Pauline Frommer's Hawaii

I've always liked the Frommer guidebooks; they are straightforward, budget-conscious and always have interesting sidebar tidbits that are worth investigating. Highlights from the Hawaii guidebook: * "Best beaches if you're a kid" are listed, but none are on Oahu (where most tourists tend to go.) Pauline does recommend Waikiki Beach for people-watching and the North Shore for water sports. (If you're a beachy person, you might enjoy the scenery and friendly philosophizing on Beach Walks With Rox, a video series filmed on a Hawaii beach - http://beachwalks.tv/) * Kauai beaches are her pick for the best, but she also notes that they have more drownings than other islands. "Never turn your back on the water." She also lists some fun one-of-kind boutiques on Kauai - which is not known for its shopping - and also covers opportunities for volunteer work on the island, in gardens and for whale-counting. * On Oahu, I like her thorough discussion of World War II sites like the Arizona Memorial, Bowfin submarine and battleship Missouri. There are good "local info" sidebars on things like yummy food from island "shrimp trucks," and a frank discussion of the "cheesy and heinous" Polynesian Cultural Center. I appreciate forthright opinions in guidebooks, even when I don't agree with the assertions. * The guidebook has a comprehensive list of annual events - like the Merrie Monarch hula festival - a discussion of why Hawaii prices are sometimes so high for basics (no, it's not just to rip off tourists,) an overview of coral reef "etiquette" for snorkelers/divers and a Hawaiian language glossary. * The Maui section features detailed dining options to fit most budgets. * Great tip from Molokai: you can mail a coconut with a message on it from the Hoolehua Post Office: Post-a-nut. I mean, what kid wouldn't want to do that?! This is excerpted from my review of this guide on my BootsnAll Family Travel Logue, [...] Thanks!

Living in Hawaii one often has to reckon with visiting family/friends and this is the book I give them before I send them on their island travels. The information is accurate and practical-the kind of material that helps you meet your travel needs. There are some contemporary cultural events (on Oahu especially) that are covered in the book that will contribute to the Hawaii experience for the first time visitor as well as the returning one.