Hawaii's Best: Travel Tips and Guides for Your Hawaii Vacation
Bryan Murphy of Hawaii's Best | Hawaii Travel Tips & Vacation Planning
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.
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 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.
Tune in for concise, value-packed solo episodes and inspiring guest interviews.
Start with Fan Favorite Episodes:
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.
The True Meaning of Aloha
Hawaii's Best: Travel Tips and Guides for Your Hawaii Vacation
04/28/21 • 29 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)
!!️ENTER TO WIN (Podcast Survey)!!️
Take the Survey Here (Google Form)
🤙Show Aloha
⎯
📲Connect
- Facebook Group
- Business Sponsor Inquiry (let's partner 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.
Ukulele and Chill, Coby G (w/ permission)Aloha Friday, Clay D (w/ permission)
Discover the Best of Oahu: The Ultimate Travel Guide
Hawaii's Best: Travel Tips and Guides for Your Hawaii Vacation
12/29/22 • 34 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
!!️ENTER TO WIN (Podcast Survey)!!️
Take the Survey Here (Google Form)
🤙Show Aloha
⎯
📲Connect
- Facebook Group
- Business Sponsor Inquiry (let's partner 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.
Ukulele and Chill, Coby G (w/ permission)Aloha Friday, Clay D (w/ permission)
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 • 14 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
---
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
---
!!️ENTER TO WIN (Podcast Survey)!!️
Take the Survey Here (Google Form)
🤙Show Aloha
⎯
📲Connect
- Facebook Group
- Business Sponsor Inquiry (let's partner 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.
Ukulele and Chill, Coby G (w/ permission)Aloha Friday, Clay D (w/ permission)
7 Essential Things to Know Before Visiting Hawaii
Hawaii's Best: Travel Tips and Guides for Your Hawaii Vacation
08/09/23 • 12 min
This episode unveils cultural insights, environmental initiatives like the plastic bag ban, and other essential things to know before you visit Hawaii.
What we discuss on this solo episode of the podcast:
- The Significance of Lei Etiquette
- The cultural importance of giving and receiving leis.
- Proper ways to accept and wear a lei to show respect.
- Hawaii's Plastic Bag Ban Initiative
- The environmental reasons behind the ban.
- Encouragement for visitors to use and carry reusable bags.
- Marine Life in Hawaii
- The importance of observing marine life from a distance to avoid disturbances.
- Ocean Safety Guidelines
- The unpredictable nature of Hawaiian waters.
- Awareness of current ocean conditions.
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen
- Hawaiian Language
- Made in Hawaii Festival
- A showcase event for local businesses and authentic Hawaiian culture.
- Music, cuisine, products, and more.
- Respecting Hawaiian Land and Traditions
- The importance of understanding and adhering to local customs.
- Hawaii's strict laws on trespassing, both on private and government lands.
- The principle of "leave no trace" when exploring and visiting.
Full show notes and resources can be found here: hawaiisbesttravel.com/episode99Resources Mentioned:
!!️ENTER TO WIN (Podcast Survey)!!️
Take the Survey Here (Google Form)
🤙Show Aloha
⎯
📲Connect
- Facebook Group
- Business Sponsor Inquiry (let's partner 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.
Ukulele and Chill, Coby G (w/ permission)Aloha Friday, Clay D (w/ permission)
When Will Hawaii Reopen Tourism?
Hawaii's Best: Travel Tips and Guides for Your Hawaii Vacation
06/10/20 • 19 min
We have all been affected by the Coronavirus Pandemic. For some, the thought of traveling to Hawaii may seem like a distant thought or wish.
Learn more: livehawaiisbest.com/episode29
For others, traveling to Hawaii is all they can think about. No matter where you’re at, we want to help clear the air and confusion of where Hawaii is at with their reopening efforts.
On all social media platforms, there is a lot of speculating of what the new normal will be for reopening Hawaii to tourism. At the time of this writing, we do not know the specifics of what out of state travel will look like in Hawaii.
What we do know is that interisland travel, without a 14-day quarantine, will end on June 16. This gives us some hope that the next phase in travel after interisland will be out of state travel.
In this episode, you’ll learn where Hawaii is currently in its reopening plan. Bryan will also unpack his opinion on when he thinks travel will be open back up to Hawaii.
Learn more: livehawaiisbest.com/episode29
In This Episode
- MedterraCBD
- 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 really help other people who love Hawaii find this podcast.
- Subscribe on iTunes.
!!️ENTER TO WIN (Podcast Survey)!!️
Take the Survey Here (Google Form)
🤙Show Aloha
⎯
📲Connect
- Facebook Group
- Business Sponsor Inquiry (let's partner 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.
Ukulele and Chill, Coby G (w/ permission)Aloha Friday, Clay D (w/ permission)
Oahu’s East Side in One Day: Don’t Miss This Hawaii Itinerary with Photographer Heather Eijenga
Hawaii's Best: Travel Tips and Guides for Your Hawaii Vacation
12/12/24 • 30 min
📸 Heather Eijenga, renowned professional photographer, joins the show! We talk story about her expertly curated itinerary for experiencing Oahu’s Windward Side in just one day. The conversation dives into the best spots for capturing stunning sunrises and peaceful sunsets, along with Heather’s personal photography tips and favorite local haunts. She also shares insights on making the most of the area’s natural beauty and cultural richness, ensuring travelers can fully embrace and capture the essence of Hawaii’s breathtaking landscapes.
What we discuss with Heather Eijenga:
- One-day itinerary for exploring Oahu’s Windward Side from sunrise to sunset
- Best spots to catch a stunning sunrise at Makapu’u Point
- Tips for visiting and photographing Lanikai Beach during off-peak hours
- Must-visit locations like Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden and Byodo-In Temple
- Adventure activities and tours available at Kualoa Ranch
- Sunset dining and photo opportunities at Turtle Bay Resort
👉 Full show notes and resources can be found here: hawaiisbesttravel.com/130
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Heather's website
- Kalapawai Cafe – A local cafe for coffee and breakfast on Oahu’s Windward Side
- Waiahole Poi Factory – Local Hawaiian food spot known for traditional dishes and the “Fat Lady of Waiahole” dessert
- Kualoa Ranch – Adventure destination offering tours like ATV rides, e-bike tours, and bus tours
- Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden – Scenic garden known for its iconic entrance road and lush trails
- Byodo-In Temple – Peaceful temple on the Windward Side of Oahu nestled against the Ko’olau Range
- Kahuku Superette – A local convenience store known for fresh poke bowls
- Turtle Bay Resort – Resort offering sunset views, dining, and evening fire dancing shows
- Sea Life Park – Mentioned as a landmark near Makapu’u Point for sunrise viewing spots
!!️ENTER TO WIN (Podcast Survey)!!️
Take the Survey Here (Google Form)
🤙Show Aloha
⎯
📲Connect
- Facebook Group
- Business Sponsor Inquiry (let's partner 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.
Ukulele and Chill, Coby G (w/ permission)Aloha Friday, Clay D (w/ permission)
Maui Fires Update (Aug. 25, 2023): This Week in Review with Garrett Marrero of Maui Brewing Company
Hawaii's Best: Travel Tips and Guides for Your Hawaii Vacation
08/25/23 • 24 min
Garrett Marrero joins us to dive into the aftermath of the Maui fires. We delve into the challenges the local community faces and responsible tourism's role in rebuilding. Garrett shares insights on the economic impact, the need for foresight in adversity, and the heartening image of locals and visitors uniting to reconstruct Maui.
"Leadership means in the face of adversity, having foresight and thinking about how your actions impact the future." - Garrett Marrero
What we discuss with Garrett :
- Discussion on the changing stance towards tourism in Maui post-fires.
- Non-essential travel restrictions to West Maui until October 17th, but the rest of Maui remains open.
- Emphasis on promoting responsible tourism.
- Mention of economic repercussions: significant evacuations from Maui and job losses in South Maui's tourism sector.
- Vision of locals and visitors collaborating to rebuild Maui.
- Warning against taking insensitive photos in front of burned homes.
Full show notes and resources can be found here: hawaiisbesttravel.com/episode97
Maui Strong Resources:
!!️ENTER TO WIN (Podcast Survey)!!️
Take the Survey Here (Google Form)
🤙Show Aloha
⎯
📲Connect
- Facebook Group
- Business Sponsor Inquiry (let's partner 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.
Ukulele and Chill, Coby G (w/ permission)Aloha Friday, Clay D (w/ permission)
Supporting Local Businesses at Made in Hawaii Festival 2023: Part 2
Hawaii's Best: Travel Tips and Guides for Your Hawaii Vacation
08/18/23 • 49 min
Welcome to Part 2 of our Made in Hawaii series. We're joined by Paul Rivera, Executive Chef of Hula Girl Waikiki! We dive deep into Hawaii's rich culinary tapestry, discussing his ascent from a culinary student to a celebrated chef. Our chat unravels the mysteries of the Hawaiian superfruit, Noni, with Puna Noni. We'll also welcome local chef and restaurant owner, Keaka Lee from Hapa Hale. And finish on the Big Island with Ahualoa Family Farms.
What we discuss within this episode:
Local Chefs
- Insights from Executive Chef Paul Rivera of Hula Girl Waikiki.
- Insights from Hapa Hale's chef and owner, Keaka Lee.
- Highlighting sustainable culinary practices.
- Collaborations with local farmers for fresh produce.
- Special mention of breadfruit ('Ulu) in Hawaiian dishes.
- Glimpse into the “Made in Hawaii Festival”.
Puna Noni
- Introduction to the Hawaiian superfruit, Noni.
- Discussion on the health benefits of Noni juice.
- Tips for integrating Noni into daily meals.
Ahualoa Family Farms
- Tour of Ahualoa Family Farms on Hawai'i Island.
- Overview of the Honoka farm, known as the oldest macadamia factory.
Full show notes and resources can be found here: hawaiisbesttravel.com/episode101Maui Strong Resources:
- Hawaii Community Foundation
- Maui Food Back
- Lahaina Ohana Venmo Instagram
- Ekolu Lindsey Venmo
- Patrick Parker Art
!!️ENTER TO WIN (Podcast Survey)!!️
Take the Survey Here (Google Form)
🤙Show Aloha
⎯
📲Connect
- Facebook Group
- Business Sponsor Inquiry (let's partner 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.
Ukulele and Chill, Coby G (w/ permission)Aloha Friday, Clay D (w/ permission)
Hawaii Travel Etiquette: 5 Ways to Show Respect for the Island's Culture and People
Hawaii's Best: Travel Tips and Guides for Your Hawaii Vacation
01/25/23 • 47 min
Are you planning a visit to Hawaii and want to make sure you’re being respectful of the culture and land? In this episode, our guest today, Elijah Kāla McShane, will share the top 5 ways to show respect and etiquette when traveling in Hawaii. From learning about traditional customs to being mindful of your impact on the environment, Elijah, will give you the advice you need to have a responsible and respectful trip. So sit back, grab a Mai Tai, and let's get started on your Hawaiian adventure the right way. Let’s go!
-> Learn More <-
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.awakenedaloha.org/guide
https://www.awakenedaloha.org
Follow Elijah on Instagram
Follow Elijah on TikTok
!!️ENTER TO WIN (Podcast Survey)!!️
Take the Survey Here (Google Form)
🤙Show Aloha
⎯
📲Connect
- Facebook Group
- Business Sponsor Inquiry (let's partner 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.
Ukulele and Chill, Coby G (w/ permission)Aloha Friday, Clay D (w/ permission)
5 Surprising Facts About Oahu That Will Change the Way You See the Island
Hawaii's Best: Travel Tips and Guides for Your Hawaii Vacation
10/18/23 • 13 min
On this solo episode, we dive deep into the captivating tales and lesser-known stories of Oahu. This episode uncovers the island's hidden gems, from its royal ties to the intriguing legend of the guardian bird. Join us as we explore interesting Oahu facts and discover a side of paradise you've never seen before.
What we discuss on this episode:
- The unique indigenous bird of Oahu and its cultural significance.
- Controversies surrounding the Kaena Point Space Force Satellite Tracking Station.
- Significance of the Nuuanu Pali Lookout and its pivotal role in Hawaiian history.
- Ancient Hawaiian heiaus (temples) and their cultural importance.
- The transformation of Waikiki from a royal retreat to a world-famous tourist destination.
👉 Full show notes and resources can be found here.
!!️ENTER TO WIN (Podcast Survey)!!️
Take the Survey Here (Google Form)
🤙Show Aloha
⎯
📲Connect
- Facebook Group
- Business Sponsor Inquiry (let's partner 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.
Ukulele and Chill, Coby G (w/ permission)Aloha Friday, Clay D (w/ permission)
Show more best episodes
Show more best episodes
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 137 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 28 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.
Show more FAQ
Show more FAQ