
Hawaii's Best: Travel Tips and Guides for Your Hawaii Vacation
Bryan Murphy of Hawaii's Best | Hawaii Travel Tips & Vacation Planning
The top Hawaii travel podcast for discovering what to know before visiting Hawaii!
This is the go-to podcast for families, first-time visitors, and seasoned travelers wanting to plan a seamless and memorable Hawaii vacation.
Hosted by a certified Hawaii destination expert from the Hawaii Visitors Bureau and with over 30+ visits, this podcast offers insider tips, budget-friendly recommendations, and essential insights to help you create the ultimate Hawaii vacation!
What to Expect:
This podcast helps you discover the best of Hawaii. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth to Hawaii, you’ll uncover unique experiences on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island, Lanai, and Molokai. With travel tips and guidance, you’ll stay updated on the latest travel news and learn how to explore Hawaii responsibly. Hear from local voices who share their stories, insights, and recommendations, connecting you to Hawaii’s rich culture and traditions.
Who’s Behind Hawaii’s Best:
After his first visit to Hawaii, Bryan Murphy, owner of HawaiisBestTravel.com and certified Hawaii destination expert, fell in love with Hawaii and made it his mission to learn everything he could. Now, after 30 visits and countless conversations with locals and Native Hawaiians, he’s sharing his experiences to help others explore Hawaii authentically.
What You’ll Discover:
This travel podcast is packed with traveling tips and travel hacks to help you explore the Hawaiian Islands responsibly and authentically. From supporting local businesses to immersing yourself in Hawaiian culture, we’ll show you how to make the most of your visit to Hawaii. Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, you’ll find practical advice and inspiring ideas to ensure your journey through the Hawaii Islands is meaningful, memorable, and filled with aloha.
Are you dreaming of visiting Hawaii? Or planning a trip to Hawaii and not sure where to start? Maybe you’ve been to Hawaii before and want to explore even more of the islands.
Tune in each week for concise, value-packed solo episodes and inspiring guest interviews to help Hawaii travel made easy.
All episodes
Best episodes
Top 10 Hawaii's Best: Travel Tips and Guides for Your Hawaii Vacation Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Hawaii's Best: Travel Tips and Guides for Your Hawaii Vacation episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Hawaii's Best: Travel Tips and Guides for Your Hawaii Vacation for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Hawaii's Best: Travel Tips and Guides for Your Hawaii Vacation episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Discover the Best of Oahu: The Ultimate Travel Guide
Hawaii's Best: Travel Tips and Guides for Your Hawaii Vacation
12/29/22 • 33 min
On this episode of Hawaii’s Best, Bryan talks with the co-founder and CEO of Shaka Guide, Andrew Fowers. Get Episode Show Notes Here: --> hawaiisbesttravel.com/episode58 <-- The conversation is a comprehensive Oahu travel guide with some history, highlights, and well-informed travel tips.
With Honolulu as the capital, Oahu has over a million locals and the most visitors every year. It’s the perfect combination of epic surfing, beautiful beaches, and rainforest hikes, all within close distance to each other.
Oahu has so much to offer visitors. The main hub is Honolulu and Waikiki, which are very close together. There is a ton of shopping, numerous hotels, and a ton to do.
One spot not everyone knows about is Kaka’ako Chinatown Arts District near downtown Honolulu, which has art murals, new incredible restaurants, and other hidden gems.
If you’re a first-time visitor to Oahu, check out Pearl Harbor Memorial and nearby Aviation Museum, get the Dole Whip at the Dole Plantation, and drive to the North Shore and stop in as many spots as possible - including legendary beaches like Bonsai Pipeline where you’ll probably catch surfers catching waves us regular people can only dream about.
Visit the Polynesian Culture Center and consider viewing their park; they have a luau and night show that you don’t want to miss. Check out Kualoa Ranch where they filmed Jurassic Park, and tour Iolani Palace too.
Make sure to check out Shaka Guide’s Circle Island tour for the best way to get the most out of your trip to Oahu!
Episode Resources
🤙Show Aloha
⎯
📲Connect
- Facebook Group
- Business Sponsor Inquiry (let's work together!)
⎯
This podcast is for travelers looking to plan a trip to Hawaii. Discover travel tips, itineraries, and traveling tips & hacks with guides to help you explore Hawaii. Whether you’re planning a vacation to the Hawaiian islands, dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway, or visiting Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, Oahu, or Big Island we’ll help you travel with aloha.

Maximize Your Travel Points with the Hawaiian x Alaska Airlines Merger
Hawaii's Best: Travel Tips and Guides for Your Hawaii Vacation
02/19/25 • 13 min
What does the Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines merger mean for your next trip to Hawaii?
In this episode of Hawaii’s Best, we dive into the merger between Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines. Discover how this partnership could transform your travel experience, from streamlined connections to enhanced loyalty rewards. Whether you're a frequent flyer or planning your first trip to Hawaii, this episode is packed with insights you need right now.
What we discuss:
- Learn how to maximize your miles and earn free flights with the new unified loyalty program.
- Get insider travel hacks to make the most of this transition period.
- Hear the latest updates on how this merger could impact your travel plans to and from Hawaii.
Don’t miss out—press play now and get ahead of the curve on this exciting travel news!
👉 Show notes and resources available at hawaiisbesttravel.com/134
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Chapters:
- 0:56 - Personal Reflections About the Podcast
- 2:19 - Details of the Hawaiian-Alaska Merger
- 4:55 - Benefits of the Merger for Travelers
- 7:18 - Travel Hacks to Maximize Rewards
- 9:55 - Potential Challenges
---
🤙Show Aloha
⎯
📲Connect
- Facebook Group
- Business Sponsor Inquiry (let's work together!)
⎯
This podcast is for travelers looking to plan a trip to Hawaii. Discover travel tips, itineraries, and traveling tips & hacks with guides to help you explore Hawaii. Whether you’re planning a vacation to the Hawaiian islands, dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway, or visiting Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, Oahu, or Big Island we’ll help you travel with aloha.

7 Must-Know Things Before Visiting Hawaii
Hawaii's Best: Travel Tips and Guides for Your Hawaii Vacation
04/21/25 • 12 min
For many visitors, Hawaii is more than a dream destination—it’s a place of breathtaking beauty, rich traditions, and unique local customs. But without the right preparation, even a well-intentioned trip can result in unintentional disrespect to the islands’ environment and culture.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make your trip to Hawaii smoother, more meaningful, and more respectful, this episode is exactly what you need. Learn how to avoid common mistakes, embrace the spirit of aloha, and travel responsibly.
👉 In this episode, you will:
- Find out how to avoid the 7 most common tourist mistakes when you visit Hawaii, including etiquette, safety, and eco-friendly travel practices.
- Gain a deeper understanding of Hawaiian culture and traditions to connect with the islands on a meaningful level.
- Discover essential travel hacks to save time, money, and stress during your Hawaii vacation.
⎯
Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to discover how you can create unforgettable memories while respecting the beauty and traditions of the Hawaiian Islands.
🎧Related episodes:
- Mistakes Visitors Make Visiting Hawaii (from a Native Hawaiian)
- 5 Dangerous Animals in Hawaii
- First Time to Hawaii
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💻Related blog posts:
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🤓Chapters:
- 3:14 - Tip 1: Lei Etiquette
- 4:04 - Tip 2: Bring Your Own Bags
- 4:48 - Tip 3: Respect Marine Life
- 5:37 - Tip 4: Ocean Safety
- 6:54 - Tip 5: Reef-Safe Sunscreen
- 7:34 - Tip 6: Learn Hawaiian Language
- 8:54 - Tip 7: Leave No Trace
⎯
🤙Show Aloha
⎯
📲Connect
- Facebook Group
- Business Sponsor Inquiry (let's work together!)
⎯
This podcast is for travelers looking to plan a trip to Hawaii. Discover travel tips, itineraries, and traveling tips & hacks with guides to help you explore Hawaii. Whether you’re planning a vacation to the Hawaiian islands, dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway, or visiting Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, Oahu, or Big Island we’ll help you travel with aloha.

Maui Fire Updates + How to Support Local at Made in Hawaii Festival 2023: Part 1
Hawaii's Best: Travel Tips and Guides for Your Hawaii Vacation
08/16/23 • 44 min
This episode discusses the aftermath of the Maui wildfires and its impact on the island's travel and tourism. Lauren Zirbel, President of the Hawaii Food Industry Association, Alexis Akiona of Lexbreezy Hawaii, and musician Keilana also join the show to discuss this year's Made in Hawaii Festival. They share how this festival is significant for Hawaii's local economy and the importance of supporting local and Maui families during this time.
What we discuss within this episode:
- Maui Wildfires: Current situation on Maui.
- Impact of wildfires on travel and tourism.
- Ways to support those affected by the wildfires.
- Made in Hawaii Festival: Overview and its role in Hawaii's economy.
- Tips for festival attendees.
- Interview with Lexbreezy Hawaii: Their mission and support for fire victims.
- Talk Story with Musician Keilana.
Full show notes and resources can be found here: hawaiisbesttravel.com/episode100Episode Resources Mentioned:
- Hawaii Community Foundation
- Maui Food Back
- Lahaina Ohana Venmo Instagram
- Ekolu Lindsey Venmo
- Patrick Parker Art
🤙Show Aloha
⎯
📲Connect
- Facebook Group
- Business Sponsor Inquiry (let's work together!)
⎯
This podcast is for travelers looking to plan a trip to Hawaii. Discover travel tips, itineraries, and traveling tips & hacks with guides to help you explore Hawaii. Whether you’re planning a vacation to the Hawaiian islands, dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway, or visiting Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, Oahu, or Big Island we’ll help you travel with aloha.

Top 5 Hawaiian Vacation Mistakes to Avoid: Tips for an Unforgettable Experience
Hawaii's Best: Travel Tips and Guides for Your Hawaii Vacation
05/31/23 • 12 min
Aloha, fellow travelers! Have you ever wondered how to make the most out of your Hawaiian vacation while ensuring you avoid common pitfalls and mistakes? Join us in this exciting episode of Hawaii's Best as our host, Bryan Murphy, shares the top 5 things NOT to do in the islands, guaranteeing you an unforgettable and safe experience.
Get insider tips on the importance of renting a car, why you should venture beyond Waikiki, how crucial it is to heed warning signs, the benefits of using reef-safe sunscreen, and the value of respecting Hawaiian culture. By keeping these essential tips in mind, you'll be able to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty and incredible experiences that Hawaii has to offer. So, what are you waiting for? Tune in and get ready to make your Hawaiian dreams come true!
-> Learn More <-
🤙Show Aloha
⎯
📲Connect
- Facebook Group
- Business Sponsor Inquiry (let's work together!)
⎯
This podcast is for travelers looking to plan a trip to Hawaii. Discover travel tips, itineraries, and traveling tips & hacks with guides to help you explore Hawaii. Whether you’re planning a vacation to the Hawaiian islands, dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway, or visiting Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, Oahu, or Big Island we’ll help you travel with aloha.

Starting a Small Business in Hawaii - Rise Jewelry with Founder Lisa Stevenson
Hawaii's Best: Travel Tips and Guides for Your Hawaii Vacation
11/06/20 • 31 min
Rise Jewelry was founded in 2015 by Lisa Stevenson to share the beauty of Hawai'i through timeless pieces of quality, handmade ocean jewelry.
--> Learn More: hawaiisbesttravel.com/episode41 <--
Each piece contains a beautifully unique ocean find such as sea glass, sunrise shells, shark teeth, and more.
Rise Jewelry all began from Lisa's love of scuba and free diving here on Oahu. She came across some of the most beautiful ocean finds such as sea glass, sunrise shells, shark teeth, and more! She has transformed her favorite finds into unique fine jewelry pieces for people around the globe, using precious metals such as 24k gold and sterling silver.
--> Learn More: hawaiisbesttravel.com/episode41 <--
All of her jewelry components are ethically found and sourced; no sea life is ever harmed.
Resources
- Rise Jewelry Website
- Rise Instagram
- HawaiiCovid19.com
- Hawaii’s Best Instagram
- Bumper music, Ukulele and Chill, provided by Coby G (used with permission)
🤙Show Aloha
⎯
📲Connect
- Facebook Group
- Business Sponsor Inquiry (let's work together!)
⎯
This podcast is for travelers looking to plan a trip to Hawaii. Discover travel tips, itineraries, and traveling tips & hacks with guides to help you explore Hawaii. Whether you’re planning a vacation to the Hawaiian islands, dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway, or visiting Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, Oahu, or Big Island we’ll help you travel with aloha.

The Sunrise Shack Update - With Founder Travis Smith
Hawaii's Best: Travel Tips and Guides for Your Hawaii Vacation
10/14/20 • 42 min
Every situation comes with opportunities, and COVID is no exception. Despite things being challenging, many opportunities have come up. Businesses have come up with different strategies for remaining afloat, and people have realized business gaps that they never knew existed.
-- Learn More: https://hawaiisbesttravel.com/episode40 --
Today, we have a fantastic show for you. Travis of the Sunrise Shack will be joining us. He will be sharing the changes that COVID has brought about in his life and to his business. He will also help us understand The Sunrise Shack better, and who knows, we all might decide to be his customers.
Resources Mentioned
- Sunrise Shack Website
- Sunrise Shack Instagram
- Sunrise Shack Facebook
- The Smith Brothers YouTube
- HawaiiCovid19.com
- Episode 2 with Travis Smith of the Sunrise Shack
- Nomatic Travel Pack
🤙Show Aloha
⎯
📲Connect
- Facebook Group
- Business Sponsor Inquiry (let's work together!)
⎯
This podcast is for travelers looking to plan a trip to Hawaii. Discover travel tips, itineraries, and traveling tips & hacks with guides to help you explore Hawaii. Whether you’re planning a vacation to the Hawaiian islands, dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway, or visiting Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, Oahu, or Big Island we’ll help you travel with aloha.

Legendary Hawaiian Band Kapena - Talk Story with Kelly Boy DeLima
Hawaii's Best: Travel Tips and Guides for Your Hawaii Vacation
08/13/20 • 47 min
Kapena, considered to be one of Hawaii’s premier island bands has more than 20 Island Music CD’s to their credit. Although the band has been through some changes, its founding member, Kelly Boy DeLima is still the bandleader.
-- Learn More: hawaiisbesttravel.com/episode38 --
Kapena continues to be an institution that embraces what islanders fell in love with when fans first heard the unique sound of their “electrifying” Kapena music. In the early 2000’s, Kelly Boy introduced Hawaii to the next generation of Kapena, his three children—Kapena, Kalena and Lilo.
With the next generation came a new, fresh Kapena sound. Kelly Boy’s three children have gained success of their own, writing new original music and being nominated and winning multiple Na Hoku Hanohano awards.
-- Learn More: hawaiisbesttravel.com/episode38 --
Resources
- Kapena Facebook (Livestream Wednesdays and Sundays at 5 pm HST)
- Kapena YouTube (Livestream Wednesdays and Sundays at 5 pm HST)
- Kapena Instagram
- Kapena Website
- Hawaii’s Best Instagram
- Hawaii’s Best Podcast
- Bumper music, Ukulele and Chill, provided by Coby G
Show Some Aloha
- Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews help other people who love Hawaii find this podcast.
- Subscribe on iTunes.
🤙Show Aloha
⎯
📲Connect
- Facebook Group
- Business Sponsor Inquiry (let's work together!)
⎯
This podcast is for travelers looking to plan a trip to Hawaii. Discover travel tips, itineraries, and traveling tips & hacks with guides to help you explore Hawaii. Whether you’re planning a vacation to the Hawaiian islands, dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway, or visiting Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, Oahu, or Big Island we’ll help you travel with aloha.

How Cara Lost Her Color Author, Ali Miller, on Ocean Conservation
Hawaii's Best: Travel Tips and Guides for Your Hawaii Vacation
07/30/20 • 33 min
Ali Miller’s Picture Book, HOW CARA LOST HER COLOR, is a beautiful and moving call to action for kids and parents.
-- Learn More: hawaiisbesttravel.com/episode36 --
When Ali Miller arrived on Maui in 2015, after living in Reno, Nevada her entire life, she was shocked to see firsthand what was happening in the ocean. Her arrival to the Hawaiian island followed one of the warmest summers on record.
Corals around the world were dying in one of the largest mass bleaching events in recorded history. Without the reefs, fish populations and ocean ecosystems are at risk of collapse.
HOW CARA LOST HER COLOR is beautifully illustrated in colors inspired by Hawaiian reef fish. Through relatable characters and words that rhyme, kids connect with corals as animals and learn how vital they are to all marine species. In the story, Cara the coral polyp and her algae friend, Zoey, live happily alongside many other sea creatures who call the reef their home. But when human activity causes the ocean temperature to rise, Zoey must escape with her family and leave Cara behind.
-- Learn More: hawaiisbesttravel.com/episode36 --
Resources
- Buy How Cara Lost Her Color
- Ali Miller Instagram
- Nomatic Travel Bag
- Hawaii’s Best Instagram
- Hawaii’s Best Podcast
- Bumper music, Ukulele and Chill, provided by Coby G
Show Some Aloha
- Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews help other people who love Hawaii find this podcast.
- Subscribe on iTunes.
🤙Show Aloha
⎯
📲Connect
- Facebook Group
- Business Sponsor Inquiry (let's work together!)
⎯
This podcast is for travelers looking to plan a trip to Hawaii. Discover travel tips, itineraries, and traveling tips & hacks with guides to help you explore Hawaii. Whether you’re planning a vacation to the Hawaiian islands, dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway, or visiting Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, Oahu, or Big Island we’ll help you travel with aloha.

The True Meaning of Aloha
Hawaii's Best: Travel Tips and Guides for Your Hawaii Vacation
04/28/21 • 28 min
Do you know the true meaning of the word Aloha? Get Episode Show Notes Here: --> hawaiisbesttravel.com/episode59 <-- Its rich history and context elude many travelers, but on today’s important episode of Hawaii’s Best, Kahanuola Solatorio (who you may remember from episode 53) sits down with Bryan to explain the essence of the word, and spirit, known as Aloha.
Kahanuola and Bryan discuss the results of their Instagram poll, where people submitted that “Aloha” means, peace, home, kindness, respect, gratitude, compassion, and many more. Kahanuola explains that it’s a mindset that encompasses all those and more.
Aloha is a way of life that locals in Hawaii grow up learning and seeing modeled. It includes kindness to strangers, respecting everyone and honoring others. There’s reciprocity implied in the concept - the way it’s supposed to operate is ideally giving and getting this same attitude.
So many Hawaiian locals desire to teach and spread this concept and feel deeply that it’s key to building the shared love among humanity that society desperately needs more of right now.
There are several things we can remember about the spirit of aloha: Remember to show grace and patience to others AND yourself. Reciprocate honor and respect, making sure you’re a giver and not just a taker. Also, respect and care for the land, and keep it beautiful. It has given so much aloha to so many people, it’s right to show that same love back.
If you’re traveling to Hawaii and someone says “aloha” to you, feel free to go ahead and say it back! They’re expecting to hear it, and are used to it. Don’t be shy about it.
It was great to talk about practicing this mindfulness with others and with the land and thinking of ourselves in light of how we’re affecting the world around us.
Episode Resources
Travel Pono (responsibly)
- Pono Pledge Website
- HawaiiCovid19.com/travel
- Safe Travels Program: Episode 50
- Traveling to Hawaii Responsibly: Episode 55
🤙Show Aloha
⎯
📲Connect
- Facebook Group
- Business Sponsor Inquiry (let's work together!)
⎯
This podcast is for travelers looking to plan a trip to Hawaii. Discover travel tips, itineraries, and traveling tips & hacks with guides to help you explore Hawaii. Whether you’re planning a vacation to the Hawaiian islands, dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway, or visiting Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, Oahu, or Big Island we’ll help you travel with aloha.
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FAQ
How many episodes does Hawaii's Best: Travel Tips and Guides for Your Hawaii Vacation have?
Hawaii's Best: Travel Tips and Guides for Your Hawaii Vacation currently has 148 episodes available.
What topics does Hawaii's Best: Travel Tips and Guides for Your Hawaii Vacation cover?
The podcast is about Culture, Leisure, Places & Travel, Society & Culture, Hawaii, Podcasts, Vacation and Travel.
What is the most popular episode on Hawaii's Best: Travel Tips and Guides for Your Hawaii Vacation?
The episode title 'Discovering Pizza Madness on Maui: Changing Lives One Slice at a Time' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Hawaii's Best: Travel Tips and Guides for Your Hawaii Vacation?
The average episode length on Hawaii's Best: Travel Tips and Guides for Your Hawaii Vacation is 26 minutes.
How often are episodes of Hawaii's Best: Travel Tips and Guides for Your Hawaii Vacation released?
Episodes of Hawaii's Best: Travel Tips and Guides for Your Hawaii Vacation are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Hawaii's Best: Travel Tips and Guides for Your Hawaii Vacation?
The first episode of Hawaii's Best: Travel Tips and Guides for Your Hawaii Vacation was released on Mar 7, 2019.
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