Customer Reviews

Hidden Oahu 3 Ed: Including Waikiki, Honolulu and Pearl Harbor

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book should be extremely helpful to anyone who, like myself, is planning a first trip to Oahu. Hidden Oahu is packed with information, in a highly readable, highly usable format. I like the way it lists attractions off the beaten path (hence the "Hidden" Oahu of the title), as well as the usual well-trod tourist attractions. Travelers who are adventurous and love to explore their destinations should love this book. I also like the way the author highlights the attractions you won't want to miss (in shaded boxes entitled "Check These Out"): the best of Oahu's restaurants, shopping (including specialty shops, such as local craft shops), museums and tourist attractions, resorts, beaches, etc. Most of all, I like the easy-to-use format of this book. Rather than lumping each type of attraction together ("beaches," "museums," "botanical gardens," etc.), this book sets out directions for a variety of driving tours and describes the attractions you will find along each route. Thus, you can easily preplan your driving adventures and make certain not to miss any of the island's attractions that fall along your way.

I might add that this book contains all the usual "before you go" warnings and advice that is standard fare in travel guides, as well as information on the history and culture of the island and some very useful information on Oahu's many outdoor sports and activities.

I thought that the title of this book was a little misleading. I had bought several guides to Oahu and the Honolulu area in preparation for a recent trip, and this guide seemed to contain most of the same information as the rest of the books I'd read. A few of the restaurant recommendations and night life spots were new, but most other things were the same. I ended up using Frommer's Honolulu, Waikiki, and Oahu guide much more than this one.

And one has to wonder - with a destination such as Oahu, which is so popular with travelers all over the world; which is the subject of countless tour books, television shows, and other visitor information pieces - how much of the island's treasures can truly remain "hidden?"

Not much "hidden" stuff in here. Most of the places they call hidden, is also written in every other tourist guide. The only things this book has that the others don't in a more comprehensive guide to local restaurants. But as for hiking, beaches, etc. their suggestions won't be so hidden because every tourist with any guide will know about them.

The first 75 pages are the normal travel guide stock. In the succeeding pages the only thing hidden seem to be some boutique hotels, curiosity shops and small restaurants focusing on specific cuisine.

These books by Riegert are great; I have used them for 20 years. I would not dream of going to the islands without them. But you have to be adventurous, if you are not going to go past the NO TRESPASSING sign, you probably should not buy this book. (I only do it when Ray says it's OK). Stick to something more sedate. But if you will follow advice these books will show you da kine parts of Hawai'i you will not hear about anywhere else.

My tip: Buy this book months before your trip. Plan to stay at least one night in one of the funky hotels he finds in the backcountry. You won't regret it! Most of our favorite Hawaii moments have been due to this book.

Buy this book and go to the islands while they are still no ka oi!

This book is smaller than some but packed with information. If you are interested in exploring Oahu you will find great information on beaches, lodging restaurants and attractions. The layout is very logical with straight-forward descriptions and explanations. Whether it's surfing or shopping that interests you this book is a great guide!

I have been to Hawaii a couple of times and I got this book hoping to learn something new. I did not. Pretty much everything they recommend as a Hidden place is not. You can get the same information in any other travel guide. I wouldn't spend my money on this book.