Synopses & Reviews
Review
"Succeeded in telling us everything there is to know about traveling on the island of Hawaii...this book is essential reading..." Library Journal
Review
"Superbly researched and easy-to-read reference... It's jammed with details and maps." Houston Chronicle
Review
"A colorful book--covers it all. I was pleased by the numerous little tips that can make a trip more pleasant." The San Diego Union-Tribune
Review
"The best guidebook [to the Big Island]. Every nook and cranny is explored by a longtime resident." Conde Nast Traveler
Synopsis
The finest guidebook ever written for the Big Island and the only one written by writers who anonymously review the island. They visit every beach, restaurant, activity and trail on the island. The result is this comprehensive, humorous and easy-to-read full color guide that will lead you to more adventures than any other book. A must for travelers.
Synopsis
Most travel titles are put together in a few weeks by visiting travel writers. Wizard guidebooks take over a year to compile and the writers are residents who personally and anonymously review every facet of the island. Their maps are the best you'll find. From restaurants to helicopter companies to scuba to beaches to trails. They see it all and show you the best the island has to offer. They also reveal who's the worst and who to stay away from. All told in a frank, humorous way that keeps the reading fun.
Table of Contents
ABOUT THIS BOOK
INTRODUCTION
How it Began
The First Settlers
Outside World Discovers Hawai'i
Kamehameha the Great
Modern Hawai'i
THE BASICS
Getting Here
What to Bring
Getting Around
Getting Married on the Big Island
Weather
Planning Your Trip
Geography
So is Hawai'i an Island or a State?
Hazards
Traveling With Children (Keiki)
The People
Some Terms
Hawaiian Time
Shaka
The Hawaiian Language
Music
The Hula
A Note About Access
A Note on Personal Responsibility
Miscellaneous Information
A Word About Driving Tours
Farmers' Markets
Books
iPhone App
The Internet
KOHALA SIGHTS
Up Highway 190 from Kailua-Kona
Kohala Mountain Road
North Shore of Kohala
Pololu Valley
Mo'okini Heiau
Lapakahi State Historical Park
Kawaihae
Kohala Resort Area
Kohala Lava Desert Area
Kohala Shopping
Kohala's Best Bets
KAILUA-KONA SIGHTS
Around Downtown Kailua-Kona
Elsewhere Along Alii Drive
Up Mauka of Kailua-Kona
South of Kailua-Kona
Kealakekua Bay and Place of Refuge
Kailua-Kona Shopping
Kailua-Kona's Best Bets
SOUTH ISLAND SIGHTS
South Point
VOLCANO SIGHTS
Will I Get to See Lava Flowing?
The Scene
A Few Basics
Around Kilauea Crater
Down Chain of Craters Road
Hiking in the Park
Outside the Park Entrance
The Town of Volcano
HIL0 and PUNA SIGHTS
Around Hilo Town
Heading South on Highway 11
Exploring Puna
Hilo Shopping
Hilo and Puna's Best Bets
HAMAKUA and WAIMEA SIGHTS
Leaving Hilo Behind
Honoka'a
Waipi'o Valley
Old Mamalahoa Highway
Waimea
Parker Ranch
Hamakua and Waimea Shopping
Hamakua and Waimea's Best Bets
SADDLE ROAD SIGHTS
Mauna Kea
Driving up to Mauna Kea
Mauna Loa
Approaching Hilo
BEACHES
Beach Safety
Kohala Beaches
Near Kona Beaches
South Island Beaches
East Side Beaches
ACTIVITIES
ATVs
Biking
Boogie Boarding
Camping
Caving
Fishing
Golfing
(Powered) Hang Gliders
Helicopters / Airplanes
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Jet Skiing
Kayaking
Ocean Tours
Parasailing
SCUBA
Snorkeling
Snow Skiing
SNUBA
Spas
Stargazing
Submarines
Surfing
Tennis
Whale Watching
Windsurfing / Kitesurfing
Ziplines
ADVENTURES
Manta Ray Night Dive
Mauna Ulu Crater
Marathon Snorkel to Papawai Bay
Rain Forest Hike to Pu'u 'O'o Vent
Jump Off the End of the World
Close Encounter With a Dolphin
Boulder-hop to a Waterfall
Lose Yourself in Waimanu Valley
Command Your Own Boat
Honokane Nui Hike
Hike to Flowing Lava
ISLAND DINING
Island Fish and Seafood
Lu'au Foods
Other Island Foods
Kailua-Kona Dining
South of Kailua-Kona Dining
Kohala Dining
Waimea Dining
Hilo Dining
Dining Elsewhere
Island Nightlife
Lu'au
Dinner Cruises
Island Dining Best Bets
WHERE TO STAY
Rental Agents
Hotels
Condos
Bed and Breakfasts
Where Should I Stay?
Where are the Rest?
Kohala
Kailua-Kona
Hilo Area
Volcano Village
Waimea
Northern Tip of the Island
Southeast Part of the Island
Honoka'a
INDEX