Hawaii: A Novel

Hawaii traces the epic history of the Hawaiian Islands from their volcanic origins through the nineteenth century. For centuries, the islands remain untouched until Polynesian seafarers arrive more than a thousand years ago, establishing communities based on their ancient traditions. In the early 1800s, American missionaries come to the islands, introducing new religious and cultural practices. Based on extensive research, the novel follows the experiences of different peoples as they navigate questions of identity, coexistence, and integration. Michener uses detailed prose to depict these encounters and transformations across Hawaiian history. This edition includes an excerpt from Michener's Centennial.