Start reading this book and you might notice how much effort the author spends on convincing you how local he is, how much time he has spent gathering this information, how unbiased ... just like talking to someone who grew up here. That is all hype. This book is written by a very egotistical guy who moved here with the goal of making a lot of money writing a different kind of guide book. He only lived on this island for a short while, and the information is not current.

His stories that seem humorous, that seem to let you in on the local history, are offensive in the way they present Hawaiian history and culture.

The recommendations to get you to secret places are more hype -- there are no more secret places -- and occasionally the directions send you on private property where you will not be welcome. The advice to rent a 4x4 and hit the off roads could end up costing you a bundle when you have to buy or repair that Jeep you got stuck, as your insurance will be void if you take these roads.

I live here and I am not protecting secret places from tourists. Everywhere you can drive without a big truck lifted way up has been discovered. I dislike this book because the philosophy of tourism is completely about ignoring the host community and getting what you want at any cost. The aloha spirit is wearing thin here due to this kind of attitude.

The author also gives advice about "public access" rights to the shoreline that is simply incorrect and can mislead you into thinking it's allowed to cross private property to get to the shore, and end up trespassing. Some of the worst advice in the book relates to Waipi'o Valley access and to driving to "Green Sand" beach.

Lonely Planet is not perfect with its advice on remote beaches, but it is written by someone born and raised on the island who understands the spirit of the place. Her tone and attitude will not steer you wrong.

Don't buy into the hype. This book is pure mass market and the loads of tourists carrying it and blindly following its poor advice have led to a perception that "Blue Bible" tourists are like herds of sheep, clones who will barge into any place with an attitude of entitlement fostered by this author. You may not be like that but the stereotype precedes you.

If you want to buy it that is of course your choice, but don't be fooled into thinking you will be perceived as an adventurous independent traveler when you carry it. The exact opposite.

I compared it with three other guidebooks, and this one is hands down by far the best. I also like his sense of humor, and his ability to give us foreigners a realistic taste of the local culture. It is down to earth, not superficial, and it must have been a lot of work to write this guide! The first thing I did when I arrived in Oahu for the second segment of my trip was to go to the bookstore at the airport and buy his book for Oahu.

This revised edition is very comprehensive, written with a sense of humor and candor. Looking forward to visiting the island with book in hand to "test out" the recommendations.

I found this book to give good recommendations for places to see on the island. Some were not as spectacular as described. Also it would have been helpful to have better overview maps. Those are obtainable for free in other publications such as rental car guides. Places to eat were good recommendations.

Whatever you need to know about the Big Island, it's in this book. Excellent info, updated and concise, in a very readable form.

First rate guide to the Big Island. I bought their Kauai book years ago when I visited, and this one is just as good. You truly feel like your getting insider tips, and not just a project for a travel writer on assignment. Don't hesitate on this one.

This is the most amazing guidebook. It's very detailed and gives excellent information and advice! I highly recommend it.

Purchased this guide book for our trip to the Big Island of Hawaii and found it to be extremely helpful!!