Rating: 
Summary: Good Historical Information, Bad Practical Detail
Review: I purchased this book because of the description and several favorable reviews. I had hoped it would be an excellent resource for my first trip to Tahiti and the other Society Islands. This book was a very poor choice.This book provides a wealth of historical information about the islands, but all of the practical information is weak. If this is the "2000" edition of the book, why does it list a hotel that closed in 1998 (The Bali Hai on Huahine)? What good is trail information that tells me I can get halfway up a mountain (with detailed directions), but after that point I'll need to hire a guide? Buy this book (or consult an encyclopedia) if you want to learn the history of the islands, but if you're looking for practical information on exploring and adventuring I am certain there must be better options out there. All in all, a huge disappointment. Not worth the space it took up in my suitcase.
Rating:
Summary: Good Historical Information, Bad Practical Detail
Review: I purchased this book because of the description and several favorable reviews. I had hoped it would be an excellent resource for my first trip to Tahiti and the other Society Islands. This book was a very poor choice. This book provides a wealth of historical information about the islands, but all of the practical information is weak. If this is the "2000" edition of the book, why does it list a hotel that closed in 1998 (The Bali Hai on Huahine)? What good is trail information that tells me I can get halfway up a mountain (with detailed directions), but after that point I'll need to hire a guide? Buy this book (or consult an encyclopedia) if you want to learn the history of the islands, but if you're looking for practical information on exploring and adventuring I am certain there must be better options out there. All in all, a huge disappointment. Not worth the space it took up in my suitcase.
Rating: 
Summary: Informative, down-to-earth, useful!
Review: I've been using David's books for more than 20 years. He offers really thorough background info, coupled with many useful tips and hints. The historical plates, photos, and maps are gems. This is the book to take with you!
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding and superb work, absolutely irresistible !
Review: Many guidebooks have come out on the South Pacific, but this is most definitely at the top of the list. Although Lonely Planet guides are - in my view - usually better and more comprehensive, in this case Moon Handbooks have surpassed them. With superb maestry, David Stanley has put together a masterpiece, with a combination of unparalleled travel advice for all types of travellers, as well as easy-to-read, yet deep, insights into the history and reality of this fabulous region of the world. Several factors add to the marvel of this book. One is that Easter Island and the Cooks have been included, thus comprising in one single guidebook so many islands which, despite their geographical distance that separates them, have a lot in common. Another is the unmistakeable talent of the author, so strong in all of his guidebooks.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding and superb work, absolutely irresistible !
Review: Many guidebooks have come out on the South Pacific, but this is most definitely at the top of the list. Although Lonely Planet guides are - in my view - usually better and more comprehensive, in this case Moon Handbooks have surpassed them. With superb maestry, David Stanley has put together a masterpiece, with a combination of unparalleled travel advice for all types of travellers, as well as easy-to-read, yet deep, insights into the history and reality of this fabulous region of the world. Several factors add to the marvel of this book. One is that Easter Island and the Cooks have been included, thus comprising in one single guidebook so many islands which, despite their geographical distance that separates them, have a lot in common. Another is the unmistakeable talent of the author, so strong in all of his guidebooks.
Rating:
Summary: More than just a travel guide
Review: The Tahiti Handbook is an excellent book. My wife and I traveled only on Moorea and Bora Bora, but I found the historical/political/sociological sections on the Cooks, on the French nuclear testing, and on the cultural history of the other islands absolutely fascinating and enlightening, something I never would have expected in a travel book. They certainly gave me some much needed perspective to appreciate current day French Polynesia. We found the information on sights, accomodations, restaurants, and even prices to be mostly very accurate for the two islands we spent time on, and there is no question in my mind that we would have missed a lot that was just beyond the corner of our vision if it hadn't been for the book. I'll be looking for a book by David Stanley the next time we set out for an exotic destination.
Rating: 
Summary: You're just a hit away from a Polynesian paradise.
Review: This 4th edition of Tahiti Handbook gives travelers Tahiti-Polynesia, Easter Island, and the Cooks for the price of French Polynesia alone. Here the exoticism of Moorea, Huahine, Bora Bora, and Rangiroa blends with the mysteries of Rapa Nui and the easygoing pleasures of Rarotonga. It's a world class destination characterized by spectacular scenery, handsome people, and intriguing archaeological remains. These islands are well connected by boat and plane, and you'll find accommodations in all price ranges. I've been writing about the South Pacific since 1979, and those decades of experience are now crammed between the covers of this compact regional guide. New this edition are the abundant e-mail and website addresses, allowing readers to establish direct contact with tourism operators on the most remote islands. All 51 maps have been redrawn on a computer. The detailed social, economic, and political reporting is backed up by the kind of thorough listings a generation of travelers has relied upon. Special emphasis is placed on sporting activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, hiking, and golf. No freebies or favors were involved in the research: I hope Tahiti Handbook helps you find the Polynesia of your dreams.
Rating: 
Summary: Good but too much unnecessary information
Review: This book is good in a sense that it has a lot of information in it,mainly concentrated on history and ecology. However, what I was looking for is info on accomodation, places to eat, things to see, entertainment etc and this book does not provide a much explanation on those kind of things.
Rating:
Summary: The best Tahiti book
Review: This book was all we needed to plan an amazing honeymoon on Moorea and Tahiti. David Stanely is right on with is review of the islands giving the entire story, good and bad. We were able to find a great hotel on Moorea that would have never been found had we booked through a traditional travel agent. His book was very informative, much more than many other publishing houses distribute (Fodors, for example). We are returing next year hopefully with the newest addition.
Rating: 
Summary: A little on the preachy side......
Review: This book was informative, but was on the preachy side with respect to commentary on ecotourism, the history of the Polynesia and other topics. I consider myself a responsible tourist and found myself feeling guilty about even visiting Tahiti while reading this book.
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