Maui Trailblazer: Where to Hike, Snorkel, Paddle, Surf, Drive

by Jerry Sprout, Janine Sprout

ALOHA! HAPPY HAWAII ADVENTURES! A guide for families and outdoor adventurers alike, Maui Trailblazer 2011 covers all of the island, and includes day trips to the neighboring islands of Molokai, Lanai, and Molokini. Clear directions and concise descriptions lead to all of Maui's well-known attractions, as well as to hidden discoveries that Trailblazer readers have come to expect. 137 different hikes and strolls to tropical rain forests and remote valleys, coastal bluffs and lava caves, Haleakala crater and the Hana Highway, cascading waterfalls, beaches, ridgetops, towns, whale-watching perches, historic sites, and archeological ruins. Among the 44 snorkeling spots are hike-to coves and the secret places that tour boats go. Kayakers can pick from about 20 put-ins. Surfers can select from 38 beaches and decide whether to boogie, board, or body surf. Onlookers will find the best places to watch the surfers, windsurfers and kite-boarders ride the big ones. The text is complimented by 10 maps and 240 photographs. Driving tours-nine of them-take readers to all the attractions, natural wonders, and historic sites. A Resource Links section provides numbers for free visitor information and recreational outfitters, as well as hand-picked accommodations and local restaurants to suit every budget and taste bud. A Best Of section lets you pick the right activity to suit your mood and the day. Appendices include free hula shows, farmer's markets, what to pack, climate, history, fauna, and a Hawaiian glossary. This new and completely revised third edition for 2011 includes a Trailblazer Kids section for adventuring families.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2005

Reviews

[Nel · Rating 5 out of 5]

First comment: the cover shown here is old. The newest edition that I just purchased a month ago shows a huge wave with a surfer riding it.

What I like about this guide: It stands out from all the others because it has more content and doesn't try to be cute. I followed it for two weeks and it rocked as a resource for outdoor activities, especially hiking. The sequencing is logical. As we drove around it told us everything relating to whichever area we were in, all the good hikes, all the good beaches, unique gardens, you name it.

Illustrations: We chose places to see according to the photos in the book that looked interesting. Maps: yes. Directions: excellent. Driving around: must have. Contact info, where to eat, accommodations: hand-picked listings. Kid section: yes, with activities listed and phone numbers.

No electronic devices needed. Having the book in the car to refer to was all we needed, so simple.

[Casey Hickman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Do not like the flow of this book. Maui Trail heads is way better. This book won't make the trip. Would be dead weight in the suitcase

[Janet · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one didn't do it for me...it just wasn't the right fit. If you are only focused on hiking and snorkeling, this is your book. In order to get your money's worth from it, you would have to be on the island long enough to get multiple outings in - or be coming back for repeat visits. I prefer a book with more variety...in addition to telling me where to hike and snorkel, point me toward those hidden local spots you shouldn't miss along the way. After watching the sunrise at Haleakala, I want to know about the island's best cream puffs at Komoda Bakery in Makawao...had to hear it from a local, not this book.

[Matt Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maui Trailblazer is a rarity: A guidebook that is actually a good read. The smart organization, along with a couple hundred quality black & white photos (not your basic establishing shots, but a a full montage) really gave me a good idea of what to expect before visiting the island. We had it dialed in getting off the plane---and didn't end up in the monkey-see, monkey-do line of rental cars that bunch up at the standard places. This book has all the top attractions, but they also give the lowdown on places that few people visit. We were able to get away from the crowds, no matter where we were, which is no easy trick on Maui these days!

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're thinking of exploring Maui, choose the Trailblazer. For under $20 it will provide you with directions to all the beaches, tell you where it's best to snorkel and guide you to all the trails. It maximized our short time on the island and entertained our family every day. The advice: priceless. The memories and photos we brought back: wonderful. Be sure to get the new edition, it has a section of color photos and is totally updated.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of great places to explore, off the beaten path. A warning though: many of the places we explored seemed to be "semi-legal" at best, and we encountered several locals who didn't seem at all happy to see us there.

[Jacob Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a superbly written travel guidebook. It's engineered as a resource for people like me who are avid hikers. I spent three weeks on Maui and my time was certainly well spent having these experts spelling out where to go. Super organized and illustrated. A standout.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

its all about my island how can you not like it

[Xdw · Rating 3 out of 5]

i've been on a number of the hikes. a quite good description.