I feel somewhat guilty for including this book in my Challenge 50 list for 2009 but I seriously did read this guidebook cover to cover and it is simply one of the best guidebooks I have ever read for any traveling I have done. Mr. Doughty has simply put a ton of research into writing this superb little book. My wife and I spent 10 days on Kauai, and we had 4 different guidebooks for the island. After two days we left the other three at home. On top of having genuine and frank reviews of beaches, resturants, hotels, activities, I also learned a ton about the cculture of the island. There is even a great little essay on Ni'ihau, the forbidden island to the south west.

No matter what you are into, this book gives you a review on it. There are so many little tips everywhere that made our vacation so much more rewarding and intersting. We went kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, and heiau searching and this book made it so easy to find out where we should go. The few times we decided to take a chance on a place the book recommended against, we found ourselves sorely disappointed. ( )

If you are going to Kauai, you must obtain a copy of this book, read it, and carry it with you wherever you go. ( )