Hawaii the Big Island : Making the Most of Your Family Vacations (5th Ed) [Paperback]

John Penisten (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 25, 1996 | Series: Paradise Family Guide

The Hawaiian Islands have always been a favorite destination for honeymooners and couples searching for a romantic getaway. In recent years, though, many families have discovered the fun and adventures that parents and kids can share on The Big Island of Hawai‘i. Last year alone, over one million people visited Hawai‘i. With the economic recovery stateside and continued economic slow-down in the Islands, travel to Hawai‘i and the other islands has never been more affordable.

To help you plan a family trip to Hawai‘i, Paradise Family Guides and Prima Publishing have released the fifth edition of Hawai‘i: The Big Island, by John Penisten. Inside you will find tips on all aspects of an island-style vacation, including where to stay, what to see, where to eat, and what to do. The revised fifth edition has an expanded list of Bed & Breakfasts, the fastest growing segment of Hawaiian tourism. It also covers the popular cultural and eco-tourism, as well as historic attractions and adventure tours.

Penisten uses his local insight to give you the Big Island?s best bets. Included on this list are:

• Best Nature Hike: Akaka Falls State Park, Hamakua Coast
• Most Beautiful Sunrise: From Mauna Kea overlooking Hilo
• Biggest Thrill: Helicopter ride over Kilauea Volcano eruption and lava flows
• Best Family-style Restaurant: Don?s Grill, Hilo
• Best Cultural Tour: Polynesian Village at Captain Cook


Going beyond the common tourist destinations, Hawai‘i: The Big Island covers the wealth of beauty and adventure the Big Island has to offer.

About the Author

John Penisten is a Hawai‘i-based journalist and photographer specializing in Hawai‘i and the Pacific Basin. A faculty member at Hawai‘i Community College in Hilo, he lives on the island with his wife and two daughters.

Editorial Reviews

Review

More than just two tickets to paradise!

From the Inside Flap

The Hawaiian Islands have always been a favorite destination for honeymooners and couples searching for a romantic getaway. In recent years, though, many families have discovered the fun and adventures that parents and kids can share on The Big Island of Hawai‘i. Last year alone, over one million people visited Hawai‘i. With the economic recovery stateside and continued economic slow-down in the Islands, travel to Hawai‘i and the other islands has never been more affordable.

To help you plan a family trip to Hawai‘i, Paradise Family Guides and Prima Publishing have released the fifth edition of Hawai‘i: The Big Island, by John Penisten. Inside you will find tips on all aspects of an island-style vacation, including where to stay, what to see, where to eat, and what to do. The revised fifth edition has an expanded list of Bed & Breakfasts, the fastest growing segment of Hawaiian tourism. It also covers the popular cultural and eco-tourism, as well as historic attractions and adventure tours.

Penisten uses his local insight to give you the Big Island?s best bets. Included on this list are:

? Best Nature Hike: Akaka Falls State Park, Hamakua Coast
? Most Beautiful Sunrise: From Mauna Kea overlooking Hilo
? Biggest Thrill: Helicopter ride over Kilauea Volcano eruption and lava flows
? Best Family-style Restaurant: Don?s Grill, Hilo
? Best Cultural Tour: Polynesian Village at Captain Cook


Going beyond the common tourist destinations, Hawai‘i: The Big Island covers the wealth of beauty and adventure the Big Island has to offer.

About the Author

John Penisten is a Hawai‘i-based journalist and photographer specializing in Hawai‘i and the Pacific Basin. A faculty member at Hawai‘i Community College in Hilo, he lives on the island with his wife and two daughters.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Prima Lifestyles; 5th edition (September 25, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 076150656X
• ISBN-13: 978-0761506560
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,434,610 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars a guide with the local touch, July 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Hawaii the Big Island : Making the Most of Your Family Vacations (5th Ed) (Paperback)

The best thing about this book is that it's written by someone who has lived in Hilo most of his life, eaten at the restaurants, shopped in the shops, hiked the trails, swum off the beaches - not once but dozens of times. I was enchanted to encounter little tidbits like grocery prices, recipes for island dishes, lists of bicycle rental outlets, etc. The fact that this book isn't from some huge mainstream publisher is a plus as the element of surprise is there. It's the sort of guide you take with you on a long sojourn and dip into all the time. For us off islanders, the detailed accommodations listings are a boon and the exact prices an occasional lifesaver. I'd recommend getting Penisten's book even if you already have a more weighty tome like Moon's Big Island of Hawaii Handbook. For the nuts and bolts of travel I give this guide ten out of ten.

3.0 out of 5 stars An excellent, comprehensive guide of the Big Island, July 29, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Hawaii the Big Island : Making the Most of Your Family Vacations (5th Ed) (Paperback)

I found this book to be full of good, well organized information. I have a collection of Hawaiian tour guides & do not make this statement lightly.

The hotel descriptions were particularly useful in assisting me to decide which hotel to stay in. I am sure I will find the restaurant & "what to see" section to be just as helpful.

My own minor complaint is that the largest spaces between the different parts of the book were doubled spaced. There were no chapters, and I found it a little hard to read.

Mr. Penisten will soon come out with his 6th edition & I am sure it will be eagerly received by those planning a trip to the largest of the Hawaiian islands.