[.ca] Hawaii: The Big Island Trailblazer: Where to Hike, ... (ISBN 0967007259)

From Kona to Kohala to Hilo:
We explored the WHOLE place. These authors have covered just about every inch of the island providing good directions and maps. The black and white photos pop into color once you reach the place they're sending you to. Exciting stuff. On this island you feel like you're in two different countries. It was extremely lush on the Hilo side with no beaches to speak of and sunny and sandy on the Kona side. We got two vacations in one thanks to this idea infused guide.

living large:
Pretty impressive. We were on the Big Island for 3 weeks in September and although we referred to the Big Island Trailblazer every day, hardly touched the surface. We only had time to visit Hilo two days. Tons of content, photos and valuable tips. All in all, we looked at all the guides before leaving, and this was above and beyond one that fit our style of travel: adventure to da max. We paid so much just to get there and the small investment in a good guide like this, a no brainer.

Up to date and accurate:
We toured the Big Island for three weeks beginning November 1. This was a good time to go and we found ourselves alone at many of the places recommended by this guide. The drivng instructions were very clear and we had no problems finding all their hideaway beaches and favorite hiking trails. If you're looking to economize and make the best use of your time, take these authors' advice and follow their maps. We scoped all the guides before going and this one definitely concentrates on activities more than all the others.

Rescued Us:
We found this book to be an absolute necessity for accessing the wonders of the Big Island. Initially we bought it for its extensive trail listings and didn't realize that it tripled as a driving and snorkeling book. Terrific. Gorgeous. The photos were a huge advantage to finding all the special nooks.

Kona to Hilo:
Though we only were on Hawaii for five days we felt we saw a whole lot. The Trailblazer was our guidebook of choice after skimming through what was available at the bookstore in Kona. They lead us to great snorkeling off the smooth lava along Kealakekua Bay where we swam right alongside turtles. The water there was crystal clear and not too deep. The Volcanoes National Park was another action packed day of hiking in tree ferns and down to the cracked surface of Iki Crater. Their advice to visit Chain of Craters Road in the late afternoon was definitely the right choice. When the lava hits the water, a gigantic plume rises. We took a great pictue. If you like your freedom and want lots of options, this is the right book.