Hawaii: A Native Perspective & Insider’s Access
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Catherine Morris
Owasso, OK Travel Agent
L&C Travel Agency, an independent agent with WorldVia, a Travel Leaders Agency
Areas of expertise
Destinations:
Hawaii, Hilo, Hawaii, Lihue, Kauai, Lahaina, Maui, Oahu IslandInterests:
Women's Travel, Luxury, Beach Vacations, Arts & Culture, Bucket ListSuppliers:
Viator, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, KensingtonAbout Me
Visiting Kauai's waterfalls
Hawaii & Global Heritage: A Native Daughter’s Commitment to Preservation
Being a native daughter of Oahu is the heartbeat of my travel philosophy. It has instilled in me a deep commitment to cultural preservation—not just in Hawaii, but across the globe. For my female clients, I act as a cultural liaison, ensuring your travels are as respectful as they are restorative.
I specialize in "Heart-Led" travel for women:
- Meaningful Access: I connect you with local artisans, historians, and experiences that celebrate and sustain the unique identity of each destination.
- Safe & Intentional Exploration: Whether you are traveling solo or with a guided group, I ensure you feel at home in the world while leaving a positive footprint behind.
- Inclusive Excellence: Melding my Celiac-safe expertise with local culinary traditions so you can experience a culture’s "soul" through its food, safely and authentically.
When we travel with respect for the past, we create more vibrant memories for the future.
Let’s design a journey that honors your story and the destinations we visit.
Areas of expertise
Destinations:
Hawaii, Hilo, Hawaii, Lihue, Kauai, Lahaina, Maui, Oahu IslandInterests:
Women's Travel, Luxury, Beach Vacations, Arts & Culture, Bucket ListSuppliers:
Viator, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, KensingtonMy Places
When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.
Hilo, Hawaii, Hawaii, USA
Been There 23 Times
Must Do:
Beyond the waterfalls, spend a morning wandering downtown Hilo. Visit the local shops and grab some authentic strawberry mochi—a sweet, island staple! It’s the perfect way to experience the authentic, slow-paced magic of Hawaii.
Disneyland, California, USA
Been There 32 Times
Must Do:
Timing Your Magic Disneyland is a favorite for SoCal locals! To beat the crowds, I recommend booking during the shoulder seasons. You'll get the best of the park with fewer crowds, making that iconic photo in front of 'it's a small world' even easier.
Walt Disney World, Florida, USA
Been There 20 Times
Must Do:
The Deluxe Advantage: Sunset & Short Lines I specialize in maximizing Extended Evening Hours for my clients. As a frequent Deluxe Resort guest, I know exactly how to use these times to hit the biggest attractions with virtually no wait!
Disneyland Paris, France, Europe
Been There
Must Do:
Castles and Dragons. Capture your iconic selfie in front of the world's most beautiful Disney castle, then head underneath! Visiting the dragon lurking in the caverns below the castle is a unique, must-do experience you won't find at any other Disney park
Nova Scotia, Canada
Been There
Must Do:
Don't miss the stunning views at Peggy's Cove! It’s a short trip from the Halifax pier and offers the best photo ops in Canada. Be sure to try the local seafood while you’re there—the lobster is as fresh as it gets!
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, Caribbean
Been There
Must Do:
Don't stay at the pier! Head into the heart of Puerto Plata to see the incredible street art and the famous Pink Street. It’s the perfect place to grab a local coffee and admire the vibrant creativity of the island.
Jamaica, Caribbean
Been There
Must Do:
Explore the incredible caves at Discovery Bay! Walking through the underground chambers and seeing the 'grotto' lake is a fantastic way to see the natural beauty of Jamaica beyond the sand and surf.
Panama Canal, Panama, Central America
Been There
Must Do:
Experience the thrill of being lifted by gravity alone! My top tip: watch from a forward deck as the 'mules' pull your ship through the Miraflores Locks. It’s a bucket-list moment 85 days in the making.
Turkey, Europe
Been There
Must Do:
While the Grand Bazaar is iconic, I recommend my clients visit the local neighborhood food markets. Tasting the incredible variety of fresh, flavorful ingredients is a 'Must Do' for anyone who truly loves authentic travel.
Ensenada, Baja California Norte, Mexico
Been There 2 Times
Must Do:
Ensenada is the birthplace of the fish taco! Skip the ship buffet and head to the local stalls near the port. Pair it with a local Mexican lager for the ultimate, easy-going cruise afternoon.
Tulum, Mexico, Mexico
Been There
Must Do:
Tulum is a must-see on a Western Caribbean cruise. I recommend visiting early to beat the heat, then heading down to the beach below the ruins for a quick dip in the ocean—it’s the most beautiful backdrop in Mexico!
Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Been There
Must Do:
Cozumel is a foodie’s paradise. I love wandering near the port to discover the different local spices and fresh salsas. Noticing the subtle, vibrant flavors of the region is a must for any visitor!
Glacier Bay, Alaska, USA
Been There 3 Times
Must Do:
For the best experience, book a balcony stateroom and order room service breakfast on your Glacier Bay day. There is nothing like sipping hot coffee and enjoying a quiet meal from the warmth of your own room.
Nawiliwilli, Kauai, Hawaii, USA
Been There 3 Times
Must Do:
Kauai is stunning, but the 'Garden Isle' rain is real! My top tip: if the clouds roll in at Nawiliwili, jump on the local trolley tour. It’s a comfortable way to see the lush green valleys and waterfalls without getting soaked.
Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii, USA
Been There 50 Times
Must Do:
The hike up Diamond Head is a true Oahu staple. Be prepared for those famous narrow stairs—there's only enough space for one person to go up or down at a time! The reward is a panoramic view of the coast that makes every step worth it.
Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Been There
Must Do:
You haven't truly experienced baseball until you've been to Fenway Park. My 'Must Do' is catching a game from the iconic grandstands—you are closer to the action here than at any other park in the country. The history and energy are unmatched!
Seattle, Washington, USA
Been There 12 Times
Must Do:
Don't just see the Space Needle; explore the entire Seattle Center campus! It’s a short walk from the waterfront and Pike Place Market. Spend your afternoon tasting your way through the market—the local flavors here are unmatched.
My Travel Stories
Hawaii Through the Eyes of a Native Daughter
Hawaii isn't just a destination for me; it’s home. Born and raised on Oahu, my perspective on the islands is rooted in the culture and the land (‘aina). Being part-Hawaiian, I view travel to the islands as more than a vacation—it’s a connection to a vibrant heritage that I love sharing with other women who seek more tha...
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Client Testimonials
Testimonial: Beyond Expectations - Bespoke Europe
We are so excited for our upcoming journey to Rome and Paris this June! Working with Cathy has been a dream; everything we asked for was provided plus so much more.
The attention to detail is incredible. We really wanted a walkable experience, and the hotels selected are perfectly situated in the heart of each city. What truly blew us away were the custom pocket guides she made —that include curated things to do, local dining gems, and even helpful phrases to help us immerse ourselves in the culture. We feel completely prepared and supported for our summer escape.
If you want a stress-free, high-touch planning experience, look no further!
The C Family
Jen C., Kansas
Testimonial: Bali & Hong Kong - Luxury Experience
Had the absolute trip of a lifetime to Bali and Hong Kong - celebrating a special occasion.
I normally plan all our trips and I loved giving up the responsibility to research and plan this trip. The hotels were gorgeous, the private excursions were amazing, and our private driver shared a lot history and local information.
The women of L&C Travel Agency were amazing and I am recommending them to our friends and family.
Lindsey E.R., California
Testimonial: Sail away success!
I had an outstanding experience with Cathy of L & C Travel Agency for my Virgin Voyages Caribbean cruise. From start to finish, Cathy went above and beyond to make the entire process seamless and enjoyable.
What truly set Cathy apart was her consistent communication and support - she checked in throughout the entire travel planning process and made sure everything was on track.
If you're looking for a knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely caring travel advisor, I highly recommend Cathy and L & C Travel Agency. Cathy made what could have been a complicated process feel effortless and I couldn't be happier with my experience.
Ann S., North Carolina