Hawaii Vacation Connection By cover art

Hawaii Vacation Connection

By: Bruce Fisher
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  • Summary

  • The Hawaii Vacation Connection is a one-of-a-kind podcast that is produced live every Monday, straight from a recording studio in Hawaii Kai, Oahu. Hosted by Hawaii Aloha Travel owner Bruce Fisher, the podcast touches on an array of Aloha state news topics and is dedicated to Hawaii’s guests. Whether you’re a first time visitor or repeat traveler, the Hawaii Vacation Connection keeps you in the loop and in the local know.
    HAWAII ALOHA TRAVEL
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Episodes
  • How to Island Hop in Hawaii

    How to Island Hop in Hawaii
    Apr 21 2024
    If you're considering visiting multiple islands during your vacation, here are some tips to help you plan how to island hop in Hawaii effectively. Visiting more than one island in Hawaii offers a rich tapestry of experiences, each island presenting its own unique charms and landscapes. From the vibrant energy of Oahu's Waikiki Beach and the historical sites of Pearl Harbor to the tranquil beauty of Maui's sunrise atop Haleakalā and the dramatic cliffs of the Na Pali Coast in Kauai, each island beckons with its own allure. Island hopping allows travelers to delve into Hawaii's diverse cultures, cuisines, and natural wonders, creating a journey filled with unforgettable moments and a deeper appreciation for the aloha spirit that unites these enchanting islands. How to get between the Islands By Air - The most common and convenient way to island hop in Hawaii is by taking inter-island flights. Most of the planes are modern jets. Southwest uses MAX 737s. Several airlines, such as Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Mokulele Airlines, offer frequent flights between the major islands. The flight duration between islands is usually short, ranging from 20 minutes to an hour depending on the distance. By Ferry - Since the pandemic, there's only a ferry between Maui and Lanai. Therefore, it's not suited for inter-island travel unless you want to go for a day trip. The ferry service connecting Lanai and Maui is managed by Expeditions. They offer dependable and budget-friendly transportation, operating seven days a week with multiple daily trips. The journey lasts approximately an hour, crossing the picturesque Auau Channel. Passengers are treated to stunning vistas of Maui County, encompassing the islands of Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and Kahoolawe. On days of clear skies, lucky travelers may even catch sight of the distant Big Island of Hawaii. Private Charter- Unless you have big bucks, this is likely not an option. You can also charter private planes or boats to hop between islands. This gives you more flexibility in terms of scheduling and allows you to explore less-visited destinations. Cruise Ship - The NCL Pride of America is a great choice for traveling between the islands and it's like a floating hotel, so you only have to pack and unpack once. While this won't give you as much time on each island compared to staying there, it can be a relaxing and enjoyable way to experience the beauty of the islands. Hawaii Inter-Island Planning Tips Traveling between the islands gives you the opportunity to see more of what each island has to offer. Typically, you need at least three or four nights to get a fully immersive experience, so depending on how long you plan to visit, it probably makes sense to choose islands that contrast each other nicely. For example, choosing Oahu and Hawaii Island would be contrasting. Book in Advance - For most people, this must be done in advance because there is a lot involved. It's pretty much a travel day, and you have to have a hotel reservation and transportation reservation for many of the best attractions well in advance. More and more county-maintained parks and attractions require reservations. You also want to make sure you have preferred flights that align with your schedule. Pack light - Less is better when it comes to luggage. Not only does it help avoid baggage fees, but it also allows you to move quicker between the islands because you'll have less to lug around with you. Additionally, if you are traveling with more than three or four people, you'll need room for luggage in your rental car! Also be aware that things like Hiking poles, Spear guns, Surfboards, and guns may be prohibited or have restrictions. Flight timing—Check-in is typically at 3 or 4 PM for most hotels, so if you wish to travel to another island and check in immediately, it may not be possible. Consider traveling earlier and engaging in an activity before checking into your hotel. ...
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    15 mins
  • Here’s How to Vacation in Hawaii WITHOUT a Car

    Here’s How to Vacation in Hawaii WITHOUT a Car
    Apr 15 2024
    At Hawaii Aloha Travel, we typically recommend getting a rental car during your Hawaii vacation. But do you really need one? Today on the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, we’re revealing how to vacation on the islands without a rental car. Our expert host, Aloha Bruce, assures us that a rental car isn’t essential for a great vacation, no matter what island you visit. Sure, it depends a lot on the vision you have for your vacation and what all you want to do. But Bruce works with all kinds of travelers who opt out of rental cars and have a unique, fulfilling vacation (without being tethered to their hotels!). Who May Not Need a Hawaii Rental Car Throughout the podcast, Bruce highlights the kinds of visitors who may not need or want a rental car. Here are just a few of the travelers he mentions – do you match any of these descriptions? People visiting Oahu may not need a rental car, since alternative transportation is so easy to find. Elderly vacationers who aren’t comfortable driving a lot are better off without a rental car. Solo travelers may find it works out better to join group tours and find alternative transportation than to deal with having a rental car and driving around alone. 3 Essentials for Vacationing in Hawaii Without a Car 1. Book Group Island Tours You can still see a lot of each island, even if you don’t have a rental car. Booking a group island tour is the best option for exploring and sightseeing. Group sizes and routes vary – you can work with Bruce and his team to find tours that are right for you. You may join a larger group in a full-size motorcoach or opt for something more personalized in a tour van. Guided tours are a great way to experience Hawaii’s top sights. And, you don’t have to sightsee from behind the steering wheel. Your entire travel group will be free to chat, take pictures, and let your eyes linger on each amazing piece of scenery. 2. Stay in a Central Location If you don’t have a car, you’ll want to have a lot of dining and activity options within walking distance. Bruce shares an example of a couple vacationing in Maui. He helped them book a stay at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort in Kaanapali. This fantastic resort is close to other hotels, the Whalers Village shopping center, and small shops with essentials. Bruce also walks us through each island to recommend the top area to stay if you don’t have a rental car. And don’t worry, even though Kauai is the toughest island to enjoy without the car, Bruce says it’s totally doable as long as you have realistic expectations! 3. Budget for Hotel Costs While forgoing a rental car will save you rental and parking fees, you do need to plan for extra costs. Sure, you can stay within walking distance of shops and book guided tours, but you will still spend a lot of time at your hotel. This means you’ll pay inflated hotel prices for every meal, snack, and activity. So, if you’re looking to save money on your Hawaii vacation, skipping a rental car probably won’t be your best bet. To Rent, or Not to Rent? So, what do you think? Would you ever visit Hawaii without a rental car? It’s definitely possible to enjoy your Hawaii vacation without a car, especially if you work with local pros like Bruce, who understand exactly what you’ll need and want while you’re here. Bruce and his team are ready to create the perfect Hawaii vacation package for you, whether you envision endless days cruising around the island or a restful retreat at a hotel. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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    16 mins
  • How to Have an Authentic Hawaii Vacation

    How to Have an Authentic Hawaii Vacation
    Apr 2 2024
    Are you in the depths of travel planning overload? It’s time to stop the endless scrolling and officially book your Hawaii trip. But it can be tough when you’re trying to create an authentic Hawaii vacation. Today on the Hawaii Aloha Travel Podcast, Aloha Bruce is talking about the reality of a Hawaii vacation. You’ll likely discover it doesn’t quite look like the image of Hawaii you see on TV, in magazines, and in your imagination. The good news? If you manage your expectations and open yourself up to new experiences, it could look even better than you dreamed! Choosing the Most Authentic Experiences Bruce begins this episode with a quick rundown of what he looks for in a vacation. It’s really interesting to hear how Bruce - a professional travel expert - tries to experience new places. Then he shares how he brings that same approach to his travel clients. So if you’re hoping to have an authentic, immersive experience in Hawaii, you’ll want to listen to this. What kinds of experiences will bring you closer to true Hawaii? Of course, Bruce talks about luau – and recommends the most traditional option on Oahu (spoiler: you can’t rely only on reviews to pick out the best one!). You’ll also hear about island tours, and how local, small-scale tours are more affordable than you think. Looking for other immersive Hawaii experiences? Bruce touches on voluntourism and agricultural experiences that get you up close and personal with Hawaii’s rich landscape. Bruce also loves recommending hole-in-the-wall restaurants over the more iconic “touristy” restaurants – allowing his travel clients to get a taste of real Hawaii, just like the locals eat every day. How about that for an authentic Hawaii vacation? Planning Your Authentic Hawaii Vacation You want an immersive, unforgettable vacation experience, but you don’t have thousands of dollars to drop each day on high-end, curated itineraries like celebrities do. No problem. Hawaii Aloha Travel is a local agency ready to custom-make a vacation plan that includes the islands’ most authentic experiences. “I always felt that one of our core philosophies is connecting people in the mainland with the people of Hawaii and with true experiences in Hawaii,” Bruce says. And this means going beyond what you can find on the internet. So don’t “follow the pack” and go with the most talked-about activities. Call us at 1-800-843-8771 to talk to Bruce or one of our other great agents today. We’ll help recommend top-notch experiences with local, passionate guides who want to show you the best of Hawaii.
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    20 mins
Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
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