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

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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)

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

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👉Book Your 1-on-1 Hawaii Travel Consultation

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• 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)

Think Hawaii's getting too expensive to enjoy with your family?

With new fees hitting in 2026 and costs climbing across the board, it's easy to assume every experience on Oahu comes with a hefty price tag.

🌺 Free Guide: Free Things to do on Oahu with kids (3 free bonus activities)

👉 Hit play now to discover five completely free family activities on Oahu that deliver authentic Hawaiian experiences without the tourist trap prices or parking fees.

If you've ever wondered how to stretch your Hawaii budget without sacrificing quality time with your kids, this episode is for you.

You'll learn exactly where to go, what to bring, and how to experience the real Oahu without spending a dime.

In this episode of Hawaii's Best, we uncover five free family activities across Oahu so you can create unforgettable memories without breaking the bank.

👉 In this episode, we'll:

• Explore a 400-acre botanical garden with peacocks, trails, and mountain views (completely free, no parking fees)
• Discover protected tide pools, cultural classes, and a Saturday night hula show that locals actually attend
• Hike a fully paved, stroller-friendly lighthouse trail with whale watching potential and panoramic coastal views

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to plan your budget-friendly Oahu trip with five free activities your family will actually love.

🤙Resources mentioned:

• Guide: More FREE Things To Do on Oahu
• Personalized Hawaii Travel Planning

🎧Related episodes:

• 5 Budget-Friendly Hotels on Oahu
• Top 5 Snorkel Spots on Oahu
• 6 Must-See Sunset Spots on Oahu

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🤓Chapters:

• 1:55 New Upcoming Fees and Taxes in Hawaii
• 3:02 Free Activity #1
• 6:09 Free Activity #2
• 7:40 Free Activity #3
• 9:06 Free Activity #4
• 10:22 Free Activity #5
• 13:24 A Few More Travel Tips
• 14:19 Additional Resources

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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)

Have you ever wondered if Christmas in Hawaii is worth the hype or just another overpriced tourist trap?

If you're dreaming of trading snow for sand this holiday season, you need to know what actually happens when Christmas meets the islands.

👉 Hit play now to discover how locals celebrate Christmas Hawaiian-style and what you need to book months in advance to avoid missing out.

If you've ever wondered how to experience an authentic Hawaiian Christmas without the tourist mistakes, this episode is for you.

You'll learn exactly what to expect, from Santa arriving by outrigger canoe to Christmas morning surf sessions, plus the insider tips that'll save you money and stress.

In this episode of Hawaii's Best, we break down everything about celebrating Christmas in Hawaii so you can plan the perfect tropical holiday without the guesswork.

👉 In this episode, you will:

• Discover unique Hawaiian Christmas traditions like Shaka Santa, beachside luaus, and how locals blend island culture with holiday spirit
• Learn which Christmas events and luaus to book early (they sell out months ahead) and where to find the best celebrations on each island
• Get practical planning tips for peak season travel, including when to book, what to pack, and how to save money while still catching all the festivities

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to plan your Hawaiian Christmas the right way before everything books up.

💻Related blog posts:

• Ultimate Guide to Christmas in Hawaii
• 10 Best Hawaiian Christmas Songs
• Christmas on Oahu
• Christmas on Maui
• Christmas on Kauai
• Christmas on the Big Island of Hawaii
• Christmas in Honolulu
• Top 10 Best Hotels for a Hawaii Christmas Vacation

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🤓Chapters:

• 1:24 Unique Hawaiian Christmas Traditions
• 2:03 Christmas Luaus
• 2:22 Outdoor Christmas Activities
• 3:48 Beach Celebrations and Surfing
• 5:02 Holiday Events Across the Islands
• 5:57 Top Tips for Planning Your Hawaii Christmas Vacation

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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)

Ever wonder why your Hawaii dollars disappear into big chains instead of the hands that actually shape the islands?

Supporting local businesses in Hawaii matters, but most visitors stick to resorts and miss the family-run spots that keep communities thriving.

👉 Hit play now to hear 9 local business owners share their stories and learn exactly how to support Hawaii's heart, whether you're visiting next week or shopping from home.

👉In this episode, you will:

• Hear directly from local owners about what responsible tourism actually looks like and why small businesses matter
• Discover where to shop, eat, and explore to keep your money in the community (from shave ice to ukuleles to home decor)
• Learn how to support these businesses online, even if you're not planning a trip anytime soon

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to discover the local businesses that make Hawaii feel like Hawaii and how you can support them this season.

🤙Businesses mentioned:

• 1:47 Tutu's Pantry - Episode
• 5:39 Lexbreezy - Episode
• 9:19 Patrick Parker - Episode
• 12:23 Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice - Episode
• 17:03 The Sunrise Shack - Episode
• 21:46 Margaritas - Episode
• 24:45 NoHo Home - Episode
• 29:57 Little Bird Photography - Episode
• 32:15 Kamaka Ukulele - Episode

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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 PDF Guide - "Oahu vs. Maui"

✨ New Service: Get Your Custom Hawaii Trip Plan

What if you won't know whether you picked the right island until your flights are booked and your money's spent?

Choosing between Oahu and Maui isn't just about beaches and resorts. It's about matching your vacation style to the island that'll actually deliver what you're after.

👉 Hit play now to discover the real cost differences, personality traits, and decision framework that'll help you pick the perfect island before you commit.

If you've ever wondered how to choose between Oahu's urban energy and Maui's laid-back luxury, this episode is for you. You'll learn the stuff most first-timers don't think about so you can book with confidence.

In this episode of Hawaii's Best, we break down the personality, cost, and logistics of both islands so you can match your vacation goals to the right destination.

👉In this episode, you will:

• Discover why Oahu costs roughly $1,500 less per week than Maui and where those savings come from
• Learn which island fits first-timers, families, honeymooners, and budget-conscious travelers
• Get 2026 updates on Maui travel following the West Maui fires and how tourism supports recovery

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to pick the island that matches your Hawaii vacation style and budget.

🤙Resources mentioned:

• Interactive Quiz - "Which Island Is Right for You?"
• Get Your Custom Hawaii Trip Plan

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🎧Related episodes:

• Maui for the First Time
• Oahu for the First Time
• Ultimate Guide to Island Hopping

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🤓Chapters:

• 1:31 Exploring Oahu: The Gathering Place
• 3:35 Discovering Maui: The Valley Isle
• 4:59 Cost Comparison: Oahu vs. Maui
• 6:55 Food and Activities: Budget vs. Luxury
• 9:53 Which Island to Choose?
• 13:38 More Hawaii Travel Tips

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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)

What are the three planning mistakes most first-time Hawaii visitors don't see coming?

Planning your first Hawaii trip means navigating flights, islands, and accommodations—but the real pitfalls aren't what you'd expect.

👉 Hit play now to discover three under-the-radar mistakes that could derail your trip and learn how to avoid them for a smoother, more authentic Hawaii experience.

If you've ever wondered how to plan a Hawaii vacation that feels relaxed instead of rushed, this episode is for you.

You'll learn the most common planning traps first-timers fall into and exactly how to sidestep them before you book.

In this episode of Hawaii's Best Travel, Bryan unpacks three overlooked mistakes first-time visitors make so you can enjoy a more meaningful, stress-free Hawaii vacation.

👉 In this episode, you will:

• Skip the over-scheduling trap and learn how slowing down creates space for authentic island moments
• Connect with Hawaiian culture respectfully by supporting local businesses and visiting meaningful cultural sites
• Let go of weather anxiety and pick travel dates that work for your schedule and budget

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to skip the common first-timer mistakes and plan a trip that captures the true spirit of Hawaii.

🎧Related episodes:

• Best Time to Visit Hawaii for Families
• The True Meaning of Aloha w/ Kahanui Solatorio
• Hawaiian Words to Know Before Visiting

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💻Related blog posts:

• 23 Critical Things to Know for Planning a Trip to Hawaii
• 5 Ways to Travel Responsibly to Hawaii
• Best Time to Visit Hawaii

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🤓Chapters:

• 1:12 Travel News Update: FAA Flight Cuts and Shutdown Impact
• 5:47 Mistake #1
• 7:49 Mistake #2
• 10:26 Mistake #3
• 13:24 Final Thoughts and Tips

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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)

Are you flying to Hawaii in the next few months and worried the FAA's flight cuts could derail your trip?

With the government shutdown entering day 36 and 10% of flights being eliminated at 40 major airports starting today, Hawaii travelers face a uniquely tough situation because every West Coast hub feeding the islands is being cut.

👉 Hit play now to get the exact steps you need to take in the next 24 hours to protect your booking before rebooking becomes a nightmare.

If you've ever wondered how to prepare for major travel disruptions without losing money or getting stranded, this episode is for you.

You'll learn which airlines are waiving fees, why your travel insurance probably won't help, and what to do right now to position yourself for success.

In this episode of Hawaii's Best Travel, we break down how the FAA's phased flight cuts are impacting travel to and between the islands so you can make informed decisions about your trip.

👉 In this episode, you will:

• Discover which specific airlines are offering full refunds even on non-refundable tickets and how to take advantage of those policies before they change
• Learn why standard travel insurance won't cover government shutdowns and what type of coverage actually works if purchased within the right timeframe
• Get a clear action plan for what to do today, from enabling app notifications to deciding whether to reschedule or prepare for longer airport wait times

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to protect your Hawaii trip before the cuts reach 10% next week.

💻Related blog posts:

• FAA Flights Cuts in Hawaii

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🤓Chapters:

• 00:47 FAA's 10% Flight Cuts Explained
• 1:24 Government Shutdown and Its Effects
• 2:39 Impact on Hawaii's Air Travel
• 3:01 West Coast Hubs and Inner Island Travel
• 4:04 Airlines' Response to Flight Cuts
• 4:35 Travel Tips During Flight Reductions
• 7:28 Importance of Travel Insurance
• 8:45 Final Recommendations

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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)