Rating: 
Summary: I Love This Book!
Review: I not only have one copy of this book, but two. One is a loaner for any of my friends who are vacationing on the Big Island. Some of my best experiences in Hawaii were inspired by this book. Don't miss the section that primes you for a journey into the Earth as you find out about the "secret" lava tunnel enterance at Volcano National Park. And heed the book's advice - bring a big flashlight. One of a kind experience! One of a kind book!
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Summary: Spectacular, Fresh and Reliable
Review: I can't praise this guidebook too highly. It is filled with enticing photography, razor-sharp maps, and (most importantly)lots of local insider knowledge that would have slipped below the radar screen of most travel guides. If you want to find yourself alone on a spectacular beach, miles from the crowd, this is the book to get.
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Summary: this is all you need!! OUTSTANDING
Review: I am in the process of planning a geology field trip for the upcoming summer for 12 high school students. Needless to say, planning this trip has been a nightmare. I have purchased nearly every major "tourist" book on Hawaii. Unfortunately, i came across this one at the end of my purchasing spree. There really is no comparison between this and the other books that are out there. The level of detail, expertise and advise in this book is unmatched. The guide is also written with humor and I feel like I almost know the authors. They are very honest, which is why I trust this guide. The authors live in Hawaii and aren't some casual visitors working for some travel company. Plus, they have a very good website chock full of info. Hawaii can be a daunting place to visit.....this book certainly makes it easier.
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Summary: Hawaii Revealed Junkies
Review: I was first introduced to these series of books on our first trip to the BIG island. It was indispensible! I can't imagine how much we would have missed on this island without Doughty & Friedman's help.
We spent more of our time getting to 'jeep' and 'hiking' only isolated areas and hardly saw another person. Gorgeous 'in your dreams' beaches all to ourselves, stunning views, incredible locals all because we had our little guide book!
Just finished the Kauai Ultimate book for a trip planned this spring. And even though we didn't have the Maui book when we went there years ago, I've already read that one cover to cover in anticipation of going there again to see everything we missed!
Okay - enough said. And just so you know I have read other guide books and these are tops! Enjoy your trip!
Rating:
Summary: THE BLUE BIBLE
Review: Yes, that's how we started referring to this book after a day or two on the big island. The people who wrote this book hit the nail on the head every time. This book ROCKS! Great maps include mile markers so you always find what you are looking for. I feel that we experienced the best of this island. We visited a light house on the north shore and had it completely to ourselves! Not to mention the eating recommendations are right on! Trust their opinions, follow their suggestions, and enjoy!
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Summary: The Absolute Best !
Review: This is indeed the "ultimate" insider's guidebook on the Big Island. We travel to the Big Island every year and have had the opportunity to check out most of the the recommended restaurants, destinations, activites and adventures. Although we have access to numerous guidebooks on Hawaii, we use this book almost exclusively because we have found it to be the most objective, comprehensive, accurate, and interesting. It is also easy to read and reference. If you want to explore this beautiful island and have a fabulous vacation, this is THE BOOK to go with!
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Summary: Felt like a local
Review: This book allowed us to enjoy the big island as if we had lived there and explored it for years. We used it to decide where to eat, hike, snorkel, kayak, sleep, and swim. The authors didn't steer us wrong once. If you are planning to visit Hawaii to relax at your hotel and lay by the pool, you won't need this book. But if you want to tour and have a most memorable vacation, this guidebook is a must.
Rating:
Summary: Great information!
Review: Informative, easy-to-read guidebook for Hawai'i. Would recommend for anyone interesting in learning more.
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Summary: WOW! What a phenomenal guidebook!
Review: I bought this book (and "The Ultimate Kaua`i Guidebook") on the recommendation of several people on a travel message board. This was our forth trip to the Hawaiian Islands and my wife and I were going there to spend a week on The Big Island and a week on Kaua`i. We wanted to see the most we could and we felt these books might help us make better plans to do just that. And did it ever! We ended up finding that one week on each island wasn't enough and we are already planning our next trip. Their off-the-beaten-path places are just awesome. From exploring a lava tube that empties out 20 feet over the water near Pu`uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park to driving (with a 4WD SUV) down into Waipio Valley; from touring the top of Mauna Kea (the highest point in all of Hawai`i) to hiking out to touch the molten lava flowing from Pu`u O`o; from seeing a "lava tree" at Lava Tree State Park to tasting some organically grown fruit at a roadside stand.....you'll find the details in this book. And their accurate maps and directions to the out-of-the-way places will keep even the most wayward soul from getting lost. My wife and I cannot recommend this book enough. If you like to explore the places you visit, this book is for you. Well worth it's weight in gold....well, almost. :)
Rating:
Summary: This book made our trip!
Review: This book made our week-long trip to the Big Island a great adventure! It gave us so many insights into all the little local places we would have never known about. Realistic and honest reviews helped us tailor what sites to visit, when and how to get to the best beaches, and where to eat or go for a sunset drink. I highly recommend this book even if you only have a few days on the Big Island. And to top off your Hawaiian experience I'd recommend listening to the radio station KAPA while there - great, upbeat Hawaiian music that will always keep you in the Aloha mood.
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