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

What to Cut (and Keep) in a 4–5 Day Maui Itinerary Marcie of “Hawaii Travel Made Easy” warns that many Maui itineraries are overpacked 10-hour logistical puzzles that leave travelers exhausted and miserable, and explains what to cut and what to protect on short trips. She recommends reconsidering Haleakalā sunrise (suggesting summit sunset instead if you’re on the fence), the full Road to Hāna on...

Oahu Luau Rankings: Honest Reviews from a Former Hula Dancer The speaker, a certified Hawaii destination expert and former professional hula dancer who has visited Hawaii 40+ times, gives an honest ranking of Oahu luaus and related shows based on cultural care, experience style, and practicality. Top picks are TOA Luau (family-run, authentic Polynesian cultures, small scale, includes Waimea Valley...

Should You Still Visit Maui? A Local’s Take After the Lahaina Fire and Kona Storm Host Marcie addresses listener concerns about whether it’s a good time to visit Maui after the August 2023 Lahaina wildfire and March Kona storm flooding and road damage by interviewing longtime Maui resident blogger and Maui Life Podcast co-host Liza Pierce. Pierce shares what locals want visitors to understand: lea...

Maui Ocean Center: Honest Review, Best Exhibits, Tickets, and Family Tips (Plus Ululani’s Shave Ice) Marcie shares an honest, family-focused review of Maui Ocean Center based on three visits over more than a decade, explaining it features only animals from Hawaii’s waters and includes well-integrated, respectful Hawaiian cultural exhibits. She highlights the 54-foot Open Ocean Tunnel with sharks a...

Four Slow Days in Maui (Feb 2026): Hyatt Regency Kaanapali, Flytographer, and One Main Thing a Day Marcie shares what a real Maui trip looks like for her and her 12-year-old in February 2026 after five workdays on Oahu: a slow four-day itinerary with one main activity per day, good food, and lots of pool time. After a frustrating Thrifty rental car upsell at OGG, she recommends booking through Dis...

Hanauma Bay in 2026: Reservations, Parking, Costs, and What to Expect Marcie explains what visiting Hanauma Bay in 2026 is really like, emphasizing that logistics are “half the battle” and why families prioritize it as the most beginner-friendly snorkeling spot on Oahu with calm, protected water and fish visible in the shallows. She details the 48-hour reservation system opening exactly at 7:00 AM...

Oahu Trip Report (Feb): What Was Worth It, What I'd Skip, and a Rental Car Mistake Marcie, a Hawaii destination expert, shares a February Oahu trip report with her 12-year-old, noting some experiences were hosted for honest coverage. They stayed five nights at Hyatt Regency Waikiki (great oceanfront room and smooth check-in; annoying tight, offsite parking and $65/night fee). She covers tips...

Skip-Gen Travel to Hawaii: Grandparents Taking Grandkids Without Parents Marcie Cheung of Hawaii Travel Made Easy discusses the growing trend of “skip generation” (skip-gen) travel, where grandparents take grandchildren to Hawaii without parents, sharing her son’s trips to Kauai at age 3 with grandma and again at 10 flying solo as an unaccompanied minor. She cites survey data showing skip-gen trip...

Vacation Brain vs. Kona Storm: What to Know Before Flying to Hawaii The speaker records an unplanned bonus episode after witnessing families at San Diego Airport boarding for Maui during spring break as a gate agent sought eight volunteers to deplane due to weight restrictions from a major Hawaii storm, offering a transferable $1,000 voucher, hotel, Lyft, food, and a guaranteed seat the next day....

Choosing Between Maui and Oahu: A Comprehensive Travel Guide for 2026 In this episode of Hawaii Travel Made Easy, Marcy, a seasoned traveler who has visited Hawaii over 40 times, discusses her recent trip to Oahu and Maui with her 12-year-old son. The episode provides a detailed comparison between the two islands, focusing on the differences in daily experiences, accommodations, activities, costs,...

Planning a Stress-Free Hawaii Vacation with Teenagers In this episode of 'Hawaii Travel Made Easy,' Marcie offers invaluable advice for families planning a trip to Hawaii with teenagers aged 13 to 17. Drawing from her personal experiences and those of her consultation clients, she covers a range of topics including selecting walkable accommodations, managing jet lag, and selecting activi...

Hawaii's Ultimate Food Bucket List: Must-Try Dishes and Drinks In this episode of the Hawaii Travel Made Easy podcast, Marcie, a Hawaii travel expert, guides listeners through an ultimate Hawaii food bucket list featuring 17 iconic Hawaiian dishes and drinks that are a must-try for any Hawaii vacation visitor. This comprehensive Hawaii food guide covers everything from fresh poke and loco moc...

Hawaii with Toddlers: A Different Kind of Magical In this episode of the Hawaii Travel Made Easy podcast, Marcie shares her personal experiences and advice on traveling to Hawaii with toddlers. Despite initial challenges, she emphasizes that the trip can still be magical, filled with unforgettable moments for parents. Marcie discusses practical tips on planning, what activities work best, what to...

Ultimate Guide to Hawaii's Best Beaches: Snorkeling, Sunsets, and Secluded Spots Planning a trip to Hawaii can be overwhelming with its plethora of beaches. This guide breaks down the top beaches across Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island based on your interests—whether it's snorkeling, sunset watching, easy parking, or finding secluded spots away from the crowds. Recommendations are t...

Essential Beach Parking Guide for Hawaii Visitors This episode covers the crucial details about beach parking in Hawaii, highlighting the significant changes over recent years. It addresses the various fees, reservation systems, and resident priority rules affecting different islands, including specifics for Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. Practical tips are provided on how to navigate the...

Essential Guide to Solo Traveling in Hawaii: Safety, Budget Tips, and Must-See Spots This video is a comprehensive guide for solo travelers planning a trip to Hawaii. The host discusses the advantages of solo travel in Hawaii, including safety in a U.S. state and the island's friendly and vibrant atmosphere. Tips are provided on selecting the right island based on your social preferences, wit...

Ultimate Guide to Oahu's Most Googled Hikes This episode breaks down the most Googled hikes on Oahu, including Diamond Head, Koko Head, Manoa Falls, and Lanikai Pillbox. It covers essential details like difficulty levels, reservations, and parking tips to help you decide which hikes are worth your time. The episode also debunks the allure of the illegal Stairway to Heaven hike and offers prac...

Planning the Perfect Hawaii Wedding and Honeymoon: Avoid Costly Mistakes In this episode, Marcie shares her extensive experience planning destination weddings and honeymoons in Hawaii, highlighting essential tips and pitfalls to avoid. She discusses the critical aspects of legal requirements, vendor selection, timing, weather considerations, budget management, and cultural sensitivity. Marcie also...

Deciding Between One Hotel or Multiple Stays for Your Island Vacation This episode addresses a common question families face when planning trips: Should they stay in one hotel for the entire vacation or split their stay between different locations? The answer depends on various factors including the length of the trip, the desired balance between experiences and relaxation, the number of travelers...

Surviving Spring Break in Hawaii: A Parent's Guide This episode is a comprehensive guide for parents planning a spring break trip to Hawaii with their kids. It covers travel logistics, budgeting, activities, and tips for managing varying age groups. Marcie offers realistic insights into the busy season, emphasizing the necessity of early bookings, strategic planning, and flexibility in schedu...

Is the Polynesian Cultural Center Worth Your Time and Money? In this episode of Hawaii Travel Made Easy, Marcie provides an in-depth review of the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) on Oahu. Reflecting on her personal experience and comparing it to an authentic Maori cultural experience in New Zealand, she outlines the pros and cons of visiting PCC. Marcie discusses the types of experiences availabl...

Hawaii Family Vacation Planning: Expert Tips for Stress-Free Travel In this episode of 'Hawaii Travel Made Easy,' host Marcie Cheung shares her comprehensive process for planning family trips to Hawaii. Drawing from over 40 trips and countless consultations, Marcie outlines five crucial steps to ensure a magical, stress-free vacation. She advises on how to determine your family's tr...

Kona vs. Hilo: Choosing the Right Side of the Big Island for Your Vacation In this episode of Hawaii Travel Made Easy, Marcie explains the critical differences between staying in Kona and Hilo on the Big Island. She offers detailed advice on which side to choose based on your planned activities, the length of your stay, and the type of experience you seek. Marcie highlights the geographic challeng...

Choosing the Perfect Area to Stay in Kauai: A Comprehensive Guide In this episode, Marcie breaks down the key factors to consider when choosing where to stay in Kauai, Hawaii. She details the differences between the North Shore, South Shore, East Side, and West Side, providing insights on weather, beaches, accessibility, and overall vibe of each area. Marcie advises on the best spots depending on...

Oahu Accommodation Guide: Waikiki vs. North Shore In this episode of 'Hawaii Travel Made Easy,' host Marcie tackles the common dilemma of choosing between North Shore and Waikiki for your stay on Oahu. Marcie shares her insights from over 40 visits to Hawaii, highlighting mistakes travelers often make and providing practical advice on how to select the best area based on your preferences...