Frommer's Hawaii 2010 (Frommer's Color Complete) [Paperback]

Jeanette Foster (Author)

Book Description

Series: Frommer's Color Complete | Publication Date: January 12, 2010

• Completely updated every year (unlike most of the competition), Frommer's Hawaii features gorgeous color photos of the stunning beaches and thrilling adventures that await you. Meticulously researched by one of Hawaii's most noted journalists, this is hands-down the most reliable, up-to-date, and comprehensive guide to the islands.
• Each of our candid hotel reviews is based on a detailed personal inspection. You'll find lavish beachfront resorts, intimate rain-forest B&Bs, family-friendly condos, and much, much more. Our dining reviews are simply the best in the business, whether you crave cutting-edge Asian-fusion cuisine or a hearty, affordable plate lunch.
• Our author makes sure that you'll truly experience the spirit of aloha, and she'll help you steer clear of anything that's overpriced, touristy, or inauthentic. With Frommer's in hand, you'll know where to find secluded beaches; secret spots for snorkeling; the best outfitters to choose for everything from diving to deep-sea fishing; and where to find the top galleries and shops.
• Inside you'll find extensive coverage of family-friendly accommodations and activities; tips on how to get married in the islands; recommendations for the best honeymoon resorts; and valuable advice on finding the best airfares and package deals. Whether you want to watch the fiery spectacle at the Big Island's volcano, play a challenging round of golf, snorkel with sea turtles, or simply kick back with a mai tai to watch the sunset, you can design the perfect trip with Frommer's Hawaii. You'll even get a color fold-out map!

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Discover The Best of Hawaii
Content from Frommer's Hawaii 2010

There’s no place on earth quite like this handful of sundrenched, mid-Pacific islands. The Hawaii of South Seas literature and Hollywood films really does exist. Here you’ll find palm-fringed blue lagoons, lush rainforests, hidden gardens, cascading waterfalls, wild rivers running through rugged canyons, and soaring volcanoes. And oh, those beaches—gold, red, black, and even green sands caressed by an endless surf. The possibilities for adventure—and relaxation—are endless. Each of the six main islands is separate, distinct, and infinitely complex. There’s far too much to see and do on any 2-week vacation, which is why so many people return to the Aloha State year after year.

Unfortunately, even paradise has its share of stifling crowds and tourist schlock. If you’re not careful, your trip to Hawaii could turn into a nightmare of tourist traps selling shells from the Philippines, hokey faux culture like cellophane-skirted hula dancers, overpriced exotic drinks, and a 4-hour timeshare lecture before you get on that “free” snorkeling trip. That’s where this guide comes in. As a Hawaii resident, I can tell the extraordinary from the merely ordinary. This book will steer you away from the crowded, the overrated, and the overpriced—and toward the best Hawaii has to offer. No matter what your budget, this guide will help ensure that every dollar is well spent.

Hawaii's Top Destinations by Category

The Best Beaches	The Best Island Experiences	The Best of Natural Hawaii
The Best Golf Courses	The Best Luxury Hotels & Resorts	The Best Ways to Immerse Yourself in Hawaiian Culture

From the Back Cover

Hundreds of color photos

• Foldout map, plus detailed maps throughout

• Exact prices, directions, opening hours,and other practical information

• Candid reviews of hotels and restaurants,plus sights, shopping, and nightlife

• Itineraries, walking tours, and trip-planning ideas

• Insider tips from local expert authors

Product Details

• Paperback: 768 pages
• Publisher: Frommers; 5 edition (January 12, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470497653
• ISBN-13: 978-0470497654
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #548,486 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice guide for a good overview to Hawaii, but not the only guide you'll need., May 20, 2010

By 

Anjana Nigam (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Frommer's Hawaii 2010 (Frommer's Color Complete) (Paperback)

(What's this?)

This guide follows the Frommer's general guide format- Introduction to your destination, some facts and a little history and then details on each region/city within your destination, with suggestions for restaurants and hotels. It has sections like Hawaii in depth, planning your trip, suggested itineraries, best of Hawaii, and then a description of each of the islands - Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kauai. It ends with Fast facts which include websites you can use to do further research.

When planning a trip, I like to start with Frommer's to get a lay of the land, then go to Lonely Planet guide to get insider's views and eventually do my own research on websites for hotels/restaurants and other activities. That has helped me get the best out of previous trips, I recommend the same if you're considering Hawaii for your next vacation. I recommend getting Frommer's from the library and using it for initial reading, and carrying Lonely Planet on the trip as LP some great suggestions from the locals that this guide does not have.

However, this guide does give you an overview of all the activities that you could undertake and is a worthwhile purchase if not available at your library. I also like the full color production and the map at the end. The list of fast facts and websites at the end is also helpful to start planning your dream Hawaii vacation!

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars General reference if going to multiple islands, March 23, 2010

By 

M. Wolf (Pacific NW) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Frommer's Hawaii 2010 (Frommer's Color Complete) (Paperback)

(What's this?)

This is an okay reference book for all the islands. It would be handy if you are visiting more than just one island. However I strongly recommend buying individual guides for each of the islands. Especially, if you are looking to explore the natural features of the islands or find things off the beaten path this guide will fall short. This guide has some nice general information but not the substance regarding natural attractions I have come to expect from travel guides for Hawaii. The voice for this Frommer's book is rather dull and non-inviting.

I highly recommend Wizard Publications Inc. They are my favorite guide books for Hawaii. I have used both The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook: Kauai Revealed and Maui Revealed: The Ultimate Guidebook (Maui Revealed). The voice in the Wizard books show an deep personal knowledge and passion for the islands and it's culture.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Hawaii, September 23, 2010

By 

G. Stephen Goode (Bangkok, Thailand) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Frommer's Hawaii 2010 (Frommer's Color Complete) (Paperback)

(What's this?)

If you are planning a trip to Hawaii, this is a book for you. There are beautiful pictures, maps and tons of practical information from planning a wedding, what to see if you only have a week in a location, where to stay, and what to eat on these beautiful islands. This book is well thought out and is easy to read like Wailuku in Central Maui, "Wailuku is like a time capsule, with its faded wooden storefronts, old plantation homes, shops straight out of the 1950's, and relaxed way of life."

This is a great book to plan a trip to Hawaii and to make a memory. Oh, yeah, don't forget some of that Hawaiian sun tan lotion so that you can already get the smell of the coconuts before heading out......