The Visiting The Big Island Forum

good guidebooks?

In response to 40655: first time visit to Hawaii on our honeymoon from Europe, posted by Pete F on Wednesday, 4 November 2009, at 6:30 a.m.

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding Pete! I couldn't imagine a more wonderful place to spend it than on the BI, but of course my dream is to retire here eventually maybe so I am a definite BI junkie.
I too did a rather whirlwind tour my first visit and from it I was able to gauge exactly where I wanted to return to and what I wanted to do in the future but I realized in hindsight that it was very very hectic and I spent much of my four days driving endlessly around.
My suggestion would be to check out some of the suggested reading on the site and perhaps purchase a guide book or several. Although sometimes controversial in it's encouragement to visit off the beaten path places, I truly do feel The Big Island Revealed to be an invaluable guide. Sometimes it is just fun doing the research before making the trip? If you are adventurous and a free spirit you will most likely want to rent a car for the utmost in flexibility. You will not be disappointed. With 15 climatic zones there is something for everyone. The highlight of my first trip to the BI? Getting in the rental car at the airport in Hilo and immediately setting out for the volcano along the way only to spot a huge black 'bear' on the roadside up ahead? Bears in Hawaii? Wasn't in any of the guidebooks and we looked in disbelief. Once we got closer to it of course it turned out to be a gigantic wild boar but we still talk and laugh about the bear today. Enjoy your visit.
Shelley

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    Sue CS -- Thursday, 5 November 2009, at 8:19 a.m.

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