Best Big Island Hawaii Travel Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: May 11, 2023

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Looking for the best travel books to guide you on your next adventure to Big Island, Hawaii? Look no further than these comprehensive guides filled with insider tips, stunning photography, and detailed information on everything from the island's top beaches and hiking trails to its unique cultural attractions and delicious cuisine. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, these Big Island travel books are sure to enhance your experience and help you make the most of your time in paradise. So grab a copy and start planning your dream Hawaiian getaway today!

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Fodor's Big Island of Hawaii (Full-color Travel Guide) Cover #TOP 1
Fodor's Big Island of Hawaii (Full-color Travel Guide)
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Lonely Planet Hawaii the Big Island 5 (Travel Guide) Cover #TOP 2
Lonely Planet Hawaii the Big Island 5 (Travel Guide)
ftb score rating icon 9.8
The Beginners Travel Guide To Hawaii 2023: Navigate the Islands of Hawaii: The Essential Tips for a Memorable Vacation Cover #TOP 3
The Beginners Travel Guide To Hawaii 2023: Navigate the Islands of Hawaii: The Essential Tips for a Memorable Vacation
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Big Island Hawaii Travel Books

Fodor's Big Island of Hawaii (Full-color Travel Guide)

Fodor’s Travel Guides
Aug 2, 2022
Fodor's Big Island of Hawaii (Full-color Travel Guide) Cover
Fodor's Big Island of Hawaii (Full-color Travel Guide)

Fodor's Big Island of Hawaii is a comprehensive travel guide for those wanting to explore the beauty of Hawaii. The guidebook includes detailed itineraries, maps, and honest recommendations on the best sights, restaurants, hotels, nightlife, shopping, and activities. It also provides historical and cultural insights, and special features on the flora and fauna of Hawaii. The book is well-written, informative, and filled with beautiful color photos. It is an excellent resource for anyone planning to visit the Big Island of Hawaii.

#TOP 2

Lonely Planet Hawaii the Big Island 5 (Travel Guide)

Yamamoto, Luci
Karlin, Adam
Raub, Kevin
Lonely Planet
Jun 8, 2021
Lonely Planet Hawaii the Big Island 5 (Travel Guide) Cover
Lonely Planet Hawaii the Big Island 5 (Travel Guide)

Lonely Planet Hawaii, the Big Island 5 (Travel Guide) is a comprehensive guide to the most popular and off-the-beaten-path experiences in Hawaii. The guide provides updated information on businesses, color maps, and images throughout, insider tips, and essential information at your fingertips. It covers Kailua-Kona, the Kona Coast, Kohala, Waimea, Mauna Kea, Saddle Road, Hamakua Coast, Hilo, Puna, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and more. The book also offers cultural insights into the history, people, music, landscapes, surfing, wildlife, cuisine, arts & crafts, lei, and politics of the island. Overall, this guide is perfect for travelers who want an immersive experience in Hawaii and want to discover hidden gems that most guidebooks miss.

The Beginners Travel Guide To Hawaii 2023: Navigate the Islands of Hawaii: The Essential Tips for a Memorable Vacation

Garza, Kermit J.
Apr 15, 2023
The Beginners Travel Guide To Hawaii 2023: Navigate the Islands of Hawaii: The Essential Tips for a Memorable Vacation Cover
The Beginners Travel Guide To Hawaii 2023: Navigate the Islands of Hawaii: The Essential Tips for a Memorable Vacation

The Beginners Travel Guide To Hawaii 2023 is an essential read for anyone planning a trip to Hawaii. The guide provides detailed information on everything from navigating the bustling streets of Honolulu to exploring the beautiful rainforests. It offers tips on how to secure the best discounts, recommended itineraries, and the best places to stay and dine. What sets this guide apart is the inclusion of useful tips on how to navigate Hawaiian culture and traditions to truly experience the Aloha spirit. Whether you're a first-time visitor or an experienced tourist, this guide will be your trusted companion for an unforgettable Hawaiian vacation.

#TOP 4

Map of Hawai‘i: The Big Island (Reference Maps of the Islands of Hawai‘i)

Bier, James A.
University of Hawaii Press
Aug 31, 2018
Map of Hawai‘i: The Big Island (Reference Maps of the Islands of Hawai‘i) Cover
Map of Hawai‘i: The Big Island (Reference Maps of the Islands of Hawai‘i)

The Map of Hawai‘i: The Big Island is an excellent reference map for travelers and locals alike. The ninth edition features a detailed road network, large-scale inset maps of towns, hiking trails, parks, and beaches, and points of interest. The map also includes more than 2,200 place names with an index and Hawaiian words spelled with diacritical marks. The University of Hawaii Press has done a fantastic job creating this full-color, topographic map, making it easy to navigate and plan your trip around the Big Island. Overall, this map is an essential tool for anyone traveling to Hawaii, and its attention to detail sets it apart from other maps.

#TOP 5

Hawaii The Big Island Adventure Guide Franko Maps Waterproof Map

Franko Maps Ltd.
Franko Maps Ltd.
Oct 15, 2018
Hawaii The Big Island Adventure Guide Franko Maps Waterproof Map Cover
Hawaii The Big Island Adventure Guide Franko Maps Waterproof Map

The Hawaii The Big Island Adventure Guide Franko Maps Waterproof Map is an updated, comprehensive guidebook and map in one convenient package. The map is printed on durable waterproof material and showcases the paved and dirt roads, trails, resorts/hotels, points of interest, and places where to dive, hike, kayak, surf, and bike ride. The guidebook includes close-ups of Kona & Kohala Coast, Hilo Area, and Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, with descriptive text. This guidebook is an excellent resource for travelers visiting the Big Island of Hawaii.

#TOP 6

Hawaii The Big Island Adventure Map Franko Maps Laminated Poster

Franko Maps Ltd.
May 31, 2019
Hawaii The Big Island Adventure Map Franko Maps Laminated Poster Cover
Hawaii The Big Island Adventure Map Franko Maps Laminated Poster

The Hawaii The Big Island Adventure Map Franko Maps Laminated Poster is a must-have for adventure seekers planning to explore the Big Island. The map is laminated and updated to show 2018 lava flows, making it durable and informative. It includes an extensive list of places where tourists can scuba dive, hike, kayak, surf, and bike ride. The close-ups of Kona & Kohala Coast, Kailua-Kona to Keauhou, Hilo Area, and Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are full of descriptive text. Overall, this adventure map is a useful tool for anyone planning to explore the Big Island of Hawaii.

#TOP 7

Best Easy Day Hikes Hawaii: The Big Island (Best Easy Day Hikes Series)

Swedo, Suzanne
Falcon Guides
Jun 1, 2010
Best Easy Day Hikes Hawaii: The Big Island (Best Easy Day Hikes Series) Cover
Best Easy Day Hikes Hawaii: The Big Island (Best Easy Day Hikes Series)

Best Easy Day Hikes Hawaii: The Big Island is a well-written guidebook that offers concise descriptions and detailed maps for 18 easy-to-follow hikes on the largest Hawaiian island. From twenty-minute strolls to two-hour adventures, this book has hikes for everyone, including families. It also includes Hawaiian language essentials and GPS coordinates. The author, Suzanne Swedo, has done an excellent job of presenting a landscape of diverse scenery and natural splendors, making this book a must-have for hikers and camping enthusiasts. Overall, this book is a valuable resource for those planning a trip to Hawaii's Big Island, and it's unique in its focus on easy hikes.

#TOP 8

The Ultimate Hawaii Travel Guide for 2023, 2024 and Well Beyond: Explore the Best of Honolulu, Maui, The Big Island, Oahu, Kauai, Lahaina and their Hidden Gems for The Ultimate Hawaiian Adventure

Rogers, Brandon
Mar 12, 2023
The Ultimate Hawaii Travel Guide for 2023, 2024 and Well Beyond: Explore the Best of Honolulu, Maui, The Big Island, Oahu, Kauai, Lahaina and their Hidden Gems for The Ultimate Hawaiian Adventure Cover
The Ultimate Hawaii Travel Guide for 2023, 2024 and Well Beyond: Explore the Best of Honolulu, Maui, The Big Island, Oahu, Kauai, Lahaina and their Hidden Gems for The Ultimate Hawaiian Adventure

The Ultimate Hawaii Travel Guide is an excellent resource for anyone planning a trip to the beautiful islands of Hawaii. The guide is comprehensive and offers insider tips on the best places to explore, eat, and connect with the local culture. The stunning photography throughout the guide will inspire readers to book their trip ASAP. One unique aspect of this guide is its focus on getting off the beaten path and discovering hidden gems on each island. Overall, this guide is a must-have for anyone looking to plan the ultimate Hawaiian adventure!

#TOP 9

Hawaiian Lomilomi: Big Island Massage

Kahalewai, Nancy S.
IM Publishing
Jun 1, 2005
Hawaiian Lomilomi: Big Island Massage Cover
Hawaiian Lomilomi: Big Island Massage

Hawaiian Lomilomi: Big Island Massage is a comprehensive guide to traditional and contemporary lomi-lomi massage, offering readers a chance to explore the value and wisdom of Hawaiian cultural healing practices. The book is richly illustrated and includes new photos and interviews with local practitioners and masters. Author Nancy Kahalewai's entire approach is one of reverence and respect, making this book an outstanding contribution to the field. Perfect for professional therapists or anyone interested in learning more about the spiritual ideas of the Hawaiian culture, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of massage and cultural healing practices.

#TOP 10

HAWAII TRAVEL GUIDE 2023: A comprehensive guide with maps to help you explore the beauty of the big island

Raymond, Thelma C
Feb 15, 2023
HAWAII TRAVEL GUIDE 2023: A comprehensive guide with maps to help you explore the beauty of the big island Cover
HAWAII TRAVEL GUIDE 2023: A comprehensive guide with maps to help you explore the beauty of the big island

The "Hawaii Travel Guide 2023" is a comprehensive book that helps readers explore the beauty of the Hawaiian islands. Written by a lifelong resident of Hawaii, Thelma C. Raymond, the guide covers everything from popular tourist attractions to lesser-known gems, with insider tips from locals. The book also provides practical travel information, including the best times to visit and affordable accommodations. What sets this guide apart is its emphasis on addressing common pain points that travelers often encounter. Overall, this guide is an excellent resource for anyone planning a trip to Hawaii.

Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best month to visit the Big Island of Hawaii?

The best time to visit Hawaii's Big Island is between September and November. That's when the island's generally reasonable room rates take the most significant plunge.

2. How many days is enough in Big Island Hawaii?

Being the largest of the Hawaiian Islands there is a lot of ground to cover and a lot of exciting and adventurous activities to do. Many visit Hawaii Island on a day trip from Oahu. We recommend spending at least five days on the Big Island, even longer if you can!

3. How long does it take to drive all the way around the Big Island of Hawaii?

The Big Island makes up for more than half of the entire size of the state of Hawaii at just over 4,000 square miles—about half the size of New Jersey. Because of its size, navigating around the Big Island can be daunting, and driving around the entire island will take around eight hours.

4. Is 3 days in Big Island enough?

It might seem like a wild idea, but I think three days is enough time to explore anywhere – including the Big Island of Hawaii. Whether you're stringing together an island-hopping trip or extending from a Hawaiian cruise (like I did), spending three days on Hawaii's Big Island is very do-able – and adventurous!

Editor's Notes

During our big island hawaii travel book research, we found 258 big island hawaii travel book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 11,032 customer reviews through our big data system to write the big island hawaii travel books list. We found that most customers choose big island hawaii travel books with an average price of $15.70.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.