Frommer's Hawaii 2009 (Frommer's Complete) (2009) America’s #1 bestselling travel series

America’s #1 bestselling travel series
Written by more than 175 outspoken travelers around the globe, Frommer’s Complete Guides help travelers experience places the way locals do.

* More annually updated guides than any other series
* 16-page color section and foldout map in all annual guides
* Outspoken opinions, exact prices, and suggested itineraries
* Dozens of detailed maps in an easy-to-read, two-color design

You'll never fall into the tourist traps when you travel with Frommer's. It's like having a friend show you around, taking you to the places locals like best. Our expert authors have already gone everywhere you might go--they've done the legwork for you, and they're not afraid to tell it like it is, saving you time and money. No other series offers candid reviews of so many hotels and restaurants in all price ranges. Every Frommer's Travel Guide is up-to-date, with exact prices for everything, dozens of color maps, and exciting coverage of sports, shopping, and nightlife. You'd be lost without us!

Completely updated every year (unlike most of the competition), Frommer's Hawaii features gorgeous color photos of the stunning beaches and thrilling adventures that await you. Meticulously researched by one of Hawaii's most noted journalists, this is hands-down the most reliable, up-to-date, and comprehensive guide to the islands.

Each of our candid hotel reviews is based on a detailed personal inspection. You'll find lavish beachfront resorts, intimate rain-forest B&Bs, family-friendly condos, and much, much more. Our dining reviews are simply the best in the business, whether you crave cutting-edge Asian-fusion cuisine or a hearty, affordable plate lunch.

Our author makes sure that you'll truly experience the spirit of aloha, and she'll help you steer clear of anything that's overpriced, touristy, or inauthentic. With Frommer's in hand, you'll know where to find secluded beaches; secret spots for snorkeling; the best outfitters to choose for everything from diving to deep-sea fishing; and where to find the top galleries and shops.

Inside you'll find extensive coverage of family-friendly accommodations and activities; tips on how to get married in the islands; recommendations for the best honeymoon resorts; and valuable advice on finding the best airfares and package deals. Whether you want to watch the fiery spectacle at the Big Island's volcano, play a challenging round of golf, snorkel with sea turtles, or simply kick back with a mai tai to watch the sunset, you can design the perfect trip with Frommer's Hawaii. You'll even get a color fold-out map, and an online directory that makes trip-planning a snap!



Summary: Very average
Rating: 3

Very touristy. Very average.

There are better books out there if you are going to Hawaii for the first time. Look at the higher rated reviews of the blue books.


Summary: Review of Frommer's Guide to Hawaii 2009
Rating: 2

This book is a good,practical guide for those who have not ever been to Hawaii. The maps are good and some of the recommendations were good, but sometimes we wondered if the writer had been bought off, as we did not agree with several of his recommendations and the prices are inaccurate for some things already and it is only April, 2009. I would research the internet before paying for the book or buy it used.


Summary: Old inaccurate version passed off as new
Rating: 2

While using this guidebook in Oahu in January 2009, we found many inaccuracies. One restaurant told us their menu had changed three years ago, they informed Frommers two years ago, yet the information is still listed. This ocurred repeatedly for restaurants and tour information. Even the maps are outdated! (you cannot drive completely around the west side of Oahu in a car) The guided tour to Shangri La, Dorothy Duke's former home, isn't incuded in the book at all. You need to book that tour up to 3 months in advance so visit the website: http://www.shangrilahawaii.org/

Frommers needs to get someone who lives in Oahu to correct the errors and update the information. We found it very frustrating to use and ultimately could not trust any information in the book. The free tour guides we picked up at the airport on arrival proved the best guides.


Summary: Great guide book.
Rating: 5

Very well written and informative. Helped to make a lot of decisions as to where to stay and what to do on our upcoming Hawaiian vacation.


Summary: Not for everyone.
Rating: 1

Full disclosure: I have the previous year's, but it is the same author. Hawaii can't change that much in a year...
I found this guidebook worse than useless. I left it in the airport when I left. Perhaps I was frustrated because I had had such awesome guidebooks for South America, Africa, and Europe. We ended up using my buddy's iPhone for everything. This book is extremely poorly organized. You'd need to devote hours studying it to find anything you were looking for. Her writing style was annoying and superfluous (who needs half a page for each hotel describing how utterly delightful it is?). There was little to nothing for students/ budget travelers or thrill seekers. The maps weren't helpful.

Save your money and get something else. Perhaps this one is OK for families or older tourists, but not for me.

The only useful sections were the few listing suggested itineraries and "top tens".