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Oahu Trailblazer: Where to Hike, Snorkel, and Surf from Honolulu to the North Shore (Trailblazer)

by Janine Sprout and Jerry Sprout

Oahu Trailblazer: Where to Hike, Snorkel, and Surf from Honolulu to the North Shore (Trailblazer) Cover

Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

Oahu Trailblazer is essential gear for independent travelers. Readers are escorted not only to all of the island's glittery attractions, but also to the jungle waterfalls, panoramic ridges, and ancient sites that are off most tourists' radar. Veteran authors Jerry and Janine Sprout have again delivered their personal touch, with concise, well-organized text, and a gallery of photographs that are the trademark of their Trailblazer series. Adventurers won't get bogged down in tourist traps or hopelessly lost trying to find the hidden spots.

All the landmarks are covered, such as historic Honolulu, Waikiki, Diamond Head, and Pearl Harbor, as well as the surfing beaches at Waimea, Sunset, and the Banzai Pipeline on the North Shore. Oahu Trailblazer gives vital tips for visiting the popular Hanauma Bay snorkeling preserve, as well as directions to dozens of other snorkeling spots, including the "secret" coves used by tour companies. For hikers, Trailblazer is a gold mine, loaded with well over 100 outings for all experience levels. Included are miles-long beach walks, botanical garden strolls, rainforest treks, and full-on day hikes to waterfalls and summits. Accenting the text are the treasures that reveal the true Hawaii: Bishop Museum, Iolani Palace, Polynesian Cultural Center, heiaus (temples) and other cultural sites, plantation villages, quaint churches, and Chinatown. Oahu Trailblazer makes the island come alive.

The guide's "Strategies for Visiting Oahu" will be welcome advice for anyone joining the crowds on this metropolis in the middle of the Pacific. Among the extras are handpicked accommodations, a full menu of restaurants, local contacts, safety precautions, and how to pack for the trip. On a vacation to Oahu, Jerry and Janine Sprout's Trailblazer will be "with you every step of the way."

Synopsis:

This complete outdoor guide to Hawaii's most popular island is essential gear for travelers. Oahu Trailblazer escorts visitors not only to the island's well-known spots like Waikiki, Diamond Head and Hanauma Bay, but also to the jungle of waterfalls, panoramic ridges, and ancient sites that are off most tourists' radar. Jerry and Janine Sprout have again delivered their personal touch with hand-picked accommodations and restaurants, tips on what to pack, and other strategies for your trip.

What Our Readers Are Saying

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Average customer rating based on 3 comments:
GregHayes, January 26, 2009 (view all comments by GregHayes)
There are four activity guidebooks in this wonderful series: Oahu Trailblazer, Kauai Trailblazer, Maui Trailblazer, and Hawaii the Big Island 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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airianna, July 16, 2008 (view all comments by airianna)
A very good book. I felt it was well researched and written. My husband and I read it before we left and skethched out what we wanted to see. We flat-out loved spending twelve happy days immersed in the world of hiking and snorkeling in the warm water. These authors have explored every nook and crannie. There was much to see, so many trails to follow. We regret not having more time there. Our expenses were cut in half not having to take organized tours. This book has all the details and directions inside to the famous spots like Waikiki and Pipeline and lesser known places where locals hangout. Worth every sous.
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chopinski, January 2, 2007 (view all comments by chopinski)
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Product Details

ISBN:
9780967007281
Subtitle:
Where to Hike, Snorkel, Surf from Honolulu to the North Shore
Author:
Janine Sprout and Jerry Sprout
Author:
Sprout, Jerry
Author:
Sprout, Janine
Publisher:
Diamond Valley Company
Subject:
United States - West - Pacific (General)
Subject:
United States - Pacific - Hawaii
Subject:
Hawaii
Subject:
Outdoor recreation
Subject:
Oahu (Hawaii)
Subject:
Outdoor recreation - Hawaii - Oahu
Series:
Trailblazer
Publication Date:
October 2005
Binding:
Paperback
Language:
English
Illustrations:
Y
Pages:
256
Dimensions:
9.00x6.08x.62 in. .91 lbs.

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