Review
WL Rating
I read this book every time I go to Hawaii. Aside from providing some good historical context, I find the book consistently gives me insight into why native Hawaiians have a right to be angry with their island’s past 100 years. More importantly, it reminds me to not paddle out into any break until I’ve adopted the proper level of respect for the island’s people and culture. The book is a good read that takes you from the volcanic processes that created the islands (thankfully brief) to its peopling by Polynesian seafarers. My favorite part of the book is Michener’s tale of the bravery and spirituality of the Polynesian migration from Tahiti. As a haole, the most troubling parts to digest are the plagues visited upon the natives by the misguided, bigoted missionaries and greedy land grabbers. To paraphrase a common saying in Hawaii, the missionaries came to good, and they did very well indeed. Frankly, it’s hard to read those passages without wanting to apologize to every native Hawaiian you see. Regardless, this is a timeless water book that is a WL Essential, and a book you’ll want to read each time you visit the islands. (August 2008)
Hawaii - James Michener
