Unlike some budget books that tend to ignore splurge hotels and restaurants, Frommer s Hawaii gives you the word on the entire range of digs and eats, from five-star luxury to budget sleeps. It does point out funky, humble places that don t boast much more than a screened room, a cot and a view. But at least you get fair warning that this is one for the bike crowd. I found it an excellent guide for the tourist. But it s wise to remember that all guidebooks are prepared months, or a year or so, before publication and some information is naturally outdated.
Hotels change ownerships, chefs move and new, wonderful snorkel trips aren t listed.
If you really want to understand how this wonderful chain of islands was created, this is a fascinating, readable primer. Take it to Hawaii instead of some trashy novel. The hottest spot in Hawaii is not some disco, but thousands of feet beneath the blue waters. Molten magma rises from deep in the earth s guts through this hot spot on the ocean floor. Gradually, it creates a volcano tall enough to rise above the ocean s surface.