Andrew Doughty

This is what a guidebook should be, and it has definitely added a lot to our visit to Oahu -- if you are going, get it. Unlike too many guidebooks, this one seems thoroughly researched, is helpfully organized, and is easy to use. To go through the checklist, let's start with orientation. The book gives a bit of history, and then explains the topography and weather patterns of Oahu, which are really important to the visitor. Next, what to see. The book starts with Honolulu, describing show more neighborhoods, beaches, and cultural/historical sites in detail. It then goes around the island and does the same -- and all of this is illustrated by well drawn and easy to follow maps. And "what to see" is often "what to do", especially in Hawaii. There are separate sections on beaches, on activities, and on adventures and attractions. You may find that something you want to do is mentioned at least twice -- once in the regional section, and again under (for example) beaches. Sounds complex, but the organization works really well. We didn't use the section on lodging, because we had reserved before we came to Oahu, but the section on dining was comprehensive and, we found, impressively accurate. We are going to Kauai next week, and will certainly get the Wizard guide. I wish there were more guidebooks this good! show less

The author(s) have a tell-it-like-it-is attitude. It is fun to read the highly opinionated statements with engaging use of language. Sometimes the text used a Hawaiian word that I needed to look up.

In a sense it is a reference book, and so I skipped through the long chapter on dining establishments.

I especially liked the detailed information on water sports, hiking locations, and areas that often have few visitors.

Midway through reading, I upgraded from the 2015 edition to the 2018 edition, show more which came out after I started reading it. show less

Travel books can sometimes be a tedious read, but there is a reason why this book is the top-rated book on the Big Island on Amazon. Reading this feels like talking with a friend. The tone is personable, with jokes and asides, plus lots of practical knowledge you don't see elsewhere--like when the winds pick up, what side of the plane to sit on when flying into Kona and Hilo, where to eat, how to access remote black beaches, etc. As an author, I need these kinds of details for the novel show more outline I'm working on--and for the research trip I'm planning as well. Plus, their website offers a wealth of supplemental material. I'll be buying their book on Oahu next! show less

Just like Maui revealed, this is a terrific travel book. I read the entire thing (well, most of it) on the plane ride over and the girl in the row I was sitting with also was reading it at the same time. The same stuff that rocks in the Maui book is here - fair recommendations, good suggestions on where to go and what to avoid. It doesn't feel like a commercial and is funny at times. I had an incredible time with my partner in no small part thanks to this book! Thanks to Eric Haight for show more lending to me. show less