Explore every episode of the podcast Hawaii Travel Made Easy Podcast—Hawaii travel tips, Things to do in Hawaii, Hawaii vacation planning
Dive into the complete episode list for Hawaii Travel Made Easy Podcast—Hawaii travel tips, Things to do in Hawaii, Hawaii vacation planning. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
Rows per page:
50
1–50 of 156
Title
Pub. Date
Duration
What It's Really Like to Be on Maui During a Hurricane with Kids— Ep 155
04 Nov 2026
00:28:59
Family Trip to Maui During Hurricane Lala: What It Was Really Like (Plus Kid-Friendly Tips)
Who this episode is for: Families planning a Hawaii trip in late summer or fall who are nervous about hurricane season, especially with young kids.
What you'll learn: How Kendra's family got ready for Hurricane Lala and handled a day without power in a Napili vacation rental with a 4 and 7 year old. You'll also hear what Maui beach parking cost them, what travel insurance may not cover in a hurricane, and how a Resort Pass day room made their red-eye day easier.
Places discussed:
Maui
Napili (West Maui), where Kendra's family stayed
Ka'anapali
Lahaina, for the grocery store and chain restaurants
Ma'alaea, home of the Maui Ocean Center
Kihei, including a big shaded park with a play structure
Kapalua, for snorkeling and easy beach days
Ironwoods Beach, for family photos
Maui Ocean Center
Costco on Maui
Safeway on Maui
Kona
Big Island
Kauai
Activities discussed:
Private shore-based snorkeling tour with Maui Ocean Project at Kapalua (beach lesson on sea life, wetsuits, life jackets, two-person boogie boards, photos included)
Seeing sea turtles while snorkeling
Building a sand turtle on the beach
Boat snorkel tours (considered, skipped with young kids)
Maui Ocean Center visit, about an hour to an hour and a half
Free Maui Ocean Center entry with a Pacific Science Center reciprocal membership
Flytographer family photo shoot at Ironwoods (Marcie's trusted Hawaii resources, including Flytographer, are at hawaiitravelwithkids.com/hawaii-resources)
Beach days at Kapalua, with chair and umbrella rentals
Paid beach parking on Maui ($35 for an evening at Ironwoods, one code good at several Napili area beaches)
Pool time at the vacation rental
Playground time in Kihei
Costco run for food, flashlights, and battery lanterns
Grilling at the rental during the power outage
Skip-Bo and Uno by lantern light
Packing a suitcase of toys (Legos, Matchbox cars, Wikki Stix, Magna-Tiles)
Resort Pass day-rate room with pool and water slide before a red-eye flight
Hotels discussed:
Four-bedroom Airbnb with a pool in Napili (owner on property, solar battery backup)
Sheraton or Hilton on Maui, Kendra's Resort Pass day-rate room
The Hyatt on Maui, next to the Sheraton, where Marcie has stayed
Hilton Waikoloa Village, Marcie's Costco Travel booking
Restaurants discussed:
Starbucks by the Maui Ocean Center: had power after the storm, 45-minute line
Marcie's recommendations:
A rental with a pool is the right call with young kids, since they can swim before or after dinner.
Marcie usually doesn't factor hurricane season into trip planning because it's rarely been an issue. This year has been unusual, with three storms as of early October.
Don't count on ChatGPT for real-time info like whether an attraction is open. Call directly.
Maui Ocean Center is amazing but pricey, so the reciprocal membership tip is a big money saver.
Maui beach parking fees catch people off guard. Read the signs and know which lot you're in.
Travel insurance often won't cover a hurricane unless there's a state of emergency or things are legitimately shut down.
Hurricanes headed toward Hawaii can change direction fast, so you can't predict much ahead of time.
Spring break and February midwinter break flights from Seattle are usually very expensive.
Marcie watches for Cyber Monday deals from Alaska and Hawaiian, and only pays the deposit on a package until flights are sorted.
Book a Resort Pass day-rate room for your last day before a red-eye, especially if you're in a vacation rental. Marcie did this on Kauai and wants to do it every time.
The Hyatt's pool area is fabulous, with ocean views and the beach right there.
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
The Group Chat Meltdown: How Planning Hawaii With Friends Ends Friendships— Ep 154
02 Nov 2026
00:13:54
Why Group Trips to Hawaii Get Messy (and How to Avoid the Group Chat Meltdown)
Who this episode is for: Anyone trying to plan a Hawaii trip with a group of friends and already feeling the budget, pace, and activity differences start to pile up before a single thing is booked.
What you’ll learn: Why Hawaii specifically tends to turn group trip planning into a slow-motion group chat meltdown, and Marcie’s actual fixes: having a real money conversation before you book, deciding upfront whether everyone has to do everything together, naming comped-experience and roommate expectations out loud, picking one final decision-maker, and building in recovery time.
Places discussed:
Kauai
Princeville, North Shore (Kauai)
Waikiki
South Shore, Kauai
Poipu, Kauai
Activities discussed:
Kayaking
Sunrise hiking
Shopping
Eating out / brunch
Cooking at home (self-catering in a vacation rental)
Ziplining
Luau
Pool and beach time
Content creation for tourism boards and activity providers
Sunrise coffee run
Restaurants discussed:
7-Eleven, for a quick, budget-friendly musubi run instead of a full meal
Marcie’s recommendations:
Have the money conversation and get an actual number before anyone books a house or hotel, not a vague budget.
Decide early whether the group will do everything together or split into smaller groups some days, and build that flexibility in from day one.
If some people in the group work with tourism boards or activity providers and may get comped experiences while others are paying full price, say that out loud early since it changes what feels fair to everyone.
Sort out room assignments and agree on basic shared-space rules, like kitchen habits and chores, before arriving instead of after.
Give one person the final call on logistics instead of trying to reach full group consensus on every choice.
Build in real recovery time, like a lazier morning or solo beach time, since mismatched energy levels turn into trip resentment.
Book a consultation if a group is stuck between conflicting opinions on where to stay or what to book.
Get a fifty dollar itinerary review if the group already has a draft itinerary and just needs a second set of eyes.
Join the Hawaii Travel with Kids Facebook group to compare notes with others who have lived through their own group trip chaos.
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
Holiday Honest Takes: Thanksgiving, Christmas & NYE in Hawaii — Ep 153
28 Oct 2026
00:14:01
Hawaii Holidays Planning Guide: Thanksgiving Through New Year’s (Closures, Costs, Fireworks, and Fukubukuro)
Who this episode is for: Families planning a Hawaiʻi trip between Thanksgiving week and New Year’s Day, especially anyone still booking for this holiday season.
What you’ll learn: Why the holidays are the priciest time to visit and what to book first, which attractions and restaurants close on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day, and how to plan meals around those closures. You’ll also get the 2026 dates for the big holiday events on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi, New Year’s Eve fireworks tips for families, and how Ala Moana’s fukubukuro works.
Places discussed:
Oʻahu
Kauaʻi
Big Island
Waikīkī
Kalākaua Avenue
Ko Olina
Tantalus, above Honolulu
Downtown Honolulu
Honolulu Hale, home of Honolulu City Lights
Ala Moana Center
Neiman Marcus at Ala Moana Center
Pearl Harbor visitor center
Diamond Head
Waimea Canyon, closed after Hurricane Lowell
Hāʻena, closed after Hurricane Lowell
Wainiha, closed after Hurricane Lowell
Līhuʻe
Rice Street in Līhuʻe
Historic County Building in Līhuʻe
Activities discussed:
Fukubukuro lucky bags at Ala Moana Center on New Year’s Day
Experience Nutridge luau on Thanksgiving, including its imu (underground oven)
Thanksgiving buffets and holiday menus in Waikīkī
Holiday takeout meals
Grocery runs before each holiday
Waikīkī Holiday Parade (Friday, Nov 27)
Holiday decorations and photo ops in Waikīkī and at Ala Moana Center
Waikiki Trolley holiday lights tour
Ala Moana’s 50-foot Santa, Santa’s Surf Shack photos, and the Big Santa Mailbox
Honolulu City Lights (opens Saturday, Dec 5)
Honolulu Marathon (Sunday, Dec 13) and its effect on Waikīkī traffic
Lights on Rice Parade in Līhuʻe (listed for Friday, Dec 4)
Kauaʻi Festival of Lights
Santa’s canoe arrival on Christmas Eve in Waikīkī
Christmas Day luaus
Christmas stockings and handling gifts when you travel
Family photo shoots with Flytographer
Waikīkī New Year’s Eve fireworks at midnight
Hilton Waikoloa Village fireworks at 9 p.m.
New Year’s Eve luaus and dinner cruises
Hotels discussed:
Aulani, holiday decor up before Thanksgiving
Hilton Waikiki Beach, Thanksgiving buffet
Sheraton Waikiki, Christmas sand sculpture
Moana Surfrider, columns wrapped for the holidays
Royal Hawaiian, where Santa lands by canoe
The Kahala, Christmas buffets
Waikiki Beach Marriott, home of Paina Waikiki luau
Hilton Hawaiian Village, where Marcie watched NYE fireworks
Hilton Waikoloa Village, 9 p.m. NYE fireworks
Restaurants discussed:
Hinahina (Sheraton Waikiki): 2026 Thanksgiving buffet, about $145 adults
Hilton Waikiki Beach: 2026 Thanksgiving buffet, about $90 adults
Lulu’s Waikiki: à la carte Thanksgiving menu
Duke’s Waikiki: past Thanksgiving menus, books up fast
Hula Grill: past Thanksgiving menus, books up fast
Plumeria Beach House (The Kahala): Christmas Eve and Day buffets last year
Zippy’s: Christmas luau takeout package last year
Big City Diner: holiday family packs, order 72 hours ahead
ABC Stores: grab-and-go musubi and drinks, hours vary
Marcie’s recommendations:
If your dates are flexible, go in early December, after Thanksgiving and before school breaks.
If you’re tied to school break, book your hotel and rental car as early as you can.
Book holiday dinners and luaus as soon as they’re posted.
Do a real grocery run the day before each holiday, even if you only have a mini fridge.
Christmas Eve is your grocery day, since Christmas Day is the quietest day for what’s open.
Don’t count on Costco: it’s closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Order a holiday meal to go so you can skip the reservation scramble.
If the imu turkey at Nutridge is the draw, ask about it when you book.
Plan Pearl Harbor around the holidays, since the visitor center is closed on all three.
Check before planning a holiday hike at Diamond Head.
Don’t drive across Kalākaua on parade night.
Book the Waikiki Trolley holiday lights tour early, because it sells out.
On Honolulu Marathon morning, stay near your hotel instead of driving.
On Kauaʻi, confirm your hotel and activities directly with each company, and check openkauai.org.
Don’t drive into Kauaʻi neighborhoods affected by the hurricane to look at the damage.
For Christmas dinner, check your own hotel’s restaurants first so nobody has to drive.
Pack stockings since they pack flat, and fill them with fidgets, squishies, candy, and a pool book.
Use gift bags or wrap after you land, because wrapped gifts can get unwrapped at security.
Call your hotel before shipping presents there.
Leave room in your suitcase for the trip home.
Get settled early if you’re watching NYE fireworks near the Hilton Hawaiian Village.
For little kids, try the 9 p.m. Hilton Waikoloa fireworks or an ocean-view room in Waikīkī.
If anyone in your family is sensitive to noise or smoke, stay close to the resort areas on New Year’s Eve.
Don’t buy fireworks to set off yourself, and stick with the professional shows.
Book NYE luaus and dinner cruises this fall.
For fukubukuro, look at the participating store list ahead of time and pick a store you’d shop at anyway, since all sales are final.
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
Hawaii Travel Made Easy: Meet Marcie (and Owen’s Island Rankings)
Hawaii Travel Made Easy is a Hawaiʻi trip planning podcast hosted by Marcie Cheung, a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has been to the islands more than 40 times. New episodes come out every Monday and Wednesday, and most of them answer one planning question, like whether you need a rental car on Oʻahu or if a Haleakalā sunrise is worth a 3 a.m. alarm (bring gloves). You’ll also hear trip reports from guests, answers to listener questions from Marcie’s Thursday AMAs on Instagram, and a lot about how to be a good guest while you’re visiting.
Who this show is for: Anyone planning a trip to Hawaiʻi, whether you’re still picking an island or sorting out the last details.
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
Movies Filmed in Hawaii: Fun Trivia for Your Flight— Ep 152
26 Oct 2026
00:10:45
Movies Filmed in Hawaii: Fun Trivia for Your Flight
Who this episode is for: Anyone with a Hawaii flight already booked who wants a fun, low-effort listen for the plane, plus movie and TV fans curious about real filming locations they can visit.
What you’ll learn: What’s actually filming in Hawaii right now heading into 2027, including Protecting Jared, Untamed season 2, the new Jumanji, and the live-action Moana, plus where classics like Jurassic Park, Lilo & Stitch, Gilligan’s Island, and The White Lotus were really shot, and what to expect (locations, pricing, tips) if you book the Kualoa Ranch Movie Sites tour.
Places discussed:
Oahu
Kauai
Big Island (Hawaii Island)
Maui
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (Big Island)
Allerton Garden, Poipu (Kauai)
Waimea Canyon (Kauai)
Na Pali Coast (Kauai)
Kilohana Plantation Railway (Kauai)
Wailua Falls (Kauai)
Opaekaa Falls (Kauai)
Moloaa Beach (Kauai)
Honolulu (Oahu, shipyard origin of the Gilligan’s Island boat)
Kualoa Ranch / Kaaawa Valley (Oahu)
Kalanianaole Highway (Oahu, southeast side)
Sandy Beach (Oahu)
Makaha Beach (Oahu, leeward coast)
Haleiwa (Oahu, North Shore)
Oahu’s North Shore (general, Blue Crush)
Halona Cove (Oahu)
Kapolei (Oahu)
Wailea (Maui)
Thailand (where Jurassic World: Rebirth filmed instead of Hawaii)
Kansas (where Lilo & Stitch was originally set before the switch to Hawaii)
Los Angeles (studio lot where Gilligan’s Island moved after its Kauai-shot pilot)
Activities discussed:
Kualoa Ranch Movie Sites & Ranch Tour (open-air bus tour, WWII bunker with movie props, dinosaur “boneyard”)
Visiting Jurassic Park/Jurassic World filming locations on Kauai and Oahu
Hiking down to Halona Cove
Watching or surfing big waves on Oahu’s North Shore (as featured in Blue Crush)
Luau experience at Germaine’s Luau (noted as a filming location)
Building a self-guided movie-location day around Kualoa Ranch and other windward Oahu spots
Hotels discussed:
Kahala Hotel & Resort (Oahu) — stands in as the fictional resort in live-action Lilo & Stitch
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea — filmed The White Lotus season 1, bookable as-seen rooms
Marcie’s recommendations:
Calls the Kualoa Ranch Movie Sites & Ranch Tour one of the best family activities on Oahu
Tip: arrive early, check-in fills up and tours sell out, especially in peak season
Tip: bring sunscreen and a hat since most of the tour is outdoors
Tip: budget extra to tip your tour guide
Warning: tour pricing shifts, so double check current rates before booking
Suggests pairing Kualoa Ranch with other windward Oahu spots in the same day so you’re not backtracking across the island
Offers her trip consultations for building an itinerary like that, and her itinerary review as the lower-commitment option if you already have a draft itinerary
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
What a Real Hawaii Consultation Sounds Like— Ep 151
21 Oct 2026
01:06:13
A Real Maui Trip Planning Consultation: Snorkeling, Luaus, Road to Hana, Haleakala, and Family Photo Tips
Who this episode is for: Families planning a first Hawaii trip with a full house of tweens and teens, especially anyone who wants a real sense of what a Hawaii Travel with Kids consultation actually sounds like before booking one.
What you'll learn: How Marcie walks a family through snorkeling gear decisions, luau options, Haleakala sunrise logistics, and a full Road to Hana game plan, plus what her follow-up consultation email actually includes.
Places discussed:
Maui
Ka'anapali / Kaanapali Beach
Whalers Village
Haleakala National Park (Haleakala Crater / the volcano)
Road to Hana
Paia
Twin Falls (mile marker 9)
Pipiwai Trail (near Hana)
Huelo Lookout
Halfway to Hana stand
Hana town
Black sand beach in Hana (reservation required)
Kahului, including Target, Walmart, and Safeway for arrival-night supplies
Kahului Airport
Kapalua Bay
Wailea
Kihei
South Maui Gardens (food truck park in Kihei)
Kamaole Beaches
Westin Maui or Sheraton Maui (unconfirmed, site of a sunset cliff diving ceremony)
Kauai (mentioned briefly in a discussion of 2026 hurricane season impacts)
Activities discussed:
Snorkeling, including gear rental vs. buying your own
Snorkel boat tour (Molokini Crater and Turtle Town)
Luau
Haleakala sunrise hike and general volcano visit
Road to Hana scenic drive
Waterfall hiking and swimming
Surfing lessons
Sunset cliff diving ceremony
Flytographer family photo shoot
Beach time and picnicking
Grocery and food truck stops
Restaurant reservations
Hotels discussed:
Hyatt Regency Maui (Jill's hotel, two rooms booked on points, concierge floor)
Westin Maui or Sheraton Maui (unconfirmed, cliff diving ceremony location)
Restaurants discussed:
Bruddah Hutts (Hana) – best ribs Marcie's ever had
Monkeypod Kitchen (Ka'anapali) – great variety, famous lilikoi mai tai
Honolulu Coffee (Hyatt lobby) – coffee, breakfast sandwiches, mobile order available
Poolside shave ice stand at the Hyatt (name unclear on the recording) – same brand Marcie loves on Kauai
Huelo Lookout smoothie stand (Road to Hana) – fresh fruit smoothies, good morning pick-me-up
South Maui Gardens food trucks (Kihei) – acai bowls lived up to the hype
Halfway to Hana stand – banana bread Marcie calls a must
Marcie's recommendations:
Skip buying full snorkel sets unless you'll use them multiple days or on future trips; otherwise rent or buy a cheap set
Book the Four Winds Maui II snorkel tour, her favorite, kid-friendly with food and a water slide on board
Pick a morning snorkel tour for the calmest water if anyone gets seasick
Book your snorkel tour and luau now if you're traveling during a holiday week
For an easy, no-driving luau, choose the Hyatt's (it doesn't cancel for rain)
For a more traditional, authentic feel, choose Old Lahaina Luau, and book immediately since it sells out fast
Consider skipping the Haleakala sunrise hike if the family is on the fence, it eats a huge chunk of a day
Pack real cold-weather layers for Haleakala (long pants, sweatshirt, beanie, gloves, hand warmers), it can hit the 30s and 40s
Download the Shaka Guide audio app before driving the Road to Hana
Get to Twin Falls early, by 7 to 7:30 am, before tour buses arrive
Add Pipiwai Trail near Hana, a bamboo forest hike to a swimmable waterfall
Pack protein-heavy snacks for the drive, food options are mostly fruit and sorbet until Hana
Eat at Bruddah Hut's in Hana, Marcie's favorite ribs anywhere
Share one coconut water instead of buying one per person, it's a diuretic and bathrooms are scarce on the drive
It's fine to turn around at the Halfway to Hana stand, there's no prize for finishing the full drive
Get the banana bread at the Halfway to Hana stand
Book your Flytographer session soon, popular photographers get booked up
Bring a shot list to your Flytographer session and tell them if you want posed or candid photos
Make reservations at hotel sit-down restaurants to avoid waiting with hungry kids, but keep some dinners flexible
Try Monkeypod Kitchen for menu variety and the lilikoi mai tai
Stop for snacks and drinks in Kahului on arrival night, hotel restaurants may already be closed
Don't overpack the itinerary. When in doubt, cut something rather than run everyone ragged
Hurricane season runs through late November, but that doesn't stop Marcie from planning or recommending fall Hawaii trips
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
Marcie's Hawaii Trip-Planning Toolbox: Free Email Courses, Instagram Keywords, and Updated Island Guides
Who this episode is for: Anyone in the early, overwhelmed stage of planning a Hawaii trip who wants a fast, free way to get oriented before spending money on a guide or a consult.
What you'll learn: Where to find Marcie's free email planning courses, how to use Instagram DM keywords to get them sent straight to your inbox, and what her paid, regularly-updated island guides and Hawaii Resources hub cover for day-by-day planning.
Once you know your island, use that island's free course (Maui, Oahu, Kauai, or Big Island) instead of the general one
DM her on Instagram with a keyword (PROEMAIL, BUDGETEMAIL, or an island keyword like MAUIEMAIL) to get the course sent instantly, rather than hunting for the link
Consider her paid island guides only once you want a full day-by-day plan, not as a first step
Her guides are worth trusting because she keeps them updated, unlike a guide that hasn't been touched in years
Bookmark the Hawaii Resources hub as the one link to save if you're only going to save one
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
Why Slowing Down Is the Secret to a Great Hawaii Trip (with Retha from Roaming Retha)— Ep 149
14 Oct 2026
00:41:04
From Travel Blogger to Hawaii Specialist: Retha on Planning Safer, Slower Hawaii Trips
Who this episode is for: Anyone planning a Hawaii trip who tends to over-schedule their days or wants guidance on which activities are actually worth booking.
What you'll learn: Why slowing down and booking just one activity a day leads to a better trip, and how to tell if an experience (like a manta ray night snorkel or downhill biking) is actually a good fit for your family before you book it.
Places discussed:
Big Island
Kauai
Oahu
Maui
Kona
Kalalau Trail
Activities discussed:
Manta ray night snorkel near Kona
Downhill biking tour (Maui)
Snorkeling
Sea turtle viewing
Hiking the Kalalau Trail
Beach elopement/wedding ceremony
Hotel cabana days
Dolphin encounters
Marcie's recommendations:
Recommends doing a cabana day near the end of a trip so kids can swim while parents relax
Advises front-loading a trip by spending less on hotel splurges early on, since you'll want a nicer home base once you get tired later in the trip
Emphasizes giving people the benefit of the doubt around wildlife rules, since many visitors simply don't know the guidelines yet, while still stressing the importance of keeping a safe distance
Reminds listeners that every family's "dream Hawaii vacation" looks different, so don't feel pressured to do something just because it's popular
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
Hawaii Hurricanes and Travel Insurance: What's Covered (and What Isn't) for Flights, CFAR, and Vacation Rentals
Who this episode is for: Anyone with a Hawaii trip on the books during hurricane season, or a vacation rental already reserved, who wants to know whether their coverage would actually hold up if a storm hit.
What you'll learn: What actually triggers hurricane-related travel insurance coverage and why the timing of your purchase matters more than the storm itself, plus how pandemic coverage, Cancel For Any Reason, and Airbnb/Vrbo cancellation policies each work differently than most people assume.
Places discussed:
Hawaii (statewide)
Big Island
Laupahoehoe (Big Island)
Kauai
Princeville (Kauai)
Oahu
Honolulu
Marcie's recommendations:
Buy a comprehensive travel insurance policy as early as possible, ideally the same week you book, especially during hurricane season (June through November)
Look for a policy that explicitly names hurricane or named storm coverage, not just generic trip cancellation
If you want the flexibility to cancel for any reason, add CFAR within two to three weeks of your first trip deposit, since it can't be tacked on later once a storm is already forming
Don't assume Airbnb or Vrbo's own policies will protect you during a hurricane. Read the platform's actual policy and carry your own insurance on top of it
Warns that vacation rental hosts have an incentive to keep a reservation going regardless of conditions on the ground, pointing to accounts out of Princeville after Hurricane Lowell where guests were told it was fine to stay without power for weeks and had trouble getting refunds
If your Hawaii trip touches more than one island, check your policy's language on connecting flights specifically, since interisland disruptions aren't always treated the same as your original mainland flight
Once a storm has a name or an official watch or warning is issued, buying insurance after that point almost certainly won't cover it, so don't wait to see how bad it gets
Credit card travel protection is usually too narrow to rely on for something this specific
For a short or cheap trip, decide based on how refundable it already is rather than assuming insurance is always worth it
If you have a trip coming up soon, check your policy's effective date, call your insurer to ask about current advisories for your dates, and get your vacation rental host's cancellation stance in writing ahead of time
Personally buys whatever Allianz plan is offered when booking flights with Alaska Airlines, every time, without comparison shopping tiers
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
What's Actually Happening in Hawaii: Fall Update— Ep 147
07 Oct 2026
00:19:20
Hawaii Fall Travel News Roundup: Hurricanes, Kauai Closures, Punalu’u Changes, and New Inter-Island Check-In Rules
Who this episode is for: Anyone with a Hawaii trip on the calendar this fall or winter, especially families heading to Kauaʻi or flying between islands.
What you'll learn: What's open and closed on Kauaʻi after Hurricane Lowell, what changed at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, and how Hawaiian's new 50-minute interisland check-in rule affects your travel days. Plus fall events, the extended North Shore Huakaʻi shuttle, and how to get ready for Black Friday Hawaii deals.
Places discussed:
Kauaʻi
Līhuʻe
Lydgate Beach
Kealia Beach
Kapaʻa Beach
Coastal bike path, Lydgate to Kealia
Wailua River and Wailua River State Park
Secret Falls (hike still closed)
Fern Grotto
Hāʻena State Park
Kalalau Trail
Na Pali Coast Wilderness Park
Waimea Canyon
Kōkeʻe State Park
Polihale State Park
Hāʻena and Wainiha (residents and recovery traffic only)
Poʻipū Beach Park
Salt Pond Beach Park
Hanamaʻulu Beach Park
Black Pot Beach Park, Hanalei
Hanalei Bridge
Big Island
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
Kaʻū
Highway 11 near Waiʻōhinu and Honuʻapo
Hilo
Kona
Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway
Hāwī
Aliʻi Drive
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and the Kahuku Unit
Mauna Loa Road
Hilina Pali Road
Kīlauea summit
Maui
Haleakalā National Park
Olowalu
Kahului
Lahaina and Front Street
ʻUlu o Lele Marketplace, Lahaina (targeting November)
Oʻahu
Honolulu airport
Waikīkī
Kalākaua Avenue
Duke Kahanamoku Beach
Ko Olina
North Shore
Haleʻiwa
Waialua and the Waialua Sugar Mill
Banzai Pipeline
Waimānalo Country Farms
Aloun Farms country market, Waipahu
Molokaʻi
Activities discussed:
Hurricane-season trip planning and travel insurance
Helicopter tours from Līhuʻe
Wailua River kayaking
Smith's Fern Grotto boat tour and luau
Biking the Kauaʻi coastal path
Hiking the Kalalau Trail (closed)
Na Pali boat tours
Ziplines and botanical gardens on Kauaʻi
Sea turtle viewing at Punaluʻu
Interisland flights on Hawaiian, Alaska, Southwest, and Mokulele
North Shore Huakaʻi shuttle from Waikīkī and Ko Olina
Fall Harvest Festival and pumpkin patch at Waimānalo Country Farms
Aloun Farms pumpkin patch
Halloween on Kalākaua Avenue
Ironman World Championship
Molokaʻi Hoe outrigger canoe race
Honolulu Pride parade
Hawaii International Film Festival
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival and coffee farm visits
Watching winter surf and the Pipe Masters
Whale season
Haleakalā sunrise
Kīlauea lava viewing
Black Friday and Cyber Monday travel deals
Marcie's recommendations:
Fall is still a great time to visit, but book refundable when you can
Travel insurance can really save you in a storm year
Most people with a Kauaʻi trip should still go, just with a backup plan
A helicopter tour is the way to see Na Pali and Waimea Canyon right now
Don't drive out to Hāʻena or Wainiha to see the damage
Respect closure signs, even if others ignore them
Give Kauaʻi workers grace and spend at resident-owned businesses
Check Department of Health water advisories before swimming on Kauaʻi's east side
At Punaluʻu, plan your bathroom stop ahead and don't count on a lifeguard
Give the turtles lots of space and never take black sand home
Check Highway 11 road conditions in Kaʻū after heavy rain
Arrive 90 minutes early at the smaller airports and 2 hours early in Honolulu
Check your flight confirmation the night before in case you're on an Alaska 737
The Huakaʻi shuttle is an easy North Shore day for families in Waikīkī without a car
Book soon if you want the Ko Olina pickup, since it ends in October
At Waimānalo Country Farms, go early on weekends and bring cash
Take little kids to Halloween in Waikīkī from about 6 to 8 p.m.
On Ironman day, skip long drives up the Kona coast and tight dinner reservations
Admire North Shore winter waves from the sand
In Lahaina, go as a guest, stay out of fenced areas, and don't photograph damaged homes
Check USGS volcano updates the day you plan to visit Kīlauea
Start tracking fares now so you can spot a real Black Friday deal
Read the fine print on hotel sales, since some deals are nonrefundable
Give yourself more buffer than you think you need on travel days
The new nonstops list:
Chicago to Maui (American): daily from Dec 17
Boise to Honolulu (Alaska): daily from Dec 17
Spokane to Honolulu (Alaska): Saturdays from Dec 19
Minneapolis to Maui (Delta): starts Dec 19, frequency varies
Boston to Honolulu (Delta): returns Dec 19
Salt Lake City to Kona (Delta): daily from Nov 9
Detroit to Honolulu (Delta): goes daily Nov 9
Honolulu to Auckland (Hawaiian): seasonal service not coming back this November
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
Do You Actually Need a Whale Watching Tour in Maui?— Ep 146
05 Oct 2026
00:08:14
Do You Actually Need a Whale Watching Tour in Maui?
Who this episode is for: Anyone planning a Maui trip during whale season who's deciding between paid boat tours and free shore viewing.
What you'll learn: When whale season actually peaks, where to see whales for free from shore, whether a boat tour is worth it, and Marcie's top three tour picks depending on what kind of experience you want.
Places discussed:
Maui
McGregor Point (between Ma'alaea and Lahaina)
Wailea Beach Walk
Kamaole Beach Parks (Kihei)
Ka'anapali (north end, near Black Rock)
Lāna'i (referenced via the Maui-Lāna'i ferry)
Molokini Crater / Turtle Town (snorkeling add-on with Pride of Maui)
Activities discussed:
Whale watching from shore
Booking a whale watching boat tour
Snorkeling combined with whale watching (Pride of Maui)
Hotels discussed:
Hyatt Regency Maui — mentioned as a spot where Marcie personally saw whales breaching from the pool
Marcie's recommendations:
Humpback whales are in Hawaiian waters officially November through May, but the season isn't even — late October/November brings early scout whales (mostly males), December picks up, and January through March is true peak season
February tends to have the most whales, but it's also peak tourist season with higher prices and faster-booking tours
Recent Maui volunteer counts: 694 whales spotted in a single January count, 847 in a single February count (both slightly down year-over-year, likely partly due to duplicate counting of the same whales rather than a real decline) — marine biologists still estimate roughly 12,000 humpbacks made the trip to Hawaiian waters last winter
You can see whales from shore all over the islands during peak season — spouts and distant tail slaps/breaches are realistic without a boat
Favorite free Maui shore spots: McGregor Point (probably the single best free spot on Maui, bring binoculars), Wailea Beach Walk, Kamaole Beach Parks (especially mornings), and the north end of Ka'anapali near Black Rock
Go early in the morning before wind picks up for the best shore-viewing window
Consider skipping the boat tour if you're on a tight budget, prone to seasickness, or traveling with toddlers — standard catamaran tours have no age minimum, but a 2-hour open-water scan is a tough ask for toddler attention spans; smaller raft-style tours often do have an age minimum (usually 7-8) due to a faster, bumpier ride
A boat tour offers something shore viewing can't: close-up breaches, hearing whales exhale, hydrophone whale song
Top tour picks:
PacWhale Eco-Adventures (formerly/still tied to Pacific Whale Foundation) — best for families, especially kids under 10; certified marine naturalists on every boat, junior naturalist program, hydrophones, and a no-charge rebooking guarantee if you don't see whales on your tour before you leave the island
Trilogy — splurge pick; real wine glasses, cinnamon rolls, smaller boat capacity, sails under real sail power when conditions allow (note: doesn't mean more whale sightings, just a nicer experience)
Pride of Maui — combines whale watching with snorkeling (Molokini or Turtle Town, weather-dependent), ~3.5 hours, includes barbecue lunch, open bar, and a water slide; best for kids 8+ or couples wanting whale watching and snorkeling combined; more time on the water means more motion exposure for anyone prone to seasickness
Book your tour early in your trip (first or second day) rather than saving it for the end, in case weather causes a cancellation
Marcie's personal take: every time she's paid for a boat tour, it's been worth it to her, but if ~$400 for a family of four would create real financial stress, shore viewing (like McGregor Point with a cup of coffee) is a completely legitimate, whale-guaranteed alternative — there's no wrong answer here
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
Multi-Gen Magic on the Big Island with Leslie Harvey of Trips with Tykes— Ep 145
30 Sep 2026
00:31:58
Big Island Multi-Gen Trip Recap: Manta Rays, Mauna Kea Renovation, and Planning Tips with Trips with Tykes
Host Marcie welcomes travel blogger Leslie Harvey of Trips with Tykes back from a multi-generational Big Island trip with in-laws, including kids ages 3 to 17. Leslie, a frequent Big Island visitor, shares highlights like the Kona manta ray night snorkel (with Kona Style; notes on timing and operator differences), and reviews the renovated Mauna Kea resort, including its historic feel, new adults infinity pool, and a new, expensive but exceptional spa. She recommends a splurge meal at Kona Village, describes the Big Island as chill with both rural and luxury vibes, and notes drawbacks like long driving distances (she still hasn’t visited Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park). Multi-gen tips include renting a house, not overscheduling, and planning a few key family dinners. Challenges included wind, a Portuguese man o’ war sting, and disappointing value at Hau Tree. Costs were high, so groceries via Instacart helped; she sums the trip as expensive, relaxing, and delicious.
00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:42 Trip Group Rundown 01:21 Why Big Island Wins 02:23 Manta Ray Night Snorkel 05:14 Mauna Kea Hotel Refresh 06:45 Spa and Splurge Dining 09:26 Big Island Vibe Compared 10:55 Driving Distances Reality 13:20 Best Island for Who 14:48 Multi Gen Planning Tips 19:27 Weather and Food Hiccups 21:32 Budget and Cost Strategies 23:46 What Changed Over Time 25:00 Grocery Delivery Hack 29:08 Next Time Bucket List 31:00 Three Word Wrap Up
Who this episode is for: Families planning a multi-generational Big Island trip, or anyone deciding between a house rental and a resort stay with a mixed-age group.
What you'll learn: What a real multi-gen Big Island trip looks like, an updated review of the renovated Mauna Kea resort, and practical tips for traveling with a wide age range (3 to 17) and multiple generations.
Places discussed:
Big Island (Kona)
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park (mentioned as not yet visited)
Activities discussed:
Kona manta ray night snorkel (with Kona Style)
Spa visit at Mauna Kea
Grocery delivery via Instacart
Hotels discussed:
Mauna Kea (renovated) — historic feel, new adults-only infinity pool, new spa
Restaurants discussed:
Kona Village — recommended splurge dinner
Hau Tree — disappointing value
Guest recommendations (Leslie Harvey, Trips with Tykes):
Book the Kona manta ray night snorkel with Kona Style; pay attention to timing and operator differences
Splurge on dinner at Kona Village
For multi-gen trips: rent a house instead of separate hotel rooms, don't overschedule, and plan a few key family dinners together
Use Instacart for groceries to help manage high food costs
Budget for long driving distances between areas of the island
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
Where Do You Need Reservations in Hawaii? (2026)— Ep 144
28 Sep 2026
00:11:23
Hawaii Reservations You Need to Know: Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Haena, and More
Who this episode is for: Anyone building a Hawaii trip around bucket list stops like Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, or Haena who doesn't want to show up and get turned away over a reservation they didn't know they needed.
What you'll learn: Exactly when reservations open, what they cost, and what to watch for at six of Hawaii's most-booked spots, plus which new booking systems are headed to Maui and Oahu and the timing mistakes that trip up most travelers.
Places discussed:
Ala Moana Center – Honolulu food court, where Marcie waits for reservations to drop
USS Arizona Memorial / Pearl Harbor National Memorial – Oahu
USS Arizona Memorial boat tour and exhibit galleries
Diamond Head crater hike
Hanauma Bay snorkeling
Iao Valley walk to the Needle viewpoints
Road to Hana driving stops
Kalalau Trail hiking and camping permits
Haena shuttle (GoHaena) vs. self-parking
Sunrise viewing at Haleakala
Luau attendance
Boat tours to Molokini Crater and along the Napali Coast
Helicopter tours
Marcie's recommendations:
Have payment info ready and refresh right at 3pm HST for Arizona Memorial tickets; check the daily next-day standby release if you miss the main window
Book Diamond Head the moment the 30-day window opens and grab the earliest slot available
Go to Diamond Head early, since there's little shade on the trail and the trailhead lot fills fast
Set an alarm for Hanauma Bay's 48-hour booking window; bring cash, since parking doesn't take cards
Don't assume a Hanauma Bay reservation guarantees a parking spot
Visit Iao Valley earlier in the day, before the afternoon mist rolls in
Pack bug spray for Iao Valley
Stick to marked trails at Waiʻanapanapa out of respect for nearby sacred sites
Check ocean conditions before letting kids near the water at Waiʻanapanapa; treat the surf with real caution
Confirm Haena/Kauai park status directly through GoHaena.com and the state parks site before building a trip around it, given Hurricane Lowell closures
Don't build a North Shore Oahu trip around the proposed shuttle yet, since it's still early-stage
Book the hardest, fastest-selling reservations first (Hanauma Bay, Haena) and let everything else flex around them
Leave breathing room between reservations instead of stacking them back to back
Don't assume a reservation-only spot will have room if you just show up
Avoid stacking Diamond Head and Hanauma Bay back to back in one day
Double-check park closure days before building an itinerary around a spot
Book luaus, Haleakala sunrise, boat tours, and helicopter tours as soon as your dates are set, not last
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
Fake Vacation Rental Listings: How to Protect Your Hawaii Trip— Ep 143
23 Sep 2026
00:06:23
Fake Vacation Rental Listings: How to Protect Your Hawaii Trip
Verification steps and regulatory context current as of recording. Hawaii's short-term rental laws are actively changing island by island — verify current rules and always check GET/TAT numbers directly before booking.
Who this episode is for: Anyone booking a Hawaii vacation rental, especially larger multi-generational bookings, who wants to avoid fake listings and scam activity.
What you'll learn: How Hawaii vacation rental scams typically work, why the current legal confusion around short-term rental rules makes it easier for scammers to hide, how to verify a listing's GET and TAT numbers, and other red flags to watch for.
Places discussed:
Maui (phasing out thousands of rentals)
Oahu (limiting rentals to resort zoning or grandfathered permits)
Kauai (rentals allowed only in specific visitor destination areas)
Big Island (new registration system rolled out this past July)
Activities discussed:
Booking a vacation rental
Verifying a rental's legal registration
Booking through Vrbo vs. Airbnb vs. hotels/resorts
Marcie's recommendations:
Hawaii state officials have issued a recent warning that fake vacation rental listing scams are increasing, and Hawaii already has one of the highest rental scam rates per capita in the country
Scammers commonly take a real listing's photos and repost them elsewhere — social media, a fake website, or even a legitimate platform at a lower price to create urgency
Current confusion around changing short-term rental laws across all four islands makes it easier for scam listings to blend in, even for well-intentioned travelers
Every legal Hawaii vacation rental should have both a GET number and a TAT number
Verify these directly at portal.ehawaii.gov → Business → Tax Services → Tax License Search, rather than trying to check island-by-island systems separately
Red flag: being asked to pay outside the official booking platform (wire transfer, gift card, app) due to a supposed website issue
Red flag: a price dramatically lower than comparable nearby listings
Consider a reverse image search on listing photos to check whether they appear elsewhere under a different property or owner name
Never book a Hawaii vacation rental through Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace — there's no regulation or protection there
Marcie's personal preference has shifted toward hotels and resorts, less about specific rental problems and more about avoiding pre-trip coordination logistics (check-in, keys, etc.)
Vrbo has generally worked well for Marcie's multi-generational family trips; Airbnb has been a more negative personal experience, including issues with their affiliate program
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
Hawaii Rental Cars in 2026: What's Changed (Plus My Turo Experiment)— Ep 142
21 Sep 2026
00:12:12
Hawaii Rental Cars in 2026: What's Changed (Plus My Turo Experiment)
Who this episode is for: Anyone planning Hawaii rental car logistics and pricing for 2026-2027, including whether to try Turo as an alternative to traditional rental agencies.
What you'll learn: Which islands actually require a car versus which allow flexibility, current 2026 pricing ranges, why shortages spike unpredictably, a real cost breakdown of trying to skip a rental car on Oahu, and updates on public transit across all four islands.
Places discussed:
Oahu (Waikiki, North Shore, Windward side)
Maui (Kahului)
Kauai (Lihue, Hanalei)
Big Island (Kona, Hilo)
Activities discussed:
Renting a car vs. relying on shuttles/rideshare
Using public bus systems (Oahu's Skyline rail and bus network, Kauai's North Shore bus, Big Island's Hele-On Bus)
Booking a Turo rental
Visiting Kualoa Ranch via shuttle
Taking a guided North Shore tour
Visiting Hanauma Bay via rideshare (with real logistical drawbacks)
Marcie's recommendations:
Oahu: skip a rental if staying in Waikiki and doing mostly Pearl Harbor/beach/shopping — bus and rideshare work fine there; rent for a day or two specifically to cover the North Shore and Windward side, since bus takes 2+ hours each way and Uber can run $75+ one-way
Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island remain essentially car-required islands for anything beyond the resort strip
Current (late summer 2026) daily rates: Oahu roughly $40-60/day (biggest fleet, most competition); Maui and Big Island roughly $50-80/day in normal weeks; Kauai more moderate but volatile
Shortage spikes are real and unpredictable: Big Island Turo listings hit $2,200+ for 4 days around Valentine's/Presidents' Day weekend this year; Kona rates averaged around $127/day at one point, among the most expensive rental markets in the country; Maui saw 30-60% year-over-year price increases tied partly to vehicle recalls pulling minivans/SUVs from circulation; Kahului and Lihue rates routinely run more than double normal around Christmas
Book as early as you have real travel dates, use a comparison service that allows rebooking if prices drop, and treat any holiday week or high-demand weekend as peak pricing regardless of season
Marcie books through Discount Hawaii Car Rental — no prepayment required, cancel without a fee if plans change or a better price appears
Turo has become a real alternative, not just a backup — particularly useful for specific vehicle types or during shortage weeks when traditional agencies are sold out, but Turo prices can spike just as hard (or harder) during shortages
Skipping a car rental to save money doesn't always pencil out — a real family example: shuttle to Kualoa Ranch (~$30/person round trip), guided North Shore tour ($45-90/person), luau shuttle transportation ($30-40/person round trip), and Hanauma Bay via rideshare (drop-off limited to the top of the access road, longer walk than parking would require) added up to roughly $400-650 total across four outings, plus lost flexibility — often close to or more than a rental car would have cost for the same days
Oahu bus fares increased in July (first increase in 4 years): $3.25 cash or $3.00 with a Holo card per ride; Holo card caps at $7.50/day and $90/month — worth getting if riding more than twice
Oahu's Skyline rail now reaches the airport, making it more useful for visitors than a year ago
Kauai's local bus now runs a North Shore route (Lihue to Hanalei, roughly hourly, ~$2/ride or $5 day pass) — useful supplement if staying along that route, but doesn't reach Waimea Canyon, Kōke'e, or Hā'ena
The Big Island's Hele-On Bus is currently fare-free (funded through the end of 2028), and ridership has jumped from around 325,000/year to nearly 1 million as a result — worth checking routes if your itinerary is Hilo- or Kona-focused specifically, though it won't replace a car for covering both sides of the island
Holo Holo app (Oahu, Maui, Big Island, Kauai, Lāna'i) works like a pre-booked private driver — not for spontaneous trips, but useful for airport transfers or set point-to-point rides where Uber coverage is thin
Hawaii's daily rental car surcharge is $7.50/day as of 2026, set to rise to $8/day starting January 2027 — factor this into budgeting regardless of the daily rate shown
Don't expect shortages to fully disappear — book the moment you have real dates, hold a refundable rate, and keep checking for better pricing
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
Rental Car Break-Ins: What Every Hawaii Visitor Needs to Know— Ep 141
16 Sep 2026
00:07:55
Rental Car Break-Ins: What Every Hawaii Visitor Needs to Know
Who this episode is for: Anyone renting a car in Hawaii who wants practical, easy habits to avoid becoming one of the thousands of rental car break-in victims each year.
What you'll learn: How common and opportunistic rental car break-ins actually are, which spots see documented hotspots, what makes a car a target, and simple packing habits that prevent it.
Places discussed:
Honolulu
Makapu'u (Oahu) — camera trailers installed, break-ins dropped noticeably in the first month
Halona (Oahu)
Lanikai / Pillbox Trailhead (Oahu)
Iao Valley (Maui)
Hana Highway pullouts (Maui)
Waimea Bay (Oahu) — site of a specific, well-documented $15,000 theft case
Activities discussed:
Renting a car
Parking at beaches, trailheads, and scenic lookouts
Marcie's recommendations:
Break-ins are opportunistic, not sophisticated — someone watches a lot and waits for a car that will sit for 30+ minutes, then breaks in for a quick grab
It's not about the value of an item or the car's license plate (all rentals have Hawaii plates) — it's about whether something is visible, and whether the car looks new/clean/rental-like
This isn't an Oahu-only issue — it happens on every island
Documented hotspots: Makapu'u and Halona lookouts (Oahu, where added camera trailers measurably reduced incidents), Lanikai/Pillbox Trailhead (Oahu), Iao Valley and Hana Highway pullouts (Maui)
No single car model is specifically targeted in a way that should change your rental choice — assume any rental car reads as a rental, regardless of make/model
The single biggest habit: pack and unpack in the hotel room, not the parking lot — load the car before leaving the hotel and don't open the trunk again once parked
On red-eye departure days or when switching hotels mid-trip, drop your bags at the hotel first, even before official check-in — most hotels will hold luggage
Bring anything you might need with you from the start rather than pulling it from the trunk later
It's fine to leave things in the trunk generally — just be careful never to visibly access it once parked somewhere
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
Hawaii with a Baby: Harder Than You Think, Better Than You Fear— Ep 140
14 Sep 2026
00:14:57
Hawaii with a Baby: Harder Than You Think, Better Than You Fear
Who this episode is for: Parents planning a Hawaii trip with an infant, especially those considering going solo or before their child starts school.
What you'll learn: Why baby trips can actually work well timing-wise, how to choose an age window and island, real flight logistics (feeding, diapers, car seats), where to stay, what gear matters, and how to structure a simple daily rhythm.
Places discussed: N/A this episode (general baby-travel guidance, not location-specific — Kauai's Poipu Beach mentioned as an anecdote, not a recommendation per se)
Activities discussed:
Flying with an infant (feeding, diapering, car seat decisions)
Renting baby gear (cribs, strollers, high chairs, jumperoos) delivered to your accommodation
Beach time with a baby (pop-up tent, sun protection)
Scenic drives timed around nap schedules
Booking a Flytographer session
Marcie's recommendations:
Travel before school age if possible — mid-April through June or September through mid-December are cheaper, less crowded windows once school schedules are no longer a constraint
Lap babies (under 2) fly free on domestic flights; most tours and attractions don't charge for infants under 2 either
Choose one island and stay put — inter-island flights, new car seat installs, and repacking add too much on top of a baby adjusting to a new time zone
Around 6 months is a strong window for a first baby trip — often easier for sleep and general manageability than 9 months, when babies are more mobile and need more active entertainment
Babies under 6 months cannot wear sunscreen per AAP guidance — shade (a pop-up tent, sun hat with chin strap) is the sun protection strategy at that age
Book direct flights rather than connections whenever possible
Use a backpack as your carry-on so your hands stay free
Pre-measure dry formula at home if formula feeding; mix with room-temperature bottled water on the plane
Bring your own car seat rather than renting one from the rental car counter — rental car seats can be genuinely unclean, and you'll only discover that at the worst possible moment
Book a rental car through Discount Hawaii Car Rental unless staying in Waikiki
Consider a vacation rental over a resort for a baby trip specifically — kitchen access, separate bedroom for the baby's bedtime, usually included parking, and most resort kids clubs don't accept children under about age 3 anyway
If staying at a hotel, request a crib in advance, ask about a mini fridge or microwave, and try for a ground-floor room
A pop-up beach tent is close to non-negotiable — Hawaiian beaches often have little natural shade
Reef-safe mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) is required — Hawaii statewide bans oxybenzone/octinoxate sunscreens, and Maui County requires mineral-only formulas specifically
A baby carrier works better than a stroller for beach days or trails; bring the stroller only if staying somewhere with paved paths
Baby powder can help sand fall off a baby's skin if they dislike the sensation
Expect early wake-ups from time zone adjustment (Hawaii is 2–3 hours behind the West Coast, 5–6 behind the East Coast) and lean into it — early beach mornings can become a highlight rather than a hardship
Plan one activity maximum in the morning, keep afternoons unscheduled, and use car naps as built-in downtime
Eat dinner early and be willing to let takeout on the lanai count as a good dinner
Skip anything with a strict, unmissable departure time
If your baby doesn't take to the beach, that's fine — the pool (or any other low-key alternative) is a completely valid substitute
Consider renting baby gear locally instead of hauling everything from home — cribs, strollers, high chairs, and more are available with delivery on every island
A Flytographer session is worth the splurge, given how quickly babies change
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
Hawaii Babymoon: What Couples Need to Know— Ep 139
09 Sep 2026
00:15:38
Hawaii Babymoon: What Couples Need to Know
Who this episode is for: Pregnant travelers and their partners planning a Hawaii babymoon who want practical guidance on timing, airline policies, island choice, and pregnancy-friendly activities.
What you'll learn: The best trimester and season to travel, how airline pregnancy policies differ by carrier, which islands and resorts fit a babymoon best, what to look for in a resort, pregnancy-friendly activities and foods, and what to skip.
Places discussed:
Maui (Ka'anapali, Wailea)
Oahu (Ko Olina, Kailua)
Kauai (Poipu, Hanalei Bay, North Shore, Waimea Canyon)
Big Island
Lāna'i
Haleakalā
Road to Hana
Hanauma Bay
Activities discussed:
Prenatal spa treatments and massage
Beach time (calm, protected water specifically)
Attending a luau
Scenic drives (Waimea Canyon, Haleakalā at sunset, Road to Hana)
Sunset/dinner cruises
Snorkeling (Hanauma Bay specifically recommended)
Shopping for baby items
Booking a maternity photo shoot (Flytographer)
Hotels discussed:
Grand Wailea, Andaz Maui, Fairmont Kea Lani (Wailea) — excellent spas and cabana setups
Royal Lahaina (Ka'anapali) — reopened post-2023 fires with a new beachfront spa
Aulani (Ko Olina) — Laniwai Spa's "Hāpai" prenatal massage treatment, plus a pregnancy-safe-temperature hydrotherapy garden
Turtle Bay (North Shore, Oahu) — quieter option
Koloa Landing (Poipu, Kauai)
Four Seasons Hualalai (Big Island) — adults-only pool area, pregnancy-specific spa treatment
Restaurants discussed:
Roy's (Maui) — recommended for a proper date-night dinner
Mochiko chicken, kal-bi ribs, and Spam musubi called out as pregnancy-friendly local favorites
Shave ice recommended as a daily treat, with an emphasis on trying different spots
Marcie's recommendations:
Second trimester (weeks 14–27) is the sweet spot — energy is back, nausea has usually passed, not yet uncomfortable
Third trimester trips can still work if you keep expectations realistic (lagoon floating, massage, good food rather than hikes and full-day adventures)
April through October tends to be drier and sunnier across most islands; Kauai's North Shore gets more rain in winter
Check airline pregnancy policy directly and current before booking:
United: travel allowed through 36 weeks without documentation; after that, needs an OB certificate dated close to departure
Delta: no hard cutoff, no certificate required, but no travel within 7 days of due date
American: doctor's certificate required within 4 weeks of due date; generally no travel within 7 days of due date domestically without special clearance
Southwest: recommends against travel from 36 weeks on, doesn't technically prohibit it
Hawaiian Airlines: medical certificate required for inter-island flights if due within 7 days; for mainland-Hawaii flights within 30 days of due date, an OB exam within 48 hours of departure plus written certificate is required
Always confirm with your doctor regardless of airline policy
Stay on one island rather than island hopping — extra travel eats into limited rest time
Maui (Ka'anapali/Wailea) is Marcie's personal top babymoon pick; Kauai for a quieter pace; Big Island for a volcano view without serious hiking; Lāna'i for ultimate seclusion
Choose a resort with an on-site (not off-site) spa offering prenatal-specific treatments — call ahead to confirm before booking
Prioritize shaded cabanas, ideally with food/drink service
Stick to calm, protected beaches: Ka'anapali, Wailea, Kailua, Hanalei Bay, Ko Olina lagoons — skip big-wave beaches
Luaus are an easy, low-effort pregnancy-friendly activity
Scenic drives (Waimea Canyon, Haleakalā sunset, Road to Hana at a slow pace) are fully accessible without hiking
Snorkeling can actually be easier while pregnant due to buoyancy, if your doctor has cleared you — Hanauma Bay recommended
Skip: intense hikes, big-wave beaches, rough-water activities, zip lines/adventure activities, and hot tubs (discuss the hot tub question specifically with your doctor)
Don't overschedule — build in more rest than feels necessary and give yourself permission to cancel plans
Hawaii's food scene extends well beyond poke and sushi — mochiko chicken, kal-bi ribs, Spam musubi, and shave ice are all pregnancy-safe favorites worth seeking out
Book maternity photos — Flytographer is recommended for an easy, local-photographer-matched process
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
How Many Days Do You Really Need on the Big Island?— Ep 138
07 Sep 2026
00:07:30
How Many Days Do You Really Need on the Big Island?
Who this episode is for: Anyone planning a Big Island trip who's underestimating drive times and considering splitting time between Kona and Hilo (or basing entirely in one resort area and day-tripping to the other side).
What you'll learn: Why the Big Island needs more time than people expect, specific drive times between Kona, Hilo, and Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, recommended trip lengths, and how to split nights between Kona and Hilo based on trip style and budget.
Places discussed:
Kona
Waikoloa
Hilo
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Waipio Valley
Waimea
Activities discussed:
Visiting Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Taking the shuttle into Waipio Valley (hiking in is no longer allowed; the shuttle is the only practical way in)
Chasing waterfalls near Hilo
Renting a car
Marcie's recommendations:
Drive times: Kona to Hilo is about 1.5–2 hours via Saddle Road, or closer to 3 hours via the southern route past the volcano
Kona to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is about 2–2.5 hours
Hilo to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is only about 45 minutes — a key reason to base near Hilo if the park is a priority
If the Big Island is your only stop: aim for 7–10 days
If island hopping: 5–7 days works, but be intentional about which side gets more nights
If you only have 3–4 days: pick one region and let the other go, rather than trying to touch both
For Kona vs. Hilo split: lean toward more nights in Hilo if you're outdoorsy or budget-conscious (closer to the volcano and Waipio, generally lower rates); lean toward more nights in Kona if a classic resort experience (pools, beach chairs, oceanfront luau) matters more to your group
For a full week, Marcie typically recommends around 4 nights Kona / 3 nights Hilo, adjusting based on what the family prioritizes
A rental car is not optional on the Big Island — rideshare doesn't reliably work outside Kona or Hilo town, and isn't practical for long point-to-point drives even within them
Book your rental car early, especially for Kona pickup, since rates and availability shift fast
Book through Discount Hawaii Car Rental for consistently better rates than booking direct
If doing a split stay between Kona and Hilo, double-check for one-way drop-off fees
$50 Itinerary Audit — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Itinerary Review
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
Maui's Upcountry: Why Most Visitors Skip It and Shouldn't— Ep 137
02 Sep 2026
00:11:52
Maui's Upcountry: Why Most Visitors Skip It and Shouldn't
Who this episode is for: Anyone visiting Maui who's only planning to drive through Upcountry on the way to Haleakalā and doesn't realize it's worth stopping for on its own.
What you'll learn: What Upcountry Maui actually is, where to eat and shop in Makawao, family-friendly stops like Surfing Goat Dairy and Kula Botanical Garden, the Maui Pineapple Tour, Ulupalakua Ranch, and how to build Upcountry into a half or full day.
Places discussed:
Upcountry Maui (Kula, Makawao, Hali'imaile)
Makawao
Kula Botanical Garden
Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm
Hali'imaile
Ulupalakua Ranch
Haleakalā (referenced as the usual reason people pass through)
Activities discussed:
Driving through Upcountry (2,000–4,000 ft elevation, paniolo/cowboy culture)
Shopping and wandering in Makawao
Booking a Flytographer photo shoot and pairing it with a lei po'o
Touring Surfing Goat Dairy (casual farm tour, evening/milking tour, Saturday grand tour, cheese flight and truffle tasting add-ons)
Visiting Kula Botanical Garden
Visiting Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm
Taking the Maui Pineapple Tour (basic tour, tour with lunch, farm and feast with dinner at Hali'imaile General Store, planting experience)
Driving to Ulupalakua Ranch
Restaurants discussed:
T. Komodo Store & Bakery (Makawao) — open since 1916; cream puffs and stick donuts; closes at 1 PM and sells out early; closed Wednesdays and Sundays; aim to arrive by 9–10 AM
Maui Cookie Lady (Makawao) — white chunk mac nut is the best-seller (featured in Condé Nast Traveler, Bon Appétit, Forbes); also recommends salted caramel bliss and the limited-edition Waipoli Twilight (dark chocolate, rum, black cherry, blood orange)
Hali'imaile General Store — dinner destination on the Maui Pineapple Tour's farm and feast option
Ulupalakua Ranch Store and Grill — burgers made from ranch-raised beef, venison, and elk; store open Tuesday–Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM; grill 11 AM–4 PM, last call 3:30 PM; closed Mondays
Shopping discussed:
Holo Holo Surf (Makawao) — Hawaiian print clothing for the whole family, Marcie's favorite shop on the island
Haku Maui — makes lei po'o (the correct term for what's often called a "flower crown"); good to pair with a photo shoot
Maui Pineapple Store — even if the full tour doesn't fit your schedule, worth a stop for Maui Gold pineapple and merchandise
Marcie's recommendations:
Don't just drive straight back down after Haleakalā sunrise — stop in Upcountry on the way
Get to Komodo's by 9–10 AM at the latest for cream puffs and stick donuts before they sell out; check their Wed/Sun closure against your schedule
Holo Holo Surf is worth a real browse, not just a walk-past
Check Surfing Goat Dairy's current tour options before you go, since the offerings have expanded significantly since a 2023 ownership change
Double-check Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm's hours before building it into your day — open Friday–Monday only, 10 AM–4 PM, last entry 3:45 PM, $5/person entry
The Maui Pineapple Tour (starting around $95) is worth it, especially for families or anyone wanting real agricultural context, not just a postcard version of Hawaii
Even a quick stop at the Maui Pineapple Store is worthwhile if the full tour doesn't fit
Factor in Ulupalakua Ranch's Monday closure if coming down from a Monday sunrise
Easiest way to fit Upcountry in: pair it with a Haleakalā trip and stop at Komodo's plus a Makawao wander on the way down
For a full day: pineapple tour in the morning, lunch at Ulupalakua, afternoon in Makawao
A rental car is required — no way around it
Upcountry weather is often completely different from the coast (cooler, mistier) — a good backup plan for a hot, crowded beach day
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
Who this episode is for: Anyone visiting the Big Island who wants real, repeat-tested restaurant picks organized geographically for easy trip planning.
What you'll learn: Marcie's personal Big Island food spots organized by region — Kona, Volcano, Hilo, the North Shore/Hamakua Coast, and Waimea — plus what to order at each.
Places discussed:
Kona (Ali'i Drive)
Captain Cook
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Hilo
Honoka'a
Waimea (upcountry)
Activities discussed:
Renting a car (essential for the Big Island given the distances)
Hotels discussed:
Volcano House — where Marcie stays when visiting Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Restaurants discussed:
Kona (Ali'i Drive area):
Gecko Girl's Shave Ice — nearly 30 years on Ali'i Drive, real fruit purees; get anything lilikoi
Huggo's on the Rocks — casual, open-air, right on the water; poke nachos, virgin lava flows, live music and hula most nights; no reservations, just put your name in
Lava Lava Beach Club — lawn games, fall-off-the-bone ribs; Marcie's "last day before flying out" spot
Poke and coastal detours:
Da Poke Shack — tricky parking but worth it; get the shack special (kalua pork also available for non-poke eaters)
Coffee Shack (Captain Cook, ~25 min south of Kona) — own coffee bushes, 26-mile coastline view, great sandwiches on house-made bread; closed Wednesdays, opens 7 AM, small parking lot fills fast — arrive early
Kaaloa's Super J's — traditional Hawaiian plate lunch (kalua pork, laulau), no-frills atmosphere, excellent food
Volcano:
The Rim (at Volcano House) — reservations required for dinner, don't just show up; overlooks Kilauea caldera, locally sourced food
Hilo:
Cafe 100 — birthplace of loco moco, serving since 1946, holds trademark on "Home of the Loco Moco"; open-air walk-up window, 30+ varieties, good for takeout
Ken's House of Pancakes — open since 1971, homey diner vibe; pancakes with guava/coconut/lilikoi syrups; get the saimin on a rainy day (their #1 local favorite)
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
Every Big Island Luau I've Been To (And Everything Else Worth Knowing), Ranked Honestly— Ep 135
26 Aug 2026
00:12:46
Ranking Big Island Luaus: Best Picks in Kona, Kohala & Waikoloa (and One to Skip)
The host ranks Big Island luaus and explains the episode differs because they’ve only attended three, noting Big Island has far fewer luau options than Oahu or Maui and is better known for the Merrie Monarch Festival. Their top pick is the Hawaii Loa Luau at the Fairmont Orchid for upscale setting, standout buffet (especially poke), and polished, serious hula. Second is Voyagers of the Pacific at the Royal Kona Resort, recommended for a solid show (Tahitian opener, hula kahiko, Samoan fire knife, garment segment), good value, and easy return to rooms if staying on-site. They strongly caution against Island Breeze at the King Kamehameha Hotel based on a rain-night indoor experience with long waits, disappointing food, and a poorly executed show, though they acknowledge others enjoy it outdoors near historic sites. They also outline other options—Hale Ho’oloha (Mauna Lani), Waikoloa Beach Marriott’s Sunset Luau (with added service charge), and Feast and Fire (Outrigger Kona Resort)—and offer practical selection tips.
00:00 Why Big Island Luaus Differ 01:32 How to Choose a Luau 01:52 Top Pick Fairmont Orchid 03:37 Why the Hula Matters 04:19 Best Value Royal Kona 06:12 Island Breeze Warning 08:22 Picking Tips and Logistics 08:54 Other Luau Options 10:46 Final Rankings and Wrap
Who this episode is for: Anyone booking a Big Island luau who wants an honest ranking instead of marketing copy.
What you'll learn: Marcie's ranking of Big Island luaus, what sets the top pick apart, which one to avoid, and how to pick the right luau for your trip.
Places discussed:
Kona
Kohala
Waikoloa
Activities discussed:
Attending a luau (hula kahiko, Tahitian and Samoan fire knife performances, buffet dining)
Merrie Monarch Festival (mentioned as Big Island's bigger hula draw vs. commercial luaus)
Hotels discussed:
Fairmont Orchid — home of Hawaii Loa Luau, Marcie's top pick
Royal Kona Resort — home of Voyagers of the Pacific, second pick, good value, easy for on-site guests
King Kamehameha Hotel — home of Island Breeze, Marcie's caution pick
Mauna Lani — Hale Ho'oloha luau
Waikoloa Beach Marriott — Sunset Luau, has an added service charge
Outrigger Kona Resort — Feast and Fire luau
Marcie's recommendations:
Top pick: Hawaii Loa Luau at the Fairmont Orchid, for the upscale setting, standout buffet (especially the poke), and polished hula
Second pick: Voyagers of the Pacific at Royal Kona Resort, for good value and a strong show including a Tahitian opener, hula kahiko, and Samoan fire knife segment
Caution: Island Breeze at King Kamehameha Hotel, based on a rain-night experience with long waits, disappointing food, and a poorly executed show, though outdoor nights near the historic site may be better
Note the added service charge at Waikoloa Beach Marriott's Sunset Luau when comparing prices
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
How Many Days Do You Really Need on Kauai?— Ep 134
24 Aug 2026
00:07:36
How Many Days Do You Really Need on Kauai? (3 vs 5–7 vs 7–10)
Marcie of Hawaii Travel Made Easy explains how many days visitors need on Kauai, sharing her personal connection to the island and noting recent tourism data showing higher spending and arrivals but shorter stays. She argues Kauai often gets shortchanged because it’s quieter, yet it needs more time due to long drives and its four distinct regions: North Shore (Hanalei/Na Pali), West Side (Waimea Canyon/Koke’e), South Shore (Poipu), and East Side (Kapaa/Lihue). Her current guidance: Kauai-only trips should be 7–10 days, splitting with another island 5–7, and tight schedules 3–4 days by choosing one base and focusing on a North Shore day, a West Side day, and beach time, adding a major activity on day four. She suggests leaving an open day on longer trips and offers consultations and itinerary audits.
00:00 Kauai Feels Like Home 00:48 Tourism Trends Right Now 01:36 Why Kauai Needs Time 02:16 How Many Days To Plan 02:30 Kauai Is Four Regions 02:59 3–4 Day Game Plan 03:58 5–7 Days With Breathing Room 04:40 7–10 Days Slow Travel 04:58 Real Family Itinerary Example 05:46 Island Hopping And Food Help 06:16 Recap And Get Help Planning 07:14 Final Thoughts And Outro
Who this episode is for: Anyone trying to figure out how long to spend on Kauai, whether it's a standalone trip or part of an island-hopping itinerary.
What you'll learn: How to match your trip length to Kauai's four regions, Marcie's day-count guidance for 3–4, 5–7, and 7–10 day trips, and why Kauai needs more time than people usually plan for.
Places discussed:
North Shore (Hanalei, Na Pali Coast)
West Side (Waimea Canyon, Koke'e)
South Shore (Poipu)
East Side (Kapaa, Lihue)
Activities discussed:
Choosing a home base for shorter trips
Building a North Shore day
Building a West Side day
Beach time / South Shore days
Adding a major activity on day 4 for tight schedules
Island hopping (splitting time between Kauai and another island)
Marcie's recommendations:
Kauai-only trips: plan for 7–10 days
Splitting with another island: plan for 5–7 days on Kauai
Tight schedule: 3–4 days, pick one base, do a North Shore day, a West Side day, beach time, and one major activity on day 4
On longer trips, leave one day open/unplanned
Kauai's four distinct regions and long drive times mean it needs more time than people typically budget
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
Na Pali Coast on Kauai: Best Ways to See It, Go Haena Permits, and What to Pack
Marcie breaks down how to experience Kauai’s Na Pali Coast, emphasizing there’s no road access and you must hike, take a boat, fly by helicopter, or drive to the Kalalau Lookout in Koke‘e State Park. She explains hiking options on the Hanakapiai Trail (and the extension to Hanakapiai Falls), stresses that Hanakapiai Beach is dangerous for swimming, and recommends Ke‘e Beach instead. She compares boat tours (catamarans vs rafts; morning vs sunset), notes typical prices, and strongly advises motion-sickness prevention (scopolamine patch the night before). She covers helicopter considerations and safety, including Island Helicopters’ permitted landing at Manawaiopuna Falls. The episode details Go Haena reservations for Haena State Park (parking vs shuttle, costs, 30-day release, no cell service), best seasons for boat tours (summer), packing essentials, common mistakes, and backup plans for weather cancellations.
00:00 Na Pali Hook Story 00:40 Welcome and Big Picture 01:03 No Road to Na Pali 01:28 Hiking the Trail 02:13 Beach Safety Warning 02:31 Boat Tour Breakdown 04:09 Motion Sickness Tips 04:36 Helicopter Views 05:23 Kalalau Lookout Drive 06:31 Choosing Your Experience 07:11 Best Time to Go 07:50 Go Haena Permits 10:12 What to Bring 11:16 Common Mistakes 12:25 Backup Plans and Wrap Up
Who this episode is for: Anyone planning to see Na Pali Coast and trying to decide between hiking, boat, helicopter, or the lookout drive.
What you'll learn: Every way to access Na Pali Coast, how to navigate Go Haena permits for Haena State Park, boat tour options and motion sickness prevention, and what to pack.
Places discussed:
Na Pali Coast
Hanakapiai Trail and Hanakapiai Falls
Hanakapiai Beach
Ke'e Beach
Haena State Park
Manawaiopuna Falls
Kalalau Lookout, Koke'e State Park
Activities discussed:
Hiking the Hanakapiai Trail (and the Hanakapiai Falls extension)
Boat tours (catamarans vs. rafts; morning vs. sunset)
Helicopter tours, including Island Helicopters' permitted landing at Manawaiopuna Falls
Driving to Kalalau Lookout
Go Haena reservations for Haena State Park (parking vs. shuttle, cost, 30-day release window)
Marcie's recommendations:
Skip swimming at Hanakapiai Beach — go to Ke'e Beach instead
Use a scopolamine patch the night before a boat tour to prevent motion sickness
Book boat tours in summer for best conditions
Book Go Haena reservations early (30-day release) and don't count on cell service once you're there
Have a backup plan ready in case of weather cancellations
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
Where I Actually Eat on Maui: Favorite Spots, Road to Hana Stops, and Honest Takes
Marcie of Hawaii Travel Made Easy shares the Maui restaurants she personally returns to each trip, starting with fish tacos at Coconuts Fish Cafe in Kihei (best at lunch) and dessert at Ululani’s Shave Ice, including a Maui Ocean Center location. She highlights Sweet Hula’s acai bowls in the South Maui Gardens, explains how Paia Fish Market differs in Paia versus Kihei (especially for takeout), and recommends Cafe Olei at the Maui Tropical Plantation for an upscale sit-down meal with reservations. For families, she suggests Monkeypod Kitchen for its crowd-pleasing menu and standout mai tai. She praises Da Kitchen for huge portions and Road to Hana stops like Huealo Lookout smoothies and Bruddah Hutts BBQ ribs, and offers a candid, less-enthusiastic take on Hali‘imaile General Store. She notes most stops require a car and promotes planning resources, consultations, and itinerary audits on her website.
00:00 Oahu Food Hangover 00:24 Maui Eats Mission 00:52 Coconuts Fish Tacos 01:38 Ululani Shave Ice 02:09 Sweet Hula Acai 02:55 Paia Fish Market Picks 03:44 Cafe Olei Plantation 04:16 Monkeypod Favorites 04:56 Da Kitchen Classics 05:28 Road to Hana Bites 06:10 Upcountry Reality Check 06:40 Car Rental Note 06:57 Wrap Up And Help
Who this episode is for: Anyone planning a Maui trip who wants real restaurant picks from someone who's eaten there dozens of times, not a generic "best of" list.
What you'll learn: Where to eat in Kihei, Paia, and Upcountry, which Road to Hana stops are worth the detour, and which hyped spot Marcie skips.
Restaurants discussed:
Coconuts Fish Cafe (Kihei) — fish tacos, best at lunch
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
Every Kauai Luau I've Been To, Ranked Honestly — Ep 131
12 Aug 2026
00:13:57
Ranking Kauai Luaus: Marcie’s Honest Top Picks, Best for Families, and What to Expect
Marcie from “Hawaii Travel Made Easy” shares her personal history with luaus and ranks six Kauai experiences she’s attended, noting that her nostalgic favorite, Smith’s Family Luau, isn’t #1. Her top pick is the oceanfront Auli’i Luau at the Sheraton Kauai Resort for its full package of activities, standout costumes, and multi-Polynesian performances; #2 is Luau Kalamaku at Kilohana Plantation for its continuous theatrical story, strong food, optional railway ride, shuttle service, and early end time. #3 is the Ahi Lele Fire Show at Anaina Hou for demonstrations and intense fire performances; #4 is Smith’s for its botanical garden setting, Asian cultural showcases, affordability, and “1990s” show that hasn’t evolved much. #5 is Luau Kahikina at Sheraton Coconut Beach for thoughtful direction and early finish, and #6 is Tahiti Nui Luau in Hanalei for an indoor, low-key North Shore option. She also mentions Grand Hyatt’s Hawaiki Nui and Hilton Garden Inn’s Wailua Nui as unreviewed and promotes itinerary reviews and consultations.
00:00 VHS Luau Origin Story 01:22 Welcome and Quick Links 01:56 Top Pick Aulii Luau 03:53 Theatrical Luau Kalamaku 05:37 Ahi Lele Fire Show 06:52 Smiths Nostalgia Check 08:22 Sheraton Kahikina Return 09:55 Tahiti Nui North Shore 11:45 Two More Luaus Mentioned 12:29 Final Rankings and Wrap
Who this episode is for: Anyone booking a luau on Kauai who wants a real ranking instead of resort marketing.
What you'll learn: Marcie's ranking of six Kauai luaus she's personally attended, what makes each one different, and two additional luaus she hasn't reviewed yet.
Places discussed:
Hanalei (North Shore)
Lihue/Kapaa (East Shore)
Poipu (South Shore)
Activities discussed:
Attending a luau (Polynesian performances, fire shows, theatrical storytelling, optional railway ride)
Hotels discussed:
Sheraton Kauai Resort — home of Auli'i Luau, Marcie's top pick
Kilohana Plantation — home of Luau Kalamaku, #2 pick
Anaina Hou — home of Ahi Lele Fire Show, #3 pick
Smith's (botanical garden setting) — #4 pick
Sheraton Coconut Beach — home of Luau Kahikina, #5 pick
Tahiti Nui (Hanalei) — #6 pick
Grand Hyatt — home of Hawaiki Nui, mentioned but not yet reviewed
Hilton Garden Inn — home of Wailua Nui, mentioned but not yet reviewed
Marcie's recommendations:
#1: Auli'i Luau at Sheraton Kauai Resort — oceanfront, full activity package, standout costumes, multi-Polynesian performances
#2: Luau Kalamaku at Kilohana Plantation — continuous theatrical story, strong food, optional railway ride, shuttle service, ends early
#3: Ahi Lele Fire Show at Anaina Hou — demonstrations and intense fire performances
#4: Smith's Family Luau — nostalgic favorite but not #1; botanical garden setting, Asian cultural showcases, affordable, show hasn't evolved much since the 90s
#5: Luau Kahikina at Sheraton Coconut Beach — thoughtful direction, early finish
#6: Tahiti Nui Luau in Hanalei — indoor, low-key North Shore option
Hawaiki Nui (Grand Hyatt) and Wailua Nui (Hilton Garden Inn) not yet reviewed
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
How Many Days Do You Need on Maui? Realistic Itineraries, Costs, and Planning Tips
Marcie from Hawaii Travel Made Easy discusses how many days to spend on Maui, noting recent state data showing visitor spending up over 26% and arrivals up more than 18% while average Hawaii stays fell from about 8.5 days to under 7.5, likely due to high Maui costs (average hotel rooms near $500/night plus car, parking, and meals). She recommends 7–10 days if Maui is your only island, 5–7 days if island hopping, and says 4–5 days can still work with intentional planning. She explains major activities each require significant time (Road to Hana, Haleakala sunrise, Iao Valley, Upcountry, west-side beaches, Molokini) and shares personal memories from Iao Valley and Road to Hana. She advises mapping food stops to avoid backtracking, limiting Hana stops to 5–6, booking required reservations early, and offers consultations and itinerary audits.
00:00 Maui Surprise Factor 00:43 Trip Length Question 00:53 Why Stays Are Shorter 01:55 Ideal Days On Maui 02:16 Time Sinks And Must Dos 02:51 Favorite Maui Memories 03:43 Itinerary Mistakes To Avoid 04:28 Reservations And Hana Reality 05:25 Sample Day Breakdowns 06:04 Consultations And Wrap Up 06:48 Final Thoughts
Who this episode is for: Anyone trying to figure out how many days to budget for Maui, especially with rising costs and shorter average Hawaii stays.
What you'll learn: How current tourism data affects Maui trip planning, Marcie's day-count guidance depending on whether Maui is your only stop, and how to plan around Maui's biggest time-sink activities.
Places discussed:
Road to Hana
Haleakala
Iao Valley
Upcountry
West-side beaches
Molokini
Activities discussed:
Driving the Road to Hana
Watching sunrise at Haleakala
Visiting Iao Valley
Exploring Upcountry
Beach time on the west side
Molokini snorkel/boat trip
Marcie's recommendations:
Maui as your only island: plan for 7–10 days
Island hopping: plan for 5–7 days on Maui
Tight schedule: 4–5 days can still work with intentional planning
Map food stops in advance to avoid backtracking, especially on the Road to Hana
Limit Road to Hana stops to 5–6 to keep the day manageable
Book required reservations (e.g. Haleakala sunrise) early
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
Every Maui Luau I've Been To (And Everything Else Worth Knowing), Ranked Honestly— Ep 129
05 Aug 2026
00:11:03
Ranking the Best Maui Luaus (Plus Updates, Closures, and Alternatives)
The host ranks Maui luaus based on four firsthand visits: Feast at Mokapu at the Andaz Maui in Wailea as the top luxury splurge with oceanfront setting and family-style service; Old Lahaina Luau second for a culturally focused Hawaiian/Tahitian show and updated post-2023 wildfire format (now four-course family-style with open bar); Drums of the Pacific at the Hyatt Regency Maui third for a large, multi-Polynesian spectacle with fire knife dancing and resort convenience in Ka’anapali; and Myths of Maui at Royal Lahaina fourth as a more budget-friendly buffet with fire knife dancing. They also describe other options they haven’t attended (Grand Wailea, Te Au Moana, Maui Nui at Black Rock, Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, Gilligan’s Island) and Maui Ocean Center’s Friday-only “Migrations” dinner show. Updates include Feast at Lele permanently closed and South Maui Gardens’ Polynesian show paused/closed, with backups like Gilligan’s Island and the Napili Kai Foundation keiki hula show.
00:00 Maui Luau Ranking Setup 01:11 Feast at Mokapu Top Pick 02:14 Old Lahaina Luau Updates 03:37 Drums of the Pacific Spectacle 04:59 Myths of Maui Budget Choice 05:45 Other Maui Luaus Rundown 07:14 Avoiding Luau Mismatches 08:02 Migrations Dinner Show Option 08:35 Closures and Key Updates 09:58 Final Recommendations and Resources
Who this episode is for: Anyone booking a luau on Maui who wants an honest ranking plus the latest closures and format changes.
What you'll learn: Marcie's ranking of four Maui luaus she's personally attended, other options she hasn't reviewed, and current closures/updates including post-wildfire changes at Old Lahaina Luau.
Places discussed:
Wailea
Lahaina
Ka'anapali
Black Rock
Activities discussed:
Attending a luau (family-style dining, open bar, fire knife dancing, multi-Polynesian performances)
Migrations dinner show at Maui Ocean Center (Fridays only)
Napili Kai Foundation keiki hula show
Hotels discussed:
Andaz Maui (Wailea) — home of Feast at Mokapu, top pick
Hyatt Regency Maui (Ka'anapali) — home of Drums of the Pacific, third pick
Royal Lahaina — home of Myths of Maui, fourth pick, budget-friendly
Grand Wailea — home of Te Au Moana, not yet reviewed
Ritz-Carlton Kapalua — home of Maui Nui at Black Rock, not yet reviewed
Marcie's recommendations:
#1: Feast at Mokapu at Andaz Maui — top luxury splurge, oceanfront setting, family-style service
#2: Old Lahaina Luau — culturally focused Hawaiian/Tahitian show, updated post-2023 wildfire to a four-course family-style format with open bar
#3: Drums of the Pacific at Hyatt Regency Maui — large multi-Polynesian spectacle with fire knife dancing, convenient if staying in Ka'anapali
#4: Myths of Maui at Royal Lahaina — more budget-friendly buffet option with fire knife dancing
Feast at Lele has permanently closed
South Maui Gardens' Polynesian show is paused/closed; consider Gilligan's Island or the Napili Kai Foundation keiki hula show as alternatives
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
Moloka'i: The Island Most People Skip (And Why You Shouldn't)— Ep 128
03 Aug 2026
00:10:21
Molokai Travel Guide: Flights, Where to Stay, and Must-Do Experiences
Marcie shares a Molokai trip she took with her mom, describing the island as the least visited and “most Hawaiian,” with no traffic lights, minimal development, and uncrowded beaches. She explains logistics: Molokai is reachable only by Mokulele Airlines from Maui (about 30 minutes) with occasional maintenance groundings, and visitors need a rental car due to no Uber or public transit. In Kaunakakai, she recommends Hulu Bean Cafe, A Taste of Molokai food truck, and Kanemitsu’s Bakery “hot bread” (Thu–Sun nights), noting many businesses close Sundays. Highlights include Molokai Plumeria Farm lei-making, the scenic drive to Halawa Valley and guided Mo’oula Falls hike, and the Molokai Museum’s Kalaupapa history plus the Kalaupapa Lookout; limited Kalaupapa tours require permits and are air-access only. Lodging includes Hotel Molokai and rentals, and she advises staying 2–3 nights over a rushed day trip.
00:00 Why Molokai Now 00:45 Getting There by Air 01:51 Rental Car Essentials 02:25 Molokai Vibe and Etiquette 03:26 Kaunakakai Eats and Hot Bread 04:50 Plumeria Farm Lei Making 06:00 Halawa Valley Scenic Drive 06:47 Museum and Kalaupapa History 07:58 Where to Stay 08:42 Day Trip or Overnight 09:45 Final Tips and Wrap Up
Who this episode is for: Anyone considering a trip to Molokai, Hawaii's least-visited island, and wanting practical logistics plus cultural context before going.
What you'll learn: How to get to and around Molokai, where to eat and stay, top experiences, and why an overnight stay beats a rushed day trip.
Places discussed:
Kaunakakai
Molokai Plumeria Farm
Halawa Valley
Mo'oula Falls
Molokai Museum
Kalaupapa Lookout
Kalaupapa Settlement
Activities discussed:
Flying Mokulele Airlines from Maui to Molokai
Renting a car (no Uber or public transit on the island)
Lei-making at Molokai Plumeria Farm
Scenic drive to Halawa Valley and guided Mo'oula Falls hike
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
My Most Controversial Hawaii Travel Opinions— Ep 127
29 Jul 2026
00:12:12
Hawaii Travel Hot Takes: Skip the Checklist, Plan What Fits
The host shares Hawaii travel opinions that often surprise clients, arguing that packing too much into a trip backfires. She explains why squeezing multiple islands into a short stay wastes half-days on checkout, airports, rental cars, and waiting for rooms, and suggests itinerary audits and a framework for island hopping. She notes you don’t always need a rental car—especially on Oahu—where transit and tours can work, while acknowledging the freedom a car provides. She says the Polynesian Cultural Center can feel sanitized and inauthentic, advises skipping Pearl Harbor if your group isn’t genuinely interested, and says the Road to Hana isn’t mandatory or has to be an all-day commitment. She contrasts tourist-trap luaus with smaller, higher-intention ones, recommends the Pride of America cruise as a smart first-timer sampler, and explains why she avoids publicly naming “hidden gems” due to safety, private property, and overexposure.
00:00 Truth Over Checklists 00:57 Stop Island Hopping 02:24 Skipping The Rental Car 04:01 PCC Reality Check 05:22 Pearl Harbor Permission 06:40 Road To Hana Optional 07:35 Choosing A Good Luau 08:56 Cruising The Islands 10:04 Hidden Gems Dilemma 11:27 Wrap Up And Invite
Who this episode is for: Anyone building a Hawaii itinerary around a "must-see" checklist instead of what actually fits their trip.
What you'll learn: Why overpacking your itinerary backfires, when you don't need a rental car, and Marcie's honest takes on Hawaii's most-hyped attractions.
Places discussed:
Oahu
Polynesian Cultural Center
Pearl Harbor
Road to Hana (Maui)
Activities discussed:
Island hopping
Renting a car vs. using transit/tours
Visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center
Visiting Pearl Harbor
Driving the Road to Hana
Attending a luau
Cruising the islands (Pride of America)
Marcie's recommendations:
Don't overpack your itinerary — cramming in multiple islands wastes half-days on checkout, airports, and rental cars
Get an itinerary audit if you're unsure how to structure an island-hopping trip
You don't always need a rental car, especially on Oahu, where transit and tours can cover a lot
Polynesian Cultural Center can feel sanitized and inauthentic — go in with the right expectations
Skip Pearl Harbor if your group isn't genuinely interested; it's okay to opt out
Road to Hana isn't mandatory, and it doesn't have to be an all-day commitment
Choose smaller, higher-intention luaus over tourist-trap ones
Pride of America cruise is a smart sampler option for first-timers
She avoids publicly naming "hidden gems" due to safety, private property, and overexposure concerns
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
How Many Days Do You Need on Oahu? (3, 5, 7–10 Day Breakdown)
Marcie shares guidance on how long to spend on Oahu based on 40+ trips, recommending 7–10 days if it’s your only island, 5–7 days if island hopping, and noting that five full days can still work on a tight budget. She explains that Oahu is often underestimated beyond Waikiki and Pearl Harbor, with major time commitments like a half-day at Pearl Harbor, a reserved Diamond Head hike, Kualoa Ranch, and a full North Shore road-trip day (Dole Plantation, Haleiwa, Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach/Pipeline). Using her own recent six-day visit, she highlights the trade-off of limited beach time and recommends a 7–10 day split stay—Waikiki for sightseeing, then Ko Olina (or Turtle Bay) to relax. She also shares a client regret story after booking only one night on Oahu and offers consultations and a $50 itinerary audit.
00:00 How Many Days Oahu 01:01 Quick Day Recommendations 01:23 Why Oahu Takes Time 02:38 Six Day Reality Check 03:17 Split Stay Waikiki Ko Olina 03:50 Shorter Trips Trend 04:32 One Night Mistake Story 05:42 Trip Length Itinerary Shapes 06:35 Consultations And Wrap Up
Who this episode is for: Anyone trying to figure out how many days to budget for Oahu, especially if they're tempted to underestimate it as "just Waikiki."
What you'll learn: Marcie's day-count guidance depending on whether Oahu is your only island, how a split-stay itinerary can balance sightseeing and relaxation, and a real client story about booking too little time.
Places discussed:
Waikiki
Pearl Harbor
Diamond Head
Kualoa Ranch
North Shore
Dole Plantation
Haleiwa
Waimea Bay
Sunset Beach / Pipeline
Ko Olina
Turtle Bay
Activities discussed:
Visiting Pearl Harbor (half-day commitment)
Hiking Diamond Head (reservation required)
Visiting Kualoa Ranch
North Shore road trip day
Split-stay itinerary planning
Marcie's recommendations:
Oahu as your only island: plan for 7–10 days
Island hopping: plan for 5–7 days on Oahu
Tight budget: five full days can still work
For 7–10 day trips, consider a split stay — Waikiki first for sightseeing, then Ko Olina or Turtle Bay to relax
Don't underestimate Oahu beyond Waikiki and Pearl Harbor — major sights each eat significant chunks of a day
Book Diamond Head reservations ahead of time
Avoid booking too little time on Oahu, based on a client who regretted booking only one night
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
North Shore Kauai: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go— Ep 125
22 Jul 2026
00:16:36
North Shore Kauai: Where to Stay, Weather Tips, and How to Plan Haʻena State Park
Marcie of Hawaii Travel Made Easy shares a personal guide to North Shore Kauai—Princeville, Hanalei, and Kilauea—covering how the area’s rainier weather shapes planning, that you can’t drive around the island, and that a rental car is necessary from Lihue (45–60 minutes). She explains seasonal strategy (avoid basing on the North Shore in winter; late spring–early fall is best) and warns about possible road closures near the one-lane bridge during heavy rain. The key planning item is Haʻena State Park, which requires advance reservations; parking is hard to get, so she recommends the Go Haena Shuttle (Waipa Park and Ride; 2026 pricing and flexible returns). She highlights beaches (Keʻe, Hanalei Bay, Tunnels, Anini, Secret Beach), Kilauea Point refuge reservations/hours, Limahuli Garden, Hanalei Valley Lookout, farmers market, favorite food spots, rental-rule cautions, Kalalau camping permits, and her planning services/resources.
00:00 North Shore Love Story 01:02 Towns and Weather Basics 02:32 Getting There and Road Closures 03:22 Stay or Day Trip 04:18 Rentals and Day Trip Plan 05:24 Haena Reservations Must Know 06:21 Shuttle Tips and Trails 08:43 Best North Shore Beaches 10:49 Extra Stops and Lookouts 12:40 Where to Eat 14:17 Costs Permits and Help 15:46 Final North Shore Checklist
Who this episode is for: Anyone planning to stay on or visit Kauai's North Shore and trying to navigate Ha'ena State Park reservations and seasonal weather.
What you'll learn: How North Shore weather affects trip timing, why you need advance reservations for Ha'ena State Park, the Go Haena Shuttle logistics, and the best beaches and stops in Princeville, Hanalei, and Kilauea.
Places discussed:
Princeville
Hanalei
Kilauea
Ha'ena State Park
Ke'e Beach
Hanalei Bay
Tunnels Beach
Anini Beach
Secret Beach
Kilauea Point (wildlife refuge)
Limahuli Garden
Hanalei Valley Lookout
Kalalau (camping/permits)
Activities discussed:
Driving from Lihue to the North Shore (45–60 minutes)
Taking the Go Haena Shuttle (Waipa Park and Ride)
Visiting Ha'ena State Park (advance reservations required)
Visiting Kilauea Point wildlife refuge (reservations/hours)
Visiting Limahuli Garden
Beach-hopping (Ke'e, Hanalei Bay, Tunnels, Anini, Secret Beach)
Hanalei farmers market
Kalalau camping (permit-based)
Marcie's recommendations:
Avoid basing yourself on the North Shore in winter; late spring through early fall is the better season
Watch for possible road closures near the one-lane bridge during heavy rain
Book Ha'ena State Park reservations well in advance — parking is limited
Use the Go Haena Shuttle from the Waipa Park and Ride instead of counting on parking
Rent a car since you can't fully drive around the island and the North Shore requires the Lihue drive
Be cautious of rental rule restrictions mentioned for the area
Get Kalalau camping permits ahead of time if planning to camp
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
Why AI Hawaii Itineraries Fail (and How to Fix Yours)
Marcie of Hawaii Travel Made Easy explains why AI and generic itinerary tools often produce unrealistic Hawaii plans by relying on outdated blog posts and secondhand information, then shares a recent consultation where a family’s Maui/Big Island itinerary from a “Hawaii-specialist” agent had major red flags: repeated long drives from Kona to Volcanoes National Park and Hilo, Road to Hana paired with Haleakala stargazing after an exhausting day, confusion between Molokini and Lanai snorkel trips, and Mauna Kea summit stargazing despite guidance that kids under 16 shouldn’t go. She scrapped the plan and rebuilt it around one island—Maui—for a full week, arguing that limited time usually works best on a single island. She promotes her consultation, itinerary review services, and asks listeners to leave a podcast review.
00:00 AI Itinerary Reality Check 00:57 Consultation Case Study Setup 01:28 Red Flags in Their Plan 02:33 Why It Was So Wrong 03:07 Rebuilding the Trip Right 03:59 Travel Agents vs Real Experience 04:29 Outdated Search and AI Content 05:00 How Marcie Plans Hawaii 05:25 Consultations and Itinerary Reviews 06:32 Wrap Up and Review Request
Who this episode is for: Anyone who used AI or a generic travel agent to build a Hawaii itinerary and wants to sanity-check it before booking.
What you'll learn: The common mistakes AI and generic itinerary tools make with Hawaii trips, a real case study of a flawed Maui/Big Island plan, and why sticking to one island often works better than trying to cover two.
Places discussed:
Maui
Big Island
Kona
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Hilo
Road to Hana
Haleakala
Molokini
Lanai
Mauna Kea
Activities discussed:
Driving between Kona, Volcanoes National Park, and Hilo
Road to Hana
Haleakala stargazing
Molokini vs. Lanai snorkel trips (commonly confused)
Mauna Kea summit stargazing
Marcie's recommendations:
Be skeptical of AI-generated or generic itineraries — they often rely on outdated blog posts and secondhand information
Watch for red flags like repeated long drives, mismatched activities on the same day (e.g. Road to Hana plus Haleakala stargazing), and mixing up similar-sounding experiences (Molokini vs. Lanai)
Mauna Kea summit stargazing isn't recommended for kids under 16
When time is limited, focus on one island instead of splitting between two
Get an itinerary review from someone with firsthand Hawaii experience before booking
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
The Biggest Hawaii Booking Mistakes I See Over and Over— Ep 123
15 Jul 2026
00:10:01
Avoid These Common Hawaii Booking Mistakes (Flights, Islands, Tours, Cars, and Hidden Fees)
Marcie shares a Kauai client’s last-minute panic after key experiences like the Go Haena shuttle to the Hā‘ena/ Hanakapi‘ai trailhead and Nā Pali Coast boat tours sold out, then explains common Hawaii booking mistakes: booking flights before choosing the right island, trying to do too many islands in one trip, hotel hopping instead of using one good base, underestimating driving/parking time (especially on Oahu), and booking activities too late (Go Haena opens 30 days out and sells out fast; Nā Pali tours can book months ahead). She advises booking most tours when booking flights, booking rental cars early but rechecking rates, and comparing hotels using real totals including resort fees and parking. She promotes a $50 Hawaii Itinerary Audit and one-on-one consultations, and notes the Kauai client still had a great trip but wished she’d planned earlier.
00:00 Kauai Booking Panic 00:57 Flights Before Plans 01:36 Pick the Right Island 02:07 Too Many Islands 03:15 Hotel Hopping Trap 04:17 Driving Reality Check 05:10 Book Activities Early 06:48 Rental Car Strategy 07:27 Resort Fees Surprise 08:18 Itinerary Help Options 09:19 Final Kauai Lesson
Who this episode is for: Anyone in the early stages of booking a Hawaii trip who wants to avoid the mistakes that lead to sold-out activities and last-minute scrambling.
What you'll learn: The most common Hawaii booking mistakes, what to book first and when, and how to compare hotel costs using real totals instead of sticker price.
Places discussed:
Kauai
Ha'ena / Hanakapi'ai trailhead
Na Pali Coast
Oahu
Activities discussed:
Go Haena shuttle reservations
Na Pali Coast boat tours
Renting a car
Booking hotels and comparing rates
Marcie's recommendations:
Choose your island(s) before booking flights, not after
Avoid trying to cover too many islands in one trip
Pick one good home base instead of hotel hopping
Don't underestimate driving and parking time, especially on Oahu
Book most tours and activities at the same time you book flights
Go Haena reservations open 30 days out and sell out fast — plan around that window
Na Pali Coast boat tours can book up months in advance
Book rental cars early, but recheck rates periodically before your trip
Compare hotels using real total cost, including resort fees and parking, not just the nightly rate
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
What's Actually Happening in Hawaii Right Now— Ep 122
13 Jul 2026
00:09:25
Is Hawaii OK Right Now? June/July Travel Updates: Oahu Shuttle, Kalaupapa Tours, Kauai Closures, Kilauea, and Na Pali Sail-By Return
⚠️ UPDATE: Kalaupapa Tours are on hiatus
Marcie shares a fast, island-by-island update for travelers asking if Hawaii is okay right now, covering shifting logistics after March storms and ongoing Kilauea activity. On Oahu, a new $5 North Shore Huaka‘i daily shuttle pilot (starting June 29) runs from Waikiki/Ko Olina to Waialua and Haleiwa with cultural storytelling, about 3.5 hours of free time, a passport stamp challenge, and a fixed return time to support storm-hit businesses. On Molokai, Kalaupapa National Historical Park begins ranger-led public tours July 9 (Thursdays/Saturdays), requiring a strenuous ~8-mile hike with 1,700 feet elevation change, age 16+, reservations via recreation.gov, and a 100-visitor daily cap. On Kauai, Waimea Canyon Drive construction closes a key section weekdays 8 a.m.–11:30 p.m. June 22–Aug 17. The Big Island’s Kilauea remains episodic with the park fully open, and Norwegian’s Pride of America restores the Na Pali Coast sail-by starting Oct 3 with an earlier Nawiliwili departure.
00:00 Is Hawaii Okay 00:46 Oahu Shuttle Pilot 02:28 Molokai Kalaupapa Tours 04:04 Kauai Road Closures 05:18 Big Island Kilauea Update 06:38 Na Pali Sailby Returns 08:04 Resources And Thanks 09:13 Final Wrap Up
Who this episode is for: Anyone with an upcoming Hawaii trip wondering how recent storms, construction, and volcanic activity might affect their plans.
What you'll learn: Current logistics updates across Oahu, Molokai, Kauai, and Big Island, including a new North Shore shuttle, Kalaupapa tour changes, road closures, and the return of the Na Pali sail-by on Pride of America.
Places discussed:
Oahu (North Shore, Waikiki, Ko Olina, Waialua, Haleiwa)
Molokai (Kalaupapa National Historical Park)
Kauai (Waimea Canyon Drive)
Big Island (Kilauea, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park)
Na Pali Coast
Activities discussed:
North Shore Huaka'i shuttle (Waikiki/Ko Olina to Waialua and Haleiwa, starts June 29, $5, cultural storytelling, passport stamp challenge)
Kalaupapa ranger-led public tours (Thursdays/Saturdays starting July 9, ~8-mile strenuous hike, 1,700 ft elevation change, age 16+, reservations via recreation.gov, 100-visitor daily cap)
Driving Waimea Canyon Drive (weekday closures 8 a.m.–11:30 p.m., June 22–Aug 17, due to construction)
Na Pali Coast sail-by on Norwegian's Pride of America (returns Oct 3, with earlier Nawiliwili departure)
Marcie's recommendations:
Book the North Shore Huaka'i shuttle if visiting Oahu's North Shore during the pilot — it supports storm-hit businesses and includes built-in free time
If planning a Kalaupapa visit, confirm current tour status before booking (see update note above) and be prepared for a genuinely strenuous hike if tours are running
Check Waimea Canyon Drive closure windows before planning a Kauai itinerary between June 22–Aug 17
Kilauea's episodic activity doesn't mean avoid the Big Island — the park remains fully open
If cruising on Pride of America after Oct 3, expect the Na Pali sail-by to be back on the itinerary
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
What First-Time Hawaii Travelers Always Overestimate— Ep 121
08 Jul 2026
00:08:20
Planning vs. Vacation You: How to Pace a Hawaii Trip
Marcie from Hawaii Travel Made Easy explains how first-time visitors often overestimate what they’ll do in Hawaii and end up wanting a slower trip than the one they planned. Using client examples, she warns that hour-by-hour itineraries, long drives, and stacking organized activities can lead families to crave pool and beach downtime instead. She notes that winding roads, scenic stops, kids’ hunger or carsickness, and the temptation to linger at the beach make outings take longer than expected. She recommends front-loading bigger activities, building in flex time, planning lighter afternoons, and scheduling recovery days to avoid mid-trip burnout. She also suggests limiting dinner reservations, expecting spontaneous food stops, and not trying to visit a different beach daily since families often return to a favorite. She promotes consultations and itinerary audits on her website.
00:00 Overplanned Trip Reality 00:50 Hawaii Self vs Planner 01:12 Driving Takes Longer 02:07 Too Many Activities 03:04 Early Mornings Myth 04:00 Midtrip Energy Wall 05:02 Dinner Plans Fall Apart 05:52 Beach Hopping vs Favorites 06:42 Leave Breathing Room 07:24 Consultations and Wrap Up
Who this episode is for: First-time Hawaii visitors building an hour-by-hour itinerary who might be planning a trip more ambitious than the one they'll actually want on vacation.
What you'll learn: Why Hawaii itineraries tend to overestimate what families can realistically do, how to pace a trip to avoid mid-trip burnout, and how to build in flexibility without losing structure.
Activities discussed:
Building an hour-by-hour itinerary
Driving between activities (winding roads, scenic stops)
Booking organized activities and tours
Making dinner reservations
Beach-hopping vs. returning to a favorite beach
Marcie's recommendations:
Front-load bigger, more demanding activities earlier in the trip
Build flex time into the schedule rather than planning hour-by-hour
Plan lighter afternoons, especially after busy mornings
Schedule at least one recovery/downtime day to avoid mid-trip burnout
Expect drives to take longer than map time suggests, factoring in winding roads, scenic stops, kids' hunger, and carsickness
Limit the number of dinner reservations and expect spontaneous food stops instead
Don't feel obligated to visit a different beach every day — families often end up happiest returning to one favorite
Get an itinerary audit if you're not sure your plan has enough breathing room
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
The Hawaii Trip Reset: What to Do When Planning Starts to Feel Overwhelming— Ep 120
06 Jul 2026
00:07:55
Stop the Hawaii Planning Spiral: What to Book (and What to Skip)
The speaker describes learning the difference between planning and over-planning after a Maui trip spent stuck in parking lots during a toddler’s car naps, and contrasts it with a past Oahu trip with no plan that also missed key stops. They explain that planning spirals are driven by information overload from social media and by optimizing the wrong details (like minor fees or locking in dinner reservations that conflict with daily logistics). They encourage listeners to skip “must-dos” without guilt and focus on three decisions that matter most: choosing the right island, choosing the best area of the island before comparing hotels, and pre-booking only activities that sell out (like luaus and boat tours). They advise not to reserve every dinner in advance, and offer itinerary reviews, consultations, and travel agent referrals, ending with a prompt to close tabs and plan around what you actually want.
00:00 Parking Lot Breakdown 01:00 Two Maui Lessons 02:05 Planning Spiral Triggers 03:31 Permission To Skip 04:19 Three Decisions That Matter 04:42 Island Areas Before Hotels 05:28 What To Book Ahead 06:00 Get Help If Needed 07:05 Close The Tabs 07:39 Final Sendoff
Who this episode is for: Anyone deep in tabs and spreadsheets trying to plan the "perfect" Hawaii trip and feeling overwhelmed instead of excited.
What you'll learn: Why planning spirals happen, permission to skip "must-do" attractions, and the three decisions that actually matter when planning a Hawaii trip.
Places discussed:
Maui
Oahu
Activities discussed:
Choosing an island
Choosing an area within an island (before comparing hotels)
Pre-booking activities that sell out (luaus, boat tours)
Making dinner reservations
Marcie's recommendations:
It's okay to skip "must-do" attractions without guilt
Focus planning energy on three decisions: the right island, the right area of that island, and which activities need advance booking
Choose your area of the island before comparing specific hotels
Only pre-book activities that actually sell out, like luaus and boat tours
Don't reserve every dinner in advance — leave room for logistics and spontaneity
Watch for planning spirals triggered by social media overload or fixating on minor details instead of the decisions that matter
Get an itinerary review, consultation, or travel agent referral if the planning process feels stuck
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
Your First Hawaii Trip Isn’t a Once-in-a-Lifetime Trip— Ep 119
01 Jul 2026
00:06:00
Plan Your First Hawaii Trip Like You’ll Be Back: Do Less, Enjoy More
After consulting with a first-time Maui family whose seven-day itinerary was packed with a luau, snorkeling, helicopter tour, Road to Hana, kayaking, food tour, and even a Pearl Harbor day trip to Oahu “because we’ll never come back,” Marcie argues that the one-shot mindset ruins first Hawaii trips. She says people often island hop and book activities they haven’t researched or don’t care about, leading to stress, overspending, and a vacation that feels like checking boxes. Instead, she recommends planning with “I will be back,” cutting “supposed to” items, building in empty beach days, choosing fewer paid activities within budget, and prioritizing what actually recharges you. She notes that simpler first trips make return visits more likely and invites listeners to book consultations and check related episodes and resources at hawaiitravelwithkids.com.
00:00 Overpacked Maui Itinerary 00:33 Scarcity Mindset Trap 00:54 Pearl Harbor Detour Mistake 01:51 Adopt I Will Be Back 02:22 Relax Over Checklists 02:58 Planning Filters That Work 03:27 Budget Smarter Across Trips 04:18 Ignore Social Media Pressure 04:43 Cut One Thing Challenge 04:59 Consultations And Resources 05:41 Final Takeaway Do Less
Who this episode is for: First-time Hawaii visitors who feel pressure to pack every "must-do" into one trip because they're not sure they'll ever come back.
What you'll learn: Why the "one-shot" mindset backfires on first Hawaii trips, how to filter out "supposed to" activities, and how planning with a "I will be back" mentality leads to a better trip and a more likely return visit.
Places discussed:
Maui
Oahu (Pearl Harbor day trip, cited as an overreach example)
Activities discussed:
Luau
Snorkeling
Helicopter tour
Road to Hana
Kayaking
Food tour
Pearl Harbor day trip
Marcie's recommendations:
Plan your first trip as if you'll be back, not as a one-shot checklist trip
Cut "supposed to" items that don't actually interest you or your family
Don't add a cross-island day trip (like Pearl Harbor from Maui) just because "you'll never come back" — it adds stress and cost for a rushed experience
Build in empty beach days with no plans
Choose fewer paid activities and stay within budget rather than stacking everything in
Prioritize whatever actually recharges you, not what's trending on social media
Try cutting just one thing from your current itinerary as a low-stakes way to practice this
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
The One Island I Wouldn't Pick for a 4-Day Trip— Ep 118
29 Jun 2026
00:07:00
Why 4 Days Isn’t Enough on Hawaii’s Big Island (and How to Plan If That’s All You Have)
Marcie explains why the Big Island is the one Hawaiian island she would not choose for a four-day trip, sharing a client story and emphasizing its massive size, long drive times, and how different the Kona/Waikoloa west side is from the lush Hilo east side. She recommends about seven days to cover Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (ideally 1–2 days), the Hilo side highlights like the farmers market, botanical gardens, Hamakua Coast, rainbow eucalyptus, and Akaka Falls, plus west side activities such as Dolphin Quest at Hilton Waikoloa Village, ATVs/UTVs at Aloha Adventure Farms, Lava Lava Beach Club, manta ray dives, Two Step snorkeling, and coffee farms. She notes a rental car is essential, suggests booking via Discount Hawaii Car Rental, and offers a Big Island travel guide, itinerary audit, and consultation, with related episodes 14, 51, 74, and 101.
00:00 Four Days Isn’t Enough 00:57 Why the Big Island Surprises 02:05 Volcanoes National Park Time 02:18 Hilo Side Hidden Gems 02:45 West Side Beyond Resorts 04:03 Why Seven Days Works 04:24 Rental Car and Planning Help 05:04 If You Only Have Four Days 05:47 More Episodes and Wrap Up
Who this episode is for: Anyone considering a short trip to the Big Island, or trying to decide how to make the most of it if four days is really all they have.
What you'll learn: Why the Big Island needs more time than people expect, what a realistic 7-day itinerary covers, and how to prioritize if you're stuck with just four days.
Places discussed:
Kona
Waikoloa
Hilo
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Hamakua Coast
Akaka Falls
Two Step (snorkeling spot)
Activities discussed:
Visiting Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park (1–2 days recommended)
Hilo farmers market
Botanical gardens
Rainbow eucalyptus viewing
Dolphin Quest at Hilton Waikoloa Village
ATV/UTV tours at Aloha Adventure Farms
Lava Lava Beach Club
Manta ray dives
Snorkeling at Two Step
Coffee farm tours
Hotels discussed:
Hilton Waikoloa Village — home of Dolphin Quest
Restaurants discussed:
Lava Lava Beach Club
Marcie's recommendations:
Don't plan just 4 days on the Big Island if you can avoid it — it's the one island she wouldn't choose for a trip that short
Budget around 7 days to properly cover both the west side (Kona/Waikoloa) and east side (Hilo)
Give Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park 1–2 dedicated days
If you only have 4 days, prioritize ruthlessly rather than trying to see both sides of the island
A rental car is essential; book through Discount Hawaii Car Rental
Get a Big Island itinerary audit or consultation if planning a short trip
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
The One Thing That Actually Makes a Hawaii Trip Feel Luxurious— Ep 116
24 Jun 2026
00:10:33
The Real Luxury in Hawaii: Downtime, Oceanfront Stays, and a Better-Paced Itinerary
Marcie argues that what makes a Hawaii trip feel luxurious isn’t an expensive resort or amenities, but having intentional downtime and avoiding an overpacked itinerary, which she says is the most common issue she fixes in consultations. She contrasts a relaxed Maui family plan with a stressed couple’s wall-to-wall schedule, emphasizing that memorable moments come from unstructured time. She explains how where you stay and the specific area of an island shape the trip’s tone, recommending true oceanfront options, walkable locations, and lodging layouts that support rest (separate bedrooms, kitchens for basics). She advises protecting recovery time around must-dos like Road to Hana and Haleakala sunrise so you can actually use resort amenities. She promotes her itinerary audit, consultations, resources page, and Instagram for further help.
00:00 Luxury Myth Busted 00:35 Overpacked Itinerary Problem 01:04 Two Trips Two Outcomes 02:05 Downtime Is Real Luxury 03:33 Stay Where Rest Feels Right 04:11 Area Matters More Than Hotel 04:54 Room Layout And Sleep 05:41 Kitchen Lowers Friction 06:09 Walkability Changes Everything 07:30 Protect Space Around Must Dos 08:13 Use The Amenities You Paid For 08:43 Let Hanging Out Count 09:02 Itinerary Audit And Consults 10:03 Final Tips And Where To Follow
Who this episode is for: Anyone booking a "luxury" Hawaii trip who's stacking amenities and activities without leaving room to actually enjoy them.
What you'll learn: Why intentional downtime matters more than resort amenities, how location and room layout shape a trip's tone, and how to protect recovery time around big must-do activities.
Places discussed:
Maui
Road to Hana
Haleakala
Activities discussed:
Road to Hana
Haleakala sunrise
Choosing lodging by area/walkability
Using resort amenities (pools, restaurants, spas)
Marcie's recommendations:
Real luxury on a Hawaii trip comes from intentional downtime, not an expensive resort or packed schedule
The most common issue she fixes in consultations is an overpacked itinerary
Prioritize true oceanfront and walkable locations over just picking a well-known hotel name
Look for room layouts that support rest — separate bedrooms, a kitchen for basics — over pure amenity count
A kitchen for simple meals lowers daily friction, especially with kids
Protect recovery time around demanding must-dos like Road to Hana and Haleakala sunrise so you can actually use what you paid for
Let unstructured hanging-out time count as a real part of the itinerary, not wasted time
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
Maui vs. Big Island: The Decision Most People Get Wrong— Ep 117
24 Jun 2026
00:07:02
Maui vs. the Big Island: How to Choose the Right Hawaii Island for Your Trip
Marcie of Hawaii Travel Made Easy explains how travelers often choose the wrong island by defaulting to Maui because of social media or choosing the Big Island for lower cost while expecting a beach-and-resort trip. She contrasts Maui’s compact, easy rhythm—ideal for a resort base, romance, great food, Road to Hana, Haleakala sunrise, Molokini snorkel, and whale season (Nov–Apr)—with the Big Island’s vast scale and drive-heavy logistics, best for travelers focused on activities like Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kilauea’s episodic summit eruptions since Dec 2024, manta ray night snorkeling, waterfalls, and farm tours; she recommends a Kona/Hilo split stay for trips over 4–5 days. She suggests island hopping (under an hour flight, about $80–$100 each way) and promotes car rental comparison, itinerary audits, and consultations.
00:00 Instagram Trip Trap 00:59 Maui vs Big Island Setup 01:15 Two Common Booking Mistakes 02:07 Big Island Driving Reality 02:40 Why Maui Feels Easy 03:12 Maui Food and Whale Season 03:58 Big Island Volcanoes and Adventures 04:49 Quick Decision Test 05:30 Island Hopping and Planning Tools 06:09 Itinerary Audit and Consults 06:51 Final Thanks and Aloha
Who this episode is for: Anyone trying to decide between Maui and the Big Island who might be choosing based on Instagram trends or price rather than what actually fits their trip.
What you'll learn: The key differences between Maui and the Big Island, common island-choice mistakes, and how to decide (or island hop) if you're genuinely torn.
Places discussed:
Maui
Road to Hana
Haleakala
Molokini
Big Island
Kona
Hilo
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Kilauea
Activities discussed:
Road to Hana
Haleakala sunrise
Molokini snorkel trip
Whale watching (Nov–Apr season)
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park visits
Kilauea summit eruption viewing (episodic since Dec 2024)
Manta ray night snorkeling
Waterfall visits
Farm tours
Island hopping (under 1-hour flight, roughly $80–$100 each way)
Marcie's recommendations:
Don't default to Maui just because it's the most Instagrammed island — make sure it actually fits your trip goals
Don't choose the Big Island purely for lower cost if you're expecting a beach-and-resort trip — it's better suited to activity-focused travelers
Maui is the easier choice for a compact resort base, romance, food, and marquee sights like Road to Hana and Haleakala
Big Island rewards travelers focused on volcanoes, adventure activities, and nature over beach time
For Big Island trips over 4–5 days, consider a Kona/Hilo split stay rather than basing in just one
Island hopping is a realistic option if you can't choose — flights are short and inexpensive
Get help deciding through a car rental comparison, itinerary audit, or consultation
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
The Oahu Itinerary That Almost Always Works— Ep 115
22 Jun 2026
00:10:58
Oahu Itinerary Framework: 7, 10, or 14 Days (Geography-Based Planning + Split Stay Tips)
Marcie from Hawaii Travel Made Easy shares her geography-based framework for first-time Oahu itineraries, explaining what 7, 10, and 14 days realistically look like and why booking before having a plan leads to excessive driving. She recommends clustering days by island region and often doing a split stay—starting in Waikiki for the iconic experience, then moving to a quieter area like Ko Olina or the North Shore. For 7 days, she suggests slow arrival days, two East Side days (Hanauma Bay reservations open only two days ahead and it’s closed Mondays/Tuesdays; Kailua beach/town), two North Shore days (Haleiwa, Laniakea turtles with 10-foot rule, Kahuku Farms), and a final flex day. Ten days adds a dedicated Pearl Harbor day (especially the Aviation Museum), room for the west side and a luau, plus tours via Viator and optional Flytographer photos. Fourteen days shifts to a slower pace with open time, repeats of favorites, and staying on the North Shore; she notes Oahu can fill two weeks without island hopping and offers an itinerary audit and consultations.
00:00 One Night Oahu Mistake 00:47 Geography First Framework 01:25 Split Stay Strategy 02:11 Rental Car Reality Check 02:57 Seven Day Game Plan 03:17 East Side Highlights 04:15 North Shore Two Days 05:00 Flex Day And Limits 05:21 Ten Days Sweet Spot 05:37 Pearl Harbor Aviation 06:13 Extra Days West Side 06:34 Tours Luau Booking 07:02 Flytographer Photos 07:37 Fourteen Day Deep Dive 08:22 Slow Pace Open Time 09:11 Biggest Planning Mistake 09:44 Itinerary Audit And Wrap
Who this episode is for: Anyone planning a first-time Oahu trip of a week or more who wants a geography-based framework instead of a scattered list of attractions.
What you'll learn: How to structure a 7, 10, or 14-day Oahu itinerary by region, when a split stay makes sense, and the biggest planning mistake that leads to excessive driving.
Places discussed:
Waikiki
Ko Olina
North Shore (Haleiwa, Laniakea)
East Side (Hanauma Bay, Kailua)
Pearl Harbor (Aviation Museum)
Kahuku Farms
West Side
Activities discussed:
Split-stay planning (Waikiki, then Ko Olina or North Shore)
Hanauma Bay snorkeling (reservations open only 2 days ahead; closed Mondays/Tuesdays)
Kailua beach and town
Laniakea turtle watching (10-foot distance rule)
Kahuku Farms visit
Pearl Harbor and the Aviation Museum
Attending a luau
Booking tours via Viator
Flytographer photo sessions
Renting a car
Marcie's recommendations:
Build your itinerary around geography and regional clustering before booking anything — booking first leads to excessive driving
A split stay (Waikiki, then a quieter area) works well for trips of a week or more
7 days: slow arrival, 2 East Side days, 2 North Shore days, and a flex day at the end
Book Hanauma Bay as soon as the 2-day-ahead window opens; remember it's closed Mondays and Tuesdays
10 days: add a dedicated Pearl Harbor day (prioritize the Aviation Museum), plus time for the west side and a luau
14 days: shift to a slower pace with open time, repeat favorite spots, and consider basing on the North Shore
Oahu alone can fill two full weeks without needing to island hop
Get an itinerary audit or consultation to avoid the most common planning mistake (booking before mapping geography)
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
North Shore, No Regrets: One Family's Honest Take on Oahu— Ep 114
17 Jun 2026
00:37:55
Honest Family Trip Report: 7 Nights on Oahu’s North Shore After the Kona Storms
Host Marcie, a Hawaii travel expert, interviews Kim Fidler about her family’s seven-night spring break trip to Oahu’s North Shore (two adults and three kids ages 12, 11, and 9) staying in a VRBO condo near Turtle Bay with a kitchen to manage costs and be prepared after recent Kona storms and lingering brown water. Kim shares highlights including Waimea Valley’s waterfall swim, lush plant life, and the TOA luau, plus a full-day Kualoa Ranch tour featuring the movie tour, WWII bunker, Jurassic Park filming sites, and fresh macadamia nuts. She also praises an intimate Kahuku Farms tour and poke from a small Kahuku market, notes downtown Honolulu closures on Saturday during a Pearl Harbor/Bishop Museum/Iolani Palace day, discusses budgeting and planning 8–9 months ahead using a Delta companion fare, and advises travelers to prioritize downtime and a few must-dos. She recommends Oahu for its mix of beaches, history, culture, and convenience, and wants to visit Kauai next.
00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:33 Trip Overview North Shore 01:04 Why They Chose Hawaii 02:20 Past Visits and North Shore Love 02:49 Where They Stayed Turtle Bay 03:52 Arriving After Kona Storms 07:46 Top Highlight Waimea Valley 10:50 Kualoa Ranch and Kahuku Farms 15:31 Best Eats Poke and More 17:27 More Tours and Kualoa Tips 20:05 Favorite Day Replay 20:20 North Shore Food Tour 21:15 Luau Feast Highlights 21:49 Storm Prep and Water Safety 23:39 Tourist Traps and Wins 24:21 Costs and Budget Reality 25:33 Booking Timeline Strategy 27:29 Packing Lessons Learned 28:49 Honolulu Weekend Surprise 31:08 What to Do Differently 32:13 Planning Tips and Downtime 33:45 Best Island Pick Oahu 35:41 Next Trip Kauai Dreams 36:50 Three Words and Farewell
Guest: Kim Fidler
Who this episode is for: Families considering a North Shore Oahu base, or anyone curious how recent Kona storms and brown water conditions affected a real trip.
What you'll learn: What a real 7-night North Shore family trip looks like, how one family navigated storm-related water safety concerns, and their honest take on tourist traps vs. genuine highlights.
Places discussed:
North Shore Oahu
Turtle Bay
Waimea Valley
Kualoa Ranch
Kahuku Farms
Kahuku (market)
Downtown Honolulu
Pearl Harbor
Bishop Museum
Iolani Palace
Kauai (mentioned as next trip)
Activities discussed:
Staying in a VRBO condo near Turtle Bay
Swimming at Waimea Valley waterfall
Attending the TOA luau
Kualoa Ranch full-day tour (movie tour, WWII bunker, Jurassic Park filming sites)
Kahuku Farms tour
Visiting Pearl Harbor, Bishop Museum, and Iolani Palace in one day
Budgeting and booking 8–9 months ahead using a Delta companion fare
Restaurants discussed:
Small Kahuku market — poke
Fresh macadamia nuts (Kualoa Ranch)
Guest recommendations (Kim Fidler):
A condo with a kitchen helped manage costs and gave flexibility, especially useful after storm-related disruptions
Waimea Valley was the trip's top highlight for its waterfall swim and lush setting
Kualoa Ranch's full-day tour and Kahuku Farms' more intimate tour were both worth it
Downtown Honolulu attractions (Pearl Harbor, Bishop Museum, Iolani Palace) can be combined into one day, but check for Saturday closures
Book flights and major activities 8–9 months ahead; look into companion fare deals
Prioritize downtime alongside a few must-do activities rather than overscheduling
Oahu stood out for its mix of beaches, history, culture, and convenience
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
How to Get Around Hawaii Without Renting a Car— Ep 113
15 Jun 2026
00:16:48
Can You Do Hawaii Without a Rental Car? Honest Island-by-Island Transportation Guide
Marcie from Hawaii Travel Made Easy explains when you can realistically skip a rental car in Hawaii and how to use alternatives like walking, shuttles, buses, rideshares, and tours, noting Hawaii’s public transit is not like Europe and planning ahead is essential. Oahu—especially Waikiki—is the most car-free friendly with The Bus (Holo card, daily cap, visitor pass), Skyline Rail connections, trolley, Biki, and reliable rideshares, though North Shore trips are long or pricey and return rides can be difficult; rideshares don’t provide car seats. Maui is generally best with a car, but resort-based stays in Ka’anapali, Wailea, or Kihei can work using shuttles and tours with hotel pickup, trading spontaneity for schedule and sometimes higher costs. Kauai usually requires a car, though the Go Haena shuttle is recommended for Haena/Ke’e, and walkable/bikeable areas include Poipu, Hanalei, and Kapaa’s coastal path. The Big Island typically needs a car to explore, but resort-focused travelers can rely on guided excursions. She urges comparing real costs and suggests a hybrid approach: go car-free on resort days and rent a car for a few exploration days.
00:00 Rental Car Regret 01:07 Who Can Skip Cars 02:10 Transit Reality Check 03:01 Oahu Without Wheels 05:51 Maui Car Free Options 08:00 Kauai Shuttles And Bikes 10:56 Big Island Resort Style 12:37 Does It Save Money 14:23 Hybrid Strategy 15:01 Who It Works For 15:49 Resources And Wrap Up
Who this episode is for: Anyone trying to cut costs or hassle by skipping a rental car in Hawaii, and wanting an honest island-by-island breakdown of when that actually works.
What you'll learn: Which islands are realistically car-free friendly, what alternatives exist (transit, shuttles, rideshares, tours), and a hybrid strategy for balancing cost savings with flexibility.
Places discussed:
Oahu (Waikiki, North Shore)
Maui (Ka'anapali, Wailea, Kihei)
Kauai (Haena, Ke'e, Poipu, Hanalei, Kapaa)
Big Island
Activities discussed:
Using The Bus on Oahu (Holo card, daily cap, visitor pass)
Riding the Skyline Rail
Using the Waikiki trolley and Biki bikeshare
Using rideshares (note: no car seats provided)
Booking hotel-pickup shuttles and tours (Maui)
Using the Go Haena shuttle (Kauai)
Walking/biking in Poipu, Hanalei, and along Kapaa's coastal path
Booking guided excursions (Big Island, resort-based travelers)
Marcie's recommendations:
Oahu, especially Waikiki, is the most realistic island to go car-free on, thanks to The Bus, Skyline Rail, trolley, Biki, and reliable rideshares
North Shore day trips from Waikiki without a car are long, pricey, or hard to arrange return rides for
Remember rideshares don't provide car seats if traveling with young kids
Maui is generally best with a car, but a resort-based stay in Ka'anapali, Wailea, or Kihei can work with shuttles and hotel-pickup tours — expect to trade spontaneity for a fixed schedule and sometimes higher cost
Kauai usually requires a car, but the Go Haena shuttle covers Haena/Ke'e, and Poipu, Hanalei, and Kapaa's coastal path are walkable/bikeable
Big Island typically needs a car, but resort-focused travelers can lean on guided excursions instead
Compare real total costs (shuttles/tours/rideshares vs. rental car + parking + gas) before deciding
Consider a hybrid approach: go car-free on resort days, rent a car only for a few dedicated exploration days
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
Where I Eat on Oahu: My Repeat-Favorite Spots in Waikiki and the North Shore
Marcie from Hawaii Travel Made Easy shares her personal repeat-favorite places to eat on Oahu, starting with a tip to skip the dine-in line at Pa’ia Fish Market Waikiki by ordering takeout (she recommends the mahi-mahi with home fries and homemade tartar sauce). She highlights Musubi Cafe Iyasume for Spam and tuna mayo musubi, Waffle & Berry for thick acai bowls, and urges stopping at Hawaii’s 7-Eleven for musubi and sushi rolls. For North Shore days, she plans food stops at Kahuku Farms (plus farm-store favorites like lilikoi balsamic and passion fruit syrup), Fumi’s or Romy’s shrimp trucks (garlic butter; choose by line length), Seven Brothers for burgers, and Sunrise Cafe for acai bowls and lattes. She also recommends Rainbow Drive-In for plate lunch and sit-down picks House Without a Key, Merriman’s, and Deck at Queen Kapiolani Hotel, plus notes on reservations, views, parking, and her itinerary audit service.
00:00 Skip the Paia Line 00:31 Personal Oahu Food List 01:03 Musubi Cafe Breakfast 01:38 Waikiki Acai Bowls 02:10 Paia Fish Order 02:35 Hawaii 7 Eleven Snacks 03:00 North Shore Food Stops 03:06 Kahuku Farms Must Do 03:34 Shrimp Truck Strategy 04:02 Seven Brothers Burgers 04:19 Sunrise Cafe Coffee 04:40 Rainbow Drive In Plate Lunch 05:04 Sit Down Favorites 05:13 House Without a Key 06:04 Merrimans Date Night 06:36 Deck Diamond Head View 07:01 Wrap Up and Resources
Where I Eat on Oahu: My Repeat-Favorite Spots in Waikiki and the North Shore
Who this episode is for: Anyone visiting Oahu who wants real, repeat-tested food recommendations instead of a generic "best restaurants" list.
What you'll learn: Marcie's go-to spots for quick bites and sit-down meals across Waikiki and the North Shore, plus practical tips like skipping lines and choosing shrimp trucks.
Places discussed:
Waikiki
North Shore
Hotels discussed:
Queen Kapiolani Hotel — home of The Deck restaurant, Diamond Head view
Restaurants discussed:
Pa'ia Fish Market (Waikiki) — order takeout to skip the dine-in line; mahi-mahi with home fries and homemade tartar sauce recommended
Musubi Cafe Iyasume — Spam and tuna mayo musubi
Waffle & Berry — thick acai bowls
7-Eleven (Hawaii locations) — musubi and sushi rolls
Kahuku Farms — farm-store favorites like lilikoi balsamic and passion fruit syrup
Fumi's / Romy's shrimp trucks — garlic butter shrimp; pick by shorter line
Seven Brothers — burgers
Sunrise Cafe — acai bowls and lattes
Rainbow Drive-In — plate lunch
House Without a Key — sit-down favorite
Merriman's — sit-down, good for date night
The Deck at Queen Kapiolani Hotel — sit-down, Diamond Head view
Marcie's recommendations:
Order takeout at Pa'ia Fish Market Waikiki instead of waiting in the dine-in line; get the mahi-mahi with home fries and homemade tartar sauce
Stop at a Hawaii 7-Eleven for surprisingly good musubi and sushi rolls
On North Shore days, plan food stops around Kahuku Farms, a shrimp truck, Seven Brothers, and Sunrise Cafe
Choose between Fumi's and Romy's shrimp trucks based on whichever line is shorter
For sit-down dinners, House Without a Key, Merriman's, and The Deck are reliable picks — book reservations ahead and factor in parking
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
The Comparison Trap: When Other Families Look Like They're Having More Fun— Ep 111
08 Jun 2026
00:09:01
Escaping the Comparison Trap on a Hawaii Family Vacation
Marcie of Hawaii Travel Made Easy shares how comparing her family’s Hawaii vacation to other families, “perfect” restaurant moments, or Instagram reels made her question choices like letting her kids use iPads or eating grocery store poke in a Waikiki hotel room. She offers reality checks: what looks ideal is often staged or only a brief highlight, and every family has hard moments. She stresses that a vacation can be successful even if it doesn’t look like the brochure, and encourages planning around your own kids’ ages, energy, and needs rather than copying others. Marcie describes helping a client reset expectations after comparing to a sister-in-law’s flawless-sounding trip, promotes her itinerary audit at hawaiitravelwithkids.com, and suggests asking “why do you want to do this?” when adding activities like Pearl Harbor or out-of-the-way stops.
00:00 Poolside Comparison Trap 00:58 Restaurant Reality Check 01:52 Instagram Poke Envy 03:04 Behind the Highlight Reel 04:30 You Are Doing It Right 04:47 Plan Your Own Trip 06:06 Itinerary Audit Offer 06:34 Why Is This On Here 07:52 Reset Expectations 08:07 Resources And Wrap Up
Who this episode is for: Anyone catching themselves comparing their Hawaii trip to other families' "perfect" vacations or Instagram highlight reels.
What you'll learn: Why comparing your trip to others' online highlights sets you up for disappointment, and how to plan and evaluate your vacation around what actually works for your own family.
Activities discussed:
Eating out vs. grocery store food in a hotel room
Screen time/iPad use on vacation
Adding activities like Pearl Harbor or out-of-the-way stops
Marcie's recommendations:
What looks "perfect" on social media is often staged or just a single highlight, not the whole trip
Every family has hard moments on vacation, even the ones that look flawless online
A vacation can be successful even if it doesn't match the brochure image
Plan around your own kids' ages, energy levels, and needs instead of copying someone else's itinerary
Before adding an activity like Pearl Harbor or an out-of-the-way stop, ask "why do you want to do this?" to make sure it's actually right for your family
Get an itinerary audit if you need help resetting expectations and building a plan around your own family
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
Hawaii 101 for 2026: What’s Changed, Reservations, Islands, and Smarter Planning
Marcie updates a “Hawaii 101 for 2026,” warning that much online advice is outdated due to West Maui’s post-2023 fire reality, expanding reservation requirements, new fees, and changing vacation-rental laws. She explains best timing (peak: Dec–Apr, Jun–Aug; shoulder: late Apr–May, Sept–mid Nov; September favorite) and flags logistics like REAL ID, shifting airline routes after Alaska’s 2024 acquisition of Hawaiian, Southwest’s Las Vegas–Hilo route, and Hawaiian ending most free main-cabin meals July 1 in favor of paid pre-orders. She compares island personalities and notes Lahaina remains a recovery area while nearby resorts operate and Pac Whale resumes Lahaina Harbor tours June 1. She stresses booking required reservations early, budgeting higher lodging taxes including the 0.75% “green fee,” verifying legal vacation rentals, renting cars on most islands, packing lightly, and choosing luaus carefully, with itinerary reviews and consultations available.
00:00 Hawaii 2026 Reset 01:14 Best Time to Visit 02:17 Flights and REAL ID 03:35 Choosing Your Island 04:39 Maui After the Fires 05:41 Big Island and Kauai 06:35 Reservations Are Mandatory 08:03 Itinerary Reality Check 09:41 Taxes and Rental Laws 11:10 Cars Packing and Luaus 13:20 Planning Help and Wrap Up
Who this episode is for: Anyone planning a Hawaii trip for 2026 who's relying on older online advice that may not reflect current conditions, fees, or reservation requirements.
What you'll learn: What's changed in Hawaii travel for 2026, including new fees, expanded reservation requirements, flight changes, and the current state of West Maui post-fire recovery.
Places discussed:
West Maui / Lahaina
Big Island
Kauai
Oahu
Lahaina Harbor
Activities discussed:
Booking required reservations early
Verifying legal vacation rentals
Renting a car
Choosing a luau carefully
Pac Whale whale-watching tours (resuming from Lahaina Harbor June 1)
Marcie's recommendations:
Peak season: Dec–Apr and Jun–Aug; shoulder season: late Apr–May and Sept–mid Nov, with September as a personal favorite
Bring a REAL ID for domestic flights
Expect shifting airline routes following Alaska's 2024 acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest's new Las Vegas–Hilo route
Hawaiian Airlines ends most free main-cabin meals July 1 in favor of paid pre-orders — budget or plan accordingly
Lahaina remains a recovery area; nearby resorts are operating normally and Pac Whale resumes Lahaina Harbor tours June 1
Book required reservations as early as possible across islands
Budget for higher lodging taxes, including the added 0.75% "green fee"
Verify any vacation rental is legally operating before booking
Plan to rent a car on most islands
Pack lightly
Choose luaus carefully rather than defaulting to the first option you find
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
How to Decide Hawaii vs Mexico vs Caribbean With Kids— Ep 109
27 May 2026
00:17:50
Hawaii vs. Mexico/Caribbean: Choose the Vacation You Actually Want
The episode argues that the better question than “Hawaii or Cancun?” is what kind of vacation you want: a resort-style, all-inclusive trip focused on ease and relaxation, or an adventure trip built around exploring. The host explains that Mexico and much of the Caribbean excel at all-inclusives with included food, drinks, and kids clubs, while Hawaii has no all-inclusives and costs add up quickly through meals, taxes, and activities, though it offers unique nature and cultural experiences like volcanoes, black sand beaches, scenic drives, luaus, and sunrise at Haleakala. It breaks down how kids’ ages, multigenerational preferences, flight times (West vs. East Coast), passports, language, and weather seasons affect the decision, provides 2026 cost ranges, and advises doing full-trip math before booking.
00:00 Hawaii Or Cancun 01:40 Resort Vs Adventure 02:09 All Inclusive Reality 03:26 Kids Age Factor 04:47 2026 Cost Breakdown 06:52 Flights And Passports 08:22 Weather Expectations 10:08 Family Preferences 11:32 When Hawaii Wins 12:35 When Resorts Win 13:33 Personal Trip Examples 14:43 How To Decide 16:41 Wrap Up Resources
Who this episode is for: Anyone torn between Hawaii and an all-inclusive Mexico or Caribbean trip who isn't sure which fits their family better.
What you'll learn: The real differences between a Hawaii trip and a Mexico/Caribbean all-inclusive, how kids' ages and family preferences should factor into the decision, and a 2026 cost comparison between the two.
Start with "what kind of vacation do I want" (resort ease vs. adventure/exploring) rather than "Hawaii or Cancun"
Mexico and the Caribbean generally win on all-inclusive value, since Hawaii has no true all-inclusive resorts and costs add up through meals, taxes, and activities
Hawaii wins for unique nature and cultural experiences that can't be replicated elsewhere — volcanoes, black sand beaches, scenic drives, luaus, and sunrise at Haleakala
Factor in kids' ages and multigenerational group preferences before deciding
Consider flight time differences (West Coast vs. East Coast departures)
Check passport requirements — needed for Mexico/Caribbean, not for Hawaii as a US state
Compare weather seasons between destinations before booking
Do the full-trip cost math (not just nightly rate) before comparing Hawaii to an all-inclusive
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
Day Trip to Lana'i from Maui: The Honest Version— Ep 108
25 May 2026
00:12:42
Day Trip to Lānaʻi from Maui: Ferry Logistics, What to Do, and Who It’s For
Marcie Cheung explains how to plan a day trip to Lānaʻi from Maui via the Expeditions Ferry (now from Maʻalaea Harbor), including schedules, booking tips, arrival timing, parking, whale-season seating advice, and motion-sickness precautions. She frames Lānaʻi as quiet, small, and different from other Hawaiian islands, noting limited Hawaiian cultural feel and that it’s best for repeat Maui visitors, off-the-grid travelers, snorkelers, hikers, and cat lovers—not first-time Maui trips. With about 5.5 hours on the island on the common 11:00 AM–5:30 PM schedule (or nearly 10 hours via the 6:30 AM ferry), she recommends prioritizing early lunch in Lānaʻi City due to limited afternoon food, then visiting Hulopoʻe Beach, Sweetheart Rock, the Four Seasons area, the cat sanctuary (with shuttle), or booking a guided 4x4 tour for sites like Garden of the Gods and Shipwreck Beach; she also notes Cathedrals dive trips can depart directly from Maui.
00:00 Whales and First Impressions 01:03 Who Should Day Trip 01:43 Lanai Reality Check 02:41 Ferry Logistics and Parking 04:08 Best Seats and Seasickness 04:45 What to Pack 05:36 Choosing Your Ferry Time 07:02 No Car Highlights 07:39 4x4 Tours and Four Seasons 08:09 Cat Sanctuary Visit 08:33 Lanai City and Food Tips 09:48 Cathedrals Without Ferry 10:28 Families and Final Verdict 11:55 Resources and Wrap Up
Who this episode is for: Repeat Maui visitors, off-the-grid travelers, snorkelers, hikers, and cat lovers considering a day trip to Lāna'i — not recommended as part of a first-time Maui trip.
What you'll learn: How to book and time the Expeditions Ferry to Lāna'i, what you can realistically fit into a day trip, and who Lāna'i is (and isn't) a good fit for.
Places discussed:
Lāna'i
Ma'alaea Harbor
Lāna'i City
Hulopo'e Beach
Sweetheart Rock
Four Seasons area (Lāna'i)
Garden of the Gods
Shipwreck Beach
Cathedrals (dive site)
Activities discussed:
Riding the Expeditions Ferry from Ma'alaea Harbor
Visiting the cat sanctuary (shuttle access)
Booking a guided 4x4 tour (Garden of the Gods, Shipwreck Beach)
Beach time at Hulopo'e Beach
Diving at Cathedrals (can depart directly from Maui, without the Lāna'i ferry)
Hotels discussed:
Four Seasons (Lāna'i) — mentioned as an area/highlight, not reviewed as a stay
Restaurants discussed: Lāna'i City recommended for early lunch due to limited afternoon food options
Marcie's recommendations:
Lāna'i is best for repeat Maui visitors, off-the-grid travelers, snorkelers, hikers, and cat lovers — not ideal for a first-time Maui trip
Book the ferry and arrive early; account for parking at Ma'alaea Harbor
During whale season, pick seats with good viewing in mind
Take motion-sickness precautions before the ferry ride
Eat lunch early in Lāna'i City, since afternoon food options are limited
On the common 11:00 AM–5:30 PM schedule you get about 5.5 hours on-island; the 6:30 AM ferry gives closer to 10 hours
Without a car, prioritize Hulopo'e Beach, Sweetheart Rock, the Four Seasons area, or the cat sanctuary shuttle
Book a guided 4x4 tour if you want to reach Garden of the Gods or Shipwreck Beach
If you want to dive Cathedrals specifically, you can book that directly from Maui without doing the Lāna'i ferry day trip
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
My 12-Year-Old Has Been to Hawaii 14 Times. He Has Opinions.— Ep 107
20 May 2026
00:13:20
Owen’s Kid’s-Eye Guide to Hawaii: Acai Bowls, Island Rankings, and Flying Solo at 10
Host Marcie welcomes her 12-year-old son, Owen, to “Hawaii Travel Made Easy,” highlighting his extensive Hawaii experience: about 14 trips, visits to Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island, and a solo flight to Kauai at age 10 to see grandma. Owen shares his February “best acai bowl” mission and picks Tropical Tribe in Waikiki as the winner, recommends shave ice, and says the beach is his must-do every trip. He ranks the islands: Big Island (zip lining on the Kohala zip line), Kauai, Maui, then Oahu. He contrasts Maui as best for pools and beaches and Kauai for food, advises that kids don’t care about long drives for quick photo spots, and urges parents to schedule pool/chill time. Owen reassures families about unaccompanied minor travel and encourages staying in the moment because Hawaii is worth the flight.
00:00 Meet Owen 00:57 Hawaii Credentials 02:15 Acai Bowl Quest 03:24 Kid Approved Activities 04:38 Island Rankings 06:26 Flying Solo 09:43 Parents Plan Too Much 11:07 Five Minute Hawaii Advice 12:08 Wrap Up Resources
Guest: Owen (age 12, Marcie's son)
Who this episode is for: Parents wanting a kid's honest perspective on Hawaii travel, island rankings, and reassurance about unaccompanied minor flights.
What you'll learn: What a Hawaii-experienced kid actually cares about on a trip, his personal island ranking, and firsthand insight into flying as an unaccompanied minor.
Places discussed:
Oahu (Waikiki)
Maui
Kauai
Big Island (Kohala)
Activities discussed:
Eating acai bowls
Eating shave ice
Beach time
Zip lining (Kohala zip line, Big Island)
Flying as an unaccompanied minor
Pool time
Restaurants discussed:
Tropical Tribe (Waikiki) — Owen's pick for best acai bowl after a February taste-test mission
Marcie's recommendations: N/A this episode (guest-led kid's perspective; see Guest recommendations)
Guest recommendations (Owen):
Best acai bowl: Tropical Tribe in Waikiki
Beach time is a must-do on every trip
Island ranking: Big Island first (thanks to the Kohala zip line), then Kauai, then Maui, then Oahu
Maui is best for pools and beaches; Kauai is best for food
Kids generally don't care about long drives just to see a quick photo spot
Parents should schedule real pool/chill time, not just sightseeing
Flying as an unaccompanied minor is manageable and nothing to be too nervous about
Try to stay in the moment on the trip — Hawaii is worth the flight
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.