Meet Marcie Cheung

We were lucky to catch up with Marcie Cheung recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Marcie, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

Oh my gosh, the imposter syndrome was real when I started. I remember sitting there thinking, “Who am I to tell people how to visit Hawaii?” Like, yes, I’d been dozens of times. Yes, I had this deep connection through hula and years of experience. But I kept comparing myself to these huge travel bloggers and convinced myself my voice was just… noise.

The shift happened when I stopped looking sideways at what everyone else was doing and started looking at who I was actually helping. I’ll never forget the first few messages from parents telling me, “Your guide made our first Hawaii trip so much less stressful!” That’s when it clicked — this wasn’t about being the biggest expert in the room. It was about being the friend they could trust to help them plan an amazing trip.

Now every time I sit down to write a blog post or record a podcast episode, I think about that parent who’s overwhelmed and Googling at 11pm. That’s who I’m talking to.

Does imposter syndrome still creep in sometimes? Absolutely. But I’ve learned to talk back to it: I’ve done the work. I’ve lived these experiences. And honestly? Being a mom who’s been to Hawaii 40+ times gives me a perspective that’s really valuable — especially for families who are planning their very first trip and have no idea where to start.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m the founder of Hawaii Travel with Kids, and honestly? It started because I was just a mom who couldn’t stop talking about Hawaii. I’d been visiting the islands for years, and every time a friend asked me for advice, I’d send them these ridiculously long emails packed with tips. Eventually, I thought, “Maybe I should just put this all in one place.” That one place turned into a blog, which somehow became this trusted resource that now helps thousands of families every month.

At this point, I’ve been to Hawaii more than 40 times. I’ve done the luxury resorts, the budget-friendly condos, the “we’re eating groceries for dinner tonight” trips, all of it. And through my years of dancing hula, I’ve built this deeper connection to Hawaiian culture that really shapes how I help families travel there. It’s not just about the best beaches (though we’ll definitely talk about those). It’s about experiencing Hawaii in a way that feels meaningful and respectful.

Right now, one of my favorite things I’m working on is my podcast, Hawaii Travel Made Easy. Every week, I’m basically giving you the friend advice I’d share if we were chatting over coffee. Insider tips, cultural context, local spots that aren’t on every “Top 10” list. The messages I get from listeners who say they finally feel ready for their trip? That’s the good stuff.

I also do one-on-one travel consultations, which I absolutely love. There’s something so satisfying about sitting down with a family (virtually, usually with their coffee in hand and mine too), figuring out exactly what they need. Whether that’s choosing the right island, stretching their budget, or just not making the rookie mistakes I’ve seen a hundred times. Those conversations are hands-down my favorite part of what I do.

Looking ahead, I’m expanding the podcast, creating more digital travel guides, and adding new itineraries and printables for each island. My whole mission is simple: make planning Hawaii easier, more affordable, and way more authentic for families so you can spend less time stressing and more time actually making those memories that stick with your kids forever.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Three Qualities That Shaped My Journey
1. Authenticity and Cultural Respect

From the beginning, I knew that sharing about Hawaii came with responsibility. My background as a hula dancer and years of connection to the islands taught me the importance of cultural respect and storytelling. Being authentic, not just chasing trends, has helped me build trust with families and with local communities.

My advice? Take the time to learn deeply about the topics you’re sharing. People can tell when your passion is real, and that connection is what makes your work meaningful.

2. Consistency and Adaptability

Blogging, podcasting, and running a digital business take endurance. I’ve published hundreds of articles, created dozens of digital products, and launched a weekly podcast. Not every post or episode is a home run, but showing up consistently while staying flexible has been key. When I saw my audience shifting to podcasts and Pinterest video, I adapted instead of stubbornly sticking to just blogging.

If you’re just starting out, focus on progress over perfection. Keep showing up and be willing to evolve with your audience. You don’t need to be everywhere at once, but you do need to pay attention to where your people are actually spending their time.

3. Empathy and a Service Mindset

Everything I create, from itineraries to one-on-one travel consults, comes from wanting to make family travel easier and more joyful. Remembering that I’m helping real parents plan real vacations keeps me grounded and motivated.

Here’s what I’d tell anyone building something similar: Listen to your audience. Read their emails, their DMs, their questions. The more you understand what they actually need (not what you think they need), the more valuable your work becomes. Sometimes the best content ideas come straight from a confused parent asking, “Wait, so which island should we go to with a toddler?”

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Absolutely! I love partnering with brands and creators who share my passion for helping families travel smarter and more meaningfully. Hawaii Travel with Kids reaches a really engaged audience of parents who are actively planning Hawaii vacations through my blog, email list, and podcast.

I’m especially interested in working with travel companies, tour operators, hotels, family-friendly product brands, and Hawaii-based small businesses. Here are some ways we could work together:

Podcast sponsorships: Pre-roll, mid-roll, or post-roll ads on Hawaii Travel Made Easy, plus mentions on my @hawaiitravelwithkids Instagram.

Email newsletter sponsorships: Shoutouts in my weekly newsletter that reaches over 12,000 families actively planning their Hawaii trips.

Sponsored blog posts and guides: Authentic, helpful content that introduces families to your brand while they’re in planning mode. I only write about products and experiences I genuinely believe will help my audience.

I’m also totally open to creative partnerships like giveaways, affiliate collaborations, or even joint digital products that serve families heading to Hawaii.

If you’re reading this and thinking we might be a good fit, the easiest way to reach me is through my website at HawaiiTravelwithKids.com or by emailing me directly at [email protected]. I’d love to hear what you’re working on and see if there’s a way we can work together to help more families have amazing Hawaii experiences.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hawaiitravelwithkids
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hawaiitravelwithkids
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcie-cheung-415434237
• Other: https://hawaiitravelmadeeasy.buzzsprout.com