Did you know Hawaii's tallest mountain beats Everest, or that your shadow can vanish twice a year?

Most travelers miss the surprising truths that make Hawaii far more complex and fascinating than the postcard version.

👉 Hit play now to discover 15 facts that'll completely change how you see the islands and help you plan a smarter trip.

In this episode of Hawaii's Best, we reveal 15 surprising facts about Hawaii so you can understand the islands on a deeper level and prepare better for your visit.

👉In this episode, you will:

• Discover why Mauna Kea is actually the world's tallest mountain and how you can experience snow and beach weather in a single day
• Learn about Lahaina Noon, the phenomenon where objects cast no shadow, and why Hawaii has no seagulls despite being surrounded by ocean
• Understand Hawaii's microclimates and why packing layers matters, plus uncover the islands' unexpected cowboy heritage

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to uncover the hidden truths that'll transform how you experience Hawaii.

🎧Related episodes:

• Overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom
• Things I Wish I Knew Before My First Hawaii Trip

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💻Related blog posts:

• Things to Know for Planning a Trip to Hawaii
• What Is the Best Island to Visit in Hawaii?
• How Many Islands Are There in Hawaii?
• What Not to Do in Hawaii: 27 Essential Tips

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🤓Chapters:

2:11 Fact 1
3:10 Fact 2
4:34 Fact 3
5:58 Fact 4
7:28 Fact 5
8:07 Fact 6
9:01 Fact 7
9:36 Fact 8
10:16 Fact 9
10:48 Fact 10
11:42 Fact 11
12:15 Fact 12
13:57 Fact 13
14:27 Fact 14
15:24 Fact 15

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👉Book Your 1-on-1 Hawaii Travel Consultation

🌺Unlock Exclusive Member's-Only Content

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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)

What if the rules changed and nobody told you before you booked your Hawaii trip?

Hawaii's still paradise, but how you visit in 2026 looks different, and missing these updates could cost you time, money, and access to the places you came to see.

👉 Hit play now to get the full breakdown of every 2026 change that'll actually affect your trip, so you can avoid surprises and plan smarter.

If you've ever wondered how to navigate Hawaii's new visitor rules without the guesswork, this episode is for you.

You'll learn what's changed with costs, reservations, vacation rentals, and airlines, plus what to do right now to protect your plans.

In this episode of Hawaii's Best, we walk through the 2026 Hawaii travel changes every visitor needs to know so you can plan confidently and enjoy your trip without unexpected roadblocks.

👉 In this episode, you will:

• Understand the new lodging taxes that'll add hundreds to your hotel bill and how to budget accurately
• Discover which state parks now require advance reservations or entry fees before you arrive
• Learn how to spot legal vacation rentals and navigate the Alaska-Hawaiian merger changes

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to get every 2026 Hawaii travel update you need before you book.

🤙Resources mentioned:

• 1-on-1 Hawaii Travel Consultation
• Maui's Housing Bill 9
• How to Tell If Your Rental in Hawaii is Illegal
• How to Save Money in Hawaii
• Free Things to Do on Oahu for Families

🤓Chapters:

• 1:39 Rising Costs: New Taxes and Fees
• 3:19 Reservation Systems: Plan Ahead
• 4:54 Vacation Rentals: New Regulations
• 6:40 Airline Changes: Mergers and New Policies
• 8:43 Maui Recovery and Volcano Updates
• 10:16 Recap and Final Tips

Take the Survey

_
👉End of the Year Listener Survey

👉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 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)

_
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)