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My 12-Year-Old Has Been to Hawaii 14 Times. He Has Opinions.— Ep 107

Episode 107 Published 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Description

Owen’s Kid’s-Eye Guide to Hawaii: Acai Bowls, Island Rankings, and Flying Solo at 10

Host Marcie welcomes her 12-year-old son, Owen, to “Hawaii Travel Made Easy,” highlighting his extensive Hawaii experience: about 14 trips, visits to Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island, and a solo flight to Kauai at age 10 to see grandma. Owen shares his February “best acai bowl” mission and picks Tropical Tribe in Waikiki as the winner, recommends shave ice, and says the beach is his must-do every trip. He ranks the islands: Big Island (zip lining on the Kohala zip line), Kauai, Maui, then Oahu. He contrasts Maui as best for pools and beaches and Kauai for food, advises that kids don’t care about long drives for quick photo spots, and urges parents to schedule pool/chill time. Owen reassures families about unaccompanied minor travel and encourages staying in the moment because Hawaii is worth the flight.

00:00 Meet Owen
00:57 Hawaii Credentials
02:15 Acai Bowl Quest
03:24 Kid Approved Activities
04:38 Island Rankings
06:26 Flying Solo
09:43 Parents Plan Too Much
11:07 Five Minute Hawaii Advice
12:08 Wrap Up Resources

Guest: Owen (age 12, Marcie's son)

Who this episode is for: Parents wanting a kid's honest perspective on Hawaii travel, island rankings, and reassurance about unaccompanied minor flights.

What you'll learn: What a Hawaii-experienced kid actually cares about on a trip, his personal island ranking, and firsthand insight into flying as an unaccompanied minor.

Places discussed:

  • Oahu (Waikiki)
  • Maui
  • Kauai
  • Big Island (Kohala)

Activities discussed:

  • Eating acai bowls
  • Eating shave ice
  • Beach time
  • Zip lining (Kohala zip line, Big Island)
  • Flying as an unaccompanied minor
  • Pool time

Restaurants discussed:

  • Tropical Tribe (Waikiki) — Owen's pick for best acai bowl after a February taste-test mission

Marcie's recommendations: N/A this episode (guest-led kid's perspective; see Guest recommendations)

Guest recommendations (Owen):

  • Best acai bowl: Tropical Tribe in Waikiki
  • Beach time is a must-do on every trip
  • Island ranking: Big Island first (thanks to the Kohala zip line), then Kauai, then Maui, then Oahu
  • Maui is best for pools and beaches; Kauai is best for food
  • Kids generally don't care about long drives just to see a quick photo spot
  • Parents should schedule real pool/chill time, not just sightseeing
  • Flying as an unaccompanied minor is manageable and nothing to be too nervous about
  • Try to stay in the moment on the trip — Hawaii is worth the flight

Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes: 

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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.

Learn more at