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

Rental Car Break-Ins: What Every Hawaii Visitor Needs to Know
Who this episode is for: Anyone renting a car in Hawaii who wants practical, easy habits to avoid becoming one of the thousands of rental car break-in victims each year.
What you'll learn: How common and opportunistic rental car break-ins actually are, which spots see documented hotspots, what makes a car a target, and simple packing habits that prevent it.
Places discussed:
Honolulu
Makapu'u (Oahu) — camera trailers installed, break-ins dropped noticeably in the first month
Halona (Oahu)
Lanikai / Pillbox Trailhead (Oahu)
Iao Valley (Maui)
Hana Highway pullouts (Maui)
Waimea Bay (Oahu) — site of a specific, well-documented $15,000 theft case
Activities discussed:
Renting a car
Parking at beaches, trailheads, and scenic lookouts
Marcie's recommendations:
Break-ins are opportunistic, not sophisticated — someone watches a lot and waits for a car that will sit for 30+ minutes, then breaks in for a quick grab
It's not about the value of an item or the car's license plate (all rentals have Hawaii plates) — it's about whether something is visible, and whether the car looks new/clean/rental-like
This isn't an Oahu-only issue — it happens on every island
Documented hotspots: Makapu'u and Halona lookouts (Oahu, where added camera trailers measurably reduced incidents), Lanikai/Pillbox Trailhead (Oahu), Iao Valley and Hana Highway pullouts (Maui)
No single car model is specifically targeted in a way that should change your rental choice — assume any rental car reads as a rental, regardless of make/model
The single biggest habit: pack and unpack in the hotel room, not the parking lot — load the car before leaving the hotel and don't open the trunk again once parked
On red-eye departure days or when switching hotels mid-trip, drop your bags at the hotel first, even before official check-in — most hotels will hold luggage
Bring anything you might need with you from the start rather than pulling it from the trunk later
It's fine to leave things in the trunk generally — just be careful never to visibly access it once parked somewhere
Additional resources:
Hawaii Travel Consultation (60 min/$149, 90 min/$199) — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Travel Consultant
Hawaii Itinerary Review ($50) — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Itinerary Review
Hawaii Travel with Kids Facebook group
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com
Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation
🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!
https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

Hawaii with a Baby: Harder Than You Think, Better Than You Fear
Who this episode is for: Parents planning a Hawaii trip with an infant, especially those considering going solo or before their child starts school.
What you'll learn: Why baby trips can actually work well timing-wise, how to choose an age window and island, real flight logistics (feeding, diapers, car seats), where to stay, what gear matters, and how to structure a simple daily rhythm.
Places discussed: N/A this episode (general baby-travel guidance, not location-specific — Kauai's Poipu Beach mentioned as an anecdote, not a recommendation per se)
Activities discussed:
Flying with an infant (feeding, diapering, car seat decisions)
Renting baby gear (cribs, strollers, high chairs, jumperoos) delivered to your accommodation
Beach time with a baby (pop-up tent, sun protection)
Scenic drives timed around nap schedules
Booking a Flytographer session
Marcie's recommendations:
Travel before school age if possible — mid-April through June or September through mid-December are cheaper, less crowded windows once school schedules are no longer a constraint
Lap babies (under 2) fly free on domestic flights; most tours and attractions don't charge for infants under 2 either
Choose one island and stay put — inter-island flights, new car seat installs, and repacking add too much on top of a baby adjusting to a new time zone
Around 6 months is a strong window for a first baby trip — often easier for sleep and general manageability than 9 months, when babies are more mobile and need more active entertainment
Babies under 6 months cannot wear sunscreen per AAP guidance — shade (a pop-up tent, sun hat with chin strap) is the sun protection strategy at that age
Book direct flights rather than connections whenever possible
Use a backpack as your carry-on so your hands stay free
Pre-measure dry formula at home if formula feeding; mix with room-temperature bottled water on the plane
Bring your own car seat rather than renting one from the rental car counter — rental car seats can be genuinely unclean, and you'll only discover that at the worst possible moment
Book a rental car through Discount Hawaii Car Rental unless staying in Waikiki
Consider a vacation rental over a resort for a baby trip specifically — kitchen access, separate bedroom for the baby's bedtime, usually included parking, and most resort kids clubs don't accept children under about age 3 anyway
If staying at a hotel, request a crib in advance, ask about a mini fridge or microwave, and try for a ground-floor room
A pop-up beach tent is close to non-negotiable — Hawaiian beaches often have little natural shade
Reef-safe mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) is required — Hawaii statewide bans oxybenzone/octinoxate sunscreens, and Maui County requires mineral-only formulas specifically
A baby carrier works better than a stroller for beach days or trails; bring the stroller only if staying somewhere with paved paths
Baby powder can help sand fall off a baby's skin if they dislike the sensation
Expect early wake-ups from time zone adjustment (Hawaii is 2–3 hours behind the West Coast, 5–6 behind the East Coast) and lean into it — early beach mornings can become a highlight rather than a hardship
Plan one activity maximum in the morning, keep afternoons unscheduled, and use car naps as built-in downtime
Eat dinner early and be willing to let takeout on the lanai count as a good dinner
Skip anything with a strict, unmissable departure time
If your baby doesn't take to the beach, that's fine — the pool (or any other low-key alternative) is a completely valid substitute
Consider renting baby gear locally instead of hauling everything from home — cribs, strollers, high chairs, and more are available with delivery on every island
A Flytographer session is worth the splurge, given how quickly babies change
Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes:
Is Hawaii Worth It with a Toddler? What I Wish Someone Had Told Me— Ep 84
How to Choose the Right Hawaiian Island for Your Trip— Ep 3
One Island vs Two Islands: How to Actually Decide— Ep 70
Related articles:
Where to Find Vacation Babysitters in Hawaii
Hawaii Beach Essentials for Babies
Ultimate Guide to Hawaii with a Baby
Additional resources:
Discount Hawaii Car Rental (Marcie's affiliate link)
Flytographer ($20 discount)
Hawaii Travel Consultation
Hawaii Itinerary Review ($50)
Hawaii Travel with Kids Facebook group
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com
Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation
🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!
https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

Hawaii Babymoon: What Couples Need to Know
Who this episode is for: Pregnant travelers and their partners planning a Hawaii babymoon who want practical guidance on timing, airline policies, island choice, and pregnancy-friendly activities.
What you'll learn: The best trimester and season to travel, how airline pregnancy policies differ by carrier, which islands and resorts fit a babymoon best, what to look for in a resort, pregnancy-friendly activities and foods, and what to skip.
Places discussed:
Maui (Ka'anapali, Wailea)
Oahu (Ko Olina, Kailua)
Kauai (Poipu, Hanalei Bay, North Shore, Waimea Canyon)
Big Island
Lāna'i
Haleakalā
Road to Hana
Hanauma Bay
Activities discussed:
Prenatal spa treatments and massage
Beach time (calm, protected water specifically)
Attending a luau
Scenic drives (Waimea Canyon, Haleakalā at sunset, Road to Hana)
Sunset/dinner cruises
Snorkeling (Hanauma Bay specifically recommended)
Shopping for baby items
Booking a maternity photo shoot (Flytographer)
Hotels discussed:
Grand Wailea, Andaz Maui, Fairmont Kea Lani (Wailea) — excellent spas and cabana setups
Royal Lahaina (Ka'anapali) — reopened post-2023 fires with a new beachfront spa
Aulani (Ko Olina) — Laniwai Spa's "Hāpai" prenatal massage treatment, plus a pregnancy-safe-temperature hydrotherapy garden
Turtle Bay (North Shore, Oahu) — quieter option
Koloa Landing (Poipu, Kauai)
Four Seasons Hualalai (Big Island) — adults-only pool area, pregnancy-specific spa treatment
Restaurants discussed:
Roy's (Maui) — recommended for a proper date-night dinner
Mochiko chicken, kal-bi ribs, and Spam musubi called out as pregnancy-friendly local favorites 
Shave ice recommended as a daily treat, with an emphasis on trying different spots
Marcie's recommendations:
Second trimester (weeks 14–27) is the sweet spot — energy is back, nausea has usually passed, not yet uncomfortable
Third trimester trips can still work if you keep expectations realistic (lagoon floating, massage, good food rather than hikes and full-day adventures)
April through October tends to be drier and sunnier across most islands; Kauai's North Shore gets more rain in winter
Check airline pregnancy policy directly and current before booking: United: travel allowed through 36 weeks without documentation; after that, needs an OB certificate dated close to departure
Delta: no hard cutoff, no certificate required, but no travel within 7 days of due date
American: doctor's certificate required within 4 weeks of due date; generally no travel within 7 days of due date domestically without special clearance
Southwest: recommends against travel from 36 weeks on, doesn't technically prohibit it
Hawaiian Airlines: medical certificate required for inter-island flights if due within 7 days; for mainland-Hawaii flights within 30 days of due date, an OB exam within 48 hours of departure plus written certificate is required
Always confirm with your doctor regardless of airline policy

Stay on one island rather than island hopping — extra travel eats into limited rest time
Maui (Ka'anapali/Wailea) is Marcie's personal top babymoon pick; Kauai for a quieter pace; Big Island for a volcano view without serious hiking; Lāna'i for ultimate seclusion
Choose a resort with an on-site (not off-site) spa offering prenatal-specific treatments — call ahead to confirm before booking
Prioritize shaded cabanas, ideally with food/drink service
Stick to calm, protected beaches: Ka'anapali, Wailea, Kailua, Hanalei Bay, Ko Olina lagoons — skip big-wave beaches
Luaus are an easy, low-effort pregnancy-friendly activity
Scenic drives (Waimea Canyon, Haleakalā sunset, Road to Hana at a slow pace) are fully accessible without hiking
Snorkeling can actually be easier while pregnant due to buoyancy, if your doctor has cleared you — Hanauma Bay recommended
Skip: intense hikes, big-wave beaches, rough-water activities, zip lines/adventure activities, and hot tubs (discuss the hot tub question specifically with your doctor)
Don't overschedule — build in more rest than feels necessary and give yourself permission to cancel plans
Hawaii's food scene extends well beyond poke and sushi — mochiko chicken, kal-bi ribs, Spam musubi, and shave ice are all pregnancy-safe favorites worth seeking out
Book maternity photos — Flytographer is recommended for an easy, local-photographer-matched process
Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes:
One Island vs Two Islands: How to Actually Decide— Ep 70
Hawaii Travel Guide: Are Luaus Worth It? Everything You Need to Know— Ep 6
Every Oahu Luau I've Been To (Ranked Honestly)— Ep 95
Every Kauai Luau I've Been To, Ranked Honestly — Ep 131
Every Maui Luau I've Been To (And Everything Else Worth Knowing), Ranked Honestly— Ep 129
Every Big Island Luau I've Been To (And Everything Else Worth Knowing), Ranked Honestly— Ep 135
Waimea Canyon & the Kauai West Side: How to Do This Day Right— Ep 98
How to Visit Haleakalā Crater on Maui— Ep 10
What You Need to Know About the Road to Hana on Maui— Ep 31
Hanauma Bay 2026: What Families Actually Need to Know Before You Go— Ep 91
Where I Eat on the Big Island— Ep 136
Where I Actually Eat on Maui— Ep 132
Where I eat on Oahu— Ep 112 
Where I Eat on Kauai— Ep 102
Additional resources:
Flytographer (with listener discount) — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Resources
Hawaii Travel Consultation — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Travel Consultant
Hawaii Itinerary Review ($50) — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Itinerary Review
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com
Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation
🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!
https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

How Many Days Do You Really Need on the Big Island?
Who this episode is for: Anyone planning a Big Island trip who's underestimating drive times and considering splitting time between Kona and Hilo (or basing entirely in one resort area and day-tripping to the other side).
What you'll learn: Why the Big Island needs more time than people expect, specific drive times between Kona, Hilo, and Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, recommended trip lengths, and how to split nights between Kona and Hilo based on trip style and budget.
Places discussed:
Kona
Waikoloa
Hilo
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Waipio Valley
Waimea
Activities discussed:
Visiting Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Taking the shuttle into Waipio Valley (hiking in is no longer allowed; the shuttle is the only practical way in)
Chasing waterfalls near Hilo
Renting a car
Marcie's recommendations:
Drive times: Kona to Hilo is about 1.5–2 hours via Saddle Road, or closer to 3 hours via the southern route past the volcano
Kona to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is about 2–2.5 hours
Hilo to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is only about 45 minutes — a key reason to base near Hilo if the park is a priority
If the Big Island is your only stop: aim for 7–10 days
If island hopping: 5–7 days works, but be intentional about which side gets more nights
If you only have 3–4 days: pick one region and let the other go, rather than trying to touch both
For Kona vs. Hilo split: lean toward more nights in Hilo if you're outdoorsy or budget-conscious (closer to the volcano and Waipio, generally lower rates); lean toward more nights in Kona if a classic resort experience (pools, beach chairs, oceanfront luau) matters more to your group
For a full week, Marcie typically recommends around 4 nights Kona / 3 nights Hilo, adjusting based on what the family prioritizes
A rental car is not optional on the Big Island — rideshare doesn't reliably work outside Kona or Hilo town, and isn't practical for long point-to-point drives even within them
Book your rental car early, especially for Kona pickup, since rates and availability shift fast
Book through Discount Hawaii Car Rental for consistently better rates than booking direct
If doing a split stay between Kona and Hilo, double-check for one-way drop-off fees
Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes:
Planning Your Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Visit: Everything You Need to Know— Ep 53
Where I Eat on the Big Island— Ep 136
Best Areas to Stay on the Big Island— Ep 74
How to Plan a Trip to the Big Island— Ep 51
Additional resources:
Discount Hawaii Car Rental (Marcie's affiliate link) — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Resources
Hawaii Travel Consultation — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Travel Consultant
$50 Itinerary Audit — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Itinerary Review
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com
Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation
🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!
https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/

Maui's Upcountry: Why Most Visitors Skip It and Shouldn't
Who this episode is for: Anyone visiting Maui who's only planning to drive through Upcountry on the way to Haleakalā and doesn't realize it's worth stopping for on its own.
What you'll learn: What Upcountry Maui actually is, where to eat and shop in Makawao, family-friendly stops like Surfing Goat Dairy and Kula Botanical Garden, the Maui Pineapple Tour, Ulupalakua Ranch, and how to build Upcountry into a half or full day.
Places discussed:
Upcountry Maui (Kula, Makawao, Hali'imaile)
Makawao
Kula Botanical Garden
Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm
Hali'imaile
Ulupalakua Ranch
Haleakalā (referenced as the usual reason people pass through)
Activities discussed:
Driving through Upcountry (2,000–4,000 ft elevation, paniolo/cowboy culture)
Shopping and wandering in Makawao
Booking a Flytographer photo shoot and pairing it with a lei po'o
Touring Surfing Goat Dairy (casual farm tour, evening/milking tour, Saturday grand tour, cheese flight and truffle tasting add-ons)
Visiting Kula Botanical Garden
Visiting Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm
Taking the Maui Pineapple Tour (basic tour, tour with lunch, farm and feast with dinner at Hali'imaile General Store, planting experience)
Driving to Ulupalakua Ranch
Restaurants discussed:
T. Komodo Store & Bakery (Makawao) — open since 1916; cream puffs and stick donuts; closes at 1 PM and sells out early; closed Wednesdays and Sundays; aim to arrive by 9–10 AM
Maui Cookie Lady (Makawao) — white chunk mac nut is the best-seller (featured in Condé Nast Traveler, Bon Appétit, Forbes); also recommends salted caramel bliss and the limited-edition Waipoli Twilight (dark chocolate, rum, black cherry, blood orange)
Hali'imaile General Store — dinner destination on the Maui Pineapple Tour's farm and feast option
Ulupalakua Ranch Store and Grill — burgers made from ranch-raised beef, venison, and elk; store open Tuesday–Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM; grill 11 AM–4 PM, last call 3:30 PM; closed Mondays
Shopping discussed:
Holo Holo Surf (Makawao) — Hawaiian print clothing for the whole family, Marcie's favorite shop on the island
Haku Maui — makes lei po'o (the correct term for what's often called a "flower crown"); good to pair with a photo shoot
Maui Pineapple Store — even if the full tour doesn't fit your schedule, worth a stop for Maui Gold pineapple and merchandise
Marcie's recommendations:
Don't just drive straight back down after Haleakalā sunrise — stop in Upcountry on the way
Get to Komodo's by 9–10 AM at the latest for cream puffs and stick donuts before they sell out; check their Wed/Sun closure against your schedule
Holo Holo Surf is worth a real browse, not just a walk-past
Check Surfing Goat Dairy's current tour options before you go, since the offerings have expanded significantly since a 2023 ownership change
Double-check Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm's hours before building it into your day — open Friday–Monday only, 10 AM–4 PM, last entry 3:45 PM, $5/person entry
The Maui Pineapple Tour (starting around $95) is worth it, especially for families or anyone wanting real agricultural context, not just a postcard version of Hawaii
Even a quick stop at the Maui Pineapple Store is worthwhile if the full tour doesn't fit
Factor in Ulupalakua Ranch's Monday closure if coming down from a Monday sunrise
Easiest way to fit Upcountry in: pair it with a Haleakalā trip and stop at Komodo's plus a Makawao wander on the way down
For a full day: pineapple tour in the morning, lunch at Ulupalakua, afternoon in Makawao
A rental car is required — no way around it
Upcountry weather is often completely different from the coast (cooler, mistier) — a good backup plan for a hot, crowded beach day
Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes:
What You Need to Know About the Road to Hana on Maui— Ep 31
How to Visit Haleakalā Crater on Maui— Ep 10
How to Plan a Trip to Maui— Ep 47
The Slow Maui Trip I Needed — 2026 Trip Report— Ep 92
Additional resources:
Discount Hawaii Car Rental (Marcie's affiliate link)
Flytographer (link with discount, per show notes)
Itinerary Audit ($50, written feedback within 2 business days) — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Itinerary Review
Hawaii Travel Consultation (60/90-min) — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Travel Consultant
Full resource list — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Resources
About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com
Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation
🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!
https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/