Interview with Bryan Murphy, Owner, Hawaii's Best Travel

For readers meeting you for the first time, who are you and how do you work within Hawaii’s travel ecosystem today?

I’m Bryan Murphy, the founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel and host of the Hawaii’s Best Travel podcast. I’m a member of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau and a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert through the state tourism authority.

I help first-time visitors and families plan Hawaii trips that are practical, respectful, and grounded in local insight. My focus is on responsible travel that supports local communities and protects what makes the islands special.

What path led you to specialize in Hawaii trip planning and regenerative tourism?

I started by traveling to Hawaii often with my own family and realizing how overwhelming trip planning can be for first-time visitors. Over time, through conversations with local residents, business owners, and cultural practitioners, I saw how tourism choices directly affect communities and places. That led me to focus not just on helping people plan better trips, but on encouraging travel that gives back, respects local culture, and helps protect Hawaii for the long term.

When a new client is unsure which island to choose, what framework do you use in the first 15 minutes to match them to Oahu, Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island and the right season?

I start by asking how they want their days to feel, not what activities they think they need to check off. In the first few minutes, I look at who is traveling, how long they have, and their comfort level with driving and planning. From there, I match islands to pace and priorities.

Oahu works well for first-time visitors who want variety and convenience. Maui is a good fit for couples and families who want beaches with some adventure. Kauai is best for travelers who want nature and a slower pace. The Big Island is ideal for people who like space, diversity, and exploring on their own.

Once the island is clear, I layer in the season based on weather patterns, crowd levels, and major events so expectations are realistic from the start.

Once the island is chosen, what is your step-by-step process for designing a 5–7 day itinerary that balances must‑see spots with low‑impact, community‑centered experiences?

First, I anchor the trip around where they are staying and limit daily driving, so the itinerary feels relaxed and not rushed. Next, I identify one must-see experience per day and build the rest of the day around it with nearby beaches, food spots, or short walks. Then, I layer in low-impact experiences such as local restaurants, cultural sites that welcome visitors, and easy nature stops that do not require permits or heavy crowds. I also intentionally leave open space in the schedule so that families and couples can slow down and adjust.

Finally, I review the plan through a community lens by avoiding overused hotspots when possible and steering visitors toward experiences that support local businesses and respect the place they are visiting.

For multi‑generational or family trips, what early decisions do you lock in to prevent stress later?

Early on, I lock in accommodations and rental cars, because those two choices shape everything else. I also set expectations around pace so no one feels pressure to do too much.

For multi-generational trips, I prioritize locations with easy beach access, simple logistics, and nearby food options so days stay flexible. Once those foundations are set, the rest of the planning becomes much smoother and far less stressful for everyone involved.

On the supplier side, how do you vet and select local partners, tours, and accommodations to ensure your trips are responsible and regenerative?

I’m not a travel agent, so I do not book trips or sell tours. My role is to research, vet, and recommend options so travelers can make informed choices. I look for locally owned or locally operated businesses, a clear respect for land access and cultural sites, and operators who limit group size and educate visitors along the way.

I also pay attention to how businesses talk about Hawaii, who benefits from the experience, and whether they actively give back to the community. If something feels extractive or purely volume-driven, I steer people away from it.

Focusing on Maui today, what visitor experiences genuinely support local recovery and dignity?

On Maui, especially in and around Lahaina, the most meaningful way visitors can support local recovery is by spending intentionally and respectfully in areas that are open and welcoming to visitors. That means choosing locally owned restaurants, shops, and tour operators, following posted guidance, and avoiding restricted or sensitive areas. Recovery should never be treated as a sightseeing experience.

Experiences that focus on culture, small group activities, and local storytelling help support livelihoods while preserving dignity. Showing up with patience, awareness, and respect truly matters right now.

Zooming into Honolulu and Waikiki, what practical tactics help travelers avoid crowds and overly commercial experiences while still enjoying the highlights?

In Honolulu and Waikiki, timing and geography make the biggest difference. I encourage visitors to do popular sights early in the morning or later in the day, then spend midday in less concentrated areas. Walking just a few blocks off the main strip often leads to quieter beaches, local food spots, and a more relaxed pace.

I also recommend balancing time in Waikiki with short trips to nearby neighborhoods or natural areas so the experience does not feel entirely commercial while still enjoying the highlights that make the area appealing.

Looking ahead to 2025, how would you design a “silent travel” day on Oahu, Kauai, Maui, or the Big Island that honors place and people?

A silent travel day is about slowing the pace and letting the place lead. On any island, I would start with a quiet morning walk, beach visit, or lookout where observation matters more than photos.

Midday would be simple, such as supporting a local cafe or market and spending time in one area rather than moving around.

The rest of the day would be unstructured, focused on rest, reflection, and being present, whether that means sitting by the ocean, listening to local music, or learning a bit of island history. The goal is fewer plans, less noise, and more respect for the people and the place you are visiting.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise. Is there anything else you'd like to add?

The biggest thing I would add is that Hawaii is not just a destination; it is home to real communities. When travelers slow down, ask better questions, and travel with intention, the experience becomes more meaningful for them and more respectful for the place they are visiting. That mindset shift often matters more than any single itinerary or activity.