Hawaii Books

The bulk of this book consists of fascinating, funny interviews with former colonial British and French officials (and their families) on the Anglo-French Pacific island colony of the New Hebrides. There are also interviews with some of the older island locals of the colony's successor, Vanuatu. Included are many interesting black and white pictures of houses and public buildings (all modest by comparison with, say, the buildings of British India), and these compliment the colourful anecdotes and stories of life in this colonial (and modern) backwater.

The book is prefaced with a chapter containing the author's academic thesis. This I found jargon-laden and ineptly written. But no matter, the bulk of the book with all its fasciniting tales and personalities, and the pictures, make this a strange and fascinating little book. It will appeal to the curiosity of the general reader as well as to anyone who has lived abroad in a colony/ex-colony and was surrounded by interesting imperial architure, grand or modest.

If you like Jan Morris's books, like Hong Kong or Stones of Empire, this will make an enjoyable if eccentric addition to your library.

This book is great for all ages, it has pages to color that are full of excellent information about the sea and tides and how to surf. It keeps the feeling light and fun, just how surfing should be!

This book is such a cute story for any child. I loved it when I was in school and I bought it for my children.

Having visited Hawaii a couple of years ago and having fallen in love with its fantastically diverse landscapes, traditions and cultures, I wondered how I could bring a little of the magic home with me. Learning to hula sounded like the ideal way to continue enjoying Hawaii and since there are no local classes available here,in England, this book has been ideal. The book combines the traditions of Hula dancing along with a brief philosophy in an easy-to-follow context, great for beginners, setting out the key steps required to complete a selection of dances for a variety of occasions. Beautiful colour photographs, showing arm and body movements are used throughout, accompanied by basic instructions and ideas for costumes and lei designs. There is a short glossary at the end and a selection of suggested Hawaiian songs to which the dances can be performed. The book is easy to use, thanks to its clear presentation and instructions and the photographs in themselves are beautiful. Related topics that I have looked into further,have included the making of leis and the history of Hawaii with its legends.

We found a much better, larger and cheaper one that answered ALL our questions and helped immensely. It's called LIVE IN HAWAII ON A BUDGET a 6-book set. It even included a lists of apts AND rental application AND certificate for two FREE hotel nights. Best bargain on the web!

This book will change your views on what love is. It is an awesome book that keeps you intrigued throughout the book. This is one book that you will never forget.

There's no way this book should be listed under Home and Garden. Someone tell me why it is. Hula Dancers and Tiki Gods boasts over 500 color images of Hawaiiana collectibles. Pfouts' purpose is clear: It's all about fun. He claims he's not out to teach anyone anything. And then he goes ahead and does it anyway. Hula Dancers offers a great store of information and photos. Pfouts gives a clear picture of how the hula dancer and the tiki god came to symbolize so much to so many. He covers a wide range of Hula collectibles through four sections: flat hula treasures that includes postcards, paintings, pulp art, cocktail napkins, carnival sideshow art, decals, playing cards, tattoos, etc; the three-dimensional section brings the lovely ladies to life as figurines, salt and pepper shakers, plaster sculptures, drinking vessels, killer lamps and more; the vintage crank girls in the third section offer the reader a rare chance to see dainty little ladies who shimmy with a quick twist and the Hollywood section show how movie posters, album covers, photos and sheet music brought the hula into greater public view. The tiki gods portion of the book offers up information and photos on everything tiki, including swizzel sticks, mugs, pendants, bookends and furniture to die for. Combined with his entertaining commentary and assessments on what some of these collectibles are worth today, Hula Dancers and Tiki Gods leaves a lasting impression of the depth and availability of Hawaiiana out there.

This book has some great vintage pics in it. My only complaint is that some of these photos are racey and caution must be adheared before laying this book on the coffee table. It would of showed the hula customs even without all the bare-breasted shot that are very unsuitable for many folks ,young and old alike. Besides that this book captures a lot of old (pre WWII)shots that you arn't going to find elseware.

"ENJOY" Joe Kopeck

We bought this book as a gift for my niece before we moved out here, but I ended up loving it so much when I read it that I bought a copy for myself. It's a wonderful story about how the same dollar bill travels throughout the Hawaiian islands, its "adventures," and how it ultimately ends up back with the young girl who originally earned it. It's a wonderful introduction to Hawaii and basic Hawaiiana, and the last couple of pages are counting and also educational. In addition to a great story, the illustrations/graphics/photos are incredible -- reminiscent of Nick Bantock's books (Griffin & Sabine series). Even though this is a children's book, I highly recommend it for anyone's bookshelf.

I found this book eminently readable. It shows that the author has a good grasp of the subject which she has analysed in an inteligent manner. Unlike the majority of books that try to put across a view that contradicts the prevelent thinking of the day, this book has convinced me to change many of my beliefs concerning the area of history covered.I would love to have the oppertunity to discuss the book further with the author.