James A. Michener wrote “Hawaii,” a sweeping novel that traces the islands’ history through the lives of various characters over centuries.
From the arrival of Polynesians navigating by stars to missionaries sailing from New England, the book explores how different cultures shaped Hawaii. It also follows later generations grappling with identity, change, and the blending of traditions.
The book “The Descendants” by Kaui Hart Hemmings tells the story of Matthew King, a lawyer in Hawaii balancing the fallout of his wife’s coma and the strained relationship with his two daughters.
As he discovers his wife’s secrets, he must navigate family tensions and decide the future of a vast stretch of land inherited from his ancestors. The story explores family, legacy, and the choices that shape our lives.
“From Here to Eternity” by James Jones is set on a Hawaiian military base before the attack on Pearl Harbor. The story follows soldiers in an infantry unit as they navigate strict authority, personal conflicts, and forbidden relationships.
At its heart is Private Robert E. Lee Prewitt, a former boxer who refuses to fight again, and First Sergeant Milt Warden, who risks everything for an affair with his captain’s wife.
The book showcases the harsh realities of military life and the tension building up to a pivotal moment in history.
Eugénie Söderberg’s “Mokihana Lives in Hawaii” tells the story of Mokihana, a young Hawaiian girl living on the island of Maui. The book showcases her daily life, her relationships with her family and friends, and her connection to the land and traditions of Hawaii.
Through Mokihana’s experiences, readers get a glimpse of the culture, natural beauty, and challenges of life in Hawaii during the 1930s. It’s a touching look at childhood and a changing world.
Lois-Ann Yamanaka’s “Blu’s Hanging” tells the story of a motherless family living in Hawaii. It follows Blu, a boy tasked with helping to care for his younger siblings while grappling with the hardships of poverty and loss.
The novel explores their daily struggles and resilience in the face of challenges. Set on the rural island of Molokai, the book paints a vivid picture of life in a tight-knit community, offering raw and striking moments throughout the family’s journey.
“Clay’s Way” by Blair Mastbaum tells the story of Sam, a gay teenager navigating life in Hawaii. He becomes infatuated with Clay, a surfer and skater who embodies everything Sam admires but struggles to understand.
Their dynamic is intense and filled with tension as Sam’s obsession pushes boundaries and exposes deeper struggles. The novel captures the rawness of youth and the complexities of identity in a vivid island setting.
“The House Without a Key” by Earl Derr Biggers is a classic mystery set in 1920s Hawaii. It follows John Quincy Winterslip, a Bostonian who goes to Honolulu to bring home his wayward cousin. While there, he becomes entangled in a murder case involving his own family.
Detective Charlie Chan takes the lead in unraveling the mystery, uncovering secrets about love, jealousy, and betrayal. The novel captures the beauty of Hawaii while pulling readers into a web of intrigue.
The novel “Rolling the R’s” by R. Zamora Linmark looks at the lives of Filipino-American kids growing up in Hawaii during the 1970s. Set in Kalihi, it focuses on a group of fifth graders navigating identity, sexuality, and pop culture obsessions.
The story unfolds in a mix of formats, such as lists, poems, and classroom assignments, creating a vibrant snapshot of immigrant life. The characters deal with harsh realities, like bullying and familial struggles, while finding escape in disco music and their own dreams.
“Under the Blood Red Sun” by Graham Salisbury tells the story of Tomi, a young Japanese-American boy growing up in Hawaii during World War II. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Tomi’s life is thrown into chaos as his family faces prejudice and his father is taken away.
The book explores how Tomi struggles to balance loyalty to his family and friendships while dealing with fear and challenges in a changing world.
“The Black Camel” by Earl Derr Biggers follows detective Charlie Chan as he investigates the murder of a Hollywood actress in Honolulu. The story kicks off when the actress is found dead at the estate of a wealthy socialite.
What’s intriguing is the case’s connection to a mysterious unsolved murder in Hollywood years earlier. Charlie Chan uncovers secrets and motives within a glamorous crowd, keeping readers hooked with twists and surprises.
“Mr. Monk Goes to Hawaii” by Lee Goldberg follows Adrian Monk, an obsessive-compulsive detective, as he reluctantly travels to Hawaii to help his assistant, Natalie.
While there, Monk investigates the bizarre death of a woman who seemingly drowned while scuba diving in her hotel room. The story blends Monk’s quirky behavior with an unusual mystery set against the island’s beautiful backdrop.
The book “The Secret of the Golden Pavilion” by Carolyn Keene follows Nancy Drew as she travels to Hawaii to solve the mystery surrounding a valuable treasure hidden in a golden pavilion.
While uncovering clues, Nancy encounters suspicious figures and explores breathtaking settings like Waikiki and volcanic landscapes. The story combines a thrilling treasure hunt with glimpses of Hawaiian culture and traditions.
The book “Wild Meat and the Bully Burgers” by Lois-Ann Yamanaka tells the story of Lovey Nariyoshi, a young girl growing up in a working-class Japanese American family in Hilo, Hawaii.
Lovey struggles with her identity, feeling out of place as she tries to fit in with her peers and grapples with pressures about language, culture, and class. Through her perspective, the book paints a vivid picture of life in 1970s
Hawaii, blending humor with the realities of growing up in a world shaped by both pride and prejudice.
The book “A Boy at War” by Harry Mazer follows Adam, a young boy whose life changes when he witnesses the attack on Pearl Harbor. Adam sneaks out to go fishing with friends, but their boat is caught in the chaos of the bombing.
The story explores how the events impact his family and friendships, especially as tensions rise between Americans and Japanese-Americans during the war.
“The Million Dollar Putt” by Dan Gutman is about a blind teenager named Edward “Birdie” who discovers his talent for golf. With the help of his quirky neighbor, Birdie enters a golf tournament with a million-dollar prize on the line.
The story explores his journey, the bond he builds with his friend, and the challenges he faces while chasing his dream.
Sonia Patel’s “Rani Patel in Full Effect” tells the story of a sixteen-year-old girl living on the Hawaiian island of Moloka’i in the 1990s. Rani, a Gujarati Indian teenager, faces the fallout of her father’s betrayal and her parents’ crumbling marriage.
She finds solace and self-expression in hip-hop, stepping into the underground music scene as a rapper. The book offers a raw look at her struggles with family, identity, and trauma while showing her journey toward reclaiming her voice.
John D. MacDonald wrote “The Turquoise Lament,” a mystery that follows Travis McGee as he investigates a suspicious situation involving a woman named Pidge, an old friend. Set partly in Hawaii, the story hints at danger and betrayal tied to family secrets and possible murder.
McGee’s search uncovers hidden motives and unexpected twists against the backdrop of tropical islands.
“Fires of Eden” by Dan Simmons is a blend of horror, history, and Hawaiian mythology. The story follows Eleanor Perry, who is visiting a luxury resort on the Big Island.
Her relaxing trip takes a terrifying turn when sinister forces tied to ancient Hawaiian spirits begin to surface. The narrative weaves between Eleanor’s present-day experiences and the diary of a 19th-century missionary, revealing dark secrets about the land’s past.
The lush, volcanic setting plays a key role in the tale, amplifying the tension and mystery.
“Jaya and Rasa: A Love Story” by Sonia Patel is about two teenagers from Hawaii who come from vastly different lives. Jaya is a wealthy boy struggling with his mental health and expectations from his family. Rasa is a girl trying to survive poverty and an abusive home.
Their paths cross, leading them to form a deep connection as they seek a way to heal. The story explores their struggles and the bond that helps them face their challenges.
The “The Revolt of Mamie Stover” by William Bradford Huie tells the story of a young woman who leaves Mississippi for Honolulu in the early 1940s.
Mamie, determined to escape her past and earn her fortune, finds work in a seedy nightclub and rises to power against the backdrop of World War II. The book offers a candid look at her ambition, resilience, and the compromises she makes in her pursuit of success.