HAWAII - TRAVEL GUIDES

"Hawaii is not a state of mind, but a state of grace."
- Paul Theroux

A5 TRAVEL BOOKS - A TOP PICK

Hawaii is truly a special place, and a destination that demands a great travel guide.  Andrew Doughty's "Hawaii Revealed" series is it.  Each of the four main islands deservedly gets its own book, given the depth of amazing things to see and do in Hawaii.   Each guidebook is incredibly comprehensive with honest recommendations based on hard work; over two years of research went into each of the first editions.  

Highlights include detailed maps with mile-marker guides, comprehensive reviews of each beach (good and bad), and practical advice on how best to explore each island.  While most beaches, luaus, snorkel boat experiences and whale watching tours in Hawaii will be good, these guides point out which ones are really 'Ohno, the best.  We do recommend these guides as the best way to ensure the best possible Hawaiian experience.  We prefer holding a book but the mobile app is great too, especially for location specific searches when on the island.   

OTHER A5 RECOMMENDATIONS

Driving and Discovering Hawaii (Oahu & Maui)

The best things about these two guidebooks are the photos.  This guidebooks are completely oriented around photos, using scenery to illustrate the beauty of Hawaii in ways that words can't.  Each picture is mapped, providing a great tool for sightseers and photographers alike.  A great book for those who want to find those hidden waterfalls, amazing tucked away beaches, lesser known drives and inspiring views.  Driving and Discovering Hawaii won the American Airlines and Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau award for "Best Hawaii Guidebook".  There are books on both Oahu and Maui.

Hawaii, by James Michener

James Michener was a hugely popular American author, famous for meticulously researched historical fiction novels covering the lives of many generations in a family, focusing on a specific geographic region and telling the story of that area’s history through the lives and experiences of that family.  His books are notoriously long and extremely hard to put down.  One of the best is his epic novel Hawaii.  Click here for our review on Michener's Hawaii.

Hotel Honolulu, by Paul Theroux

Paul Theroux, one of the world's leading travel writers, calls Hawaii home, so it isn't surprising that one of his fictional novels takes place there.  Hotel Honolulu is an agglomeration of stories tied together by the hotel's manager, a writer at heart drawn to the sleazy underbelly of those who inhabit the small deviant world of the hotel.  The stories are sometimes exaggerated but always wild and entertaining, Theroux's insight into America's tropical paradise is an interesting read.  Click here for our review of Hotel Honolulu.

Spectacular Hawaii

This large format coffee table book is a great choice for those who want a souvenir to help remember the beauty of these spectacular islands.  The photos are of course wonderful, with great aerial shots of mountains, beaches and volcanos.  We also like the accompanying historical information and essays.