Abridged from the original in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser 11/25/12 Hawaii writer Chris McKinney is often praised for his gritty portrayal of the darker side of paradise, the underbelly of a rapidly changing community. His previous work — Mililani Mauka (2009), Bolohead Row (2005) and The Tattoo (1999) — has shown that McKinney excels at writing about the disconnected and […]
Spring is on it’s way and if you’re like me and my family you’re eager to resume eating those scrumptious sweets you gave up for Lent or New Year’s diet resolution. Check out Hawai’i Bakes, a new-ish cookbook from Mutual Publishing for some fresh dessert ideas. There aren’t as many pictures as I usually […]
The latest anthology from TinFish Press is a collection of poems and stories from local “Euro-Americans” (being the term to encompass the “different categories of whiteness in Hawaiʻi”) and their experience as a marginalized voice within the island literary community. With work from well known local poets Susan Schultz and Eric Paul Shaffer, plus several […]
Japanese Buddhist Temples in Hawaiʻi from by George Tanabe and Willa Jane Tanabe (University of Hawaii Press, 2012) is a comprehensive guide to the Buddhist temples and culture in the islands. It’s ideal for visitors and locals alike as a guide to finding and appreciating these sacred spaces. The book begins with an informative overview […]
The latest novel from Koa Books is an epic tale by Big Island author, artist and lecturer, Tom Peek. Daughters of Fire is a thick book, and the stunning cover art taken from Herb Kane‘s famous volcano painting of Pele, really sets the tone for this thrilling mystery of social and political discord. It’s a […]
When I moved away for college I took my ʻukulele with me. Whenever I felt overwhelmed or sad I would pick it up and play and sing until I felt better. It became a lifeline, a tether, that kept me close to home. Naturally, given all the stress and shenanigans I got myself into, I […]
Just released in time for fall reading and holiday gifting, One Boy, No Water (Jolly Fish Press, 2012) is the first book in the “Niuhi Shark Saga” by Lehua Parker. It centers around a boy named Zader and his hanai (adopted) family. Uncle Kahana found Zader when he was just a new born baby, near a […]
We’re very excited that this award winning book has just come out as an ebook! There’s audio and sound effects to help your keiki read along and the colors just pop on a digital screen. To celebrate, we’re doing a keiki book review for our blog-a-thon! Surf’s Up for Kimo (Island Paradise Publishing, 2008) by […]
There are few real life local heroes as well known as Eddie Aikau. A legendary waterman whose name is synonymous with courage and sacrifice, his tale is both sad and uplifting the way many ocean tales are. In a beautiful picture book illustrated by Melissa Desica, author Marion Lyman-Mersereau captures this heroic story as no […]
Moʻomanaʻo Moʻokalaleo Pūnaewele o Hawaiʻi
Moʻomanaʻo Moʻokalaleo Pūnaewele o Hawaiʻi
Hawaiʻi Book Blog is the best place to learn about and discuss the literature of our islands. Come in and ‘talk story’ about your favorite Hawaiʻi books and authors – no need take off slippahs!
