Hawaii Guidebook Reviews: Lonely Planet, Rick Steves, Fodor's & More
⚡ TL;DR
- The big names — Lonely Planet, Fodor's, Frommer's, DK Eyewitness — each suit a different traveler.
- Andrew Doughty's "Revealed" series is the local cult favorite for beach-and-trail detail.
- Rick Steves is a Europe specialist — he has no dedicated Hawaii line. We explain what to read instead in Rick Steves Hawaii.
- Start with Lonely Planet Hawaii vs the rest.
A good guidebook still earns its spot in the carry-on. Maps that work without signal. Honest opinions someone stood behind. These reviews compare the major Hawaii guides island by island so you buy one book, not four.
Lonely Planet HawaiiReviewed against Fodor's, Frommer's and DK Eyewitness.
Rick Steves HawaiiDoes he cover Maui, Oahu and Kauai? The honest answer.
Maui Lonely PlanetVs Fodor's and Frommer's Maui guides.
Lonely Planet Hawaii for MauiAll-Hawaii book or a Maui-specific edition?
Kauai Hawaii Lonely PlanetVs Fodor's and Frommer's for the Garden Isle.
Which guidebook for which traveler
| Guide | Strength | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Lonely Planet | Broad coverage, planning tools | All-round first-timers |
| Doughty "Revealed" | Beaches, trails, candid picks | Explorers who want detail |
| Fodor's | Curated highlights, dining | Comfort-first travelers |
| Frommer's | Itineraries, day-by-day | Planners who want a route |
| DK Eyewitness | Photos, visual context | Skimmers and families |
Not sure a book's worth it at all? The whole site is a free guide — start at the travel guide for Hawaii or the homepage. Publisher info: Lonely Planet — Hawaii.