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Lonely Planet Hawaii: The Big Island (Regional Travel Guide) by Luci Yamamoto, Conner Gorry
Book Summary InformationAuthor: Conner Gorry, Luci Yamamoto Edition: Paperback Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published) Published: 2008-09-01 ISBN: 1741047153 Number of pages: 304 Publisher: Lonely Planet
Book Reviews of Lonely Planet Hawaii: The Big Island (Regional Travel Guide)Book Review: I Was Guided by a Hawaii Local (former) Summary: 5 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
Having visited the big island of Hawaii on several occasions, guided by my father, who spent much of his childhood there, I scrutinize any tour book I get of the area with an eye of someone who enjoys seeing the roads less traveled. Most of the books I've seen fail to pass my litmus test of containing enough information on the history, of offering secluded and off beat attractions, of giving me a taste of the TRUE Hawaii.
This book passed the test with flying colors. It starts off with a selection of what the authors consider to be the "Best of the Best," and I must admit, the selections are outstanding. The "Best" section covers things for the adventurous, and for the not so adventurous. Included are best scenic drive, best refreshment (although I will differ in the choice for that one), best place to meet locals, best picnic spot, best snorkeling, best hike, best SHORT hike, best island view (and I agree wholeheartedly on this one), Best low impact experience, best land adventure, best ocean adventure (another AWESOME choice), and best multipurpose beach. This is followed by an index of suggested itineraries, which vary depending on your stay length, where you want to go, and the type of vacation you want to have (adventure, relaxation, culture, etc). This is followed by information about the more common activities you might wish to pursue during your stay on the island, including water and land adventure, wildlife and plant life, astronomy, and cultural attractions.
Then we get into the nitty gritty. The book is divided into color coded sections, and this part of the book is sectioned according to location on the island. Each of these sections contain an index of suggested itineraries, information about the cities and towns in that area, the available sights and activities available, beaches and other attractions, and detailed information about places to eat and where you can stay.
Once past the important info about the various places you can visit, there is what I'd call an Island Interest section in the back of the book. This includes island myths and legends, history and culture, and a food and drink section (which covers staples, specialties, native foods, insights into celebrations and customs, and a food glossary).
The book devotes its final pages (before the index) to information you might need when planning your trip. There is information about climate, what you can expect things to cost, a list of recommended baggage, information about accommodations of all types, a festivals and events calendar, and a directory of services (i.e. childcare, transportation, tourist info, international calling)
All in all, this is an excellent reference for the traveler to Hawaii, whether it's your first time, or you're a former local returning for a visit. It even includes safety information, and even the locations to watch out for scams (i.e. collections for pay parking where parking is actually free). The only thing I might suggest adding to it are master appendixes containing island-wide indexes of the two main travel basics... food and transportation.
Summary of Lonely Planet Hawaii: The Big Island (Regional Travel Guide)Insider Guide, Aloha Spirit
Recommended itineraries help you plan your vacation by time or interest Opinionated reviews and Our Pick icons guide you to the best choices for your trip Interviews with locals offer additional insider tips and insights Simple to use, with color-coded chapter and 41 easy-to-follow maps
In This Guide:
Sustainable icon highlights establishments that preserve Hawaiian environment, culture and identity Stunning highlights chapter showcases the Big Island's very best beaches, sights and experiences Activities chapter gives the lowdown on island adventure, from bodysurfing to yoga Myths & Legends chapter connects the Hawaiian gods and tales of the past to the island's modern-day people and land
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