Frommer's Maui 2012 [Paperback]

I used Frommer's Maui book over 10 years ago when I initially traveled to Maui with my sister. At that time the book included a wonderful restaurant in Wailuku called 'A Saigon Cafe'. It was difficult to find, but well worth the trip for absolutely wonderful, fresh, creative Vietnamese food. It was a hidden treasure at the time when there was no posted sign. It is included in this 2012 publication too and I was happy to see it listed and given a 3-star rating.

The star rating system is used throughout the book. I had trouble finding what the stars actually mean since the little star icon is not in the first part of the book, but after looking closer, it is described in written text right above the seven featured icons on page ix. Zero-stars is 'recommended' and 3-stars are 'exceptional'

Overall, this is an excellent travel book that you can throw in your carry on. Frommer's 'free' attached map in the back of their books have been a disappointment. They do not provide enough detail and could simply be printed on additional pages in the back of the book. Instead, you have to tear out the map and then it is forever separated from the bound book. It is printed on durable, water-resistant paper which is nice.

Accommodations: The book includes lots of options at various price points. My all-time favorite place to stay along the NW shore is included: Napili Surf Beach Resort, although I would personally rate it as a 2-3 star, not a 1-star as is published in their book.

That's my take on the book and very nice to see Frommer's keeping their travel books up-to-date!

Frommer's has such strong name recognition -- I keep expecting more from it but am always disappointed.

If you want a guide to typical restaurants and accommodations with a little of the natural attractions thrown in this could be helpful. If you want more of off the beaten path adventure I stronly recommend any of the Lonely Planet guides. I have Lonely Planet Discover Maui (Full Color Regional Travel Guide)and love it -- this will be my second trip to Maui and I'm brining the Lonely Planet guide with me again. I have used their guides for the Big Island and Kauai as well. All have lead me to delightful spots I would never have found on my own.

I have to admit that at first I was somewhat surprised to see a travel guide on Maui alone, but once I started reading it, I could see why. Maui is a luscious island blessed with great weather, lovely beaches and stunning scenery in every corner just to name a few assets. Additionally this beautiful island offers lots of outdoor activities for the young and old.

My favorite section in this book is titled "The Best of Maui" under this section there are some very interesting and informative sub-sections such as "The Best Beaches", "The Best Maui Experiences", "The Best Maui Adventures", "The Best of Underwater Maui", and "The Best Golf Courses" just to name a few.

Another section that I found interesting is a long list of films made in Hawaii but about other places. Each film listed shows the year that it was made along with some interesting tid bits.

Toward the back of the book, there's a whole section on a not so well known island called "Molokai". According to the book, this island is the least developed of all the Hawaiian islands. And like many of the other Frommer's travel guides, there are different types of easy to read maps and lots of colorful photos throughout the book as well as a large pull-out map of Maui. A good travel guide, highly recommended!