1 comments about Moon Handbooks Kaua'i.

1. There may be other travel books that offer glossier photos or more detailed restaurant reviews, but for historical perspective, interesting tidbits of information, and honest opinions it is hard to beat the Moon series of travel guides. The accommodations sections include many cottages and B&B's, which we prefer above hotels and condos. My Kauai book has gone on two trips with me; the last time it was the only one of five guidebooks to make it past the packing cut and into the suitcase.

1 comments about Hawaii's Natural Wonders.

1. This slightly oversized book (10.9 x 8.2) is a quick and concise overview of Hawaii's "natural wonders", arranged into chapters:
   
   - volcanoes
   - landforms
   - islands and oceans
   - rain forests and vegetation
   - waterfalls, rivers, and streams
   - rocky coasts and beaches
   - sunrise and sunset
   
   The photographs are by Douglas Peebles, with the accompanying text written by Jan Tenbruggencate, a former science writer for the Honolulu Advertiser.
   
   The photos are fabulous, but limited, as you might expect in an 80 page publication. This is really suited as a souvenir book of a Hawaii experience, or a book to wet an future traveler's appetite.
   
   It's not really a hardback book, but rather a "stiff cover" book.
   
   The text and photos complement each other well. However, there are probably better "picture books" for the money.

2 comments about The Kahuna.

1. This book only tells of a subset of types of kahuna, and tells a few legends.

   Kahuna means keeper of the secret. There were prayer kahunas, kahuna aloha that practised love magic, kahunas that built houses, kahunas that made canoes, kahunas that were expert farmers, etc.

   This 76 page book lists several types of kahunas, and relates the legends of some kahunas. However; this book is extremely shallow, and does not relate the spiritual beliefs or practises of the Hawaiian kahunas.

   Either "Hawaiian Magic and Spirituality" by Scott Cuunninghan would give you a more complete list of the types of kahunas, and some of the spiritual beliefs as well.

   Please E-Mail me if you have questions or comments; Two Bears.

   Wah doh Ogedoda (We give thanks Great Spirit)




2. This little book surely is not a comprehensive treatment of the Kahuna or ancient Hawaiian spirituality and knowledge systems in general, but in my eyes it provides an excellent starting point for anyone who is completely unfamiliar with the subject. The author achieves an eye opening effect, showing that native Hawaiians actually did have a sophisticated civilization and a complex scholarly tradition that did not in any way have to hide behind the Western traditions at the time of first contact, especially considering the natural conditions under which this civilization thrived and flourished in the greater Polynesian context.

   The book is a treat for anyone who wants to glimpse the colors of a culture that still has much wisdom to offer for our battered times.

No comments about Ethnobotany of the Hawaiians (Lyon Arboretum Series, 5).

5 comments about Maui and Lana'i, 9th Edition: Making the Most of Your Family Vacation.

1. We just returned from Maui, and took 3 books with us. Fodor's, Frommer's, and this one. By far, this book was the best of them. Having all three while on the island was the best way to compare the books. Driving to various locations or eating in various locales while reading the same section in all 3 books is about the best way a fellow tourist can evaluate them.

   The content, accuracy of information, and organization of this books makes it the winner in our opinion.




2. I bought six different guides before our first trip to Maui. After our trip, I compared what they all had to say about the numerous activities we had crammed into seven days. I felt that this one was by far the most accurate and honest. The authors aren't afraid to let you know that something may not live up to your expectations. I loaned my copy to a couple of friends, and they found it equally useful. Some of the big-name guides were surprisingly out of date and inaccurate. Anyway, you can trust this one.



3. We have recently returned from a week in Maui and a week in Kauai. This was our Maui guidebook, and although it did lead us to the perfectly beautiful Kapalua Bay, it was not worth the volume and weight it added to my luggage. Another guidebook, "The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook", Doughty/Friedman was smaller and lighter, yet packed with valuable information. I'm stll searching for the ultimate Maui guidebook. Next time, I'll leave this book on the shelf.



4. accurate and extensive information. right on the money! felt it was WELL worth the space and weight in the suitcase.



5. I reviewed the 8th edition of this book in an earlier review. Now that we are planning a second trip, I shelled out the pukas to buy the 9th version! I was so impressed by the authors' accuracy I knew in advance that I would not be disappointed.

   If you are a returning visitor to the islands, spend the money and get the new version. A lot has changed over the years, so why risk missing something important? Compare the price of the book to the price of your trip, and you'll see that it's one of the best investments you'll make. And there are a lot of uses for the book, too! We made notes in our book during our trip. Re-reading the book later brings back memories, almost like a scrap book.

   Don't listen to anyone else that slams this book. Heck, maybe they work for the competition!

   ;) Steve

No comments about Viewbook Island of Kauai (Hawaii's beautiful islands viewbook).

No comments about ROMANTIC HAWAII -- Sun, Sand, Surf & Sex.

No comments about Insideout O'ahu & Honolulu City Guide (Insideout City Guide: Oahu/Honolulu).

1 comments about Extreme Adventures Hawaii (Serial) (Hawaii).

1. If you've seen enough of the standard guides on Hawaii, try this one out as an alternative to the regularity of the norm. We discovered lots of amazing "locals only" secrets from this book. You will too if you are going to HI for outdoor activity.

No comments about America's Favorite Inns, B&Bs, & Small Hotels: The West Coast (America's Favorite Inns, B&B's, and Small Hotels the West Coast).