No comments about The land of the o-o: Facts, figures, fables, and fancies.

No comments about Popout Map Hawaii: The Big Island (Popout Map).

No comments about Insight Guides Hawaii Smart Guide (Insight Smart Guides).

No comments about Our new possessions: Four books in one. A graphic account, descriptive and historical, of the tropic islands of the sea which have fallen under our sway, ... the Pacific, and their commercial relations.

No comments about The Burning Island: A Journey Through Myth and History in Volcano Country, Hawaii.

3 comments about The Call to Hawaii: A Wellness Vacation Guidebook.

1. This well-researched book by sisters Laura and Betsy Crites is a welcome addition to the growing health and wellness revolution that is joyfully happening in our beautiful 50th state. In addition to excellent information written by various health care practitioners, it offers clear insight into Hawaiian cultural traditions relating to healing and suggests different types of wellness vacations, such as "Nature as Healer," "Lifestyle Modification," and lots of treatment therapies that can be found on the various islands.
   The second two thirds of the book provide the reader with detailed information about each island and what is available there, including, most importantly, listings of places to visit, practitioners of all kinds who are available to augment a wellness vacation, healing accommodations, and much, much more! It is truly a treasure for people who are seeking lifestyle changes, healing from physical and emotional illnesses, and even for those of us who live in Hawaii. We now know who is out there practicing various healing modalities and that we are not alone in our personal quest for healing and for spreading the good word about the wonderful healing resources available in this rapidly-growing area of Hawaiian tourism.



2. As a travel journalist and Publisher/Editor of Travel with a Challenge web magazine, I have specialized in researching meaningful "alternative" travel for the past decade, that is, ecological, educational, cultural and volunteer vacations worldwide. As such, I welcome this guidebook which breaks new ground in educationally directing vacationers to health and wellness travel opportunities in the Hawaiian Islands. It is a pathbreaking guide to a theme that is clearly in demand, especially within the growing mature travel audience I largely serve, a travel audience either trying to get well or determined to stay well far into their elder decades. The variety of options is mindboggling, catering to every taste from ultra-conservative to way-out New Age. Hawaii is one of the most popular travel destinations on earth -- this book will help all styles of vacationers discover how to move way beyond Waikiki with existing vacation plans to the Islands, or maybe attract new vacationers there for the first time.



3. The seven categories of wellness vacations really helped you think about how to focus your vacation so it can make a difference in your life and possibly the lives of others. Also, it's full of ideas for how to actually make such a vacation happen. Of course, Hawaii seems to lend itself to healing and wellness so what better place to try a wellness vacation?

1 comments about Econoguide Cruises 2005: Cruising the Caribbean, Hawaii, New England, Alaska, and Europe (Econoguide Series).

1. Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (1/07)
   
   Every question you've ever had about cruising and quite a few you've never known how to ask will be answered if you take the time to read this marvelously comprehensive guide to cruising the Caribbean, Hawaii, New England, Alaska and Europe. Corey Sandler's "Econoguide® Cruises" is a wonderfully informative guide to choosing, booking and enjoying the perfect cruise vacation.
   
   The book starts with tips on "How to Choose a Cruise" (including extremely valuable information on how to get the best possible rate), "How Big is BIG?" (great tips on whether bigger is better and when is a new ship better than an old classics), "Where in the World Do You Want to Go?" (with practical tips on ports of call and ports of embarkation and more), "How to Buy a Cruise" (choice of travel agent, need for insurance, best way to pay for cruise) and "Your Home on the Water" (how to choose the cabin).
   
   The following sections deal with the life on board - including very detailed descriptions of possible expenses on board and how to best deal with them, safety at sea, dining on the high seas (including my all-time favorite cruise advice on a sensible dining strategy - Don't be afraid to skip a meal. Missing an occasional breakfast or lunch won't kill you.), getting to the port on time (very, very important - you definitely do not want to wave good-bye to your ship leaving without you!) and the "Before You Set Sail" section (valuable advice on what to pack, tips on paperwork and passports, medical needs and personal supplies, cameras, arriving at the pier, boarding, immigration and customs information and lifeboat drills).
   
   This practical part is followed by wonderfully entertaining and informative cruise diaries from 13 different cruises. While amusing reading in themselves, they also offer additional insights into the life on board of different ships. They should also make you want to experience each and every one of those voyages.
   
   The last part of the book deals with cruise line ratings, ownership, description of different cruise lines, several ships and even the history of cruising. And to make your next cruise even better, the author included a glossary, so you won't act like a total landlubber and stagger around looking for starboard without the slightest idea what that might be.
   
   Engaging, informative and truly practical, "Econoguide® Cruises" is an ideal companion for anybody wanting to learn more about cruising and eager to choose the most suitable cruise as well as get the best deal possible booking it and enjoying the activities both on board and in the ports of call. The author's down-to-earth, no-nonsense approach will definitely make your next cruise experience a much better one.

No comments about The paradise of the Pacific,.

4 comments about Geckos & Other Guests: Tales of a Kaua'i Bed & Breakfast.

1. I read the book, cover to cover in just 2 days, could hardly put it down. Gabriala Taylor's subtle and dry humor make the book very pleasant to read, and many of the stories are only-on-Kauai kind of outragous. Although the book does not deal with beaches or most other tourist activities, it will bring back memories if you have ever visited Kauai. It also gives some insights into the pace, lifestyle, troubles and charisma of this beautiful island and her people.



2. This book took me back 33 years to my early college days as a student of Gabriela's to visiting her after she built her first home on the land in 1977 when I was living on Maui and she was incubating her dream/vision of the B & B in Kaua'i. This book is autobiographical and introduces the reader to an incredible woman. To know her is to have been touched by an unforgetably alive and creative personality. In addition to the delightful humor and lovely word images there is a story of personal growth and evolution. If you want an inside story of the magic of Kaua'i look no further. It's been 21 years since our paths last crossed and Gabriela inspires and amazes me still!



3. The book is an enjoyable read. I agree with one of the reviewers that the book is more autobiographical than a how-to on running a B&B. It's also be written in a style that reminds me of my childhood in Hawaii when we would "talk stories" on the porch. It's conversational. The situations in each chapter flowed easily from one to another and the sometimes intimate details provided insights into the personality of the author. These descriptions do provide examples of the good and bad stuff when running a B&B.
   I've had the pleasure of staying at Gabriela's B&B. Now I've got a greater appreciation of the behind-the-scene efforts to make the vistors comfortable.



4. Had Peter Mayle gone to Hawaii rather than to Provence, he might have written this book instead. Like "My Year in Provence," this book is filled with the frustrations and humor of building a new life in a romantic place.
   
   For those of us who have visited Hawaii and dreamed of starting over in paradise, Gabriela Taylor helps us see what it would be like before we give up our day jobs.
   
   These amusing stories of eccentric guests and staff will delight you and her spirit of adventure may even inspire you to go after your own dreams.

No comments about Beautiful Hawaii,.