Pulitzer Prize–winning author James A. Michener brings Hawaii’s epic history vividly to life in a classic saga that has captivated readers since its initial publication in 1959. As the volcanic Hawaiian Islands sprout from the ocean floor, the land remains untouched for centuries — until, little more than a thousand years ago, Polynesian seafarers make the perilous journey across the Pacific, … flourishing in this tropical paradise according to their ancient traditions. Then, in the early nineteenth century, American missionaries arrive, bringing with them a new creed and a new way of life. Based on exhaustive research and told in Michener’s immersive prose, Hawaii is the story of disparate peoples struggling to keep their identity, live in harmony, and, ultimately, join together.
more
A fiction book that follows the history of the islands. As I am a Wisconsin girl, who is a fan of the islands. I have reread this book multiple times and each time fall in love with Hawaii again and again.
My father started me on James Michener books when I was a teen in the 1970’s. He takes you to the beginning history of the area and works his way forward. Even though it is fiction it is based on historical facts and he will interweave real historical figures into some of the storyline. The fictional characters are representative of the timeline …
Although this book may be dated now, Michener was the best of his generation at evoking all natural and human history in his books’ subject areas. Centennial, The Source and Hawaii are among my favorites.
This is one of my ultimate favourite James Michener books. As I recall, this was the first Michener book that I ever read.
In 1960 I had the good fortune to visit Hawaii for the first time. Granted we were doing a lay over from a military flight from Travis Air Force Base to Tachikawa Japan, and we weren’t allowed to leave the waiting area …
You can’t beat Michener for good Historical Fiction!
I read this book twice and recommend it wholeheartedly.
An epic novel! You’ll learn so much about Hawaiian history and the people who settled there. James Michener is one of my favorite authors. This book is one of his best.
Love Michener books, and baby, if it’s cold outside, this is a good one.
I first read this book in high school. The characters capture your imagination and the story of our 50th state is amazing. Love this book.
I read this book years ago, and still think of it from time to time. A very satisfying read,
One of my all time favorites. It was my dad’s favorite novel. He was posted to Bora Bora during WW II.
Love anything by Michener. He told a story like no one else. Makes you love history.
Very well written. I love his books.
Historical and educational
Great history, well developed timeline and characters
I have read this book 3 times ( I normally never read a book more than once) but I loved this book. The only other books I have read more than once are Mitchner books like Chesapeake.
A Mitchner classic.
As with all Michener books, this combines history and an engaging story.
I read this book years ago because my late father told me I shouldn’t miss it. It starts slowly as it describes the formation of the islands. Some readers are put off by that, like my brother, but all of it is so interesting.
I LOVED THIS BOOK FOR IT.S RICH CHARACTERS AND WONDERFUL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE iSLAND.