Sara Butruff

Apple Valley, MN

The Hawaiian Islands

My favorite thing about the Hawaiian Islands is the diversity of each. Which means you can have various experiences from one island to the next because they are all so different from each other.

My personal favorite is the Big Island of Ha...
Learn more about me.

My favorite thing about the Hawaiian Islands is the diversity of each. Which means you can have various experiences from one island to the next because they are all so different from each other.

My personal favorite is the Big Island of Hawaii. First timers will wonder what they've gotten themselves into when they land in Kona and look out the window and wonder if they've just landed on the moon. There’s black lava everywhere. You’ll experience the blackest nights you’ve ever seen which makes the starry skies shine with a breathtaking brilliance. There are so many different excursion options in this area. Especially compared to any of the other Hawaiian Islands. There are very few people here so if you’re looking for a quiet Hawaiian escape, this is the place to be. A 45-minute drive to the other side of the island is where you’ll find a lush green landscape and the entrance to Volcanoes National Park. If a volcano is erupting during your visit, the best way to see it is via a helicopter tour.

My other favorite is Oahu, which some people might find surprising. Oahu is where many experience Hawaii for the first time. The classic Waikiki shoreline with Diamond Head in the background is iconic and Pearl Harbor draws history buffs from across the world. But it’s a big city. It’s kind of like Las Vegas on the beach! The North Side of the island is where Oahu really shines. It’s a quiet area with endless beaches and cute little shops. The shrimp trucks are everywhere! You can stop and get a fresh seafood meal for practically nothing.

Kauai is for nature lovers. Those you like to put on their hiking boots and walk along green trails and experience the best that Mother Nature has to offer. It also tends to be fewer crowds on Kauai. If you’re looking for a fantastic beach vacation, you’re better to visit one of the other islands as Kauai just isn’t known for its beaches. Expect some rain here as it’s the wettest place on earth!

Maui is incredibly popular, can be more crowded, and is generally, overrated in my opinion. After the devastating 2023 Lahaina fire, that area is not accessible. It will be awhile before Lahaina will be able to accept visitors again, unfortunately, but the nearby Ka’anapali area is beautiful. The Wailea area can be kinda stuffy with its high end resorts and most activities will be in the Ka’anapali/Lahaina area. Rates to Maui are actually quite good right now. They are eager to bring back tourists after the fire which will help in the massive rebuilding efforts in Lahaina. If you’re looking to see whales, January through March is the best time to visit. And you don’t even have to take an excursion. From your hotel balcony you’ll be able to see plenty of whales.

I highly recommend getting yourself the traditional shaved ice on any of the islands. It’s a bit like a snow cone, but it’s in a bowl. You can pick your favorite flavored syrup, but be sure to get it topped with cream. Poke (pronounced POH-kay) is a dish made with marinated raw fish, vegetables, and rice and should not be missed. Going to a luau is very traditional. I've experienced many, many luaus through the years and all are not created equal. I can help you to find the best luau experience in terms of the show and the food.

I suggest not traveling over any holiday in order to avoid crowds and extremely high prices and November and December to avoid the rainy months. Otherwise, there really isn’t a bad time to visit Hawaii as the year-round average temperature is roughly 83 degrees.

The gorgeous lush green mountains of the islands are what call to you, begging you to return to this Pacific escape again and again. The sunsets are stunning. The sea and its treasures mesmerizing. Let me help you discover Hawaii!

Email me Call Me

Adventures by Disney

Andes Mountains, Peru

Adventures by Disney is the perfect cultural family vacation. There’s nothing like learning about the stories of our world through the eyes of Disney, who has been telling us all stories for many, many years.

If you’ve ever been curious to learn about other countries and their culture, but the idea of getting a history lesson just doesn’t appeal to you, then Adventures by Disney is for you! History is never boring when you’re actually standing where history took place and it’s brought to life for you by the incredible Adventure Guides and in-destination guides. If you have a few destinations on your “bucket list” there’s a very good chance that Adventures by Disney can take you there. There is no other international touring product out there for families that come close to the incredible experience that Disney an offer.

One of the very best things about an Adventures by Disney vacation is the Adventures Guides themselves. Each trip has 2 Adventure Guides - one from the United States and one from the country you’re visiting. So you get the perspective of the destination from a local AND from a US Citizen. Once you’re in destination, you will often pick up an additional guide to immerse you even further into the location with their own stories. The Adventure Guides each carry a backpack filled with anything and everything you could possibly need. Water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and in more of the remote destinations when the restroom facilities might not be the best, they will have anti-bacterial wipes and even toilet paper! Adventure Guides know what you need before you know you need it! Fun little surprises will appear throughout your trip to dazzle and delight the travelers, courtesy of your guides. The hiring process for an Adventure Guide is extensive. Disney doesn’t just hire anyone applying for the job. So you know you are always in the very best of hands. And you will never want for anything.

The simplicity of an Adventures by Disney vacation cannot be overstated. You can truly sit back and relax knowing that every detail of your vacation is covered. Even when you have free time to explore on your own and you need some recommendations as to where you should have dinner that night, your guides will have excellent suggestions for you. When you travel from one place to another, you never, ever touch your luggage. It leaves one hotel and magically appears in your room at your next hotel.

Adventures by Disney is for dreamers of all ages. While most of their tours are designed for families (generally with children as young as 6 or 8 depending on the location and level of activity) there are also adult-only experiences. Couples, honeymooners, young families, and multi-generational families will all experience a trip of a lifetime with Adventures by Disney.

My Reviews

110 of 169 people found this review helpful

Smooth Sailing!

My family and I had the pleasure of working with Sara for our Disney Cruise. I had done some initial research and quickly was inundated with information and options. Sara took a very overwhelming task and simplified it for me which was so fantastic and saved me hours of research and second guessing myself. She took the time to ask questions about my family to find out what was most important to us for our cruise and came back with exactly what we were looking for!

She goes the extra mile with her customers and is with you from the time you book until long after you trip is done following up to ensure you had a wonderful time.

She knows Disney so well and her passion for the brand/product is evident and gave me the confidence to know we would have a fabulous time. We truly enjoyed our 4-night cruise aboard the Disney Dream and have so many "magical" moments that will last a lifetime! Thank you Sara - you are the best -can't wait to book our next adventure with you!

By amh1769 from Victoria, MN
Traveled to Bahamas ~ Caribbean

I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Sara Butruff responded:
Ann, Thank you for booking your family vacation with me. The pictures of Jack with the Characters are priceless. It's those Magical moments that last forever. I can't wait to tell you about my Adventures by Disney this summer with family. It will be a Frischmann Family trip I am sure in a few years. Thank you again for your business it is greatly appreciated!