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

Owen’s Kid’s-Eye Guide to Hawaii: Acai Bowls, Island Rankings, and Flying Solo at 10Host 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 Owen00:57 Hawaii Credentials02:15 Acai Bowl Quest03:24 Kid Approved Activities04:38 Island Rankings06:26 Flying Solo09:43 Parents Plan Too Much11:07 Five Minute Hawaii Advice12:08 Wrap Up ResourcesGuest: 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)MauiKauaiBig Island (Kohala)Activities discussed:Eating acai bowlsEating shave iceBeach timeZip lining (Kohala zip line, Big Island)Flying as an unaccompanied minorPool timeRestaurants discussed:Tropical Tribe (Waikiki) — Owen's pick for best acai bowl after a February taste-test missionMarcie's recommendations: N/A this episode (guest-led kid's perspective; see Guest recommendations)Guest recommendations (Owen):Best acai bowl: Tropical Tribe in WaikikiBeach time is a must-do on every tripIsland ranking: Big Island first (thanks to the Kohala zip line), then Kauai, then Maui, then OahuMaui is best for pools and beaches; Kauai is best for foodKids generally don't care about long drives just to see a quick photo spotParents should schedule real pool/chill time, not just sightseeingFlying as an unaccompanied minor is manageable and nothing to be too nervous aboutTry to stay in the moment on the trip — Hawaii is worth the flightRelated Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes: Where I Actually Eat on Maui— Ep 132Where I eat on Oahu— Ep 112What First-Time Hawaii Travelers Always Overestimate— Ep 121Related articles: I Took My 12-Year-Old to Maui for 4 Days (February 2026)6 Days on Oahu in 2026: Honest Reviews, Hidden Gems, and a Car Rental NightmareAbout 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 hawaiitravelwithkids.comConnect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/