Pocket Guide Hawaii includes a chapter detailing Hawaii's history and culture, 17 itineraries taking in sights ranging from people-watching at Waikiki beach on Oahu to dormant Heleakala volcano on Maui, leisure-time suggestions, and a comprehensive information section packed with essential contact addresses and numbers. Plus many high quality photographs and maps, including a detailed pull-out map.
I thought this was a good overview of the islands, the history and what there is to do and see. I also have their Alaska book and I felt that there Alaska book was better as that book pointed out the must see activities. The Hawaii book mostly covered everything and didn't point much out as must see. I also purchased a travel book for each island we are going to visit, "(Insert Island name) Revealed" and I found those to have much better information. Overall this is a good starting point for your vacation research.
OK, our trip to Hawaii was great@ This was a very helpful book - a good guide to all of the islands. Heavy on tourist spots, not that there's anything wrong with that, but our trip had a more active focus. Good descriptions of short hikes to waterfalls and beaches included.