The Blue Book Controversy

Cover via Amazon

When planning trips to Hawaii, I used the popular reveal book series for additional information about the islands. The series of books are often referred to as blue bibles. There's a separate book for the islands Oahu, Big Island, Maui, and Kauai.

The books are popular with tourists because they contain useful information about Hawaii's accomodations, activities, restaurants, beaches, history, geography, and more. There are numerous colorful pictures and large maps to enhance the trip planning process. Nonetheless, the books have been criticized by residents of the islands. Some island book stores refuse to sell the books and tourists with the book are viewed negatively by some locals.

It has been argued that the revealed books encourage trespassing onto private property and disclose previously unknown secluded and hard to find places on the island. Some of the locations revealed in the books are dangerous areas that should be avoided by most tourists, but the books entice people to visit the areas by having information about them. Also, the increased traffic to the more remote areas of the islands threaten the overall beauty of the environment.

Well, I don't believe that a book should necessarily be blamed for the actions of people. I never trespassed or hiked to remote areas after reading the books. Unfortunately, the same people who don't use common sense after reading the books are the same ones who would get themselves into trouble even if the books had never been written. Afterall, if there's a "private property" or "no trespassing" sign, then it's best to leave regardless of what a book says. Also, all of the revealed books include warnings about potential hazards that should not be ignored by tourists.

In general, the revealed books include a wealth of knowledge about the Hawaiian islands and can be very useful in planning a visit to them. However, tourists should exercise care and common sense when traveling to an unfamiliar area regardless of what's in a book.

Where to Stay in Hawaii

Hawaii offers many great places to stay regardless of budget. Whether you are looking for a home away from home or a single room, Hawaii offers something for everyone. Resorts/ hotels, timeshares, condos, and private homes are available accomodations for visitors to Hawaii.

Resorts/ Hotels: Resorts are especially fun for first time visitors to Hawaii. They offer cultural activities such as hula lessons and lei making. Many are located directly on the beach and they often have some of the best swimming pools and restaurants. The negative thing about resorts is that they are not as cost effective as some of the other options. You pay more money for a smaller room or suite and larger families or groups may benefit from more room.

Timeshares: Even if you don't own a timeshare, you can rent one through an owner or directly through a timeshare provider. I saved a lot of money by renting a timeshare unit on Redweek.com. Redweek is a web site that lists timeshare units that are available for purchase or rent. I've looked at other timeshare rental web sites, but I found the best deal on that one. I was able to rent a two bedroom unit for seven days at the Hilton Waikoloa Village for $1200. This was far less expensive than a single hotel room at the same resort for seven days. Timeshares can be great because you get more room and they often have a washer/dryer and kitchen. Some timeshares are located at resorts and offer some of the same amenities as a result. One downside is that they don't provide daily maid service unless you pay extra.

Condos/ Private Homes: Renting a condo or private home can be cost effective for large families and groups. I used VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner) to rent a great two bedroom condo on Maui. Renting a condo or private home gives you the chance to have a vacation with the amenities of home. Many offer full kitchens if you like to cook while on vacation and you can pack fewer clothes because many also include a washer and dryer. Large groups can reduce their per person cost by sharing a luxury private home.

In Hawaii, I tried more than one accomodation experience by spending part of the trip at a resort and then moving to a condo. I love the activities provided by resorts and I also love the extra space that condos provide. There are some condos where you can get both benefits. There are some Wailea condos that provide access to the Grand Wailea Resort amenities on Maui. That's an idea situation for Hawaii visitors who want it all!