Kauai Guide Books
 

We will be going to Kauai in April (been three times before) and have an old Kauai Underground book. I was wondering what other books might be worth purchasing and if I should buy a new/updated Kauai Underground book (not sure how often they are updated). Also, if anyone wants to share any secret Kauai info on places to eat and things to see, that would be fantastic.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35110559

Kaui Revealed!!!!!!!!!!!

Spirobulldog-
The island is spelled K A U A I...
and the Revealed books are T R A S H.

Kamahinaohoku- what specifically is it about the Revealed books that you consider to be "trash"? I've used the Maui one and found it helpful, if not great. I'd like to know what you find to be so objectionable. Also, what books do you think are good?

I don't think there's one definitive guide book for Kauai. Recommend checking out these 3 different guide books, depending on your interests. We've been visiting Kauai for years and our 3 favorites have been...

The Underground Guide for general info and a bonus CD but we don't always agree with food reviews.

The Blue Book ('Revealed' and has been criticized for revealing potentially dangerous spots for visitors) But we feel the informative intro, directions, restaurant reviews and lodging comments are right on.

The Moon Handbook which really delves into the history and culture of the island.

Sorry for my typo. The revealed books are written from a local perspective. Perhaps the books aren't for everyone, but I found them to be very informative. Use your own judgement when doing any activity listed in any book. I usually buy at least 2 books whenever I am planning a trip. We have a few friends that have been to Hawaii a few times, and they always buy the revealed books to whichever island they are going.

These days it's politically correct to criticize the Revealed books, because they give away most secrets of the islands, including off-the-beaten-track places which lie on or adjacent to private property, and because they have the nerve to assume tourists can hike without falling off 300' cliff faces. Among other silly reasons.

For millions of other people the books are invaluable resources, and probably the best guides to the Hawaiian Islands ever written.

This has absolutely nothing to do with being politically correct. The Revealed books are despised by people who live in Hawaii, because the authors have repeatedly
1. encouraged visitors to ignore no tresspassing signs, and thus have had private property destroyed
2. have sent people to dangerous places
3.have sent people to ecologically fragile watershed lands.

The books are NOT sold in any of the National Parks in Hawaii.

If you care to, search for the messages about the Revealed books on this site and you will find an amazing number of messages that do NOT condone them.

the ultimate Kauai guide book is very informative,, going back for a 2nd time in sept..
have a good trip

I also have found the Revealed books to be a great guide. Enjoy Kauai again!

kamahinaohoku,

That quip about political correctness makes no sense to me whatsoever. There is a wide group of off islanders that despise the arrogance of the authors of Revealed quides. Yes, they are pretty and witty and useful. But they are also dangerous, harmful and dismissive of the rights to private land.

I've heard they have lightened up on their ignore the signs mantra which made them a grand success. They still make dangerous places sound magical, with a small mention that it could be dangerous. Gives the feelings that if your a wimpy tourist, you might hurt yourself, but you are a true adventure traveller who knows the excitement of off the beaten path travel.

I'd gamble that the number of major tourist accidents involve a bluebook in the backpack.

To find the authors reckless authors cashing in on an island, while taking little or no responsibility for their very own cause and effect, is what brings emotions to the board.

There is absolutely nothing politically correct in regarding the history of neighborhoods and off the beaten path accidents since the authors chose to reveal, for good or bad or cash.

Just My Humble Passionate Opinion.

Save Paradise, burn the book.
gyppie

Use the Kauai Revealed books. We ventured to the Queen's Bath & many other locations in the book that would not be easy to locate. It has a wealth of information. Not everyone wants the secrets to be divulged. But, the book was very helpful.

I think the Kauai Underground book is the best one out there. I burned my Revealed books and roasted some kukui nuts over the fire.

gyppie - your points are very well made (as usual :) )

When people defend the newer printings of these books, the one thing they forget is that many of the original versions still exist in people's homes, libraries, etc. They are loaned out and copied, and thus the original disruptive, dangerous and disturbing information is still out there.

I own these books. I bought them to see what the fuss was all about a few years ago as I like to make up my own mind on these things before condemming them. I've read them, and while there are a few redeeming things in them, the "holier than thou" attitude and the dangerous information included is truly offensive to me. Plus, the authors ignoring the pleas from people to correct their books for a number of years smacks of that "we know best" attitude.

Buy something else.

try reading this:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34910105

This too:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34853507

then you may understand the controversary.

Aloha kamahinaohoku!

Howzit? Winter squalls still passing thru Boston!

There was this one article in which Andrew was so flip in his response dismissing all criticism like a pompous akahine. I have no idea where that article went, but it sure was a billboard to the integrity of the authors regarding protecting what they claim they love.

I have been personally dismissed by them. That is certainly not the aloha they preach.

And so we continue to tell the truth or our version of the truth on the damage these authors have done, while cashing in on Paradise.

Alooooha and Malama Pono
sistah-gyppielou-lani

Boy am I glad to know that I'm not the only one annoyed by the Revealed author's arrogance. I noticed it slightly in the Kauai version, but it was obvious to me in the Oahu book. There's a entitled vibe that comes through.

I do like the maps and what not, but the opinionated banter is just too much for me.

Thanks for expanding on your reasons for disliking the Revealed books. As I noted in my earlier posting, I do find some things of value in those books, but I can now also understand why some of you are so put out by Revealed.

I support Kamahinaohoku's sentiments about not trespassing, not despoiling ecologically fragile areas and avoiding dangerous undertakings. But I'm not going to follow a guidebook if it tells me those things are all right. I avoid private property and try to leave a light footprint. Seems like a matter or personal responsibilty and common sense to me. I have to live with my conscience regarding the first two things and am not going to place myself at risk by doing things which are outside my comfort zone.