Hawaii Books

The lore of Aukele, who stole the magical "water of Kane" to revive his dead nephew and brothers, along with a host of other folktales from the varied islands of Hawaii. Suitable to be told or read to younger children and read independently by older children and adults.
--- from publisher's synopsis

Steven Curry's poems are subtle and soft, yet their point seems to drive home hard. Zephyr & Why We Need Kites, are two of my favorites. The poems remind me of the state when one is almost awake but can still push themselves back into the wonderful world of dreams.

Reading it was like having a thousand bullets penetrate my retinas. Except, the words were the bullets and the book was the gun.

I am now blind.

Not very many books have been written about Guam's political past nor it quest for self-determination. This book covers an important period in Guam's history; From the end of WWII to the signing of the Organic Act in 1950 by President Truman. It clarified many issues and really showed how the U.S. Navy controlled (and still does) U.S. foreign policy on Guam. I never realized until now the significant role that John Collier played in Guam's political history. A very readable and enlightning book.

Weavers Of Song: Polynesian Music & Dance is an informative and engaging exploration of the musical traditions of twenty specific south sea areas including the Society Islands, Tonga, Samoa, Tuvalu, Tokelau, Niue, Uvea and Futuna, the Marquesas Islands, Easter Island, Hawaii, and New Zealand. Weavers Of Song describes the musical instruments and their uses, performance, teaching and structure of music across the entire region. Merveyn McLean is an ethnomusicologist who draws upon his many years as an authority on Polynesian music to present a meticulously researched and superbly presented text that is enhanced with 165 photographs, 80 musical examples, and an accompanying CD sampler of songs, dance-songs, and instrumental music from the areas featured in this outstanding contribution to music history in general, and the musical cultures and legacies of the Polynesian south seas in particular.

Researched and written by MacKinnon Simpson, with many beautiful photographs to accompany the text, WhaleSong provides a 21 Centurian the opportunity to view artifacts of the whaling industry and the influences of whaling on Hawai'i during the 1800's. This book is recommended as a keepsake following a visit to Honolulu's Lahaina Whaling Museum - or as a gift to those who can only hope to go. Robert Goodman's photography is exquisite and the items that he and Mr. Simpson chose for exhibit in the book are of interest to all ages. Kudos for a wonderful job!

I have four year old twins who loved this book. It has cute riddles and great illustrations. My kids were unfamiliar with these Hawaiin animals (we live in New York), so they were especially interested in these creatures. The guessing made them want to read the book over and over. Buy this book for your kids to learn.

"What are Fronds For?" shows you how to make the unique figurines you see when you visit the Hawaiian Islands. The fronds come from the coconut palm tree. Projects in the book include fish, roses, pineapples, baskets , and bowls. Directions are easy to follow and the illustrations are clearly drawn. If you enjoy origami, this is a special treat using a medium other than paper. Teachers could use this book as a handy resource for a unit on "Hawaii".

This is a book who's meaning changes as the reader matures. I first read it in childhood and found it to be entertaining, much like Alice in Wonderland.

Many (30!) years later I felt a desire to revisit the story and, only recently, was able to buy a copy through a Used Book dealer in Maine. It was worth the search!

The story says so many different things, things the We ALL need to hear, when read with adult's eyes. The clearest message of all... go ahead and search the world for your dream of "something better" - but don't be suprised when you find that "something" right at home!

If you get a copy of this book share it with those you care about... especially your children.

Do you:
- Interested in university politics?
- Find Hawai'i fascinating?
- Enjoy a good read by a brilliant scientist?
- Get a kick out of knowing what goes on behind all those closed doors?

YOU GOTTA READ THIS!!

Feynman wasn't all that Caltech had that was fun. In David Yount they produced a wonderful observer of human behavior. He was so good at writting everything down that taking notes is now frowned upon at UH board meetings. He got it all down. Yount gives more insights and more good advice than you could get in a lifetime of academic infighting. Every character is fully laid out and developed. He doesn't chose the heroes and villians, but you will. This will teach you how to fight dirty and how to resist those who do. Non-fiction can be fun.