Hawaii Travel Made Easy Podcast—Hawaii travel tips, Things to do in Hawaii, Hawaii vacation planning

Recent episodes

1. My Most Controversial Hawaii Travel Opinions

   Jul 29, 2026

   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 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. Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation 🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now! https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

2. How Many Days Do You Really Need on Oahu?

   Jul 27, 2026

   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 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. Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation 🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now! https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

3. North Shore Kauai: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

   Jul 22, 2026

   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 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. Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation 🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now! https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

4. AI Wrote Their Hawaii Itinerary

   Jul 20, 2026

   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 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. Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation 🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now! https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

5. The Biggest Hawaii Booking Mistakes I See Over and Over

   Jul 15, 2026

   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 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. Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation 🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now! https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

6. What's Actually Happening in Hawaii Right Now

   Jul 13, 2026

   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 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. Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation 🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now! https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

7. What First-Time Hawaii Travelers Always Overestimate

   Jul 8, 2026

   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 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. Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation 🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now! https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

8. The Hawaii Trip Reset: What to Do When Planning Starts to Feel Overwhelming

   Jul 6, 2026

   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 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. Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation 🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now! https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

9. Your First Hawaii Trip Isn’t a Once-in-a-Lifetime Trip

   Jul 1, 2026

   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 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. Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation 🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now! https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

10. The One Island I Wouldn't Pick for a 4-Day Trip

    Jun 29, 2026

    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 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. Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation 🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now! https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

11. Maui vs. Big Island: The Decision Most People Get Wrong

    Jun 24, 2026

    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 How to Plan a Trip to the Big Island How to Plan a Trip to Maui 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. Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation 🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now! https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

12. The One Thing That Actually Makes a Hawaii Trip Feel Luxurious

    Jun 24, 2026

    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 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. Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation 🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now! https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

13. The Oahu Itinerary That Almost Always Works

    Jun 22, 2026

    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 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. Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation 🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now! https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

14. North Shore, No Regrets: One Family's Honest Take on Oahu

    Jun 17, 2026

    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 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. Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation 🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now! https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

15. How to Get Around Hawaii Without Renting a Car

    Jun 15, 2026

    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 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. Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation 🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now! https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

16. Where I eat on Oahu

    Jun 10, 2026

    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 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. Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation 🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now! https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

17. The Comparison Trap: When Other Families Look Like They're Having More Fun

    Jun 8, 2026

    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 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. Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation 🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now! https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

18. Hawaii 101: 2026 Edition

    Jun 3, 2026

    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 How to Plan a Trip to Oahu How to Plan a Trip to Maui How to Plan a Trip to the Big Island How to Plan a Trip to Kauai 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. Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation 🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now! https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

19. How to Decide Hawaii vs Mexico vs Caribbean With Kids

    May 27, 2026

    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 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. Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation 🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now! https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

20. Day Trip to Lana'i from Maui: The Honest Version

    May 25, 2026

    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 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. Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation 🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now! https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/