united states

We just returned from our trip to Maui and felt that the book was VERY useful for beach info, some trails and snorkeling info. We stayed in B&Bs the whole time, so I cannot comment on the lodging reviews. But the "activities" (esp. whale watching tour on Pacific Whale Foundation and snorkeling at Molokini) and "adventures" descriptions were very good and accurate. They had pretty good info on the Road to Hana, but I suggest that you pick up the audio guide (cassette or CD) for $20 offered at the Kiosk at the Shell station in Kahului. Can't miss it, it is on the SE corner at the beginning of the Hana Highway. (something not mentioned in the guidebook).

The only problem we had with the book were some of the restaurant suggestions. They gave an "ono" (meaning delicious) to a mexican restaurant in Kihei-Maui Taco, which was just about some of the most bland Mexican food I've ever had. (Taco Bell is better than this place). So, the caveat is to take some of their restaurant ratings with a grain of salt. Unless they say you will always have a great meal at a place, be prepared that you could be disappointed, because these are just two people's opinions of a particular place. There were sometimes that we were disappointed because the food did not turn out to be as good as the book indicated.

Otherwise, I would recommend this book. It is not your average guidebook, and does have a lot of worthwhile info in it.

this book was a trusty companion for our five day trip to maui. i had been to the island previously, but this book made this trip an entirely new experience. excellent resource for camping and back country hiking, exploring, etc. Oftentimes we found ourselves in the most beautiful locations, completely alone--where many guidebooks claim to be letting you in on a well kept secret, Maui Revealed really is. the directions are extremely concise and easy to follow. the set-up is organized in a practical manner that makes planning your trip based on the book quite simple. also, the reviews are honest. the writers live on the island and do not hesitate to tell you where to go as well as where NOT to go. they tell you places to avoid so as to not waste your money and clue you in to things that are worth the hike, the dollar, the drive, etc...

i highly recommend this book or any of the other 'revealed' books. we left the island feeling as if we'd used our time and not wasted a minute driving around looking for things to do or wading through droves of tourist traps that other guide books often lead you into.

Frommer's was better in terms of real facts and information I needed. I liked Frommer's because when I needed an address or recommendation or restaurant price range I could find it in a snap. I found Maui Revealed a fictional work badly representing this perfectly beautiful spot.