Latest / Hawaii Travel Podcast by Hawaii’s Best: Plan a Better Hawaii Vacation / 10 Hawaii Travel Lessons I Wish I'd Learned Sooner
Transcript
- 0:00Bryan Murphy: Today I'm sharing the 10 things I wish I would have known before visiting Hawaii.
- 0:05Bryan Murphy: I'm going beyond the typical brain sunscreen, book your flights early, those types of tips and giving you practical things I personally wish I would have known before visiting Hawaii.
- 0:16Bryan Murphy: And honestly, a few of these I'm still struggling with.
- 0:20Bryan Murphy: Aloha and welcome to Hawaii's Best.
- 0:22Bryan Murphy: I'm Brian Murphy, a Hawaii destination expert and your personal guide to planning a better Hawaii trip.
- 0:28Bryan Murphy: Through practical tips, local voices, and stories from the islands, I'll help you make the most of your time in Hawaii and stay connected between visits.
- 0:36Bryan Murphy: I remember my very first trip to Hawaii with my wife, Ali, back in 2007, newly married and visiting Hawaii, beautiful island of Oahu in Koalina area with my in-laws.
- 0:50Bryan Murphy: And I arrived with a bunch of expectations, things I thought I knew about Hawaii going into it.
- 0:57Bryan Murphy: And man, almost 20 years later, I can look back and see how naive I was on some of those expectations.
- 1:06Bryan Murphy: Hawaii is really one of those places that captures your imagination long before you ever step foot on any of its beautiful islands.
- 1:14Bryan Murphy: Maybe you're like me and you picture endless beaches, perfect weather, and maybe a few hula dancers and ukuleles in the background.
- 1:23Bryan Murphy: And while Hawaii is absolutely beautiful and welcoming, there are a lot of things I wish I'd known before my first trip.
- 1:32Bryan Murphy: Things that would have made my experience smoother, more meaningful, and a lot more respectful, I think, to the islands, honestly, and to the people who call Hawaii home, especially the native population.
- 1:46Bryan Murphy: So today, I'm sharing these 10 things, and there's probably a lot more, but specifically these 10 things I narrowed down to what I wish I would have known before visiting Hawaii.
- 1:56Bryan Murphy: These aren't typical, you know, bring your sunscreen, book your flights early.
- 1:59Bryan Murphy: Those are good tips, but these are beyond that and are about the cultural insights, local customs, and practical realities that most guidebooks often miss and what most travel agents don't talk about.
- 2:11Bryan Murphy: By the end of this episode, you'll feel more prepared and confident about your Hawaii trip, and you'll know how to get beyond the tourist version of Hawaii to experience something more authentic, which I think is something that we all want.
- 2:26Bryan Murphy: So let's get started with number one, and that is don't over-pack.
- 2:31Bryan Murphy: This is something I still struggle with.
- 2:33Bryan Murphy: I think I'm gonna need this.
- 2:35Bryan Murphy: I think I'm gonna need that.
- 2:36Bryan Murphy: Maybe it's my ADHD.
- 2:37Bryan Murphy: I don't know.
- 2:38Bryan Murphy: But this tip might sound obvious, but it's a mistake that almost everyone makes on their first trip to Hawaii, or maybe their 30th trip to Hawaii.
- 2:48Bryan Murphy: I see people arrive with two, three, four giant suitcases packed like they're moving to the islands for a year.
- 2:55Bryan Murphy: But the reality, you're probably gonna live in swimmer, shorts, t-shirts, slippers, flip-flops, sandals, however you wanna translate that.
- 3:05Bryan Murphy: And that's pretty much it.
- 3:06Bryan Murphy: Maybe a light jacket, maybe a sundress, collared shirt for a fancy evening out at Merryman's, who knows?
- 3:14Bryan Murphy: A lot of the other stuff you probably won't touch.
- 3:17Bryan Murphy: Hawaii's dress code is pretty casual and the weather is warm year-round.
- 3:22Bryan Murphy: Most restaurants and venues don't require formal attire.
- 3:26Bryan Murphy: Locals call flip-flops, like I mentioned, slippers, and you'll understand why within your first few hours of being there, you want to leave room in your suitcases for local souvenirs, maybe you might get at a farmer's market.
- 3:39Bryan Murphy: Here's a bonus.
- 3:41Bryan Murphy: Not sure where you're booking your hotel or your vacation or rental, but most include a washer and dryer so you can pack even lighter, especially if you're staying for like two weeks.
- 3:52Bryan Murphy: You'll want swimwear, a few casual outfits, a good hat, and comfortable walking shoes for hiking, and maybe even shoes you wouldn't mind destroying because the dirt in Hawaii can stain your shoes red.
- 4:07Bryan Murphy: And that's really all you need.
- 4:08Bryan Murphy: So save yourself the hassle and baggage fees and not packing four giant suitcases.
- 4:15Bryan Murphy: Number two, many spots require reservations, especially today in 2025.
- 4:20Bryan Murphy: This one surprises a lot of people.
- 4:22Bryan Murphy: Hawaii used to be a place where you could just show up and explore, but that's changed.
- 4:28Bryan Murphy: Some of the most popular hikes, beaches, attractions require advanced reservations.
- 4:34Bryan Murphy: Places like Diamond Head, Hanama Bay, Haliakala, Haina State Park on Kauai all require you to book ahead, sometimes weeks in advance.
- 4:43Bryan Murphy: Why?
- 4:43Bryan Murphy: Well, Hawaii's popularity as a vacation destination has led to overcrowding and environmental damage at some of these sites.
- 4:51Bryan Murphy: Reservation systems were put in place to protect the land and improve the experience for everyone.
- 4:57Bryan Murphy: When you do get to your reservation, you'll notice the difference.
- 5:00Bryan Murphy: There'll be usually fewer crowds, more space, and a better chance to actually enjoy the scenery or wherever you're going.
- 5:07Bryan Murphy: As soon as you know your travel dates, start booking those key activities.
- 5:12Bryan Murphy: Don't wait until you're on island, and if you do, you might find yourself missing out or scrambling for backup plans.
- 5:21Bryan Murphy: Planning ahead is key to making the most out of your trip.
- 5:25Bryan Murphy: Number three, local etiquette for driving.
- 5:29Bryan Murphy: For me, being from Southern California and being familiar with places like LA traffic and being on the defense and looking out for yourself and making sure that you're defensive driving and, you know, 10, 20 miles above the speed limit so you go with the flow of traffic, that is completely different.
- 5:48Bryan Murphy: Driving in Hawaii is different, much more different than driving on the continental US.
- 5:54Bryan Murphy: The pace is slower, the roads are often narrow and windy, you know, think Rodohana.
- 6:00Bryan Murphy: And there's a strong emphasis on courtesy, actually thinking about other people.
- 6:05Bryan Murphy: Driving with aloha is a real thing in Hawaii.
- 6:08Bryan Murphy: On scenic roads like Rodohana or highways around the big island of Hawaii, it's customary to pull over for faster drivers, usually locals who are getting to and from their day-to-day grind, you know, work or, or wherever they're, whatever they're doing is just pull over where you can at a, at a turnout.
- 6:27Bryan Murphy: And if someone lets you pass, give them the chaka.
- 6:31Bryan Murphy: It's a simple way to say thank you and show respect.
- 6:33Bryan Murphy: And another key thing is don't ever honk your horn unless it's an emergency.
- 6:39Bryan Murphy: Hawaii isn't an angry honking place.
- 6:42Bryan Murphy: So be patient, drive slower than you think you need to, and really enjoy the journey and the beautiful scenery as you drive.
- 6:50Bryan Murphy: Number four, the importance of supporting local.
- 6:53Bryan Murphy: This is something I've learned just recently, I think I say recently, probably within the last seven years, five, seven years, but one of the best ways to experience Hawaii is through its local businesses.
- 7:05Bryan Murphy: Farmer's markets, food trucks, and small shops offer authentic flavors and unique finds you won't get anywhere else at like a chain restaurant or big box stores.
- 7:16Bryan Murphy: And when you spend your money at local businesses, more of that money stays within the community of Hawaii, supporting families and preserving traditions.
- 7:25Bryan Murphy: Hawaii's food truck culture is legendary, has some of the best food on island no matter what island you're visiting.
- 7:30Bryan Murphy: You'll find real poke made with locally caught fish, masadas from family recipes and plate lunches that reflect the island's multicultural history.
- 7:41Bryan Murphy: Farmer's markets are a great place to try fresh tropical fruits, kona coffee, and locally grown tarot.
- 7:48Bryan Murphy: Also look for the made in Hawaii or grown in Hawaii labels and don't be afraid to ask locals where they eat or shop.
- 7:57Bryan Murphy: The best recommendations usually come from people who live there year round.
- 8:01Bryan Murphy: One thing to keep in mind is that supporting local isn't just about getting better food or souvenirs, it's really about helping the local community thrive as well.
- 8:12Bryan Murphy: Number five, this was a big one for me, but Hawaii is more than Waikiki being on the island of Oahu.
- 9:14Bryan Murphy: Waikiki is iconic and there's nothing wrong with spending some time there, but if that's all you see, you're definitely missing out on what makes Hawaii truly special.
- 9:24Bryan Murphy: Each island has its own personality and hidden gems that most tourists never discover.
- 9:30Bryan Murphy: Even on Oahu where Waikiki is located, you can drive about 30 minutes and find yourself in a completely different world, quiet beaches, lush valleys, and small towns where life moves at a different place than the busy streets of Waikiki.
- 9:45Bryan Murphy: Hawaii Island, the big island, has active volcanoes and black sand beaches.
- 9:51Bryan Murphy: Kauai is known for its dramatic cliffs and rainforests, and Maui offers local luxury in the famous Rodahana and Haliakala.
- 10:00Bryan Murphy: Many locals don't spend their days in Waikiki.
- 10:03Bryan Murphy: They have their own favorite beaches, restaurants, and hiking spots.
- 10:07Bryan Murphy: So venture out beyond the tourist hubs and you'll find places that feel more authentic, less crowded, and often more beautiful than the famous spots everyone talks about on Waikiki Beach.
- 10:18Bryan Murphy: Number six, every island is unique.
- 10:21Bryan Murphy: This is something that's mentioned in guidebooks, but it's often kind of glossed over.
- 10:26Bryan Murphy: Over six of Hawaii's eight main islands are open to visitors, and each one is distinct and has its own personality.
- 10:35Bryan Murphy: The big island is all about volcanic landscapes and adventure.
- 10:39Bryan Murphy: It's wide, it's big, it's spread out.
- 10:41Bryan Murphy: Kauai is lush and beautiful, perfect for nature lovers or people who just wanna have a quieter time visiting Hawaii.
- 10:50Bryan Murphy: Maui has a mix of luxury and laid back charm.
- 10:53Bryan Murphy: Oahu is most known for urban with the blend of city life and surf culture, but it also has some country as well.
- 11:00Bryan Murphy: Lanai and Moloka'i are quieter, offering a glimpse into old Hawaii.
- 11:06Bryan Murphy: But don't try to see them all in one trip.
- 11:08Bryan Murphy: It can be tempting, but you'll spend more time in airports than actually experiencing the island.
- 11:14Bryan Murphy: So pick one or two islands, depending on how, how long your trip is, and really get to know them.
- 11:19Bryan Murphy: Each island takes days to explore properly what you love about one might not exist on the other.
- 11:27Bryan Murphy: Number seven is respect the culture.
- 11:30Bryan Murphy: Hawaii has a rich indigenous culture that predates tourism by centuries.
- 11:35Bryan Murphy: Learning a few basic Hawaiian words like aloha, mahalo, and kapu shows respect and shows that you've taken initiative to at least learn some about the culture that you're visiting.
- 11:47Bryan Murphy: It's also important to follow posted signs at sacred sites, hiking trails.
- 11:52Bryan Murphy: Many places in Hawaii are considered sacred by native Hawaiians, and you'll see signs explaining their significance.
- 11:59Bryan Murphy: Never take lava rocks or sand as souvenirs.
- 12:02Bryan Murphy: It's illegal and is considered deeply disrespectful.
- 12:05Bryan Murphy: There are even stories of people mailing rocks back to Hawaii because they believe they've taken something and has brought them bad luck, the curse of pele, as some people think it is.
- 12:16Bryan Murphy: The Malama Hawaii initiative encourages visitors to give back through volunteer work, beach cleanups, and supporting local conservation efforts.
- 12:24Bryan Murphy: So consider participating in these programs during your visit.
- 12:29Bryan Murphy: This is something that Allie and I, we've done before and it really has deepened our love for Hawaii and its land, working with some of the locals and helping to care for the land.
- 12:41Bryan Murphy: Number eight is something that I'm still learning, honestly, and it's something that I didn't really have a good understanding of visiting my first time, and that is understanding Hawaii's history and its complex relationship with tourism.
- 12:56Bryan Murphy: Hawaii's history has deep roots in indigenous Polynesian culture and a sometimes difficult relationship with tourism and outside influence.
- 13:05Bryan Murphy: The Hawaiian kingdom was overthrown in 1893 and annexed by the United States in 1898 and became a state in 1959.
- 13:17Bryan Murphy: So understanding this history helps you appreciate the culture and political complexities that still exist today.
- 13:24Bryan Murphy: Tourism is Hawaii's still largest industry, contributing billions to the state's economy and providing jobs for many residents, but this success comes with its challenges.
- 13:36Bryan Murphy: Many native Hawaiians and longtime residents feel that tourism has contributed to the rising of housing costs, environmental degradation, and the loss of traditional ways of life.
- 13:48Bryan Murphy: Some popular areas have become so crowded that locals avoid them entirely.
- 13:53Bryan Murphy: Some locals embrace tourism because it provides jobs and economic opportunities, while others feel the islands are being loved to death with too many visitors, causing strain on infrastructure, natural resources in local communities.
- 14:09Bryan Murphy: So understanding this dynamic doesn't mean you shouldn't visit Hawaii, it means you should visit thoughtfully, support local businesses, respect the environment, learn about the culture, and consider how your presence affects the place you're visiting.
- 14:23Bryan Murphy: This awareness adds depth to your visit and helps you travel more responsibly.
- 14:27Bryan Murphy: You're not just a tourist consuming an experience, but you're a visitor, and that's why I like to use the word visitor more than tourist.
- 14:35Bryan Murphy: A visitor is that you're understanding the complex relationship between tourism and the place you're exploring.
- 14:42Bryan Murphy: All right, number nine, the aloha spirit is real, but not to be taken for granted.
- 14:49Bryan Murphy: The aloha spirit has become a catchy phrase, but it's more than just marketing.
- 14:53Bryan Murphy: It's a real living value in Hawaii.
- 14:56Bryan Murphy: It's about kindness, patience, and genuine respect.
- 14:59Bryan Murphy: In fact, the aloha spirit is written into Hawaii state law as a guiding principle for how people should treat one another.
- 15:06Bryan Murphy: But here's the thing to consider is that the aloha spirit isn't automatic.
- 15:11Bryan Murphy: You don't just get it because you bought a plane ticket to Hawaii.
- 15:15Bryan Murphy: It's something you participate in.
- 15:17Bryan Murphy: It's about approaching every interaction with humility and openness and recognizing that you're a guest in someone else's home.
- 15:25Bryan Murphy: So when you show this genuine respect and patient, locals often respond with incredible warmth and generosity, though I know that there are some cases that, that hasn't happened.
- 15:38Bryan Murphy: But it's something that I've experienced firsthand is that coming with a humble spirit, you'll get to know more about the islands.
- 15:47Bryan Murphy: For example, as you're in conversation with locals, they might share their favorite spots, you know, give directions or recommend a hidden gem of a restaurant, but entitlement kills the aloha spirit so fast.
- 15:59Bryan Murphy: Acting like locals owe you something, being impatient or treating Hawaii like your personal playground creates tension and really closes doors.
- 16:09Bryan Murphy: The aloha spirit works both ways.
- 16:11Bryan Murphy: If you give respect, you usually will get respect back.
- 16:15Bryan Murphy: Even if you don't, just, just keep at it.
- 16:17Bryan Murphy: You know, everyone is human.
- 16:19Bryan Murphy: If you approach situations with kindness and understanding, that's often what you'll receive in return.
- 16:24Bryan Murphy: But it's not just about being polite just to get what you want.
- 16:27Bryan Murphy: It's about recognizing that Hawaii isn't just a vacation destination.
- 16:31Bryan Murphy: It's home to real people with real lives, real jobs, real families, real communities.
- 16:37Bryan Murphy: All right, and number 10, this is actually a big one that I had no idea about before my first visit is that each island has its own microclimates.
- 16:46Bryan Murphy: One of the most surprising things about Hawaii is how quickly the weather can change.
- 16:51Bryan Murphy: You might experience sunshine, rain, and wind all in the same day, sometimes just a few miles apart.
- 16:57Bryan Murphy: The big island, for example, has 10 of the world's 14 climate zones, so you can be on a sunny beach in the morning and then cool and snowy maybe in the afternoon up on Manakea.
- 17:09Bryan Murphy: On Kauai, it might be pouring rain in Honele Waipoipu is sunny and dry.
- 17:14Bryan Murphy: On Oahu, it might be rainy in the Ko'la mountains while Waikiki is perfectly clear, or the west side in Ko'lina, Kapolei area is dry and sunny.
- 17:27Bryan Murphy: This happens often because of Hawaii's unique geography.
- 17:31Bryan Murphy: Its mountains create rain shadows, trade winds, bring moisture to certain areas, and elevation changes everything.
- 17:38Bryan Murphy: But don't let a rainy forecast discourage you.
- 17:40Bryan Murphy: Often, you can drive to another part of the island and find completely different weather, like the Honelei and Poipu example on Kauai.
- 17:48Bryan Murphy: So pack for this reality.
- 17:50Bryan Murphy: Always have a light rain jacket, bring layers because temperatures can change with elevation and don't forget the sunscreen because even on cloudy days, the UV rays can be strong.
- 17:59Bryan Murphy: But the microclimates are actually part of what makes Hawaii special.
- 18:03Bryan Murphy: You can experience multiple environments in a single day, but just be aware and be prepared for it.
- 18:08Bryan Murphy: All right, so let's quickly recap the 10 things that I wish I would have known before visiting Hawaii.
- 18:15Bryan Murphy: That would be don't over-pack.
- 18:17Bryan Murphy: Number two, many spots require reservations.
- 18:20Bryan Murphy: Number three, learn local driving etiquette.
- 18:23Bryan Murphy: Number four, support local businesses and farmers' markets, food trucks.
- 18:27Bryan Murphy: Number five, Hawaii is more than Waikiki.
- 18:31Bryan Murphy: Number six, every island is unique.
- 18:34Bryan Murphy: Number seven, respect Hawaiian culture by learning basic words and following posted signs.
- 18:40Bryan Murphy: Number eight, understand Hawaii's complex history and relationship with tourism.
- 18:45Bryan Murphy: Number nine, the aloha spirit is real, but requires your participation as well.
- 18:50Bryan Murphy: And number 10, the islands have dramatic microclimates, so pack accordingly and stay flexible.
- 18:56Bryan Murphy: Really, my goal with this isn't to overwhelm you with all these things that I wish I would have known, but part of visiting Hawaii is learning some of these on your own as well, but having these in your back pocket to be aware of prior to visiting can make your first or your 10th time to the islands be more meaningful, respectful, and have an incredible experience in Hawaii.
- 19:17Bryan Murphy: Thanks for making it all the way to the end of this episode.
- 19:19Bryan Murphy: If you found it helpful, go ahead and hit follow if you're not already following on Apple or Spotify.
- 19:26Bryan Murphy: That really just helps me be able to create more episodes like this and sharing my love of Hawaii with you as we all strive to travel to Hawaii with Aloha.
- 19:36Bryan Murphy: And until next time, as always, live with Aloha.