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 2009 includes a Trailblazer Kids section for adventuring families.

Before I got two paragraphs into the introduction, I found myself feeling better about Maui and more eager to get out and see it...all of it. The writing is gently conversational and downright seductive. My advice, no matter how you want to see Maui, no matter how well you already know the island, read Maui Trailblazer. It's actually a love story with a fine beginning, plenty of middle and no end in sight.


A fantastic book   April 6, 2004
Amy V. Ang (Cincinnati, Ohio)
19 out of 19 found this review helpful

Everything about this book was totally wonderful. We preplanned all our hikes weeks ahead of getting to Maui which ended up saving us so much time. On our previous visit we were snagged by activity salespeople who made us believe the only way to see Maui was by guided package tours $$$. This time we made a pact to see archeological ruins and areas of the island that were off the organized tour circuit.

These authors have got it right when it comes to writing a guidebook for the unsedentary visitor. The Molokai ferry ride and drive around that they describe on pages 180 to 190 was worth the trip over alone. We spent an entire afternoon exploring the moody west side of Haleakala that hardly anyone goes to...Polipoli Springs State Park.

Don't leave home without it.


This Book Got Me Started   February 8, 2004
Mark G. Hyde (Wailea, HI, USA)
17 out of 17 found this review helpful

Even though I have owned a second home on Maui for many years, the Sprout's Maui Trailblazer helped me discover delightful places I didn't know existed, even in my own neighborhood. The authors' writing style is relaxed and humorous, in keeping with the Island experience. Even hard to find locations are described well and I particularly like the sensitivity shown by the authors to the land and to local residents. The hikes and activities included in the book are geared to a variety of audiences, taking into account all levels of physical fitness and interests. In fact, I keep a supply of Maui Trailbalzer on hand at our house for guests so they can explore Maui beyond what is offered in the typical tourist guide book. If you are looking for a thorough Maui guide book with many interesting options, and even inspiration to get out and about, whether for your first or your fifteenth visit, Maui Trailblazer is your best choice among a host of books available.


Very comprehensive guide to outdoor activities in Maui   March 1, 2007
Scott George (Los Angeles, CA USA)
16 out of 16 found this review helpful

My wife and I jsut got back from a trip to Maui. This book is an essential guide for active people on their way to Maui. It covers the island comprehensively. I liked that this book doesn't try to be everything. It doesn't disuss where to stay or where to eat. This is an outdoor activities guide and is very descriptive and helpful. It definitely enhanced our trip and was well worth the price.

Incidentally, I also highly recommend taking a look at Maui Revealed by Andrew Doughty for frank recommendations on restaurants and many other activities. It isn't as devoted to outdoor activities, but we found the recommendations to be very honest and helpful.