The finest guidebook ever written for the Big Island. Now you can plan your best vacation-ever. This all new seventh edition is a candid, humorous guide to everything there is to see and do on the Big Island. Best-selling author and longtime Hawai'i resident, Andrew Doughty, unlocks the secrets of an island so vast and diverse that many visitors never realize all that it has to offer. Explore with him as he reveals breathtaking trails, secluded beaches, pristine reefs, delicious places to dine, relaxing resorts, an active volcano and so much more. Every restaurant, activity provider, business and resort is reviewed personally and anonymously. This book and a rental car are all you need to discover what makes the Big Island so exciting. The most accurate up-to-date information available anyplace with up-to-the-minute changes posted to our website Frank, brutally honest reviews of restaurants, hotels and activities show you which companies really are the bestand which to avoid-no advertisements Driving tours let you structure your trip your way, point out sights not to be missed along the way and are complemented over 200 spectacular color photographs 37 specially created maps in an easy-to-follow format with mile markers-so you'll always know where you are on the island Clear, concise directions to those hard-to-find places such as deserted black sand beaches, tropical rain forests, hidden waterfalls, the most dramatic part of the erupting volcano, freshwater lava pools (some volcanically heated) and scores of other hidden gems listed nowhere else Exclusive chapter on Big Island's beaches with detailed descriptions including ocean safety Unique Activities and Adventures chapters of exciting activities from ATVs to ziplines Fascinating sections on Hawai'i's history, culture, language and legends Companion website with links to every business, events calendar, 88 resort reviews with our detailed aerial photos-so you'll know if oceanfront really means oceanfront