An easier (but it depends on how you got to the map full of pins) is this:

Look at the very BOTTOM of the left-hand side bar. You should see a "plus" button [+]. Click that and it will open a list of items that are checked. Uncheck the items you don't want to see (bascially everything), and it all disappears except for the map.

Short answer: Create your own "My Maps" within Google Maps.

I will sympathize with you that Google Maps is not the most intuitive interface when it comes to customizing, editing and saving your searches. But there is plenty under the hood if you have time to explore. (This is assuming you have a Google account currently.)

The next time you go to the Google Maps page I want you to do the following before doing your search:

• Click on the "My Maps" link located next to "Get Directions".
• Now type in your search criteria.
• In the left hand navigation panel, locate the letter of the pushpin (balloon) you want to save.
• Look for a small, down arrow between the pushpin link and the star icon and click on it.
• Choose save to from the drop down menu.
• A new "Save to My Maps" line will appear in the left navigation pane. Choose the drop down menu again, and select create a new map
• Name it and save it.

Now you will have a saved map with only one pushpin (balloon) and nothing else. You can then choose whether or not you want to share your map with everyone, just certain people, or keep it private.

And of course, Feel free to peruse the Google Maps help files here: http://maps.google.com/support/?hl=en

The best that I've found, without creating your own "My Maps", is to simply click the "more info" link found beside the title of the balloon you want, and then once your in that place's info page click on the map screenshot in the top right corner. This will pull up the map with just that place's balloon.