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Powell's Q&A, Q&A | June 24, 2009

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  1. $17.50 Sale Hardcover add to wish list

    Let the Great World Spin

    Colum McCann

Kauai Trailblazer, 2nd Revised Edition: Where to Hike, Snorkel, Bike, Paddle, Surf

by Jerry Sprout and Janine Sprout

Kauai Trailblazer, 2nd Revised Edition: Where to Hike, Snorkel, Bike, Paddle, Surf Cover

Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

Now on its 2nd Edition, Kauai Trailblazer joins the new Maui Trailblazer to provide the Hawaiian visitor with numerous choices for an active vacation. This all-in-one bestselling guide is intended for the adventure traveler who expects solid and practical information peppered with thrill-seeking fun. Ten volumes of activities packed into one daypack-sized book.

Synopsis:

The tropical paradise of Hawaii's Garden Isle attracts over one million vacationers each year. Find out where to go with Kauai Trailblazer, a comprehensive guide to everything the island offers. For family travelers and independent adventurers, this completely revised new edition offers hundreds of top spots to hike, snorkel, kayak, surf, and mountain bike, plus four historic and scenic driving tours. A directory lists restaurants, campgrounds, accommodations, and local outfitters, free hula shows and farmers' markets. You'll also find information about local flora, weather, and a glossary of Hawaiian words and place names. Maps and photos illustrate the text.

Description:

The latest edition of the Sprout's top-selling guide is packed with new and updated activities, dozens of fresh photos, and a special Trailblazer Kids section for families headed to Hawaii's "adventure island." Popular among independent and active travelers, Trailblazer guides are known for their user-friendly format, readability, and sharp graphics. You'll find all the all the places to get wet, muddy, and have fun on Kaua'i. Less energetic visitors will appreciate the book's driving tours, which hit the headliners along with the island's out-of-the-way charms. A Resource Links section gives visitor information and cultural contacts, recommended recreational outfitters, museums and attractions, Hawaiiana shops and hula shows, as well as a hand-picked list of restaurants and places to stay.

119 hikes and strolls to mountain ridges, tropical gardens, beaches, jungles, coves, reefs, historic landmarks and ancient ruins, swamps, craters, forests, coastal bluffs, towns, canyons, waterfalls and river valleys.

  • 68 beaches, including 22 reachable only by trail
  • 42 snorkeling pools
  • 61 mountain bike rides along forest, coastal, and countryside trails
  • 27 kayaking waters: 13 rivers and streams, 14 bays and lagoons
  • 36 surfing spots
  • a special Trailblazer Kids section
  • 10 maps and 175 photographs
  • 4 driving tours, featuring heiaus, wildlife sanctuaries, cultural and historical sites,tourist attractions and natural wonders
  • Resource Links to recreational outfitters, stables, golf courses, camping, transportation, accommodations, local-style eats and shops
  • Appendices of Hawaiian words, place names, movie locations, hula performances, farmer's markets, weather, flora, history

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What Our Readers Are Saying

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Average customer rating based on 2 comments:
GregHayes, January 26, 2009 (view all comments by GregHayes)
There are four activity guidebooks in this wonderful series: Kauai Trailblazer, Hawaii the Big Island Trailblazer, Oahu Trailblazer, and Maui Trailblazer (there is also a great planning guide to all the islands called No Worries Hawaii). I have been reviewing guidebooks for many years (and, in fact, wrote several well-received guides to travel guides in the pre-Internet era) and I can say without reservation that these four books are the best available for Hawaii. The authors, Jerry and Janine Sprout, have been roaming the Hawaiian islands for decades and taking a lot of useful notes and beautiful photos along the way. All of this translates into a wonderful, informative read (I've read them all cover to cover) even if you're only an armchair traveler dreaming of a vacation in the land of aloha. You’ll learn a lot about these magical, magnificent places in addition to the activities that best meet your needs. No matter which island you pick, each book is similarly organized and equally well done. And the black-and-white photos are a joy. (If you're not sure where you're headed, their planning guide, No Worries Hawaii, can help you decide which island to head for and what part of that island makes the most sense). Important tip: Be sure to read the “How to Use This Book” section to learn how to get the most out these great resource books. And don’t miss the “Best Of” section, which is divided into lots of useful categories from waterfall walks, big views, and sunset beaches to town strolls, gardens, and perfect places with little walking—there is something here for everyone. There are also good maps to orient you. Driving and parking directions are excellent—no small trick in a place where the only sign to tell you you’ve arrived may be a small mile marker along the highway. You’ll definitely want to learn two new, directional words, which are very helpful in a land surrounded by water: makai—meaning “toward the ocean,” and mauka—meaning “inland or toward the mountains.” Read carefully, follow along and the Sprouts will get you to some places few tourists ever go. Each walk or hike provides parking instructions, round-trip distances, elevation gained, and other practical information. Hiking/walking directions are also very well done. In general, you won’t need a topographical map, but for more serious hikes some folks may feel more comfortable with one. Other activities at each location, such as surfing, biking, snorkeling, are carefully described as well. Practical information on every possible subject includes great driving tours, the best stuff for kids, climate, important resource numbers, and cryptic but very well chosen lists of the best food and lodging choices in each area. Whatever all-purpose guide you choose, don’t visit the islands without the appropriate Trailblazer guide in hand. It will make all the difference.
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greeneyes, January 23, 2008 (view all comments by greeneyes)
The definite choice for adventure travel in Hawaii. The authors don't fool around when it comes to warning their readers of all the potential dangers that lurk in the waters and trails. We heeded all their advice and had wonderful experiences exploring all around Kauai. The beaches they recommended on the northern coast were long stretches of golden sand with the clearest blue water. The hiking in and around Waimea Canyon we found challenging world class. Distances are noted and are accurate. Nice layout and simple and effective maps. Had all the ingredients we could have ever asked for.
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Product Details

ISBN:
9780967007212
Author:
Sprout, Janine
Publisher:
Wilderness Press
Illustrator:
Sprout, Janine
Author:
Sprout, Janine
Author:
Sprout, Jerry
Location:
Markleeville, Calif.
Subject:
Guidebooks
Subject:
Hiking
Subject:
Surfing
Subject:
Adventure
Subject:
United States - Pacific - Hawaii
Subject:
Hawaii
Subject:
Outdoor recreation
Subject:
All terrain cycling
Subject:
Skin diving
Subject:
Kauai
Subject:
Special Interest - Adventure
Subject:
Kauai (Hawaii)
Subject:
Outdoor recreation - Hawaii - Kauai
Edition Number:
2nd Edition
Series:
Trailblazer
Publication Date:
July 2005
Binding:
Paperback
Language:
English
Illustrations:
Yes
Pages:
256
Dimensions:
8.99x6.02x.58 in. .81 lbs.
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