Jena Carvalho, a dynamic Turo host on Oahu, joins the show! We talk story about her experience managing a thriving Turo business while balancing her roles as a medical staff director and mother of seven. The conversation illuminates the complexities of peer-to-peer car sharing, the impact on local Hawaiian communities, and how Turo supports responsible tourism and local entrepreneurship.

What we discuss with Jena Carvalho and Leonani Puailihau:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Turo's Website
• Jena's Turo Page

👉 Full show notes and resources can be found here: https://hawaiisbesttravel.com/turo-mothers-day/

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Music, Ukulele and Chill, by Coby G (used with permission)
Music, Aloha Friday, by Clay D (used with permission)

Kumu Kahanuola Solatorio, Hawaiian language teacher, joins the show! We delve into the colorful celebration of Lei Day in Hawaii. From its rich history to vibrant traditions, discover the beauty and significance of this cherished Hawaiian tradition.

What we discuss with Kahanuola Solatorio:

• History and Significance of Lei Day in Hawaii
• Traditions and cultural heritage associated with Lei Day celebrations
• Unique elements of Lei Day festivities on different Hawaiian islands
• Making and giving of leis as a central aspect of the celebration
• May Day celebrations in schools with hula performances and storytelling

👉 Full show notes and resources can be found here: hawaiisbesttravel.com/lei-day-hawaii-celebration-podcast

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Hungry Root Meal Service (30% off first order)
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• Buy me a coffee

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• Pono Pledge
• Traveling to Hawaii Responsibly

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• Send us your Hawaii questions
• Instagram
• Facebook Travel Group

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Music, Ukulele and Chill, by Coby G (used with permission)
Music, Aloha Friday, by Clay D (used with permission)

🤿 Dive into the top 5 snorkel spots on the island of Oahu. From the vibrant marine life of Queen's Beach in Waikiki to the serene turtle coves of the North Shore, host Bryan Murphy talks about the must-visit underwater destinations on Oahu.

Learn crucial safety and conservation tips to experience Oahu's breathtaking natural wonders responsibly. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned Hawaii traveler, this episode will inspire you to embrace the island's aquatic adventures.

What we discuss on this episode:

• Top 5 Best Snorkel Spots on Oahu
• Safety and Snorkeling Etiquette
• Importance of snorkeling with a buddy
• Using reef-safe sunscreen
• Spotting Hawaiian Sea Turtles
• Explore responsibly and with respect

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Reef-Safe Sunscreen Recommendations
• Snorkeling at Electric Beach Guide
• Where to See Turtles on Oahu
• Sharks Cove Guide
• Snorkel Tours on Oahu

👉 Full show notes and resources can be found here: https://hawaiisbesttravel.com/best-snorkel-spots-on-oahu-podcast/

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Self-Guided Island Tours
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Hungry Root Meal Service (30% off first order)
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• Pono Pledge
• Traveling to Hawaii Responsibly

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• Send us your Hawaii questions
• Instagram
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Music, Ukulele and Chill, by Coby G (used with permission)
Music, Aloha Friday, by Clay D (used with permission)

🚗 Catherine Mejia, Turo’s Senior Public Affairs Manager, and Leonani Puailihau, Turo’s Senior Community Relations Manager, join the show! We talk story about their pivotal roles in reshaping how travelers explore Hawaii with Turo. The conversation delves into the essence of Turo's peer-to-peer car sharing, its profound impact on local communities, especially following the Maui wildfires, and its deep-rooted commitment to fostering responsible tourism throughout the Hawaiian Islands.

What we discuss with Catherine Mejia and Leonani Puailihau:

• Introduction to Turo and its role in Hawaii
• The personal and impactful travel experiences Turo offers
• Catherine Mejia and Leonani Puailihau's insights on Turo
• How Turo supports Hawaiian communities and promotes responsible tourism
• Turo's response to the Maui wildfires and community support initiatives
• The benefits of choosing Turo for transportation needs in Hawaii
• Engaging in responsible tourism through Turo
• Turo's safety protocols and comprehensive insurance policies
• The importance of the aloha spirit in Hawaiian tourism and Turo's embodiment of it

The resources mentioned in this episode are:
Turo's Website
Turo on Facebook
Turo on Instagram
Turo on X
Turo on YouTube

👉 Full show notes and resources can be found here: hawaiisbesttravel.com/turo-hawaii-transforming-travel

Support the show

Self-Guided Island Tours
Change the way you see Hawaii

Hungry Root Meal Service (30% off first order)
Personalized meal and grocery service straight to your door.

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• Buy me a coffee

Travel with Aloha

• Pono Pledge
• Traveling to Hawaii Responsibly

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• Send us your Hawaii questions
• Instagram
• Facebook Travel Group

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Music, Ukulele and Chill, by Coby G (used with permission)
Music, Aloha Friday, by Clay D (used with permission)

Previously aired in 2019: Bob Gunter, President and CEO of Koloa Rum Company, joins the show! We talk story about his pivotal role in founding and developing Koloa Rum Company on Kauai. The discussion illuminates the rich history of sugar and rum production in Hawaii, the company's dedication to local sourcing, and its commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation.

What we discuss with Bob Gunter:

• The historical significance of sugar and rum production in Hawaii
• Bob Gunter's background and his role at Koloa Rum Company
• The inception and evolution of Koloa Rum Company since 2009
• The challenges and achievements in establishing the distillery
• The vision and personal connection behind starting Koloa Rum Company
• The importance of sourcing locally and supporting Hawaiian agriculture
• The impact of local sourcing on sustainability and the economy
• The unique challenges of manufacturing and business in Hawaii
• Visitor experience and educational aspect at Koloa Rum Company
• The future of rum production and sugarcane cultivation in Hawaii
• The concept of leading a business with aloha and its importance

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Koloa Rum Website
• Koloa Rum Facebook
• Koloa Rum Instagram

👉 Full show notes and resources can be found here: https://hawaiisbesttravel.com/koloa-rum-company-podcast

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Self-Guided Island Tours
Change the way you see Hawaii

Hungry Root Meal Service (30% off first order)
Personalized meal and grocery service straight to your door.

Support the Show

• Buy me a coffee

Travel with Aloha

• Pono Pledge
• Traveling to Hawaii Responsibly

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• Send us your Hawaii questions
• Instagram
• Facebook Travel Group

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Music, Ukulele and Chill, by Coby G (used with permission)
Music, Aloha Friday, by Clay D (used with permission)

Originally aired in May 2023. In a captivating episode of "Hawaii's Best," you're taken to North Shore Plate Lunch in Norco, California, where hosts Damon Leiataua and Duane Anderson share their journey from a catering business to opening a restaurant that brings Hawaiian cuisine to the mainland. Inspired by a meaningful trip to Hawaii, they decided to create a space where the community could experience authentic Hawaiian plate lunches like garlic shrimp and loco moco, all while planning to expand their unique brand of island hospitality further across Southern California.

The story is a blend of culture, cuisine, and ambition, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in their dishes and the dream of spreading Aloha spirit far from the shores of Hawaii. As you listen, you're reminded of the strong ties to heritage and family that drive their venture, illustrating how food can bridge distances and bring people together, encapsulating the essence of Hawaii's warm embrace, even in the heart of "Horsetown USA."

Get the show notes here: https://hawaiisbesttravel.com/hawaiian-plate-lunch-so-cal/

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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Music, Ukulele and Chill, by Coby G (used with permission)
Music, Aloha Friday, by Clay D (used with permission)

Join host, Bryan Murphy, as he takes you on an immersive journey in today's show! Dive deep into crafting your ultimate beginner's guide to Hawaii. Discover the distinct essence of each Hawaiian island, learn the secrets of balancing adventure with relaxation, and find out how to authentically immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture. Get insightful tips on navigating your first Hawaiian adventure, from expert itinerary planning to embracing the local aloha spirit, all while emphasizing the importance of responsible tourism in this island paradise.

What we discuss in this episode:

• Unique characteristics of each Hawaiian island
• Planning the perfect duration for a first-time trip to Hawaii
• Embracing and respecting Hawaiian culture and traditions
• Must-visit spots and activities on each island
• Navigating common tourist pitfalls in Hawaii
• Weather considerations and packing tips for Hawaii
• Balancing adventure with relaxation in Hawaii
• Experiencing the Hawaiian lifestyle and local cuisine
• Responsible tourism and environmental care in Hawaii

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• First trip to Hawaii - article
• How to travel with aloha - podcast
• Things to know before visiting Hawaii - podcast
• What does kapu mean? - article
• Reef-safe sunscreens - article
• Things to know about planning a trip - article

👉 Full show notes and resources can be found here: https://hawaiisbesttravel.com/episode116

Support the Show.

Self-Guided Island Tours
Change the way you see Hawaii

Hungry Root Meal Service (30% off first order)
Personalized meal and grocery service straight to your door.

Support the Show

• Buy me a coffee

Travel with Aloha

• Pono Pledge
• Traveling to Hawaii Responsibly

Connect

• Send us your Hawaii questions
• Instagram
• Facebook Travel Group

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Music, Ukulele and Chill, by Coby G (used with permission)
Music, Aloha Friday, by Clay D (used with permission)

In this episode, host Bryan Murphy from Hawaii's Best Travel recounts the historical events leading to the 1893 overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in a fascinating narrative encompassing the Kingdom's inception under King Kamehameha I through to its end following a coup by American businessmen and missionaries heavily involved in Hawaii’s sugar industry. The narrative underscores the significant cultural, political, and demographic shifts that Hawaii underwent and discusses the profound, lasting impacts these events had on Hawaii’s social, political, and cultural fabric. Listeners also gain an understanding of the importance of being aware of Hawaii's history and respecting its culture and heritage when traveling to these unique islands.

What we discuss with Ekolu Lindsey:

• The Overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom: A Historical Context
• The Rise of the Sugar Industry and its Impact
• The Reign of King Kalakaua and the Bayonet Constitution
• Queen Liliuokalani's Reign and the Overthrow
• The Aftermath of the Overthrow and the Push for Annexation
• Reflections on the Overthrow and its Legacy

👉 Full show notes and resources can be found here.

Support the Show.

Self-Guided Island Tours
Change the way you see Hawaii

Hungry Root Meal Service (30% off first order)
Personalized meal and grocery service straight to your door.

Support the Show

• Buy me a coffee

Travel with Aloha

• Pono Pledge
• Traveling to Hawaii Responsibly

Connect

• Send us your Hawaii questions
• Instagram
• Facebook Travel Group

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Music, Ukulele and Chill, by Coby G (used with permission)
Music, Aloha Friday, by Clay D (used with permission)