Hawaii Vacation Connection

Which Hawaiian Island Is Best for First-Time Visitors? Aloha and welcome! If you’re planning your very first trip to Hawaii, you’re probably wondering: Which island is right for me? If you’ve found yourself sifting through countless travel forums and social media posts, you’re not alone. This question is one of the most common we hear at Hawaii Aloha Travel. Below, I’ll share insights from our rec...

On this week's podcast, we're gonna talk about one of my favorite topics: Hawaii vacation money-saving tips. I will share simple ways to save money during your Hawaii vacation. Let’s dive in! Secure Your Flight Deals with Our Help, Then Pay in InstallmentsDuring the early months of the year, airfare to Hawaii usually hits its lowest prices. Many airlines launch special discounts during this period...

Aloha, and welcome to another Hawaii Vacation Connection podcast, hosted by Bruce Fisher, aka Aloha Bruce. As we transition into the winter season in Hawaii, it's a good time to reflect on what these seasonal changes mean for your vacation plans. Though Hawaii is known for its consistent tropical climate, the islands do experience two distinct seasons: summer and winter. Let’s dive into what sets...

As the owners of Hawaii Aloha Travel, my wife Yaling and I, along with our dedicated team, have guided visitors through the complexities of planning Hawaii vacations for over 22 years. Our extensive experience, combined with 18 years of podcasting, makes us your go-to experts for everything in Hawaii. If you're ready to take the plunge, check us out at hawaii-aloha.com or give us a call at 1-800-8...

Note: This is an audio podcast, and the notes provided here don’t capture everything I talk about, so be sure to listen to the full episode for all the insights and details! Using Your Hawaii Vacation to Reset and Refresh Today, I want to dive into how you can use your Hawaii vacation not just as a getaway but as a chance to reset and rejuvenate your life. Vacations aren't just about taking time o...

Debunking the Myths About Oahu: It's Not What the Internet Tells You Note: This is an audio podcast, and the notes provided here don't capture everything I talk about, so be sure to listen to the full episode for all the insights and details! Aloha and welcome to another episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection! I’m Bruce Fisher, also known as Aloha Bruce, and today I want to talk about something...

Aloha, and welcome to another episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. I'm Bruce Fisher, also known as AlohaBruce. Today, I'm sharing my impressions of Maui Tourism after my recent visit—my first time back in over a year. NOTE: the notes below are just that. To get more of my insights, please actually listen to the podcast!! If you're planning a trip to Maui, you may find this helpful as...

If you're planning a vacation to Hawaii, one of the most memorable experiences you can have is getting out on the water. Today, I am going to talk about boating in Hawaii; I will focus on Oahu and the Big Island because these two islands offer the best options. Whether you're interested in fishing, day cruising, or snorkeling, these islands have something for everyone. Here's a guide to help you n...

Planning a trip to Hawaii for a multigenerational family can be an exciting yet challenging task. With so many activities, events, and dining options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to ensure that everyone, from toddlers to grandparents, has a memorable and enjoyable experience. This is where the expertise of a local travel advisor, like Hawaii Aloha Travel, becomes invaluable. Here’s why w...

I recently embarked on an extensive series of site inspections of new and renovated Hawaii hotels, visiting 20 properties on Oahu over a few days and an additional five properties on Kauai. This endeavor is critical due to the substantial changes currently underway in the hotel industry here. Many hotels, originally constructed in the 1970s and 1980s, are being rejuvenated and renovated rather tha...

Fresh from my trip to Kauai, I am talking this week about the importance of taking the Aloha Pledge and my experience with a recent Beach cleanup. The Aloha Pledge was initiated as a collaborative effort to promote responsible tourism and environmental stewardship in Hawaii. It emerged from the broader mission of Kanu Hawaii, an organization founded in 2006 with the aim of fostering a connection t...

When planning a dream vacation to Hawaii, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is whether to opt for an all-inclusive package or to purchase everything à la carte. While Hawaii isn't known for traditional all-inclusive resorts where you can eat and drink all day without limits, there are ways to create an all-inclusive-like experience by packaging your meals and activities together. Here...

In this podcast, I discuss the realities of the proposed legislation to outlaw short-term Hawaii vacation rentals. In a bid to address housing shortages and soaring real estate prices, Hawaii has unveiled new legislation aimed at phasing out vacation rentals across the islands. The move comes amid concerns that short-term rentals have contributed to the state's housing crisis, squeezing out long-t...

If you're considering visiting multiple islands during your vacation, here are some tips to help you plan how to island hop in Hawaii effectively. Visiting more than one island in Hawaii offers a rich tapestry of experiences, each island presenting its own unique charms and landscapes. From the vibrant energy of Oahu's Waikiki Beach and the historical sites of Pearl Harbor to the tranquil beauty o...

At Hawaii Aloha Travel, we typically recommend getting a rental car during your Hawaii vacation. But do you really need one? Today on the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, we’re revealing how to vacation on the islands without a rental car.  Our expert host, Aloha Bruce, assures us that a rental car isn’t essential for a great vacation, no matter what island you visit. Sure, it depends a lot on...

Are you in the depths of travel planning overload? It’s time to stop the endless scrolling and officially book your Hawaii trip. But it can be tough when you’re trying to create an authentic Hawaii vacation. Today on the Hawaii Aloha Travel Podcast, Aloha Bruce is talking about the reality of a Hawaii vacation. You’ll likely discover it doesn’t quite look like the image of Hawaii you see on TV, in...

If you haven’t been to Hawaii in a few years, there’s one big change waiting for you here: reservation requirements at parks and beaches.  It began as a way to control crowds and guarantee spots at high-demand attractions. Now the program has grown and spread throughout the state. You’ll see at select national, county, and state parks in Hawaii – but not all of them (not yet, anyway!).  What does...

In this episode of the podcast, I dive into the unforgettable spots in Hawaii that make the islands a unique paradise to live on. From personal anecdotes to expert insights, we explore the landscapes and experiences that have left a lasting impression on residents and travelers alike. Join us as we journey through the beauty and diversity of Hawaii. This podcast is your guide to understanding why...

Booking a hotel in Hawaii is an exciting step toward a memorable vacation. Still, with so many options available, it's essential to consider various factors to ensure your stay aligns with your preferences and needs. From budget constraints to room categories, amenities, and location, each decision contributes to the overall enjoyment of your Hawaiian getaway. One of the things I always mention wh...

Navigating Your Hawaiian Getaway: Duration and Budget Insights Welcome to today's podcast, where we'll delve deep into the intricate art of determining the ideal vacation duration for your Hawaiian getaway. Now, if you're part of the fortunate 2% with boundless time and an unlimited budget, by all means, the longer your Hawaiian vacation the better, but let's be realistic here; most of us don't fa...

Hawaii has been a popular choice among leisure travelers ever since the advent of jet airlines in the mid-20th century, and it's easy to understand why. However, in the year 2024, Hawaii is poised to stand out as an exceptional destination. Maui, in particular, is diligently working towards the recovery of its tourism industry. This effort involves striking a delicate balance, emphasizing respect...

Drowning ranks as the fifth most common cause of fatal injuries among Hawaii residents, resulting in an annual average of nearly 40 deaths. Notably, drowning stands out as the sole injury cause, in which non-residents make up the majority of victims, accounting for 53% of cases. This inclusion of non-residents raises the average annual number of deaths to 83. From 2013 to 2017, Hawaii had the seco...

A lot has happened here in Hawaii in the last few years. I don’t have to remind you about COVID-19 and the wildfires, but one thing hasn’t changed, and that’s the beauty of the islands and their appeal as vacation destinations. One of the things we love to do here is share fun things to do and, hotel reviews, off-the-bean path spots, help visitors understand these islands, share Hawaii's Worst-Kep...

When thinking about a Hawaii vacation, it’s important to consider the type of traveler you are. Do you want to have an adventure? Are you looking just to chill out? Is this a special occasion, a once-in-a-lifetime experience?  Or maybe you don't know!  These are some of the questions I ask clients when planning their Hawaii vacations, and I am sometimes very surprised that some people have no idea...

If you've been considering a trip to Maui recently, you might be surprised by the steep prices you encounter. One would expect that with such high prices, Maui would have a thriving tourism industry, and supply and demand would naturally govern the current pricing. However, from my perspective, something seems amiss. Given the impact of the wildfires on visitor arrivals, one would anticipate a nat...