Hawaii, an archipelago of lush landscapes and vibrant culture has long been a muse for authors who’ve succumbed to its charm.
The stories set in these islands are as diverse as their ecosystem, each novel offering a unique view into the different facets of Hawaiian life.
Here is a selection of novels set in Hawaii:
James A. Michener’s “Hawaii” is an epic saga that takes readers on an extensive journey through the colorful past of the islands.
Starting from the geological birth of the archipelago, the novel spans centuries, introducing the reader to the first Polynesian voyagers who discovered the islands, the arrival of missionaries, and the various waves of immigrants.
Michener’s meticulous research and vivid storytelling provide a tapestry of rich narratives that underscore the cultural diversities and historical complexities that have shaped Hawaii.
In “The House Without a Key,” Earl Derr Biggers introduces the world to the Chinese-American detective Charlie Chan.
Set in 1920s Honolulu, this mystery novel encapsulates the era’s atmosphere while delivering an engaging who-done-it narrative.
It was from these local color-drenched pages that Charlie Chan emerged as a beloved literary character, eventually becoming the subject of numerous movies, cementing his place as an iconic figure in detective fiction.
Nominated for the National Book Award and later adapted into an Academy Award-winning film, “From Here to Eternity” by James Jones is a poignant depiction of military life on the island of Oahu in the lead-up to the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
Jones draws on his own experiences as a soldier stationed in Hawaii, offering a gritty and raw look into the struggles of soldiers facing the inevitabilities of war.
Kaui Hart Hemmings’ “The Descendants” is a contemporary novel that deftly explores family dynamics against the backdrop of paradise.
The story follows Matt King, a Honolulu-based lawyer and land baron who must reevaluate his past and navigate the trials of raising two daughters alone, after his wife falls into a coma.
This touching portrayal was brought to life in the eponymous film directed by Alexander Payne.
Lee Goldberg’s “Mr. Monk Goes to Hawaii” combines humor with mystery, placing the obsessive-compulsive detective Adrian Monk in the midst of a vacation-turned-investigation.
This lighthearted take on the detective genre provides a resonant contrast between Monk’s quirks and the laid-back Hawaiian setting, resulting in a delightful and entertaining read.
Dan Simmons’ “Fires of Eden” is a thrilling adventure that intertwines modern-day suspense with Hawaiian mythology.
The plot centers on Cordie Stumpf, who discovers that the legends of the volcano goddess Pele might have a basis in reality.
As suspenseful as it is informative, the novel delves into the mystical side of the Hawaiian Islands.
“Cloud Atlas” by David Mitchell is a dazzling feat of storytelling that transcends time and space.
One of the six interwoven narratives within this complex novel takes place on a 19th-century Pacific voyage to Hawaii, offering a glimpse into the historical context of the islands’ colonial struggles.
The novel’s ambitious structure and profound themes have earned it critical acclaim and a dedicated following.
Set against the backdrop of World War II Honolulu, “The Revolt of Mamie Stover” by William Bradford Huie tells the story of a young woman making her way in Hawaii’s infamous red-light district.
The novel challenges societal mores of the time and provides a humanizing portrait of a woman’s tenacity in overcoming her circumstances.
“Pacific Vortex!” marks the debut of Clive Cussler’s well-known protagonist, Dirk Pitt.
In this high-stakes adventure, Pitt is drawn into a perilous mission involving a sunken advanced submarine and a mysterious force within the Pacific.
The aquatic thrills dovetail with the exotic setting nurturing an unputdownable maritime mystery.
Graham Salisbury’s young adult novel “Under the Blood Red Sun” depicts the life of a Japanese-American boy in Hawaii during the harrowing days following the Pearl Harbor attack.
Salisbury, drawing from his own family’s history, pens a touching narrative that explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the painful realities of war.
Lois-Ann Yamanaka’s “Wild Meat and the Bully Burgers” delves into the life of a young girl growing up in Hawaii, grappling with issues of identity and the expectations of her family and society.
The novel’s gritty realism and use of Pidgin English immerse the reader in a lesser-seen side of the island experience.
In another powerful tale by Lois-Ann Yamanaka, “Blu’s Hanging,” readers are introduced to the Ogata family and their struggle to cope with the loss of their mother.
Exploring the complexities of race, class, and family bonds, Yamanaka does not shy away from the stark realities that shadow the lives of many Hawaiians.
“Rolling the R’s” by R. Zamora Linmark provides an intimate and stylistically unique look into the lives of Filipino students growing up in the 1970s' Hawaii.
Celebrating the queer sensibilities and cultural mélange of the islands, this groundbreaking novel has become a touchstone for the Asian-American and LGBTQ+ literary communities.
Eugénie Söderberg’s “Mokihana Lives in Hawaii” is a story of personal change and discovery, seen through the eyes of a young woman returning to her native islands.
Söderberg’s own experiences in Hawaii bring authenticity and heartfelt resonance to this tale of homecoming.
Sonia Patel’s “Rani Patel in Full Effect” is a young adult novel that immerses readers in the world of a 16-year-old Gujarati immigrant girl finding her voice through hip-hop on the island of Moloka’i.
Addressing heavy themes with a measure of poetic rhythm, the book is as captivating as it is eye-opening.
The vibrant picture book “Kapaemahu” by Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Dean Hamer, and Joe Wilson pays homage to the native Hawaiian beliefs and history.
The story narrates the legend of four extraordinary beings of dual male and female spirit, who brought healing arts from Tahiti to Hawaii.
Richly illustrated and filled with cultural significance, “Kapaemahu” is a treat for readers of all ages.
These novels offer glimpses into the myriad stories and lives anchored in Hawaii’s majestic setting.
From historical narratives and wartime dramas to personal struggles and cultural commentaries, this selection of literature underscores the depth and breadth of experiences that Hawaii inspires in the hearts of writers and readers alike.