1 comments about Hawaii: the photography of David Muench: A collection of 30 postcards.

1. I used these postcards for invitations to my wedding reception. We had a hawaiian luau theme. The guests absolutely loved the postcards and most kept them as keepsakes from the wedding! And the pictures on the postcards are absolutely wonderful! Looking at these postcards is about as close as you'll ever get without actually going to Hawaii.

5 comments about Hidden Oahu: Including Waikiki, Honolulu, and Pearl Harbor (Hidden Travel).

1. This book should be extremely helpful to anyone who, like myself, is planning a first trip to Oahu. Hidden Oahu is packed with information, in a highly readable, highly usable format. I like the way it lists attractions off the beaten path (hence the "Hidden" Oahu of the title), as well as the usual well-trod tourist attractions. Travelers who are adventurous and love to explore their destinations should love this book. I also like the way the author highlights the attractions you won't want to miss (in shaded boxes entitled "Check These Out"): the best of Oahu's restaurants, shopping (including specialty shops, such as local craft shops), museums and tourist attractions, resorts, beaches, etc. Most of all, I like the easy-to-use format of this book. Rather than lumping each type of attraction together ("beaches," "museums," "botanical gardens," etc.), this book sets out directions for a variety of driving tours and describes the attractions you will find along each route. Thus, you can easily preplan your driving adventures and make certain not to miss any of the island's attractions that fall along your way.

   I might add that this book contains all the usual "before you go" warnings and advice that is standard fare in travel guides, as well as information on the history and culture of the island and some very useful information on Oahu's many outdoor sports and activities.




2. Not much "hidden" stuff in here. Most of the places they call hidden, is also written in every other tourist guide. The only things this book has that the others don't in a more comprehensive guide to local restaurants. But as for hiking, beaches, etc. their suggestions won't be so hidden because every tourist with any guide will know about them.



3. The first 75 pages are the normal travel guide stock. In the succeeding pages the only thing hidden seem to be some boutique hotels, curiosity shops and small restaurants focusing on specific cuisine.



4. These books by Riegert are great; I have used them for 20 years. I would not dream of going to the islands without them. But you have to be adventurous, if you are not going to go past the NO TRESPASSING sign, you probably should not buy this book. (I only do it when Ray says it's OK). Stick to something more sedate. But if you will follow advice these books will show you da kine parts of Hawai'i you will not hear about anywhere else.

   My tip: Buy this book months before your trip. Plan to stay at least one night in one of the funky hotels he finds in the backcountry. You won't regret it! Most of our favorite Hawaii moments have been due to this book.

   Buy this book and go to the islands while they are still no ka oi!




5. I thought that the title of this book was a little misleading. I had bought several guides to Oahu and the Honolulu area in preparation for a recent trip, and this guide seemed to contain most of the same information as the rest of the books I'd read. A few of the restaurant recommendations and night life spots were new, but most other things were the same. I ended up using Frommer's Honolulu, Waikiki, and Oahu guide much more than this one.
   
   And one has to wonder - with a destination such as Oahu, which is so popular with travelers all over the world; which is the subject of countless tour books, television shows, and other visitor information pieces - how much of the island's treasures can truly remain "hidden?"

5 comments about Stalking the Elephant Kings: In Search of Laos (Latitude 20 Book).

1. I read Christopher Kremmer's book after our first trip to Laos and before a recent return. As a journalist with a mission to uncover information, he had the determination to meet people and ask questions the average tourist would never encounter. His book made our recent returning to Laos an even-richer experience. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to gain further insight into the recent history of Laos.



2. In December, 1975 the Communist Pathet Lao deposed the last king of Laos, the stoic, gentle Savang Vatthana. In March, 1977 the king, his wife,and sons were suddenly spirited away from their palace, never to be seen by the world again. For almost 25 years no one inside or outside Laos seemed to know what happened to them.

   Christopher Kremmer, an Australian journalist, was apparently one of the first Westerners admitted to certain parts of Laos since the Communist victory. In this book he describes his determined search to find out what happened to the country's last royal family. His ability --- and luck --- to discover what he did is amazing. Kremmer describes interviews and meetings with Laotians of all walks of life --- communists, royals, returned exiles, business people, peasants --- as he traverses the country. What is really surprising is that he actually gets answers --- and somewhere in those answers may be the truth. I'll say one thing for Kremmer: he is bold with his questions!

   In addition, this book is filled with fascinating descriptions of Laos. I'll probably never get to visit Laos, but after having read Kremmer's account of the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of that country, I feel like I've already been there. I wish there were more pictures, but the ones included show a beautiful country.

   For those fortunate enough to travel to Laos, this would be essential reading before your trip.




3. Who cares if the king of Laos died 23 years ago or 21 years ago? I was hoping to learn more about the country, history, and people, but this was the wrong book. This guy goes on a crusade that never gripped me; the minor details he mentions in passing were much more interesting than his quest. There must be more interesting books about Laos than this.



4. Here is a book written by a US journalist based in Vietnam suddenly obsessed by the disappearance of the royal family during the last revolution. It's a sweet little book that suffers for the journalist's attempt to write using more adjectives and longer sentences and for its meandering narrative. Having said this it does make for a pleasant read on the way to a visit of Laos, for example, and as mentioned in one of the other reviews, it is often the side comments that offer the most interesting colour to one's view of Laos.



5. Upon reading Christopher Kremmer's book, one feels that he has thoroughly researched his information - as is apparent through the numerous interviews he reports throughout - but without sacrificing the novelistic beauty of his writing to a dry academic account. Kremmer is in Laos ostensibly searching for the fate of the last Lao King, who was spirited away by the Communists after the Lao Revolution and whose fate has never been made public. Although this search is the coil around which the book revolves, his many other experiences are bright and brilliant. An Australian, Kremmer's style is low-key and without much of the typical arrogance that might be ascribed to Westerners in developing countries. His conversations with Lao people in the present are seamlessly interwoven with depictions of complex Lao history.

   The only criticism I can offer is that Kremmer's focus on the issue of the last king is sometimes neglected. This might be because there is practically no information about the king or the crown prince's fate. However, it was distracting and in the late stages of the book - despite enjoying his adventures for what they were - I was demanding to know what had happened to the royal family. In this sense, the book is like a cliffhanger with no resolution. At the time of publication, there was still no official statement about the Lao royals.

   I would recommend this book to anyone interested in Laos after the revolution. More than just a search for the last king, Kremmer has written about the country today, the social and economic effects of the revolution, and cultural aspects.

1 comments about Art of the State: Hawaii (Art of the State).

1. Having lived in Hawai'i for 11 years, I am deeply impressed by the books content, which is complete, accurate, and includes a very perceptive view of Hawai'i for the reader. In this un presumptious book there exsists a quality which few other books on the subject can match.

No comments about Vandam Oahu/Honolulu, Hawaii Pop Up Map.

No comments about Day Hikes in Hawaii (Day Hikes).

1 comments about Rand McNally Hawaii: State Map (Rand McNally Folded Map: States).

1. I was planning a trip to Kauai and purchased a copy of Rand McNally's Hawaii: State Map. I found the map to not suit my needs for details. It basically shows an aerial view of the Hawaiian Islands with just enough detail to give you the basics. The map of Kauai on this map is a tiny 6" x 5" where one inch equals 6.25 miles. The main island on the map is 10" x 12" with one inch equal to 9.0 miles. The map just does not show enough details. I found a much more detailed map of Kauai that can be ordered from University of Hawaii Press. It is titled Map of Kauai. They sell maps of the other islands too but I didn't order them to be able to comment on them. If they are as excellent as the Map of Kauai then you can't go wrong.
   
   Ed

1 comments about Island Life 101: A Newcomer's Guide to Hawaii.

1. Many people dream of moving to Paradise and living a laid back life. Many people have done it, with varying degrees of success. Most learn the hard way that Hawaii is not the Mainland, and that the culture, the history, and the ethnic considerations require a great deal of sensitivity if one's assimilation is to be positive.
   
   "Island Life 101" is chock full of background information that gives a newcomer a leg up on the process. The author, Jill Engledow, was an award-winning journalist on Maui for many years. Having arrived in Hawaii as a teenager, she saw and experienced every aspect of Island life: the good, the bad and the exotic. This book is a distillation of her many years of exploring the Islands scene, personally and professionally.
   
   It includes a history of the Islands, critical for understanding life there today; a discussion of key current issues; profiles of each island; and many tips and resources that will make life much easier after you arrive. Also included is a list of books for those who want to deepen their knowledge.
   
   Moving to a group of isolated islands in the center of the Pacific Ocean, even in the 21st century, is a decision that requires great thought and planning. "Island Life 101" is not a must-read. It is a must-buy. You'll refer to it gratefully many times as your adventure unfolds.

1 comments about Hawaii by Bike: 20 Tours Geared for Discovery (By Bike).

1. Slavinski's books describe bicycle touring in a way that most closely approximates my own rhythm and pace of cycling. The experienced cycle tourist will know what I mean. I recommend newcomers who want a book to try one of Slavinski's, as well as books by other cyclists. Perhaps you'll discover a writer who "speaks" to you. If not, then you may end up writing your own. Or you may become a truly independent rider--no books, *no* maps. Try it!

No comments about Hawaii's Gathering Place: The Island of Oahu.