Island Grinds

Island Grinds is a traveler's guide to the best local dining at the most economical prices on the Hawaiian islands of O'ahu, Hawai'i (a.k.a. "The Big Island"), Kaua'i, and Maui. Arranged by geographical location of the restaurants they describe, each one-page entry includes address information, hours when open, whether a restaurant is "BYOB" or accepts credit cards, average cost of a meal per person, and an in-depth description of each location's specialties, quirks, and charms. A "bottom line" sums up each eatery in a single sentence. Island Grinds is a "must-have" especially for vacationers seeking to sample the finest points of local Hawaiian cuisine. A highly recommended traveling supplement!

I picked this book up in Waikiki and was able to try 3 of the places listed while there. One of them twice. All three were delicious. This book contains more than just raves so you'll know what to expect in each restaurant. (There's also an index of local dish names to help when reading the reviews.) Although I was on O'ahu I read one review for a Maui restaurant that rated the food as average but noted the location made up for everything. Goldman's reviews contain critical advice on whether one, a few, or all dishes are especially good. There is even advice on how some dishes should be ordered. My only regret? I lost my copy (including take out menus I had picked up) between the hotel, rental car and airport so I'll need to buy another before I return to The Islands.