I spent 10 days diving Palau in June 2001 and this book was incredibly helpful. There are so many dive sites to choose from in this region, and this book did an excellent job detailing each and every one. Since most dive operators in this region take "requests" rather than dictate where you're going, it's nice to have some information to make an informed decision, depending upon whether you want to focus on macro, big animal enounters, drift dives, wrecks, etc. Going to dive Palau without this book is simply a bad idea.

I used by no means to be a fan of diving and snorkeling. Yet, the beautiful seas of the Pacific, combined with this wonderful excellently written guidebook, introduced me to the wonderful world of this activity. The guidebook provides excellent and invaluable information and advice for divers and snorkelers - beginners and experts alike - with special focus on how great this can be in Palau. Meanwhile, the guidebook is also a wonderful travel tool for visiting Palau, whether or not you are primarily there for snorkeling and diving. All in all, it is surely a worthwhile, if not crucial, purchase, before you set off to the Pacific.

The author of this captivating deck is an assistant professor of communications at the University of Hawai`i in Hilo who specializes in intercultural communication. Becker has spent many years connecting "with the natural and spiritual worlds of Hawai`i" according to the biography in the almost 200 page book that acompanies this deck of 44cards. It shows. The artwork on the cards defies description - it's wonderful and accurately portrays Hawaiian cultural concepts and values while maintaining a definite aura of mystery and intrigue.

The book is a virtual primer on the Hawaiian culture. Each card's description consists of three sections: a brief relevant chant, a thorough explanation of the cultural concepts that are pictured on the card in a teaching section and an interpretation section that explains the card's meaning in a layout. Becker also provides the reader with 8 different spreads to use for different purposes. Becker's book has several other important features. There are extensive endnotes that provide excellent resources for further exploration of the Hawaiian culture, and an addendum that describes all of the symbols on each card, including their Hawaiian names.

My only criticism of this deck for fortune-telling purposes is that some of the cards' interpretations are complex and difficult to connect to the image on the card. Again, this can interfere (initially) with intuitive use. But whether you actually use the deck for fortune telling or not, it's a "must have," and studying all of the information here will teach you a lot about Hawai`i. I did give them a try, and my first reading produced some pretty incredible results (chicken skin kine). This deck will take a lot of study for a non-Hawaiian to use effectively, but I think the effort will pay off.

Pacific Voyager Cards - Journey to Kanaka Makua - Rediscovering the Light of Island Wisdom, by Greg Scott, Self Published, Kea`au.

This deck is very different from the previous two. The cards are made of inexpensive patterned beige cardstock instead of slick, coated paper. And the printing is in monochrome brown ink. And the deck doesn't come with a book (which is a work is in progress, Greg tells me), but only with a large folded sheet (which wraps around the cards and protects them) with only two layouts and a brief explanation for each card. These aren't shortcomings; it's a great deck for fortune telling!

There is a simplicity and authenticity about this deck that is appealing. Each of the 48 cards encompasses a basic Hawaiian concept that is illustrated with a single Hawaiian word, a simple phrase in both English and Hawaiian and a simple graphic. One of its special attractions is that once you have read the information sheet on the cards, the interpretation of a reading is pretty intuitive and can be done without having to look up definitions. This is a real asset for using this deck for its intended purpose of guiding you towards becoming a Kanaka Makua, a "complete human being." This is a great deck to use to get started and for quick readings (but don't confuse "quick" with "simple")

The author of this captivating deck is an assistant professor of communications at the University of Hawai`i in Hilo who specializes in intercultural communication. Becker has spent many years connecting "with the natural and spiritual worlds of Hawai`i" according to the biography in the almost 200 page book that acompanies this deck of 44cards. It shows. The artwork on the cards defies description - it's wonderful and accurately portrays Hawaiian cultural concepts and values while maintaining a definite aura of mystery and intrigue.

The book is a virtual primer on the Hawaiian culture. Each card's description consists of three sections: a brief relevant chant, a thorough explanation of the cultural concepts that are pictured on the card in a teaching section and an interpretation section that explains the card's meaning in a layout. Becker also provides the reader with 8 different spreads to use for different purposes. Becker's book has several other important features. There are extensive endnotes that provide excellent resources for further exploration of the Hawaiian culture, and an addendum that describes all of the symbols on each card, including their Hawaiian names.

My only criticism of this deck for fortune-telling purposes is that some of the cards' interpretations are complex and difficult to connect to the image on the card. Again, this can interfere (initially) with intuitive use. But whether you actually use the deck for fortune telling or not, it's a "must have," and studying all of the information here will teach you a lot about Hawai`i. I did give them a try, and my first reading produced some pretty incredible results (chicken skin kine). This deck will take a lot of study for a non-Hawaiian to use effectively, but I think the effort will pay off.

The 1990 edition has been superceded by the 1999 edition. Be sure to get the current one.

Comprehensive, beautifully illustrated with botanical drawings. A stunning work of scholarship, it is the ultimate reference for Hawaiian flora. Two large volumes. Intended for professionals, but amateurs like myself who persist (and use the glossary at the end of volume two) find it fascinating. Be sure to get the 1999 edition rather than the one from a decade earlier.

This is an excellent map of the Big Island. It is the only map you will need. I wasted my time looking elsewhere, so hopefully you can save time.

This is the best map of the Big Island I've seen. It has a thorough index on the back and even shows housing subdivisions. It's perfect for those moving to the Big Island like us.

I picked up this book at the Bishop Museum in Honolulu and read it while touring around Oahu and Molokai in late 2001. Having been to all the islands of Hawaii I can say this work really catches the flavor of the place. Twain narrates his own adventures as well as providing his unique commentary on the customs, culture and history of the islands.
A very entertaining piece, particularly for those who have been to Hawaii or are planning a trip.

This is a book taken from the letters of Mark Twain during his visit to the Sandwich Islands,which are now Hawaii. It is a very interesting and informative look at Hawaii in the 1800's. Mark Twain uses his usual humorous and lively writing to tell of his experiences and adventures while there. Experiences from the humorous writing about his horse "Oahu" to his adventures touring the islands and volcanos by horseback and entering an active volcano crater at night! He also tells of the great beauty of the islands and rain forests. Very good book and easy to read and understand.

If you have never been to Maui, well you are missing out on Paradise. And if you do make it to Maui, bring this book. You should read Mitchners, "Hawaii" as well for a historical-fictional account of the islands. Also an amazing book. But this guide is a must have for touring the island.

Have Fun!
Aloha!

This easy to read book about hiking trails on the island of Maui, Hawaii, offers insight not found in a lot of Hawaiian hiking guides, many of which are outdated. If you plan to go it alone on Maui's many trails, or even if you plan to hire a guide (see Eco Maui @ supak.com), this book offers the kind of up-to-date information, easy to understand directions, and a wide variety of other important tid-bits you need.

This is an excellent book for the little ones. Great intro to the world of surfing.

Moki and The Magic Surfboard is a delightful tale of a gecko who wants to surf the biggest wave in the world. With the help of a magical surfboard he gets his wish and then some! His biggest lesson though is not in the power of the magical surfboard, but in the power of being a true friend.

This book is filled with colorful illustrations that are bound to make any child's imagination soar. This book is a must for all families with a love of the water and surfing!

Outside of Michener's famous novel, "Hawaii", this is one of the best fiction works about Hawaii. Fictional characters are woven into a tapestry around the real Father Damien and how all their lives are affected by the curse of leprosy and exile to Molokai.

I picked this up in a used bookstore in Hawaii expecting to get a little historical background on Father Damian and life in the leper colony of Molokai, but ended up discovering an utterly gripping novel. The story of a prisoner on death row given the option of life among the lepers in exchange for experimentation on his person in an attempt to find a cause for the spread of the disease. The story is told from three perspectives and fits together like a satisfying puzzle. The self absorbed Dr. Neuman is straight out of a Dostoevski novel. Highly recommended.

A great book that captures the feel of Hawaii. Victoria's Hawaii is gone but the 'feel' of the place is timeless. Her description of Hawaiian music,plate lunches and hundreds of other details of island life are right on target. If you've been captivated by the idea of island life...read this book. You'll be on the beach,breathing in plumerias as long as your eyes cross the words.

I was introduced to this book by a writer who had lived in Hawaii for most of the '70s, and she felt that it was one of the best personal memoirs of living in Hawaii that she had read. Nelson taught at the University of Hawaii in the '70s, and traveled throughout the islands. She captures the beauty, the sadness, the cultural tensions and improbable harmonies of a people and a setting that is so much more than a Waikiki Beach tourist-trap destination. Her description of the people of Moloka'i was one my motivations to find the true meaning of **Aloha** and visit what may be the friendliest place in Hawai'i. St. Martin's should at least bring it back in trade paperback - the travel sections of most bookstores are dying for a distinctly different look at one of the most fascinating and spiritual places in the world

Myrna Ericksen's Nalani Of Hawaii is an evocative, engaging novel of Nalani, an Hawaiian woman who has deferred marriage to further her career - yet when she opens her heart to love at last, an unexpected tragedy leaves her faced with stark choices for her new life. Written very much in tune with the natural rhythms and beauty of Hawaii itself, Nalani Of Hawaii is a compelling and highly entertaining novel focusing on the quandary of a woman striving to find balance in the present and the future.

I want to go to Hawaii and find Nalani. I just loved her. Her people come first in her life, and her virtues are not traits readily found in today's world. Very refreshing and informative to read, and I couldn't put it down till I found out who got Nalani in marriage, for I thought they were great men. The Author, Myrna Ericksen, certainly knows how to pick her subjects, which are also portrayed in her other books: "Onward Peregrinos", and "Silent No More". I look forward to Myrna's next book. I know she won't disappoint me. Louise McGowan