Kauai Revealed

I have a 10 year old print edition of this book. I think this guide book is so popular because it's well organized and easy to read. The app is like an index of the book where you can lookup things from the map. I much prefer the book format because it's easy to read and the content progresses naturally from one topic to the next. With the app you'll lookup random bits and pieces. I think first time visitors will get more out of the paper book. For seasoned travellers the app is ok for looking up stuff, although there's nothing you can't find on the web, and there are better apps out there like the Kauai tour guide. It would be nice if the app was a free companion to the book. So why only 2 stars? Because even after 9 editions the authors STILL have plenty of bad or missing information. For example, they fail to mention that you're prohibited from driving your rental car to Polihale and several other places. I have learnt is it's not just a case of having to pay for a tow truck if you get stuck, your car insurance can be voided. Get in an accident and the consequences could be catastrophic. In describing how to drive on sand dunes (seriously), at least they mention a tow truck will cost a fortune (duh). After reading the 5th edition one of the activities I got sold on was a powered hang glider flight - it gets a huge endorsement in the book. Family was concerned but I still made a reservation that got cancelled due to weather. On a recent trip I wanted to do it again but decided to research first. There have been many accidents in Hawaii! I found it interesting that the 9th edition description is almost the same as the 5th, including only a "dismissal" of the accidents in 2011 and failing to mention all the others that happened since the 5th edition. The author still tries to convince readers it's an awesome and safe activity. On Amazon.com the publisher claims every business is reviewed. We'll it's the 9th edition and some of my favorite places, open for years, aren't even mentioned. Hanalei, the dreamiest town ever, has a great vegetarian cafe and market (Harvest Market) that's not mentioned. The really cool Haiviki Art Gallery isn't mentioned. Want to stay in Hanalei? The app's list of rental agencies is missing a bunch including the ones that have rentals in Hanalei like Hawaii Life and Bali Hai realtors. I also noticed Great Vacation Retreats, a pretty big rental agency we booked with, not mentioned. You're better off browsing gohawaii.com to get a list of accommodations. My final example to illustrate my frustration. In the 5th edition the author states he has visited every beach at least twice. In this edition, written 10 years later, the author states... he has visited every beach at least twice. That's ok for a 2nd edition but not for a 9th. It matters because the beaches on Kauai are seriously dangerous and need good and updated descriptions. Like Kahili beach. In the 5th edition (and probably earlier) he says sharks have been spotted there. Ok, that was 10 years ago, are they spotted there consistently, or is the author just lazy and not updating descriptions because he has only visited the beach twice in 10 years? I have read about beach closures at Hanalei when sharks are spotted, that is not mentioned in the book. I think this book is resting on its laurels. Time for something else. EDIT: This was supposed to be a review for the 9th edition app. I accidentally purchased the app twice, not realizing that different editions are separate apps instead of upgrades - when wanting to load it onto my iPad. And now submitted the review to the old edition. Doh!

I have no idea why this hasn't been taken down. There is a new version but the number one hit via search is still this one. It is out of date and it is easy to miss the note about the new one. Just take this one down so people stop paying 7.99 for outdated info!

Helped make our vacation amazing! A true gem :)

Extremely well done and researched! This is our second trip and we haven't yet explored all the recommendations. Extremely easy to use and must have!!

Priceless!