Is the Polynesian Cultural Center Worth Your Time and Money?

In this episode of Hawaii Travel Made Easy, Marcie provides an in-depth review of the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) on Oahu. Reflecting on her personal experience and comparing it to an authentic Maori cultural experience in New Zealand, she outlines the pros and cons of visiting PCC. Marcie discusses the types of experiences available at the center, highlights the costs and time investment, and offers practical tips for visitors, such as what to bring and when to arrive. She advises on who might enjoy PCC the most and suggests alternative cultural experiences for those with limited time or different interests. Marcie's honest take aims to help listeners make informed decisions about including PCC in their Hawaiian vacation plans.

00:00 Introduction: The Truth About Polynesian Cultural Center
00:37 Overview of Polynesian Cultural Center
01:21 Is PCC Worth Your Time?
02:27 Logistics: Getting to PCC
03:08 What to Bring and Timing Tips
03:53 Authenticity and Cultural Experience
04:59 Common Mistakes to Avoid
06:41 Recommended Packages and Activities
07:57 A Day at PCC: What to Expect
11:47 Alternative Activities and Final Thoughts
14:48 Conclusion and Farewell

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Tours related to this podcast

• Islands of Polynesia Package
• Ha: Breath of Life Show
• Toa Luau
• Mauka Warriors Luau

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Hawaii Family Vacation Planning: Expert Tips for Stress-Free Travel

In this episode of 'Hawaii Travel Made Easy,' host Marcie Cheung shares her comprehensive process for planning family trips to Hawaii. Drawing from over 40 trips and countless consultations, Marcie outlines five crucial steps to ensure a magical, stress-free vacation. She advises on how to determine your family's travel preferences, match the right Hawaiian island to your needs, optimize travel timing, book efficiently, and create realistic itineraries. Marcie also highlights common planning mistakes to avoid and offers budget-friendly strategies. With her expertise, you can plan a trip where everyone, from toddlers to teens, has a great time. For personalized planning, Marcie offers consultations available at HawaiiTravelWithKids.com.

00:00 Welcome to Hawaii Travel Made Easy
00:58 Step 1: Define Your Ideal Vacation
02:03 Step 2: Choose the Right Island
03:27 Step 3: Perfect Timing for Your Trip
04:42 Step 4: Booking Your Trip Efficiently
06:09 Step 5: Crafting a Realistic Itinerary
08:13 Common Planning Mistakes to Avoid
12:36 Budgeting Tips and Strategies
14:19 Creating Kid-Friendly Itineraries
16:51 Conclusion and Consultation Services

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Kona vs. Hilo: Choosing the Right Side of the Big Island for Your Vacation

In this episode of Hawaii Travel Made Easy, Marcie explains the critical differences between staying in Kona and Hilo on the Big Island. She offers detailed advice on which side to choose based on your planned activities, the length of your stay, and the type of experience you seek. Marcie highlights the geographic challenges of traveling between the two sides, the unique weather patterns, and the types of accommodations available. She also provides practical tips on budgeting for accommodations and state park fees. Whether you are planning beach activities and snorkeling or exploring Volcanoes National Park and waterfalls, this episode will help you make an informed decision to maximize your Hawaii vacation experience.

00:00 Introduction: Kona or Hilo?
00:28 Deciding Based on Activities
01:32 Travel Time Considerations
02:13 Trip Length and Split Stays
02:42 Weather and Vibe: Kona vs. Hilo
03:28 Accommodation Options
04:38 Budgeting for Your Trip
05:11 Final Tips and Conclusion

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Blog Posts Related to this Episode

• 15 Free Things to Do on the Big Island That Kids Will Love
• 22 Best Things to Do in Kona on Your Big Island Vacation
• 10 Fun Things to Do on the Big Island for Free or at a Low Cost
• 13 Worst Big Island Mistakes People Make: A Guide to a Better Vacation
• 10 Big Island Secrets Every Parent Must Know Before Booking Your Trip!

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Choosing the Perfect Area to Stay in Kauai: A Comprehensive Guide

In this episode, Marcie breaks down the key factors to consider when choosing where to stay in Kauai, Hawaii. She details the differences between the North Shore, South Shore, East Side, and West Side, providing insights on weather, beaches, accessibility, and overall vibe of each area. Marcie advises on the best spots depending on your travel priorities, whether you're looking for sunny beaches, dramatic scenery, central location, or solitude. The episode also offers guidance on making the decision easier with personalized consultations. Perfect for first-time visitors trying to navigate the diverse options of Kauai.

00:00 Common Mistakes When Booking in Princeville
00:18 Choosing the Right Area in Kauai
01:09 Why Poipu is Popular
02:31 Exploring the North Shore: Princeville and Hanalei
03:54 The East Side: Kapaa, Wailua, and Lihue
04:59 The Remote West Side: Waimea and Kekaha
05:36 Final Tips for Choosing Your Kauai Destination
05:59 Personalized Travel Consultations
06:53 Conclusion and Subscription Reminder

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Blog posts related to this podcast

• 10 Must-Know Tips BEFORE You Plan a Trip to Kauai
• FREE 7 Day Email Course: How to Plan a Trip to Kauai
• Avoid Vacation Fails: Essential Kauai Tips Every Parent Needs to Know!

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Oahu Accommodation Guide: Waikiki vs. North Shore

In this episode of 'Hawaii Travel Made Easy,' host Marcie tackles the common dilemma of choosing between North Shore and Waikiki for your stay on Oahu. Marcie shares her insights from over 40 visits to Hawaii, highlighting mistakes travelers often make and providing practical advice on how to select the best area based on your preferences, planned activities, and budget. She covers the pros and cons of Waikiki, Honolulu, the North Shore, and Ko Olina, helping you decide whether to rent a car, handle crowds, and manage accommodation costs. The episode also introduces the benefits of personalized travel consultations to optimize your Hawaiian vacation.

00:00 Introduction: Choosing Between North Shore and Waikiki
00:22 Personal Experience and Common Mistakes
02:18 Key Questions to Ask Yourself
04:00 Detailed Area Breakdown
06:45 Consultation and Final Advice

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Blog Posts Related to this Episode:

• 16 Best Places to Stay in Oahu for Any Budget
• Best Area to Stay on Oahu

Etsy Shop

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Choosing the Perfect Spot to Stay in Maui: A Comprehensive Guide

In this episode, Marcie guides you through the best areas to stay in Maui, breaking down the unique characteristics and benefits of each region. Whether you are looking for a luxury resort experience in Kapalua, a family-friendly atmosphere in Ka'anapali, budget-friendly condos in Kihei, or high-end accommodations in Wailea, this guide will help you make an informed decision based on your vacation preferences. Marcie also discusses the importance of considering drive times for popular activities like Haleakala sunrise and the Road to Hana. For a more detailed comparison of Wailea and Ka'anapali, she recommends referring to episode 56. Personalized consultation services are also available for tailored recommendations. Don't miss this vital information for planning your next trip to Maui.

00:00 Introduction: Planning Your Maui Trip
01:14 Overview of Maui's Main Resort Areas
01:55 Exploring West Maui: Kapalua to Lahaina
02:46 Family-Friendly Ka'anapali
03:33 Impact of the 2023 Wildfires on Lahaina
04:27 Discovering South Maui: Kihei to Wailea
06:13 Considering Drive Times and Activities
07:20 Personal Recommendations and Consultation Services
08:40 Conclusion: Choosing the Right Area for Your Stay

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Blog posts related to this podcast

• Planning Your Trip? Find Out the Best Area to Stay in Maui
• 10 Essential Things to Know BEFORE Planning a Trip to Maui
• FREE 7 Day Email Course: How to Plan a Trip to Maui

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One or Two Islands: Making the Best Decision for Your Hawaii Trip

In this episode, we address one of the most common questions in Hawaii trip planning: Should you visit one island or two? The decision heavily influences the quality of your vacation. We provide a framework for making this choice, focusing on factors such as trip length, whether it's your first visit, the type of vacation you want, and your comfort with logistics. We also discuss how inter-island travel can consume significant vacation time and offer advice for different trip lengths and visitor types. For trips less than a week, it's recommended to stick to one island; for longer stays, two islands can be feasible if planned correctly. Finally, we emphasize the importance of personal preferences and suggest that a consultation can help tailor the perfect itinerary.

00:00 Introduction: The Crucial Decision for Your Hawaii Trip
00:23 Factors to Consider: Trip Length and Travel Logistics
01:43 First-Time Visitors: The Urge to See It All
02:25 Vacation Style: Relaxation vs. Variety
03:17 Logistics: The Hidden Challenges of Island Hopping
04:13 Making the Right Choice: One Island or Two?
04:44 Pairing Islands: Best Combinations for Your Trip
05:21 Conclusion: Personalized Advice for Your Perfect Trip
06:25 Next Week's Preview: Beach Parking Tips

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Discount Hawaii Car Rentals--This is where I book ALL my car rentals

Blog posts related to this podcast

• How Many Days in Maui Do You Need?
• How Many Days in Kauai Do You Need?
• How Many Days in Oahu Do You Need?

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Mastering the Art of Finding Cheap Flights to Hawaii

In this episode of Hawaii Travel Made Easy, Marcie, a Hawaii travel expert, shares her top strategies for finding affordable flights to Hawaii. Drawing from her experience of over 40 trips to Hawaii, Marcie provides insights into the best times to book, tools, and apps for tracking deals, and how to leverage points and miles for substantial savings. The episode covers peak, shoulder, and off-season travel tips, advanced booking strategies, common mistakes to avoid, and nuances, such as the effectiveness of last-minute deals and utilizing less crowded weekdays for cheaper flights. Additionally, Marcie discusses the role of credit card signup bonuses and travel consultations in optimizing flight costs, ensuring you can spend more on the unique experiences Hawaii has to offer.

00:00 Welcome to Hawaii Travel Made Easy
01:47 Timing Your Flight Booking for the Best Deals
02:45 Understanding Hawaii's Pricing Seasons
05:15 Tools and Apps for Tracking Flight Deals
09:05 Using Points and Miles for Hawaii Flights
13:54 Advanced Strategies for Extra Savings
16:40 Common Mistakes to Avoid
18:28 Your Action Plan for Booking Cheap Flights
20:14 Final Tips and Resources

Hawaii Travel Guides

Book a Hawaii Travel Consultation

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Etsy Shop

Blog posts related to this podcast episode:

• The Hawaii Planning Guide Every Mom Needs: When to Book Everything from Flights to Fun
• How to Survive Long Flights to Hawaii with Kids: Secrets from a Parenting Pro
• Just Booked Your Hawaiian Flight? Here’s What Every Mom Needs to Do Next
• 17 Hawaii Beach Essentials for Babies You Won’t Regret Packing

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