Aloha Reader!

Can I tell you a secret?

The first time I went to Hawaii… I didn’t even want to go.

I was 10 years old, and my family had just surprised me with a trip to visit my grandma in Kauai. Sounds amazing, right?

Except I had just been cast in a community theater play I really wanted to be in, and I was crushed to miss it. (Cue the dramatic preteen angst.)

To top it off:

• I was super nervous to fly — I hadn’t been on a plane since I was a toddler
• I had no idea what to expect (Where would we stay? What would we eat??)
• And I definitely didn’t understand how magical Hawaii really is

Let’s just say… the trip got off to a rocky start.

But slowly, I adjusted. I tried shave ice for the first time. I danced along at a hula show. I explored tide pools with my cousins. And somewhere in there, I totally fell in love with Hawaii.

That experience stuck with me, and now, as the one planning our family’s Hawaii vacations, I think a lot about how each trip will feel — not just for me, but for my kids, too.

I know how it feels to be the nervous one on the plane, the overwhelmed kid who isn’t sure what to expect.

So today, I wanted to share a few blog posts that can help YOU avoid the stress and bumps we hit on that first trip — and make sure your whole crew (even the anxious or reluctant ones!) have a fantastic time:

👉 10 Mistakes Moms Make When Planning Their First Hawaiian Vacation​
So you can skip the overwhelm, confusion, and vacation guilt!

👉 Just Booked Your Hawaiian Flight? Here’s What to Do Next.​
Because booking the flight is only step one — let’s talk packing, planning, and prepping the kids.

👉 How to Plan the Perfect Hawaiian Itinerary (Without Overbooking Yourself)​
This one’s for moms who want to see the sights and have plenty of pool time.

Whether it’s your first Hawaii trip or your fifth, I hope these posts help you plan with more ease, more confidence, and more excitement.

Because every family deserves a Hawaii trip where everyone comes home smiling. 💛

With aloha,

Marcie
Your Hawaii travel planning BFF

P.S. If you’ve got a nervous kid (or grown-up!) in your travel group — you’re not alone. I’d love to hear how you’re helping them feel more confident before the trip. Just hit reply!