Hawaii Books

As a Native Hawaiian, I always wondered why I did the things I did, acted the way I do and had dreams with subjects I do. This book is eloquently written and is a must read for those Hawaiians wondering...WHY? Dr. Rezentes examines the Hawaiian psyche through his patients, his knowledge of Hawaiian culture...being he is Native Hawaiian, and his Psychological background. Dr. Rezentes offers reasons why some Hawaiians may have issues with assimilation, even after more than 100 years since Hawaiians feel we've lost our cultural identity and that culture being branded, marketed, exploited and bastardized. Dr. Rezentes offers hope to those who may not "fit" into any one category but offers a peace of mind, heart and soul to those reaching out.

Marie McDonald has not only created a book of beauty, but it is useful as well. Her photographs of lei are outstanding, and she takes it to the next level with detailed instructions on how to make many of the lei. I enjoy looking at the beautiful lei and daydreaming of returning home someday to Hawai`i nei.

This book (written by a Univeristy of Hawaii theater professor) is absolutely brilliant. It's a great, basic primer on the history and world of Kabuki, with fun facts and clever writing to keep it's audience interested. If you're just looking for pictures of the theater, try and pick up the amazingly pricey (but worth it) Kabuki no Sekai (World of Kabuki, with photos of actor Tamasaburo Bando). If you have any interest in learning about Kabuki, pick this up!

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.