Hawaii The Big Island Revealed: The Ultimate Guidebook

I should say I'm not a fan of guidebooks in general, and indeed did not buy a copy of this one until several locals in Hilo recommended it to me. They were right-- it really is a key that can unlock much of the Big Island for the adventurous traveler. While it may not be worth the effort if you're just planning on hanging around the resorts on Kona side, this was the perfect guide for my wife and I as we spent a week based in a rainforest cabin several miles east of Mountain View south of Hilo. We traveled most of the paved roads (and a good portion of the unpaved/lava roads) on the island and saw far more than we would have without such a great guide. Beaches are listed counter-clockwise around the entire island. Trails are well described, and the "hidden gems," while not always all that hidden, are almost always worth the drive/walk. Places like the steam caves in Puna, the Champagne Pond, and the more remote reaches of South Point we likely would not have discovered with our usual method of using a map alone. The info provided for such tourist-drawing activities as driving up Mona Kea to the observatories was very solid (even a bit on the conservative side) and our experiences with the restaurant reviews found them spot on (disclaimer: we ate in only four restaurants over an eight-day period, preferring to purchase food at farmer's markets and fish on the bayfront). On the balance an excellent guide book, aided in our case only by advice from a few locals and some friends who grew up in Hilo. My only reservation has also been expressed by others, i.e. that some of these places are really pretty special and should not be overrun by tourists OR locals-- they'd be better off remaining secrets for the few who live in the area and will take care of them. We tended to avoid places that fit that bill, and in most cases even the lava roads to the more remote sites were dotted with other rental Jeeps, most of whose drivers were also clutching a copy of this guidebook!

I just returned from 9 days on the Big Island and found this "Revealed" book and the Moon Handbook to be my two best resources (I brought a total 5 guidebooks with me). I used the Moon Handbook predominantly on the windward side while I was staying in Volcanoes Nat'l Park and the "Revealed" book predominantly on the leeward side while I was staying in Kona. I used the dining recommendation from both books. I had pre-booked my accommodations, so I did not use that section of the book, although I looked up my condo and found their review accurate. Contrary to the comments of another reviewers (probably written a couple of editions ago) I did not find that the authors encouraged illegal or unethical activity, although they do emphasize that public beach access is the law in Hawaii. However, as noted, I did notice that many, many of the other tourists were carrying around copies of this book. This book was particulary helpful when trying to find beaches to play & snorkel - they are listed in order as you drive up or down the coast and the "gems" are truly noteworthy, although all the beaches were crowded since the local schools had let out for the holidays. The detailed maps were terrific. I used them quite a bit to get around. They also have a website that lists current updates and changes to their book, such as closures due to the earthquake last fall. The only critique I would have is that I could have use a bit more description of the hiking/walking required to get to each of the sights. Distance, elevation change/steepness (or stairs), terrain descriptions would have been helpful since I had a mobility-impaired grandparent with me. (Rather than "15-20 min hike" because that's dependent on physical status). Overall, I would highly recommend this book if you were only taking one with you to the Big Island.

Reading the book itself was like experiencing everything the author had while researching it, the writing is candid, humorous, insightful. It made our three day (I know, short) trip to the Big Island a great success. Except for one thing: the winds that the author describes as being strong in the afternoon on the Kohala coast are actually strong in the morning, but (according to our hotel) only in the summer (around September). If you spend such a short time on the island, this book is totally worth it. I just wish we had been considered "locals" like him, because in the low season (September), Hawaiians just aren't as friendly. There were hardly any tourists (weather is less predictable, it's past the main travel season in both US and Asia) and the locals appeared to be enjoying their time away from the crowds. But that's our experience, and don't let it stop you from buying this guide.

The pro As mentioned in the previous reviews, you can't find a better tour book. For those planning a trip to the islands, you can't go wrong reading the Ultimate Guidebook series. Do yourself a favor and read them before planning a trip to Hawaii. It gives the reader/planner insights not found in any other tour/guide book. Only then would you know (depending on your traveling habits) what to plan for, where and for how long. The detailed maps with side road markers and accurate, no holds back-down to earth reviews of sites and places to stay truly make this guide book stand above the rest. Their accompaning website goes further in providing the latest in up to the minute information and accomodation reviews and photos of the sites. I bought this book as well as the other in the series a few weeks before actually booking the trip and I ended up booking much later after reading all the information such as the hotel was being renovated and under constant noise, plus it was quite further away from the activities that I was more interested in and getting a 4wd vehicle which they recommend for hard to reach places. Something I would not have done had I not had these books. Truly outstanding. Other guide books should be like this. The con This book makes you want to do and see so much in the little time one plans on the island that I find myself wanting a vacation after the vacation. But hey, I wouldn't want it any other way. Being that everyone and their mother already knows that these books are the best one to have, some of the sights might not be as secret as the book entails. Bottom line, Get the book (or all of them if visiting numerous islands) and read them to plan out your trip. Then take them with you and have fun. You won't be disappointed.

This is the absolute best book on Hawaii that I have ever read, and I have read many. There is a very good balance with photos and commentary, and though the descriptions are not always lengthy - that is to be expected getting in as many attractions as they do. I have taken it with me the last four trips to the big island, and I discover something new every time. I would never have discovered the green sand beach on my own, and it is my favorite now. It takes a hike to get there, but it is worth it! I found several remote beaches that I would never have known about without this book. One word of warning..... when the book states a site is hard to get to and you will rarely see any other people there, believe it. I had a very lonely nervous drive out to South Point.

Invaluable as 1) a pre-visit resource for both background and depth of understanding on the what, where, who and how to best experience the Big Island: 2) for use on-the-move to guide you to the rich (and away from the wary) experiences, and help you get the most of your overall visit; 3) to help explain to others, upon your return home, just what you did, what you saw, what you felt during your visit - and why you will be going back; and 4) a gift of compass and wisdom, which is now combined with your own annotations and experiences, to pass on to the next person you know (and now convinced) who will now be visiting the Big Island too. Oh yes, and it is entertaining as heck! Glad I used it, glad I can tell you about it! Enjoy on your own special journey!

I love this book! It's so thoroughly researched and detailed and covers everything you need to know about the Big Island, including what to do and how to get there. Find yourself in a tiny, tiny town on the Big Island and wondering where is the best place to eat? Ask the book. Want to know the history of and the kind of food served at a luau? Ask the book. Need to know the closest way to get from point A to B? Ask the book. Wondering why there are wild goats on the side of the road? Ask the book. Not only is the author thorough, detailed and incredibly knowledgeable about Hawaii, he's witty. I appreciated the humor and personal tidbits the author threw in. When he advises you to buy mosquitoes or risk the "bloodletting of your life", he's not kidding - he knows from experience! We took this book everywhere with us on this trip and it never disappointed. By the end of the trip I felt like the author was a good friend - just one that I've never actually met in person. I will definitely be buying the other Hawaiian island books for our next trips!

As other reviewers mention in detail, this book attempts to provide an "insider" view of all the sites on the Big Island. Since the main attractions of the Big Island are largely natural, it can be a bit tricky describing where to find a particular site to snorkel or a certain waterfall, but this books does a nice job of trying to point out these spots. However, I have seen some of them mention in other books. The key, though, is that this guide provides detailed opinions of what is worth seeing and what is simply tourist fare. If you are looking for an active vacation, this book is probably for you. For families looking to take guided tours, this book provides some nice narrative about famous sites, but there are paperbacks that can better serve as reference material. For me, this was a great way to help budget my time, since it mentions some hypes sites that it describes as avoidable, while pointing to places and activities that pop up between major landmarks.

These "Revealed" books are Da Bomb. We recently visited Big Island and Oahu and used both books. My friend is somewhat navigatiionally challenged but could easily use the books to give directions and provide spontaneous options on our travels. I must have consulted the books dozens of times. In fact, we met at least two families that also were using and raved about these books. The books are well organized so it is easy to research different activites or places. The author has a real sense of humor. They are a great read. He provides a range of options from easy to hard. For instance, you might explore some of the best coffee growing area in the world (Kona) or hike a little-known trail through a rain forest to view a volcanic crater (Hilo). The Oahu book was as well presented as the Big Island book. Plus he has great maps too, even to the detail of where an inexperienced or experienced snorkler might likely swim. Don't leave home without 'em.

This guidebook was fantastic for everything from where to stay, things to do, and places to eat. Conversationally-written and fun to read, it will definitely make you excited about your upcoming vacation. My only complaint is that I didn't see in the book that state beaches are closed on Wednesdays for "cleaning" and was therefore pretty disappointed after having made a Wednesday (day before I left) my day to beach-hop. Perhaps I missed this detail, but I consider it a crucial one and so it should have been posted everywhere very clearly. A great investment, though, for a dreamy vacation!

I should say I'm not a fan of guidebooks in general, and indeed did not buy a copy of this one until several locals in Hilo recommended it to me. They were right-- it really is a key that can unlock much of the Big Island for the adventurous traveler. While it may not be worth the effort if you're just planning on hanging around the resorts on Kona side, this was the perfect guide for my wife and I as we spent a week based in a rainforest cabin several miles east of Mountain View south of Hilo. We traveled most of the paved roads (and a good portion of the unpaved/lava roads) on the island and saw far more than we would have without such a great guide. Beaches are listed counter-clockwise around the entire island. Trails are well described, and the "hidden gems," while not always all that hidden, are almost always worth the drive/walk. Places like the steam caves in Puna, the Champagne Pond, and the more remote reaches of South Point we likely would not have discovered with our usual method of using a map alone. The info provided for such tourist-drawing activities as driving up Mona Kea to the observatories was very solid (even a bit on the conservative side) and our experiences with the restaurant reviews found them spot on (disclaimer: we ate in only four restaurants over an eight-day period, preferring to purchase food at farmer's markets and fish on the bayfront). On the balance an excellent guide book, aided in our case only by advice from a few locals and some friends who grew up in Hilo. My only reservation has also been expressed by others, i.e. that some of these places are really pretty special and should not be overrun by tourists OR locals-- they'd be better off remaining secrets for the few who live in the area and will take care of them. We tended to avoid places that fit that bill, and in most cases even the lava roads to the more remote sites were dotted with other rental Jeeps, most of whose drivers were also clutching a copy of this guidebook!

I just returned from 9 days on the Big Island and found this "Revealed" book and the Moon Handbook to be my two best resources (I brought a total 5 guidebooks with me). I used the Moon Handbook predominantly on the windward side while I was staying in Volcanoes Nat'l Park and the "Revealed" book predominantly on the leeward side while I was staying in Kona. I used the dining recommendation from both books. I had pre-booked my accommodations, so I did not use that section of the book, although I looked up my condo and found their review accurate. Contrary to the comments of another reviewers (probably written a couple of editions ago) I did not find that the authors encouraged illegal or unethical activity, although they do emphasize that public beach access is the law in Hawaii. However, as noted, I did notice that many, many of the other tourists were carrying around copies of this book. This book was particulary helpful when trying to find beaches to play & snorkel - they are listed in order as you drive up or down the coast and the "gems" are truly noteworthy, although all the beaches were crowded since the local schools had let out for the holidays. The detailed maps were terrific. I used them quite a bit to get around. They also have a website that lists current updates and changes to their book, such as closures due to the earthquake last fall. The only critique I would have is that I could have use a bit more description of the hiking/walking required to get to each of the sights. Distance, elevation change/steepness (or stairs), terrain descriptions would have been helpful since I had a mobility-impaired grandparent with me. (Rather than "15-20 min hike" because that's dependent on physical status). Overall, I would highly recommend this book if you were only taking one with you to the Big Island.

Reading the book itself was like experiencing everything the author had while researching it, the writing is candid, humorous, insightful. It made our three day (I know, short) trip to the Big Island a great success. Except for one thing: the winds that the author describes as being strong in the afternoon on the Kohala coast are actually strong in the morning, but (according to our hotel) only in the summer (around September). If you spend such a short time on the island, this book is totally worth it. I just wish we had been considered "locals" like him, because in the low season (September), Hawaiians just aren't as friendly. There were hardly any tourists (weather is less predictable, it's past the main travel season in both US and Asia) and the locals appeared to be enjoying their time away from the crowds. But that's our experience, and don't let it stop you from buying this guide.

The pro As mentioned in the previous reviews, you can't find a better tour book. For those planning a trip to the islands, you can't go wrong reading the Ultimate Guidebook series. Do yourself a favor and read them before planning a trip to Hawaii. It gives the reader/planner insights not found in any other tour/guide book. Only then would you know (depending on your traveling habits) what to plan for, where and for how long. The detailed maps with side road markers and accurate, no holds back-down to earth reviews of sites and places to stay truly make this guide book stand above the rest. Their accompaning website goes further in providing the latest in up to the minute information and accomodation reviews and photos of the sites. I bought this book as well as the other in the series a few weeks before actually booking the trip and I ended up booking much later after reading all the information such as the hotel was being renovated and under constant noise, plus it was quite further away from the activities that I was more interested in and getting a 4wd vehicle which they recommend for hard to reach places. Something I would not have done had I not had these books. Truly outstanding. Other guide books should be like this. The con This book makes you want to do and see so much in the little time one plans on the island that I find myself wanting a vacation after the vacation. But hey, I wouldn't want it any other way. Being that everyone and their mother already knows that these books are the best one to have, some of the sights might not be as secret as the book entails. Bottom line, Get the book (or all of them if visiting numerous islands) and read them to plan out your trip. Then take them with you and have fun. You won't be disappointed.

This is the absolute best book on Hawaii that I have ever read, and I have read many. There is a very good balance with photos and commentary, and though the descriptions are not always lengthy - that is to be expected getting in as many attractions as they do. I have taken it with me the last four trips to the big island, and I discover something new every time. I would never have discovered the green sand beach on my own, and it is my favorite now. It takes a hike to get there, but it is worth it! I found several remote beaches that I would never have known about without this book. One word of warning..... when the book states a site is hard to get to and you will rarely see any other people there, believe it. I had a very lonely nervous drive out to South Point.

Invaluable as 1) a pre-visit resource for both background and depth of understanding on the what, where, who and how to best experience the Big Island: 2) for use on-the-move to guide you to the rich (and away from the wary) experiences, and help you get the most of your overall visit; 3) to help explain to others, upon your return home, just what you did, what you saw, what you felt during your visit - and why you will be going back; and 4) a gift of compass and wisdom, which is now combined with your own annotations and experiences, to pass on to the next person you know (and now convinced) who will now be visiting the Big Island too. Oh yes, and it is entertaining as heck! Glad I used it, glad I can tell you about it! Enjoy on your own special journey!

I love this book! It's so thoroughly researched and detailed and covers everything you need to know about the Big Island, including what to do and how to get there. Find yourself in a tiny, tiny town on the Big Island and wondering where is the best place to eat? Ask the book. Want to know the history of and the kind of food served at a luau? Ask the book. Need to know the closest way to get from point A to B? Ask the book. Wondering why there are wild goats on the side of the road? Ask the book. Not only is the author thorough, detailed and incredibly knowledgeable about Hawaii, he's witty. I appreciated the humor and personal tidbits the author threw in. When he advises you to buy mosquitoes or risk the "bloodletting of your life", he's not kidding - he knows from experience! We took this book everywhere with us on this trip and it never disappointed. By the end of the trip I felt like the author was a good friend - just one that I've never actually met in person. I will definitely be buying the other Hawaiian island books for our next trips!

As other reviewers mention in detail, this book attempts to provide an "insider" view of all the sites on the Big Island. Since the main attractions of the Big Island are largely natural, it can be a bit tricky describing where to find a particular site to snorkel or a certain waterfall, but this books does a nice job of trying to point out these spots. However, I have seen some of them mention in other books. The key, though, is that this guide provides detailed opinions of what is worth seeing and what is simply tourist fare. If you are looking for an active vacation, this book is probably for you. For families looking to take guided tours, this book provides some nice narrative about famous sites, but there are paperbacks that can better serve as reference material. For me, this was a great way to help budget my time, since it mentions some hypes sites that it describes as avoidable, while pointing to places and activities that pop up between major landmarks.

These "Revealed" books are Da Bomb. We recently visited Big Island and Oahu and used both books. My friend is somewhat navigatiionally challenged but could easily use the books to give directions and provide spontaneous options on our travels. I must have consulted the books dozens of times. In fact, we met at least two families that also were using and raved about these books. The books are well organized so it is easy to research different activites or places. The author has a real sense of humor. They are a great read. He provides a range of options from easy to hard. For instance, you might explore some of the best coffee growing area in the world (Kona) or hike a little-known trail through a rain forest to view a volcanic crater (Hilo). The Oahu book was as well presented as the Big Island book. Plus he has great maps too, even to the detail of where an inexperienced or experienced snorkler might likely swim. Don't leave home without 'em.

This guidebook was fantastic for everything from where to stay, things to do, and places to eat. Conversationally-written and fun to read, it will definitely make you excited about your upcoming vacation. My only complaint is that I didn't see in the book that state beaches are closed on Wednesdays for "cleaning" and was therefore pretty disappointed after having made a Wednesday (day before I left) my day to beach-hop. Perhaps I missed this detail, but I consider it a crucial one and so it should have been posted everywhere very clearly. A great investment, though, for a dreamy vacation!

I should say I'm not a fan of guidebooks in general, and indeed did not buy a copy of this one until several locals in Hilo recommended it to me. They were right-- it really is a key that can unlock much of the Big Island for the adventurous traveler. While it may not be worth the effort if you're just planning on hanging around the resorts on Kona side, this was the perfect guide for my wife and I as we spent a week based in a rainforest cabin several miles east of Mountain View south of Hilo. We traveled most of the paved roads (and a good portion of the unpaved/lava roads) on the island and saw far more than we would have without such a great guide. Beaches are listed counter-clockwise around the entire island. Trails are well described, and the "hidden gems," while not always all that hidden, are almost always worth the drive/walk. Places like the steam caves in Puna, the Champagne Pond, and the more remote reaches of South Point we likely would not have discovered with our usual method of using a map alone. The info provided for such tourist-drawing activities as driving up Mona Kea to the observatories was very solid (even a bit on the conservative side) and our experiences with the restaurant reviews found them spot on (disclaimer: we ate in only four restaurants over an eight-day period, preferring to purchase food at farmer's markets and fish on the bayfront). On the balance an excellent guide book, aided in our case only by advice from a few locals and some friends who grew up in Hilo. My only reservation has also been expressed by others, i.e. that some of these places are really pretty special and should not be overrun by tourists OR locals-- they'd be better off remaining secrets for the few who live in the area and will take care of them. We tended to avoid places that fit that bill, and in most cases even the lava roads to the more remote sites were dotted with other rental Jeeps, most of whose drivers were also clutching a copy of this guidebook!

I just returned from 9 days on the Big Island and found this "Revealed" book and the Moon Handbook to be my two best resources (I brought a total 5 guidebooks with me). I used the Moon Handbook predominantly on the windward side while I was staying in Volcanoes Nat'l Park and the "Revealed" book predominantly on the leeward side while I was staying in Kona. I used the dining recommendation from both books. I had pre-booked my accommodations, so I did not use that section of the book, although I looked up my condo and found their review accurate. Contrary to the comments of another reviewers (probably written a couple of editions ago) I did not find that the authors encouraged illegal or unethical activity, although they do emphasize that public beach access is the law in Hawaii. However, as noted, I did notice that many, many of the other tourists were carrying around copies of this book. This book was particulary helpful when trying to find beaches to play & snorkel - they are listed in order as you drive up or down the coast and the "gems" are truly noteworthy, although all the beaches were crowded since the local schools had let out for the holidays. The detailed maps were terrific. I used them quite a bit to get around. They also have a website that lists current updates and changes to their book, such as closures due to the earthquake last fall. The only critique I would have is that I could have use a bit more description of the hiking/walking required to get to each of the sights. Distance, elevation change/steepness (or stairs), terrain descriptions would have been helpful since I had a mobility-impaired grandparent with me. (Rather than "15-20 min hike" because that's dependent on physical status). Overall, I would highly recommend this book if you were only taking one with you to the Big Island.

Reading the book itself was like experiencing everything the author had while researching it, the writing is candid, humorous, insightful. It made our three day (I know, short) trip to the Big Island a great success. Except for one thing: the winds that the author describes as being strong in the afternoon on the Kohala coast are actually strong in the morning, but (according to our hotel) only in the summer (around September). If you spend such a short time on the island, this book is totally worth it. I just wish we had been considered "locals" like him, because in the low season (September), Hawaiians just aren't as friendly. There were hardly any tourists (weather is less predictable, it's past the main travel season in both US and Asia) and the locals appeared to be enjoying their time away from the crowds. But that's our experience, and don't let it stop you from buying this guide.

The pro As mentioned in the previous reviews, you can't find a better tour book. For those planning a trip to the islands, you can't go wrong reading the Ultimate Guidebook series. Do yourself a favor and read them before planning a trip to Hawaii. It gives the reader/planner insights not found in any other tour/guide book. Only then would you know (depending on your traveling habits) what to plan for, where and for how long. The detailed maps with side road markers and accurate, no holds back-down to earth reviews of sites and places to stay truly make this guide book stand above the rest. Their accompaning website goes further in providing the latest in up to the minute information and accomodation reviews and photos of the sites. I bought this book as well as the other in the series a few weeks before actually booking the trip and I ended up booking much later after reading all the information such as the hotel was being renovated and under constant noise, plus it was quite further away from the activities that I was more interested in and getting a 4wd vehicle which they recommend for hard to reach places. Something I would not have done had I not had these books. Truly outstanding. Other guide books should be like this. The con This book makes you want to do and see so much in the little time one plans on the island that I find myself wanting a vacation after the vacation. But hey, I wouldn't want it any other way. Being that everyone and their mother already knows that these books are the best one to have, some of the sights might not be as secret as the book entails. Bottom line, Get the book (or all of them if visiting numerous islands) and read them to plan out your trip. Then take them with you and have fun. You won't be disappointed.

This is the absolute best book on Hawaii that I have ever read, and I have read many. There is a very good balance with photos and commentary, and though the descriptions are not always lengthy - that is to be expected getting in as many attractions as they do. I have taken it with me the last four trips to the big island, and I discover something new every time. I would never have discovered the green sand beach on my own, and it is my favorite now. It takes a hike to get there, but it is worth it! I found several remote beaches that I would never have known about without this book. One word of warning..... when the book states a site is hard to get to and you will rarely see any other people there, believe it. I had a very lonely nervous drive out to South Point.

Invaluable as 1) a pre-visit resource for both background and depth of understanding on the what, where, who and how to best experience the Big Island: 2) for use on-the-move to guide you to the rich (and away from the wary) experiences, and help you get the most of your overall visit; 3) to help explain to others, upon your return home, just what you did, what you saw, what you felt during your visit - and why you will be going back; and 4) a gift of compass and wisdom, which is now combined with your own annotations and experiences, to pass on to the next person you know (and now convinced) who will now be visiting the Big Island too. Oh yes, and it is entertaining as heck! Glad I used it, glad I can tell you about it! Enjoy on your own special journey!

I love this book! It's so thoroughly researched and detailed and covers everything you need to know about the Big Island, including what to do and how to get there. Find yourself in a tiny, tiny town on the Big Island and wondering where is the best place to eat? Ask the book. Want to know the history of and the kind of food served at a luau? Ask the book. Need to know the closest way to get from point A to B? Ask the book. Wondering why there are wild goats on the side of the road? Ask the book. Not only is the author thorough, detailed and incredibly knowledgeable about Hawaii, he's witty. I appreciated the humor and personal tidbits the author threw in. When he advises you to buy mosquitoes or risk the "bloodletting of your life", he's not kidding - he knows from experience! We took this book everywhere with us on this trip and it never disappointed. By the end of the trip I felt like the author was a good friend - just one that I've never actually met in person. I will definitely be buying the other Hawaiian island books for our next trips!

As other reviewers mention in detail, this book attempts to provide an "insider" view of all the sites on the Big Island. Since the main attractions of the Big Island are largely natural, it can be a bit tricky describing where to find a particular site to snorkel or a certain waterfall, but this books does a nice job of trying to point out these spots. However, I have seen some of them mention in other books. The key, though, is that this guide provides detailed opinions of what is worth seeing and what is simply tourist fare. If you are looking for an active vacation, this book is probably for you. For families looking to take guided tours, this book provides some nice narrative about famous sites, but there are paperbacks that can better serve as reference material. For me, this was a great way to help budget my time, since it mentions some hypes sites that it describes as avoidable, while pointing to places and activities that pop up between major landmarks.

These "Revealed" books are Da Bomb. We recently visited Big Island and Oahu and used both books. My friend is somewhat navigatiionally challenged but could easily use the books to give directions and provide spontaneous options on our travels. I must have consulted the books dozens of times. In fact, we met at least two families that also were using and raved about these books. The books are well organized so it is easy to research different activites or places. The author has a real sense of humor. They are a great read. He provides a range of options from easy to hard. For instance, you might explore some of the best coffee growing area in the world (Kona) or hike a little-known trail through a rain forest to view a volcanic crater (Hilo). The Oahu book was as well presented as the Big Island book. Plus he has great maps too, even to the detail of where an inexperienced or experienced snorkler might likely swim. Don't leave home without 'em.

This guidebook was fantastic for everything from where to stay, things to do, and places to eat. Conversationally-written and fun to read, it will definitely make you excited about your upcoming vacation. My only complaint is that I didn't see in the book that state beaches are closed on Wednesdays for "cleaning" and was therefore pretty disappointed after having made a Wednesday (day before I left) my day to beach-hop. Perhaps I missed this detail, but I consider it a crucial one and so it should have been posted everywhere very clearly. A great investment, though, for a dreamy vacation!

I should say I'm not a fan of guidebooks in general, and indeed did not buy a copy of this one until several locals in Hilo recommended it to me. They were right-- it really is a key that can unlock much of the Big Island for the adventurous traveler. While it may not be worth the effort if you're just planning on hanging around the resorts on Kona side, this was the perfect guide for my wife and I as we spent a week based in a rainforest cabin several miles east of Mountain View south of Hilo. We traveled most of the paved roads (and a good portion of the unpaved/lava roads) on the island and saw far more than we would have without such a great guide. Beaches are listed counter-clockwise around the entire island. Trails are well described, and the "hidden gems," while not always all that hidden, are almost always worth the drive/walk. Places like the steam caves in Puna, the Champagne Pond, and the more remote reaches of South Point we likely would not have discovered with our usual method of using a map alone. The info provided for such tourist-drawing activities as driving up Mona Kea to the observatories was very solid (even a bit on the conservative side) and our experiences with the restaurant reviews found them spot on (disclaimer: we ate in only four restaurants over an eight-day period, preferring to purchase food at farmer's markets and fish on the bayfront). On the balance an excellent guide book, aided in our case only by advice from a few locals and some friends who grew up in Hilo. My only reservation has also been expressed by others, i.e. that some of these places are really pretty special and should not be overrun by tourists OR locals-- they'd be better off remaining secrets for the few who live in the area and will take care of them. We tended to avoid places that fit that bill, and in most cases even the lava roads to the more remote sites were dotted with other rental Jeeps, most of whose drivers were also clutching a copy of this guidebook!

I just returned from 9 days on the Big Island and found this "Revealed" book and the Moon Handbook to be my two best resources (I brought a total 5 guidebooks with me). I used the Moon Handbook predominantly on the windward side while I was staying in Volcanoes Nat'l Park and the "Revealed" book predominantly on the leeward side while I was staying in Kona. I used the dining recommendation from both books. I had pre-booked my accommodations, so I did not use that section of the book, although I looked up my condo and found their review accurate. Contrary to the comments of another reviewers (probably written a couple of editions ago) I did not find that the authors encouraged illegal or unethical activity, although they do emphasize that public beach access is the law in Hawaii. However, as noted, I did notice that many, many of the other tourists were carrying around copies of this book. This book was particulary helpful when trying to find beaches to play & snorkel - they are listed in order as you drive up or down the coast and the "gems" are truly noteworthy, although all the beaches were crowded since the local schools had let out for the holidays. The detailed maps were terrific. I used them quite a bit to get around. They also have a website that lists current updates and changes to their book, such as closures due to the earthquake last fall. The only critique I would have is that I could have use a bit more description of the hiking/walking required to get to each of the sights. Distance, elevation change/steepness (or stairs), terrain descriptions would have been helpful since I had a mobility-impaired grandparent with me. (Rather than "15-20 min hike" because that's dependent on physical status). Overall, I would highly recommend this book if you were only taking one with you to the Big Island.

Reading the book itself was like experiencing everything the author had while researching it, the writing is candid, humorous, insightful. It made our three day (I know, short) trip to the Big Island a great success. Except for one thing: the winds that the author describes as being strong in the afternoon on the Kohala coast are actually strong in the morning, but (according to our hotel) only in the summer (around September). If you spend such a short time on the island, this book is totally worth it. I just wish we had been considered "locals" like him, because in the low season (September), Hawaiians just aren't as friendly. There were hardly any tourists (weather is less predictable, it's past the main travel season in both US and Asia) and the locals appeared to be enjoying their time away from the crowds. But that's our experience, and don't let it stop you from buying this guide.

The pro As mentioned in the previous reviews, you can't find a better tour book. For those planning a trip to the islands, you can't go wrong reading the Ultimate Guidebook series. Do yourself a favor and read them before planning a trip to Hawaii. It gives the reader/planner insights not found in any other tour/guide book. Only then would you know (depending on your traveling habits) what to plan for, where and for how long. The detailed maps with side road markers and accurate, no holds back-down to earth reviews of sites and places to stay truly make this guide book stand above the rest. Their accompaning website goes further in providing the latest in up to the minute information and accomodation reviews and photos of the sites. I bought this book as well as the other in the series a few weeks before actually booking the trip and I ended up booking much later after reading all the information such as the hotel was being renovated and under constant noise, plus it was quite further away from the activities that I was more interested in and getting a 4wd vehicle which they recommend for hard to reach places. Something I would not have done had I not had these books. Truly outstanding. Other guide books should be like this. The con This book makes you want to do and see so much in the little time one plans on the island that I find myself wanting a vacation after the vacation. But hey, I wouldn't want it any other way. Being that everyone and their mother already knows that these books are the best one to have, some of the sights might not be as secret as the book entails. Bottom line, Get the book (or all of them if visiting numerous islands) and read them to plan out your trip. Then take them with you and have fun. You won't be disappointed.

This is the absolute best book on Hawaii that I have ever read, and I have read many. There is a very good balance with photos and commentary, and though the descriptions are not always lengthy - that is to be expected getting in as many attractions as they do. I have taken it with me the last four trips to the big island, and I discover something new every time. I would never have discovered the green sand beach on my own, and it is my favorite now. It takes a hike to get there, but it is worth it! I found several remote beaches that I would never have known about without this book. One word of warning..... when the book states a site is hard to get to and you will rarely see any other people there, believe it. I had a very lonely nervous drive out to South Point.

Invaluable as 1) a pre-visit resource for both background and depth of understanding on the what, where, who and how to best experience the Big Island: 2) for use on-the-move to guide you to the rich (and away from the wary) experiences, and help you get the most of your overall visit; 3) to help explain to others, upon your return home, just what you did, what you saw, what you felt during your visit - and why you will be going back; and 4) a gift of compass and wisdom, which is now combined with your own annotations and experiences, to pass on to the next person you know (and now convinced) who will now be visiting the Big Island too. Oh yes, and it is entertaining as heck! Glad I used it, glad I can tell you about it! Enjoy on your own special journey!

I love this book! It's so thoroughly researched and detailed and covers everything you need to know about the Big Island, including what to do and how to get there. Find yourself in a tiny, tiny town on the Big Island and wondering where is the best place to eat? Ask the book. Want to know the history of and the kind of food served at a luau? Ask the book. Need to know the closest way to get from point A to B? Ask the book. Wondering why there are wild goats on the side of the road? Ask the book. Not only is the author thorough, detailed and incredibly knowledgeable about Hawaii, he's witty. I appreciated the humor and personal tidbits the author threw in. When he advises you to buy mosquitoes or risk the "bloodletting of your life", he's not kidding - he knows from experience! We took this book everywhere with us on this trip and it never disappointed. By the end of the trip I felt like the author was a good friend - just one that I've never actually met in person. I will definitely be buying the other Hawaiian island books for our next trips!

As other reviewers mention in detail, this book attempts to provide an "insider" view of all the sites on the Big Island. Since the main attractions of the Big Island are largely natural, it can be a bit tricky describing where to find a particular site to snorkel or a certain waterfall, but this books does a nice job of trying to point out these spots. However, I have seen some of them mention in other books. The key, though, is that this guide provides detailed opinions of what is worth seeing and what is simply tourist fare. If you are looking for an active vacation, this book is probably for you. For families looking to take guided tours, this book provides some nice narrative about famous sites, but there are paperbacks that can better serve as reference material. For me, this was a great way to help budget my time, since it mentions some hypes sites that it describes as avoidable, while pointing to places and activities that pop up between major landmarks.

These "Revealed" books are Da Bomb. We recently visited Big Island and Oahu and used both books. My friend is somewhat navigatiionally challenged but could easily use the books to give directions and provide spontaneous options on our travels. I must have consulted the books dozens of times. In fact, we met at least two families that also were using and raved about these books. The books are well organized so it is easy to research different activites or places. The author has a real sense of humor. They are a great read. He provides a range of options from easy to hard. For instance, you might explore some of the best coffee growing area in the world (Kona) or hike a little-known trail through a rain forest to view a volcanic crater (Hilo). The Oahu book was as well presented as the Big Island book. Plus he has great maps too, even to the detail of where an inexperienced or experienced snorkler might likely swim. Don't leave home without 'em.

This guidebook was fantastic for everything from where to stay, things to do, and places to eat. Conversationally-written and fun to read, it will definitely make you excited about your upcoming vacation. My only complaint is that I didn't see in the book that state beaches are closed on Wednesdays for "cleaning" and was therefore pretty disappointed after having made a Wednesday (day before I left) my day to beach-hop. Perhaps I missed this detail, but I consider it a crucial one and so it should have been posted everywhere very clearly. A great investment, though, for a dreamy vacation!

I should say I'm not a fan of guidebooks in general, and indeed did not buy a copy of this one until several locals in Hilo recommended it to me. They were right-- it really is a key that can unlock much of the Big Island for the adventurous traveler. While it may not be worth the effort if you're just planning on hanging around the resorts on Kona side, this was the perfect guide for my wife and I as we spent a week based in a rainforest cabin several miles east of Mountain View south of Hilo. We traveled most of the paved roads (and a good portion of the unpaved/lava roads) on the island and saw far more than we would have without such a great guide. Beaches are listed counter-clockwise around the entire island. Trails are well described, and the "hidden gems," while not always all that hidden, are almost always worth the drive/walk. Places like the steam caves in Puna, the Champagne Pond, and the more remote reaches of South Point we likely would not have discovered with our usual method of using a map alone. The info provided for such tourist-drawing activities as driving up Mona Kea to the observatories was very solid (even a bit on the conservative side) and our experiences with the restaurant reviews found them spot on (disclaimer: we ate in only four restaurants over an eight-day period, preferring to purchase food at farmer's markets and fish on the bayfront). On the balance an excellent guide book, aided in our case only by advice from a few locals and some friends who grew up in Hilo. My only reservation has also been expressed by others, i.e. that some of these places are really pretty special and should not be overrun by tourists OR locals-- they'd be better off remaining secrets for the few who live in the area and will take care of them. We tended to avoid places that fit that bill, and in most cases even the lava roads to the more remote sites were dotted with other rental Jeeps, most of whose drivers were also clutching a copy of this guidebook!

I just returned from 9 days on the Big Island and found this "Revealed" book and the Moon Handbook to be my two best resources (I brought a total 5 guidebooks with me). I used the Moon Handbook predominantly on the windward side while I was staying in Volcanoes Nat'l Park and the "Revealed" book predominantly on the leeward side while I was staying in Kona. I used the dining recommendation from both books. I had pre-booked my accommodations, so I did not use that section of the book, although I looked up my condo and found their review accurate. Contrary to the comments of another reviewers (probably written a couple of editions ago) I did not find that the authors encouraged illegal or unethical activity, although they do emphasize that public beach access is the law in Hawaii. However, as noted, I did notice that many, many of the other tourists were carrying around copies of this book. This book was particulary helpful when trying to find beaches to play & snorkel - they are listed in order as you drive up or down the coast and the "gems" are truly noteworthy, although all the beaches were crowded since the local schools had let out for the holidays. The detailed maps were terrific. I used them quite a bit to get around. They also have a website that lists current updates and changes to their book, such as closures due to the earthquake last fall. The only critique I would have is that I could have use a bit more description of the hiking/walking required to get to each of the sights. Distance, elevation change/steepness (or stairs), terrain descriptions would have been helpful since I had a mobility-impaired grandparent with me. (Rather than "15-20 min hike" because that's dependent on physical status). Overall, I would highly recommend this book if you were only taking one with you to the Big Island.

Reading the book itself was like experiencing everything the author had while researching it, the writing is candid, humorous, insightful. It made our three day (I know, short) trip to the Big Island a great success. Except for one thing: the winds that the author describes as being strong in the afternoon on the Kohala coast are actually strong in the morning, but (according to our hotel) only in the summer (around September). If you spend such a short time on the island, this book is totally worth it. I just wish we had been considered "locals" like him, because in the low season (September), Hawaiians just aren't as friendly. There were hardly any tourists (weather is less predictable, it's past the main travel season in both US and Asia) and the locals appeared to be enjoying their time away from the crowds. But that's our experience, and don't let it stop you from buying this guide.

The pro As mentioned in the previous reviews, you can't find a better tour book. For those planning a trip to the islands, you can't go wrong reading the Ultimate Guidebook series. Do yourself a favor and read them before planning a trip to Hawaii. It gives the reader/planner insights not found in any other tour/guide book. Only then would you know (depending on your traveling habits) what to plan for, where and for how long. The detailed maps with side road markers and accurate, no holds back-down to earth reviews of sites and places to stay truly make this guide book stand above the rest. Their accompaning website goes further in providing the latest in up to the minute information and accomodation reviews and photos of the sites. I bought this book as well as the other in the series a few weeks before actually booking the trip and I ended up booking much later after reading all the information such as the hotel was being renovated and under constant noise, plus it was quite further away from the activities that I was more interested in and getting a 4wd vehicle which they recommend for hard to reach places. Something I would not have done had I not had these books. Truly outstanding. Other guide books should be like this. The con This book makes you want to do and see so much in the little time one plans on the island that I find myself wanting a vacation after the vacation. But hey, I wouldn't want it any other way. Being that everyone and their mother already knows that these books are the best one to have, some of the sights might not be as secret as the book entails. Bottom line, Get the book (or all of them if visiting numerous islands) and read them to plan out your trip. Then take them with you and have fun. You won't be disappointed.

This is the absolute best book on Hawaii that I have ever read, and I have read many. There is a very good balance with photos and commentary, and though the descriptions are not always lengthy - that is to be expected getting in as many attractions as they do. I have taken it with me the last four trips to the big island, and I discover something new every time. I would never have discovered the green sand beach on my own, and it is my favorite now. It takes a hike to get there, but it is worth it! I found several remote beaches that I would never have known about without this book. One word of warning..... when the book states a site is hard to get to and you will rarely see any other people there, believe it. I had a very lonely nervous drive out to South Point.

Invaluable as 1) a pre-visit resource for both background and depth of understanding on the what, where, who and how to best experience the Big Island: 2) for use on-the-move to guide you to the rich (and away from the wary) experiences, and help you get the most of your overall visit; 3) to help explain to others, upon your return home, just what you did, what you saw, what you felt during your visit - and why you will be going back; and 4) a gift of compass and wisdom, which is now combined with your own annotations and experiences, to pass on to the next person you know (and now convinced) who will now be visiting the Big Island too. Oh yes, and it is entertaining as heck! Glad I used it, glad I can tell you about it! Enjoy on your own special journey!

I love this book! It's so thoroughly researched and detailed and covers everything you need to know about the Big Island, including what to do and how to get there. Find yourself in a tiny, tiny town on the Big Island and wondering where is the best place to eat? Ask the book. Want to know the history of and the kind of food served at a luau? Ask the book. Need to know the closest way to get from point A to B? Ask the book. Wondering why there are wild goats on the side of the road? Ask the book. Not only is the author thorough, detailed and incredibly knowledgeable about Hawaii, he's witty. I appreciated the humor and personal tidbits the author threw in. When he advises you to buy mosquitoes or risk the "bloodletting of your life", he's not kidding - he knows from experience! We took this book everywhere with us on this trip and it never disappointed. By the end of the trip I felt like the author was a good friend - just one that I've never actually met in person. I will definitely be buying the other Hawaiian island books for our next trips!

As other reviewers mention in detail, this book attempts to provide an "insider" view of all the sites on the Big Island. Since the main attractions of the Big Island are largely natural, it can be a bit tricky describing where to find a particular site to snorkel or a certain waterfall, but this books does a nice job of trying to point out these spots. However, I have seen some of them mention in other books. The key, though, is that this guide provides detailed opinions of what is worth seeing and what is simply tourist fare. If you are looking for an active vacation, this book is probably for you. For families looking to take guided tours, this book provides some nice narrative about famous sites, but there are paperbacks that can better serve as reference material. For me, this was a great way to help budget my time, since it mentions some hypes sites that it describes as avoidable, while pointing to places and activities that pop up between major landmarks.

These "Revealed" books are Da Bomb. We recently visited Big Island and Oahu and used both books. My friend is somewhat navigatiionally challenged but could easily use the books to give directions and provide spontaneous options on our travels. I must have consulted the books dozens of times. In fact, we met at least two families that also were using and raved about these books. The books are well organized so it is easy to research different activites or places. The author has a real sense of humor. They are a great read. He provides a range of options from easy to hard. For instance, you might explore some of the best coffee growing area in the world (Kona) or hike a little-known trail through a rain forest to view a volcanic crater (Hilo). The Oahu book was as well presented as the Big Island book. Plus he has great maps too, even to the detail of where an inexperienced or experienced snorkler might likely swim. Don't leave home without 'em.

This guidebook was fantastic for everything from where to stay, things to do, and places to eat. Conversationally-written and fun to read, it will definitely make you excited about your upcoming vacation. My only complaint is that I didn't see in the book that state beaches are closed on Wednesdays for "cleaning" and was therefore pretty disappointed after having made a Wednesday (day before I left) my day to beach-hop. Perhaps I missed this detail, but I consider it a crucial one and so it should have been posted everywhere very clearly. A great investment, though, for a dreamy vacation!

We just got back from our trip to Hawaii and I have to say that this book made our vacation fantastic! We used this book to get to places off the beaten path, which really helped us enjoy our vacation even more. It contained maps to various locations (although we still purchased and used a regular map as well). It gave us clear directions to may 'off road' destinations such as the green sand beach and some other beaches. All-in-all, I HIGHLY recommend this book and was money well spent.

This book is really the best. This book helps us find many places and plan our tours in Hawaii. The author is so truthful to the facts that he shows the actual pictures of the lava that should be generally expected, in the book. This book doesnot exaggerate the pictures. For ex: The book suggests that we should not believe in all those helicopter rides where you see pictures showing red color lava (in day time-with full of sunlight)with the helicopter so near by. Do you really think that the helicopter goes so nearby to the volcano !!! and the lava looks so red in bright sunlight !!! Let me tell you...during day time, it is almost impossible to see red color lava even if you are in few feet distance. You can only see the steam coming out of the vents...from such a distance. It is only during the nights or after sunset, you can see red color lava flowing.It is better to inquire with the volcano park to know the status and plan to go there.Because some times, even in the night you can't see anything except the steam. About the helicopter tours, I would say it is not a good idea to take the helicopter tour in Bigisland. It was worth taking the tour in Kaui though !! and that's what the book says too !! I liked the book so much that I tried to go to all the restaurants that were suggested in this book. It says about a restaurant ' U-TOP-IT'...which was a hawaiin style food... yet really tasty and you can have your own toppings. The food was really good. But, be sure to go either for lunch or breakfast. Because the restaurant is not open for dinner (atleast when we went). The only drawback in this book is the lack of complete maps. It would really complete the book if they can give the complete maps. But, I don't think this is a reason to reduce the stars/rating. Because, you can still manage with the information available in this book.

I must agree with Robert Graves (other review) on the pluses and minuses of these "Revealed" books. They are the best guides to be found, but sadly some of the readers are making it bad for everyone with their indescretions and disregard of the land. That said, if you have an older edition, you don't HAVE to get this new edition....but this new edition does have a few updates and new things not mentioned in previous editions so it is worth the purchase.

As almost everyone here has pointed out, this guide was just unbelievably good. It helped make our trip a great success and we came back from Hawaii with a very satisfied feeling of having experienced the best of it. It did at one point lead us down a pretty treacherous path where my rented jeep wrangler almost overturned and then had a flat next to an old car that had obviously been abandoned there by the owners many years ago. Quite exciting though unplanned. So as a word of warning, even though the authors have done an excellent job of documenting the Big Island, parts of it are quite wild and volcanic activity can make otherwise simple drives a lot more complicated.

We go to Hawaii every other year and I have never gone there without this guide. We buy a new edition each year or if we switch islands. Their information is very accurate and helpful. The one time we went exploring without the book in our car, we almost got injured by something they'd listed a warning in the book. After that, we never let these books out of sight. Great stuff to save money or possibly your life.

Love these series of guidebooks since they take us to places we never would have thought to explore from a sterile map. Using this guidebook plus hunting for several geocaches (geocaching.com) and also talking up the locals equals a kickbutt trip to the Big Island that few tourists ever get. If you really want adventure on your trip to Hawaii, rent a 4 wheel drive and just EXPLORE. This book will get you started.

The 'Hawaii Revealed' books are considered **the** guide book of choice on the islands. (There are editions for each.) They are found in just about every gift shop; but you can start planning your vacation before you arrive with one purchased through Amazon ahead of time.

Purchased this to get a heads up idea on what to do when we made our trip at Christmas/New Year 2006/07. I found this to be very informative on almost everything we did! We found the reviews to be right on, and made our excursions more productive and less of a waste of time. The only thing that bums me out is that I loaned it to a family member and never saw it again. I highly recommend this book!

A year ago I took a vacation on the island of Maui. Before the trip I purchased the Maui Revealed book and found it an excellent resource and one I would highly recommend for anyone going there. Now I am planning a trip to the islands again and will be spending a week on the Big Island. I didn't want to go before I had this book in hand. I have another year to plan but this book will help in deciding how I want to spend my time. I would hightly recommend this series of books for anyone planning trips to the islands. It's a fantastic resource.

All of the "Revealed" books are great depending on what Island you're traveling to. My favorite addition to these books is the location of all the best banana bread stands. You can't have a great HI travel book unless you point out the best roadside food stands! I've been well served on every island I've been to because of these great books. Excellent read and very informative. I wouldn't travel without them.

I should say I'm not a fan of guidebooks in general, and indeed did not buy a copy of this one until several locals in Hilo recommended it to me. They were right-- it really is a key that can unlock much of the Big Island for the adventurous traveler. While it may not be worth the effort if you're just planning on hanging around the resorts on Kona side, this was the perfect guide for my wife and I as we spent a week based in a rainforest cabin several miles east of Mountain View south of Hilo. We traveled most of the paved roads (and a good portion of the unpaved/lava roads) on the island and saw far more than we would have without such a great guide. Beaches are listed counter-clockwise around the entire island. Trails are well described, and the "hidden gems," while not always all that hidden, are almost always worth the drive/walk. Places like the steam caves in Puna, the Champagne Pond, and the more remote reaches of South Point we likely would not have discovered with our usual method of using a map alone. The info provided for such tourist-drawing activities as driving up Mona Kea to the observatories was very solid (even a bit on the conservative side) and our experiences with the restaurant reviews found them spot on (disclaimer: we ate in only four restaurants over an eight-day period, preferring to purchase food at farmer's markets and fish on the bayfront). On the balance an excellent guide book, aided in our case only by advice from a few locals and some friends who grew up in Hilo. My only reservation has also been expressed by others, i.e. that some of these places are really pretty special and should not be overrun by tourists OR locals-- they'd be better off remaining secrets for the few who live in the area and will take care of them. We tended to avoid places that fit that bill, and in most cases even the lava roads to the more remote sites were dotted with other rental Jeeps, most of whose drivers were also clutching a copy of this guidebook!

I just returned from 9 days on the Big Island and found this "Revealed" book and the Moon Handbook to be my two best resources (I brought a total 5 guidebooks with me). I used the Moon Handbook predominantly on the windward side while I was staying in Volcanoes Nat'l Park and the "Revealed" book predominantly on the leeward side while I was staying in Kona. I used the dining recommendation from both books. I had pre-booked my accommodations, so I did not use that section of the book, although I looked up my condo and found their review accurate. Contrary to the comments of another reviewers (probably written a couple of editions ago) I did not find that the authors encouraged illegal or unethical activity, although they do emphasize that public beach access is the law in Hawaii. However, as noted, I did notice that many, many of the other tourists were carrying around copies of this book. This book was particulary helpful when trying to find beaches to play & snorkel - they are listed in order as you drive up or down the coast and the "gems" are truly noteworthy, although all the beaches were crowded since the local schools had let out for the holidays. The detailed maps were terrific. I used them quite a bit to get around. They also have a website that lists current updates and changes to their book, such as closures due to the earthquake last fall. The only critique I would have is that I could have use a bit more description of the hiking/walking required to get to each of the sights. Distance, elevation change/steepness (or stairs), terrain descriptions would have been helpful since I had a mobility-impaired grandparent with me. (Rather than "15-20 min hike" because that's dependent on physical status). Overall, I would highly recommend this book if you were only taking one with you to the Big Island.

Reading the book itself was like experiencing everything the author had while researching it, the writing is candid, humorous, insightful. It made our three day (I know, short) trip to the Big Island a great success. Except for one thing: the winds that the author describes as being strong in the afternoon on the Kohala coast are actually strong in the morning, but (according to our hotel) only in the summer (around September). If you spend such a short time on the island, this book is totally worth it. I just wish we had been considered "locals" like him, because in the low season (September), Hawaiians just aren't as friendly. There were hardly any tourists (weather is less predictable, it's past the main travel season in both US and Asia) and the locals appeared to be enjoying their time away from the crowds. But that's our experience, and don't let it stop you from buying this guide.

The pro As mentioned in the previous reviews, you can't find a better tour book. For those planning a trip to the islands, you can't go wrong reading the Ultimate Guidebook series. Do yourself a favor and read them before planning a trip to Hawaii. It gives the reader/planner insights not found in any other tour/guide book. Only then would you know (depending on your traveling habits) what to plan for, where and for how long. The detailed maps with side road markers and accurate, no holds back-down to earth reviews of sites and places to stay truly make this guide book stand above the rest. Their accompaning website goes further in providing the latest in up to the minute information and accomodation reviews and photos of the sites. I bought this book as well as the other in the series a few weeks before actually booking the trip and I ended up booking much later after reading all the information such as the hotel was being renovated and under constant noise, plus it was quite further away from the activities that I was more interested in and getting a 4wd vehicle which they recommend for hard to reach places. Something I would not have done had I not had these books. Truly outstanding. Other guide books should be like this. The con This book makes you want to do and see so much in the little time one plans on the island that I find myself wanting a vacation after the vacation. But hey, I wouldn't want it any other way. Being that everyone and their mother already knows that these books are the best one to have, some of the sights might not be as secret as the book entails. Bottom line, Get the book (or all of them if visiting numerous islands) and read them to plan out your trip. Then take them with you and have fun. You won't be disappointed.

This is the absolute best book on Hawaii that I have ever read, and I have read many. There is a very good balance with photos and commentary, and though the descriptions are not always lengthy - that is to be expected getting in as many attractions as they do. I have taken it with me the last four trips to the big island, and I discover something new every time. I would never have discovered the green sand beach on my own, and it is my favorite now. It takes a hike to get there, but it is worth it! I found several remote beaches that I would never have known about without this book. One word of warning..... when the book states a site is hard to get to and you will rarely see any other people there, believe it. I had a very lonely nervous drive out to South Point.

Invaluable as 1) a pre-visit resource for both background and depth of understanding on the what, where, who and how to best experience the Big Island: 2) for use on-the-move to guide you to the rich (and away from the wary) experiences, and help you get the most of your overall visit; 3) to help explain to others, upon your return home, just what you did, what you saw, what you felt during your visit - and why you will be going back; and 4) a gift of compass and wisdom, which is now combined with your own annotations and experiences, to pass on to the next person you know (and now convinced) who will now be visiting the Big Island too. Oh yes, and it is entertaining as heck! Glad I used it, glad I can tell you about it! Enjoy on your own special journey!

I love this book! It's so thoroughly researched and detailed and covers everything you need to know about the Big Island, including what to do and how to get there. Find yourself in a tiny, tiny town on the Big Island and wondering where is the best place to eat? Ask the book. Want to know the history of and the kind of food served at a luau? Ask the book. Need to know the closest way to get from point A to B? Ask the book. Wondering why there are wild goats on the side of the road? Ask the book. Not only is the author thorough, detailed and incredibly knowledgeable about Hawaii, he's witty. I appreciated the humor and personal tidbits the author threw in. When he advises you to buy mosquitoes or risk the "bloodletting of your life", he's not kidding - he knows from experience! We took this book everywhere with us on this trip and it never disappointed. By the end of the trip I felt like the author was a good friend - just one that I've never actually met in person. I will definitely be buying the other Hawaiian island books for our next trips!

As other reviewers mention in detail, this book attempts to provide an "insider" view of all the sites on the Big Island. Since the main attractions of the Big Island are largely natural, it can be a bit tricky describing where to find a particular site to snorkel or a certain waterfall, but this books does a nice job of trying to point out these spots. However, I have seen some of them mention in other books. The key, though, is that this guide provides detailed opinions of what is worth seeing and what is simply tourist fare. If you are looking for an active vacation, this book is probably for you. For families looking to take guided tours, this book provides some nice narrative about famous sites, but there are paperbacks that can better serve as reference material. For me, this was a great way to help budget my time, since it mentions some hypes sites that it describes as avoidable, while pointing to places and activities that pop up between major landmarks.

These "Revealed" books are Da Bomb. We recently visited Big Island and Oahu and used both books. My friend is somewhat navigatiionally challenged but could easily use the books to give directions and provide spontaneous options on our travels. I must have consulted the books dozens of times. In fact, we met at least two families that also were using and raved about these books. The books are well organized so it is easy to research different activites or places. The author has a real sense of humor. They are a great read. He provides a range of options from easy to hard. For instance, you might explore some of the best coffee growing area in the world (Kona) or hike a little-known trail through a rain forest to view a volcanic crater (Hilo). The Oahu book was as well presented as the Big Island book. Plus he has great maps too, even to the detail of where an inexperienced or experienced snorkler might likely swim. Don't leave home without 'em.

This guidebook was fantastic for everything from where to stay, things to do, and places to eat. Conversationally-written and fun to read, it will definitely make you excited about your upcoming vacation. My only complaint is that I didn't see in the book that state beaches are closed on Wednesdays for "cleaning" and was therefore pretty disappointed after having made a Wednesday (day before I left) my day to beach-hop. Perhaps I missed this detail, but I consider it a crucial one and so it should have been posted everywhere very clearly. A great investment, though, for a dreamy vacation!

The most amusing and insightful travel guide I have ever read. The Author has a writing style that had me laughing aloud. I am reading it again cover to cover before we finalize our plans! We borrowed Maui Revealed for our trip to Maui, and found the most amazing hikes! Get the most recent version no matter which island you are visiting. I wouldn't travel 12+ hours without knowing where we were going!

We just returned from the Big Island and found this book in our hands 'all the time'. We found it helpful for everything we did; looking at the sights, choosing a beach or dining. We ate at a local restaurant that we would never have entered except for the review in this book. It had such delicious food and unique atmosphere. Great travel guide.

Just returned from a great visit to the Big Island, made even greater by this book. Went from lava fields to rain forests in less than 2 hours and took some incredible back road tours that would have been impossible without this book. Found directions very clear, restaurant reviews impeccable and site reviews invaluable. On top of all that, authors have a very enjoyable way of writing, which my entire family enjoyed. Do get this book. I had also taken the Fodor and Frommer books, which I rarely opened.

This is an excellent book with a lot of good maps. The Kona side of the Big Island is developing so fast, with sprawl lining both sides of the highway, that you can't expect the authors to keep up with every new Walmart, Costco, restaurant, etc. The authors and publishers of other guidebooks are more devoted to reviewing hotels, restaurants, and other commercial operations. So use this one for planning sightseeing, Lonely Planet or Fodors for picking a hotel (or look at West Hawaii Today, the hardcopy/online newspaper, or just search for condo rentals), and talk to the locals for the rest.

I haven't had a chance to put this book to use yet but it has been invaluable in planning so much so that we are not going to purchase any additional overall guide books for Hawaii. The big features of this book versus other guide books are great maps and numerous color photos. It is also fun to read. I was surprised to find restaurant and comprehensive lodging info included, particularly if you refer to their website for more info. They even have links to the properties' websites. The only drawback is the lack of detail on each of the hiking trails. Lots of description but the basic information such as length of the trail is often left out. It also seems the authors really want you to go to the out of the way trails. Many take all day or multiple days to do. Perhaps they are all like that on the Big Island and on Kauai (the other book in this series I've purchased.)

This guide covers everything you could ever want to know for your vacation on the Big Island. It is the best and most complete guide I have ever read to any place and it is written in a very entertaining and funny style. I read several guide books to Hawaii and did a lot of research on-line, I could have saved that time because nothing I found compares to Andrew Doughty's books . You don't even need an additional snorkle guide or trail guide, this book covers everything. And anything you look for is easily found. You will love it!

great product, quick shipping.

Best guide to the big island by far. None even come close. Not only details available nowhere else, but updates on line. This feature was very valuable as our trip included three days at the volcano and the eastern areas of Hawaii including Puna and the northern coast. Suggestions about restaurants and stops were consistently accurate and informative. Very helpful in planning a trip as well. Organization of t he book is supberb! If I were to plan a trip to Mars, Venus or the moon, I would search for a guidebook by these authors

Really really worth the price. The book was in great condition like new and we benefited a lot for our Hawaii trip. Greeeeate product!!

This is probably the best guide to the Big Island currently in print. The Author(s) include great maps, honest opinions, and great detail not found elsewhere. We have traveled to the Big Island several times in the past five years and have used the 3rd edition extensively. The recently published 4th edition is disappointing however since it is almost identical to the previous edition. While some of the restaurant reviews have changed slightly and the newly re-opened Sheraton Keauhou Bay resort has been added many other reviews are outdated and show some "laziness" on the part of the author. I also disagree with some of the hotel reviews including the Hapuna Prince review which needlessly pans a fine property which is a "super value" when compared with the much more expensive resorts in the Kohala area. The review for the Kekaha Kai State Park and the Makalawawena beach is also terribly outdated. The author lists the road as partially paved and being considered for re-paving in the five year old edition and the current copy. In fact the road is virtually unpassable for all but full sized SUVs. There are craters in the road which will swallow a small car. Too bad the author thought it was OK to "rip off" the consumer rather than put in the time to truely upgrade this fine guidebook.

I should say I'm not a fan of guidebooks in general, and indeed did not buy a copy of this one until several locals in Hilo recommended it to me. They were right-- it really is a key that can unlock much of the Big Island for the adventurous traveler. While it may not be worth the effort if you're just planning on hanging around the resorts on Kona side, this was the perfect guide for my wife and I as we spent a week based in a rainforest cabin several miles east of Mountain View south of Hilo. We traveled most of the paved roads (and a good portion of the unpaved/lava roads) on the island and saw far more than we would have without such a great guide. Beaches are listed counter-clockwise around the entire island. Trails are well described, and the "hidden gems," while not always all that hidden, are almost always worth the drive/walk. Places like the steam caves in Puna, the Champagne Pond, and the more remote reaches of South Point we likely would not have discovered with our usual method of using a map alone. The info provided for such tourist-drawing activities as driving up Mona Kea to the observatories was very solid (even a bit on the conservative side) and our experiences with the restaurant reviews found them spot on (disclaimer: we ate in only four restaurants over an eight-day period, preferring to purchase food at farmer's markets and fish on the bayfront). On the balance an excellent guide book, aided in our case only by advice from a few locals and some friends who grew up in Hilo. My only reservation has also been expressed by others, i.e. that some of these places are really pretty special and should not be overrun by tourists OR locals-- they'd be better off remaining secrets for the few who live in the area and will take care of them. We tended to avoid places that fit that bill, and in most cases even the lava roads to the more remote sites were dotted with other rental Jeeps, most of whose drivers were also clutching a copy of this guidebook!

I just returned from 9 days on the Big Island and found this "Revealed" book and the Moon Handbook to be my two best resources (I brought a total 5 guidebooks with me). I used the Moon Handbook predominantly on the windward side while I was staying in Volcanoes Nat'l Park and the "Revealed" book predominantly on the leeward side while I was staying in Kona. I used the dining recommendation from both books. I had pre-booked my accommodations, so I did not use that section of the book, although I looked up my condo and found their review accurate. Contrary to the comments of another reviewers (probably written a couple of editions ago) I did not find that the authors encouraged illegal or unethical activity, although they do emphasize that public beach access is the law in Hawaii. However, as noted, I did notice that many, many of the other tourists were carrying around copies of this book. This book was particulary helpful when trying to find beaches to play & snorkel - they are listed in order as you drive up or down the coast and the "gems" are truly noteworthy, although all the beaches were crowded since the local schools had let out for the holidays. The detailed maps were terrific. I used them quite a bit to get around. They also have a website that lists current updates and changes to their book, such as closures due to the earthquake last fall. The only critique I would have is that I could have use a bit more description of the hiking/walking required to get to each of the sights. Distance, elevation change/steepness (or stairs), terrain descriptions would have been helpful since I had a mobility-impaired grandparent with me. (Rather than "15-20 min hike" because that's dependent on physical status). Overall, I would highly recommend this book if you were only taking one with you to the Big Island.

Reading the book itself was like experiencing everything the author had while researching it, the writing is candid, humorous, insightful. It made our three day (I know, short) trip to the Big Island a great success. Except for one thing: the winds that the author describes as being strong in the afternoon on the Kohala coast are actually strong in the morning, but (according to our hotel) only in the summer (around September). If you spend such a short time on the island, this book is totally worth it. I just wish we had been considered "locals" like him, because in the low season (September), Hawaiians just aren't as friendly. There were hardly any tourists (weather is less predictable, it's past the main travel season in both US and Asia) and the locals appeared to be enjoying their time away from the crowds. But that's our experience, and don't let it stop you from buying this guide.

The pro As mentioned in the previous reviews, you can't find a better tour book. For those planning a trip to the islands, you can't go wrong reading the Ultimate Guidebook series. Do yourself a favor and read them before planning a trip to Hawaii. It gives the reader/planner insights not found in any other tour/guide book. Only then would you know (depending on your traveling habits) what to plan for, where and for how long. The detailed maps with side road markers and accurate, no holds back-down to earth reviews of sites and places to stay truly make this guide book stand above the rest. Their accompaning website goes further in providing the latest in up to the minute information and accomodation reviews and photos of the sites. I bought this book as well as the other in the series a few weeks before actually booking the trip and I ended up booking much later after reading all the information such as the hotel was being renovated and under constant noise, plus it was quite further away from the activities that I was more interested in and getting a 4wd vehicle which they recommend for hard to reach places. Something I would not have done had I not had these books. Truly outstanding. Other guide books should be like this. The con This book makes you want to do and see so much in the little time one plans on the island that I find myself wanting a vacation after the vacation. But hey, I wouldn't want it any other way. Being that everyone and their mother already knows that these books are the best one to have, some of the sights might not be as secret as the book entails. Bottom line, Get the book (or all of them if visiting numerous islands) and read them to plan out your trip. Then take them with you and have fun. You won't be disappointed.

This is the absolute best book on Hawaii that I have ever read, and I have read many. There is a very good balance with photos and commentary, and though the descriptions are not always lengthy - that is to be expected getting in as many attractions as they do. I have taken it with me the last four trips to the big island, and I discover something new every time. I would never have discovered the green sand beach on my own, and it is my favorite now. It takes a hike to get there, but it is worth it! I found several remote beaches that I would never have known about without this book. One word of warning..... when the book states a site is hard to get to and you will rarely see any other people there, believe it. I had a very lonely nervous drive out to South Point.

Invaluable as 1) a pre-visit resource for both background and depth of understanding on the what, where, who and how to best experience the Big Island: 2) for use on-the-move to guide you to the rich (and away from the wary) experiences, and help you get the most of your overall visit; 3) to help explain to others, upon your return home, just what you did, what you saw, what you felt during your visit - and why you will be going back; and 4) a gift of compass and wisdom, which is now combined with your own annotations and experiences, to pass on to the next person you know (and now convinced) who will now be visiting the Big Island too. Oh yes, and it is entertaining as heck! Glad I used it, glad I can tell you about it! Enjoy on your own special journey!

I love this book! It's so thoroughly researched and detailed and covers everything you need to know about the Big Island, including what to do and how to get there. Find yourself in a tiny, tiny town on the Big Island and wondering where is the best place to eat? Ask the book. Want to know the history of and the kind of food served at a luau? Ask the book. Need to know the closest way to get from point A to B? Ask the book. Wondering why there are wild goats on the side of the road? Ask the book. Not only is the author thorough, detailed and incredibly knowledgeable about Hawaii, he's witty. I appreciated the humor and personal tidbits the author threw in. When he advises you to buy mosquitoes or risk the "bloodletting of your life", he's not kidding - he knows from experience! We took this book everywhere with us on this trip and it never disappointed. By the end of the trip I felt like the author was a good friend - just one that I've never actually met in person. I will definitely be buying the other Hawaiian island books for our next trips!

As other reviewers mention in detail, this book attempts to provide an "insider" view of all the sites on the Big Island. Since the main attractions of the Big Island are largely natural, it can be a bit tricky describing where to find a particular site to snorkel or a certain waterfall, but this books does a nice job of trying to point out these spots. However, I have seen some of them mention in other books. The key, though, is that this guide provides detailed opinions of what is worth seeing and what is simply tourist fare. If you are looking for an active vacation, this book is probably for you. For families looking to take guided tours, this book provides some nice narrative about famous sites, but there are paperbacks that can better serve as reference material. For me, this was a great way to help budget my time, since it mentions some hypes sites that it describes as avoidable, while pointing to places and activities that pop up between major landmarks.

These "Revealed" books are Da Bomb. We recently visited Big Island and Oahu and used both books. My friend is somewhat navigatiionally challenged but could easily use the books to give directions and provide spontaneous options on our travels. I must have consulted the books dozens of times. In fact, we met at least two families that also were using and raved about these books. The books are well organized so it is easy to research different activites or places. The author has a real sense of humor. They are a great read. He provides a range of options from easy to hard. For instance, you might explore some of the best coffee growing area in the world (Kona) or hike a little-known trail through a rain forest to view a volcanic crater (Hilo). The Oahu book was as well presented as the Big Island book. Plus he has great maps too, even to the detail of where an inexperienced or experienced snorkler might likely swim. Don't leave home without 'em.

This guidebook was fantastic for everything from where to stay, things to do, and places to eat. Conversationally-written and fun to read, it will definitely make you excited about your upcoming vacation. My only complaint is that I didn't see in the book that state beaches are closed on Wednesdays for "cleaning" and was therefore pretty disappointed after having made a Wednesday (day before I left) my day to beach-hop. Perhaps I missed this detail, but I consider it a crucial one and so it should have been posted everywhere very clearly. A great investment, though, for a dreamy vacation!

I bought this book in anticipation of our upcoming trip to the big island of Hawaii. We haven't been there since 1975 so we wanted to get an idea of the latest and greatest things to do there. We have used the "Revealed" series of books for Kauai and Maui. We have found these books to be very helpful and invaluable to finding some of those "little known" but wonderful places on each of these islands. We have been to the islands many times and we always find the "revealed" guidebooks helpful.

We have all four islands now from this book series. I just got back from Maui and am excited to go to the big island next year if possible. Flights to the big island are EXPENSIVE!!!!!!

It was very thorough

With the purchase of Hawaii The Big Island Revealed I now have the entire set of "Revealed" books about Hawaii. I just LOVE all of them. To my thinking these books offer you an honest opinion of what to expect. The writer's opinion is fresh, honest, well written, and not biased by the hotels and/or travel companies. If you are going to visit Hawaii, and you want information that will absolutely make a difference in what you do - this book is a must!

Even if you have been to the the Big Island of Hawaii before, you are certain to find new places to go to, beaches to relax on, and restaurants to enjoy. The authors live in Hawaii and go to great effort to make sure everything they write is accurate by revisiting everything, retrying each restaurant, etc. with each new edition. In reading the book you experience the authors' passions for their home and all that it has to offer. Whether you are looking for that secluded beach with great snorkeling and no people or the restaurant that serves the best Thai food on the island, this is the book to get. Read it before you go and bring it with you. You'll be glad you did.

Love this guide! If I travel I always try to find these books. So easy to follow and it is in an easy language to read! GREAT! GREAT! GREAT!

We think that these guidebooks are the best for all the islands. However, be skeptical of restaurant recommendations. Also comments and recommendations are frequently out of date. Small example: 2007 edition for the Big Island recommends the Mauna Kea hotel and golf course which have been closed for over one year.

We used this book to map out what we wanted to do while we were on the big island. It was a huge help in avoiding certain things and focusing on others. We would have had a great time either way, after all it is Hawaii, but this book helped us take our trip to the next level and make it much more organized.

Although we have a vacation home on island and have been traveling to the Big Island for over 9 years, this book was still an fantastic resource for us during our latest visit while hosting another couple.

The best guide there is of the Big Island. Honest, clear and fair with a great approach and a wonderful writing style. A must have for a good time in Hawaii. Just remember that things change fast in Hawaii and many of the books recommendations have since closed.

I should say I'm not a fan of guidebooks in general, and indeed did not buy a copy of this one until several locals in Hilo recommended it to me. They were right-- it really is a key that can unlock much of the Big Island for the adventurous traveler. While it may not be worth the effort if you're just planning on hanging around the resorts on Kona side, this was the perfect guide for my wife and I as we spent a week based in a rainforest cabin several miles east of Mountain View south of Hilo. We traveled most of the paved roads (and a good portion of the unpaved/lava roads) on the island and saw far more than we would have without such a great guide. Beaches are listed counter-clockwise around the entire island. Trails are well described, and the "hidden gems," while not always all that hidden, are almost always worth the drive/walk. Places like the steam caves in Puna, the Champagne Pond, and the more remote reaches of South Point we likely would not have discovered with our usual method of using a map alone. The info provided for such tourist-drawing activities as driving up Mona Kea to the observatories was very solid (even a bit on the conservative side) and our experiences with the restaurant reviews found them spot on (disclaimer: we ate in only four restaurants over an eight-day period, preferring to purchase food at farmer's markets and fish on the bayfront). On the balance an excellent guide book, aided in our case only by advice from a few locals and some friends who grew up in Hilo. My only reservation has also been expressed by others, i.e. that some of these places are really pretty special and should not be overrun by tourists OR locals-- they'd be better off remaining secrets for the few who live in the area and will take care of them. We tended to avoid places that fit that bill, and in most cases even the lava roads to the more remote sites were dotted with other rental Jeeps, most of whose drivers were also clutching a copy of this guidebook!

I just returned from 9 days on the Big Island and found this "Revealed" book and the Moon Handbook to be my two best resources (I brought a total 5 guidebooks with me). I used the Moon Handbook predominantly on the windward side while I was staying in Volcanoes Nat'l Park and the "Revealed" book predominantly on the leeward side while I was staying in Kona. I used the dining recommendation from both books. I had pre-booked my accommodations, so I did not use that section of the book, although I looked up my condo and found their review accurate. Contrary to the comments of another reviewers (probably written a couple of editions ago) I did not find that the authors encouraged illegal or unethical activity, although they do emphasize that public beach access is the law in Hawaii. However, as noted, I did notice that many, many of the other tourists were carrying around copies of this book. This book was particulary helpful when trying to find beaches to play & snorkel - they are listed in order as you drive up or down the coast and the "gems" are truly noteworthy, although all the beaches were crowded since the local schools had let out for the holidays. The detailed maps were terrific. I used them quite a bit to get around. They also have a website that lists current updates and changes to their book, such as closures due to the earthquake last fall. The only critique I would have is that I could have use a bit more description of the hiking/walking required to get to each of the sights. Distance, elevation change/steepness (or stairs), terrain descriptions would have been helpful since I had a mobility-impaired grandparent with me. (Rather than "15-20 min hike" because that's dependent on physical status). Overall, I would highly recommend this book if you were only taking one with you to the Big Island.

Reading the book itself was like experiencing everything the author had while researching it, the writing is candid, humorous, insightful. It made our three day (I know, short) trip to the Big Island a great success. Except for one thing: the winds that the author describes as being strong in the afternoon on the Kohala coast are actually strong in the morning, but (according to our hotel) only in the summer (around September). If you spend such a short time on the island, this book is totally worth it. I just wish we had been considered "locals" like him, because in the low season (September), Hawaiians just aren't as friendly. There were hardly any tourists (weather is less predictable, it's past the main travel season in both US and Asia) and the locals appeared to be enjoying their time away from the crowds. But that's our experience, and don't let it stop you from buying this guide.

The pro As mentioned in the previous reviews, you can't find a better tour book. For those planning a trip to the islands, you can't go wrong reading the Ultimate Guidebook series. Do yourself a favor and read them before planning a trip to Hawaii. It gives the reader/planner insights not found in any other tour/guide book. Only then would you know (depending on your traveling habits) what to plan for, where and for how long. The detailed maps with side road markers and accurate, no holds back-down to earth reviews of sites and places to stay truly make this guide book stand above the rest. Their accompaning website goes further in providing the latest in up to the minute information and accomodation reviews and photos of the sites. I bought this book as well as the other in the series a few weeks before actually booking the trip and I ended up booking much later after reading all the information such as the hotel was being renovated and under constant noise, plus it was quite further away from the activities that I was more interested in and getting a 4wd vehicle which they recommend for hard to reach places. Something I would not have done had I not had these books. Truly outstanding. Other guide books should be like this. The con This book makes you want to do and see so much in the little time one plans on the island that I find myself wanting a vacation after the vacation. But hey, I wouldn't want it any other way. Being that everyone and their mother already knows that these books are the best one to have, some of the sights might not be as secret as the book entails. Bottom line, Get the book (or all of them if visiting numerous islands) and read them to plan out your trip. Then take them with you and have fun. You won't be disappointed.

This is the absolute best book on Hawaii that I have ever read, and I have read many. There is a very good balance with photos and commentary, and though the descriptions are not always lengthy - that is to be expected getting in as many attractions as they do. I have taken it with me the last four trips to the big island, and I discover something new every time. I would never have discovered the green sand beach on my own, and it is my favorite now. It takes a hike to get there, but it is worth it! I found several remote beaches that I would never have known about without this book. One word of warning..... when the book states a site is hard to get to and you will rarely see any other people there, believe it. I had a very lonely nervous drive out to South Point.

Invaluable as 1) a pre-visit resource for both background and depth of understanding on the what, where, who and how to best experience the Big Island: 2) for use on-the-move to guide you to the rich (and away from the wary) experiences, and help you get the most of your overall visit; 3) to help explain to others, upon your return home, just what you did, what you saw, what you felt during your visit - and why you will be going back; and 4) a gift of compass and wisdom, which is now combined with your own annotations and experiences, to pass on to the next person you know (and now convinced) who will now be visiting the Big Island too. Oh yes, and it is entertaining as heck! Glad I used it, glad I can tell you about it! Enjoy on your own special journey!

I love this book! It's so thoroughly researched and detailed and covers everything you need to know about the Big Island, including what to do and how to get there. Find yourself in a tiny, tiny town on the Big Island and wondering where is the best place to eat? Ask the book. Want to know the history of and the kind of food served at a luau? Ask the book. Need to know the closest way to get from point A to B? Ask the book. Wondering why there are wild goats on the side of the road? Ask the book. Not only is the author thorough, detailed and incredibly knowledgeable about Hawaii, he's witty. I appreciated the humor and personal tidbits the author threw in. When he advises you to buy mosquitoes or risk the "bloodletting of your life", he's not kidding - he knows from experience! We took this book everywhere with us on this trip and it never disappointed. By the end of the trip I felt like the author was a good friend - just one that I've never actually met in person. I will definitely be buying the other Hawaiian island books for our next trips!

As other reviewers mention in detail, this book attempts to provide an "insider" view of all the sites on the Big Island. Since the main attractions of the Big Island are largely natural, it can be a bit tricky describing where to find a particular site to snorkel or a certain waterfall, but this books does a nice job of trying to point out these spots. However, I have seen some of them mention in other books. The key, though, is that this guide provides detailed opinions of what is worth seeing and what is simply tourist fare. If you are looking for an active vacation, this book is probably for you. For families looking to take guided tours, this book provides some nice narrative about famous sites, but there are paperbacks that can better serve as reference material. For me, this was a great way to help budget my time, since it mentions some hypes sites that it describes as avoidable, while pointing to places and activities that pop up between major landmarks.

These "Revealed" books are Da Bomb. We recently visited Big Island and Oahu and used both books. My friend is somewhat navigatiionally challenged but could easily use the books to give directions and provide spontaneous options on our travels. I must have consulted the books dozens of times. In fact, we met at least two families that also were using and raved about these books. The books are well organized so it is easy to research different activites or places. The author has a real sense of humor. They are a great read. He provides a range of options from easy to hard. For instance, you might explore some of the best coffee growing area in the world (Kona) or hike a little-known trail through a rain forest to view a volcanic crater (Hilo). The Oahu book was as well presented as the Big Island book. Plus he has great maps too, even to the detail of where an inexperienced or experienced snorkler might likely swim. Don't leave home without 'em.

This guidebook was fantastic for everything from where to stay, things to do, and places to eat. Conversationally-written and fun to read, it will definitely make you excited about your upcoming vacation. My only complaint is that I didn't see in the book that state beaches are closed on Wednesdays for "cleaning" and was therefore pretty disappointed after having made a Wednesday (day before I left) my day to beach-hop. Perhaps I missed this detail, but I consider it a crucial one and so it should have been posted everywhere very clearly. A great investment, though, for a dreamy vacation!

This book tells it like it is! We used it a lot and found the advice good. We get another book when ever we go to Hawaii so we are updated! :)

This may well be the quintessential guide book. Pictures are excellent, text is readable and relevant, and (dare I say it?) the price is right!

We have two vacation rentals on the Big Island and we recommend this book in every initial email we send to prospective renters. Very thorough and very well laid out.

Ordered the wrong book, needed the one on Oahu, Returned.

Discover and explore the Big Island with this ultimate native Hawaiian guide to the island of Hawaii. No other guide can compare

Take this with you!

This book has practical, detailed information. The writers explain why they give the advce they do, which is helpful.

Great book. A lot of photoes and detail information.

Great quick service. Awesome book. I would get it for every place I go if I could!!!!

great book! it was my first time visiting big island, and I definitely owe it to this book! without it, I wouldn't have known what to do, where to go, what to eat!! highly recommended!

I should say I'm not a fan of guidebooks in general, and indeed did not buy a copy of this one until several locals in Hilo recommended it to me. They were right-- it really is a key that can unlock much of the Big Island for the adventurous traveler. While it may not be worth the effort if you're just planning on hanging around the resorts on Kona side, this was the perfect guide for my wife and I as we spent a week based in a rainforest cabin several miles east of Mountain View south of Hilo. We traveled most of the paved roads (and a good portion of the unpaved/lava roads) on the island and saw far more than we would have without such a great guide. Beaches are listed counter-clockwise around the entire island. Trails are well described, and the "hidden gems," while not always all that hidden, are almost always worth the drive/walk. Places like the steam caves in Puna, the Champagne Pond, and the more remote reaches of South Point we likely would not have discovered with our usual method of using a map alone. The info provided for such tourist-drawing activities as driving up Mona Kea to the observatories was very solid (even a bit on the conservative side) and our experiences with the restaurant reviews found them spot on (disclaimer: we ate in only four restaurants over an eight-day period, preferring to purchase food at farmer's markets and fish on the bayfront). On the balance an excellent guide book, aided in our case only by advice from a few locals and some friends who grew up in Hilo. My only reservation has also been expressed by others, i.e. that some of these places are really pretty special and should not be overrun by tourists OR locals-- they'd be better off remaining secrets for the few who live in the area and will take care of them. We tended to avoid places that fit that bill, and in most cases even the lava roads to the more remote sites were dotted with other rental Jeeps, most of whose drivers were also clutching a copy of this guidebook!

I just returned from 9 days on the Big Island and found this "Revealed" book and the Moon Handbook to be my two best resources (I brought a total 5 guidebooks with me). I used the Moon Handbook predominantly on the windward side while I was staying in Volcanoes Nat'l Park and the "Revealed" book predominantly on the leeward side while I was staying in Kona. I used the dining recommendation from both books. I had pre-booked my accommodations, so I did not use that section of the book, although I looked up my condo and found their review accurate. Contrary to the comments of another reviewers (probably written a couple of editions ago) I did not find that the authors encouraged illegal or unethical activity, although they do emphasize that public beach access is the law in Hawaii. However, as noted, I did notice that many, many of the other tourists were carrying around copies of this book. This book was particulary helpful when trying to find beaches to play & snorkel - they are listed in order as you drive up or down the coast and the "gems" are truly noteworthy, although all the beaches were crowded since the local schools had let out for the holidays. The detailed maps were terrific. I used them quite a bit to get around. They also have a website that lists current updates and changes to their book, such as closures due to the earthquake last fall. The only critique I would have is that I could have use a bit more description of the hiking/walking required to get to each of the sights. Distance, elevation change/steepness (or stairs), terrain descriptions would have been helpful since I had a mobility-impaired grandparent with me. (Rather than "15-20 min hike" because that's dependent on physical status). Overall, I would highly recommend this book if you were only taking one with you to the Big Island.

Reading the book itself was like experiencing everything the author had while researching it, the writing is candid, humorous, insightful. It made our three day (I know, short) trip to the Big Island a great success. Except for one thing: the winds that the author describes as being strong in the afternoon on the Kohala coast are actually strong in the morning, but (according to our hotel) only in the summer (around September). If you spend such a short time on the island, this book is totally worth it. I just wish we had been considered "locals" like him, because in the low season (September), Hawaiians just aren't as friendly. There were hardly any tourists (weather is less predictable, it's past the main travel season in both US and Asia) and the locals appeared to be enjoying their time away from the crowds. But that's our experience, and don't let it stop you from buying this guide.

The pro As mentioned in the previous reviews, you can't find a better tour book. For those planning a trip to the islands, you can't go wrong reading the Ultimate Guidebook series. Do yourself a favor and read them before planning a trip to Hawaii. It gives the reader/planner insights not found in any other tour/guide book. Only then would you know (depending on your traveling habits) what to plan for, where and for how long. The detailed maps with side road markers and accurate, no holds back-down to earth reviews of sites and places to stay truly make this guide book stand above the rest. Their accompaning website goes further in providing the latest in up to the minute information and accomodation reviews and photos of the sites. I bought this book as well as the other in the series a few weeks before actually booking the trip and I ended up booking much later after reading all the information such as the hotel was being renovated and under constant noise, plus it was quite further away from the activities that I was more interested in and getting a 4wd vehicle which they recommend for hard to reach places. Something I would not have done had I not had these books. Truly outstanding. Other guide books should be like this. The con This book makes you want to do and see so much in the little time one plans on the island that I find myself wanting a vacation after the vacation. But hey, I wouldn't want it any other way. Being that everyone and their mother already knows that these books are the best one to have, some of the sights might not be as secret as the book entails. Bottom line, Get the book (or all of them if visiting numerous islands) and read them to plan out your trip. Then take them with you and have fun. You won't be disappointed.

This is the absolute best book on Hawaii that I have ever read, and I have read many. There is a very good balance with photos and commentary, and though the descriptions are not always lengthy - that is to be expected getting in as many attractions as they do. I have taken it with me the last four trips to the big island, and I discover something new every time. I would never have discovered the green sand beach on my own, and it is my favorite now. It takes a hike to get there, but it is worth it! I found several remote beaches that I would never have known about without this book. One word of warning..... when the book states a site is hard to get to and you will rarely see any other people there, believe it. I had a very lonely nervous drive out to South Point.

Invaluable as 1) a pre-visit resource for both background and depth of understanding on the what, where, who and how to best experience the Big Island: 2) for use on-the-move to guide you to the rich (and away from the wary) experiences, and help you get the most of your overall visit; 3) to help explain to others, upon your return home, just what you did, what you saw, what you felt during your visit - and why you will be going back; and 4) a gift of compass and wisdom, which is now combined with your own annotations and experiences, to pass on to the next person you know (and now convinced) who will now be visiting the Big Island too. Oh yes, and it is entertaining as heck! Glad I used it, glad I can tell you about it! Enjoy on your own special journey!

I love this book! It's so thoroughly researched and detailed and covers everything you need to know about the Big Island, including what to do and how to get there. Find yourself in a tiny, tiny town on the Big Island and wondering where is the best place to eat? Ask the book. Want to know the history of and the kind of food served at a luau? Ask the book. Need to know the closest way to get from point A to B? Ask the book. Wondering why there are wild goats on the side of the road? Ask the book. Not only is the author thorough, detailed and incredibly knowledgeable about Hawaii, he's witty. I appreciated the humor and personal tidbits the author threw in. When he advises you to buy mosquitoes or risk the "bloodletting of your life", he's not kidding - he knows from experience! We took this book everywhere with us on this trip and it never disappointed. By the end of the trip I felt like the author was a good friend - just one that I've never actually met in person. I will definitely be buying the other Hawaiian island books for our next trips!

As other reviewers mention in detail, this book attempts to provide an "insider" view of all the sites on the Big Island. Since the main attractions of the Big Island are largely natural, it can be a bit tricky describing where to find a particular site to snorkel or a certain waterfall, but this books does a nice job of trying to point out these spots. However, I have seen some of them mention in other books. The key, though, is that this guide provides detailed opinions of what is worth seeing and what is simply tourist fare. If you are looking for an active vacation, this book is probably for you. For families looking to take guided tours, this book provides some nice narrative about famous sites, but there are paperbacks that can better serve as reference material. For me, this was a great way to help budget my time, since it mentions some hypes sites that it describes as avoidable, while pointing to places and activities that pop up between major landmarks.

These "Revealed" books are Da Bomb. We recently visited Big Island and Oahu and used both books. My friend is somewhat navigatiionally challenged but could easily use the books to give directions and provide spontaneous options on our travels. I must have consulted the books dozens of times. In fact, we met at least two families that also were using and raved about these books. The books are well organized so it is easy to research different activites or places. The author has a real sense of humor. They are a great read. He provides a range of options from easy to hard. For instance, you might explore some of the best coffee growing area in the world (Kona) or hike a little-known trail through a rain forest to view a volcanic crater (Hilo). The Oahu book was as well presented as the Big Island book. Plus he has great maps too, even to the detail of where an inexperienced or experienced snorkler might likely swim. Don't leave home without 'em.

This guidebook was fantastic for everything from where to stay, things to do, and places to eat. Conversationally-written and fun to read, it will definitely make you excited about your upcoming vacation. My only complaint is that I didn't see in the book that state beaches are closed on Wednesdays for "cleaning" and was therefore pretty disappointed after having made a Wednesday (day before I left) my day to beach-hop. Perhaps I missed this detail, but I consider it a crucial one and so it should have been posted everywhere very clearly. A great investment, though, for a dreamy vacation!

An absolutely "must" guide to The Big Island of Hawaii. Whatever you want to know and wherever you want to go, you'll find this book indispensible. I was born and raised in Hawaii and thought I knew enough about this largest of the Hawaiian Islands to qualify as a tour guide. Never! This gives you detailed information on anything and everything you could possibly be interested in. Where to eat, what to eat, what to see and when to see it, whom to contact for special events and information --- this is an incredible publication.

This book enriched my trip to the Big Island of Hawaii immeasurably. Its recommendations of things to do, places to eat, and its guide to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park made the trip a sure thing.

All the locals say, "You have the 'blue' book. That's the good one." Great information about beaches. The only guide series I've ever found which gives serious consideration to snorkelers, rather than treating them as third-class citizens to divers. Cons: cute-sy tone and "funny" asides get very tiresome.

I have recommended this book and loaned it to tons of my friends. This is the only guidebook you ever need! Every food recommendation, trip etc. has been great. Like having a friend on the island.

This is an excellent guide book of The Big Island! It has so much great information!! I will be going to The Big Island in April 2008 for the first time. I can't imagine going without this book! Best guide book! Thank you!

This book is the best travel book about the Big Island!! It is written by people that actually live here (in Hawaii) and are not paid by anyone that they write the reviews about. This book is so full of every kind of info about Hawaii including adventures, best snorkeling spots, best restaurants etc. Loved it!!!! Pat Davison Kauai, Hawaii

I have used this series of books for years during my many trips to Hawaii. They've saved me a fortune and they really provide honest reviews on several topics. I highly recommend them and have found them to be spot on.

In planning our upcoming trip to Hawaii, my husband and I have ordered eight or nine highly rated books. This book is the best one by far and will most likely be the only book we need for our trip.

This is the second "Revealed" book for Hawaii we have purchased. We wouldn't go to one of the islands without it. Invaluable for everything from restaurants, tours and off the beaten path stuff to do. If you go to Hawaii without it you will be missing many opportunities.

Truly the best guide books for Hawai`i as the authors don't take advertising and don't tell the businesses that they are reviewers. Local authors really dig into the best local spots and they tell it like it is.

I should say I'm not a fan of guidebooks in general, and indeed did not buy a copy of this one until several locals in Hilo recommended it to me. They were right-- it really is a key that can unlock much of the Big Island for the adventurous traveler. While it may not be worth the effort if you're just planning on hanging around the resorts on Kona side, this was the perfect guide for my wife and I as we spent a week based in a rainforest cabin several miles east of Mountain View south of Hilo. We traveled most of the paved roads (and a good portion of the unpaved/lava roads) on the island and saw far more than we would have without such a great guide. Beaches are listed counter-clockwise around the entire island. Trails are well described, and the "hidden gems," while not always all that hidden, are almost always worth the drive/walk. Places like the steam caves in Puna, the Champagne Pond, and the more remote reaches of South Point we likely would not have discovered with our usual method of using a map alone. The info provided for such tourist-drawing activities as driving up Mona Kea to the observatories was very solid (even a bit on the conservative side) and our experiences with the restaurant reviews found them spot on (disclaimer: we ate in only four restaurants over an eight-day period, preferring to purchase food at farmer's markets and fish on the bayfront). On the balance an excellent guide book, aided in our case only by advice from a few locals and some friends who grew up in Hilo. My only reservation has also been expressed by others, i.e. that some of these places are really pretty special and should not be overrun by tourists OR locals-- they'd be better off remaining secrets for the few who live in the area and will take care of them. We tended to avoid places that fit that bill, and in most cases even the lava roads to the more remote sites were dotted with other rental Jeeps, most of whose drivers were also clutching a copy of this guidebook!

I just returned from 9 days on the Big Island and found this "Revealed" book and the Moon Handbook to be my two best resources (I brought a total 5 guidebooks with me). I used the Moon Handbook predominantly on the windward side while I was staying in Volcanoes Nat'l Park and the "Revealed" book predominantly on the leeward side while I was staying in Kona. I used the dining recommendation from both books. I had pre-booked my accommodations, so I did not use that section of the book, although I looked up my condo and found their review accurate. Contrary to the comments of another reviewers (probably written a couple of editions ago) I did not find that the authors encouraged illegal or unethical activity, although they do emphasize that public beach access is the law in Hawaii. However, as noted, I did notice that many, many of the other tourists were carrying around copies of this book. This book was particulary helpful when trying to find beaches to play & snorkel - they are listed in order as you drive up or down the coast and the "gems" are truly noteworthy, although all the beaches were crowded since the local schools had let out for the holidays. The detailed maps were terrific. I used them quite a bit to get around. They also have a website that lists current updates and changes to their book, such as closures due to the earthquake last fall. The only critique I would have is that I could have use a bit more description of the hiking/walking required to get to each of the sights. Distance, elevation change/steepness (or stairs), terrain descriptions would have been helpful since I had a mobility-impaired grandparent with me. (Rather than "15-20 min hike" because that's dependent on physical status). Overall, I would highly recommend this book if you were only taking one with you to the Big Island.

Reading the book itself was like experiencing everything the author had while researching it, the writing is candid, humorous, insightful. It made our three day (I know, short) trip to the Big Island a great success. Except for one thing: the winds that the author describes as being strong in the afternoon on the Kohala coast are actually strong in the morning, but (according to our hotel) only in the summer (around September). If you spend such a short time on the island, this book is totally worth it. I just wish we had been considered "locals" like him, because in the low season (September), Hawaiians just aren't as friendly. There were hardly any tourists (weather is less predictable, it's past the main travel season in both US and Asia) and the locals appeared to be enjoying their time away from the crowds. But that's our experience, and don't let it stop you from buying this guide.

The pro As mentioned in the previous reviews, you can't find a better tour book. For those planning a trip to the islands, you can't go wrong reading the Ultimate Guidebook series. Do yourself a favor and read them before planning a trip to Hawaii. It gives the reader/planner insights not found in any other tour/guide book. Only then would you know (depending on your traveling habits) what to plan for, where and for how long. The detailed maps with side road markers and accurate, no holds back-down to earth reviews of sites and places to stay truly make this guide book stand above the rest. Their accompaning website goes further in providing the latest in up to the minute information and accomodation reviews and photos of the sites. I bought this book as well as the other in the series a few weeks before actually booking the trip and I ended up booking much later after reading all the information such as the hotel was being renovated and under constant noise, plus it was quite further away from the activities that I was more interested in and getting a 4wd vehicle which they recommend for hard to reach places. Something I would not have done had I not had these books. Truly outstanding. Other guide books should be like this. The con This book makes you want to do and see so much in the little time one plans on the island that I find myself wanting a vacation after the vacation. But hey, I wouldn't want it any other way. Being that everyone and their mother already knows that these books are the best one to have, some of the sights might not be as secret as the book entails. Bottom line, Get the book (or all of them if visiting numerous islands) and read them to plan out your trip. Then take them with you and have fun. You won't be disappointed.

This is the absolute best book on Hawaii that I have ever read, and I have read many. There is a very good balance with photos and commentary, and though the descriptions are not always lengthy - that is to be expected getting in as many attractions as they do. I have taken it with me the last four trips to the big island, and I discover something new every time. I would never have discovered the green sand beach on my own, and it is my favorite now. It takes a hike to get there, but it is worth it! I found several remote beaches that I would never have known about without this book. One word of warning..... when the book states a site is hard to get to and you will rarely see any other people there, believe it. I had a very lonely nervous drive out to South Point.

Invaluable as 1) a pre-visit resource for both background and depth of understanding on the what, where, who and how to best experience the Big Island: 2) for use on-the-move to guide you to the rich (and away from the wary) experiences, and help you get the most of your overall visit; 3) to help explain to others, upon your return home, just what you did, what you saw, what you felt during your visit - and why you will be going back; and 4) a gift of compass and wisdom, which is now combined with your own annotations and experiences, to pass on to the next person you know (and now convinced) who will now be visiting the Big Island too. Oh yes, and it is entertaining as heck! Glad I used it, glad I can tell you about it! Enjoy on your own special journey!

I love this book! It's so thoroughly researched and detailed and covers everything you need to know about the Big Island, including what to do and how to get there. Find yourself in a tiny, tiny town on the Big Island and wondering where is the best place to eat? Ask the book. Want to know the history of and the kind of food served at a luau? Ask the book. Need to know the closest way to get from point A to B? Ask the book. Wondering why there are wild goats on the side of the road? Ask the book. Not only is the author thorough, detailed and incredibly knowledgeable about Hawaii, he's witty. I appreciated the humor and personal tidbits the author threw in. When he advises you to buy mosquitoes or risk the "bloodletting of your life", he's not kidding - he knows from experience! We took this book everywhere with us on this trip and it never disappointed. By the end of the trip I felt like the author was a good friend - just one that I've never actually met in person. I will definitely be buying the other Hawaiian island books for our next trips!

As other reviewers mention in detail, this book attempts to provide an "insider" view of all the sites on the Big Island. Since the main attractions of the Big Island are largely natural, it can be a bit tricky describing where to find a particular site to snorkel or a certain waterfall, but this books does a nice job of trying to point out these spots. However, I have seen some of them mention in other books. The key, though, is that this guide provides detailed opinions of what is worth seeing and what is simply tourist fare. If you are looking for an active vacation, this book is probably for you. For families looking to take guided tours, this book provides some nice narrative about famous sites, but there are paperbacks that can better serve as reference material. For me, this was a great way to help budget my time, since it mentions some hypes sites that it describes as avoidable, while pointing to places and activities that pop up between major landmarks.

These "Revealed" books are Da Bomb. We recently visited Big Island and Oahu and used both books. My friend is somewhat navigatiionally challenged but could easily use the books to give directions and provide spontaneous options on our travels. I must have consulted the books dozens of times. In fact, we met at least two families that also were using and raved about these books. The books are well organized so it is easy to research different activites or places. The author has a real sense of humor. They are a great read. He provides a range of options from easy to hard. For instance, you might explore some of the best coffee growing area in the world (Kona) or hike a little-known trail through a rain forest to view a volcanic crater (Hilo). The Oahu book was as well presented as the Big Island book. Plus he has great maps too, even to the detail of where an inexperienced or experienced snorkler might likely swim. Don't leave home without 'em.

This guidebook was fantastic for everything from where to stay, things to do, and places to eat. Conversationally-written and fun to read, it will definitely make you excited about your upcoming vacation. My only complaint is that I didn't see in the book that state beaches are closed on Wednesdays for "cleaning" and was therefore pretty disappointed after having made a Wednesday (day before I left) my day to beach-hop. Perhaps I missed this detail, but I consider it a crucial one and so it should have been posted everywhere very clearly. A great investment, though, for a dreamy vacation!

This guidebook is excellent. It is very informative, exact, and full of humor. The maps are a big help to find places. We also enjoyed the stories and legends.

this book is a must when going to the big island! buy it for a great trip! I loved it

This book delivers! I believe it when the editor says it's written by people who LIVE there, not who visit there for two weeks.

We just returned from Hawaii, and stayed 5 days on the Big Island. We used this and another guidebook. For the most part, it was most useful and accurate. I can recommend the book.

Excellent sourse of information on the island. I love their whole series. When we travel, it's our bible. Nothing is left out. Even the smallest shave ice stand is included. It's a must have for travel in the Hawaiian islands.

Having used the similar book for Kauai, we are using it exclusively for The Big Island of Hawaii and continue to be pleased and impressed with the information.

This is a must have guide when exploring the Big Island. Almost all visitors seemed to be using it. It is easy to read and has great hints on how to find hidden spots and avoid tourist traps.

its ok

Loved the book...it really gave us great info for the Big Island. I highly recommend it.

My family and I have gotten endless good advice from this guidebook. We have had this book on hand for 2 of our 3 trips to the Big Island and it has helped us make the most of our vacation. The book features clear, helpful information about everything: food, hotels, parks, beaches, tourist activities, and just about anything you could think of. It has very clear maps and tons of beautiful color photos. Another great feature is that the authors have reviewed nearly everything there is to do on the island, so you can skip the trial and error and get to the best of the best. Here are my personal must-see and do things if you're going to the Big Island: In Hawi, have dinner at the Bamboo Café and order the pot stickers. But I should warn you that you won't be able to order just one! If you have a 4 wheel drive, go to Kekaha Kai State Park on the Kona side between mile markers 89 and 90. Hike past the service gate, past an abandoned house, past two `regular' beaches and awaiting you is your own personal beach- one of the best on the island. [...] And my third pick is the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens. Pack a lunch and be prepared to spend hours lost with some of the most beautiful, exotic plants in the world and stunning views of the water. Some people have said this book reveals too much and intrudes on the local's way of life. I disagree. All beaches in Hawaii (yes, even the ones on hotel property) are public access. By law, they can't refuse entry. The book does not encourage law-breaking in any fashion and actually offers helpful advice to stay out of trouble while on the island. Such as, island police are few and far between but if you come across one, you might get a large ticket for not wearing a seatbelt. Locals have devised their own way to warn others of the presence of police- they flash their headlights! So if you see that, slow down and buckle up. Also, theft is somewhat of a problem on the island so lock up ALL valuables. If you're lucky enough to be headed to paradise, this book is highly recommended. Aloha!

I should say I'm not a fan of guidebooks in general, and indeed did not buy a copy of this one until several locals in Hilo recommended it to me. They were right-- it really is a key that can unlock much of the Big Island for the adventurous traveler. While it may not be worth the effort if you're just planning on hanging around the resorts on Kona side, this was the perfect guide for my wife and I as we spent a week based in a rainforest cabin several miles east of Mountain View south of Hilo. We traveled most of the paved roads (and a good portion of the unpaved/lava roads) on the island and saw far more than we would have without such a great guide. Beaches are listed counter-clockwise around the entire island. Trails are well described, and the "hidden gems," while not always all that hidden, are almost always worth the drive/walk. Places like the steam caves in Puna, the Champagne Pond, and the more remote reaches of South Point we likely would not have discovered with our usual method of using a map alone. The info provided for such tourist-drawing activities as driving up Mona Kea to the observatories was very solid (even a bit on the conservative side) and our experiences with the restaurant reviews found them spot on (disclaimer: we ate in only four restaurants over an eight-day period, preferring to purchase food at farmer's markets and fish on the bayfront). On the balance an excellent guide book, aided in our case only by advice from a few locals and some friends who grew up in Hilo. My only reservation has also been expressed by others, i.e. that some of these places are really pretty special and should not be overrun by tourists OR locals-- they'd be better off remaining secrets for the few who live in the area and will take care of them. We tended to avoid places that fit that bill, and in most cases even the lava roads to the more remote sites were dotted with other rental Jeeps, most of whose drivers were also clutching a copy of this guidebook!

I just returned from 9 days on the Big Island and found this "Revealed" book and the Moon Handbook to be my two best resources (I brought a total 5 guidebooks with me). I used the Moon Handbook predominantly on the windward side while I was staying in Volcanoes Nat'l Park and the "Revealed" book predominantly on the leeward side while I was staying in Kona. I used the dining recommendation from both books. I had pre-booked my accommodations, so I did not use that section of the book, although I looked up my condo and found their review accurate. Contrary to the comments of another reviewers (probably written a couple of editions ago) I did not find that the authors encouraged illegal or unethical activity, although they do emphasize that public beach access is the law in Hawaii. However, as noted, I did notice that many, many of the other tourists were carrying around copies of this book. This book was particulary helpful when trying to find beaches to play & snorkel - they are listed in order as you drive up or down the coast and the "gems" are truly noteworthy, although all the beaches were crowded since the local schools had let out for the holidays. The detailed maps were terrific. I used them quite a bit to get around. They also have a website that lists current updates and changes to their book, such as closures due to the earthquake last fall. The only critique I would have is that I could have use a bit more description of the hiking/walking required to get to each of the sights. Distance, elevation change/steepness (or stairs), terrain descriptions would have been helpful since I had a mobility-impaired grandparent with me. (Rather than "15-20 min hike" because that's dependent on physical status). Overall, I would highly recommend this book if you were only taking one with you to the Big Island.

Reading the book itself was like experiencing everything the author had while researching it, the writing is candid, humorous, insightful. It made our three day (I know, short) trip to the Big Island a great success. Except for one thing: the winds that the author describes as being strong in the afternoon on the Kohala coast are actually strong in the morning, but (according to our hotel) only in the summer (around September). If you spend such a short time on the island, this book is totally worth it. I just wish we had been considered "locals" like him, because in the low season (September), Hawaiians just aren't as friendly. There were hardly any tourists (weather is less predictable, it's past the main travel season in both US and Asia) and the locals appeared to be enjoying their time away from the crowds. But that's our experience, and don't let it stop you from buying this guide.

The pro As mentioned in the previous reviews, you can't find a better tour book. For those planning a trip to the islands, you can't go wrong reading the Ultimate Guidebook series. Do yourself a favor and read them before planning a trip to Hawaii. It gives the reader/planner insights not found in any other tour/guide book. Only then would you know (depending on your traveling habits) what to plan for, where and for how long. The detailed maps with side road markers and accurate, no holds back-down to earth reviews of sites and places to stay truly make this guide book stand above the rest. Their accompaning website goes further in providing the latest in up to the minute information and accomodation reviews and photos of the sites. I bought this book as well as the other in the series a few weeks before actually booking the trip and I ended up booking much later after reading all the information such as the hotel was being renovated and under constant noise, plus it was quite further away from the activities that I was more interested in and getting a 4wd vehicle which they recommend for hard to reach places. Something I would not have done had I not had these books. Truly outstanding. Other guide books should be like this. The con This book makes you want to do and see so much in the little time one plans on the island that I find myself wanting a vacation after the vacation. But hey, I wouldn't want it any other way. Being that everyone and their mother already knows that these books are the best one to have, some of the sights might not be as secret as the book entails. Bottom line, Get the book (or all of them if visiting numerous islands) and read them to plan out your trip. Then take them with you and have fun. You won't be disappointed.

This is the absolute best book on Hawaii that I have ever read, and I have read many. There is a very good balance with photos and commentary, and though the descriptions are not always lengthy - that is to be expected getting in as many attractions as they do. I have taken it with me the last four trips to the big island, and I discover something new every time. I would never have discovered the green sand beach on my own, and it is my favorite now. It takes a hike to get there, but it is worth it! I found several remote beaches that I would never have known about without this book. One word of warning..... when the book states a site is hard to get to and you will rarely see any other people there, believe it. I had a very lonely nervous drive out to South Point.

Invaluable as 1) a pre-visit resource for both background and depth of understanding on the what, where, who and how to best experience the Big Island: 2) for use on-the-move to guide you to the rich (and away from the wary) experiences, and help you get the most of your overall visit; 3) to help explain to others, upon your return home, just what you did, what you saw, what you felt during your visit - and why you will be going back; and 4) a gift of compass and wisdom, which is now combined with your own annotations and experiences, to pass on to the next person you know (and now convinced) who will now be visiting the Big Island too. Oh yes, and it is entertaining as heck! Glad I used it, glad I can tell you about it! Enjoy on your own special journey!

I love this book! It's so thoroughly researched and detailed and covers everything you need to know about the Big Island, including what to do and how to get there. Find yourself in a tiny, tiny town on the Big Island and wondering where is the best place to eat? Ask the book. Want to know the history of and the kind of food served at a luau? Ask the book. Need to know the closest way to get from point A to B? Ask the book. Wondering why there are wild goats on the side of the road? Ask the book. Not only is the author thorough, detailed and incredibly knowledgeable about Hawaii, he's witty. I appreciated the humor and personal tidbits the author threw in. When he advises you to buy mosquitoes or risk the "bloodletting of your life", he's not kidding - he knows from experience! We took this book everywhere with us on this trip and it never disappointed. By the end of the trip I felt like the author was a good friend - just one that I've never actually met in person. I will definitely be buying the other Hawaiian island books for our next trips!

As other reviewers mention in detail, this book attempts to provide an "insider" view of all the sites on the Big Island. Since the main attractions of the Big Island are largely natural, it can be a bit tricky describing where to find a particular site to snorkel or a certain waterfall, but this books does a nice job of trying to point out these spots. However, I have seen some of them mention in other books. The key, though, is that this guide provides detailed opinions of what is worth seeing and what is simply tourist fare. If you are looking for an active vacation, this book is probably for you. For families looking to take guided tours, this book provides some nice narrative about famous sites, but there are paperbacks that can better serve as reference material. For me, this was a great way to help budget my time, since it mentions some hypes sites that it describes as avoidable, while pointing to places and activities that pop up between major landmarks.

These "Revealed" books are Da Bomb. We recently visited Big Island and Oahu and used both books. My friend is somewhat navigatiionally challenged but could easily use the books to give directions and provide spontaneous options on our travels. I must have consulted the books dozens of times. In fact, we met at least two families that also were using and raved about these books. The books are well organized so it is easy to research different activites or places. The author has a real sense of humor. They are a great read. He provides a range of options from easy to hard. For instance, you might explore some of the best coffee growing area in the world (Kona) or hike a little-known trail through a rain forest to view a volcanic crater (Hilo). The Oahu book was as well presented as the Big Island book. Plus he has great maps too, even to the detail of where an inexperienced or experienced snorkler might likely swim. Don't leave home without 'em.

This guidebook was fantastic for everything from where to stay, things to do, and places to eat. Conversationally-written and fun to read, it will definitely make you excited about your upcoming vacation. My only complaint is that I didn't see in the book that state beaches are closed on Wednesdays for "cleaning" and was therefore pretty disappointed after having made a Wednesday (day before I left) my day to beach-hop. Perhaps I missed this detail, but I consider it a crucial one and so it should have been posted everywhere very clearly. A great investment, though, for a dreamy vacation!

If you are going to the Big Island of Hawaii then you REALLY need this book. I found this book amazingly helpful when we visited Hawaii on the Pride of America. I saw MANY people on this island carrying the same book with them. The Big Island - known as Hawaii, not to be confused with the entire state of Hawaii - is a gorgeous location. It contains the southernmost point in the entire United States. It has black beaches that large sea turtles come up onto, where you can stand a few feet away. It has an active volcano that you can walk on! Many of these things are not clearly labeled with signs. That's where this book comes in. You are given precise, step by step directions about how to get somewhere, with the exact mile marker to look for and things to watch out for. You're told that you should NOT pay a parking fee in location xxx because the person there is just a huckster trying to get your cash. You're told to be careful of vandals in spot yyyy because it's known for having cars broken into. These are really valuable things for a tourist to know, that they would otherwise have no idea about. I found the information here just incredible. It meant that our day on the island was planned out very well and we saw exactly what I wanted to see, with plenty of time in between spots. We knew what direction to travel Volcano National Park in. We knew to bring flashlights in the lava tube!! That one tip alone was WELL worth the price of the book. Everyone else did NOT bring a flashlight and literally hundreds of people watched us as we went into the dark depths of the unlit lava tube, wishing they could come along too. If they'd had the book and read it, they would have known about the flashlights. The book is good about letting you know what is legal and what is NOT. We most definitely never went on private property or anything like that. The book even warns you about dangerous swimming conditions and advises you when to stay out of the water. Now, some might have the complaint that "well without that book, only 3 people would find the southernmost point - and now 30 people could find it with the book, so that ruined it for me". By that logic, websites shouldn't talk about locations either. Heck, nobody should talk about locations. Which leads to the question of, how would *anybody* find out about a location then? Is the aim to have nobody at all in the entire world visit the Southernmost Point in the US? Is it bad if people who want to go somewhere, go somewhere? This is a big island. It's the size of Connecticut. Everybody has different interests. If 30 people all love sea turtles, then I say all 30 people should know how to find the sea turtles and enjoy their vacation with the sea turtles. Heck, you had to fly thousands of miles to get TO this island, and you had to pay for the lodging either here or on the cruise ship. To say after all of that effort that only "certain people" should be able to go to spot X and that the others shouldn't know about it seems really unfair to me. Every one of us humans has the right to enjoy a natural beauty and this book helps us all make an informed decision about what to see. A must-have book if you're going to this island!

this book is an absolute gem for those love to travel. it's not written for people who likes to lay on the beach and sip mai tai all day long. it contains tons of travel treasures about the big island and if you are willing to explore, you'll see some amazing stuff. the chapters are self-contained and can be browsed through very quickly, the maps are illustrative and helpful (though not necessarily complete and has a few mistakes). I just came back from the big island and I have the following recommendations based on my own experience (traveling alone): 1. get a real 4x4 rental, trust me there are places you want to see where only a 4WD can take you there. 2. bring plenty to sunblocks and a beach towel (which I forgot). 3. if you are tight on budget and don't mind roughin' it a little, car camp can be a great way to save some money. 4. verizonwireless has coverage at hilo, kona and a good portion of saddle road. 5. DO NOT get stuck, I repeat, DO NOT get stuck. I didn't but I almost did a couple times, it's not a simple tow out of some of these places. 6. go see mauna kea before you scuba dive, especially if the weather is nice up in the mountain (weather can change very quickly up there). I waited to go to the summit and when I was ready to go the summit weather had turned bad. 7. be adventurous but don't do anything stupid, there are a lot of places where you can get hurt. 8. be flexible with your travel plan. the island is big and going back to the same hotel each night can be a pain. 9. trust the book, these guys know what they are talking about. 10. respect the locals, I found them to be very nice and helpful. 11. respect the island, it'll treat you well.

I studied this book inside out before going and made a plan.. This was the best book I could have had and am greatful for choosing it. The little scenic turnouts that I would have never found made my trip, and is owed to this book. If your going to a resort and staying there your whole trip, save your money for those expensive mai tais, but if your going there to see the island, this is a prerequisite, but this is a big island, so having a prioritized list of to do's will make your trip more than a driving experience...

Extremely conversational style so it reads well all by itself. It's even better if read aloud as drive, e.g. Saddle Road to Mauna Kea Observatory (which truly is just like riding a roller coaster in your rental car. It's even better if you take it fast as you try to get someone out of danger for Acute Altitude Sickness!) Gives concise history to better understand what the island has gone through with the relative cultural upheavals. Gives Must Sees/Must Do's and how to not get taken. One caveat: may not always tell you when you really want a 4-wheel drive rather than that rental car. Quite Enjoyable for just reading, too. P.S. If you forget to get this before you go, just pick up a copy at Costco!

My husband and I just returned from our honeymoon in Hawaii, and this series of books (we also used Oahu Revealed) served as our travel bible when in the islands. This a no-holds-barred-tell-it-like-it-is guidebook. We followed the driving directions as written and found several spots that were definitely off of the beaten path. We found that the book showed us places on The Big Island that we wouldn't have found on our own... and this definitely added to our trip. We also found the book maps to be much easier to use than the free maps provided at the airport and tourist information booths. If you're planning a trip to the Big Island, there are three things you must do: 1. See Kilauea 2. Enjoy a brew (or some grub) at the Kona Brewing Company (our fave restaurant in Kona) 3. Get this guidebook

My family has a house on the Kailua Coast, and I have been vacationing there 2 or 3 times per year for the past 30 years. I thought we'd seen it all until my boyfriend bought this book. We've found fantastic hikes and other recommendations that we hadn't found in years of visits. If you are looking for a guide book for the Big Island, or even if you plan on staying at a hotel and don't think you need a guide book, this is the one to buy, hands down.

We used this book for our week-long vacation on the Big Island. It's well-researched and well-written, with easy-to-follow directions and helpful maps as well as lists of best-bets for restaurants, shopping, and attractions. I would never have known how to find two-thirds of the amazing places we visited without this book, nor known the back stories and folklore about the various sites. I plan to use the rest of the series on our next island visits.

Our family just returned from a wonderful trip to Hawaii, and can't say enough good things about this guide. We bought three others as well, and abandoned them not far into the planning process. We covered a lot of territory and saw things we never would have known about otherwise. We did not encounter any problems (or many,if any, other people) accessing these "hidden" treasures. The directions and maps were exactly right, and we found that we nearly always agreed with the assessment of the sites and the restaurants. (We found beautiful homes at great values via the internet and didn't rely on the book for lodging.) Our advice is to buy this guide, and forget the others.

I am an obsessive travel planner and read every book I could find about the Big Island before going there. This book blew all the other books I read away. We stayed in Hilo for three days and primarily hiked around the volcano and everything (restaurants, scenic views, hikes, beaches, etc.) the book recommended was spot on. I felt like I had a tour guide with me the whole time I was on the Island and I know my vacation would not have been as enjoyable without this book. I also have been to Kauai and used the Ultimate Kauai Guidebook which is every bit as well written, informative, and useful as this Big Island book. If you think about all the time and money you spend to go to the Big Island and you don't spend the $15 and time to read this book before you go you are doing yourself a disservice.

These books have created a new (sub)species of Hawaii tourist - the intrepid rental car driver clutching a little blue book. Like Mao's Red Guard waving their small copies of Quotations from Chairman Mao Zedong, this breed is an unstoppable (and sometimes destructive) wave of energy, pushing into heretofore rarely visited areas of the island to spread the "Revealed" doctrine: "It IS safe to leave the big resorts behind! You CAN hike around to find beautiful spots!" In doing so, this book and its thundering herd has shifted the balance of local culture. No longer are dirty looks and angry hand-lettered signs sufficient to keep the mobs at bay. These books, rightly or wrongly, says you can go, and so office-workers on holiday from Tulsa and Minneapolis now troop where formerly only the initiated dared venture. In doing so, this new breed may inadvertently force resolution of long running land disputes -- or even force state and local governments to actually maintain/clean/protect sites and lands in their care. Can one haphazardly written series of guidebooks accomplish all this? It's a moot question - it already has. I have used the Maui and Big Island books during visits to these islands, and have largely enjoyed them. First, these books are worth the money simply for the excellent maps - these are easy to read and show you just where to go. Second, these books are worth the money for describing numerous beautiful locations that simply aren't described elsewhere. This is not to say that these locations aren't crowded - just that you find a lot of blue-book waving zealots when you get there. Negatives: (1) The books are written in an eccentric and verbose style in search of an editor. The authors never met an aside, anecdote, pun or parenthetical that they didn't like. I imagine Doughty and Friedman as affable locals I'd like to have a drink with, but that I'd equally like to escape from after three or four drinks. These two have an axe to grind or a story to tell about pretty much everything. The reader will be informed that of the authors got stung by a bee while singing on a motorcycle, receive blow-by-blow accounts of visits to certain restaurants and hotels, receive harangues on big government, etc. This results in guidebooks at least twice as long as necessary. Some of the verbosity is fun - these are guides telling us about their home. Some of the verbosity creates guidebooks at least twice as long as necessary. (2) Another issue is the confusing organization. There is a main section describing an area, and then segregated sections describing hikes, "adventures" and other activities. If you're doing a hike that's also an adventure, you may need all three sections -- and three maps -- to navigate to the area. (3) The restaurant reviews are dispensable. The authors seem to love fancy meals at expensive resorts, beachside bars, and coffee shops. They cover the places that you would find anyway - stalwarts with big signs and parking lots. They throw in a few local places, but have missed a lot of gems along the way. (4) Since a lot of the information is meant to be "insider" and therefore cutting edge, much information is out of date. We searched in vain for several defunct restaurants and have found that the access situation for some areas has changed. As changes do not seem to be reflected by new editions, it may be that the sheer amount of information included in these books may be too daunting to keep up to date. Putting these negatives aside, these guides are valuable for the new visitor, so much so that it really does create a different species of traveler. Hawaii has its own brand of protectionist local culture. When you go to certain areas and get out of your shiny late-model rental car, you are almost certain to get a few hard looks and may see a few unwelcoming signs. It is very, very helpful to have a chatty, friendly guidebook telling you that yes, you can be at that spot and yes, this is public land. By the by, I have no idea if all the information about public access and public lands is correct - and I have heard elsewhere that it is not.

I should say I'm not a fan of guidebooks in general, and indeed did not buy a copy of this one until several locals in Hilo recommended it to me. They were right-- it really is a key that can unlock much of the Big Island for the adventurous traveler. While it may not be worth the effort if you're just planning on hanging around the resorts on Kona side, this was the perfect guide for my wife and I as we spent a week based in a rainforest cabin several miles east of Mountain View south of Hilo. We traveled most of the paved roads (and a good portion of the unpaved/lava roads) on the island and saw far more than we would have without such a great guide. Beaches are listed counter-clockwise around the entire island. Trails are well described, and the "hidden gems," while not always all that hidden, are almost always worth the drive/walk. Places like the steam caves in Puna, the Champagne Pond, and the more remote reaches of South Point we likely would not have discovered with our usual method of using a map alone. The info provided for such tourist-drawing activities as driving up Mona Kea to the observatories was very solid (even a bit on the conservative side) and our experiences with the restaurant reviews found them spot on (disclaimer: we ate in only four restaurants over an eight-day period, preferring to purchase food at farmer's markets and fish on the bayfront). On the balance an excellent guide book, aided in our case only by advice from a few locals and some friends who grew up in Hilo. My only reservation has also been expressed by others, i.e. that some of these places are really pretty special and should not be overrun by tourists OR locals-- they'd be better off remaining secrets for the few who live in the area and will take care of them. We tended to avoid places that fit that bill, and in most cases even the lava roads to the more remote sites were dotted with other rental Jeeps, most of whose drivers were also clutching a copy of this guidebook!

I just returned from 9 days on the Big Island and found this "Revealed" book and the Moon Handbook to be my two best resources (I brought a total 5 guidebooks with me). I used the Moon Handbook predominantly on the windward side while I was staying in Volcanoes Nat'l Park and the "Revealed" book predominantly on the leeward side while I was staying in Kona. I used the dining recommendation from both books. I had pre-booked my accommodations, so I did not use that section of the book, although I looked up my condo and found their review accurate. Contrary to the comments of another reviewers (probably written a couple of editions ago) I did not find that the authors encouraged illegal or unethical activity, although they do emphasize that public beach access is the law in Hawaii. However, as noted, I did notice that many, many of the other tourists were carrying around copies of this book. This book was particulary helpful when trying to find beaches to play & snorkel - they are listed in order as you drive up or down the coast and the "gems" are truly noteworthy, although all the beaches were crowded since the local schools had let out for the holidays. The detailed maps were terrific. I used them quite a bit to get around. They also have a website that lists current updates and changes to their book, such as closures due to the earthquake last fall. The only critique I would have is that I could have use a bit more description of the hiking/walking required to get to each of the sights. Distance, elevation change/steepness (or stairs), terrain descriptions would have been helpful since I had a mobility-impaired grandparent with me. (Rather than "15-20 min hike" because that's dependent on physical status). Overall, I would highly recommend this book if you were only taking one with you to the Big Island.

Reading the book itself was like experiencing everything the author had while researching it, the writing is candid, humorous, insightful. It made our three day (I know, short) trip to the Big Island a great success. Except for one thing: the winds that the author describes as being strong in the afternoon on the Kohala coast are actually strong in the morning, but (according to our hotel) only in the summer (around September). If you spend such a short time on the island, this book is totally worth it. I just wish we had been considered "locals" like him, because in the low season (September), Hawaiians just aren't as friendly. There were hardly any tourists (weather is less predictable, it's past the main travel season in both US and Asia) and the locals appeared to be enjoying their time away from the crowds. But that's our experience, and don't let it stop you from buying this guide.

The pro As mentioned in the previous reviews, you can't find a better tour book. For those planning a trip to the islands, you can't go wrong reading the Ultimate Guidebook series. Do yourself a favor and read them before planning a trip to Hawaii. It gives the reader/planner insights not found in any other tour/guide book. Only then would you know (depending on your traveling habits) what to plan for, where and for how long. The detailed maps with side road markers and accurate, no holds back-down to earth reviews of sites and places to stay truly make this guide book stand above the rest. Their accompaning website goes further in providing the latest in up to the minute information and accomodation reviews and photos of the sites. I bought this book as well as the other in the series a few weeks before actually booking the trip and I ended up booking much later after reading all the information such as the hotel was being renovated and under constant noise, plus it was quite further away from the activities that I was more interested in and getting a 4wd vehicle which they recommend for hard to reach places. Something I would not have done had I not had these books. Truly outstanding. Other guide books should be like this. The con This book makes you want to do and see so much in the little time one plans on the island that I find myself wanting a vacation after the vacation. But hey, I wouldn't want it any other way. Being that everyone and their mother already knows that these books are the best one to have, some of the sights might not be as secret as the book entails. Bottom line, Get the book (or all of them if visiting numerous islands) and read them to plan out your trip. Then take them with you and have fun. You won't be disappointed.

This is the absolute best book on Hawaii that I have ever read, and I have read many. There is a very good balance with photos and commentary, and though the descriptions are not always lengthy - that is to be expected getting in as many attractions as they do. I have taken it with me the last four trips to the big island, and I discover something new every time. I would never have discovered the green sand beach on my own, and it is my favorite now. It takes a hike to get there, but it is worth it! I found several remote beaches that I would never have known about without this book. One word of warning..... when the book states a site is hard to get to and you will rarely see any other people there, believe it. I had a very lonely nervous drive out to South Point.

Invaluable as 1) a pre-visit resource for both background and depth of understanding on the what, where, who and how to best experience the Big Island: 2) for use on-the-move to guide you to the rich (and away from the wary) experiences, and help you get the most of your overall visit; 3) to help explain to others, upon your return home, just what you did, what you saw, what you felt during your visit - and why you will be going back; and 4) a gift of compass and wisdom, which is now combined with your own annotations and experiences, to pass on to the next person you know (and now convinced) who will now be visiting the Big Island too. Oh yes, and it is entertaining as heck! Glad I used it, glad I can tell you about it! Enjoy on your own special journey!

I love this book! It's so thoroughly researched and detailed and covers everything you need to know about the Big Island, including what to do and how to get there. Find yourself in a tiny, tiny town on the Big Island and wondering where is the best place to eat? Ask the book. Want to know the history of and the kind of food served at a luau? Ask the book. Need to know the closest way to get from point A to B? Ask the book. Wondering why there are wild goats on the side of the road? Ask the book. Not only is the author thorough, detailed and incredibly knowledgeable about Hawaii, he's witty. I appreciated the humor and personal tidbits the author threw in. When he advises you to buy mosquitoes or risk the "bloodletting of your life", he's not kidding - he knows from experience! We took this book everywhere with us on this trip and it never disappointed. By the end of the trip I felt like the author was a good friend - just one that I've never actually met in person. I will definitely be buying the other Hawaiian island books for our next trips!

As other reviewers mention in detail, this book attempts to provide an "insider" view of all the sites on the Big Island. Since the main attractions of the Big Island are largely natural, it can be a bit tricky describing where to find a particular site to snorkel or a certain waterfall, but this books does a nice job of trying to point out these spots. However, I have seen some of them mention in other books. The key, though, is that this guide provides detailed opinions of what is worth seeing and what is simply tourist fare. If you are looking for an active vacation, this book is probably for you. For families looking to take guided tours, this book provides some nice narrative about famous sites, but there are paperbacks that can better serve as reference material. For me, this was a great way to help budget my time, since it mentions some hypes sites that it describes as avoidable, while pointing to places and activities that pop up between major landmarks.

These "Revealed" books are Da Bomb. We recently visited Big Island and Oahu and used both books. My friend is somewhat navigatiionally challenged but could easily use the books to give directions and provide spontaneous options on our travels. I must have consulted the books dozens of times. In fact, we met at least two families that also were using and raved about these books. The books are well organized so it is easy to research different activites or places. The author has a real sense of humor. They are a great read. He provides a range of options from easy to hard. For instance, you might explore some of the best coffee growing area in the world (Kona) or hike a little-known trail through a rain forest to view a volcanic crater (Hilo). The Oahu book was as well presented as the Big Island book. Plus he has great maps too, even to the detail of where an inexperienced or experienced snorkler might likely swim. Don't leave home without 'em.

This guidebook was fantastic for everything from where to stay, things to do, and places to eat. Conversationally-written and fun to read, it will definitely make you excited about your upcoming vacation. My only complaint is that I didn't see in the book that state beaches are closed on Wednesdays for "cleaning" and was therefore pretty disappointed after having made a Wednesday (day before I left) my day to beach-hop. Perhaps I missed this detail, but I consider it a crucial one and so it should have been posted everywhere very clearly. A great investment, though, for a dreamy vacation!

I have used this book on three visits to the Big Island. Insider's perspective has been valuable on where to go eat and where to see some of the impressive sights. I finally rented a 4 WD drive and did the Saddle Back Rd. and Mauna Kea summit tour. Saddle Back Rd. is not as severe as the book describes and can be used without much risk as mentioned in the book to go between Waikoloa and Hilo. If you plan to go to the summit of Mauna Kea, you should use a 4WD vehicle with authorization from your rental company contract to do it. We used the local rental agency, Harper Autos, who will let you go to the summit. Spectacular views.

We are sorry we didn't buy this book the first day. If we had had it before we left the mainland, we would have been even happier. This book made our stay on the Big Island a really great experience. There is so much Big Island to discover and so little time for (most of) us to experience it, that this book is very helpful in helping you get the most out of your visit. It isn't perfect (what guidebook is?) but surely much better than any of the other guidebooks out there. The lady at Borders said the only book they sell more of is the current Harry Potter. She said even the locals use it.

Overall the book is excellent particularly the information about snorkeling and general things to do, the meticulious directions and instruction about what to do and how to do is just fantastic in this book. Beware because most the "hikes" they describe are by and large more difficult than they make it sound and will take you to some insanely remote and possibly dangerous places. In otherwords you could really get screwed following there advice. Just use common sense. In general I thought the section about places to stay was somewhat off in some respects. I was going to stay at the Mauna Kea but a last second date change forced me to stay at the Hapuna Beach Resort. They give the Mauna Kea excellent reviews and we visted it, it was a cool place but seemed packed. I stayed at the Hapuna Beach resort and had the best beach vacation of my life (I have been all over the world) and this book (internet review) completely panned the Hapuna with some whimsical obtuse comment like "The place just doesn't work for us..". Also I went to 1 restaurant in particular whose food I would not feed to my dog. They gave it an excellent review. I would suggest taking their advice about restaurants and hotels with a grain of salt and cross referencing some of their information. You will probably be better served this way.

This series on the various Hawaiian Islands by Doughty is the most entertaining as well as informative I've ever read. I started out with this one - the big island - & rapidly acquired the rest of them, just for the sheer readability & entertainment value, since I wasn't even planning on going to Hawaii. They're a hoot, & so descriptive, with nice color photos, it's almost like being there for armchair travellers like me. I did send a copy to friends who live in Na'alehu, Big Island, & they agreed it was not only amusing in the extreme, but very informative & for the most part, very accurate. Probably the best guidebooks to Hawaii a traveller can get. Or a non-traveller, for that matter.

In planning a trip to the Big Island, I have read several books and information sources; Hawaii The Big Island Revealed: The Ultimate Guidebook is the best source of information on the Big Island. They give detailed inside information that even long time residents are unaware of. They rate restaurants independently and are not afraid to tell you which ones are bad and not worth your money. This book has saved me a lot of money, I went from feeling I needed to spend a lot of money on tours of areas, to feeling confident I could explore on my own with the information provided with such detail, it was like having my own personal guide right in your pocket.

The strengths of this book lie in the authors' thorough local knowledge of the island. For example, if you're interested in finding hidden beaches, volcanic pools, self-drive advice into the Waipio Valley, and so forth, this is probably the best book for these kinds of tips. They are excellent at detailing the logistics of seeing island sights on your own (exactly when, how, etc.). They also warn about potential difficulties you might encounter, such as tourist scams or signs indicating a private road when the road is in fact public (Waipi'o Valley). It has some serious weaknesses, however, when it comes to its sometimes heavy-handed opinions on local businesses. One example is the Red Sail Dive operation in Kohala. I signed up with them despite the authors' description: "Groups are held on a tight leash. Get in, get out, let's go, next site. We received no briefing whatsoever." Since they had a desk at the hotel where I was staying, I dove with them, and found this description to be completely inaccurate. I asked one of the instructors about that, and he said that it was like that 10 years ago (certainly not in the five years he worked there). This advice was been repeated in the newest edition, leading me to believe that once the authors form an opinion, they often stick with it rather than re-evaluating it for subsequent editions. It would be more accurate for them to say "When we last dove with them in 1996,..." Another glaring example for me was their review of the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, which they don't recommend. I more often than not stay at 4* properties, and this is one of the nicest hotels at which I've stayed. It's rated #1 out of 70 hotels on the island of Hawaii on tripadvisor.com (based on 229 reviews), so my opinion doesn't seem to be off-base. What's even more striking is that they recommend the sister property, the Mauna Kea Hotel, which is over 30 years older, has smaller rooms, less attractive common areas, and a less attractive beach. Their restaurant reviews also seemed based on the authors' limited experience. They didn't recommend the Tres Hombres in Kawaihae, yet I found this to be one of the only affordable places for a decent meal in the northern Kohala resort area (where it's otherwise nearly impossible to get a dinner for two without drinks for under $100). They did recommend the Grand Palace Chinese restaurant in southern Kohala which had some of the blandest Chinese food I've had. As a final example, their helicopter section doesn't even mention Paradise Helicopters, which not only has the lowest-priced volcano/falls tour from Hilo, but also has all-window seat flights (unlike most companies) with 2-way headphones. We found them (and got a discount) through Tom Barefoot. In summary, if you have a car and time to tour the island, you will probably want to buy this book for its precise and accurate geographical and logistical information. It also has good background information in an easy-to-read writing style. I would be very wary of their opinions on local businesses, however, since these opinions seem to be made on the basis of limited experience. Therefore, this book wouldn't be too useful for someone who plans to just spend a few days in his hotel and not rent a car.

You won't find a better guide book for the Big Island. Everything mentioned in the book did not dissapoint. Although we could not find the green sand beaches based on the directions in the book and because there were too many paths created by 4 wheelers, which made the off-roading confusing, I still would highly recommend this book.

We loved this book! The recommendations are great and very truthfully written. And the narratives are hysterical. It was like having the writer along for your own private tour. We followed atleast half a dozen restaurant recommendations and everything was always exactly as expected. We took their dare for a "doors off" helicopter tour of the volcano and loved it. The only suggestion we would make would be beter organization of their maps. We did find ourselves flipping back and forth through the book while driving down the road trying to figure out what street or mile marker we were looking for. This book was recommended to us by a native Hawaiian who uses it when she goes home for vacation. Aloha

My husband and I have purchased 3 out of 4 of the Hawaii revealed books to use on our Hawaiian adventures and have never been disappointed. These books get you to the hidden gems of Hawaii like South Point and the Green Sand Beach and the dark end of the Thurston Lava Tube. It takes you away from the tourist spots to see the real Hawaii. The one time we ignored their warnings and ate at a restaurant they gave a bad rating, we vowed to never ignore them again! They are always right on the money with their reviews and ratings and tell you the good, bad and the ugly when necessary. We found Hawaii Revealed to be the book that we used the most and we followed it exclusively on our trip around the island. We head to Kauai this summer and won't be without our Kauai Revealed Book.

When mentioning to a friend that we were going to the Big Island on vacation, he recommended Andrew Doughty's Guidebook and subsequently lent it to me. It was an invaluable resource in chosing the right things to see and do in the limited amount of time we had. There was great insight into both the virtues and shortcomings of activities and sights, and his commentaries allowed us to be prepared when we arrived at each place. Upon returning home, I had to have my own copy to own to prepare for our next trip, where we attempt to make up for the things that we didn't have time for the first time around.

I should say I'm not a fan of guidebooks in general, and indeed did not buy a copy of this one until several locals in Hilo recommended it to me. They were right-- it really is a key that can unlock much of the Big Island for the adventurous traveler. While it may not be worth the effort if you're just planning on hanging around the resorts on Kona side, this was the perfect guide for my wife and I as we spent a week based in a rainforest cabin several miles east of Mountain View south of Hilo. We traveled most of the paved roads (and a good portion of the unpaved/lava roads) on the island and saw far more than we would have without such a great guide. Beaches are listed counter-clockwise around the entire island. Trails are well described, and the "hidden gems," while not always all that hidden, are almost always worth the drive/walk. Places like the steam caves in Puna, the Champagne Pond, and the more remote reaches of South Point we likely would not have discovered with our usual method of using a map alone. The info provided for such tourist-drawing activities as driving up Mona Kea to the observatories was very solid (even a bit on the conservative side) and our experiences with the restaurant reviews found them spot on (disclaimer: we ate in only four restaurants over an eight-day period, preferring to purchase food at farmer's markets and fish on the bayfront). On the balance an excellent guide book, aided in our case only by advice from a few locals and some friends who grew up in Hilo. My only reservation has also been expressed by others, i.e. that some of these places are really pretty special and should not be overrun by tourists OR locals-- they'd be better off remaining secrets for the few who live in the area and will take care of them. We tended to avoid places that fit that bill, and in most cases even the lava roads to the more remote sites were dotted with other rental Jeeps, most of whose drivers were also clutching a copy of this guidebook!

I just returned from 9 days on the Big Island and found this "Revealed" book and the Moon Handbook to be my two best resources (I brought a total 5 guidebooks with me). I used the Moon Handbook predominantly on the windward side while I was staying in Volcanoes Nat'l Park and the "Revealed" book predominantly on the leeward side while I was staying in Kona. I used the dining recommendation from both books. I had pre-booked my accommodations, so I did not use that section of the book, although I looked up my condo and found their review accurate. Contrary to the comments of another reviewers (probably written a couple of editions ago) I did not find that the authors encouraged illegal or unethical activity, although they do emphasize that public beach access is the law in Hawaii. However, as noted, I did notice that many, many of the other tourists were carrying around copies of this book. This book was particulary helpful when trying to find beaches to play & snorkel - they are listed in order as you drive up or down the coast and the "gems" are truly noteworthy, although all the beaches were crowded since the local schools had let out for the holidays. The detailed maps were terrific. I used them quite a bit to get around. They also have a website that lists current updates and changes to their book, such as closures due to the earthquake last fall. The only critique I would have is that I could have use a bit more description of the hiking/walking required to get to each of the sights. Distance, elevation change/steepness (or stairs), terrain descriptions would have been helpful since I had a mobility-impaired grandparent with me. (Rather than "15-20 min hike" because that's dependent on physical status). Overall, I would highly recommend this book if you were only taking one with you to the Big Island.

Reading the book itself was like experiencing everything the author had while researching it, the writing is candid, humorous, insightful. It made our three day (I know, short) trip to the Big Island a great success. Except for one thing: the winds that the author describes as being strong in the afternoon on the Kohala coast are actually strong in the morning, but (according to our hotel) only in the summer (around September). If you spend such a short time on the island, this book is totally worth it. I just wish we had been considered "locals" like him, because in the low season (September), Hawaiians just aren't as friendly. There were hardly any tourists (weather is less predictable, it's past the main travel season in both US and Asia) and the locals appeared to be enjoying their time away from the crowds. But that's our experience, and don't let it stop you from buying this guide.

The pro As mentioned in the previous reviews, you can't find a better tour book. For those planning a trip to the islands, you can't go wrong reading the Ultimate Guidebook series. Do yourself a favor and read them before planning a trip to Hawaii. It gives the reader/planner insights not found in any other tour/guide book. Only then would you know (depending on your traveling habits) what to plan for, where and for how long. The detailed maps with side road markers and accurate, no holds back-down to earth reviews of sites and places to stay truly make this guide book stand above the rest. Their accompaning website goes further in providing the latest in up to the minute information and accomodation reviews and photos of the sites. I bought this book as well as the other in the series a few weeks before actually booking the trip and I ended up booking much later after reading all the information such as the hotel was being renovated and under constant noise, plus it was quite further away from the activities that I was more interested in and getting a 4wd vehicle which they recommend for hard to reach places. Something I would not have done had I not had these books. Truly outstanding. Other guide books should be like this. The con This book makes you want to do and see so much in the little time one plans on the island that I find myself wanting a vacation after the vacation. But hey, I wouldn't want it any other way. Being that everyone and their mother already knows that these books are the best one to have, some of the sights might not be as secret as the book entails. Bottom line, Get the book (or all of them if visiting numerous islands) and read them to plan out your trip. Then take them with you and have fun. You won't be disappointed.

This is the absolute best book on Hawaii that I have ever read, and I have read many. There is a very good balance with photos and commentary, and though the descriptions are not always lengthy - that is to be expected getting in as many attractions as they do. I have taken it with me the last four trips to the big island, and I discover something new every time. I would never have discovered the green sand beach on my own, and it is my favorite now. It takes a hike to get there, but it is worth it! I found several remote beaches that I would never have known about without this book. One word of warning..... when the book states a site is hard to get to and you will rarely see any other people there, believe it. I had a very lonely nervous drive out to South Point.

Invaluable as 1) a pre-visit resource for both background and depth of understanding on the what, where, who and how to best experience the Big Island: 2) for use on-the-move to guide you to the rich (and away from the wary) experiences, and help you get the most of your overall visit; 3) to help explain to others, upon your return home, just what you did, what you saw, what you felt during your visit - and why you will be going back; and 4) a gift of compass and wisdom, which is now combined with your own annotations and experiences, to pass on to the next person you know (and now convinced) who will now be visiting the Big Island too. Oh yes, and it is entertaining as heck! Glad I used it, glad I can tell you about it! Enjoy on your own special journey!

I love this book! It's so thoroughly researched and detailed and covers everything you need to know about the Big Island, including what to do and how to get there. Find yourself in a tiny, tiny town on the Big Island and wondering where is the best place to eat? Ask the book. Want to know the history of and the kind of food served at a luau? Ask the book. Need to know the closest way to get from point A to B? Ask the book. Wondering why there are wild goats on the side of the road? Ask the book. Not only is the author thorough, detailed and incredibly knowledgeable about Hawaii, he's witty. I appreciated the humor and personal tidbits the author threw in. When he advises you to buy mosquitoes or risk the "bloodletting of your life", he's not kidding - he knows from experience! We took this book everywhere with us on this trip and it never disappointed. By the end of the trip I felt like the author was a good friend - just one that I've never actually met in person. I will definitely be buying the other Hawaiian island books for our next trips!

As other reviewers mention in detail, this book attempts to provide an "insider" view of all the sites on the Big Island. Since the main attractions of the Big Island are largely natural, it can be a bit tricky describing where to find a particular site to snorkel or a certain waterfall, but this books does a nice job of trying to point out these spots. However, I have seen some of them mention in other books. The key, though, is that this guide provides detailed opinions of what is worth seeing and what is simply tourist fare. If you are looking for an active vacation, this book is probably for you. For families looking to take guided tours, this book provides some nice narrative about famous sites, but there are paperbacks that can better serve as reference material. For me, this was a great way to help budget my time, since it mentions some hypes sites that it describes as avoidable, while pointing to places and activities that pop up between major landmarks.

These "Revealed" books are Da Bomb. We recently visited Big Island and Oahu and used both books. My friend is somewhat navigatiionally challenged but could easily use the books to give directions and provide spontaneous options on our travels. I must have consulted the books dozens of times. In fact, we met at least two families that also were using and raved about these books. The books are well organized so it is easy to research different activites or places. The author has a real sense of humor. They are a great read. He provides a range of options from easy to hard. For instance, you might explore some of the best coffee growing area in the world (Kona) or hike a little-known trail through a rain forest to view a volcanic crater (Hilo). The Oahu book was as well presented as the Big Island book. Plus he has great maps too, even to the detail of where an inexperienced or experienced snorkler might likely swim. Don't leave home without 'em.

This guidebook was fantastic for everything from where to stay, things to do, and places to eat. Conversationally-written and fun to read, it will definitely make you excited about your upcoming vacation. My only complaint is that I didn't see in the book that state beaches are closed on Wednesdays for "cleaning" and was therefore pretty disappointed after having made a Wednesday (day before I left) my day to beach-hop. Perhaps I missed this detail, but I consider it a crucial one and so it should have been posted everywhere very clearly. A great investment, though, for a dreamy vacation!

We definitely love our REVEALED guide books. They're very informative, covering the islands like no other guide book I've seen. The writers are honest (and not always positively so) which helped us decide what we wanted to see and do, and to know what we can skip for whatever reason. We found the remarks to be right on track with what we found while there. If you're looking for a very well written, humorous, and detailed guide book, this is it. We brought ours with us as we drove around, constantly finding things to do and see. The history and island lore made it even more interesting.

this book was very helpful in planning or Big Island trip. it gave a lot of new and good ideas that helped me organize our travels so we could get in as much as possible on or 4 days there

More than helpful guide for my trip. Used the maps and food guides as well as the activities vendor listing throughout and managed to be surprised at accurate reviews. Wished I knew about the website before I left to get updated information, but only 1 item needed to be changed for my trip.

My husband and I just returned from our first visit to the Big Island and Maui. We don't know what we would have done without our two "blue books". The detailed maps, hotel advice, restaurant critiques, and other insider info was priceless. We were able, on day 1, to set off for deserted beaches that next to no one knew about. We felt like each moment of our vacation was valuable, and we didn't want to spend any second of our trip wasting it. The books allowed us to make the most out of our trip. Not to mention, these books are popular. Almost every store we went in was selling it. Others asked us, "Do you have the blue book?"

This book is fun to read and relatively easy to navigate. Everywhere we went, we saw people carrying the same book. I also purchased another Big Island book just to cross reference. It's confusing to tour around the Island. It's very large and the city names sound the same. This book is an essential tool.

We used this book on our 1st trip to the Big Island and it was very helpful. We were able to see, do and eat wonderful things thanks to this very well put together book.

This book is such an easy read. The author has a sense of humor, too, which is nice. The reviews are very honest, and do not try to steer you into one activity over another. There are detailed maps to show you how to get to remote/interesting destinations. It lets you know prices, as well as what days to see certain things. I really enjoyed this book and am planning my whole trip around it.

I have nothing but good things to say about this series. The maps (so many of them!) are much easier to use than most others, because of the topographic shading. The trail maps are detailed, and mile markers on the road maps are a great help. The layout is very handy, with sights arranged in the order you would encounter them geographically. Lots of good photos, since so many places can't be adequately described with words.

We love this book,and have recommended it to anyone we knew traveling to the Islands. This is our Hawaii travel bible. It has led us on many adventures, and new location we would have not found ourselves. It gives good advice, tips, and truthful opinions on the material discussed. Would highly recommend it again, and again for those new to Hawaii, or seasoned travelers.

I purchased "Maui Revealed" prior to enjoying my honeymoon on Maui. That book was an excellent guide and I used it time and again to plan sightseeing, activities, dinners, daytrips, etc. It never failed to provide all it claims. Now that I'm planning a trip to Hawaii, I am reading the Big Island book and I can't wait to use it for that trip. I highly recommend using these guides and I hope the authors consider making more guides for other U.S. vacation destinations (Yellowstone? Grand Canyon? Grand Tetons? Alaska? The Keys?)

I should say I'm not a fan of guidebooks in general, and indeed did not buy a copy of this one until several locals in Hilo recommended it to me. They were right-- it really is a key that can unlock much of the Big Island for the adventurous traveler. While it may not be worth the effort if you're just planning on hanging around the resorts on Kona side, this was the perfect guide for my wife and I as we spent a week based in a rainforest cabin several miles east of Mountain View south of Hilo. We traveled most of the paved roads (and a good portion of the unpaved/lava roads) on the island and saw far more than we would have without such a great guide. Beaches are listed counter-clockwise around the entire island. Trails are well described, and the "hidden gems," while not always all that hidden, are almost always worth the drive/walk. Places like the steam caves in Puna, the Champagne Pond, and the more remote reaches of South Point we likely would not have discovered with our usual method of using a map alone. The info provided for such tourist-drawing activities as driving up Mona Kea to the observatories was very solid (even a bit on the conservative side) and our experiences with the restaurant reviews found them spot on (disclaimer: we ate in only four restaurants over an eight-day period, preferring to purchase food at farmer's markets and fish on the bayfront). On the balance an excellent guide book, aided in our case only by advice from a few locals and some friends who grew up in Hilo. My only reservation has also been expressed by others, i.e. that some of these places are really pretty special and should not be overrun by tourists OR locals-- they'd be better off remaining secrets for the few who live in the area and will take care of them. We tended to avoid places that fit that bill, and in most cases even the lava roads to the more remote sites were dotted with other rental Jeeps, most of whose drivers were also clutching a copy of this guidebook!

I just returned from 9 days on the Big Island and found this "Revealed" book and the Moon Handbook to be my two best resources (I brought a total 5 guidebooks with me). I used the Moon Handbook predominantly on the windward side while I was staying in Volcanoes Nat'l Park and the "Revealed" book predominantly on the leeward side while I was staying in Kona. I used the dining recommendation from both books. I had pre-booked my accommodations, so I did not use that section of the book, although I looked up my condo and found their review accurate. Contrary to the comments of another reviewers (probably written a couple of editions ago) I did not find that the authors encouraged illegal or unethical activity, although they do emphasize that public beach access is the law in Hawaii. However, as noted, I did notice that many, many of the other tourists were carrying around copies of this book. This book was particulary helpful when trying to find beaches to play & snorkel - they are listed in order as you drive up or down the coast and the "gems" are truly noteworthy, although all the beaches were crowded since the local schools had let out for the holidays. The detailed maps were terrific. I used them quite a bit to get around. They also have a website that lists current updates and changes to their book, such as closures due to the earthquake last fall. The only critique I would have is that I could have use a bit more description of the hiking/walking required to get to each of the sights. Distance, elevation change/steepness (or stairs), terrain descriptions would have been helpful since I had a mobility-impaired grandparent with me. (Rather than "15-20 min hike" because that's dependent on physical status). Overall, I would highly recommend this book if you were only taking one with you to the Big Island.

Reading the book itself was like experiencing everything the author had while researching it, the writing is candid, humorous, insightful. It made our three day (I know, short) trip to the Big Island a great success. Except for one thing: the winds that the author describes as being strong in the afternoon on the Kohala coast are actually strong in the morning, but (according to our hotel) only in the summer (around September). If you spend such a short time on the island, this book is totally worth it. I just wish we had been considered "locals" like him, because in the low season (September), Hawaiians just aren't as friendly. There were hardly any tourists (weather is less predictable, it's past the main travel season in both US and Asia) and the locals appeared to be enjoying their time away from the crowds. But that's our experience, and don't let it stop you from buying this guide.

The pro As mentioned in the previous reviews, you can't find a better tour book. For those planning a trip to the islands, you can't go wrong reading the Ultimate Guidebook series. Do yourself a favor and read them before planning a trip to Hawaii. It gives the reader/planner insights not found in any other tour/guide book. Only then would you know (depending on your traveling habits) what to plan for, where and for how long. The detailed maps with side road markers and accurate, no holds back-down to earth reviews of sites and places to stay truly make this guide book stand above the rest. Their accompaning website goes further in providing the latest in up to the minute information and accomodation reviews and photos of the sites. I bought this book as well as the other in the series a few weeks before actually booking the trip and I ended up booking much later after reading all the information such as the hotel was being renovated and under constant noise, plus it was quite further away from the activities that I was more interested in and getting a 4wd vehicle which they recommend for hard to reach places. Something I would not have done had I not had these books. Truly outstanding. Other guide books should be like this. The con This book makes you want to do and see so much in the little time one plans on the island that I find myself wanting a vacation after the vacation. But hey, I wouldn't want it any other way. Being that everyone and their mother already knows that these books are the best one to have, some of the sights might not be as secret as the book entails. Bottom line, Get the book (or all of them if visiting numerous islands) and read them to plan out your trip. Then take them with you and have fun. You won't be disappointed.

This is the absolute best book on Hawaii that I have ever read, and I have read many. There is a very good balance with photos and commentary, and though the descriptions are not always lengthy - that is to be expected getting in as many attractions as they do. I have taken it with me the last four trips to the big island, and I discover something new every time. I would never have discovered the green sand beach on my own, and it is my favorite now. It takes a hike to get there, but it is worth it! I found several remote beaches that I would never have known about without this book. One word of warning..... when the book states a site is hard to get to and you will rarely see any other people there, believe it. I had a very lonely nervous drive out to South Point.

Invaluable as 1) a pre-visit resource for both background and depth of understanding on the what, where, who and how to best experience the Big Island: 2) for use on-the-move to guide you to the rich (and away from the wary) experiences, and help you get the most of your overall visit; 3) to help explain to others, upon your return home, just what you did, what you saw, what you felt during your visit - and why you will be going back; and 4) a gift of compass and wisdom, which is now combined with your own annotations and experiences, to pass on to the next person you know (and now convinced) who will now be visiting the Big Island too. Oh yes, and it is entertaining as heck! Glad I used it, glad I can tell you about it! Enjoy on your own special journey!

I love this book! It's so thoroughly researched and detailed and covers everything you need to know about the Big Island, including what to do and how to get there. Find yourself in a tiny, tiny town on the Big Island and wondering where is the best place to eat? Ask the book. Want to know the history of and the kind of food served at a luau? Ask the book. Need to know the closest way to get from point A to B? Ask the book. Wondering why there are wild goats on the side of the road? Ask the book. Not only is the author thorough, detailed and incredibly knowledgeable about Hawaii, he's witty. I appreciated the humor and personal tidbits the author threw in. When he advises you to buy mosquitoes or risk the "bloodletting of your life", he's not kidding - he knows from experience! We took this book everywhere with us on this trip and it never disappointed. By the end of the trip I felt like the author was a good friend - just one that I've never actually met in person. I will definitely be buying the other Hawaiian island books for our next trips!

As other reviewers mention in detail, this book attempts to provide an "insider" view of all the sites on the Big Island. Since the main attractions of the Big Island are largely natural, it can be a bit tricky describing where to find a particular site to snorkel or a certain waterfall, but this books does a nice job of trying to point out these spots. However, I have seen some of them mention in other books. The key, though, is that this guide provides detailed opinions of what is worth seeing and what is simply tourist fare. If you are looking for an active vacation, this book is probably for you. For families looking to take guided tours, this book provides some nice narrative about famous sites, but there are paperbacks that can better serve as reference material. For me, this was a great way to help budget my time, since it mentions some hypes sites that it describes as avoidable, while pointing to places and activities that pop up between major landmarks.

These "Revealed" books are Da Bomb. We recently visited Big Island and Oahu and used both books. My friend is somewhat navigatiionally challenged but could easily use the books to give directions and provide spontaneous options on our travels. I must have consulted the books dozens of times. In fact, we met at least two families that also were using and raved about these books. The books are well organized so it is easy to research different activites or places. The author has a real sense of humor. They are a great read. He provides a range of options from easy to hard. For instance, you might explore some of the best coffee growing area in the world (Kona) or hike a little-known trail through a rain forest to view a volcanic crater (Hilo). The Oahu book was as well presented as the Big Island book. Plus he has great maps too, even to the detail of where an inexperienced or experienced snorkler might likely swim. Don't leave home without 'em.

This guidebook was fantastic for everything from where to stay, things to do, and places to eat. Conversationally-written and fun to read, it will definitely make you excited about your upcoming vacation. My only complaint is that I didn't see in the book that state beaches are closed on Wednesdays for "cleaning" and was therefore pretty disappointed after having made a Wednesday (day before I left) my day to beach-hop. Perhaps I missed this detail, but I consider it a crucial one and so it should have been posted everywhere very clearly. A great investment, though, for a dreamy vacation!

While occasionally helpful, this books' pervasive sense of entitlement to the natural beauty and wonder of Hawaii overshadows its usefulness. This can be dangerous advice and lead to tensions between visitors and locals as well as destruction of that very beauty. Please kokua and ignore anything in this book suggesting you ignore private property signs or fences. Take all lodging and dining suggestions and opinions with skepticism and do your own independent research. Read through the beaches and adventures for ideas of what would make your vacation wonderful then get independent verification. This book also makes some hikes seem shorter and easier than they really are, and doesn't tell you how much time you will lose on a "diversion alert." Lastly - the ranking system is completely subjective. What is a "real gem" and "not to be missed" is entirely dependent upon each individual. Know what you want do see and do, then do it. Don't let a book tell you what to do. Good luck and happy travels!

If you want something informative, clear and concise, without hype, these books are well worth your time. Maps are good, photography is excellent and any advice is right on. They have hidden secrets about the islands that some of the locals might not appreciate. But, I do know of a certain hidden slippery slide on Kauai . . . . . . Highly recommended.

I found this guide to be very accurate and complete. I liked the way things were grouped with basics in one section followed by detailed descriptions (including mile markers) starting from one point and working their way around the island, then a separate section for beaches, activities, hikes and adventures. The writer's comments are very funny which made for easy, enjoyable reading too. The maps were very accurate and easy to read as well. I would have been lost with out this book!

I cannot say enough good things about this book and these authors. I purchased a book for 4 of the islands written by these guys. Our vacation wouldn't have been the same without the information in these books. Don't go to Hawaii without this book! I got spoiled by the information in their books, and will want a book (written by them) for every vacation I take from now on.

We went to Maui and Kauai in 2004 and purchased the "Revealed" books for each island. They were great books. A lot of other people also had "the blue books". They allowed us to adventure off on our own and became a great source for planned tour advice. We are planning to go to the Big Island this Fall, so we purchased this book. We have looked it over and it looks like it is just as helpful as the rest of the series.

This is the ONLY guide book you'll need for The Big Island! It's like having a local friend show you around. Everything was right on the money. And the online accommodations guide you access with the "secret code" found in the book is fantastic!

We spent a week on the Big Island in November of 2006. This guidebook provided valuable information about everything from the natural history of the island to the best places to eat and shop - we really felt like we got all we could out of the trip thanks to this book. The authors were never wrong about anything - even the humorous commentary was right on. The pictures and maps were also invaluable. I wish all guidebooks were as good as this one.

A guide book unlike any other. Interesting and very useful. We saw and did so much during our time on the Big Island thanks to this book's advice, organized as you travel the island--brilliant! We are planning a trip to Kauai next and will pick up that Revealed book, not waste our time with any others.

We had this book when we lived on the Big Island and it was very helpful finding new venues and vendors. I have a vacation rental house and I send it to my new guests before they arrive so they can have a great headstart! One tip is worth the 10 bucks but more important is that you can plan your time on the plane ride over so you maximize your vacation!

Even the Locals we met on the trip use this book to find things to do when they have visitors. We were there during the 6.9 earthquake and it came in handy to find stores open and potential closed roads

I should say I'm not a fan of guidebooks in general, and indeed did not buy a copy of this one until several locals in Hilo recommended it to me. They were right-- it really is a key that can unlock much of the Big Island for the adventurous traveler. While it may not be worth the effort if you're just planning on hanging around the resorts on Kona side, this was the perfect guide for my wife and I as we spent a week based in a rainforest cabin several miles east of Mountain View south of Hilo. We traveled most of the paved roads (and a good portion of the unpaved/lava roads) on the island and saw far more than we would have without such a great guide. Beaches are listed counter-clockwise around the entire island. Trails are well described, and the "hidden gems," while not always all that hidden, are almost always worth the drive/walk. Places like the steam caves in Puna, the Champagne Pond, and the more remote reaches of South Point we likely would not have discovered with our usual method of using a map alone. The info provided for such tourist-drawing activities as driving up Mona Kea to the observatories was very solid (even a bit on the conservative side) and our experiences with the restaurant reviews found them spot on (disclaimer: we ate in only four restaurants over an eight-day period, preferring to purchase food at farmer's markets and fish on the bayfront). On the balance an excellent guide book, aided in our case only by advice from a few locals and some friends who grew up in Hilo. My only reservation has also been expressed by others, i.e. that some of these places are really pretty special and should not be overrun by tourists OR locals-- they'd be better off remaining secrets for the few who live in the area and will take care of them. We tended to avoid places that fit that bill, and in most cases even the lava roads to the more remote sites were dotted with other rental Jeeps, most of whose drivers were also clutching a copy of this guidebook!

I just returned from 9 days on the Big Island and found this "Revealed" book and the Moon Handbook to be my two best resources (I brought a total 5 guidebooks with me). I used the Moon Handbook predominantly on the windward side while I was staying in Volcanoes Nat'l Park and the "Revealed" book predominantly on the leeward side while I was staying in Kona. I used the dining recommendation from both books. I had pre-booked my accommodations, so I did not use that section of the book, although I looked up my condo and found their review accurate. Contrary to the comments of another reviewers (probably written a couple of editions ago) I did not find that the authors encouraged illegal or unethical activity, although they do emphasize that public beach access is the law in Hawaii. However, as noted, I did notice that many, many of the other tourists were carrying around copies of this book. This book was particulary helpful when trying to find beaches to play & snorkel - they are listed in order as you drive up or down the coast and the "gems" are truly noteworthy, although all the beaches were crowded since the local schools had let out for the holidays. The detailed maps were terrific. I used them quite a bit to get around. They also have a website that lists current updates and changes to their book, such as closures due to the earthquake last fall. The only critique I would have is that I could have use a bit more description of the hiking/walking required to get to each of the sights. Distance, elevation change/steepness (or stairs), terrain descriptions would have been helpful since I had a mobility-impaired grandparent with me. (Rather than "15-20 min hike" because that's dependent on physical status). Overall, I would highly recommend this book if you were only taking one with you to the Big Island.

Reading the book itself was like experiencing everything the author had while researching it, the writing is candid, humorous, insightful. It made our three day (I know, short) trip to the Big Island a great success. Except for one thing: the winds that the author describes as being strong in the afternoon on the Kohala coast are actually strong in the morning, but (according to our hotel) only in the summer (around September). If you spend such a short time on the island, this book is totally worth it. I just wish we had been considered "locals" like him, because in the low season (September), Hawaiians just aren't as friendly. There were hardly any tourists (weather is less predictable, it's past the main travel season in both US and Asia) and the locals appeared to be enjoying their time away from the crowds. But that's our experience, and don't let it stop you from buying this guide.

The pro As mentioned in the previous reviews, you can't find a better tour book. For those planning a trip to the islands, you can't go wrong reading the Ultimate Guidebook series. Do yourself a favor and read them before planning a trip to Hawaii. It gives the reader/planner insights not found in any other tour/guide book. Only then would you know (depending on your traveling habits) what to plan for, where and for how long. The detailed maps with side road markers and accurate, no holds back-down to earth reviews of sites and places to stay truly make this guide book stand above the rest. Their accompaning website goes further in providing the latest in up to the minute information and accomodation reviews and photos of the sites. I bought this book as well as the other in the series a few weeks before actually booking the trip and I ended up booking much later after reading all the information such as the hotel was being renovated and under constant noise, plus it was quite further away from the activities that I was more interested in and getting a 4wd vehicle which they recommend for hard to reach places. Something I would not have done had I not had these books. Truly outstanding. Other guide books should be like this. The con This book makes you want to do and see so much in the little time one plans on the island that I find myself wanting a vacation after the vacation. But hey, I wouldn't want it any other way. Being that everyone and their mother already knows that these books are the best one to have, some of the sights might not be as secret as the book entails. Bottom line, Get the book (or all of them if visiting numerous islands) and read them to plan out your trip. Then take them with you and have fun. You won't be disappointed.

This is the absolute best book on Hawaii that I have ever read, and I have read many. There is a very good balance with photos and commentary, and though the descriptions are not always lengthy - that is to be expected getting in as many attractions as they do. I have taken it with me the last four trips to the big island, and I discover something new every time. I would never have discovered the green sand beach on my own, and it is my favorite now. It takes a hike to get there, but it is worth it! I found several remote beaches that I would never have known about without this book. One word of warning..... when the book states a site is hard to get to and you will rarely see any other people there, believe it. I had a very lonely nervous drive out to South Point.

Invaluable as 1) a pre-visit resource for both background and depth of understanding on the what, where, who and how to best experience the Big Island: 2) for use on-the-move to guide you to the rich (and away from the wary) experiences, and help you get the most of your overall visit; 3) to help explain to others, upon your return home, just what you did, what you saw, what you felt during your visit - and why you will be going back; and 4) a gift of compass and wisdom, which is now combined with your own annotations and experiences, to pass on to the next person you know (and now convinced) who will now be visiting the Big Island too. Oh yes, and it is entertaining as heck! Glad I used it, glad I can tell you about it! Enjoy on your own special journey!

I love this book! It's so thoroughly researched and detailed and covers everything you need to know about the Big Island, including what to do and how to get there. Find yourself in a tiny, tiny town on the Big Island and wondering where is the best place to eat? Ask the book. Want to know the history of and the kind of food served at a luau? Ask the book. Need to know the closest way to get from point A to B? Ask the book. Wondering why there are wild goats on the side of the road? Ask the book. Not only is the author thorough, detailed and incredibly knowledgeable about Hawaii, he's witty. I appreciated the humor and personal tidbits the author threw in. When he advises you to buy mosquitoes or risk the "bloodletting of your life", he's not kidding - he knows from experience! We took this book everywhere with us on this trip and it never disappointed. By the end of the trip I felt like the author was a good friend - just one that I've never actually met in person. I will definitely be buying the other Hawaiian island books for our next trips!

As other reviewers mention in detail, this book attempts to provide an "insider" view of all the sites on the Big Island. Since the main attractions of the Big Island are largely natural, it can be a bit tricky describing where to find a particular site to snorkel or a certain waterfall, but this books does a nice job of trying to point out these spots. However, I have seen some of them mention in other books. The key, though, is that this guide provides detailed opinions of what is worth seeing and what is simply tourist fare. If you are looking for an active vacation, this book is probably for you. For families looking to take guided tours, this book provides some nice narrative about famous sites, but there are paperbacks that can better serve as reference material. For me, this was a great way to help budget my time, since it mentions some hypes sites that it describes as avoidable, while pointing to places and activities that pop up between major landmarks.

These "Revealed" books are Da Bomb. We recently visited Big Island and Oahu and used both books. My friend is somewhat navigatiionally challenged but could easily use the books to give directions and provide spontaneous options on our travels. I must have consulted the books dozens of times. In fact, we met at least two families that also were using and raved about these books. The books are well organized so it is easy to research different activites or places. The author has a real sense of humor. They are a great read. He provides a range of options from easy to hard. For instance, you might explore some of the best coffee growing area in the world (Kona) or hike a little-known trail through a rain forest to view a volcanic crater (Hilo). The Oahu book was as well presented as the Big Island book. Plus he has great maps too, even to the detail of where an inexperienced or experienced snorkler might likely swim. Don't leave home without 'em.

This guidebook was fantastic for everything from where to stay, things to do, and places to eat. Conversationally-written and fun to read, it will definitely make you excited about your upcoming vacation. My only complaint is that I didn't see in the book that state beaches are closed on Wednesdays for "cleaning" and was therefore pretty disappointed after having made a Wednesday (day before I left) my day to beach-hop. Perhaps I missed this detail, but I consider it a crucial one and so it should have been posted everywhere very clearly. A great investment, though, for a dreamy vacation!

This book was by our side wherever we went on the Big Island, and was well on its way to being dog-eared by the time we left. Not only that, I noticed tourists all over toting this book around. If you are going to the Big Island and plan on doing any exploring on you own, this book is invaluable.

I just returned from the Big Island with a large group. We used this book extensively and there were no surprises - it was very accurate and enhanced our first trip to the Big Island, which is so beautiful. I wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone traveling to the Big Island!

Book was recommended to me and I too would recommend it if you are taking a trip to the Big Island. Like most travel books, it is loaded with tips on what to do / not to do, but also has some great if not funny restaurant reviews. However these are someone's opinion, so remember your taste may not be their taste.

If you're going to Hawaii, you must get this guide book. It tells you everything you want to know about everything and more. The author keeps you laughing all the way through the book. It's truly enjoyable.

I grew up in the Islands and this book gives the visitor a locals', inside view of the Big Island from the best food to the best beach to special hikes and off-track sights.

I am so happy with this guide. It is very informative and will be very useful on our trip to the islands.

I have used several of the books in this series, and they are hands down the best tour books of Hawaii. This book was no exception. All the books give list details, activities, and local information that you don't find anywhere else.

I have all the guidebooks of Hawaii written by Andrew Dougthty and I think they are the best ones. I bought them because some of the hotels I reserved in Hawaii recomended me to get them before I travel to the islands... It was a great idea!

I am still reading the book and will probably be reading it for awhile because it is so good. It tells you everything with great detail. Looking forward to our trip to the Big Island with it.

This book came highly recommended and rightfully so. It was lots of great 'insider tips' to the big island and helped us fully enjoy our stay in Hawaii.

I should say I'm not a fan of guidebooks in general, and indeed did not buy a copy of this one until several locals in Hilo recommended it to me. They were right-- it really is a key that can unlock much of the Big Island for the adventurous traveler. While it may not be worth the effort if you're just planning on hanging around the resorts on Kona side, this was the perfect guide for my wife and I as we spent a week based in a rainforest cabin several miles east of Mountain View south of Hilo. We traveled most of the paved roads (and a good portion of the unpaved/lava roads) on the island and saw far more than we would have without such a great guide. Beaches are listed counter-clockwise around the entire island. Trails are well described, and the "hidden gems," while not always all that hidden, are almost always worth the drive/walk. Places like the steam caves in Puna, the Champagne Pond, and the more remote reaches of South Point we likely would not have discovered with our usual method of using a map alone. The info provided for such tourist-drawing activities as driving up Mona Kea to the observatories was very solid (even a bit on the conservative side) and our experiences with the restaurant reviews found them spot on (disclaimer: we ate in only four restaurants over an eight-day period, preferring to purchase food at farmer's markets and fish on the bayfront). On the balance an excellent guide book, aided in our case only by advice from a few locals and some friends who grew up in Hilo. My only reservation has also been expressed by others, i.e. that some of these places are really pretty special and should not be overrun by tourists OR locals-- they'd be better off remaining secrets for the few who live in the area and will take care of them. We tended to avoid places that fit that bill, and in most cases even the lava roads to the more remote sites were dotted with other rental Jeeps, most of whose drivers were also clutching a copy of this guidebook!

I just returned from 9 days on the Big Island and found this "Revealed" book and the Moon Handbook to be my two best resources (I brought a total 5 guidebooks with me). I used the Moon Handbook predominantly on the windward side while I was staying in Volcanoes Nat'l Park and the "Revealed" book predominantly on the leeward side while I was staying in Kona. I used the dining recommendation from both books. I had pre-booked my accommodations, so I did not use that section of the book, although I looked up my condo and found their review accurate. Contrary to the comments of another reviewers (probably written a couple of editions ago) I did not find that the authors encouraged illegal or unethical activity, although they do emphasize that public beach access is the law in Hawaii. However, as noted, I did notice that many, many of the other tourists were carrying around copies of this book. This book was particulary helpful when trying to find beaches to play & snorkel - they are listed in order as you drive up or down the coast and the "gems" are truly noteworthy, although all the beaches were crowded since the local schools had let out for the holidays. The detailed maps were terrific. I used them quite a bit to get around. They also have a website that lists current updates and changes to their book, such as closures due to the earthquake last fall. The only critique I would have is that I could have use a bit more description of the hiking/walking required to get to each of the sights. Distance, elevation change/steepness (or stairs), terrain descriptions would have been helpful since I had a mobility-impaired grandparent with me. (Rather than "15-20 min hike" because that's dependent on physical status). Overall, I would highly recommend this book if you were only taking one with you to the Big Island.

Reading the book itself was like experiencing everything the author had while researching it, the writing is candid, humorous, insightful. It made our three day (I know, short) trip to the Big Island a great success. Except for one thing: the winds that the author describes as being strong in the afternoon on the Kohala coast are actually strong in the morning, but (according to our hotel) only in the summer (around September). If you spend such a short time on the island, this book is totally worth it. I just wish we had been considered "locals" like him, because in the low season (September), Hawaiians just aren't as friendly. There were hardly any tourists (weather is less predictable, it's past the main travel season in both US and Asia) and the locals appeared to be enjoying their time away from the crowds. But that's our experience, and don't let it stop you from buying this guide.

The pro As mentioned in the previous reviews, you can't find a better tour book. For those planning a trip to the islands, you can't go wrong reading the Ultimate Guidebook series. Do yourself a favor and read them before planning a trip to Hawaii. It gives the reader/planner insights not found in any other tour/guide book. Only then would you know (depending on your traveling habits) what to plan for, where and for how long. The detailed maps with side road markers and accurate, no holds back-down to earth reviews of sites and places to stay truly make this guide book stand above the rest. Their accompaning website goes further in providing the latest in up to the minute information and accomodation reviews and photos of the sites. I bought this book as well as the other in the series a few weeks before actually booking the trip and I ended up booking much later after reading all the information such as the hotel was being renovated and under constant noise, plus it was quite further away from the activities that I was more interested in and getting a 4wd vehicle which they recommend for hard to reach places. Something I would not have done had I not had these books. Truly outstanding. Other guide books should be like this. The con This book makes you want to do and see so much in the little time one plans on the island that I find myself wanting a vacation after the vacation. But hey, I wouldn't want it any other way. Being that everyone and their mother already knows that these books are the best one to have, some of the sights might not be as secret as the book entails. Bottom line, Get the book (or all of them if visiting numerous islands) and read them to plan out your trip. Then take them with you and have fun. You won't be disappointed.

This is the absolute best book on Hawaii that I have ever read, and I have read many. There is a very good balance with photos and commentary, and though the descriptions are not always lengthy - that is to be expected getting in as many attractions as they do. I have taken it with me the last four trips to the big island, and I discover something new every time. I would never have discovered the green sand beach on my own, and it is my favorite now. It takes a hike to get there, but it is worth it! I found several remote beaches that I would never have known about without this book. One word of warning..... when the book states a site is hard to get to and you will rarely see any other people there, believe it. I had a very lonely nervous drive out to South Point.

Invaluable as 1) a pre-visit resource for both background and depth of understanding on the what, where, who and how to best experience the Big Island: 2) for use on-the-move to guide you to the rich (and away from the wary) experiences, and help you get the most of your overall visit; 3) to help explain to others, upon your return home, just what you did, what you saw, what you felt during your visit - and why you will be going back; and 4) a gift of compass and wisdom, which is now combined with your own annotations and experiences, to pass on to the next person you know (and now convinced) who will now be visiting the Big Island too. Oh yes, and it is entertaining as heck! Glad I used it, glad I can tell you about it! Enjoy on your own special journey!

I love this book! It's so thoroughly researched and detailed and covers everything you need to know about the Big Island, including what to do and how to get there. Find yourself in a tiny, tiny town on the Big Island and wondering where is the best place to eat? Ask the book. Want to know the history of and the kind of food served at a luau? Ask the book. Need to know the closest way to get from point A to B? Ask the book. Wondering why there are wild goats on the side of the road? Ask the book. Not only is the author thorough, detailed and incredibly knowledgeable about Hawaii, he's witty. I appreciated the humor and personal tidbits the author threw in. When he advises you to buy mosquitoes or risk the "bloodletting of your life", he's not kidding - he knows from experience! We took this book everywhere with us on this trip and it never disappointed. By the end of the trip I felt like the author was a good friend - just one that I've never actually met in person. I will definitely be buying the other Hawaiian island books for our next trips!

As other reviewers mention in detail, this book attempts to provide an "insider" view of all the sites on the Big Island. Since the main attractions of the Big Island are largely natural, it can be a bit tricky describing where to find a particular site to snorkel or a certain waterfall, but this books does a nice job of trying to point out these spots. However, I have seen some of them mention in other books. The key, though, is that this guide provides detailed opinions of what is worth seeing and what is simply tourist fare. If you are looking for an active vacation, this book is probably for you. For families looking to take guided tours, this book provides some nice narrative about famous sites, but there are paperbacks that can better serve as reference material. For me, this was a great way to help budget my time, since it mentions some hypes sites that it describes as avoidable, while pointing to places and activities that pop up between major landmarks.

These "Revealed" books are Da Bomb. We recently visited Big Island and Oahu and used both books. My friend is somewhat navigatiionally challenged but could easily use the books to give directions and provide spontaneous options on our travels. I must have consulted the books dozens of times. In fact, we met at least two families that also were using and raved about these books. The books are well organized so it is easy to research different activites or places. The author has a real sense of humor. They are a great read. He provides a range of options from easy to hard. For instance, you might explore some of the best coffee growing area in the world (Kona) or hike a little-known trail through a rain forest to view a volcanic crater (Hilo). The Oahu book was as well presented as the Big Island book. Plus he has great maps too, even to the detail of where an inexperienced or experienced snorkler might likely swim. Don't leave home without 'em.

This guidebook was fantastic for everything from where to stay, things to do, and places to eat. Conversationally-written and fun to read, it will definitely make you excited about your upcoming vacation. My only complaint is that I didn't see in the book that state beaches are closed on Wednesdays for "cleaning" and was therefore pretty disappointed after having made a Wednesday (day before I left) my day to beach-hop. Perhaps I missed this detail, but I consider it a crucial one and so it should have been posted everywhere very clearly. A great investment, though, for a dreamy vacation!

This is a great in-depth book of all the best there is on the Big Island! There is alot of information with complete details on finding everything there. I would highly recommend getting this book for anyone wanting to visit the Big Island!

Quite simply - a must read for all first time visitors and a recommended read for repeat visitors.

We are planning a visit to Hawaii (The Big Island) and this guidebook has provided excellent information, maps, and details that have been difficult to find in other sources. Excellent!

This was a very informative book helping to plan our vacation to Hawaii. It helped us to decide where to go and what to avoid. Thanks!

Awesome book. Very well researched. A great guide for adventurous people

these guys know how to identify the best of everything on the big island and even give you tips that no one else does. their are the best!!!

This is the most amazing guidebook. It's very detailed and gives excellent information and advice! I highly recommend it.

Purchased this guide book for our trip to the Big Island of Hawaii and found it to be extremely helpful!!

Excelent book. Great service. Received the book in only a matter of days!

excellent articles and giving great ideas on what you can do and see.... would like to have a had a few more pics...

I should say I'm not a fan of guidebooks in general, and indeed did not buy a copy of this one until several locals in Hilo recommended it to me. They were right-- it really is a key that can unlock much of the Big Island for the adventurous traveler. While it may not be worth the effort if you're just planning on hanging around the resorts on Kona side, this was the perfect guide for my wife and I as we spent a week based in a rainforest cabin several miles east of Mountain View south of Hilo. We traveled most of the paved roads (and a good portion of the unpaved/lava roads) on the island and saw far more than we would have without such a great guide. Beaches are listed counter-clockwise around the entire island. Trails are well described, and the "hidden gems," while not always all that hidden, are almost always worth the drive/walk. Places like the steam caves in Puna, the Champagne Pond, and the more remote reaches of South Point we likely would not have discovered with our usual method of using a map alone. The info provided for such tourist-drawing activities as driving up Mona Kea to the observatories was very solid (even a bit on the conservative side) and our experiences with the restaurant reviews found them spot on (disclaimer: we ate in only four restaurants over an eight-day period, preferring to purchase food at farmer's markets and fish on the bayfront). On the balance an excellent guide book, aided in our case only by advice from a few locals and some friends who grew up in Hilo. My only reservation has also been expressed by others, i.e. that some of these places are really pretty special and should not be overrun by tourists OR locals-- they'd be better off remaining secrets for the few who live in the area and will take care of them. We tended to avoid places that fit that bill, and in most cases even the lava roads to the more remote sites were dotted with other rental Jeeps, most of whose drivers were also clutching a copy of this guidebook!

I just returned from 9 days on the Big Island and found this "Revealed" book and the Moon Handbook to be my two best resources (I brought a total 5 guidebooks with me). I used the Moon Handbook predominantly on the windward side while I was staying in Volcanoes Nat'l Park and the "Revealed" book predominantly on the leeward side while I was staying in Kona. I used the dining recommendation from both books. I had pre-booked my accommodations, so I did not use that section of the book, although I looked up my condo and found their review accurate. Contrary to the comments of another reviewers (probably written a couple of editions ago) I did not find that the authors encouraged illegal or unethical activity, although they do emphasize that public beach access is the law in Hawaii. However, as noted, I did notice that many, many of the other tourists were carrying around copies of this book. This book was particulary helpful when trying to find beaches to play & snorkel - they are listed in order as you drive up or down the coast and the "gems" are truly noteworthy, although all the beaches were crowded since the local schools had let out for the holidays. The detailed maps were terrific. I used them quite a bit to get around. They also have a website that lists current updates and changes to their book, such as closures due to the earthquake last fall. The only critique I would have is that I could have use a bit more description of the hiking/walking required to get to each of the sights. Distance, elevation change/steepness (or stairs), terrain descriptions would have been helpful since I had a mobility-impaired grandparent with me. (Rather than "15-20 min hike" because that's dependent on physical status). Overall, I would highly recommend this book if you were only taking one with you to the Big Island.

Reading the book itself was like experiencing everything the author had while researching it, the writing is candid, humorous, insightful. It made our three day (I know, short) trip to the Big Island a great success. Except for one thing: the winds that the author describes as being strong in the afternoon on the Kohala coast are actually strong in the morning, but (according to our hotel) only in the summer (around September). If you spend such a short time on the island, this book is totally worth it. I just wish we had been considered "locals" like him, because in the low season (September), Hawaiians just aren't as friendly. There were hardly any tourists (weather is less predictable, it's past the main travel season in both US and Asia) and the locals appeared to be enjoying their time away from the crowds. But that's our experience, and don't let it stop you from buying this guide.

The pro As mentioned in the previous reviews, you can't find a better tour book. For those planning a trip to the islands, you can't go wrong reading the Ultimate Guidebook series. Do yourself a favor and read them before planning a trip to Hawaii. It gives the reader/planner insights not found in any other tour/guide book. Only then would you know (depending on your traveling habits) what to plan for, where and for how long. The detailed maps with side road markers and accurate, no holds back-down to earth reviews of sites and places to stay truly make this guide book stand above the rest. Their accompaning website goes further in providing the latest in up to the minute information and accomodation reviews and photos of the sites. I bought this book as well as the other in the series a few weeks before actually booking the trip and I ended up booking much later after reading all the information such as the hotel was being renovated and under constant noise, plus it was quite further away from the activities that I was more interested in and getting a 4wd vehicle which they recommend for hard to reach places. Something I would not have done had I not had these books. Truly outstanding. Other guide books should be like this. The con This book makes you want to do and see so much in the little time one plans on the island that I find myself wanting a vacation after the vacation. But hey, I wouldn't want it any other way. Being that everyone and their mother already knows that these books are the best one to have, some of the sights might not be as secret as the book entails. Bottom line, Get the book (or all of them if visiting numerous islands) and read them to plan out your trip. Then take them with you and have fun. You won't be disappointed.

This is the absolute best book on Hawaii that I have ever read, and I have read many. There is a very good balance with photos and commentary, and though the descriptions are not always lengthy - that is to be expected getting in as many attractions as they do. I have taken it with me the last four trips to the big island, and I discover something new every time. I would never have discovered the green sand beach on my own, and it is my favorite now. It takes a hike to get there, but it is worth it! I found several remote beaches that I would never have known about without this book. One word of warning..... when the book states a site is hard to get to and you will rarely see any other people there, believe it. I had a very lonely nervous drive out to South Point.

Invaluable as 1) a pre-visit resource for both background and depth of understanding on the what, where, who and how to best experience the Big Island: 2) for use on-the-move to guide you to the rich (and away from the wary) experiences, and help you get the most of your overall visit; 3) to help explain to others, upon your return home, just what you did, what you saw, what you felt during your visit - and why you will be going back; and 4) a gift of compass and wisdom, which is now combined with your own annotations and experiences, to pass on to the next person you know (and now convinced) who will now be visiting the Big Island too. Oh yes, and it is entertaining as heck! Glad I used it, glad I can tell you about it! Enjoy on your own special journey!

I love this book! It's so thoroughly researched and detailed and covers everything you need to know about the Big Island, including what to do and how to get there. Find yourself in a tiny, tiny town on the Big Island and wondering where is the best place to eat? Ask the book. Want to know the history of and the kind of food served at a luau? Ask the book. Need to know the closest way to get from point A to B? Ask the book. Wondering why there are wild goats on the side of the road? Ask the book. Not only is the author thorough, detailed and incredibly knowledgeable about Hawaii, he's witty. I appreciated the humor and personal tidbits the author threw in. When he advises you to buy mosquitoes or risk the "bloodletting of your life", he's not kidding - he knows from experience! We took this book everywhere with us on this trip and it never disappointed. By the end of the trip I felt like the author was a good friend - just one that I've never actually met in person. I will definitely be buying the other Hawaiian island books for our next trips!

As other reviewers mention in detail, this book attempts to provide an "insider" view of all the sites on the Big Island. Since the main attractions of the Big Island are largely natural, it can be a bit tricky describing where to find a particular site to snorkel or a certain waterfall, but this books does a nice job of trying to point out these spots. However, I have seen some of them mention in other books. The key, though, is that this guide provides detailed opinions of what is worth seeing and what is simply tourist fare. If you are looking for an active vacation, this book is probably for you. For families looking to take guided tours, this book provides some nice narrative about famous sites, but there are paperbacks that can better serve as reference material. For me, this was a great way to help budget my time, since it mentions some hypes sites that it describes as avoidable, while pointing to places and activities that pop up between major landmarks.

These "Revealed" books are Da Bomb. We recently visited Big Island and Oahu and used both books. My friend is somewhat navigatiionally challenged but could easily use the books to give directions and provide spontaneous options on our travels. I must have consulted the books dozens of times. In fact, we met at least two families that also were using and raved about these books. The books are well organized so it is easy to research different activites or places. The author has a real sense of humor. They are a great read. He provides a range of options from easy to hard. For instance, you might explore some of the best coffee growing area in the world (Kona) or hike a little-known trail through a rain forest to view a volcanic crater (Hilo). The Oahu book was as well presented as the Big Island book. Plus he has great maps too, even to the detail of where an inexperienced or experienced snorkler might likely swim. Don't leave home without 'em.

This guidebook was fantastic for everything from where to stay, things to do, and places to eat. Conversationally-written and fun to read, it will definitely make you excited about your upcoming vacation. My only complaint is that I didn't see in the book that state beaches are closed on Wednesdays for "cleaning" and was therefore pretty disappointed after having made a Wednesday (day before I left) my day to beach-hop. Perhaps I missed this detail, but I consider it a crucial one and so it should have been posted everywhere very clearly. A great investment, though, for a dreamy vacation!

The best out of three guide books I looked at, and a must for the first trip to the big island.

This book is part of a series which gives the reader a very good overview of things to do and see as well as places to eat and accommodations on the Big Island. A valuable resource when it comes to saving time and money.

I should say I'm not a fan of guidebooks in general, and indeed did not buy a copy of this one until several locals in Hilo recommended it to me. They were right-- it really is a key that can unlock much of the Big Island for the adventurous traveler. While it may not be worth the effort if you're just planning on hanging around the resorts on Kona side, this was the perfect guide for my wife and I as we spent a week based in a rainforest cabin several miles east of Mountain View south of Hilo. We traveled most of the paved roads (and a good portion of the unpaved/lava roads) on the island and saw far more than we would have without such a great guide. Beaches are listed counter-clockwise around the entire island. Trails are well described, and the "hidden gems," while not always all that hidden, are almost always worth the drive/walk. Places like the steam caves in Puna, the Champagne Pond, and the more remote reaches of South Point we likely would not have discovered with our usual method of using a map alone. The info provided for such tourist-drawing activities as driving up Mona Kea to the observatories was very solid (even a bit on the conservative side) and our experiences with the restaurant reviews found them spot on (disclaimer: we ate in only four restaurants over an eight-day period, preferring to purchase food at farmer's markets and fish on the bayfront). On the balance an excellent guide book, aided in our case only by advice from a few locals and some friends who grew up in Hilo. My only reservation has also been expressed by others, i.e. that some of these places are really pretty special and should not be overrun by tourists OR locals-- they'd be better off remaining secrets for the few who live in the area and will take care of them. We tended to avoid places that fit that bill, and in most cases even the lava roads to the more remote sites were dotted with other rental Jeeps, most of whose drivers were also clutching a copy of this guidebook!

I just returned from 9 days on the Big Island and found this "Revealed" book and the Moon Handbook to be my two best resources (I brought a total 5 guidebooks with me). I used the Moon Handbook predominantly on the windward side while I was staying in Volcanoes Nat'l Park and the "Revealed" book predominantly on the leeward side while I was staying in Kona. I used the dining recommendation from both books. I had pre-booked my accommodations, so I did not use that section of the book, although I looked up my condo and found their review accurate. Contrary to the comments of another reviewers (probably written a couple of editions ago) I did not find that the authors encouraged illegal or unethical activity, although they do emphasize that public beach access is the law in Hawaii. However, as noted, I did notice that many, many of the other tourists were carrying around copies of this book. This book was particulary helpful when trying to find beaches to play & snorkel - they are listed in order as you drive up or down the coast and the "gems" are truly noteworthy, although all the beaches were crowded since the local schools had let out for the holidays. The detailed maps were terrific. I used them quite a bit to get around. They also have a website that lists current updates and changes to their book, such as closures due to the earthquake last fall. The only critique I would have is that I could have use a bit more description of the hiking/walking required to get to each of the sights. Distance, elevation change/steepness (or stairs), terrain descriptions would have been helpful since I had a mobility-impaired grandparent with me. (Rather than "15-20 min hike" because that's dependent on physical status). Overall, I would highly recommend this book if you were only taking one with you to the Big Island.

Reading the book itself was like experiencing everything the author had while researching it, the writing is candid, humorous, insightful. It made our three day (I know, short) trip to the Big Island a great success. Except for one thing: the winds that the author describes as being strong in the afternoon on the Kohala coast are actually strong in the morning, but (according to our hotel) only in the summer (around September). If you spend such a short time on the island, this book is totally worth it. I just wish we had been considered "locals" like him, because in the low season (September), Hawaiians just aren't as friendly. There were hardly any tourists (weather is less predictable, it's past the main travel season in both US and Asia) and the locals appeared to be enjoying their time away from the crowds. But that's our experience, and don't let it stop you from buying this guide.

The pro As mentioned in the previous reviews, you can't find a better tour book. For those planning a trip to the islands, you can't go wrong reading the Ultimate Guidebook series. Do yourself a favor and read them before planning a trip to Hawaii. It gives the reader/planner insights not found in any other tour/guide book. Only then would you know (depending on your traveling habits) what to plan for, where and for how long. The detailed maps with side road markers and accurate, no holds back-down to earth reviews of sites and places to stay truly make this guide book stand above the rest. Their accompaning website goes further in providing the latest in up to the minute information and accomodation reviews and photos of the sites. I bought this book as well as the other in the series a few weeks before actually booking the trip and I ended up booking much later after reading all the information such as the hotel was being renovated and under constant noise, plus it was quite further away from the activities that I was more interested in and getting a 4wd vehicle which they recommend for hard to reach places. Something I would not have done had I not had these books. Truly outstanding. Other guide books should be like this. The con This book makes you want to do and see so much in the little time one plans on the island that I find myself wanting a vacation after the vacation. But hey, I wouldn't want it any other way. Being that everyone and their mother already knows that these books are the best one to have, some of the sights might not be as secret as the book entails. Bottom line, Get the book (or all of them if visiting numerous islands) and read them to plan out your trip. Then take them with you and have fun. You won't be disappointed.

This is the absolute best book on Hawaii that I have ever read, and I have read many. There is a very good balance with photos and commentary, and though the descriptions are not always lengthy - that is to be expected getting in as many attractions as they do. I have taken it with me the last four trips to the big island, and I discover something new every time. I would never have discovered the green sand beach on my own, and it is my favorite now. It takes a hike to get there, but it is worth it! I found several remote beaches that I would never have known about without this book. One word of warning..... when the book states a site is hard to get to and you will rarely see any other people there, believe it. I had a very lonely nervous drive out to South Point.

Invaluable as 1) a pre-visit resource for both background and depth of understanding on the what, where, who and how to best experience the Big Island: 2) for use on-the-move to guide you to the rich (and away from the wary) experiences, and help you get the most of your overall visit; 3) to help explain to others, upon your return home, just what you did, what you saw, what you felt during your visit - and why you will be going back; and 4) a gift of compass and wisdom, which is now combined with your own annotations and experiences, to pass on to the next person you know (and now convinced) who will now be visiting the Big Island too. Oh yes, and it is entertaining as heck! Glad I used it, glad I can tell you about it! Enjoy on your own special journey!

I love this book! It's so thoroughly researched and detailed and covers everything you need to know about the Big Island, including what to do and how to get there. Find yourself in a tiny, tiny town on the Big Island and wondering where is the best place to eat? Ask the book. Want to know the history of and the kind of food served at a luau? Ask the book. Need to know the closest way to get from point A to B? Ask the book. Wondering why there are wild goats on the side of the road? Ask the book. Not only is the author thorough, detailed and incredibly knowledgeable about Hawaii, he's witty. I appreciated the humor and personal tidbits the author threw in. When he advises you to buy mosquitoes or risk the "bloodletting of your life", he's not kidding - he knows from experience! We took this book everywhere with us on this trip and it never disappointed. By the end of the trip I felt like the author was a good friend - just one that I've never actually met in person. I will definitely be buying the other Hawaiian island books for our next trips!

As other reviewers mention in detail, this book attempts to provide an "insider" view of all the sites on the Big Island. Since the main attractions of the Big Island are largely natural, it can be a bit tricky describing where to find a particular site to snorkel or a certain waterfall, but this books does a nice job of trying to point out these spots. However, I have seen some of them mention in other books. The key, though, is that this guide provides detailed opinions of what is worth seeing and what is simply tourist fare. If you are looking for an active vacation, this book is probably for you. For families looking to take guided tours, this book provides some nice narrative about famous sites, but there are paperbacks that can better serve as reference material. For me, this was a great way to help budget my time, since it mentions some hypes sites that it describes as avoidable, while pointing to places and activities that pop up between major landmarks.

These "Revealed" books are Da Bomb. We recently visited Big Island and Oahu and used both books. My friend is somewhat navigatiionally challenged but could easily use the books to give directions and provide spontaneous options on our travels. I must have consulted the books dozens of times. In fact, we met at least two families that also were using and raved about these books. The books are well organized so it is easy to research different activites or places. The author has a real sense of humor. They are a great read. He provides a range of options from easy to hard. For instance, you might explore some of the best coffee growing area in the world (Kona) or hike a little-known trail through a rain forest to view a volcanic crater (Hilo). The Oahu book was as well presented as the Big Island book. Plus he has great maps too, even to the detail of where an inexperienced or experienced snorkler might likely swim. Don't leave home without 'em.

This guidebook was fantastic for everything from where to stay, things to do, and places to eat. Conversationally-written and fun to read, it will definitely make you excited about your upcoming vacation. My only complaint is that I didn't see in the book that state beaches are closed on Wednesdays for "cleaning" and was therefore pretty disappointed after having made a Wednesday (day before I left) my day to beach-hop. Perhaps I missed this detail, but I consider it a crucial one and so it should have been posted everywhere very clearly. A great investment, though, for a dreamy vacation!