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Fodor's Essential Hawaii
For a limited time, receive a free Fodor's Guide to Safe and Healthy Travel e-book with the purchase of this guidebook! Go to fodors.com for details.
Written by locals, Fodor's Essential Hawaii is the perfect guidebook for those looking for insider tips to make the most out their visit to the Big Island, Kauai, Maui, Oahu, and beyond. Complete with detailed maps and concise descriptions, this Hawaii travel guide will help you plan your trip with ease. Join Fodor's in exploring some the most exciting islands in the United States.
Hawaii overflows with natural beauty, from its soft sand beaches to its dramatic volcanic cliffs. The islands' offerings, from urban Honolulu in Oahu to the luxe resorts of Maui to the natural wonders of Kauai and the Big Island, appeal to all tastes. There's also much to appreciate about the state's unique culture and the tradition of aloha that has welcomed millions of visitors over the years.
Fodor's Essential Hawaii includes:
-UP-TO-DATE COVERAGE: Fresh reviews of the best new hotels, restaurants, shops, and bars provide tips for staying and playing on Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, Kauai, Molokai, and Lanai.
-ULTIMATE EXPERIENCES GUIDE: A spectacular color photo guide highlights the ultimate unmissable experiences and attractions throughout Hawaii to inspire you.
-PULLOUT MAP AND DETAILED MAPS: A handy PULLOUT map will help you navigate on the go. Full-color and full-size street maps throughout will help you plan efficiently and get around confidently.
-GORGEOUS PHOTOS AND ILLUSTRATED FEATURES: Rich, full-color features invite you to experience the best of Hawaii, from what to eat and drink to how to cruise among the islands. Other magazine-style features help you understand everything that Hawaii has to offer, from Kauai's iconic Napali Coast to the lava flows of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, from historic Pearl Harbor to Hawaii's unique culture, including the significance of the lei, the luau, and the hula.
-ITINERARIES AND TOP RECOMMENDATIONS: Multiple sample itineraries to help you plan and make the most of your time. Includes tips on where to eat, stay, and shop as well as information about nightlife, sports and the outdoors. "Fodor's Choice" designates our best picks in every category.
-INDISPENSABLE TRIP PLANNING TOOLS: Each island has a convenient overview with highlights and practical advice for getting around. An island finder helps you pick a Hawaiian island that best matches your interests. Other features help you pick the best spots for your family vacation or your wedding.
-COVERS: Big Island, Kauai, Maui, Waikiki, Honolulu, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Wailea, Haleakala National Park, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hana, and more.ABOUT FODOR'S AUTHORS: Each Fodor's Travel Guide is researched and written by local experts. Fodor's has been offering expert advice for all tastes and budgets for over 80 years.
Plan on visiting a specific island in Hawaii? Check out Fodor's Oahu, Fodor's Big Island of Hawaii, Fodor's Kauai, and Fodor's Maui.
Written by locals, Fodor's Essential Hawaii is the perfect guidebook for those looking for insider tips to make the most out their visit to the Big Island, Kauai, Maui, Oahu, and beyond. Complete with detailed maps and concise descriptions, this Hawaii travel guide will help you plan your trip with ease. Join Fodor's in exploring some the most exciting islands in the United States.
Hawaii overflows with natural beauty, from its soft sand beaches to its dramatic volcanic cliffs. The islands' offerings, from urban Honolulu in Oahu to the luxe resorts of Maui to the natural wonders of Kauai and the Big Island, appeal to all tastes. There's also much to appreciate about the state's unique culture and the tradition of aloha that has welcomed millions of visitors over the years.
Fodor's Essential Hawaii includes:
-UP-TO-DATE COVERAGE: Fresh reviews of the best new hotels, restaurants, shops, and bars provide tips for staying and playing on Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, Kauai, Molokai, and Lanai.
-ULTIMATE EXPERIENCES GUIDE: A spectacular color photo guide highlights the ultimate unmissable experiences and attractions throughout Hawaii to inspire you.
-PULLOUT MAP AND DETAILED MAPS: A handy PULLOUT map will help you navigate on the go. Full-color and full-size street maps throughout will help you plan efficiently and get around confidently.
-GORGEOUS PHOTOS AND ILLUSTRATED FEATURES: Rich, full-color features invite you to experience the best of Hawaii, from what to eat and drink to how to cruise among the islands. Other magazine-style features help you understand everything that Hawaii has to offer, from Kauai's iconic Napali Coast to the lava flows of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, from historic Pearl Harbor to Hawaii's unique culture, including the significance of the lei, the luau, and the hula.
-ITINERARIES AND TOP RECOMMENDATIONS: Multiple sample itineraries to help you plan and make the most of your time. Includes tips on where to eat, stay, and shop as well as information about nightlife, sports and the outdoors. "Fodor's Choice" designates our best picks in every category.
-INDISPENSABLE TRIP PLANNING TOOLS: Each island has a convenient overview with highlights and practical advice for getting around. An island finder helps you pick a Hawaiian island that best matches your interests. Other features help you pick the best spots for your family vacation or your wedding.
-COVERS: Big Island, Kauai, Maui, Waikiki, Honolulu, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Wailea, Haleakala National Park, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hana, and more.ABOUT FODOR'S AUTHORS: Each Fodor's Travel Guide is researched and written by local experts. Fodor's has been offering expert advice for all tastes and budgets for over 80 years.
Plan on visiting a specific island in Hawaii? Check out Fodor's Oahu, Fodor's Big Island of Hawaii, Fodor's Kauai, and Fodor's Maui.
592 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 24, 2020
140 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Fodor's Travel Publications Inc.
1,847 books61 followersFodor's Travel Publications is a United States-based producer of English-language travel guides and online tourism information. It was founded by Hungarian Eugene Fodor in 1936.
Fodor’s was acquired by Random House in 1986 and sold to Internet Brands in 2016.
Fodor’s was acquired by Random House in 1986 and sold to Internet Brands in 2016.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 27, 2021
Read for an upcoming trip to Maui as well as info-seeking on the value of island-hopping. Essential Hawaii was one of the few guidebooks available from my library that was current and available.
It is divided into a number of sections: Experience Hawaii, Travel Smart, Oahu, Maui, The Big Island of Hawaii, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai. It also includes a number of maps and eight ‘features’ which don’t apply to all islands (cultural traditions, Pearl Harbor, snorkeling, birth of the islands, Volcanoes Nt’l Park, Napali Coast, plants 101, Haleakala Nt’l Park).
It opens with a two-page spread of a golfer on a course overlooking the ocean; a bit of a surprising space waste when one considers how much information needs to be packed into a 591 page book on an island chain with six main islands and top U.S. destination for 2021 (I’m so on-trend).
Fodor’s deserves a lot of credit for pointing out that Hawaii was its own nation that has been successively colonized until becoming a state, and as such, has a particularly complicated relationship with the rest of the United States. It’s a relationship that remains complicated, as most of it’s economic strength has been tourist-based. The sections on cultural traditions and a two-page spread on language pay homage to this idea.
But was it useful? Like all guides, it has a brief overview of the area, with a nod to geology and history, then focuses on the nuts and bolts of planning. Information was interrupted with a sample ‘itinerary’ of things to do (Beach Day in West Maui, Marine Life on the South Shore, Haleakala Nt’l Park, Road to Hana), although on the proceeding page, it listed ‘Top Reasons To Go,’ essentially a duplicate list (it lists Waianapanapa State Park instead of the shore, and Hookipa Beach in particular). It has a very general ‘area’ map on the first pages with that list (‘North Shore,’ ‘Central,’ etc), but a larger, more detailed map farther in that actually has the town and beach names the text mentions. This is a trend I found throughout Fodor’s: much of the same information is repeated, albeit in a slightly different manner, making it redundant and confusing. One of the most helpful things in this section was a mileage/driving time chart, critical for a flatlander like me. (It is worth noting that the legendary Road to Hana, at a mere 88 miles, is estimated at 5 hours long). Also offering more explanation than the first page was a chart explaining the ‘vibe’ of the different regions in Maui and the pros/cons with staying in each.
Then it dials down into each region. There’s a quick overview of the region, which was interesting, but short. I had hoped for something larger and more helpful here that would give insight on the culture and curiosities in each area. Then subdivided by town, with top sights, hotels and eats in each. Special items get a starred entry, whether place, beach or eatery. Certain things are highlighted with an orange ‘tip,’ but usefulness on those will vary (“if you spend Friday afternoon exploring Front St., hang around for Art Night, when the galleries stay open late and offer entertainment"). Beaches get their own heading. There’s mini-maps within each section, which I found almost useless, but I suppose would be helpful if one actually carried guidebooks around.
I did make note of a couple places to eat (Alchemy, an eatery and kombucha tasting room!), but for the most part, I felt like the eateries skewed towards those for trained palates, 'best of,’ and special occasions. It did mention a place or two that are hip on the local circuit, as I found when I added it to my Google maps (Star Noodle). Unfortunately, no doubt due to the pandemic–although this does try to take COVID into account–at least two of the eateries I tried to add were permanently closed. I think that lends support to my feeling that Yelp is one of the best ways to find current area food resources.
They do throw in some safety tips (“rip current are often present near Puu Kekaa') but because of the mapping, organization, and lack of specificity, usefulness is doubtful (that seems to be a warning everywhere in Hawaii). There’s one safety tip about a beach pavilion (“it’s not the safest place") with literally no other explanation–I found my curiosity aroused.
There’s one page for “top beaches” which seems pretty odd to me. As Fodor’s pointed out, Maui has over 80 beaches, all of which are accessible to the public to varying degrees, so perhaps a little more detail might be helpful? Another example of the scattershot approach preventing functionality.
It shines in it’s profile of Haleakala National Park, the extinct volcano that has a visitor’s center and a few hiking trails at the 1 mile peak. Driving up to experience sunrise above the clouds is apparently quite the tradition, but the authors also wax enthusiastically over the unusual ecosystem and scenery at the top. There’s also a sizeable spread on snorkeling, which is weird, because I wouldn’t start here if you were a snorkeler, for a resource, nor end here either. But maybe people have to start someplace. Where to go, you ask? Tropicalsnorkeling.com It also includes a section on whales, which isn’t germane on this visit, as that’s largely a December to April journey for them.
Good pictures and nuggets of good information but tries to be too many things to too many people, and with lackluster organization, it isn’t nearly as helpful as it could be. Definitely only worth checking out and not purchasing.
It is divided into a number of sections: Experience Hawaii, Travel Smart, Oahu, Maui, The Big Island of Hawaii, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai. It also includes a number of maps and eight ‘features’ which don’t apply to all islands (cultural traditions, Pearl Harbor, snorkeling, birth of the islands, Volcanoes Nt’l Park, Napali Coast, plants 101, Haleakala Nt’l Park).
It opens with a two-page spread of a golfer on a course overlooking the ocean; a bit of a surprising space waste when one considers how much information needs to be packed into a 591 page book on an island chain with six main islands and top U.S. destination for 2021 (I’m so on-trend).
Fodor’s deserves a lot of credit for pointing out that Hawaii was its own nation that has been successively colonized until becoming a state, and as such, has a particularly complicated relationship with the rest of the United States. It’s a relationship that remains complicated, as most of it’s economic strength has been tourist-based. The sections on cultural traditions and a two-page spread on language pay homage to this idea.
But was it useful? Like all guides, it has a brief overview of the area, with a nod to geology and history, then focuses on the nuts and bolts of planning. Information was interrupted with a sample ‘itinerary’ of things to do (Beach Day in West Maui, Marine Life on the South Shore, Haleakala Nt’l Park, Road to Hana), although on the proceeding page, it listed ‘Top Reasons To Go,’ essentially a duplicate list (it lists Waianapanapa State Park instead of the shore, and Hookipa Beach in particular). It has a very general ‘area’ map on the first pages with that list (‘North Shore,’ ‘Central,’ etc), but a larger, more detailed map farther in that actually has the town and beach names the text mentions. This is a trend I found throughout Fodor’s: much of the same information is repeated, albeit in a slightly different manner, making it redundant and confusing. One of the most helpful things in this section was a mileage/driving time chart, critical for a flatlander like me. (It is worth noting that the legendary Road to Hana, at a mere 88 miles, is estimated at 5 hours long). Also offering more explanation than the first page was a chart explaining the ‘vibe’ of the different regions in Maui and the pros/cons with staying in each.
Then it dials down into each region. There’s a quick overview of the region, which was interesting, but short. I had hoped for something larger and more helpful here that would give insight on the culture and curiosities in each area. Then subdivided by town, with top sights, hotels and eats in each. Special items get a starred entry, whether place, beach or eatery. Certain things are highlighted with an orange ‘tip,’ but usefulness on those will vary (“if you spend Friday afternoon exploring Front St., hang around for Art Night, when the galleries stay open late and offer entertainment"). Beaches get their own heading. There’s mini-maps within each section, which I found almost useless, but I suppose would be helpful if one actually carried guidebooks around.
I did make note of a couple places to eat (Alchemy, an eatery and kombucha tasting room!), but for the most part, I felt like the eateries skewed towards those for trained palates, 'best of,’ and special occasions. It did mention a place or two that are hip on the local circuit, as I found when I added it to my Google maps (Star Noodle). Unfortunately, no doubt due to the pandemic–although this does try to take COVID into account–at least two of the eateries I tried to add were permanently closed. I think that lends support to my feeling that Yelp is one of the best ways to find current area food resources.
They do throw in some safety tips (“rip current are often present near Puu Kekaa') but because of the mapping, organization, and lack of specificity, usefulness is doubtful (that seems to be a warning everywhere in Hawaii). There’s one safety tip about a beach pavilion (“it’s not the safest place") with literally no other explanation–I found my curiosity aroused.
There’s one page for “top beaches” which seems pretty odd to me. As Fodor’s pointed out, Maui has over 80 beaches, all of which are accessible to the public to varying degrees, so perhaps a little more detail might be helpful? Another example of the scattershot approach preventing functionality.
It shines in it’s profile of Haleakala National Park, the extinct volcano that has a visitor’s center and a few hiking trails at the 1 mile peak. Driving up to experience sunrise above the clouds is apparently quite the tradition, but the authors also wax enthusiastically over the unusual ecosystem and scenery at the top. There’s also a sizeable spread on snorkeling, which is weird, because I wouldn’t start here if you were a snorkeler, for a resource, nor end here either. But maybe people have to start someplace. Where to go, you ask? Tropicalsnorkeling.com It also includes a section on whales, which isn’t germane on this visit, as that’s largely a December to April journey for them.
Good pictures and nuggets of good information but tries to be too many things to too many people, and with lackluster organization, it isn’t nearly as helpful as it could be. Definitely only worth checking out and not purchasing.
May 20, 2022
I rarely read NF written for adults - but when you’re planning a big birthday trip… We’ll organized distribution of photos, tips, icons, text blocks, all the features you expect in a travel guide. Writer bios all mention Hawaii residency which adds authority to the information. Will buy another Fodor guide for the next big trip.
March 18, 2024
Excellent resource for planning a trip to Hawaii
April 24, 2025
Excellent book for my recent travels
March 25, 2023
While I generally prefer Frommer‘s travel guides for the nuts and bolts of planning trips, I find that Fodor’s publications are a good complement. For a recent trip to Hawaii I purchased both, and each has its strengths. Fodor’s generally does tend to focus on more upscale restaurants and hotels, although it certainly has plenty of recommendations in other budget categories as well.
What I like about Fodor’s publications is the emphasis on culture and history. This edition has beautiful full-page color photos integrated throughout, which are an enticement to plan well ahead. A good number of small color sections are also scattered throughout on Hawaiian flora/fauna, cuisine, and experiences to whet your appetite. One of the most valuable segments for me was the 4 pages on Hawaiian vocabulary and pronunciation. The pronunciation guide was by far the best of any of several sources that I reviewed in trying to get a handle on pronunciation before the trip.
What I like about Fodor’s publications is the emphasis on culture and history. This edition has beautiful full-page color photos integrated throughout, which are an enticement to plan well ahead. A good number of small color sections are also scattered throughout on Hawaiian flora/fauna, cuisine, and experiences to whet your appetite. One of the most valuable segments for me was the 4 pages on Hawaiian vocabulary and pronunciation. The pronunciation guide was by far the best of any of several sources that I reviewed in trying to get a handle on pronunciation before the trip.
December 1, 2025
I thought this was a nice travel book, well divided into separate islands, featuring activities and sights a traveler may want to pursue. The photos that were included were useful too. I think it’s best for those in the beginning stages of trip planning as it provides brief overviews on all of the islands. Someone needing more specifics might want to get a book more focused on individual islands.
April 25, 2023
I'm ready for Oahu (for Johanna's makeup graduation at U of Hawai'i) and Maui! Can't wait!
February 6, 2024
2023 edition
February 1, 2025
A good overview of all the islands. Easy to read and use. I'm thankful for my public library!
March 15, 2023
Fodor’s is always an excellent travel source. Read this to prepare for my trip to the Hawaiian islands. It provides great maps and great ideas for sites and activities to see and do.
This is a very informative guide for my recent trip to Hawaii. We followed many of the recommendations so I will give highlights of my travels. The section on special features on “Hawaiian culture’, “National Parks”, “Oahu’s Natural wonders” and the other islands was especially useful. We took a rigorous hike to the top of Diamondback State Monument, a dormant volcano with a spectacular view of the island. Waikiki Beach was a great place to stay with the beaches and shops. Our tour to Pearl Harbor to see the USS Arizona and USS Missouri was a very sobering and solemn trip. There was so much to learn about the attack on Pear Harbor that brought the US into World War II. The Road to Hana in Maui was awesome with views along the way of the beautiful coastline and tropical rainforest. We experienced the different climates and topography on the Big Island. We saw the Kona coffee plantations (with samples of Kona coffee) and cloud forest of luscious rainforests where we spotted many birds including macaws. The large sea turtles on the coast were spectacular to see. The National Volcano Park was on the Hilo side with active volcanoes. It is on the rainy side of the island. Kauai was pristine with beautiful beaches and one of the largest canyons, the Weimea Canyon. The Luau was an experience not to be missed. The native dancers in costume gave a moving story of their history. A most memorable site was the NaPoli coast along Kauai. Hawaii was an unforgettable island to visit.
This is a very informative guide for my recent trip to Hawaii. We followed many of the recommendations so I will give highlights of my travels. The section on special features on “Hawaiian culture’, “National Parks”, “Oahu’s Natural wonders” and the other islands was especially useful. We took a rigorous hike to the top of Diamondback State Monument, a dormant volcano with a spectacular view of the island. Waikiki Beach was a great place to stay with the beaches and shops. Our tour to Pearl Harbor to see the USS Arizona and USS Missouri was a very sobering and solemn trip. There was so much to learn about the attack on Pear Harbor that brought the US into World War II. The Road to Hana in Maui was awesome with views along the way of the beautiful coastline and tropical rainforest. We experienced the different climates and topography on the Big Island. We saw the Kona coffee plantations (with samples of Kona coffee) and cloud forest of luscious rainforests where we spotted many birds including macaws. The large sea turtles on the coast were spectacular to see. The National Volcano Park was on the Hilo side with active volcanoes. It is on the rainy side of the island. Kauai was pristine with beautiful beaches and one of the largest canyons, the Weimea Canyon. The Luau was an experience not to be missed. The native dancers in costume gave a moving story of their history. A most memorable site was the NaPoli coast along Kauai. Hawaii was an unforgettable island to visit.
July 7, 2017
Of course one can find all the travel information needed online these days, but all that information can be too overwhelming. Or one might not know where to even start. (Guilty!) This book helped me choose which of the Hawaiian Islands I most want to visit (Maui!) with helpful summaries, reasons to visit each island and valuable travel tips.
This travel guide greatly helped narrow my focus, so I knew where to start my online Hawaii vacation planning. The photos in this guide are gorgeous. The maps make locations of hotels/resorts very clear. I like how the guide is broken down by island, and then by different neighborhoods/areas for each island. I'm looking forward to my trip, and feel well prepared after reading this guide.
This travel guide greatly helped narrow my focus, so I knew where to start my online Hawaii vacation planning. The photos in this guide are gorgeous. The maps make locations of hotels/resorts very clear. I like how the guide is broken down by island, and then by different neighborhoods/areas for each island. I'm looking forward to my trip, and feel well prepared after reading this guide.
August 5, 2021
Read thru the Big Island section only!
*I advise anyone relying on a guidebook for travel to Hawaii double check the businesses listed. Unfortunately many of the ones named have gone out of business during the pandemic.
*I advise anyone relying on a guidebook for travel to Hawaii double check the businesses listed. Unfortunately many of the ones named have gone out of business during the pandemic.
January 28, 2020
Thorough and helpful travel source. Gave us plenty of ideas.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews