The Hikers Guide to the Hawaiian Islands

Book excerpt: Written in the same accessible style and format as the highly successful The Hikers Guide to O‘ahu, this updated and expanded volume includes the best day hikes and backpacks on the Big Island, Kaua‘i, Maui, and O‘ahu. Each island is represented by thirteen hikes, for a total of fifty-two in all. Together they offer residents and visitors the essential information to safely explore some of Hawai‘i’s most spectacular scenery. For each trip, the author provides directions to the trailhead, a detailed route description, a topographical map, and facts on the hike length, elevation gain, and degree of difficulty. For GPS users, UTM and latitude/longitude coordinates are added for the trailhead and endpoint of each route. The expanded notes section helps readers identify and appreciate geological features, historical points of interest, and commonly encountered plants and birds along the trail. An insert of color photographs highlights the breathtaking scenery enjoyed by hikers.