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being from hawaii i was a bit wweary of this book, but after using this book it was very helpful in finding some of the out of the way places. we got better results talking to the local boys for they're reccommendations. i was not very impressed in the restaurant guides though. we tried some fo the places and found them lacking in good local type food. also if the book says enter at your own risk but it would probably be alright don't go there. they are kapu( hawaiian heritage sacred land and the locals get very angry about ignoring no trespassing(kapu) signs.
As we were leaving, I saw a different ranger in the parking lot and asked him why the "Fishbowl" and "Aquarium" were closed. The bottom line is that we are finding the book very informative (I would not ask for a refund at this point), but be careful with some of the more adventurous recommendations as it is clear the park rangers now have copies of this book and are making it their job to intimidate the main-landers who are following the recommendations. We still had an unbelievable hike in the area, but the snorkeling was non-existent for the most part. We went to explore Fish Bowl and the Aquarium this morning to be greeted by park rangers telling us that both areas were closed and that we would be arrested if we went there. So we are still in Maui, and planned our trip mostly around the sights listed in this book. If anyone else has experienced similar issues, can you please respond to this. The roads are tiny, and certainly not supposed to handle the amount of traffic that now exists (because of this book according to the Ranger). We did not want to test it, but I could certainly tell that this was a pride issue and stirring up a lot of debate in that area.
I would love for the authors to respond, and maybe update the people who bought this book on areas that are now closed to the public. He said that if we were caught snorkeling there, we would be arrested. Overall, I am finding it very informative; however, I am sad to say that a lot of the snorkeling sights in the South Maui portion (atleast) are now closed according to the Park Rangers. We were really disappointed that we could not get to experience these large snorkeling areas. He first corrected me that those were not the right names for those areas (I am not going to try and pronounce their proper names), and then proceeded to tell me that the book "Maui Revealed" was disturbing the natural beauty of this island and the rest of Hawaii. He told me that the authors were "purely money hungry" and "not interested in preserving the island". We are heading up the coast in a few days, and will advise if more sights are closed.
Took this book on our trip to Hawaii and it came in handy. It took us to some hidden gems around the island.
Written by people who live and know Hawaii and more importantly, how to present a useful guidebook. Just returned from a week in Maui staying at the Sheraton in Kaanapali. This guidebook was great (and easy) reading, humorous and spot-on with descriptions of out-of-the way places and how to get to them. [.]. This book made a great vacation all that much better.
The recommendation to visit Longhi's in Lahaina for breakfast. (I was gung ho on trying the recommendations from this book).If you agree that when choosing a snorkel cruise your biggest gripe is wearing a flotation device that needn't be inflated, on a boat that doesn't serve beer (The author's gripes with Trilogy) then follow the Author's recommendation and book your cruise on a competing "Cattle boat" (what the locals call them), some of which give you a large life buoy to hold onto instead of a vest, ample alcohol, and the accompanying sounds of the loudus humanus intoxicus.And that's not all.The Cream puffs at Komodo's that are to die for. This is probably the most expensive taco I've ever had. Not applicable, since everyone is following the same suggestion's from this book.
Yummo. As far as data goes, this book has a lot of it, but my wife and I found that the gripes, raves, and insights lacking.For example, the Author recommends a roadside grill in McKenna for the fish tacos. Missing. We found better information on the internet from a more culturally diverse audience. I felt like dying after trying them.
(I still crave the Eggs Benedict).The tips on enjoying the Valcano at sunrise. Do you really want a non foodie telling you where to eat. It was prepared in an outdoor kitchen that lacks soap and water for cleaning, and attracts a plethora of flies. Unless you arrive way before sunrise (45 minutes wasn't enough), forget about any of his tips. The rich history on the Iao state park outlined in the book.
Freely available trail side. (I personally recommend going the day after you arrive (since it's easy to get up early in Hawaii if you're flying over from the mainland), check your rental car for a valid receipt (since they are good for three days from the date of purchase), leave some space in front of you when you park (so you don't have to rush down to let anyone out), and hiking up the trail that wraps around the lower lot peak - where you can enjoy the view away from the crowds).I sincerely feel this author had a great little niche for a long time, but I couldn't connect with the criticisms or accolades in the book. Me neither.Summary: Great book for information, but if you'd like help sifting through it, try the internet or another publication.
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