Rating: 
Summary: Letdown
Review: Somehow we never got excited about using this one. We would have liked more things for our little ones to do. The restaurants were on the tad expensive side and so were the hotels. We wanted this, our second honeymoon (with kids along) to be special and it fell FLAT.
Rating: 
Summary: This book ROCKS!
Review: This is the best book you could possibly buy for traveling the Big Island - it is incredibly informative and accurate. Without this book, my trip would have probably stunk. The information and details let me have the 'local' experience, something i will never forget. I ate the best local food, took the roads less traveled, saw amazing off the path sights, all of which i owe to the writers of this book. GET IT!!!!!Aloha!
Rating:
Summary: Perfection
Review: we have used the book as our BIBLE on our last two trips to the Big Island and it has been on target 100%. We took a 4WD trip down a nasty road (if you can call it that) and the only other people we encountered all day was a couple that had the book in their hands. We would not have known about that beach without the book!
Rating:
Summary: Don't leave home without it!
Review: You'll love this guide book. Just came back from two weeks on the Big Island and we used this book exclusively. Every road or trailhead was right where they described it. Every vendor was realiable, affordable and "non-tourist-y." The restaurants were accurately reviewed, with only one out of business since publication (Kona Ranch Grill.) Try Bubba's hamburgers, yum!
Rating:
Summary: If you are going to the Big Island, Buy this book!
Review: This book is the best possible resource for a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii -- especially if it is your first time to visit. When my husband and our friends visited recently, we followed the book's advice on everything from secluded beaches and hidden caves to restaurants and the best luau. The book only let us down once that I recall -- otherwise it was right on target. You'll enhance your vacation if you read and study this book before you go.
Rating:
Summary: Yup-'tis the "Ultimate Guidebook"
Review: We just returned from 2 weeks in Hawaii, using this book and its companion book "Maui Revealed" for one week at each island. It really is true that there were places we went to that the locals on the islands didn't know about. Doughty and Friedman know the secret; don't tell the business you're there, and don't take stipends or gratuities. This is an unbiased, fair portrayal of all there is to do and see on the Big Island. In fact, it is so accurate that one night when a cruise ship was in town, we couldn't get into the couple restaurants we had our eye on, so we went to another place. We were there 5 minutes and left - When I got home I looked it up in the book, and sure enough, the "Ultimate Guidebook" had told us not to waste our time - and coincidentally, we had trusted our own intuition.
Rating:
Summary: Don't leave home without it!
Review: The title says it all -- the Big Island is revealed. This book is indispensable for first time travelers and for those seasoned travelers who think they have "seen it all". The book's ratings on accomodations, dining, shopping and so on are "Ono". Malama pono.
Rating:
Summary: Discover the Magic of the Island
Review: This book is an excellent tool for the first time visitor, as well as those who return to discover even more about the island. Andrew Doughty and Harriett Friedman provide not only a listing of the most popular sites, but also many breathtaking locations known only to the "locals." Additionally, you'll find lots of "insider" tips that help you make the most of your trip. I didn't think the first edition could be improved, and it has been a constant companion on several visits to this magical island, but the second edition adds even more interest and excitment. A definite "must have" for your next trip.
Rating: 
Summary: A fancy book at a reasonable price :)
Review: Lots and lots of beautiful photos of the Big Island. The driving maps are also great. But a lot of the recommendations are geared toward travelers with a big budget; so it's better to get the Lonely Planet's 'Hawaii the Big Island' guide to balance it out.
Rating:
Summary: A "Don't waste your time in Hawaii" guidebook
Review: Fantastic guidebook. Why? a) It is exhaustive. b) It makes value judgements. Most guidebooks do one, but not the other. Just do the activities marked "A real gem" and you're almost guaranteed to have a great vacation. We did, and we were plesantly surprised at each spot.
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