn where your ...

Why does Kauai look small on a map but take twice as long to get around as you'd think?

If you're planning a Kauai trip, that mismatch between the map and reality can wreck a good itinerary fast.

👉 Hit play now and you'll walk away knowing the exact reason you can't loop the island, so you stop losing hours to backtracking.

If you've wondered what makes Kauai different from the other Hawaiian islands, this episode is for you. I'll wa...

Locals line up outside this Kauai restaurant before the doors even open.

🍱 Free Guide: 29 Locally Owned Spots to Eat on Kauai Guide

If you're planning a Kauai trip, skipping the food research can land you at a tourist trap instead of a real local favorite.

👉 Hit play now to find out which tiny walk-up spot locals line up for before it opens.

If you've ever wondered how to spot a real local restaurant on Kauai, this episode is for you...

Which Hawaiian island should you pick when every island looks tempting?

The answer isn't which island is "best," it's which one actually fits the trip you're trying to take right now.

👉 Hit play now to get one simple question for each island, Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island, that makes the decision easy.

If you've ever stared at Hawaii's four main islands and felt stuck picking just one, this episode is for you.

I'll walk you th...