Books about Hawaii's Culture and History

Question

A poster on another forum asked about books they could read to learn more about Hawaiian history and culture. Since we get the same question here sometimes, I thought I would post the info here on the Maui forum, too. These are some of the ones I rec:

Start with the most scholarly and sometimes difficult to read: Fornander's "Ancient History of the Hawaiian People", S.M. Kamakau's "Ruling Chiefs of Hawaii", Stephen Desha's "Kamehameha and His Warrior Kekuhaupi'o", and "Hawaiian Mythology" by Martha Beckwith.

More easy to read, Gavin Daws' "Shoal of Time", Bob Dye's "Hawaii Chronicles" I & II, Randy Roth's "Price of Paradise ( I & II)", "Pauahi-The Kamehameha Legacy" by George Hu'ue Sanford Kanahele, "The Betrayal of Lili'uokalani" by Helena Allen, and the Queen's own autobiography.

Some different and sometimes controversial ones include "Land and Power in Hawaii" by Daws and George Cooper, "Rape in Paradise" by Theon Wright, "Nation Within" by Tom Coffman, "To Steal a Kingdom" by Michael Dougherty, and "Broken Trust" by Samuel King and Randy Roth. Mark Panek's "Hawaii" is also excellent, but is harder for non-locals as it has considerable subtext that others don't know or understand.

There are also some really good ghost or obake books out there :-).

Answer

If you're looking to dive deep into Hawaiian history and culture, there are a variety of books that offer different perspectives, ranging from scholarly works to more accessible reads. Here's a list of recommended books, divided into categories based on reading difficulty and content type:

Scholarly and In-Depth Works (Sometimes Difficult to Read): These books provide a more academic or detailed exploration of Hawaiian culture and history.

"Ancient History of the Hawaiian People" by Fornander: This is one of the most comprehensive and scholarly accounts of early Hawaiian history, though it can be quite dense.
"Ruling Chiefs of Hawaii" by S.M. Kamakau: A foundational text that provides insight into the genealogies and histories of Hawaiian rulers, rich with historical context.
"Kamehameha and His Warrior Kekuhaupi'o" by Stephen Desha: This book provides an in-depth look at the life of King Kamehameha and his trusted warrior, Kekuhaupi'o, who played a crucial role in unifying Hawaii.
"Hawaiian Mythology" by Martha Beckwith: A classic work on Hawaiian mythology and legends, focusing on gods, creation stories, and cultural beliefs.

More Accessible Reads: These books are more reader-friendly and are great for those looking for a broader or more narrative-driven understanding of Hawaii’s history and culture.

"Shoal of Time" by Gavin Daws: A highly recommended book for understanding the historical context of Hawaii, including its colonial past and the effects of Western influence.
"Hawaii Chronicles I & II" by Bob Dye: This two-part series offers a detailed and engaging look at Hawaii’s history, with a focus on the islands’ people and the major events that shaped the islands.
"Price of Paradise I & II" by Randy Roth: These volumes delve into Hawaii’s economic history and its journey from a kingdom to a U.S. state.
"Pauahi - The Kamehameha Legacy" by George Hu'ue Sanford Kanahele: A biography of Princess Pauahi, one of the most influential figures in Hawaiian history, and her role in establishing the Kamehameha Schools.
"The Betrayal of Lili'uokalani" by Helena Allen: A poignant exploration of the downfall of Hawaii's last queen and the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy.
The Queen's own autobiography: Queen Lili'uokalani's personal account of her life and her reign provides a unique, firsthand perspective on the events that led to the loss of Hawaiian sovereignty.

Different and Sometimes Controversial Works: These books explore more complex or contentious aspects of Hawaii’s history and politics. They offer critical perspectives and are sometimes seen as controversial.

"Land and Power in Hawaii" by Daws and George Cooper: A critical examination of land ownership and power structures in Hawaii, especially focusing on the history of land reforms and the control of resources.
"Rape in Paradise" by Theon Wright: A provocative look at the darker side of Hawaii's tourist industry, exploring issues of crime and exploitation.
"Nation Within" by Tom Coffman: A critical account of the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy and the subsequent annexation by the United States.
"To Steal a Kingdom" by Michael Dougherty: This book delves into the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom and the role of foreign powers in that process.
"Broken Trust" by Samuel King and Randy Roth: A detailed investigation into the controversial management of the Hawaiian Trust Fund and its impact on native Hawaiians.
"Hawaii" by Mark Panek: A more contemporary and complex work, which might be difficult for outsiders to fully understand due to its deep cultural subtext.

Ghost Stories and Folklore (Obake Books): For those interested in the supernatural side of Hawaiian culture, there are a number of ghost stories and collections of obake (supernatural beings) that are popular in Hawaiian folklore.

Various collections of Hawaiian ghost stories: These books explore the rich tradition of ghost stories, legends of vengeful spirits, and paranormal encounters in Hawaii.

These books offer a wide range of perspectives on Hawaii’s past, its people, and its culture. Whether you're seeking scholarly analysis, narrative histories, or more contemporary critiques, this list provides a solid foundation for anyone interested in learning more about Hawaii.

Books about Hawaii's Culture and History

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