What Are the Best Travel Guides to Maui?
These are my favorite guides to Maui. I've traveled to Maui hundreds of times both as a tourist and on business. I find that the books named here are the most reliable and give the best hints. We stock severak of these guides (or earlier versions of these guides) in our condo for the convenience of our guests. The guides are listed in order of preference in each category and links are provided to Amazon.com to purchase the books should you choose to do so. When you purchase a guidebook, please make sure to get the latest edition. Maui changes constantly; make sure that your information keeps pace.
General Guidebooks for Maui
Maui Reveled: The Ultimate Guidebook by Andrew Doughty: This guide is written by a person who lives on Maui. It gives an honest opinion about all of the sites on Maui, saying what to see and what to pass on. It will recommend hidden treasures that are not usually found in other books. It has an abundance of pictures and good written descriptions.
Moon Maui (Moon Handbook) by Robert Nilsen: This guide is less detailed and less opinionated about the sites on Maui. I would choose Maui Revealed over this guide but this is a good second choice if Maui Revealed is unavailable or if you want a second opinion.
Frommer's Maui by Jeannette Foster: Frommer's guides are really good at answering the "where to stay" question. Since, presumably, you are renting our condo, you will not need this guide. However, if you are one of the misguided few who wish to stay elsewhere, consult this book.
Maui Guidebooks Geared Towards Travelling with Children
Maui and Lana'i: Making the Most of Your Family Vacation by Christie Stilson: This guide gives you the information necessary for you to choose the activities and sites that best fit your family. It's value goes way beyond children's activities. It is also geared towards the physically impaired and seniors.
Maui Guidebooks Geared Towards Active People
Maui Trailblazer: Where to Hike, Snorkel, Paddle, Surf, Drive by Jerry Sprout and Janine Sprout: I've only used this book for snorkeling so my opinion is just based on this experience alone. I'm not much of a hiker or surfer so, if that is what you want, understand that this might not be the book for you. Also, regarding the cost to rent snorkeling equipment, I have no way to know if it is accurate or not. I own my own gear and have not rented for years.
Snorkel Maui and Lanai: Guide to the Underwater World of Hawaii by Judy Malinowski and Mel Malinowski: This book used to be my favorite until Maui Trailblazer came along.
