Our recommendations on the best travel books for Hawaii
Hawaii offers a stunning selection of experiences for travelers, from pristine beaches and lush rainforests to active volcanoes and vibrant cultural sites. Visitors can explore the fiery lava flows of Kilauea on the Big Island, snorkel with sea turtles in Hanauma Bay on Oahu, or hike the dramatic Na Pali Coast on Kauai. Each island has its own unique character, with diverse activities to enjoy, such as surfing the iconic waves of Waimea Bay, attending a traditional luau, or touring a Kona coffee farm. A comprehensive travel book can help visitors navigate the islands efficiently, highlighting lesser-known treasures like secluded waterfalls, the best local food trucks, and prime spots for whale watching during migration season. With expert guidance, travelers can make the most of their time in Hawaii, ensuring they don't miss out on unforgettable experiences like watching the sunrise from atop Haleakala on Maui or exploring the rich Polynesian heritage at the Bishop Museum in Honolulu.
Our Travel Book Recommendations - Hawaii
Our Travel Book Recommendations - Hawaii
Our Top Pick - The Hawaii Revealed Series
Hawaii is truly a special place, and a rich destination that demands a great travel guide. Andrew Doughty’s "Hawaii Revealed" series is it. Each of the four main islands deservedly gets its own guidebook, given the depth of amazing things to see and do in Hawaii. Each edition is incredibly comprehensive with honest recommendations based on hard work and many years of meticulous research. Highlights include detailed maps with mile-marker guides, comprehensive reviews of each beach (good and bad), and practical advice on how best to explore each island. While most beaches, luaus, snorkel boat experiences and whale watching watching tours in Hawaii will be good, these guides point out which ones are really 'Ohno, the best. We do recommend these guides as the best way to ensure the best possible Hawaiian experience. We prefer holding a book but the mobile app is great too, especially for location specific searches when on the island.
Hawaii, by James Michener
James Michener, the literary titan of American historical fiction, captivated millions with his sweeping sagas that spanned generations and continents. Among his masterpieces stands the monumental Hawaii, published in 1959—the same year Hawaii achieved statehood. This epic begins millions of years ago with the islands' geological formation and carries through to the mid-20th century, introducing readers to a vast cast of characters including the first Polynesian settlers, American missionaries, Chinese laborers, and Japanese immigrants. Through their intertwining stories, Michener explores themes of cultural clash, religious fervor, and progress, vividly portraying Hawaii's transformation from untouched paradise to multicultural American state. Touching on pivotal events such as the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy and the attack on Pearl Harbor, Michener's meticulous research and gripping prose paint the islands in all their glory—from lush rainforests to fiery volcanoes—offering insights into Hawaiian customs, languages, and the complex social dynamics that shaped the islands' unique identity.
Cook Real Hawai’i
Get ready for a mouthwatering journey through Hawai'i's melting pot of flavors in Sheldon Simeon's Cook Real Hawai'i. Simeon, a Top Chef hotshot, ditched fancy cooking to share the real deal – the comfort food that makes Hawai'i's heart beat. Imagine biting into wok-fried poke, where tender chunks of fish get a crispy, savory upgrade that'll make your taste buds do the hula. Or how about pork dumplings with a twist – wrapped in flaky biscuit dough for a mash-up that's pure genius. From crispy cauliflower katsu that'll convert even the most die-hard meat lovers, to that juicy huli-huli chicken slathered in a glaze so good you might lick the plate, Simeon's recipes are a delicious crash course in Hawaiian cuisine, combined with stunning photos that'll have you dreaming of palm trees and the aloha spirit. It's not just a cookbook – it's your passport to the flavors that make Hawai'i a food lover's paradise!
Good Night Hawaii
Good Night Hawaii invites your family to embark on a magical journey through the breathtaking islands of the Aloha State. This enchanting board book will inspire your little ones to explore colorful coral reefs, play on sandy beaches, and discover local flavors, all while building listening and memory skills. Designed to withstand the enthusiasm of young readers, this durable treasure is perfect for bedtime, naptime, or anytime you want to spark your child's imagination and love for this tropical paradise. Give the gift of exploration and sweet dreams with this heartwarming addition to the Good Night Our World series.