5 comments about Hawaii (Regional Guide).

1. I can very much reccomend this book to everyone planning to go to Hawaii. It has a section about every Hawaian Island open to travellers. You find general background information about the islands as well as very detailed information about things to do and see, lodging, dining and activities. It also picks out places that are usually less crowed than the major tourist accumulations.
   Lonely Planet Guide Books are an absolute MUST before I go on a trip.



2. I could barely read any of this book. The type is so tiny and hard to read, and the maps are all grey and difficult to read as well. Everything is just scrunched in there and you have to pore over that map to figure out what the heck you're looking at. They're way too busy. They cram too much detail into one map.
   
   Its information is segmented well, and it's good that they list operating hours and prices where they can, but I just can't squint at that little type. The lettering on some of these maps is literally as small as the head of a pin. I'm supposed to be able to whip this out of my backpack on the island and use it as a quick reference tool? This book is going back to the library; I'll just have to find another book to use.



3. I bought this for our honeymoon since we were visiting all the islands and this seems to cover everything. It was an entertaining read with good information.



4. I can't help but look at a Hawaii visitor guide and check out whether my favorite eateries, locations, and activities are included. This one has a lot, but it covers all the Hawaiian Islands that visitors may, well, visit! That's a lot of material for one book to cover if its intent is to be complete. There are island-specific books that give more info (for example, the "revealed" series), but this one is darn good. It certainly focuses more on the activities for the low budget traveler than most do.
   
   I know Oahu better than the other islands, so how accurate is Lonely Planet's Hawaii? It's pretty good. There are so many eateries in Honolulu than many are not included. Maybe its good that you will be steered away from my favorites! Seriously, I like The Shack in Hawaii Kai, Island Manapua in Manoa, and Volcano Joe's Island Bistro across from the UH campus for some delightful vegetarian. There's the Xcel outlet store in Haleiva, BBQ in Wahiawa, super diving off Makaha, and a less exploited trail and waterfall in Lyon Arboretum, right next to the heavily-used Manoa Falls trail.
   
   There were some favorites included. Willows is a buffet treat in Makiki, Deep Ecology in Haleiva is a very pleasant and knowledgeable dive shop, and the Honolulu Zoo, although okay as zoos go, has its Wildest Show in Town summer music series every week (only a $2 donation requested... cheapest deal in Waikiki).
   
   This isn't a bad choice for a guide book if you are only going to take one book. Nothing beats asking a local, however. Be friendly, and show aloha to the residents and to our special places. Don't litter, and pass a site by if it looks too crowded. There are plenty of things to see and do.
   
   Mahalo.



5. My husband and I honeymooned in Oahu and we took this AND the Frommer's guide along. I'd take either or both again.

1 comments about Frommer's Maui 2008 (Frommer's Complete).

1. The book was good as it did detail many restaurants and beaches. In addition, it provided a detailed map which is especially useful if you are planning on hiring a car. However, I would not recommend just using this book. There were some eatery's that were recommended in this book that were regarded by the "maui revealed book" as not as good. I would recommend using this book in addition to Maui revealed book. The later book is excellent. There is no fluff and will let you exactly what you need to know about Maui.

5 comments about 50 Thrifty Maui Restaurants.

1. Wow ... every restaurant we tried was exceptional. We were staying at the Ritz Kapalua, so we were eager to go off campus for great meals at cheaper prices. Take this book with you when you go to Maui. It's right on target.



2. This book is not very in-depth, the reviews are short and not terribly accurate. There are plenty of cheap places to eat if that's what you want and it feels like they wrote this book to travel around Maui as a "critic" to get recognition and cheap food. Maui Revealed is much better.



3. My husband and I used this guide for a 5 day trip to Maui in January 08. We found the reviews to be up-to-date and accurate. Yes, the descriptions are brief, but this is meant to be a lightweight pocket guide that you can throw in your beach bag or keep in the glove box of your rental car, whether you use it on the fly to find a casual place to munch, or want to plan for something a little more upscale but still within a budget. Most of the places listed here are casual condo resort restaurants, "mom & pop" digs, or fall under the "fast food" category (but there's only one chain restaurant listed). But afterall, this is Maui and unless you are at the Four Seasons or other upscale resort area restaurant you are probably fine to roll in with your flip flops and a t-shirt. We liked the specifics like instructions on where to park and suggested menu items to try. If you like to stay at your resort and dine at the typical touristy restaurants in Lahaina and Kihei, you wont find this book very useful. But if you are like us and like to explore "out of the way" Maui when you go and are looking to spend less than $20 (or less than $10) per person on a meal, this book will be indespensible during your driving tours around the island. You can save money and eat at the less expensive breakfast and lunch spots listed in this book, and then splurge a night or two on dinner at Mama's Fish House, Roy's/Kimo's/Lahaina Fish Co., and a luau or dinner show. We ate at at least 5 places recommended by this book while we were there, from oceanfront restaurants to tiny taco stands on the Hana Hwy. By the way, we've used Maui Revealed for years (who doesn't these days?), and 50 Thrifty lists a lot of restaurants that Maui Revealed doesn't. So spend the few bucks for this book and have an even bigger selection of restaurants to choose from when you get there!



4. We brought this book on our trip and used it frequently. We were very pleased with the book. It was accurate regarding the restaurants, locations, menu selections, and especially pricing.



5. A first we thought that we will end up where there was OK food, but we tasted better food than some of the more expensive tourist locations. Gives you that great island living experience, you go to towns where no tourists hang out, restraunts with friendly people, mom and pop shops where people care about you and the food they are serving. I highly recommend this book, even if you are not on a budget.

4 comments about Magic Tree House Collection Volume 7: Books 25-28: #25 Stage Fright on a Summer Night; #26 Good Morning, Gorillas; #27 Thanksgiving on Thursday; #28 High Tide in Hawaii (Magic Tree House Collection).

1. Ok, well, another reviewer pointed out that the number of stories decreased, but the length is the same, and believe it or not he's right. I wrote this before we got them, but after we did I checked how long they played and yep - sure enough, just about the same. The stories are getting longer and so much more imaginitive and fun (if that were possible!). I'd add the other 2 stars if I could, we're happy again :)
   
   
   
   Why are there only 4 stories on this set for nearly the same price as 8 on the previous three audio CD releases? I'll buy it because my daughter loves them, but I can't say I'm thrilled with paying only $2 less for half the content.



2. I agree with the other comment 100%. I am dissapointed at such a blatent marketing ploy to charge more money for less content. Done in the best "bait and switch", new and (not) improved tradition. I'll buy it for the same reason, but it is frustrating.



3. I have the audio CD versions of every story 1-24 and 29-32. I can tell you that the stories 29-32 are much longer than any of the books in the first few sets.
   
   For example, books 17-24 have a total play time of almost exactly 5 hours compared with books 29-32 with a total story time just over 5 hours. So, you get 50% less "books", but the same story reading time.
   
   I am just purchasing this set 25-28 now, and I do not yet know the running time of these stories. But.. you should evaluate the hours of audio enjoyment, not just the number of books when making your comparisons. Perhaps Amazon will add this information to the details, or perhaps I just missed it.



4. My son loves these stories and he learns a little about each destination. The only problem I have with the books is that proper sentence structure is not always used. Did the editors not notice? These books are for beginner readers, so it is confusing to them not to have proper "subject/verb" sentence structure.

5 comments about Snorkel Kauai: guide to the beaches and snorkeling of Hawaii (2nd Edition).

1. This guide is indispensable for locating the best snorkeling sites in Kauai. The information on public parking as well as entering and exiting the water at the sites is very helpful. I just returned from a trip to Kauai, and this book was absolutely priceless in helping me choose the best snorkeling sites on the island. If you're a serious snorkeler, this is the book for you! Even if you're interested only in swimming beaches on Kauai, this book is great for getting directions to the beaches and info on public parking.



2. Excellent guide. Gets you there, shows you where to go in, when not to go in, and what to look for. I've been to Kauai snorkeling at least 5 times, and this was the best ever, thanks to this guide. Highly recommended.



3. Very fast transaction! What great pictures! The directions and locales seem clear, can't wait to use this guide!



4. Snorkel Kaua'i has all of the great things we found in the Malinowskis' Snorkel Hawai'i, especially the snorkeling tips, site maps, and the very useful "Sites at a Glance" table. The table saved us a lot of time we put to better use by being in the water. The site descriptions and "how to" hints are written in a such a way that you feel sure the authors have experienced what they're describing. This book has something that the one on the Big Island doesn't -- the delightful color landscape and creature photos by Mel Malinowski and underwater shots by Jay Torborg. Besides being a valuable resource, it's a beautiful book.



5. If snorkeling is your thing, this book will provide a complete guide as to equipment recommendations, locations, getting to the right location, safety issues, as well as many beautiful photos which identify a number of fish available when you snorkel. I have these authors' book on Maui snorkeling which is quite good. This one is even better and more complete. A must buy for the avid Hawaiian snorkeler!

5 comments about So You Want to Live in Hawaii: The Guide to Settling and Succeeding in the Islands (Second Edition).

1. Hawaii is probably a wonderful place that I hope to visit someday like other destinations. I remember somebody I went to college with who told me that she planned to teach English in Hawaii and her husband would work in the construction trades. Once they got there, they learned that their jobs weren't enough. They started a business on the side which took up their evenings and weekends. They don't regret moving for a moment. She never finished her college training to teach and never got her bachelor's degree. As beautiful as paradise is, it is still far away from the mainland. I know people who want to pack up and move there from New Jersey but the reality is that even Hawaiians have moved to the mainland for work and more opportunities. I'm not dissing Hawaii for all it's beauty. It's paradise on earth but I don't think people think things through with such a move. For starters, you have to have money to live there or a job that pays well to afford the high cost of living. Do research in moving there, don't expect that it'll be easy. It won't. Don't think your problems won't follow you there because they will. Most important, you must take classes to be able to find work in any field. Retirement is another story but if you move anywhere, you have to do research. The book describes people who have made the move there. It's like an "aaliyah" that Jewish Americans do when they immigrate to Israel with their families. DOn't expect it to be easy, nothing in life is ever easy. Visting the islands is one thing, moving is quite another drastic step.
   As far as negative, the author puts a realistic view of moving to paradise. People uproot and move thinking it would be easy. I knew a postal worker who transferred there from New Jersey only to share an apartment with four other roommates. I'm sure Hawaii is truly paradise but maybe for those who have money to afford to live so far away.
   This book gave me a better understanding of the struggles even for those who have white collar jobs for less money. The cost of living in Hawaii is higher than most places. I live in New Jersey and it's just as expensive but you have the choice and opportunity to find products cheaper elsewhere.
   
   The author interviewed over 140 residents for her book. She does not leave out crime, violence, homelessness, poverty, etc. out of this book. You won't find that information in any guide book about Hawaii. Those books are designed for tourists. This book is designed for residents or prospective residents of the islands. I think the author tries to show a realistic point of view rather than an idealistic point of view. Yes, some of us would love to pack up and move and leave our troubles behind.
   
   But the author points out that things are not always easy on the islands.



2. This is a really thorough compilation of information. Ms Polancy has done her homework. Like others, I found the book to be a bit negative, though, almost like the author was trying to convince her readers to look elsewhere for a place to live. The general ambiance of the book seemed to be well characterized by one reviewer, who said, "Hawaii's still lovely, but is fast becoming a crowded place for very rich people, leaving the rest of us to reconsider our options."
   
   This reviewer, like Ms Polancy, speaks mainly about Maui and possibly Oahu. There is another option, where Aloha is still very much alive, people are friendly, employment opps abound and the whole Island is not on its way to being paved. It is covered in another book, "Affordable Paradise," that projects pretty much the opposite attitude from Polancy's book. Reviewers have said that they were disappointed in that it is mainly about the Big Island of Hawaii. Well, it's about "affordable" Hawaii, and that's the only part of Hawaii that still is affordable. Anyway, to read both books will give you a well-balanced view of the reality of living in Hawaii. The author of "Affordable Paradise" also devoted a whole chapter on reasons why not to move to Hawaii, pointing out that Hawaii is clearly not everyone's Paradise. We've seen enough recent transplants turn tail and return to the mainland to know that it's true.
   
   Polancy's book includes lots of charts, statistics and other data you won't find in "Affordable Paradise."
   
   If you add "Affordable Paradise" to your Hawaii collection, be sure to get the Third Edition. It has a lot more info and the real estate prices are fairly current.



3. Wow - My mother purchased this book for my husband and I when we were in Hawaii getting married earlier this year. It is a fantastic book that focuses not only on the good, but also the negatives of moving to such a beautiful place.
   
   I agree with one of the other writers who left a comment - if only every place had a guide book like this!



4. It's cute how the new comer wants to know how only they will be affected or inconvenienced when they move to Hawaii, and not how they will affect, Inconvenience
   or why most of the people of Hawaii feel or treat them the way they do!
   
   Why not investigate why the Hawaiians and local people of Hawaii no-longer invite or welcome new-comers to Hawaii with open arms and lei?
   
   Could it be because there are already too many that have came here that changed and impacted Hawaii's Aloha life style (that once did exist) for the worst?
   
   In the early plantation days when the Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Puerto Rican and Portuguese came during these hard-times, they worked along-side, blended in-with and learned from the Hawaiian people, their culture and beliefs and were accepted and treated as equals without being a threat of change or being taken advantage of.
   
   Later and present people coming to Hawaii are educated, financially well-off and flexing their U.S. rights, most being arrogant and taking advantage of the situations, resources and the now easy-times for the rich here, making the Hawaiians and local people second class citizens in their own home State.
   
   Most new comers have no respect for the Islands Aloha and life-style and start making changes to Hawaii (by voting or complaints)



5. I can't say enough about the honesty in this book. This book does not sugar coat, living in Paradise. When we decided to move to Hawaii, we bought the book, and read it cover to cover. It gave an excellent summation of cost of living, cultural factors, and the thing that helped us the most to cope when we did move here, was that we were warned in the book about the large centipedes and roaches that fly (both are up to 6" long, and spiders as big as your fist....it's true!! Once you get past that, life is good here, and well worth the move. If you're seriously considering moving to Hawaii, this is a must read book.

5 comments about Hawaii The Big Island Trailblazer: Where to hike, snorkel, surf, bike, drive.

1. Lots of detailed info, good maps, great pics, best directions and extremely well laid out for picking out all the cool places everywhere on the island. We lucked out and got to see lava flowing down the mountain near the volcano. For driving directions and staying out of danger, it's full of dos and don'ts.
   
   This was this best thing we took with us on our honeymoon. It's so well organized and we used it as a tool to plan our daily escapades. I highly recommend this book for travelers who haven't been before and are looking for ideas and advice from authors who tell it like it is.



2. YOU WILL LOVE THIS BOOK. We have traveled to the big island many times, but still have not discovered or seen everything. This book reaches beyond of the general guide books and one of the other more popular reads about the island. Great for those who are into hiking and especailly for driving tours. Snorkelers will like some of the off the beaten path places to go.



3. Great book, I bought it after having figured out which islands to visit using the book by the same authors, no worries Hawaii, which is a must buy if you don't know where to go and what you want to do. Following input from the first book we picked 1 day Honlolu, 5 days big Island and 9 days Kauai.
   The big island trailblazer is unique in that the information on trailheads and how to find them is really really accurate, if you have to follow a dirt road for 2 miles and then stop next to a hidden bridge then that information is there. You rarely spend hours searching for stuff, the detail on where to look for something once you get to the end of the trail is less good, but that is because in the islands appear not to go in for signposts in a big way, so we were often looking at something and wondering whether or not this is it. Best ofs were generally good, didn't understand focus on Hilo, we went there on a Sunday and it felt like a run down sad little town, but maybe on a weekday there is a different vibe. The only negative is that restaurants mentioned a little more information on them to help you chose would help unless you like the sticky table-top ketchup bottle and drip coffee atmosphere and generic grub, this is fine if it is what you want, but you don't need a guidebook to discover such places, of course to be fair the book doesn't target the foodie population nevertheless a little more selectivity would help though or just a little more text on the restaurants. From personal experience if you are staying in Kapaa on Big Island try the restaurant Rapanui, a small hole in the wall joint run by a saturnine chef from New Zealand and his partner, its location is not attractive (in a mall when you enter Kapaa on the coastal road from the north on the left after the bend in the first mall), and it is BYOB but the food is really, really well cooked, from a European stand point, fresh, flavourful, beef melts in your mouth, rice/coconut nuttily satisfying, great, cooked but crunchy veggies, freshly made sauces, not a bottle or deep fryer in sight. Another great place to eat is Jays on the road towards southpoint, before the turn-off to Puuhoonuau (I forget the spelling) national park, two step snorkeling and the painted church from Kappaa, it is described in the guidebook, really spectacular and don't be put off by the appearance of the kitchen/living area. Oh and for sandwiches, a satisfying stop is Choicemart on the Highway 19 approximately in the area of the Manago Hotel, Choicemart is on the left, there is a great Vegan Cafe next to Choicemart and the sandwiches sold there and in Choicemart are spectacular. The locals recommend Choicemarts plate lunch especially on Lau Lau Friday. We tried to get it on Sat and it was all sold out. And the snorkeling at two step was the best we had on the island. Ok after all that digressing: if it is culture/food you are after then you need an additional book or to do some food research ahead of time online, for hiking, biking, walking and general reliable information then the trailblazer is a great book. Another option is to get the No worries Hawaii that has almost all information on all islands best ofs etc and then supplement that with a more foodie cultural guide for the islands depending on what you want. We did this for Kauai, although Fodors Kauai while better on culture etc really did badly for hiking and trails and was way less reliable than the Sprouts books.



4. Two years ago we took a cruise around the Hawaiian Islands. Unfortunately we were in port too short a time and only went on a few packaged bus tours. We returned to the island we liked the best (the Big Island) last month and fortunately had the Trailblazer along as our prime guide. We hiked to and swam in the Blue Lagoon which is on the cover: the highpoint of our vacation.
   
   In the back of the book are hotel and restaurant suggestions from which we made our reservations and were quite pleased. For accuracy and good practical advice it's right on target.



5. This guide gave our vacation itinerary a real boost. It has wonderful timeless images of places and people which simply exude calm, chill, beach culture latitude attitudes.
   
   Photography is top notch and the information is partioned into sections so you can chew off each piece to explore at your leisure depending on how much time you've allowed for your vacation. Trailblazers do it good.

5 comments about Map of Hawaii: The Big Island : Reference Maps of the Islands of Hawaii (Reference Maps of the Islands of Hawai'i).

1. This is a well defined map of the Big Island. It is also well made and sturdy. I will be taking it with me on my next trip to the island.



2. It was handy to look at the big picture to estimate how long it would take us to drive from one place to another. The topo features very interesting. Our map purchase was worth it for preplanning the trip.



3. As a former long-time resident of the Big Island, I can attest to the fact that this is very well done. It's a very good buy.
   
   Editor of former Oahu resident Laurie Birnsteel's Kahala



4. This map was not what I was expecting, so I returned it. Thanks anyway.



5. Purchased this map for our trip to the Big Island of Hawaii and found it to be most helpful!

5 comments about Top Maui Restaurants 2008 From Thrifty to Four Star: Indispensable Advice from Experts Who Live, Play & Eat on Maui.

1. We live here on Maui. We also eat out several times a week. The reviews of the restaurants are dead-on
   accurate! We were amazed at how much we agreed with the so-so review of the fancy restaurant on the
   beach (Page 212). We are now beginning to work our way through some of the smaller places they have reviewed. This book is an absolute must for any visitor and local who loves food!
   Aloha,
   Bob & Georgia Kronenberg
   Kihei, Maui, HI



2. This book was convenient for finding great food in the different parts of Maui. We are staying in Western Maui and the book lists all the food by location and favorites so now we know where to go for great tapas! The 4 category reviews are extra helpful when deciding where to go whether you are looking for a value or a great view.



3. We have vacationed in Maui for a week or two for a number of years and thought we knew the restaurants pretty well. Guess what, we had a lot to learn. We used this well written book to try many new places and were not disappointed with any of them. The recommendations were excellent. We also avoided going to places where we would have been unhappy. Having this book made our trip to Maui this year even better than in the past. I hope the book continues to be updated as it is now.



4. I have been going to Maui every summer for the past 21 years and am always in anticipation to discover which restaurants have closed and which have sprung up in their place. I am a huge "foodie" who looks forward to eating great meals out while on vacation. I have bought several other guide books that claim to be updated and am continually disappointed. Either the restaurant has gone out of business or the review is completely inaccurate, but not with James and Molly's book. This is truly THE BEST restaurant guide for Maui. And what makes it even better is the free updated download you get. You can purchase the book months in advance and not worry about things changing because you can check out any updates for free. I would recommend this book to anyone visiting Maui, from first timers to life longers, from tight budgets to no budgets. This is the book for you!



5. great reviews of maui restaurants. we've been fooled in the past and valued this guide.

5 comments about Kauai Underground Guide: And Free Hawaiian Music CD (Kauai Underground Guide).

1. The book contains a great deal of information about Kauai's best hidden places and how to discover them on your own. It is a great resource for people who prefer peace and natural beauty without crowds or commercialism. However, tours are sometimes the only way to explore the places that make Kauai so special (for example boat tours of the Na Pali coast, helicopter tours, or hiking tours of the interior wilderness best accessed by experienced leaders) and so the authors suggest the best local companies, particularly those with a history of responsible tourism and respect for the environment. Readers need options, and the authors try to make detailed information available for informed choices. As the original guidebook writers to Kauai, the book has often been praised for its extensive and reliable research. It made my vacation!



2. If you like to dine out, this is the book for you. Over 90 pages of a 239 page book are devoted to restaurants. For my wife and I who like to pack a lunch and go exploring, this part of the book was not used. We like to hike and photograph scenic spots. Two of Kauai's most scenic spots, Wailua Falls and Opaeka'a Falls are not even mentioned in the book. The index is rather skimpy. The book is heavily weighted toward those who want to patronize the local businesses for tours, rentals, shopping, etc. with lots and lots of names and phone numbers. We found the section on choosing a helicopter company based on what each has to do for their FAA certificate helpful, as well as how many crash fatalities each has had. One of the most helpful guides that we had was a magazine called Kaua'i Traveler ($4.95 at Amazon) which we picked up at our hotel. It included very succinct descriptions of and directions to the top sites on the island. The magazine gave us directions to Kipu Falls which is easily accessible by a short well worn trail. The guide book says that "the only safe and legal way to visit Kipu Falls" is go take a kayak and hiking tour costing $75 to $129.



3. I bought 3 books on Kaua'i and I ranked this one second behind Kaua'i Revealed. This is a good guide with many good pointers, but lacks detailed directions on how to get to some places. I have been to Kaua'i now 3 times and I am looking for new places to explore. All in all, this is a good buy for the money.



4. There are two guides that pretty much cover the field for a visit to Kauai. Although I don't have this edition, Kauai Underground has always provided very reliable information about the kinds of things visitors commonly do in Kauai - eat at restaurants, go to the beach, etc. Maybe it's just accident, but I find over and over again that I agree with Lenore and Mira's recommendations. What inspired me to write this is that the 18th ed identifies Kalihiwai as a great family beach. It is! And few people seem to realize that. These guys know what they are talking about!
   
   Incidentally, the other "can't do without" is Kauai revealed, which is absolute tops for the OTHER side of the equation: hiking, sports, adventures, etc. from a truly knowledgable perspective.
   
   Take em both because both are tops on different aspects of the island.



5. Just returned from a fabulous 10 days in Kauai. We purchased and studied several guidebooks before our trip and took them all along with us. However, this was our "go to" book. It is like a friend had just returned and given us all their favorite places. And we cannot say enough about Hanalei and west of. Narrow your visit and no worries!