Readers, I’m delighted to welcome our Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club community manager Ginger Horton to the blog today. As many of you know, Ginger moved to Hawai’i in 2020. We’ve so enjoyed our literary tourism series here on MMD; how could I resist asking Ginger to add her own contribution about the place she currently calls home? Welcome, Ginger!– Anne
As a home-loving introvert, often the first time I’ll encounter something—be that an idea, a concept, a project, or a place—is in the pages of a good book. When my husband and I traveled to Hawai’i for our tenth wedding anniversary years ago, I checked out every book I could find on Hawai’i. I scoured Nancy Pearl’s Book Lust to Go for recommendations, asked my librarian, and kept a running list of the Hawai’i classics that came across my path.
We had a wonderful trip, ate our weight in poke, and saw all the palaces and beaches and monuments. So wonderful, in fact, that this home-loving girl sat on her hotel bed the last day of the trip and flirted with the idea of changing her flight to extend her stay.
But the vacation had to end sometime. Imagine my surprise when four years later, the opportunity to move to Hawai’i came into our lives—and we did.
This was no vacation. This is where people lived, worked, loved, fought, and spoke a different language, yet the same language. This state is both part of the United States, familiar in so many ways, yet of its own place. I learned the history beyond Pearl Harbor. I learned the challenges of being both dependent on and harmed by tourism. I learned about colonization, and how pineapples aren’t even native to these islands. I learned that “aloha” was so much more than a way to say “hello!”
I’m still learning. These beautiful islands are paradise, for sure. But they’re sometimes a hard and humbling place to live. The beauty is all around me, and so are the stories.
I hope this list shows just a few of those stories—stories of queens and land and disease and war and family and food. You know, the stuff of life. Plus palm trees.
Literary Tourism: Hawai’i
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A great cozy mystery to tuck in your vacation bag. You’ll tour the island with Maile Spencer, literally. She’s a tour guide for her brother’s company, so you’ll pick up tips and facts along the way as she guides her tour group, and one member, off into danger. That bright cover alone will be photo-worthy as it peeks out from your beach bag. More info →
If you’re going to read one book set in Hawai’i, this is the one. Walk the halls of Iolani Palace with Queen Lili’uokalani, the last queen of the Hawaiian kingdom until the overthrow in 1893. She wrote this autobiography of her accession to the throne, her arrest, and trial during her imprisonment in the palace. Her appeal eventually reached President Grover Cleveland and the US Congress, but Hawai’i was formally annexed by the US the very same year this book was published. Hawai’i eventually went on to become a state in 1959, but many in the Hawaiian sovereignty movement see this as a key text documenting the overthrow of the monarchy. More info →
This doesn’t release until May 2, but this debut promises to be worth the wait. Three generations of women tell their story through dance on the Big Island. One daughter dreams of proving herself by becoming Miss Aloha Hula, but the harder she tries, the more things fall apart. Secrets erupt and the Hawaiian Sovereignty movement is explored through the lens of one fractured family. More info →
Everyone says if you’ve only seen the movie starring George Clooney, you’re missing out on this complex novel showing the darker side of paradise. People have problems in Hawai’i too—and Matthew King sure does. His wife is in a coma and his two daughters are quickly growing out of his reach. Matthew’s ancestors have made him one of the richest men on the islands, but the “lucky we live HI” slogans won’t save him from heartbreak. The beautiful setting and elegant writing lifts this modern novel from airport fare to literary fiction. More info →
An irreverent take on the history of Hawai’i the publisher describes as “examining the place where Manifest Destiny got a sunburn.” Only Sarah Vowell can take whaling, royalty, missionaries, con men, sugar barons, imperialism, US presidents, and a coup and combine them to this wry and witty effect. More info →
Vacation, even a literary one, is the perfect time to indulge in short stories. This Is Paradise captures Hawai’i in this collection of six stories set across the islands. Most tourists only visit Oahu or Maui, but Kahakauwila captures what’s underneath the touristy beaches and well-traveled paths, the place Hawaiians call home. Don’t miss "Thirty-Nine Rules for Making a Hawaiian Funeral Into a Drinking Game.” More info →
Olympic sports stories often make for great drama, and this one is no exception. In one field on the island of Maui, poverty-stricken parents work a sugar plantation while their children train in a nearby irrigation ditch to become Olympic athletes. With no proper pool, equipment, nutrition, and a teacher who could barely swim as their coach, the swim club managed to outrace champion athletes, breaking records and making headlines along the way. More info →
Sara Ackerman is the queen of Hawaiian historical fiction. Born and raised in Hawaii, Ackerman’s novels were mentioned by just about everyone when we asked what to read when visiting there. Radar Girls is arguably the best of the bunch. It opens on a date that lives in infamy, then follows a story inspired by true events when the Women’s Air Raid Defense sent women pilots into a war zone for the first time. There’s war, love, pioneering heroines, everything you’d expect in WWII-era historical fiction. More info →
Kiana Davenport is so beloved, it was hard to choose just one for this list. Song of the Exile is her most well-known though you can’t go wrong with her debut, Shark Dialogues. Both are epic stories told through the lens of a family, passing generations full of turbulent history, love, betrayal. Read this for the unforgettable characters who are as beautiful and complex as the islands themselves. More info →
Before Mark Twain was Mark Twain, he traveled to Hawai’i on assignment and wrote letters in his trademark style, remarking on the “jolly time” Live vicariously through his one-week-turned-five in the Rainbow State before it was a state. More info →
Most WWII stories are told from the perspective of the soldiers or the victims and rightly so. But imagine being a young Army wife in Honolulu on the day of the Pearl Harbor attacks—you’re uncertain what is happening, running for your life with your young daughter, all the while wondering where your husband is, if he’s in danger, if your whole country is in danger. This look back at a mother and daughter’s experiences through the war years explores how two people can see the same events through different lenses of memory. More info →
This graphic novel captures an adolescence in Hawai’i with stark black and white images which are somehow far from what you’d expect in a novel set there. Yet it captures the true experience of life lived on a tropical island. The publisher calls this a “a mature depiction of immature lives.” As you might expect from a coming-of-age novel, it’s moody, knotty, grisly. Content warnings apply for crime and drug use. More info →
It’s unlikely you’ll spend much time on the island of Moloka’i during a vacation to Hawai’i. This former leper colony isn’t a spot most tourists gather, but its history is tragic and fascinating. Alan Brennert tells the story through the eyes of Rachel, a young girl when she’s diagnosed with leprosy and taken from her family home to the leper settlement on Moloka’i. All the hallmarks of a coming-of-age story, set against the well-researched backdrop of exile. More info →
From the author of A Little Life, this alternate-history novel spans Hawai’i and New York City, imagining what the world would look like 100 years apart at each jump, in 1893, 1993, and 2093. It spans time, geographical distance, but most importantly wealth and poverty, weakness and might, love and loneliness. At 720 pages, there’s plenty of space to explore all these issues and more. And it’s the perfect chunky novel to tuck in a vacation bag. More info →
When this contemporary literary saga released, everyone raved about it, from the New York Times to Tommy Orange to the friend that texted me telling me I had to read it. The premise sells itself: when seven-year old Noa falls overboard a cruise ship on a rare family vacation, everyone gathers around and fears the worst when they see sharks nearby. Instead, Noa is delivered safely back to his mother, and his status as legend is born. But this favor from the Hawaiian gods drives the family apart. Oh yeah, did I mention Barack Obama also mentioned this as one of his favorites of 2020? More info →
Whether you're planning a trip to the islands, or just the kitchen, Sheldon Simeon tells the story of Hawai’i through food. These recipes are uncomplicated and authentic, celebrating the mash of flavors and cultures that Hawaiian food represents. But even if you’re not planning to whip up some ono pupu (delicious snacks), the photography is beautiful and the story of Hawai’i as told through food will transport you. Don’t miss the cauliflower katsu, hurricane popcorn, and haupai with passion fruit curd. More info →
If you’re visiting the site of the sunken USS Arizona memorial, you have to read this true and harrowing tale of Japanese American families following the attacks on Pearl Harbor. Brown does a tremendous job of telling their stories, balancing the excruciating facts of life in concentration camps on U.S. soil with hope and bravery in the face of bigotry. He reminds us that whether they fought in courtrooms or foxholes, these Americans are heroes. More info →
Which books set in Hawai’i have you read and loved? Please tell us all about them in the comments section!
Ginger Horton is our Book Club Community Manager here at MMD. Her go-to genres are literary fiction and classics. You can find Ginger on Instagram posting as herself @gthorton or in the MMD Book Club account @MMDBookClub
So what does Ginger think of Hawaii by James Michener, since she didn’t include it? Is it authentic? Is it dated? (I have read it and some scenes stick in my head to this day.)
I love it! (Though I would indeed like to reread it to see if it aged well.) And it was a hard decision on whether to leave some of the most well-known titles off in favor of some that might fall under the radar. Oh the readerly angst! 🙂
As a fellow Hawaii dweller, I appreciate your extensive list. I can add Kaaawa by O. A. Bushnell. We read it in my IRL bookclub years ago and we all loved it. It’s a great novel set in the Oahu east shore community of Kaaawa in the 1850s. I highly recommend it and I learned so much about the place I call home.
Paul Theroux has written several books set in Hawaii: Under the Wave at Waimea and Hotel Honolulu are two of my favorites. As he has lived in Hawaii for over 30 years he has a unique view of the islands.
Where There’s a Will (A Gideon Oliver Mystery, Bk. 12) by Aaron Elkins. Published 2006.
It was noteworthy to me at the time I read it, because it was set outside the well-known touristy attractions of Hawaii. Note that I don’t approach my fiction reading from a critical or post-colonial standpoint, so your mileage may vary! I’m more of a social constructionist. Interested in understanding the development of one or more understandings of reality, but not critiquing from any one standpoint. E.g., post-colonialism.
Many of the books in this series are set in different parts of the globe. I’d skip the first couple of books. Outdated, particularly in gender relations.
I will definitely check out that Maile Spencer series as cozy mysteries are my go-to genre! Another fun cozy mystery series that takes place in Hawaii are the Charlotte Gibson Mysteries by Jasmine Webb. Cute and fun. The first one didn’t wow me but it was good enough to continue and I feel each book is better than the last.
Well timed post! We’re off to Maui in two weeks. I’ll load up my kindle for all these great reads. I love reading books about where I’m vacationing. One of my favorite combos was reading Elizabeth Peters’ ‘Amelia Peabody’ series while we were in Luxor. And pulled out ‘Death on the Nile’ while we were cruising on the Nile. Luckily, no dead bodies on our trip. Although with food poisoning, my husband may have felt like he was heading in that direction.
Freckled – A Memoir of Growing up Wild in Hawaii, TW Neal
As a frequent visitor to Kauai, with an obsession about Taylor Camp and the hippie culture of the 70s, I found this fascinating.
Silversword by Phyllis Whitney. It was one of the last books my mom bought before she passed awayin 1988. As I was going through her books, I decided it sounded interesting, so I read it and loved it!! This book is based on the Big Island and played a part in my decision to visit there for my honeymoon in 1998.
Ginger
Thank you so much for this list. I would love to add two others by the Author of Molokai, Alan Brennert has also written “Honolulu” and Daughter of Molohai. Another fascinating non Fiction book is about Father Damien, a priest who lived on Molokai and spent his life helping the people who were exiled there because of leprosy. The books about him give so much insight into the island of Molokai and how difficult the life was. The book I read was “A piece of fish, a piece of Taro and a glass of water.” There are so many others that are amazing. Also there is another author who wrote a series of Hawaii set fiction, Toby Neal. I have only read one of his books, they are mysteries and crime. I will be expanding my TBR list now to take me back to Hawaii. I have seen Oahu, Maui and Kauai, my dream is the big Island and Molokai, although traveling is very strict to Molokai. Sending you Aloha.
Kathy
Heading there this year, so thank you for the list! I plan to reread “The Descendents” as that is already a favorite book. My book club read “Moloka’i” and the author was generous in having a Zoom meeting with us — well worth it! Quick question — where are the independent bookstores on the islands? Always try to hit a few on vacation and am having trouble finding them online. Thanks!
Great question! My favorite indie on Oahu is Da Books. We also have a truly great Barnes & Noble in Ala Moana shopping center with a great local section. I know less about the indies on the other islands, but Hawaii Magazine did a story on the best bookstores across all the islands recently and I’ve tucked it away on my list for when we visit other spots.
Bookends in Kailua is a great indie book store on Oahu – and the friends of the library bookstores at the kailua and Kaneohe libraries are fantastic ! (But the hours are odd so check online before going – you can fill up your beach bag for $3!)
I enjoyed Local: A Memoir by Jessica Machado. Definitely going to be adding some of these to my reading list as Hawaii is one of the places I’m reading about this year!
Hawaii by Michener is a must. The first two thirds are the most entertaining as he had to be careful with later chapters as many of the players are well known and remembered in recent memory. Reading this book enriched my first visit (names, places, details) and I reread favourite sections on each visit. The missionaries from Boston are particularly vivid to me.
Yes, I agree with all comments about Michener’s “ Hawaii “ – a solid older classic that addresses current issues, & is quite a read. The author’s research & writing are amazing.
Love The Aloha Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini. That is the first time I read about the quilt Queen Liliuokalani made while she was held prisoner in her own palace. And then I got to see the quilt when we visited Iolani Palace in 2019.
Hi LizL i mentioned the book “A piece of Fish, A piece of Taro and a glass of water” I read another I can not recall, amazing how Father Damien helped the people isolated on this island. Love his story.
Father Damien was remarkable. Moloka’i touches on his story a bit, but I’ve not read any books dedicated to his story. I’d love to read one if you have a recommendation!
Children of Battleship Row by Joan Zuber Earle. She was a child living on Ford Island in 1941 and writes about the experience of the Pearl Harbor attack. It’s a wonderful and true read alike for The Lion in the Lei Shop.
Thanks for this, Lisa! I really enjoyed the experience of seeing the Pearl Harbor attack through the eyes of a child and family. I’m sure I’ll enjoy a true account of that even more.
This list made me happy as a fellow Hawai’i dweller. If you read Moloka’i, then Honolulu by Alan Brennert is also great. Radar Girls was a good pick, too!
Yup, I’m adding my 2-cents in as well. I was surprised that I didn’t see Michener’s Hawai’i on the list. It’s pretty long, but WELL worth the commitment.
I had read Hawaii by James Michener when I was an adolescent, but I chose it to read many years later when I traveled to Hawaii with my husband and kids. It was the perfect book to read for my trip. And, as luck would have it, most of the story unfolded within a few miles of where we stayed, so I got to see and tour quite a few places in the novel!
We vacation most on the Big Island, so the books I would add to the list are based there: Volcano: A Memoir of Hawaii by Garrett Kaoru Hongo and The Goddesses by Swan Huntley. Last year I read The Goddesses, Sharks in the Time of Saviors, and Shark Dialogues while we were on-island, and I HIGHLY recommend them as a book flight. Another fun addition to the list is Micro by Michael Crichton. But my favorite are Alan Brennert’s books– fingers crossed that he writes another one!
Dang! I was just on Oahu last month!!! Guess I will just have to read all these before my NEXT trip to Hawai’i – so jealous you are living there. I love Hawai’i!! There is definitely something special about those islands. So happy to have some books to read so I can return through words. Thanks, Ginger!
I’m delighted that you included two of my favorite all-time books here, Moloka’i by Alan Brennert and Unfamiliar Fishes by Sarah Vowell. I actually have been to the island of Moloka’i. I loved Brennert’s book so much that I made sure on one of my trips to Hawaii I took the little hopper plane trip to this historical island. It’s one of my favorite experiences ever.
I’d also like to recommend Alan Brennert’s two other Hawaii books. Daughter of Moloka’i continues the story years later and follows Ruth, the daughter of Rachel Kalama (the young girl who was sent to Moloka’i when she was just six-years-old). Rachel was forced to give up Ruth at birth. Brennert came out with Honolulu in 2009, and it’s a story about “picture brides” from Korea who come to Honolulu in 1914 hoping that a marriage there will give them a chance at a better life. All three of Brennert’s Hawaii books are fantastic reading.
This is such a great list and more great ideas in the comments. Hawai’i is our most favorite vacation spot and it’s on our maybe someday retirement list. I have struggled in the past to find good books about the Islands, even when we are there. This list gives both reasons to go back and happy dreams when we are not there. Love the opportunity to learn more. Thanks Ginger and everyone.
I’m a little late to the party, but have heard of a beautiful new historical fiction based on the true stories of the author’s family to add to your list, Of White Ashes by Constance Hays Matsumoto and Kent Matsumoto. It’s coming out May 1. I read an early copy and it’s definitely worthy of this list!
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85 comments
Hawaii by James Michener
Absolutely! It was the first one that came to my mind and I was so surprised to not see it listed!
First one I thought of as well!
That’s my response, too, Jane! Hands down.
Yes, I kept looking for it as I scrolled down.
So what does Ginger think of Hawaii by James Michener, since she didn’t include it? Is it authentic? Is it dated? (I have read it and some scenes stick in my head to this day.)
I love it! (Though I would indeed like to reread it to see if it aged well.) And it was a hard decision on whether to leave some of the most well-known titles off in favor of some that might fall under the radar. Oh the readerly angst! 🙂
Yes That is the first one that came to mind upon reading this subject. A must and an all time favorite!!!
I was thinking of that one too.
Yes, I kept thinking ‘where’s Michener’?
This one was SO good. The opening passages about the creation of land is some of the most beautiful writing.
Yes, a glaring omission.
As a fellow Hawaii dweller, I appreciate your extensive list. I can add Kaaawa by O. A. Bushnell. We read it in my IRL bookclub years ago and we all loved it. It’s a great novel set in the Oahu east shore community of Kaaawa in the 1850s. I highly recommend it and I learned so much about the place I call home.
I’d not heard of this one! Adding it to my list.
Paul Theroux has written several books set in Hawaii: Under the Wave at Waimea and Hotel Honolulu are two of my favorites. As he has lived in Hawaii for over 30 years he has a unique view of the islands.
I’ve read Hotel Honolulu but not Under the Wave at Waimea. Thanks!
For fellow forensic science mystery lovers:
Where There’s a Will (A Gideon Oliver Mystery, Bk. 12) by Aaron Elkins. Published 2006.
It was noteworthy to me at the time I read it, because it was set outside the well-known touristy attractions of Hawaii. Note that I don’t approach my fiction reading from a critical or post-colonial standpoint, so your mileage may vary! I’m more of a social constructionist. Interested in understanding the development of one or more understandings of reality, but not critiquing from any one standpoint. E.g., post-colonialism.
Many of the books in this series are set in different parts of the globe. I’d skip the first couple of books. Outdated, particularly in gender relations.
Thanks for those recommendations and your thoughtful commentary!
I read “Shark Dialogues” by Kiana Davenport before our trip to Hawai’i and really enjoyed it—family saga that spans decades of Hawaiian history.
I debated between this one and Song of the Exile!
I will definitely check out that Maile Spencer series as cozy mysteries are my go-to genre! Another fun cozy mystery series that takes place in Hawaii are the Charlotte Gibson Mysteries by Jasmine Webb. Cute and fun. The first one didn’t wow me but it was good enough to continue and I feel each book is better than the last.
Oh, I didn’t know that series and I love a series that continues to get better throughout.
Well timed post! We’re off to Maui in two weeks. I’ll load up my kindle for all these great reads. I love reading books about where I’m vacationing. One of my favorite combos was reading Elizabeth Peters’ ‘Amelia Peabody’ series while we were in Luxor. And pulled out ‘Death on the Nile’ while we were cruising on the Nile. Luckily, no dead bodies on our trip. Although with food poisoning, my husband may have felt like he was heading in that direction.
Hurrah for Maui in two weeks! Here’s hoping for an uneventful trip with no bodies or poisoning, but with lots of great books. 🙂
Freckled – A Memoir of Growing up Wild in Hawaii, TW Neal
As a frequent visitor to Kauai, with an obsession about Taylor Camp and the hippie culture of the 70s, I found this fascinating.
Oh, I didn’t know this one. Sounds excellent!
Silversword by Phyllis Whitney. It was one of the last books my mom bought before she passed awayin 1988. As I was going through her books, I decided it sounded interesting, so I read it and loved it!! This book is based on the Big Island and played a part in my decision to visit there for my honeymoon in 1998.
I’ve not read nearly as much set on the Big Island so thank you!
Ginger
Thank you so much for this list. I would love to add two others by the Author of Molokai, Alan Brennert has also written “Honolulu” and Daughter of Molohai. Another fascinating non Fiction book is about Father Damien, a priest who lived on Molokai and spent his life helping the people who were exiled there because of leprosy. The books about him give so much insight into the island of Molokai and how difficult the life was. The book I read was “A piece of fish, a piece of Taro and a glass of water.” There are so many others that are amazing. Also there is another author who wrote a series of Hawaii set fiction, Toby Neal. I have only read one of his books, they are mysteries and crime. I will be expanding my TBR list now to take me back to Hawaii. I have seen Oahu, Maui and Kauai, my dream is the big Island and Molokai, although traveling is very strict to Molokai. Sending you Aloha.
Kathy
Thanks for these additions to my list, Kathy!! Aloha!
You’re right Kathy. The two other books by Alan Brennert were excellent, too!
Heading there this year, so thank you for the list! I plan to reread “The Descendents” as that is already a favorite book. My book club read “Moloka’i” and the author was generous in having a Zoom meeting with us — well worth it! Quick question — where are the independent bookstores on the islands? Always try to hit a few on vacation and am having trouble finding them online. Thanks!
Great question! My favorite indie on Oahu is Da Books. We also have a truly great Barnes & Noble in Ala Moana shopping center with a great local section. I know less about the indies on the other islands, but Hawaii Magazine did a story on the best bookstores across all the islands recently and I’ve tucked it away on my list for when we visit other spots.
Bookends in Kailua is a great indie book store on Oahu – and the friends of the library bookstores at the kailua and Kaneohe libraries are fantastic ! (But the hours are odd so check online before going – you can fill up your beach bag for $3!)
Paula, if you go to Kauai I would add Talk Story bookstore to your list!
This was fortuitous as I am traveling to the big island on the 24th. Thank you!
Aloha! Hope you have a great time.
I love this list! I have read a couple of these already, but added so many more to my wish list. Thank you!
Hope you enjoy them!
Thanks so much, Ginger! This is a great list.
Thanks! It could have been so much longer. So many good books set in Hawaii. 🙂
I enjoyed Local: A Memoir by Jessica Machado. Definitely going to be adding some of these to my reading list as Hawaii is one of the places I’m reading about this year!
Oh thanks, I don’t know that one!
Thank you SO much for all these recommendations… I’m heading to Maui next month and will be taking some of these along with me! 🤗
Yay! Happy travels.
Hawaii by Michener is a must. The first two thirds are the most entertaining as he had to be careful with later chapters as many of the players are well known and remembered in recent memory. Reading this book enriched my first visit (names, places, details) and I reread favourite sections on each visit. The missionaries from Boston are particularly vivid to me.
Michener’s writing is just SO good.
Yes, I agree with all comments about Michener’s “ Hawaii “ – a solid older classic that addresses current issues, & is quite a read. The author’s research & writing are amazing.
Love The Aloha Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini. That is the first time I read about the quilt Queen Liliuokalani made while she was held prisoner in her own palace. And then I got to see the quilt when we visited Iolani Palace in 2019.
I forgot about that series! I keep meaning to finish it. Such a memorable story and I love visiting that quilt at Iolani.
No books on Father Damian and the famous leper colony?
Molokai is based on that, also Daughter of Molokai by the same author. Both are excellent
Hi LizL i mentioned the book “A piece of Fish, A piece of Taro and a glass of water” I read another I can not recall, amazing how Father Damien helped the people isolated on this island. Love his story.
Father Damien was remarkable. Moloka’i touches on his story a bit, but I’ve not read any books dedicated to his story. I’d love to read one if you have a recommendation!
Damien of Molokai by John Farrow is excellent. Also the letter Robert Louis Stevenson wrote in defense of St. Damien.
Thanks, Martha!
Moloka’i is about the leper colony, although Father Damian isn’t a main character. I devoured the audiobook.
All of Sara Ackerman’s books are amazing. Paul Brennert (Molokai) has a couple others that were amazing as well.
Alan Brennert**
I need to read more of Brennert’s work. Maybe I’ll be a completist by the time I leave here.
Oh wow, so many of these I want to read. I have read The Descendants and it is special.
Happy reading! 🙂
Children of Battleship Row by Joan Zuber Earle. She was a child living on Ford Island in 1941 and writes about the experience of the Pearl Harbor attack. It’s a wonderful and true read alike for The Lion in the Lei Shop.
Thanks for this, Lisa! I really enjoyed the experience of seeing the Pearl Harbor attack through the eyes of a child and family. I’m sure I’ll enjoy a true account of that even more.
This list made me happy as a fellow Hawai’i dweller. If you read Moloka’i, then Honolulu by Alan Brennert is also great. Radar Girls was a good pick, too!
Hi, Jessica! Waving to my fellow Hawai’i dweller!
Oh, I have so many to add. Not only Honolulu by Brennert, but Molokai’s Daughter, too. Both SO GOOD.
Eddie Would Go about Eddie Aikau (namesake of the big wave competition) and the origins of big wave surf culture.
The People You Meet in Long’s – short stories full of local personalities.
There’s a series of mysteries set on the N Shore of Kauai (my fave Hawaii destination): The Tiki Goddess Mystery Series
Spider Bones, of the Kathy Reichs Bones series, is mostly set on Oahu.
Captive Paradise by James Haley is a good nonfiction overview of the history of the islands.
The Island Edge of America: A Political History of Hawai’i by Tom Coffman was a little dry for me but my husband loved it.
For kids, the Calvin Coconut series is a look at local life in Kailua and I have Kino and the King by Jen Angeli in my Amazon cart.
Sharks in the Time of Saviors was engrossing, but you REALLY have to like magical realism to get into it.
You’re a wealth of titles!!
Damien of Molakai by John Farrow
Yup, I’m adding my 2-cents in as well. I was surprised that I didn’t see Michener’s Hawai’i on the list. It’s pretty long, but WELL worth the commitment.
Agreed, Debbie. Well worth a read. I’m so glad so many love Michener.
I had read Hawaii by James Michener when I was an adolescent, but I chose it to read many years later when I traveled to Hawaii with my husband and kids. It was the perfect book to read for my trip. And, as luck would have it, most of the story unfolded within a few miles of where we stayed, so I got to see and tour quite a few places in the novel!
Don’t you love when that happens as a reader??
We vacation most on the Big Island, so the books I would add to the list are based there: Volcano: A Memoir of Hawaii by Garrett Kaoru Hongo and The Goddesses by Swan Huntley. Last year I read The Goddesses, Sharks in the Time of Saviors, and Shark Dialogues while we were on-island, and I HIGHLY recommend them as a book flight. Another fun addition to the list is Micro by Michael Crichton. But my favorite are Alan Brennert’s books– fingers crossed that he writes another one!
Thanks for these recs! I’d like to read more titles set on the Big Island.
Dang! I was just on Oahu last month!!! Guess I will just have to read all these before my NEXT trip to Hawai’i – so jealous you are living there. I love Hawai’i!! There is definitely something special about those islands. So happy to have some books to read so I can return through words. Thanks, Ginger!
Arm-chair travel before your next trip sounds like just the ticket!
I’m delighted that you included two of my favorite all-time books here, Moloka’i by Alan Brennert and Unfamiliar Fishes by Sarah Vowell. I actually have been to the island of Moloka’i. I loved Brennert’s book so much that I made sure on one of my trips to Hawaii I took the little hopper plane trip to this historical island. It’s one of my favorite experiences ever.
I’d also like to recommend Alan Brennert’s two other Hawaii books. Daughter of Moloka’i continues the story years later and follows Ruth, the daughter of Rachel Kalama (the young girl who was sent to Moloka’i when she was just six-years-old). Rachel was forced to give up Ruth at birth. Brennert came out with Honolulu in 2009, and it’s a story about “picture brides” from Korea who come to Honolulu in 1914 hoping that a marriage there will give them a chance at a better life. All three of Brennert’s Hawaii books are fantastic reading.
I need to become a Brennert completist, and maybe also take that plane hopper trip over to the site.
It’s been a long time since I read it, but I remember quite liking Wild Meat and the Bully Burgers by Lois-Ann Yamanaka.
I don’t know that one. Thanks, Carrie!!
This is such a great list and more great ideas in the comments. Hawai’i is our most favorite vacation spot and it’s on our maybe someday retirement list. I have struggled in the past to find good books about the Islands, even when we are there. This list gives both reasons to go back and happy dreams when we are not there. Love the opportunity to learn more. Thanks Ginger and everyone.
The comments here have been gold!
I’m a little late to the party, but have heard of a beautiful new historical fiction based on the true stories of the author’s family to add to your list, Of White Ashes by Constance Hays Matsumoto and Kent Matsumoto. It’s coming out May 1. I read an early copy and it’s definitely worthy of this list!
I just finished and really enjoyed Aloha Rodeo by David Wolman. It’s a bit of a niche non-fiction read, but so good.