The Backpackers Guide to Hawai'i

by Stuart M. Ball Jr.

This book will take you where few people go--to active volcanoes, lush valleys, cascading waterfalls, secluded beaches, and windswept ridges and sea cliffs. Written in the same style and format as the successful The Hikers Guide to O ' ahu, this detailed, fully illustrated guide highlights ten of the best backpacking trips on the Big Island, Kaua'i, Maui, and O'ahu. Even those with years of experience hiking in the islands will find The Backpackers...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0824817850
• ISBN13: 9780824817855
• Release Date: April 1996
• Publisher: University of Hawaii Press
• Length: 152 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.5" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Have Taken Book, and Have Travelled! :)

I have taken this book (or photocopies of relavant information) on all my backpackings throughout the Hawaiian islands. This includes hikes and backpackings on Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii and have hiked in parks such as Kokee, Kalalau, Haleakala, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Parks. Fabulous information regarding trail routes, how to get to the trailheads, and what permit and important information any experienced backpacker needs to know. I've led backpacking groups, too, with this information. Stuart Ball has been there and knows his stuff. Highly recommended by the Backyard Oahu website!!

A must-have for Hawaii backpackers.

Anyone thinking of overnight stays in the Hawaii backcountry should have this book. In it is info about getting to the trailhead, negotiating the trail itself, and more. I've used it for trips across Haleakala, to Halape, and up Mauna Loa. Don't leave home without it. [g]

Tell it like it is no bull.... book!

Stuarts description of trails is to the tee. I am an avid hiker amongst the islands and have looked and used several books on hiking Hawaii, and none compare to Stuart's. I hiked Ko'olau Summit Trail in early September, I had Stuart's book to guide me. The book starts the trail off on the La'ie Trail which intersects with the summit trail. In his notes he states that one can hike the trail from Pupukea, but it is very overgrown and muddy. Haa, I thought . I have hiked some overgrown trails in my day, how bad can this be. Let me tell how bad it is! It was just about the worst hike I have ever been on. From Pupukea to the La'ie Trail junction was some of the worst trail conditions I have ever encountered. What little trail there was, was overgrown so badly that it took us two full days (16 hours) to hike approximately 15 miles. Needless to say once we got past the La'ie Trail junction, his book led us effortlessly to the Schofield-Waikane Trail. I actually thougt about going to Kipapa Ridge. whew! If Stuart says its overgrown it is, if he says it is beautiful it is. His book is easy to read, follow, and understand. I would highly recommend both his hiking books over all books covering trails on the Hawaiin Islands