(Image Credit:
Amazon.com)
As annual visitors to the island of Maui, you might not think we’d be needing guide books anymore. But in fact, we look forward to the new editions when they’re released, almost every year in some cases, just to see what’s new.
This year’s editions are looking even better, because appearantly the editors of many of the major publishers finally realized that including full color photos and features in their Hawaii guide books would better showcase the beauty and amazemnt of the islands!! One such book we recently snagged off the shelves of the local bookstore is Lonely Planet’s Maui, 3rd Edition. Even though we already own the second edition (with it’s less exciting black and white pages), we just had to get the latest copy as well.
The truth is, we really like the Lonely Planet series. Not to discredit or put down the other, larger name publishers out there like Fodors and Frommers (we like them, too), but the authors of the Lonely Planet books that we own have a very personal writing style and lots of first-hand experience. Reading their own accounts and advice, you feel like your talking story with good friends while sharing memories of a recent vacation. You get the good, the bad, and the curious when flipping through these pages, and no doubt, you know you’re going to face some tough choices by having more ideas and inspiration than you’ll have time to accomplish. Even on an extended two week getaway.
The New Format
If you’re not sold on the new color photos alone, you’re sure to be interested in the new layout and format of this edition. As advertised on the book’s cover, it is broken down into 32 themed itineraries, which cover a wide variety of tastes, activities and visit durations. For example, only have 2 days to spend in West Maui (why only 2?), jump to page 74 to get right down the best of the best. R&R not your thing? Check out the itinerary for thrill seekers in the upcountry on page 143.
Each itinerary features various sights and details for each day of your stay, including recommendations on where to eat, sleep and enjoy your time on the Valley Isle. There’s even a chapter and other various tips throughout the book for those of us trying to do our part for the environment and preserving the delicate ecosystem that is so unique on the Hawaiian islands. It features a few really great links and even it’s own section of the index at the back of the book, called the “Greendex,” for finding ways to help sustain your surroundings on your trip. Worth checking out as all vistors to Hawaii should be doing their part to leave the island as beautiful and prestine as when they arrived. (Sorry for the little soapbox, but that’s what Malama Aina is all about).
Back to the Photos
Did I mention the book has all new color photos now? Of course I did, but it does add so much more to the coverage of the island and makes it that much more inviting. It’s worth repeating and seeing for yourself if you haven’t already. You can check out a few pages over at Amazon with their book preview feature. As someone who himself likes to take as many photos of Maui as he can, I find it also a great source of inspiration to capture my own shots while I’m there.
Other great features you’ll find in this edition are “Island Voices,” which are small insets in a few sections that bring you discussions and comments from locals on the island that the authors have met on their trips to Maui. If you think visiting Maui for vacation is nice, imagine what the lucky ones that live there have to say! There’s also a dedicated chapter covering the Road to Hana, which we know most books have. This isn’t targeted to be the stop here, look left, go there, look right type of coverage, but it gives you a more broader view of your options when driving the heavenly road.
Lastly, there is a great chapter on the History and Culture of Hawaii, which is a must read for any Hawaii enthusiast. It manages to cover a good range of topics over the span of only 18 pages, and has an interesting timeline across the bottom of the pages listing major events in the history of the islands.
The Verdict
It’s no surprise that we have our copy and are thumbing through it regulary for our upcoming trip in February. Small enough to fit in your purse, bag, or even making room for it in your carry-on to read on the plane ride over the Pacific, I wouldn’t recommend going to Maui without it.
Your Feedback
Do you already have your copy and want to share your thoughts on the book? Maybe you prefer another guide or have a different approach to finding the best of the islands. Either way, this is the place to share and talk story about it. We always love to hear from fellow Hawaii fans.
Aloha and Mahalo,
– Kris
