Hawaii Books

An excellent book and a first class and lively description of an important period in Japan's history. A pleasure to read and a must for any visitor to Japan.

There are numerous piture books of Hawaii. Most of them intend to vividly illustrate the touristically 'paradiced' Hawaii. However, the pictures in this book, it seems to me, correctly illustrate the history of the Island of Kahoolawe as a bombing target of US military for a long time. Personally, these pictures inspired me so much that I could set another goal for the pictures I am taking.

This book has so much information that is considered TOP secret today in Hawaii. No wonder it is so hard to find, and such a valuable tool for todays students of this ancient religion.

I purchased this book and what an outstanding book it was. My 6year old son loves it, his new favorite book. He loves the pictures adn the story. I recommend it for people of all ages.
Mahalo

Robin Montgomery has written a wonderful early reader in Kama's Lei. This story is beautiful. A little boy is excited about his aunt's arrival and wants to greet her with a gift of a homemade lei. His only problem is that the tree in his yard doesn't have enough flowers. His neighbors gladly assist him in providing different color flowers from their yards. Kama sews the lei and presents it to his Auntie. This story is delightful and accurately reflects the spirit of aloha -- loving families and communities. My little boy loves this story and always wants to help make a lei for our loved ones. "Just like Kama does!"

"Kamehameha: The Warrior King of Hawai'i" combines text by Susan Morrison with powerful artwork by Karen Kiefer. Together they tell the story of the ruler who forged the Hawaiian Islands into a single kingdom. A lot of information is packed into this slim book, which totals 85 plus xiv pages. The main text is divided up into fifteen short chapters, each of which features an illustration. The story spans all of Kamehameha's life, from birth to death; Morrison writes about his childhood, military campaigns, religious beliefs and activities, family life, political maneuvers, and encounters with Europeans. Particularly fascinating is Kamehameha's relationship with George Vancouver, a British seaman and explorer.

The main text and illustrations are complemented by many interesting supplemental features: a map of the Hawaiian Islands; an afterword that discusses Kamehameha's legacy; explanatory end notes about various aspects of his life; English and Hawaiian language versions of a chant about his birth, with an explanatory note; a chronology of important dates in his life; a glossary of terms and proper names that are relevant to his life; and a comprehensive bibliography. These supplemental features offer a lot of information for readers who might be interested in doing further research about Kamehameha.

Kamehameha truly lived an epic life, and Morrison and Kiefer have created a fascinating account of his journey. This is a coming-of-age story, a story of war and warriorship, a family drama, and a political saga. It's also a story about contact between different cultures (European and Hawaiian) and how new technology impacts one of these cultures. The portrait of Kamehameha is ultimately that of a visionary leader who aspires to bridge two worlds, both culturally and politically.

I have visited Kauai many times with other guide books and this is bar none the best one. Everything is thought of, mapped out, explained and clear. I would highly recommend it.

They say a picture speaks a thousand words, and perhaps a book writing about the aftermath of an hurricane on a small Hawaiian island should be as visual and expressive as possible.

However I loved the caption writing that supported these photographs and wished there was more of it. It is like the coulis you really prefer around a staid pudding. Myles Ludwig emits an air of sanguine lackadaisicality, whilst emanating a barely suppressed passion and sensitivity for his surroundings.

I'll keep an eye out for any other work from this talented writer.

This book is a wonderful glimpse of the beautiful Island of Kauai.
After my first visit to the Island, I wanted something that would capture the pure beauty of Kauai, and keep all the magic fresh in my mind. This book does the job. The photographs are amazing.
Well done, to Douglas Peebles.

The author obviously did his homework in compiling this book. If you really want to know the history of Kauai, you cannot go wrong with this book. It covers the origins from the first settlers to the landing of Captain Cook and ends with the annexation of the islands by the United States.

My only ping is it tends to jump dates and times about subjects while on the same page and you lose track of where you are. I can understand why the author did this, but it breaks the flow when you are trying to process Hawaiian names and places at the same time.

But don't let that stop you from purchasing this book if you want a real history and education on Kauai. If you can retain 10% of what this book offers, you will be an expert on the island.

If you go or have gone to Kauai, the places you visit will have much more meaning than just going to a snorkeling location or paddling the Wailua river. You learn about how sacred these places were to the ancient Hawaiians and also how the island both prospered and faultered throughout its inhabitance.

The Na Pali coast is devoid of any people or communities today, but in ancient times, many people lived in those valleys. Families trekked across treacherous terrains just to visit each other. It is amazing to think about when you stand at the top of the Kalalau lookout.

When you pull off the side of the rode to look at the Hanapepe valley, you are looking at the location where many people were killed as "payback" for Kauai's resistance to unification of the islands from years past.

These stories and more are vividly explained. It's not a tale of fiction or an easy read like Harry Potter. What it is though is a thoughtful, historic and educational story of the island and the people who lived there.