Planning a trip to Hawaii? Some of the most important things to know before visiting aren't the ones you'll find on a typical travel checklist. And a few mistakes can cost you time, money, or experiences you were looking forward to.
When I first visited Hawaii with my wife in 2007, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what to expect. Nearly 20 years and many trips later, I've learned just how much I didn't know. And honestly, there are a few things I still get wrong.
In this episode of Hawaii's Best, I'm sharing 10 Hawaii travel lessons I wish I'd learned sooner, including practical planning advice, local customs, and a few things that completely changed how I experience the islands.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- The packing mistake I still make after nearly 20 years of visiting Hawaii
- Why showing up without a reservation could mean missing out on some of Hawaii's most popular experiences
- The driving habits that can make visitors stand out for all the wrong reasons
- What you're missing if Waikiki is the only Hawaii you experience
- Why trying to visit too many Hawaiian islands could actually make your vacation less enjoyable
- What most travel guides don't fully explain about Hawaiian culture, tourism, and the aloha spirit
- Why Hawaii's weather forecast doesn't always tell you what to expect
Whether it's your first Hawaii vacation or your tenth, these are the lessons I wish someone had shared with me years ago.
Because planning a better Hawaii trip isn't just about knowing where to go or what to do. It's also about understanding the place you're visiting and the people who call it home.
Resources:
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🎙️ Got a Hawaii question you’d like answered? Send me a short voice message. Your question may be answered on an upcoming episode of Hawaii’s Best.
Related episodes:
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Related blog posts:
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Chapters:
- 2:26 What to Pack for Hawaii (And What to Leave Behind)
- 4:15 Hawaii Attractions You Need to Book in Advance
- 5:25 How to Drive in Hawaii Without Upsetting Locals
- 6:50 Why Spending Local Makes Your Hawaii Trip Better
- 8:12 Why You Should Explore Beyond Waikiki
- 9:21 How to Choose the Right Hawaiian Island
- 10:30 Hawaiian Culture: What Visitors Should Know
- 11:45 Hawaii's History and Why Tourism Is Complicated
- 13:46 What the Aloha Spirit Really Means
- 15:40 Why Hawaii's Weather Can Change So Quickly
- 17:12 10 Takeaways for a Better Hawaii Trip
Episode sponsored by Terraformation.
Terraformation is restoring a native Hawaiian forest at ʻIole in North Kohala on Hawaiʻi Island (the Big Island). Your support helps native trees grow from seed to canopy. As the forest takes root, it helps restore habitat and protect Hawaiʻi’s water and reefs.
🌳 Help grow the forest: hawaii.startaforest.com
Use promo code BEST for 15% off your first month or first year.
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🌴 Plan Your Hawaii Trip With Bryan
About Your Host: Bryan Murphy is the founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel & a Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawaii Tourism Authority, since 2020. An HVCB member since 2019, he helps first-time & repeat visitors plan respectful Hawaii vacations w/ clear, practical advice & cultural insight.
🤝 To sponsor the show visit hawaiisbesttravel.com/partner
Hawaii travel podcast helps you plan a trip to Hawaii with clarity. Discover practical travel tips, island itineraries, & local insight to help you explore Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island.
Edge of the Ocean (w/ permission)
Ukulele and Chill (w/ permission)
Talk Story (w/ permission)
