The Hawaiian Islands Have My Heart

View My Main Profile
Maria Shepherd, Travel Agent in Syracuse, NY

Maria Shepherd

Syracuse, NY Travel Agent
Super Agent

Maria Shepherd

Syracuse, NY · 3 Years of Experience

Traveling Familia, an independent agent with Inteletravel, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
5.0
(17)
100% Recommended
Maria is awesome! From our first chat over coffee, with me telling Maria that I have no idea where to begin to our post-trip coffee, with... Read More >
About
Reviews
My Places

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Haleakala, Maui, Hana, Maui, Honolulu, Oahu, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, Wailea, Maui

Interests:

Adventure, Beach Vacations, Bucket List, Celebration Travel, Family Vacations

About Me

A Beautiful Hawaiian Sunset
A Beautiful Hawaiian Sunset

Hawaii has held a special place in my heart for more than 25 years. Over the years, I’ve explored Maui, Kauai, Oahu, and the Big Island of Hawaii, and what I love most is that each island has its own unique personality, beauty, energy, and rhythm of life. No matter which island you visit, there is something incredibly special about the spirit of aloha - the warmth of the people, the deep connection to nature, and the feeling of slowing down and truly being present.

Maui is especially close to my heart and one of my favorite places in the world. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted with warm ocean breezes, swaying palm trees, and stunning sunsets that seem to stop time. I love the beautiful Wailea and Makena areas with their gorgeous beaches, luxury resorts, incredible snorkeling, and laid-back atmosphere. One of the most unforgettable experiences in Maui is driving the legendary Road to Hana, where waterfalls tumble down lush cliffsides, tropical flowers bloom everywhere you look, and small local fruit stands and roadside shops invite you to slow down and savor the journey itself. Fresh banana bread, locally grown fruit, and breathtaking ocean views around every turn make it one of the most sensory-filled drives imaginable.

The Big Island of Hawaii offers a completely different kind of beauty - wild, dramatic, and deeply connected to nature. The contrast of black lava rock against brilliant blue ocean water feels almost otherworldly. Visiting Hawai?i Volcanoes National Park is one of the most powerful experiences I’ve ever had, standing among ancient lava fields and witnessing the incredible force that continues to shape the island today. I also loved exploring Kona, visiting local coffee farms, horseback riding along the lush northern coastline, and experiencing the island’s incredible range of landscapes from volcanic terrain to green rolling hills.

Kauai feels peaceful, untouched, and breathtakingly lush, often called the “Garden Isle” for good reason. Towering emerald mountains, dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and quiet beaches create an atmosphere that feels incredibly calming and connected to nature. Oahu beautifully blends vibrant Hawaiian culture, history, beautiful beaches, and world-famous experiences with incredible food, shopping, and adventure.

Hawaii’s ocean experiences are equally unforgettable. Some of my favorite memories include snorkeling in crystal-clear water alongside sea turtles, paddle boarding along calm coastlines, and watching humpback whales breach right from the beach during migration season. There is something absolutely breathtaking about hearing the sound of whales exhaling in the distance while standing barefoot in the sand with the salty air and warm Hawaiian sun surrounding you.

For travelers seeking adventure, Hawaii offers endless opportunities — parasailing above turquoise water, biking down Haleakala at sunrise, snorkeling vibrant reefs, whale watching, hiking through rainforests, exploring volcanic landscapes, and discovering hidden beaches and local towns along the way. But beyond the activities themselves, what makes Hawaii so unforgettable is how it makes you feel.

The scent of plumeria in the air, the sound of waves crashing against lava rock, the warmth of the sun on your face, the colors of the ocean at sunset, and the feeling of truly slowing down and reconnecting with the people you love most. Helping couples and families experience that magic for themselves is one of my greatest joys as a travel advisor.

Additional Languages
Spanish

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
17 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
Search reviews:

Showing 17 reviews

Amazing mother-daughter trip!
Reviewed By M&Ekleb - Milan, Parma, Rome | Traveled to Italy | Europe
Maria is awesome! From our first chat over coffee, with me telling Maria that I have no idea where to begin to our post-trip coffee, with me showing her pictures ~ her excitement was contagious. She doesn’t do this just because SHE loves to travel, she does this because she wants you to love it too. Maria made everything easy. Looking at flights & hotels, info for tickets to certain places, options for transportation, etc. I highly recommend Maria for any travel needs or questions you might have. I cannot thank her enough, and look forward to another trip just to work with her.
Maria Shepherd responded
"Thank you! I appreciate your thoughtful words! I am so happy that you had such an amazing mother-daughter trip to Italy! Here's to more coffee, more chats about travel, and more memories made on future trips!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Malta, Sicily, Florence, Milan, and London--an unforgettable holiday in Europe
Reviewed By HappyRetiree - Syracuse, NY | Traveled to Agrigento, Sicily | Italy | Europe
Maria is an exceptional travel agent and person. My wife and I have used Maria for extended European trips in the past few years. Her service has been exceptional. She booked excellent flights for us and worked with the airlines and us to ensure a great trip. Maria really listens to what our desires and needs are. Our most recent trip took us to Malta, a small ship cruise around Sicily with Ponant, two weeks in Florence and time in London. The hotels she recommended were exceptional. Great location. Superb staff. Excellent restaurants. Indeed, we stayed again in a Florence hotel that she found for us the year before. She has worked with concierges to handle details. She did the big things and the little things that really made our experience a breeze. She is a joy to work with. Knowledgeable, caring, experienced, professional. I can’t recommend her enough.
Maria Shepherd responded
"Thank you so much! I appreciate you being loyal clients and allowing me to help you with all of your amazing vacations!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
An experience I'l remember forever <3
Reviewed By QMS10 - Naples, Florida | Traveled to Norway | Europe
My mom and I have always had the travel bug. Throughout my childhood, she believed strongly in the power of immersion and experience through travel. So when I had the opportunity to study abroad in my final semester of college, there was never a doubt in my mind that I would go. The memories I made while studying in my home countries and traveling across Europe are ones I will always hold dear to my heart. However, as my travels abroad came to a close, I realized just how much I craved a new experience like that with my mom. It had been some time since we traveled somewhere new, but that didn't stop Maria. She thoughtfully considered every possible detail of our shared travel history and what we hoped to gain from this new adventure, then proposed somewhere brand new: Norway. This beautiful country had always been on our bucket list, so Maria crafted the perfect itinerary - one that balanced adventure and exploration with immersive cultural experiences and precious mother-daughter time. The thought and care that Maria put into this trip was evident every step of the way. I can never thank her enough for the time and effort she devoted to making this experience unique and memorable. The memories we made this trip I know I will cherish forever <3. Thank you, Maria!
Maria Shepherd responded
"Thanks for your very sweet words! I'm so glad that you and your mom had such a memorable time together in Norway! I can't wait to help you on your next mother-daughter adventure!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Amazingly knowledgeable and helpful!
Reviewed By ChemCzarina - Syracuse, NY | Traveled to London | England | Europe
Maria made our travel plans so smooth and flawless! Flights, car services, accommodations, recommendations all were superb and reliable. And it is so helpful to have an expert (a live person!) to field questions to!
Maria Shepherd responded
"Thank you! I appreciate your kind words! I'm so glad you had a magnificent time on your incredible European vacation!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
A Perfect Experience!
Reviewed By Cruise Fanatic - Syracuse, NY | Traveled to Bahamas | Caribbean
I am a 78 year old female who was always afraid to take a cruise because of the fear of motion sickness. Unbeknownst to me, my daughter gave me a cruise for Christmas. She had contacted Maria Shepherd with Traveling Familia upon the recommendations of friends to book the cruise. I was a bit hesitant at first about the cruise but figured I would try it. Ms. Shepherd handled every single detail of the trip from hotels, tickets, and even selecting off-ship excursions. All we had to do was show up! And. . .I had the absolute best time of my life, all thanks to Ms. Shepherd's help. The excursions were exciting & such great experiences. Everything from planning the cruise to the actual cruise was perfect thanks to Maria's travel experience herself, her vast knowledge of the travel industry, and her desire to make this cruise a memorable one, especially for me. I am definitely going to book another cruise & Maria will be handling the entire process. I would strongly recommend her for any & all of your travel plans as she is personable, professional and goes above and beyond to make your trip the absolute best!
Maria Shepherd responded
"Thank you so much for your very kind words! I am so glad that you and your daughter had such a special mother-daughter trip together and that you have so many amazing memories! I look forward to helping you plan more special trips!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO

My 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.
BESbswy