The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook : Kauai Revealed

Rating:
Summary: The Best Guidebook for Exploring Kauai
Review: This book is head and shoulders above the others as far as information, layout, and knowledge. I cannot recommend this book enough. We had previously purchased Kauai Underground, and ordered Ultimate Kauai Guidebook just before we went over. The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook led us to all of the best beaches, and was right on in their descriptions. If you want to explore this island, you absolutely need this book. They also have a website which provides updates for the book, which was also a big help. If it is your goal to find the best secluded beaches, the most enjoyable hikes, and the best snorkeling around, you need to buy this book. There is no sugarcoating in this book, and their assessments were right on, in our opinion, and this is the second time we went over to Kauai. This book made it much more enjoyable, and is a bargain at twice the price.

Rating:
Summary: Indispensibly dog-earred
Review: I've spent a total of 6 weeks on Kauai and while I've checked out 4 different guidebooks on Kauaii I have used this book exclusively while on island. The authors do a great job of making it quick and easy for you to experience the best beaches, hikes, and other activities -- just turn to the section you're interested in ("Beaches" for example) and look for the big fat diamond symbol indicating a "gem" of an item (I wish all guidebooks did this as concisely and well as these folks do). The pictures are great and really help decision-making. Only rarely have I disagreed with their advice. Some readers have complained about restaraunt and helicopter tour recommendations -- but that's such a small part of what the island has to offer, and frankly I don't recall be led astray by the book in these activities. If you're mainly concerned about restaraunts and helicopters, simply stay at the Hyatt Regency and have their concierge set up a helicopter ride for you (the Hyatt can't be beat for all-around luxury, good restaraunts, and quality service). But if you want to explore, and get the most from, the glorious natural beauty of this island, this is, as others have said, the only book you'll need. I only wish they had one for Maui -- but I'm stoked they have one for the Big Island and am ordering it today.

Rating:
Summary: A Poor Choice
Review: I have to agree with the reader from California (December 3): "Ultimately" a waste of money (and time, I might add). On our recent vacation to Kauai, we were sorely disappointed with the advice and biases in this book. A poor choice indeed, for which we have no one to blame but ourselves. But here's some advice for fellow travelers: definitely avoid this book (and some of the other disorganized ones as well), and get the free brochures that are so readily available all over the island. Also, buy the University of Hawaii maps: an excellent value if you are exploring the island on your own (not on an organized tour). By the way, Kauai is a beautiful island, the experience of which you should not dilute with the "Ultimatelies" of the world.

Rating:
Summary: Mahalo!
Review: This book was so helpful that I feel I should find the authors and give them more money.It added considerably to my wonderful visit.

Rating:
Summary: Some Poor Advice
Review: "Ultimately" a poor use of money. Advice on activities (especially helicopter tours aka Air Kauai) was dead wrong. Book did not warn us of dangers at its "real gems" and was way off on the friendliness of the people (I lost track of how many haole comments I heard behind my back). Maybe this is more of a commentary on my displeasure with Kauai but this book had really convinced me that it was a great place. My advice: stick with Maui.

Rating:
Summary: Not always the best advice
Review: A book which is often on target but can be way off target. Very helpful in finding the best beaches, views, and some activities (especially horseback riding). Poor recomendations on some restaurants and helicopter tours. Still a book worth purchasing

Rating:
Summary: Not so hot
Review: I was quite disappointed with the Ultimate Kauai Guide. Its advice was anything but "ultimate." The guide did not provide enough information to be truely helpful. The resturant reviews did not provide very much detail. The hikes were not all that they cracked up to be. For a more in depth look at what Kauai has to offer, check out The Kauai Underground Guide.

Rating:
Summary: Easily the best(most candid/honest)guide book I've ever read
Review: If you are going to Kauai, this is the only guidebook you need. The authors are incredibly honest about their experiences and quite thorough in their description of restaurants, hotels, activities, etc. A MUST if you plan on doing any exploring, beach-hopping, swimming, diving, snorkeling or sight-seeing while on the island.

Rating:
Summary: Incredibly accurate guide to Kauai.
Review: This is the only book you will ever need if you are going to Kauai. I know you have heard that line before, but it's really true! From the beaches to the restaurants, everything was just as the authors said. It's like having a relative on the island who takes you around and shows you all the best Kauai has to offer. Buy the book. You'll love it!

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding!!
Review: This book added so much value to our one-week honeymoon in Kauai. The book has been thoroughly reviewed by other readers so I don't have much to add. I just want to add my positive vote because everything about this book exceeded my expectations and it truly added value to our vacation.