Hawaii Vacation Connection

Aloha Bruce is talking about the Best Hawaii Snacks on this Sunday, July 24, 2022, Hawaii Vacation Podcast. It’s a favorite topic among members of the Hawaii Aloha Travel online community, and Bruce is keen to offer his enthusiasm for Hawaii foods. Up first is a quick breakdown of Hawaii vacation news, beginning with a proposed “Climate Impact Fee” that will charge a $50 per Hawaii visitor fee to help fight back against the potential impact of climate change. “They’re trying to tackle over-tourism in Hawaii,” says Bruce, noting the importance of attracting respectful visitors. He cites a vocal public pushback against unchecked tourism and notes frontrunner gubernatorial candidate Josh Green’s support of the proposed fee. Bruce also mentions growing concerns over feeding birds, and chickens especially, which have become problematic in public spaces throughout Hawaii. Up next is the subject of businesses exploiting and capitalizing the “Hawaii” brand, from Maui-style potato chips to “Hawaiian-style” poke bowl shops proliferating on the continent. Bruce notes several examples before moving on to the podcast topic of Best Hawaii Snacks. Bruce starts with Enjoy Snacks, available at Long’s Drugs (now owned by CVS). He describes arare, a savory soy cracker treat that most anyone who is from Hawaii has known since early childhood. Next up is dried cuttlefish (squid). Bruce describes them as a tasty type of jerky (but you have to like squid!). Hawaiian Hurricane Popcorn is discussed. It’s mixed with a variety of treats, including arare, that you can easily add to a plain batch of popped kernels. Bruce shares his love of manapua, a steamed or baked pastry filled with various meats and vegetables. It’s among the quintessentially best Hawaii snacks. Bruce also talks about the abundance of different types of jerky we have in Hawaii: fish jerky, turkey jerky, and kalua pig jerky. Bruce recommends them all. HAT social media community members have weighed in on their favorite Hawaii snacks and desserts, and Bruce talks about some specific examples. Malasadas are at the top of the list of best Hawaii snacks. Poke is also up there, with the famed “loco-moco” plate lunch, shave ice, Hawaii Coffee Purveyors, and the Hanalei Bakery on Kauai among the discussed favorites. “I would suspect that you’re going to put on a couple of pounds,” Bruce jokes about the abundance of best Hawaii snacks. Engage with Bruce, the podcast, and the HAT Blog on our social media platforms. We value your input. Mahalo! We blog about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. Get Help Planning Your Trip

Aloha Bruce is back in the home studio to discuss Hawaii Vacation Tips for this Sunday, July 10, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. He’ll offer a handful of top “post-pandemic Hawaii Vacation Tips” for Hawaii visitors. “You want to get the most ‘bang for your buck’, right?” Bruce says. Starting with some Hawaii […]

Aloha Bruce is talking about going All Inclusive Hawaii on this Tuesday, June 28, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. Hawaii Aloha Travel receives daily inquiries and requests regarding a All Inclusive Hawaii vacation, and Bruce will break down what that actually means. First up is a rundown of recent Hawaii vacation news, including […]

Yaling Fisher is back in the studio with Aloha Bruce to discuss Top 5 Hawaii traditions for this episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast, as well as the Malama Hawaii campaign to increase Hawaii visitor cultural and environmental awareness. Starting with some Hawaii travel news, Bruce discusses rising travel prices and mentions some truly staggering prices. Electric “sea gliders” aircraft have been announced, Bruce says, and they have a range of 180 miles. Mokulele Airlines hopes to put them into service by 2025. Increasing restaurant prices are noted. Bruce recalls a restaurant that announced a 20% increase in prices on its menu. Rising fish and seafood prices are seeing the biggest price spike, Bruce says. Bruce gets deep about Hawaii’s cost of living and the price of a property in the Aloha State. He mentions the over $1 million median home price in Hawaii and the median household income of $85,000. “Before you go making the move, think about this!” Bruce says. Bruce briefly discusses a recent “boys’ night out” at The Deck at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel, noting the excellent food and drinks menus. On to the topic of Hawaii traditions, Bruce talks about lei-giving and the many types of lei there are. Each Hawaiian island has its own traditional flower lei. The Hawaii tradition of native Hawaiian lomilomi massage is up next, which incorporates a holistic approach to Hawaiian healing techniques. Bruce ties wellness into the concept of Malama Hawaii. Bruce also describes the native Hawaiian tradition of exchanging ha, or sharing breath. It is a practice that demonstrates personal friendship, respect, and closeness. The Hawaii tradition of chant, or mele, is discussed as integral to many gatherings and celebrations. Hawaii traditions of cultural festivals are also important, with many returning this summer after being shut down by the pandemic. Bruce says these Hawaii traditions are the best way to experience Hawaii’s diverse foods and cultures. Our hosts finish the podcast with some recent bookings, noting that prices are rising. A Las Vegas package for October that includes stays on Kauai and Oahu is noted at $3,873. “That’s not bad!” Bruce and Yaling say. “October prices are holding.” Bruce thanks podcast listeners and social media community for responding and reaching out to Hawaii Aloha Travel, noting that the Hawaii Vacation Podcast has been going for 16 years. Mahalo! We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. Get Help Planning Your Trip

Aloha Bruce is talking about some notable Hawaii historical sites on this Monday, June 13, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast, sights that might miss some Hawaii visitors’ Hawaii vacation planning radar. First, Bruce talks about the latest news in Hawaii tourism and travel. Bruce notes that Covid testing and vaccine requirements are no longer required in Hawaii (or anywhere in the US). Bruce mentions important concerns about high case numbers in Hawaii and instances of Hawaii visitors contracting Covid during their vacation. He describes CDC suggestions for people who test positive for Covid. Bruce also discusses public/private beach access and offers some interesting points about commercial activities and access at Waikiki and other beaches. Next up is a new lawsuit challenging new Oahu vacation rental restrictions and property owners seeking to get “grand-fathered” into the law to be allowed to continue operating. Bruce moves on to reef-friendly sunscreens, and rules to ban harmful products on the Neighbor Islands. Hawaii vacation bookings are maxed-out, Bruce says, mentioning that booking airfare and accommodations early has paid off for HAT clients who booked in 2021 and are now enjoying hassle-free Hawaii vacations. The main topic of Hawaii historical sights is next, with Bruce mentioning the Malama Hawaii campaign which promotes cultural and environmental awareness in Hawaii’s visitors. He describes the Pu’u Mahuka Heiau (sacred temple) on Oahu’s North Shore. It’s believed to have been built in the 1600s and is the largest heiau on Oahu. Washington Place in Downtown Honolulu is noted as the home of Queen Lili’uokalani, who was deposed in 1893. Nearby Iolani Palace is the only royal palace in the United States. Bruce also mentions the Bishop Museum, which is full of Hawaii’s cultural history. On the Big Island, Bruce suggests visiting the Pu’uloa Petroglyphs, a collection of more than 23,000 carvings and markings that date back many centuries. Kahua Ranch, in Waimea/Kamuela, is up next, with Bruce talking about the history of horsemanship, ranching, and Hawaii’s paniolo (cowboys). Kahua Ranch was important to the growth of that industry on the Big Island. Maui’s Lahaina Historical trail is noted, with Bruce mentioning that Lahaina was Hawaii’s first capitol. He recalls a recent visit with Yaling that included Lahaina’s whaling, fishing, and sugar plantation history. There are many relatively unknown Hawaii historical sites among the Hawaiian Islands. Bruce also gives a proper shout-out to podcast listeners and Facebook community members who have reached out in recent weeks. Mahalo! We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. Get Help Planning Your Trip

Aloha Bruce is back in the home studio after a two-week hiatus to talk about the pressing topic of overtourism in Hawaii and some recent developments at the Hawaii Tourism Authority on this latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. Bruce starts with some recent news and details about his recent trip to California, including plans to bring back supersonic air travel akin to the Concorde by the company Boom. Bruce says that flight times to Hawaii could be cut in half with the return of supersonic travel. Bruce says that easy travel options to Hawaii have seen a spike in the cost of a Hawaii vacation, with the average price per night of Hawaii accommodations now at $371. "That's the highest I've ever seen," Bruce says, noting that high-end properties are likely driving up that nightly average. Now is the time to book, as demand is currently through the roof. He discusses the lack of housekeeping services and employees in Hawaii and the possibility that some properties are considering eliminating those services. Many in the HAT Facebook community say they don't need housekeeping during a Hawaii vacation. Bruce moves on to the complex topic of overtourism in Hawaii and some static from various social media sectors indicating that you may not be welcome in Hawaii. "There seems to be a vocal minority of people claiming that we don't want people here," Bruce says HAT's philosophy has always been respectful of Hawaii's people and culture. The pandemic shutdown, Bruce says, gave people a taste of what Hawaii is like without the tourism industry and the people it attracts. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. Get Help Planning Your Trip Bruce discusses the Hawaii Tourism Authority awarding a massive marketing contract to the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement. Bruce says the effort aims to advance the "Malama Hawaii" concept and awareness of Hawaii's cultural and social needs. Bruce says that it may have been a politically-motivated decision and questions the motivation of the decision, noting that the CNHA has no experience in marketing Hawaii to the world. "If you're booking your Hawaii vacation, I can tell you that most people here will love that you're here," Bruce says. He explains that this is not simply because of the revenue it generates but rather because people here love to share their aloha and love for the land. Bruce then recalls some of the things that have helped curb overtourism in Hawaii, such as reservations at places like Hanauma Bay. "People still think that they're going to come here and 'wing it'! It just doesn't work that way anymore." He explains the importance of planning for a Hawaii vacation, even for dinner or tour reservations. Bruce says that "voluntourism" awareness is increasing and how important it is for visitors to respect Hawaii's people and cultures while on a Hawaii vacation and not "do anything stupid" like ignoring warning signs or littering. Bruce says claims of overtourism in Hawaii are over-hyped, and the best way to plan and enjoy a respectful Hawaii vacation is to work with local companies like HAT and our sister company Secret Hawaii Tours, that have your best interests at heart and want to help you enjoy the perfect Hawaii vacation.

The Garden Isle is the focus of this Monday, May 16, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast as Aloha Bruce Fisher talks about Kauai Pros and Cons. Bruce makes the quick point that demand for Hawaii travel is soaring and booking now is the best bet for deals as far out as the holiday season. Bruce starts of with feedback from a question posed to HAT Facebook community members about the first thing that comes to mind when they think about Hawaii, with many responding “paradise”. Kualoa Ranch’s Malama Aina program is mentioned along with Secret Hawaii Tours as being successful in educating Hawaii visitors about land stewardship and caring for the Hawaiian culture. Bruce shares some unique aspects of the Kualoa Ranch program. Bruce moves on to mention the latest HAT Blog, which talks about the return of the summer festival season in Hawaii after two years of cancellations due to the pandemic. Bruce says that Japanese bon dance festivals around the state are back, along with several other noted events. “It really brightens up your trip and kind of gives it more meaning, in my opinion,” he says. “A lot of these things are free or really cheap!” On the main topic of Kauai pros and cons, Bruce says, “I would call this a nature lover’s paradise.” He notes the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and Mount Wai’ale’ale (the rainiest place on earth). He also notes that Kauai is the least developed island in Hawaii (excluding Molokai). Bruce also talks about several popular hikes and helicopter tours that visit Jurassic Park film locations. He says Kauai is ideal for people looking to avoid crowds. Many waterfall hikes are easily accessible, Bruce says, and talks about different parts of Kauai and the features they offer. One of the cons about Kauai is that it can be rainy at times, which can impinge on beach time. Bruce observes that many Kauai beaches are quite rocky as well. Kauai doesn’t feature many resort areas, and our host notes that there isn’t much nightlife on the Garden Isle. As for Kauai pros and cons, Bruce says, “I highly recommend it. It’s where we go when we want to get away.” Bruce hints at a return of live Hawaii Aloha Travel events on Facebook and invites listeners to sign up for Zoom planning sessions for Hawaii vacations. Join us!

Aloha Bruce Fisher is in the studio to offer some insight into affordable Big Island hotels on this episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. Bruce powers through a cold to discuss properties he visited on the Big Island last week. Bruce begins with some Hawaii vacation news, including Travel & Leisure listing Poipu Beach on Kauai as their Top Beach and “Dr. Beach” naming Hapuna Beach on the Big Island as one of his favorites. Bruce mentions that the sunset from Hapuna Beach is spectacular and some nearby hotels. Visitor arrival and spending numbers were up in March, especially on Maui and Oahu. “I’m sure you’re going to see pre-pandemic levels when those April numbers start coming in.” Bruce also notes a rise the average length-of-stay. Bruce then talks about the new Un-Cruise and some of the things that make it unique. “This thing is going to cost you at least $6-K per person,” Bruce says and mentions some Un-Cruise activities. A new magic show at Hilton Hawaiian Village called the “Magical Mystery Show” is discussed briefly. Bruce moves on to the main topic of affordable Big Island hotels, with Bruce noting that he took Southwest Airlines for the first time on his recent trip there. “They did a great job.” Bruce’s first stop was the Royal Kona Hotel, which has just renovated all of its rooms. Bruce says the Ali’i Tower has nice views and describes some of the new amenities there, and he says you can hear the ocean 24-7. Ukulele and hula lessons are available, and Bruce mentions entertainment at Don the Beachcomber’s. Problems with getting a rental car Dollar Rent a Car, with at least an hour wait, are noted briefly. The number of quality restaurants along Ali’i Drive is discussed, with Bruce mentioning Hugo’s and Umeke Market (“The best fresh poke you will get anywhere, ever, in the world!”). Up next is The Courtyard by Marriott, which has also been completely renovated. Bruce says it’s a great property for group travel and talks about some of the positive changes and cultural programs and tours. Bruce lauds the buffet there as the best in Kona. The Outrigger Keahou is also among affordable Big Island hotels and will be discussed in the next episode, along with the Marriott Waikoloa Beach, which is a partial time-share and offers deals for Ohana Suites.

Aloha Bruce and Yaling Fisher are in the studio to talk about the best way to rent a car on Oahu for the latest Hawaii Vacations Podcast, along with some pertinent Hawaii travel news and recent and relevant bookings. The Halekulani Hotel’s Mothers’ Day Brunch was noted as one of the most extravagant brunches in the US by Conde Nast, and Bruce shares some of the details about booking a table. Next up is a new suspended pedestrian bridge in Kapalua on Maui, now Hawaii’s longest. It’s part of Kapalua Resort’s Mountain Adventure Course, and to cross the bridge, you’ll have to sign up for the Zipline. Bruce also reminds listeners that there are essentially no Covid restrictions on Hawaii travel. “I’m not sure why people keep asking me that.” The CDC has declared Hawaii’s level of Covid risk as “medium”, up from “low”. He and Yaling agree that rising numbers are cause for concern. “We’re careful out here. I think it makes good sense to be as prudent as possible.” When it comes to figure out how to rent a car on Oahu, Bruce talks about smart ways to get around the island. Parking is expensive, and Bruce observe that you might not need a rental vehicle for your entire Oahu stay. A discussion of HAT social media community members’ comments on the topic follows, with testimonials from Hawaii visitors. Some rented vehicles and were pleased. Some did not and were also pleased. “This is a big city,” Bruce says about Oahu. “But everything is pretty much in proximity to everything else. The airport is only 15 minutes from Waikiki.” Our hosts discuss a variety of alternative modes of transportation available on Oahu, including TheBus, bicycling, and just walking. “Parking can be up to fifty bucks a night,” says Bruce about hotel parking fees. The latest HAT booked vacations include an inter-island stay for two with rooms and rental vehicle that came in under $5000 (excluding transpacific airfare) for a week in September that includes the Kaanapali Beach Hotel. Yaling shares another booking for two from Virginia Beach, VA in December for a weeklong stay at the Waikiki Beach Hotel came in at about $4,200, including airfare. Hawaii Aloha Travel and Secret Hawaii Tours are locally owned and operated. We know the best values, especially if you want to rent a car on Oahu.

Aloha Bruce Fisher is talking about Hawaii hotels and Hawaii hotel categories on this Monday, April 25, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. He offers some great insight into choosing what type of hotel room is best for your Hawaii vacation plans. Bruce starts of with some Hawaii tourism news, including efforts on Maui to cap visitor units and restrict the use of “camper vans” as vacation rental units. Bruce says many residents there support the measure and discuss resident concerns. Bruce mentions current vacation rental restrictions on Oahu. Bruce also mentions Hawaiian Airlines partnering with SkyLink to provide internet access on their flights. “I say you should disconnect!”. He also briefly notes a recent HAT Blog post about the surprising history of “Rabbit Island”, or Manana, of East Oahu. On to the subject of Hawaii hotels, Bruce gets into ocean view hotel rooms and whether they are important for a Hawaii vacation. He discusses many people in the HAT’s Facebook community who have said they’d prefer an ocean view. “You do pay a premium, always, for ocean views,” he says. Bruce agrees that an ocean view is a great way to start and end your days during a Hawaii vacation. It may not be a priority for some Hawaii vacationers. Bruce moves into discussing different room categories at Hawaii hotels, including, Standard View, Run of House, City View, and Partial Ocean View and the differences between them. “Some hotels even offer a Parking Lot View!” The description Ocean View is up next, and Bruce says Ocean Front View is the highest level of room in Hawaii hotels. He says that it’s important to talk with a travel planner about your specific wants and needs for the view from Hawaii hotels. “If you really want to save money, don’t worry about the ocean view.” Don’t forget to check out HAT’s sister company Secret Hawaii Tours for a variety of personal tours from expert guides who know Hawaii’s hidden gems as well as anyone.

Aloha Bruce and Yaling Fisher look into the question of “is Oahu overcrowded?” on this latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast, and they start of by encouraging listeners to engage with the HAT Facebook page, where a large community discusses Hawaii vacations and offers unique, expert perspectives. “Information is ‘king’”, Bruce notes. “And time is money.” Bruce and Yaling start off by discussing the high volume of calls HAT has been receiving about June and July Hawaii vacations, and high demand driving up prices before getting into the latest Hawaii tourism news, including a new City Council measure that has passed to ban short term vacation rentals outside of designated resort areas. Our hosts break down the impact of the new law. Bruce mentions 30,000 Hawaii arrivals on Wednesday, March 22 and says, “We are now ahead of pre-pandemic numbers.” He also mentions the return of international travel to Hawaii and what that might mean for customer service in the Islands. Is Oahu overcrowded? Bruce talks about the idea that Oahu is too “touristy” with Yaling noting that certain areas are meant to be touristy. Bruce shares one comment from a visitor about the atmosphere during her vacation and another who noted that it depends on where in Hawaii you go. “There’s nothing wrong with being a tourist!” Bruce laughs, and he shares other comments from the Facebook community. Is Oahu overcrowded? Well, it is called “The Gathering Place”, and Bruce talks about some of the more popular attractions that can be found on the island of Oahu. He suggests getting out of Waikiki to escape the crowds, including heading to the Halona Blowhole at the southeastern tip of Oahu (also known as “From Here to Eternity Beach”) near the famous Hanauma Bay. Bruce and Yaling talk about some of the things that make Oahu an attractive destination for first-time Hawaii visitors. Oahu offers the widest variety of experiences for new visitors. He mentions the Chinatown Arts District, the Pearl Harbor experience, and Bishop Museum. Bruce mentions that Oahu is overcrowded and notes that rush hour traffic can get “pretty bad”. Our hosts remind listeners that Oahu is not an “exotic” destination and that Honolulu is a major US city. “Things are opening up,” Bruce says and notes the Merrie Monarch Festival, the Waikiki Spam Jam, and incoming Broadway shows as just a few of the activities visitors can enjoy on Oahu.

Hawaii vacation prices are a hot topic right now, and Aloha Bruce and Yaling Fisher are talking about them on this latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. Our hosts first give a shout-out to HAT Facebook group page members and the high volume of quality engagement going on there. Over 400 comments recently about […]

Aloha Bruce and Yaling Fisher offer listeners important Big Island Pro’s and Con’s on this Monday, April 4, 2022, Hawaii Vacation Podcast. But first, an update on Hawaii Aloha Travel in the news and the latest developments in Hawaii tourism. Bruce was featured on a recent Hawaii News Now lead story talking about some amazing visitor arrival and spending numbers from the first months of 2022. He notes limited inventory for hotel rooms, and he and Yaling discuss soaring room rates already booked for the months ahead. The Restaurant of the Week segment includes H Mart, a Korean supermarket that has a terrific food court. Various dishes are recalled with relish, including a “left wing” chicken dish that Bruce enjoyed (it takes about 15 minutes to prepare an order). Big Island Pro’s and Con’s starts with Bruce noting a new digital site pass at Hawaii Volcanoes National Parks, the first of its kind in the fee-charging federal parks program nationwide. It makes park entry easier. “I like that we’re at the cutting edge of this technology,” says Bruce. The pass is not available to commercial users and conventional pay-upon-entry for park users remains in place. Each of Hawaii’s main islands have their own unique appeal, Bruce says, and mentions that the Big Island is large enough to contain all of the other Hawaiian Islands. This Big Island Pro’s and Con’s episode discusses wide variety of activities, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site at the Volcanoes National Forest. Bruce and Yaling say that the Big Island is great for repeat Hawaii visitors looking for new things to experience in Hawaii. Bruce explains that the sheer size of the Big Island means that there are some long drives to certain places, “and that can take up a lot of time”. He also notes that there aren’t as many options for accommodations on the Big Island as there are on Oahu. The number of ocean activities available on the Big Island is vast, ranging from novice snorkeling to deep-sea sport fishing. Big Island Pro’s and Con’s is the start of a series of upcoming episodes to focus on Hawaii’s Neighbor Island experiences. Bruce and Yaling encourage Hawaii Vacation Podcast listeners to engage with HAT across our social media platforms and check out our Secret Hawaii Tours. “What we do here on the podcast is unique,” Bruce says. “And we’ve been doing it for 15 years!”

Aloha Bruce and Yaling Fisher are giving some important information about planning a Multi-Island Hawaii Vacation on this Monday, March 28, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. But first, some Hawaii vacation news and the Restaurant of the Week, as well as developments in Hawaii’s vacation rental market. Bruce begins by discussing a Honolulu County plan to increase enforcement of Oahu vacation rental rules, which includes minimum stays and parking restrictions for visitors. “This is going to discourage a lot of people,” says Bruce. He notes some of the ways that homeowners are skirting existing rules and wonders how the City will actually increase enforcement. Bruce also mentions common complaints about vacation rentals from Oahu residents. Our hosts move on to discuss a new “slow travel trend”, a contrast to what a local researcher calls “Instagram tourism”. Bruce says that the new slow travel trend is seeing more visitors looking for more meaningful experiences like visiting museums, historic places, and indigenous sites. Bruce says, “Why not just unplug while you’re here? Become a slow traveler!” The Restaurant of the Week focuses on Koko Marina Shopping Center and Hawaii Kai Town Center in East Honolulu near the Ka Iwi Coast, both of which feature a number of notable and tasty eateries that offer great quality and value, with the Koa Pancake House getting a special shout-out. Bruce gets into details about planning a Multi-Island Hawaii Vacation. He suggests planning four nights per island you plan to visit. Bruce also talks about the importance of picking the islands “that are right for you”. He also notes that visitors can do “island splits”, like staying in both Kona and in Hilo on Hawaii Island during a Big Island trip. “There’s so much to do!” Similar splits are available on Oahu, Kauai, and Maui as well. Bruce and Yaling discuss the differences between different parts of each island, as the Multi-Island Hawaii vacation episode rolls on. Our hosts also encourage podcast listeners to engage with the Hawaii-Aloha Vacation Podcast, the HAT Facebook page and HAT’s TikTok account, which features a video Bruce took of Magnum PI filming in Waikiki that has garnered well over 7 million views (!!). Aloha!

This Sunday March 20, 2022 episode of the Hawaii Vacation focuses on Maui Must Do’s, activities, and dining Maui visitors should make a point of experiencing. Aloha Bruce and Yaling Fisher are following up with Part 2 of a Maui-focused discussion that began with last week’s episode. Bruce offers an update on changes in Hawaii travel, particularly the lifting of the Hawaii Safe Travels restrictions and requirements (including indoor masking) beginning at 11:59pm March 29, Bruce says that the lifting of those restrictions is already seeing a spike in prices. “You can expect that there’s going to be a rush,” says Bruce. He also says that some hotels are already seeing 2023 dates filling up. Yaling says she has seen prices rise almost by the hour. Book now! Bruce discusses a recent study that looks into the best places to live in Hawaii for students, with Maunawili in Windward Oahu topping the list. Honolulu-proper comes in second with an A-minus rating. In third place is Kailua, and Bruce notes the other Hawaii towns making the list. The Restaurant of the Week focuses on Maui Must Do’s restaurants, with “The Restaurant” at the Wailea. Our hosts discuss the dishes they enjoyed, which included fresh Hamachi and a “huge!” lamb shank. Bruce recommends making reservations in the garden section. Mama’s Fish House is up next, where Bruce says it can be tough to get reservations. Paiea Fish Market is popular with locals and visitors at several locations. Lineage in Wailea is noted for some of its specialty items. GuriGuri, the Tin Roof, and Miko’s are also mentioned as delicious “hole-in-the-wall” places visitors will enjoy. The topic moves onto Maui Must Do’s. Bruce says that ziplining is one activity that is exciting, and Yaling recalls one memorable experience. Ziplining can be scary, Bruce says, and he recalls one woman who overcame her fear and had the time of her life. Our hosts mention several reputable and safe ziplining outfits. Another one of Maui Must Do’s is snorkeling. Yaling, who is trepidatious in the ocean, enjoyed snorkeling at Molokini Island and describes her experience. Bruce notes that he noticed fewer fish than he saw on his last trip to Molokini. Bruce and Yaling were thrilled to see humpback whales and a calf breeching. Bruce also says that a trip up to Haleakala is absolutely a Maui Must do (and to “just eat the local food!!”). The conversation moves onto the Hyatt Regency on Maui, where Bruce and Yaling were impressed by the renovations made at the resort and offer details about improvements that have been made to the property, including a penguin secretary. Bruce says that “it isn’t as quaint as it used to be” but notes changes that have made the rooms even more comfortable. Our hosts recommend signing up for “The Regency Club” which comes with added meal benefits. It comes with a price of $50 per room per day, and Bruce offers his budgeting tips. “All the hotels are expensive to eat at.” The Fairmont Kealani is up next on the this Maui Must Do’s, and Bruce offers his assessment of the new renovations there. Bruce talks about the Four Seasons and other high-end properties, and our hosts promise more Maui insights on upcoming podcasts and Secret Hawaii Tour reservations.