Insight Guides, the world's largest visual travel series, capture the unique character of each destination's culture with a perspective only an insider can provide. Picturesque, romantic, historic or exotic, Insight covers the world's most popular destinations.
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.