What if the biggest mistakes I made in Hawaii weren't about what I did, but how I showed up?

After 200 episodes and 30 trips, I'm sharing seven hard-won lessons that changed how I experience Hawaii and travel everywhere else.

You'll walk away with a clearer sense of what respect really means, why slowing down creates better memories, and how to see Hawaii as more than just a backdrop.

👉In this episode, you will:

• Understand why Hawaii is a living culture, not just a vacation setting, and how that shifts your entire experience
• Learn why planning ahead in 2026 protects your trip instead of limiting it
• Discover how slowing down and exploring beyond Waikiki creates the memories that actually stick

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to travel to Hawaii with more awareness, respect, and presence than ever before.

🎧Episodes mentioned :

• Episode 1 from 3/7/2019 (please be kind 🤙)
• Kahanuola Solatorio
  • Hawaiian Language Ban
  • Meaning of Aloha
• Kamaka Pili - Waikiki History
• James Kiko - bEASTside Kitchen
• Anela Evans - Life on Lanai
• Kamaka Dias - Keep it Aloha
• Andrew Fowers (Shaka Guide) - Maui Guide

🤓Chapters:

• 1:40 Understanding Hawaii as a Living Culture
• 4:35 The Importance of Respect in Hawaii
• 7:27 Slowing Down for Better Memories
• 9:38 Exploring Beyond Waikiki
• 12:14 The Importance of Planning
• 13:43 How Hawaii Changed My Travel Perspective
• 15:40 Hawaii as More Than Just a Trip
• 17:58 Wrap Up and What's Next

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👉Book Your 1-on-1 Hawaii Travel Consultation

📲Connect

• Facebook Group
• Advertise Your Business (Podcast Sponsor Inquiry)

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This Hawaii travel 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 Hawaii vacation to the islands, dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway, or visiting Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, Oahu, or Big Island we’ll help you travel with aloha.

Edge of the Ocean, Stick Figure (w/ permission)
Ukulele and Chill, Coby G (w/ permission)
Talk Story, Hawaiian Style Band (w/ permission)

Free guide to to Save Your Family Money in 2026 (10 more tips!)

Are you making the most common money-draining mistakes families run into when planning a Hawaii trip in 2026?

With rising costs and new fees starting January 1st, families are trying to stretch their budgets without watering down the experience.

👉 Hit play now to discover 10 practical tips that'll help you save hundreds of dollars while still having an unforgettable Hawaii vacation.

If you've ever wondered how to make your Hawaii trip more affordable without cutting corners on what matters, this episode is for you. You'll learn exactly which expenses to cut and which ones are worth keeping so you can spend your money on experiences that actually create memories.

In this episode of Hawaii's Best, we break down 10 actionable strategies so you can avoid common budget traps and enjoy Hawaii like a local.

👉In this episode, you will:

• Discover how to save hundreds on flights and baggage by traveling midweek during shoulder season and packing strategically
• Learn which free and low-cost activities deliver the best experiences, from beaches to hiking trails to farmer's markets
• Master the art of eating well in Hawaii without resort markups by cooking simple meals and finding local food trucks

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to stretch your budget further and still have an unforgettable 2026 Hawaii vacation.

Book your Hawaii Travel Consultation

🎧Related episodes:

• Why Planning Your 2026 Hawaii Trip Feels Chaotic — And the Simple Fix
• 9 Hawaii Travel Hacks That Actually Work

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🤓Chapters:

• 0:44 Planning Your 2026 Hawaii Trip
• 2:02 Tip 1: Choose One Island
• 3:55 Tip 2: Stay in a Condo and Cook Meals
• 5:40 Tip 3: Shop Smart
• 6:52 Tip 4: Eat Like a Local
• 7:59 Tip 5: Pack Light to Save on Baggage Fees
• 8:50 Tip 6: Free and Low-Cost Activities
• 9:48 Tip 7: Utilize Hotel or Condo Perks
• 10:35 Tip 8: Plan a No-Spend Staycation Day
• 11:30 Tip 9 & 10: Travel in Shoulder Season and Fly Midweek
• 13:48 Additional Resources

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👉Book Your 1-on-1 Hawaii Travel Consultation

📲Connect

• Facebook Group
• Advertise Your Business (Podcast Sponsor Inquiry)

_
This Hawaii travel 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 Hawaii vacation to the islands, dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway, or visiting Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, Oahu, or Big Island we’ll help you travel with aloha.

Edge of the Ocean, Stick Figure (w/ permission)
Ukulele and Chill, Coby G (w/ permission)
Talk Story, Hawaiian Style Band (w/ permission)

Why does planning a Hawaii trip feel like you're drowning in browser tabs and contradictory advice?

Most travelers don't realize how overwhelming Hawaii planning gets until they're second-guessing every decision and comparing endless hotel reviews.

👉Plan your Hawaii trip with Bryan

Hit play now to learn the five most common planning mistakes and the simple fixes that'll make your 2026 trip feel easier and more exciting.

If you've ever wondered how to cut through the noise and build a Hawaii itinerary that actually works for your family, this episode is for you. You'll walk away with a clearer sense of what to focus on and what to skip.

In this episode of Hawaii's Best, Bryan breaks down the top five planning mistakes travelers make so you can avoid stress and enjoy the trip you actually want.

👉In this episode, you will:

• Identify which sources to trust and how to stop information overload before it derails your plans
• Match your itinerary to your family's pace instead of someone else's highlight reel
• Respect cultural boundaries and stick to legal trails that honor Hawaii and its people

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to plan a Hawaii trip that fits your rhythm and cuts through all the chaos.

👉Start Planning Today!

🤓Chapters:

• 0:57 Understanding Hawaii's Unique Rhythm
• 1:47 Top Mistake #1
• 3:06 Top Mistake #2
• 5:35 Top Mistake #3
• 7:14 Top Mistake #4
• 8:30 Top Mistake #5
• 11:23 The Best Way to Plan Your 2026 Trip

_
👉Book Your 1-on-1 Hawaii Travel Consultation

📲Connect

• Facebook Group
• Advertise Your Business (Podcast Sponsor Inquiry)

_
This Hawaii travel 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 Hawaii vacation to the islands, dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway, or visiting Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, Oahu, or Big Island we’ll help you travel with aloha.

Edge of the Ocean, Stick Figure (w/ permission)
Ukulele and Chill, Coby G (w/ permission)
Talk Story, Hawaiian Style Band (w/ permission)