The maps and graphics are outstanding; very detailed with mile markers etc. shown where needed, and it doesn't include useless details that you won't need anyway. Maps are very easy to follow, and they are broken down for each district on the island.

It is especially helpful if you are looking for little known hiking trails, beaches, or waterfalls to visit. Some of these you would never find without the help of this book.

The information is very accurate. The couple that wrote the book live on Kauai, and it is clear that they do their homework, and they even added a touch of humor. We used this book for every activity and restaraunt during our stay, and we have never been disappointed.


Paradise revealed!   November 8, 2004
 19 out of 23 found this review helpful

I just returned from my second visit to Kauai, and first time using this guide.

In a nutshell, get this book before you go to Kauai, read it, follow it's suggestions for hiking and dining etc., and toss all other bloated guidebooks away, as I did!

I had superior meals at "A Pacific Cafe" with superb fast attentive service, very good food at Coconuts and at "Duke's", great less expensive food at "Lihue'i Barbeque Inn". Also a great Breakfast omelet at "Kalaheo Coffee Co",great Ono fish sandwich lunch at the "Hanalei Dolphin" (they sell super fresh fish and real wasabi next door), great Saimin at "Hamura's", top shave ice at "Jojo's" (get the Mac ice cream at the bottom of #2)and wish I had more time to sample more restaurants in one week!

The locals concurred with nearly all of the "Ono" restaurant choices, and they panned some restaurants recommended by Frommer's writers in the 2004 edition...so i didn't try those!

The weaknesses are not giving great directions to the restaurants or having a very detailed map of where recomended places are in Lihue or Kapa'a.. his vague directions for finding hidden "A Pacific Cafe" stink..several people gave up trying to find it till it was explained it was hidden back and to the right in a shopping center, along with several other good places!

The only restaurant he suggested that wasn't even in existence yet was his own financial venture called "Scotty's", and, as of this week, the site just had a sign that it's to arrive...it'll have some strong competition from day one!

His recommendation for Inter-Island helicopters was OVER THE TOP!! It has no doors or windows, sturdy seatbelts, superbly skilled pilots, and it's a peak experience for many... seeing the Na Pali Coast, about 100 waterfalls, beautiful mountains... it's a thrill of a lifetime...and the only way for photographers to go...why bother with shooting through plexiglass with the other choppers?! They fly clockwise around the island, and the left side faces the ocean. The rear left seat is the least desireable, front middle is next least desireable...the front right seat is by far the best...they won't tell what seat you have till you are getting on the chopper...seating is prioritized by weight and then by putting couples together, so I can't fault them...safety first! If you are in the left seat and request, the pilot will gladly swing around to give you a view, so you do see the top sites just as well as the right seaters experience! Women... skirts and wind do not mix too well, long pants are recommended....do bring a light sweater and loads of film or a digital camera! The other chopper companies he recommends have top recommendations...get the discount coupons from the tourist rags, and save $25-$50 per person. (Oops, I can expect a lot of negative reviews from the chopper companies he does not recommend!)

Learn the Ni'ihau necklaces art form, and get your top quality at the Hawaiian Trading Post, and don't bother with 2nd and 3rd rate quality necklaces found in other spots over the island. (Oops, more negative feedback!)

I could go on and on...Best and only guide to get!


Disappointing   May 16, 2005
 18 out of 23 found this review helpful

Kauai is such a wonderful destiniation. I had a great vacation, but I was disappointed in this book as it failed to lead me to the best restaurants on the island. When I visit a new location, in this case Kauai, I like to experience the great cuisine that such new location has to offer. This book failed to lead me in the right direction as far as restaurants were concerned. The only way that I was able to find my favorite dining destinations was through the recommendations of the consierge of the Princeville Hotel. The consierge also let me borrow a copy of his Kauai Underground Guide - which he says is the most accurate book on the island and which he loans to guests who ask for advice on restaurants, beaches and adventures. He was right on.


ultimate guide to Kauai   November 13, 2000
 15 out of 35 found this review helpful

Well this book must be selling, because I live across the street from one of the secluded waterfall trails, and every obnoxious tourist on the island hops out of the car with it, walks up to my front door or just yells from the street, and then asks, "Is this the way to the waterfalls, can we use your telephone (hose, get a drink of water, etc)?" After a million questions and loud noises and tossed garbage from those who stop there, they decide to turn around in my driveway or drive on my plants. I think the writer of this book should mention a little something about respecting the residents of these places he's so proud to spread the word about.