Episode Details

Skip-Gen Travel to Hawaii: Grandparents Taking Grandkids Without Parents

Marcie Cheung of Hawaii Travel Made Easy discusses the growing trend of “skip generation” (skip-gen) travel, where grandparents take grandchildren to Hawaii without parents, sharing her son’s trips to Kauai at age 3 with grandma and again at 10 flying solo as an unaccompanied minor. She cites survey data showing skip-gen trips help bonding (82% of grandparents) and notes rising multigenerational travel overall, driven by post-COVID priorities, parental burnout, and more active, financially able grandparents. She explains why Hawaii works well (no passports, strong infrastructure, lifeguards, cultural learning, reliable weather), recommends ages 8–12 and 5–7 day trips, outlines island-by-island fit, warns about stricter vacation rental regulations starting September 2025, and covers planning tips, common mistakes, activity ideas, and the benefits of focused grandparent-grandchild bonding.

00:00 Toddler’s First Kauai Trip
00:56 Skip Gen Travel Explained
02:02 PB&J and Shave Ice Memories
02:50 Flying Solo at Ten
03:43 Why These Trips Work
03:53 Trend Data and Growth
04:55 Why Hawaii Fits Skip Gen
05:47 Best Ages and Teen Tips
07:10 Picking the Right Island
08:31 Where to Stay and Rental Rules
10:05 Activities for Both Generations
11:25 Common Mistakes to Avoid
12:42 Benefits and Lasting Impact
13:29 Planning Checklist and Resources
15:16 Final Thoughts and Wrap Up

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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.

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