 2008-11-29 - Hand down favorite
An absolute great job. Well written, concise, sprinkled with humor and common sense advise. Actually bought an extra copy for my daughter since I refused to give mine up. I've read many Maui guide books and this one is by far the best of the bunch. Love it.
2008-10-27 - As good as the Bible
This book is so good that we followed it with blind faith to plan our trip. The book is very well-written, accurate and gives sufficient background to prepare for the trip. Ideal if you're driving around because the book gives excellent directions on where to stop.
2008-10-22 - Fantastic!
I love this book, it has really helped us to plan our trip. There is a section on where to stay. We would have stayed in a nasty beach area without this guide. I'm using it to plan our Hana Hwy stops. The pictures are fantastic! I really like the aerial pictures of the beaches and the condos and resort areas. I like the detailed descriptions. I don't think they left anything out of this book. They even have a web site for more information and reviews. I highly recommend this book.
 2008-10-17 - Maybe Too Good?
As others have said, this is a pretty complete and generally accurate guide. One problem: it may be *too* good/popular, as several of the "secret" spots and adventures listed are now closed, as they have become too popular! These would include "the Aquarium" and "the Fishbowl" snorkeling spots near LaPerouse Bay. The entire reserve area has been closed to all uses for two years, starting in August 2008. Hefty fine and possible court date for violators. In addition, the rangers and others told us that Molokini will likely be closed as well. No one mentioned Honolua Bay, but...
We did many of the "trails" and "adventures" described...and none of the trails were at all hard to find, as a clear path has been pretty much beaten in.
Overall, it's a helpful book.
2008-10-14 - Outstanding Guidebook
The most redeeming quality of this book is its brutal honesty in the information it provides and recommendations it makes. When something sucks, the book says it sucks and to avoid it. That's the kind of information I want when I know my time and money are at stake on a vacation.
Web reviews of hotels and condos are free on their website and they are short, candid and informative (if a place is bad, they say it's bad). They also provide an aerial photograph of the property that really lets you know what you're getting--which is worth the price of the book itself.
Road maps are outstanding and directions are good for the most part. Occasionally directions are a bit vague, but it's still better than any map you will find anywhere else. The real value comes from the stuff that you won't find in other guidebooks like backwoods hiking trails, little known spots off the main path and insights that come from the fact that the authors actually live in Hawaii. The chapters are well organized and information is easily found thanks to a detailed table of contents, color-coded chapters (tabs would have been better, but probably more expensive) and index. Related info is cross-referenced throughout the book, which is also helpful. Best of all, the book is small and easily carried wherever you decide to go.
Perhaps the only negative aspect of the book is that the authors do tend to get lost in their narrative at times--mixing collateral trivia with the guide information. It's a nice story, but at times I could have done without the extra stuff.
This book is truly and outstanding guidebook for all types of tourists, but is especially valuable for those kind of people that hate guided tours and prepackaged vacation experiences. It adds a sense of adventure to your trip and a satisfying feeling when you realize that your time and money were spent on your own terms.
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