Description

One of the trickiest things about planning a Hawaiian vacation is picking an island! This week, we chat with Mary Solio from The World is a Book about her favorite islands and give our tips for visiting Maui, Oahu, and The Big Island.

ON THE PODCAST

00:31 - Kim and Tamara talking about Maui

13:25 - Talking with Mary about Hawaii

16:56 - Where to stay on the Big Island

18:34 - Mary's favorite things to do on Big Island

22:33 - Helicopter tours

23:08 - Boat tours from Hilo

24:40 - Volcanoes National Park

29:40 - Favorite areas of Oahu

31:58 - What to do on Oahu

40:45 - What to do in Maui

41:20 - Best beaches

42:39 - Where take a family photo

46:05 - What Mary likes to wear when she travels

47:55 - Tip of the week

ABOUT MARY SOLIO

Mary lives in San Diego, California with her husband and two kids, who are 14 and 11. She was born in the Philippines, grew up in the U.S. territory of Guam, and believes all those years of island fever ignited her serious case of wanderlust. She currently works full time as a database developer and computer programmer. She writes about the family'’s travels along with tips and guides on her blog, The World Is a Book. She is also a family travel writer for Hilton Hotels and Resorts' Hilton Mom Voyage site. The family loves cruises, castles, National Parks, and museums, from art to quirky. Follow Mary on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.

THINGS TO DO IN HAWAII

• Mauna Kea is the highest point in the state of Hawaii. If you plan on going up to the summit you need to pack for winter weather. The rangers of the park also recommend that kid should be fourteen and up due to the altitude changes. You can also go up to the visitors center which is not all the way to the summit but sits above the clouds, so the view is great.
• If you have the money to splurge, taking a helicopter tour is a great way to so see lava and waterfalls around the Big Island.
• There are plenty of places to go snorkeling in the ocean. You can see some beautiful creatures underwater.
• Get up close and feel the heat of the lava flowing into the ocean by taking a boat tour. But Please be safe! Lava is always changing and can be unpredictable.
• Volcanoes National Park is open 24 hours. You can stay at the lodging inside of the park right by the visitors center. There are a lot of great things to see but pack for layers because some areas will cold while others are warm. There are also a lot of places that are kind of wet. Be sure to wear closed toed shoes because you will be walking on some areas where it is lava rocks.
• There is a lot to do in the Kohola area that houses the Disney Aulani Resort. It is a little bit quieter, less hectic and congested.
• Hiking up to Diamond Head is a great place to see beautiful views. And it is perfectly fine to hike with toddlers.
• If you have never been to a luau before, you should definitely check out the Polynesian Cultural Center because you get a glimpse into their culture and there is dinner and dancing.

BEST PLACE TO TAKE FAMILY PHOTO

On Oahu, the best place to take a family photo is right on Waikiki beach with Diamond Head in the background or in front of the Byodo-In Temple, which is a really pretty Japanese-style temple. Then on the Big Island inside Volcanoes National Park is great for many different kinds of shots.

FAVORITE TRAVEL GEAR

Mary likes to be comfortable when she travels in her 'Columbia' travel pants. She usually wears black tops and brings her flip flops and her 'Converse' sneakers without laces.

APP OF THE WEEK

Hawaii does have Uber! But you should definitely look into renting a car. There are a lot of things to see that are within driving distance.

MENTIONED ON THE PODCAST

Boat Tour

Disney Aulani Resort

Polynesian Cultural Center

Byodo-In Temple

World is a Book's Hawaii links:

http://www.theworldisabook.com/25889/national-park-sites-hawaii-the-big-island

http://www.theworldisabook.com/25637/tips-for-visiting-hawaii-volcanoes-national-park-with-kids/

http://www.theworldisabook.com/24312/free-things-to-do-in-oahu-with-kids/

http://www.theworldisabook.com/18219/oahu-with-kids-snorkeling-hanauma-bay/

http://www.theworldisabook.com/18123/oahu-with-kids-visiting-north-shore-hawaii/

http://www.theworldisabook.com/18073/oahu-with-kids-byodo-in-temple-hawaii/

http://www.theworldisabook.com/11297/maui-with-kids-5-fun-and-free-attractions/

http://www.theworldisabook.com/1847/haleakala-national-park-with-kids/

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If you liked this show, please be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, or Google Play and leave us a review! Have a question or comment? Send us an email or leave us a voicemail at +1.641.715.3900, ext. 926035# You can also follow our travels on Stuffed Suitcase and We3Travel, or follow the Vacation Mavens on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. Thanks for listening!