Franko's Kauai Guide Map Map – May 1, 2013

I purchased two similar maps of Kauai: "Franko's Kauai Guide Map" and James Bier "Map of Kauai." Both have the same scale, approximately1:160,000 or 1 mile = 0.40 inches. Both show more detail than my AAA Hawaii map (which covers all islands).The Franko's map is copyright 2007 while Map of Kauai  Map of Kaua'i , 7th edition was copyrighted 2004 by University of Hawaii Press. Unfolded, the Franko map is 21x14 inches (53x36cm) and Map of Kauai is 22x15 inches (56x39cm). The Franko map uses water-proof, tear-resistant material while Map of Kauai is printed on heavy paper that is not water-proof or tear-resistant.Both maps use shading to show mountains and valleys. The perimeter of the Franko map is filled with text describing points of interest. Each POI has 2-4 sentences with a line connecting the text to a map location. There is a lot of useful information on the Franko map but the text is small and you can't scan the map to pick out points of interest - you need to stop and carefully read. The Franko map is dark and it's difficult to read the small print on the map. I wish the Franko map was larger and easier to read. Map of Kauai is a "cleaner" design that makes it easier to quickly read.Both maps have inserts that show more detail of urban areas. On the Franko map, the reverse side has detail of the North Shore, East Shore, South Shore, and Na Pali Coast & Kokee Hiking. On the front of the Map of Kauai are inserts of Kapaa and Lihue while the reverse has an insert of Poipu. Also on the reverse of Map of Kauai is a good index of more than 1000 points of interest and streets.I'm a map geek and I like both maps. The Franko map is useful for planning what you want to see and do while Map of Kauai is handier to have as a navigational aid. If I had to pick one, Map of Kauai fits my needs better. I wish it were more recently updated. Franko's Kauai Guide Map Map of Kaua'i

The Franko's maps of the Hawaiian Islands take up little space, are made of waterproof material, and provide not only a good map of the area, but also highlights some of the favorite things to see or do on the islands. I have most of the maps that include: The Hawaiian Islands, Oahu Guide Map, Oahu Dive Map, Maui Guide Map, Maui Dive Map, Hawaii Guide Map, Kauai Guide Map and Kauai Dive Map. Six of the maps were available from Amazon.com with free shipping, but two had to be purchased from independent vendors on Amazon and charged a small shipping fee.For the few dollars I paid, it was well worth it to have a great map that folds up and takes little space in my suitcase. Once I get to a particular island, I take it with me to know where I'm going and where I've been. Bring along a Sharpie pen to mark the places you've been or want to return. The back side of the map has a blown up area of popular places, for example, Oahu has Waikiki Beach and the placement of hotels and landmarks. I highly recommend these maps for getting around the islands.

It is small enough to carry in a pocket and is waterproof. The map gives you the big picture of the island and tries to give a little bit of info on each activity or place they identify. On the reverse side is a more detailed version of the major areas. By itself it isn't enough without a good guide book. I like maps and don't generally like the fold out ones that come with a guide book. So I used this one to put things in perspective. We found it most helpful as a book mark for the guide book. Is it really worth $8--probably not.

It doesn't show more precise features such as public parking. Some of the tourist attractions shown on the map were dated. Too bad, they can't show the location of the Queen's Bath at the tip of Princeville; it took me an entire morning figuring it out without the help of the map.

You'll want to pick one of these up for your trip to Kauai, even if you have a GPS! This map has lots of great hints and descriptions on it to help find your way and even discover some new places to visit.

I am a bit of a map junkie and this is a nice map. Very detailed and informative. I would buy it again. A bit expensive but a quality map.

Helped with roads on the island.

I purchased this map solely for the purpose of filling it up with sticky notes and highlighter for the places my Wife and I will be checking out. This was the only large map of the whole Island I could find. Seemed over-priced compared to maps I have purchased in the past for road trips.