Kauai Underground Guide [With CD of Hawaiian Music by Keali'i Reichel]

We just got home from the most beautiful island in Hawaii and made fairly good use of this book. Took in the Hawaiian language church service, beach choices for families with little ones, etc. The owner of one of the stores the author recommends for freshly cut leis (the one across from Kauai Community College) was thrilled when we showed her the recommendation because she had no idea they were even mentioned. We got a free bag of freshly sliced pineapples from her for showing her the promotion in this guide. One warning....avoid Kapa'a in the afternoons. The only traffic jam on the island.

Our family of 5 just returned from Kauai with our well used copy of Kauai: underground guide. We used it everyday to plan our trips. With her directions we found uncrowded beaches hidden away from the general tourists. The authors favourite beach, which became our favourite as well, was just minutes away from our condo, but was unknown to owners of our condo unit who have been visiting the island for years. Just about any general question we had was answered in the book. We didn't want to pay big $$ to see Hawaiian dancers - Lenore tells which shoppping centre has a free show daily. We wanted to send flowers home - again Lenore's book gives you names and numbers of local shippers. Groceries were very expensive but the book lists location and times of local markets where you could find fresher produce at a better price than the local grocery stores.I emailed the author for further info re accessibility for our disabled son and she immediately provided me with additional helpful info. In fact in her next edition she is including a new section specifically for disabled vacationers to Kauai. On her own initiative she tracked down hiking & snorkeling/scuba diving adventures for the disabled as well as wheelchair rentals for the beach. An amazing book and an amazing lady! This is a great book and I strongly recommend it for anyone travelling to Kauai.

Someone gave me this book just before my third trip to Kauai. Since I have some friends on the North Shore, I asked them about it. They said it was their least favorite book since it was the one that gave away all the "secret" beaches and restaurants drawing tourists instead of locals. I thought that was a great endorsement.In fact, we went to several beaches recommended and many of the restaurants. The descriptions and reviews were invariably accurate and candid. So many guidebooks seem like puff pieces for hotels and restaurants. This book never felt that way.I also liked the fact that this author seems to be a regular in Kauai and not just a guidebook author who goes from place to place. Anyone who writes 15 editions of anything must be doing something right.

I'll keep it short and sweet: Lenore knows Kauai. Been to Kauai several times, but when we've used the Underground Guide (our last two trips) we've found:1) Better places to eat;2) More stuff to do that we wouldn't have thought of (and some things that weren't in the other Kauai guidebook, which we've since discarded);and3) Some Kauai friends. The best way to experience the Garden Isle is with people who know it well, and we've actually met some friends in Kauai as a result of going 'Underground.'It's a must -- the best vacation investment you could make. Give up feeling like a tourist with Lenore's help. You'll find this guide up-to-date (I purchase a new copy before each trip), accurate down to the details (e.g. a deli that may not get your sandwich just right unless you check before you leave!), and easy to use (organized to be quickly accessible by restaurant, activity, etc, based on where you want to be on the island -- two page flips and you're on the way to a precise choice of food or fun based on the budget or level of activity you want). Whether going to a 'locals-only' beach or restaurant, Lenore's been there, and her reviews (and directions) are right on.Highly recommended. Thanks, Lenore.

This guide-book afforded us the luxury of finding the bestoptions for our holiday by simply reading the interesting and colorfulreviews, instead of by trial and error. To have the convenience of local knowledge, and the honest appraisal of restaurants and activities (not paid advertisers), made our holiday a pleasure from beginning to end. Must reading for every visitor to Kauai - you can pick and choose your particulars with proven success. The natural beauty is truly appreciated by the author and she emphasizes these important features for specific situations, such as the best location for a sunset dinner. The book is limited to important details, not history, which makes it easy to read and use. Can't imagine visiting the island again without referring to this guidebook. Thank you for making our trip a pleasurable one!! We look forward to your next edition with updated information. We love the color photos and the bonus CD music - got us in the Hawaiian mood. I think I'll call the airlines right now to schedule our next trip! Aloha and Mahalo.