Lonely Planet Hawaii the Big Isl 1/E

I live on the Big Island and work with tourists, so am always reviewing the new guidebooks that come out to see which one to recommend (and which one to use myself for finding new things to do). This guidebook is without doubt, the BEST guide ever written for the Big Island! The author exposes many wonderful things that other guidebooks have never covered and also delivers material in a concise, easy to read (and enjoyable) format. If you are familiar with Lonely Planet books, this one has changed format somewhat - for the better! There's more pictures, more maps, and a whole new focus on green and eco travel. INVALUABLE as tourists should really think twice about minimizing their travel footprint. The author's accommodation picks are also right on. Go here first for an unbiased review of the many many accommodation options. She will lead you in the right direction and really focuses on value vs price (also giving price ranges from budget to more expensive). I am very very delighted for the first time to be able to recommend a Hawaii guidebook without having to give reservations or apologize for things the author did wrong!!!! Mahalo Lonely Planet - you got this one RIGHT ON!

I've been a frequent visitor to the Big Island and plan on moving there soon. The 'Lonely Planet Big Island' and 'Hawaii the Big Island Revealed' are your two must have guides to the Big Island.

whatever you do, don't substitute the Hawaii Revealed guide for this book. Lonely Planet Hawaii has everything in it. It contains no fluffy puff stuff or downer opinions. Our copy is worn from four weeks on the road and although pretty beat up, we deem it gospel. Traditionally the Lonely Planets are written by real travelers who are objective and write really well. They have no bones to pick. This is no exception.

On the spur of the moment I took off for Hawaii for ten days of vacation with two guidebooks in hand. Lonely Planet ended up as the guide with the most clout. I drove the entire circuit from KailuaKona to the Volcano National Park to Hilo and it was never dull. It turned me into a petroglyph junkie. There was always something interesting to stop off and see or find. I felt as though I had been away for a month. This one doesn't waste space business bashing and fills its pages with toothy recommendations and selections worth sharing.I wish I had consulted the book before I booked my room as their Kona listings turned out to be in much better locations than the one I ended up staying at.

I used this book and especially liked the writing style. It was witty and intriguing and led me to corners I would have never explored. The authors are opinionated but know how to keep their descriptions in check. Many helpful tips and facts kept it interesting. There are very few good guidebooks for this area. This one outclasses all the rest.