The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook : Kauai Revealed

Rating:
Summary: Needs updating
Review: Overall, the guidebook was helpful, however I used the latest edition and it really needs to be updated. At least 2 of the "trails" or hikes to waterfalls are now completely roped off or fenced in and can no longer be traversed. We went a couple of weeks ago. The hike in Hanalei down the stream is blocked off by chicken wire and a fence with signs specifically referencing the guide book and warning hikers to keep out. This is completely private property and it is considered trespassing to ignore the fence and proceed. I do not remember the exact location of the next hike, but it was in a residential neighborhood and also contained a fence with signs warning hikers to keep out and beware of dog. One sign said that a trail was about 100 yards behind it, but this trail cannot be found and even if it could, we were literally scared to leave our car on that street, not to mention there would be nowhere to park. Despite these updates that need to be made so other visitors don't waste time like we did, the book was fairly helpful with directions and places to eat.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent, like have a local in the back seat
Review: Every recommendation we followed from this book turned out to be as good as advertised. We were never lost, and found many off-the-beaten-track restaurants, snack shops, swimming & hiking locations that we never would have found without a good guidebook. Would highly recommend this book to anyone planning a trip to Kauai, and would purchase their books on Maui and the Big Island should we travel there in the future.

Rating:
Summary: Awesome Kauai Guide Book!!
Review: This book is excellent! The maps are very detailed and the author's give you their opinions and advice based on their personal experience on the island. They've made it interesting, easy and fun to read! I would highly recommend this book to anyone planning to visit Kauai!

Rating:
Summary: The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook
Review: I purchased 8-10 books on Hawaii and Kauai. This was my bible that I was never without in my travels, others may have had more specific info on hikes, attractions, hotels, but this book was the overall master that covered everying fairly and completely. Hats off to these two authors. Our main love was the simple mile markers on the map the no other book had - so we knew where we were at all times - Therefore not missing the side roads to little known beaches. Great book - we would purchase at triple the price..Mahalo

Rating:
Summary: Don't go to Kauai without it!
Review: This book is invaluable for first-time Kauai visitors. We just spent a week there, and this book was our constant companion. The adventures section is particularly excellent. The authors' comments are candid and amusing. The restaurant reviews are great. The driving and hiking directions are clear and easy to follow. This book is a must-have.

Rating:
Summary: Very Informative and Entertaining!
Review: This book was the absolute best guidebook I found out there about Kauai, and believe me, I have nearly all of them, if not all! It was as if a good friend was touring me around the island. This book will surely not put you to sleep, where other guidebooks are dull, boring, and just straight facts with no opinions. Very beautiful pictures and accurate maps! The best thing about this book are the aerial views of the resorts and hotels in Kauai with comments and inside information! It's a must-have on your trip to Kauai! I also have The Underground Kauai Guidebook and it totally does not compare to this one. Not many pictures of Kauai in that one, only pictures of flowers and other small things she could have taken from her backyard. The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook is the best!

Rating:
Summary: A must for first time visitors.
Review: This guide book is a must for those who want to enjoy the Garden Island. We have just spent the past two weeks in Kauai and we used the book daily to plan our activities, adventures, and meals for our family of four. The information provided our family with a wide variety of ideas for a group of people who have a wide range of interests and we found the information provided by Doughty and Friedman almost flawless. Unfortunately, we did run into a problem during a hike along the Manoa Stream. The authors describe the trail as a nice 1/2 mile hike to a waterfall, but locals have blocked this stream with barbwire. Still, we would recommend this book to anyone who is going to the Garden Island for their first time.

Rating:
Summary: The only (guide) book you will need on Kauai
Review: A excellent guide to the island. It certainly had the best maps I found and made finding places easy ( there are not a lot of signs on the island).I found the authors writing style amusing and comments generally accurate. The guide to dining out would be easy to read if addresses were given. Overall a very valuable guide to the first time visitor.

Rating:
Summary: The "Rick Steves" of Kauai
Review: Simply don't go to Kauai without this book. Just finished a 6-day stay on Kauai, guided by the "Ultimate". The "Ultimate" is very much in the mold of Rick Steves's "Europe Through the Back Door" -- giving candid insights on how to truly experience the real place, not just the plastic manufactured tourist "sights". The guide led us infallibly to one after another interesting sight and adventure -- helped us find the most enjoyable beaches, jeep trails, hiking trails, helicopter company, "local" eateries. Just the right amount of background information to aid understanding the culture and history of what you're seeing. Maps are excellent. General format of the book is excellent. The authors lead you to a number of sights and experiences overlooked by most -- Queen Emma's bathtub, Wailua Falls trail and others. As a measure of success, I think we had the TV on for about a half hour the whole week.

Rating:
Summary: Your Bible For Kauai
Review: This book is a must have! It takes you from one end of the island to the other. Giving you maps and directions to beaches, waterfalls and much more. It goes through activites, dining & where to stay. You will take this book with you everywhere you go.