Hawaii Travel Made Easy Podcast—Hawaii travel tips, Things to do in Hawaii, Hawaii vacation planning

My Honest Oahu Trip Report: What's Worth It in 2026

Marcie Cheung Episode 90

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0:00 | 16:45

Oahu Trip Report (Feb): What Was Worth It, What I'd Skip, and a Rental Car Mistake

Marcie, a Hawaii destination expert, shares a February Oahu trip report with her 12-year-old, noting some experiences were hosted for honest coverage. They stayed five nights at Hyatt Regency Waikiki (great oceanfront room and smooth check-in; annoying tight, offsite parking and $65/night fee). She covers tips and takeaways from Hanauma Bay reservations and logistics, Kahuku Farms’ full tour and cafe, Cirque du Soleil Auana’s Hawaiian cultural integration, Wai Kai’s mixed results depending on what’s operating, and Kualoa Ranch ziplining’s scenic tandem format. She reviews Mauka Warriors Luau (strong show, okay food, far drive), Pearl Harbor highlights including the Aviation Museum and Missouri, and an intimate Na Lei Aloha dinner/show at the Hyatt. She also recounts unknowingly driving a Thrifty rental with expired tabs and lists planning lessons like booking USS Arizona tickets early and confirming reservations.

00:00 Big Oahu Trip Report
01:52 Hyatt Regency Waikiki
03:24 Hanauma Bay Tips
04:58 Kahuku Farms Tour
06:04 Cirque du Soleil Auana
07:07 Wai Kai Water Park
08:04 Kualoa Ranch Zipline
09:31 Mauka Warriors Luau
10:31 Pearl Harbor Updates
12:08 Na Lei Aloha Dinner
12:59 Thrifty Rental Car Fail
14:46 What I’d Do Differently
15:43 Planning Resources Wrap Up

Links to Tours/Activities

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Blog: Hawaii Travel with Kids

Instagram @HawaiiTravelWithKids


About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.

Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com

Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation

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