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25 Excellent Books You Will Love Reading About Hawaii

• Updated: 07/11/2024

Before I take a trip, I love to read and learn about where we are going before we get there. I will read anything—from guidebooks, histories, and biographies—to fiction set in place.  The guidebooks help me plan, and in most cases, provide welcome introductory overviews of the culture and history.

Table Of Contents

Love guidebooks too? Get my list of the 15 best travel guidebook series , including pros and cons for the top seven, in this article .

And the stories in the books that are not guidebooks— whether based on real-life or imagined by a talented author—help me better connect to my destination. They help bring the people and history of a place to life. And they provide a greater depth to my travel experience, much more than my typical brief visit could do alone. 

Plus, reading books related to place introduces me to titles that would never show up on my feeds and are unlikely to be suggested by one of my book groups. Travel-related reading greatly expands my literary repertoire while also—and happily— transforming my way of seeing the world. View my recommended Hawaii reading list below.

Hawaii Reading List

Listed in order from first read to last, here is my Hawaii Reading list.

• Frommer’s Hawaii , by Martha Cheng and Jeanne Cooper
• Oahu Revealed , by Andrew Doughty
• The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook, Kauai Revealed , by Andrew Doughty
• Shark Dialogues , by Kiana Davenport
• Sea People: The Puzzle of Polynesia , by Christina Thompson (audiobook)
• This Is Paradise: Stories , by Kristiana Kahakauwila
• Moloka’i , by Alan Brennert (audiobook)
• The Three-Year Swim Club , by Julie Checkoway
• Waterman: The Life and Times Of Duke Kahanamoku , by David Davis
• Wai-nani, a Voice from Old Hawaii , by Linda Ballou
• BONUS: Hawaii , by James Michener

Plus, see 14 more Hawaii books I want to read here .

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The Two Best Books

Shark dialogues.

My overall favorite Hawaii book read was Shark Dialogues by Kiana Davenport. I deeply enjoyed its multi-generational matriarchal story based on the author’s own diverse family history. Reading the book gave me more than a passersby insight into what life was like for a huge cross-section of Hawaiian citizens. Stretching back in time – from the 1830s to the modern-day – the book is part dream, part tragedy, and part homecoming. 

It connects four contemporary female cousins through the thread of their fearsome and fearless grandmother and their formative summers spent on her coffee farm on the Big Island. The book also tells a story of how each generation is marked by the one before it.

After reading it, I firmly put Shark Dialogues into my personal category of rare books—such as All The Light We Cannot See —that I am likely to read more than once. 

This is Paradise: Stories

A close second favorite was This Is Paradise: Stories by Kristiana Kahakauwila. I am not typically a big fan of short story collections, especially when the stories are unrelated. I usually avoid the genre not because the stories are not good—but instead because they are typically so enjoyable to read—I find it distressing to have them end so soon. I am always left wanting more.

However, I made an exception for This Is Paradise: Stories because its collection focused on contemporary Hawaii experience across a broad swath of society, and offered a departure in style and content from my other titles.

This anthology is grittier, and due to its excellent writing, it effortlessly immersed me into the setting of each story—from the cockfights to the couple driving on vacation. I found some stories to be quiet in their content and theme and others more jarring—but the constant behind all of them was the near-mythical pull that Hawaii has on its people. 

3 Guidebooks

As for the guidebooks—I found all three of the below Hawaii guidebooks to be essential in helping to plan our Oahu and Kauai trip.

Frommer's Hawaii

The Frommer’s Hawaii guidebook provides an excellent high-level overview for planning. The author writes from the perspective of what the average tourist would want to know. It offered a great starting point to help me figure out where I wanted to go and how I could stretch my vacation time across so many excellent options. 

Oahu Revealed & The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook

Once I had the rough plan for my trip down – seven days in Oahu and seven in Kauai – I read Andrew Doughty’s highly rated guidebooks, Oahu Revealed and The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook . I found them both to be a love letter to all things beautiful, natural, and adventurous for each island.

Doughty’s content goes deep—detailing hidden beaches and trails—and does not steer away from the highly adventurous, such as hikes through lava tube tunnels, info on swimming with sharks, and where to rent a Harley. Reading his books made me feel the meager week I gave to stay on each island was laughably short. Silly me.

3 Additional Fiction Picks

In addition to the two books I list in my Favorites  section above, I read three other Hawaii-related works of fiction. And share about each below.

Another fiction book I read—or listened to—related to my Hawaii trip was Moloka’i by Alan Brennert. Initially, I did not want put this book in my queue. It takes place at the turn of the 20th-century and tells the story of a very young Hawaiian girl diagnosed with what, at the time, was known as Ma’i Pake, which we recognize today as Hansen’s disease, or leprosy. Once diagnosed, she is forcibly separated from her family and relocated to the leper colony on Moloka’i.

At the time of reading I was looking for my books to provide uplift. I was not in the right mindset, given it was early 2021 and we were still in the midst of the pandemic, to want absorb a book focused on the individual and collective tragedy of the Hawaiian people. 

Of course, I was wrong to try to bypass it. Like so many stories that center around calamity, there are moments of hope and renewal seeded in between the sadness. And there are few things more relatable than that.

This telling provides a gentle recounting of the personal and the shared trauma leprosy wrought on the Hawaiian population as it decimated its ranks and struck fear in communities. I listened to this book as part of an attempt to better understand the complex history of the paradise I had just visited. 

Because I initially was not excited about reading this story, I chose to listen to it as an audiobook, so I could passively “read” it as I drove, cooked, and did laundry. It turned out this was a lucky choice. The audiobook was excellent, and I highly recommend it.

Wai-nani: Voice from Old Hawaii

The book, Wai-nani: a Voice from Old Hawaii , was gifted to me by the author, Andrea Ballou, who came across this article and wanted me to consider including it. And since I enjoyed it, I am sharing it.

Although this book is a work of fiction and nearly mythological in its style—I liked that it covers a time in Hawaii before colonization. The story focuses  on the main character Wai-nani. She is a defiant young Hawaiian woman who refuses to abide by or, when compliant, continues to push at the limits society with which binds her.

The story and her character are loosely based on Ka’ahumanu, the chief wife and trusted advisor of the great Hawaiian warrior king, Kamehameha (Makaha, in the story). Additionally, the book shares a great introduction to Hawaiian myths, which helped me better understand how interconnected the land, the ocean, and the creatures that live in it are to Hawaiian culture.

My “bonus fiction book” is Hawaii , by James Michener. I read it nearly ten years ago. I am a big fan of the oversize epic historical fiction novels for which authors like Michener , Rutherford , Follet , Wouk , and Clavell are known. I have read tons of them. And I found Michener’s Hawaii consistent with—albeit a bit fluffier—than his other works.

However, and sadly, its content—especially when it comes to multi-cultural relations—does not age well. The book also provides more coverage of the missionary settler and haole histories than the other books I read. 

3 Non-Fiction Recommendations

For non-fiction, I read three excellent books that I highly recommend.

Sea People: The Puzzle of Polynesia

We picked Sea People: The Puzzle Of Polynesia as our family audiobook, which also happened to be highly rated, similar to the other books on this list. We typically pick one book to listen to with the kids related to our destination. And we thought this one would be fascinating for all of us—because it answers the question, how DID the Polynesians settle such distant and far removed islands? 

With careful attention to history, geography, and archeology—the book breaks the question down and addresses how it has been incorrectly answered by the prevailing powers over generations. 

If you have been fortunate enough to fly over the expanse of the Pacific Ocean, and this is a question you have wondered, then this is a book great one to check out. The narration was well-done, and we enjoyed listening to and learning from it as a family as we drove around the islands.

The Three-Year Swim Club

I learned about The Three-Year Swim Club once I returned home. A friend who grew up in Oahu recommended the book after I shared with her what I had already read.

The book focuses on a group of Japanese and Filipino plantation workers’ children who first learn to swim in an irrigation ditch and eventually rise through the ranks to compete as Olympic contenders internationally. Though, with the onset of WWII, many of their dreams are derailed permanently, or delayed until after the wars ends.

I had already read and thoroughly enjoyed the Olympic underdog triumph novel  The Boys In The Boat . And I was aware of the terrible working conditions on the island sugar and produce plantations in Shark Dialogues , so I was very interested in checking this book out.  The story is true—and its drama is enveloping. The struggle of Coach Sakamoto and his swimmers, who succeed despite the odds, setbacks, and prejudice, is inspiring.

Waterman: The Life and Times of Duke Kahanamoku

In the book The Three Year Swim Club , the figure of Duke Kahanamoku looms large. Although his part in the story is more of a cameo, it was enough to want me to learn more about him. So, I found this biography— Waterman: The Life And Times Of Duke Kahanamoku —and read it. 

I first heard Duke’s name before our trip when I booked an hour-long family surfing lesson with a man named Sparky in Oahu, and he told me to meet him at the Duke statue on Waikiki Beach. 

Knowing nothing about the surf or swim history of Hawaii—I did not understand who the Duke was, or what his statue was commemorating. And because I had not been to Waikiki Beach since I was 15, and could not remember much from that trip, I looked it up.

Duke was celebrated for being the first Hawaiian, as well as Pacific Islander, to become a champion Olympic swimmer, as well as the father to the 20th-century surfing movement. Additionally, Duke was known for his great humility and sportsmanship. His story of being a trailblazer is a fascinating one.  Especially as his life straddled all that was old and new in Hawaii. 

Duke was born at the end of the 19th-century in the Kingdom of Hawaii before the United States annexed it. And he came of age as an internationally renowned athlete as a resident of a U.S. Territory. He witnessed statehood, traveled the world as a celebrated swimmer and surfer, and tried to make it in a Hollywood not yet ready to embrace an actor of color, all while witnessing the waning of his Hawaiian people and culture. The book provides insight not only into his life, his achievements, and struggles—but also of a drastically changed Hawaii.

Although, I appreciate non-fiction books a great deal, as a category, they put me to sleep if I read them before bed. So, I almost exclusively “read” non-fiction by listening to them as audiobooks.

If you cannot borrow the audiobook from your local library—consider purchasing an Audible membership . I have one, and we save a ton as my husband and I pick and share new books every few weeks.

14 More Books to Read

In addition to the books I already read, here are ten more highly-rated titles I would love to read before my next Hawaii visit. They include a mix of fiction and non-fiction. And each one looks so good, I may not wait for the trip!

• Song Of The Exile , by Kiana Davenport
• Born in Paradise: Memoirs of Old Hawaii , by Armine von Tempski
• Plague And Fire, Battling Black Death and the 1900 Burning Of Honolulu’s Chinatown , by James C. Mohr
• Against the Wind: The Rise of Kamehameha the Great , by Chris Weatherhead
• Wild Meat and the Bully Burgers: A Novel , by Lois-Ann Yamanaka
• Hawaii’s Story by Hawaii’s Queen , by Liliuokalani
• Unfamiliar Fishes , by Sarah Vowell
• Kona Winds , by Scott Kikkawa
• The Food Of Paradise, Exploring Hawaii’s Cultural Heritage , by Rachel Laudan
• Red Sky Over Hawaii: A Novel , by Sara Ackerman
• Sharks in the Time of Saviors , by Kawai Strong Washburn
• Captive Paradise: A History of Hawaii , by James L. Haley
• The Aloha Spirit , by Linda Ulleseit
• The Lost Kingdom: Hawaii’s Last Queen, Sugar Kings, and America’s First Imperial Adventure by Julia Flynn Siler

Where To Find More Hawaii Books

If you would explore more Hawaii-related titles to read beyond the ones in this article—or you would like to find books for your kids—please check out the resources I share below. 

Frommers.com. For a list of more fiction, non-fiction, and even music to listen to and movies to watch pre-trip, check out Frommer’s recommended read and watch list for Hawaii. 

Honolulu Magazine. If you would like to go deep with your reading, check out Honolulu Magazine’s “ 50 Essential Books You Should Read In Your Lifetime .” 

KidsTravelBooks.com . For kids, search the helpful website KidsTravelBooks.com for “ Hawaii, ” to view pages of book suggestions to check out. 

Goodreads.com : Search “Set In.” If you prefer to go it alone and develop your very own reading list, go to Goodreads.com and search “ books set in Hawaii .” You will find hundreds of suggestions.

Looking for more travel reading lists ? Check out my destination book and gift lists on Bookshop.org . Or view the collection of my “ Books To Read Before The Trip ” articles.

Love to travel? Sign up for m y monthly Gather & Go Travel Discovery Newsletter and get a free trip budget calculator.

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I only recommend products and companies I use. And the income goes to keeping the site community-supported and ads minimal.

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13 responses.

Thank you for taking the time to read the article and leave such thoughtful feedback!

Thank you for sharing your article on “The Best Books to Read Before a Hawaii Trip.” As an avid traveler and book lover, I appreciate your recommendations to enhance the reading experience before visiting such a beautiful destination.

Your selection of books, encompassing various genres and aspects of Hawaiian culture, is commendable. “Hawaii” by James A. Michener is indeed a classic that offers a sweeping historical narrative, while “Shark Dialogues” by Kiana Davenport seems like an intriguing choice for those interested in Hawaiian mythology and storytelling.

Additionally, including “The Descendants” by Kaui Hart Hemmings on your list is an excellent suggestion. This novel provides a unique perspective on modern Hawaiian life and delves into the complexities of family and identity.

Overall, your article not only provides valuable reading recommendations but also encourages travelers to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Hawaii before their trip. I’m sure readers will find your suggestions engaging and informative.

Thank you again for sharing this resource, and I look forward to exploring more of your content in the future.

Thank you for your thoughtful reply. These are great additions and suggestions to the reading list. Thank you.

Thank you for sharing your article on “The Best Books to Read Before a Hawaii Trip.” As an avid reader and someone who loves to explore new destinations, I found your recommendations quite intriguing.

Hawaii is indeed a captivating destination with its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. Your selection of books provides an excellent opportunity for travelers to delve deeper into the island’s history, culture, and natural wonders, enhancing their overall experience.

“Shoal of Time” by Gavan Daws seems like an insightful choice, offering a comprehensive account of Hawaii’s past and the influences that have shaped its unique identity. Exploring the historical backdrop of a destination often brings a new perspective and enriches the travel experience.

I’m also pleased to see the inclusion of literary works such as “Honolulu” by Alan Brennert and “Moloka’i” by Alan Brennert. These novels not only capture the essence of Hawaii’s diverse culture but also provide a window into the lives of its people, making for a more immersive reading experience.

Moreover, your mention of “Hawaii’s Story by Hawaii’s Queen” by Queen Liliuokalani highlights the importance of understanding the island’s indigenous history and the struggles faced by its people. It’s crucial for travelers to acknowledge and respect the local culture, and this book serves as a valuable resource in that regard.

Additionally, the inclusion of guidebooks like “Lonely Planet Hawaii” and “Hawaii For Dummies” offers practical information, maps, and local insights, ensuring travelers are well-prepared for their trip and can make the most of their time in Hawaii.

Overall, your list encompasses a diverse range of books that cater to various interests and preferences. It not only provides an opportunity for travelers to deepen their knowledge but also encourages a deeper connection and appreciation for the Hawaiian islands.

Thank you again for sharing these recommendations. I’m sure they will be a valuable resource for anyone planning a trip to Hawaii and looking to immerse themselves in the island’s rich culture and heritage.

I enjoyed reading your article on the best books to read before a Hawaii trip. I’m always excited to learn more about different cultures and travel destinations around the world, and Hawaii is definitely on my list!

Your article provided a great selection of books that cover various aspects of Hawaii’s rich history, culture, and natural wonders. From James Michener’s epic novel “Hawaii” to “The Story of Hawaii” by R. Conrad Stein, there’s something for everyone to delve into and learn more about this beautiful island chain.

I appreciate that you also included books that highlight the challenges and complexities of Hawaii’s past and present, such as “Shoal of Time” by Gavan Daws and “Moloka’i” by Alan Brennert. It’s important to understand and acknowledge the struggles that the Hawaiian people have faced and continue to face, while also celebrating their unique culture and traditions.

Overall, your article provides a valuable resource for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the history, culture, and beauty of Hawaii before embarking on their trip. Thank you for sharing these recommendations, and I look forward to reading some of these books myself!

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the article “The Best Books to Read Before a Hawaii Trip” by Gather and Go Travel. It’s great to hear that you enjoyed the post and found it helpful in preparing for your upcoming trip to Hawaii.

I completely agree with you that reading about a destination before visiting can enhance the travel experience. It’s always fascinating to learn about the local culture, history, and geography before immersing oneself in a new place.

I hope that the books recommended in the article will provide you with valuable insights and inspiration for your Hawaii trip. Don’t hesitate to share your own reading recommendations or travel experiences with us as well.

Thank you for taking the time to comment, and have a wonderful time in Hawaii!

Linda, thank YOU for your contribution to this list. And thank you for your kind words. Good to know re: the Chief of War film. I will keep a lookout for it. I hope it is a good one!

Thank you very much for including Wai-nani: A Voice from Old Hawai’i in this well-curated list of books focused o the Islands. There are a few here that are new to me. Jason Mamoa is in the process of filming Chief of War which he says will be true to the people of old. He is playing Kamehameha the Great. Should be fun to see what he does.

Thank you very much for including Wai-nani: A Voice from Old Hawai’i in this well-curated list of books focused o the Islands. There are a few here that are new to me. http://www.LindaBallouAuthor.com

Hi Kiana, What a pleasure to see your comment on the blog. I recommend your book, Shark Dialogues, often. Of all the books I have read in the last few years, it is one of my favorites. I will have to check out the sequel! Time to update the list!

Aloha Janice!

Mahalo a nui, thanks so much for your mention of my novel SHARK DIALOGUES. I’m glad you enjoyed it. After 20+ years its still my best seller. I see you also mention SONG OF THE EXILE which was also an international bestseller. Becoz so many readers have asked me what happened to the cousins, in SD I have just finished the sequel to that. The books have been optioned for film adaption, and all are now available on Audible.

Janice, Your blog is excellent, I will recommend it! All the books you mention are important. People especially visitors need to know more about my islands. I wish you much success and happiness. Imua! Press on! With my alohas, Kiana

Thank you, Mary Jo! I’m so glad to hear you like it! I know we’ll find an overlap soon – stay tuned. And thank you again for taking the time to read the post.

Love this blog. Great idea, to combine books with travel. I will continue to follow in the hopes that your travel ideas will sync with my travel itineraries!

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Welcome to  Gather and Go Travel , a blog inspiring families, adult friends, and couples to explore US and international destinations and to get outdoors. I am Janice, a world traveler to 50+ countries, a travel writer/blogger, and a book lover. Learn more  about me , read  our story , and how to  work with me . Get my latest updates, how-tos, and trip ideas in my monthly  Discovery Newsletter .

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Hawaii Visitor Guides

Choose between our hawaii intro guide, our highlights guide, or our more detailed hawaii deluxe essential guide, 2024 hawaii visitor guides, eight unique islands., six destinations to explore., one remarkable experience.

Hawaii provides you with six unique islands to choose from, four of which we cover in detail in our three  2024 Hawaii Travel Planner & Visitor Guides due to their popularity with travelers like yourself. Once you know which island (or islands) best suits you, then you can really begin to plan.

Don't miss out on our inside Hawaii knowledge, tips, and recommendations . In these Hawaii Travel Guides, we'll help you select an island, or islands, for your trip if you're still undecided. If you already know which island(s) you're visiting, excellent; we've included a lot of pertinent information for Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island of Hawaii that should help you plan the perfect trip! Our travel guides are updated twice a year (or more) to ensure they're entirely up to date with the latest Hawaii details and information.

Below, we'll review in more detail what our updated Hawaii Travel guides include...

Individual Island Guides

Highlights & essential visitor guide for each island, statewide guides, 2024 hawaii travel guide & visitor planner.

Grab your copy today  and take advantage of our  destination expert's Hawaii insights . We've just updated and released our latest three Hawaii Travel Planner & Visitor Guides for 2024. These new travel guides contain over 40 visual pages (Intro version),  over 60 visual pages (Highlights version),   and over 100 visual pages (Deluxe Essential version)  of pertinent Hawaii travel information  to assist in planning your perfect Hawaii trip.

The islands of  Kauai ,  Oahu ,  Maui , and the  Big Island  are covered in detail. A complete table of contents is additionally included within each travel guide. The top attractions are included for each island (top 5 in the Intro guide, top 9 in the Highlights guide, and top 11 in the Deluxe guide). The Highlights and Deluxe planner also include our Best Places to find Authentic Hawaii food guide.

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Where to Stay in Hawaii Guides

Hawaii is a destination that attracts a unique mix of tourists from all over the world. There are  resorts and hotels  all over the major islands, but there are also many free-standing hotels and vacation rentals, which allow you to choose from a wide range of accommodations. We provide a  list of these top favorable destinations by island , according to the popularity of each area.

Our  Where to Stay guides  will highlight the  best places to stay in Hawaii  and the best parts of each island. Hawaii offers several favorable areas for different types of vacationers on each unique island.

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Details on Hawaii's Weather & Climate

Hawaii weather is known for being rather sporadic, but that doesn't have to leave you guessing what to expect.

Know what you're likely to experience weather-wise on your trip by reading through our Hawaii Weather summary. Our weather information additionally includes a rainfall map , a precipitation chart (for each month of the year), and a high/low-temperature graph/chart so you can plan accordingly for your trip.

We've also included the best links of where to check the daily forecast for the most accurate weather outlook.

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When to Visit & Seasonal Hotel Rates

Wondering what the hotel prices will be during the weeks of your visit? Look no further, we've got you covered with our Hawaii Hotel Price averages graphic that provides insight into what pricing you can expect at different times throughout the year.

We've also covered the Best Time to Visit , including a graph showing the monthly visitor statistics for each major island.

Essential Guide

BEST TIME to... Hawaii FAQ

When is the best time for good weather? How about when to avoid crowds? Or when exactly is the best time to book your trip to Hawaii? We've covered each of these questions and several others in our Best Time to.... Hawaii FAQ .

Discover which time of the year is the best time to visit for local Hawaii festivals and events , or when hiking conditions are prime for hitting Hawaii's incredible plethora of trails. We've also covered when to go whale watching , take a Hawaii cruise , and much more.

Individual Hawaii Islands in Detail

Each of the four major Hawaiian Islands is covered in our Hawaii Travel Guides, including Kauai , Oahu , Maui , and the Big Island of Hawaii .

A general introduction to each island is also provided, along with our recommendations for each island . If you haven't decided on which island(s) to visit yet, these sections should help you narrow down your choices to a favorite or two.

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The Ultimate List of Books to Read Before You Visit Hawai’i

quickwhittravel

Updated March 27, 2022.

I don’t know about you, but I love to read about a place I plan to visit! It gets me excited and helps me understand so much about the culture I’m about to get myself into. As you know if you’ve been following our travels for very long, we go to Hawaii for our anniversary every May (with the exception of 2020—the year of quarantine!), and every year I try to find new books set on the island we plan to visit, or just Hawaii in general. So I’ve compiled some of my favorites, some of the most useful, and some for the biggest history nerds like me! Here’s my ultimate list of books to read before you visit the Hawaiian islands!

Some of these books are my favorites that I’ve read, while others are highly recommended and are making their way to the top of my “to-read” list on Good Reads ! *All the links below are Amazon affiliate links, meaning that when you click the links to shop with me, you’re supporting my small business at no additional cost to you!

Historical Fiction

I’m a sucker for well-researched historical fiction. I really didn’t know anything about Hawaiian history before I started reading up in anticipation of my first trip! Now, I love history as much as anyone, but reading a straight-up historical account is not always engaging or fun to read. If you’re the same way, here are some historical fiction novels that might help you out as much as they helped me!

More here: The Ultimate Guide to Hawaii for History Lovers

Molokai , alan brennert.

This is one of the best books I’ve ever read. I’m usually not one for an “epic,” but this beautiful, heart-breaking story following one woman from childhood through adulthood is engaging the whole way though. A lesser-known fact about Hawaii is that in 1865 King Kamehameha V banished all people in the islands—Hawaiian, Asian, haole, etc.—with leprosy to the isolated Kalaupapa Peninsula on the island of Molokai. They were told they would receive medical care there, but in reality they were left to die.

But of course, the people there built a community anyway, and many of them lived long lives while their families thought they had died. The story of this woman’s life was incredibly eye-opening, from arriving as a child to growing up, getting married, seeing and hearing the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, and finally seeing a potential cure for the disease that had banished her. I recommend this book to anyone with an interest in Hawaii, history, leprosy, or other medical interests.

Daughter of Molokai , Alan Brennert

This companion to Molokai came out the same year that my husband Steve and I visited the island of Molokai, and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it! It follows the daughter’s story of the main character in Molokai . I won’t divulge any spoilers, but Japanese internment camps in the United States make an appearance in this novel, which is another lesser-known part of United States history. If you read Molokai , you will definitely want to read this one, too!

Honolulu , Alan Brennert

I know, I know, I’m totally in the Alan Brennert fan club! But truly, this is another one of those eye-opening books that helped me understand Hawaii. Asian cultures are so widely represented in the Hawaiian islands, and I didn’t quite understand to what extent until I read a little more about it. In this book, a young Korean girl is sent to Hawaii as a “picture bride” (like a “mail-order bride” in the Western United States in the 19th century). The man she marries is not who he said he was and does not make good on the promises he made to convince her family to send her.

The story follows this young woman and shows how she and others like her make a life for themselves during the early 20th century in Hawaii. This book also gives interesting insight into how Honolulu became the city it is today, so if O’ahu or Honolulu are on your itinerary, this is a must-read!

The Last Aloha , Gaellen Quinn

This is an excellent book for people who want to know about the history of Hawaii, from kingdom to statehood, without getting bogged down in the nitty-gritty. This book tells the story of a young woman who loses everything in an 1886 San Francisco earthquake and goes to live with relatives who are missionaries in Hawaii. She not only befriends Hawaiians, she starts to work for the royal family and sees them for who they are, not who her family thinks they should be. The book does a great job of explaining the hostile takeover of Hawaii by missionaries-turned-businessmen in a very factual way, without any harsh political angles, which I appreciated. It’s based on true events!

Island of Sweet Pies and Soldiers , Sara Ackerman

Interestingly, this book is a World War II-era Hawai’i novel set on the Island of Hawai’i, not O’ahu, where Pearl Harbor is located! I appreciated the bit of a different perspective. It’s part historical fiction and part murder mystery. If you’re planning a trip to the Island of Hawai’i, I highly recommend reading this book before you go or on the beach while you’re there!

Diamond Head , Cecily Wong

We hear a lot about Japan in relation to Hawaii, but not so much with China. This book follows a wealthy Chinese family through a few generatons spanning the Boxer Rebellion in China, their escape to Hawaii, Pearl Harbor, and beyond. The book includes secrets, traditions, and murder, making it an excellent choice for history lovers, people who love learning about different cultures, those with a Chinese background, and mystery lovers, too!

Shark Dialogues , Kiana Davenport

This one is on my “to-read” list as another epic novel. I’ve seen it on several Hawaii-related book lists because of its descriptions of Hawai’i, Hawaiian history, and Polynesian traditions. The book spans over 150 years and seven generations, and much of the book is set on O’ahu, Molokai, Mau’i, and the Island of Hawai’i.

The Lieutenant’s Nurse , Sara Ackerman

Another one by Sara Ackerman, this one is also on my to-read list! It begins on a ship to Honolulu in November 1941, so you already know where this is headed. I’m very intrigued by books set in the weeks and months right before the attack on Pearl Harbor because it’s such a part of our culture and perhaps the best-known and most-researched incident in American history besides the Revolutionary War, and I think we often don’t think about how completely caught off-guard everyone was when it happened. I can’t wait to start this book! Will you be reading with me?

Hawaii: A Novel, James A. Michener

This novel about Hawaii’s people and the islands’ history is considered a classic, and it’s a great way to get acquainted with Hawaii, Hawaiians, traditions, history, and more in a narrative. Well-researched historical fiction will always have my heart, just like Hawaii!

Keep reading: The Most Helpful Hawaii Blog Posts You Will Ever Find

Beach reads.

I read a lot in anticipation of my trips to Hawaii, but I also really enjoy having a fluffy beach read while I’m on the beach in Hawaii ! These are also fiction, but set closer to present day and are easy to follow so you don’t have to think so hard on vacation. You know how it is.

Also helpful: 5 Things You Forgot to Pack for Hawaii

Here today, gone to maui , carol snow.

This one kept me guessing! It’s a mystery, which is not what I was expecting, even after reading the book jacket! Between identity theft, mistaken identity, a romantic vacation, and descriptions of gorgeous Maui, this book held my attention! It’s a little graphic (but not the way you’re thinking), but overall, this was a quick read and perfect for a day at the beach!

The Hawaiian Quilt , Wanda Brunstetter

Full disclosure: I have read a lot of Amish fiction in my life because it has fascinated me for years, but Wanda Brunstetter is not my favorite author! That said, this was an interesting book from a cross-culture perspective. There’s Hawaiian culture, American culture, and Amish culture all combined, and it takes place on my favorite island: Kauai!

The main character is an Amish girl who is ready to take her rumspringa before she decides whether or not to officially join the Amish community. She decides to take a cruise to Hawaii, but she misses the boat as its leaves one of the stops, forcing her to stay in Hawaii a while longer. I loved the way the aloha spirit of Hawaii was so beautifully exemplified in this book, and how the different cultures found a commonality in traditional quilting.

The Aloha Quilt , Jennifer Chiaverini

Did anyone else not know Hawaiian quilts were a thing? Just me? Okay! It’s true: Hawaiians have their own way of quilting! This is not an Amish book, but it is part of a series. I didn’t have any trouble following along or feel left out reading this, however, even though I haven’t read any of the others in the series.

This book is about a recently-divorced woman and her decision to visit a friend on Maui and help get her friend’s inn and quilting studio open for visitors. Everything’s great until her soon-to-be-ex shows up and threatens her entire future. It was a quick read and much more entertaining than you might think a quilt book could possibly be!

Paradise Lost and Found , written by Yours Truly!

This is my first ever published book! And it’s set on gorgeous Kauai, Hawaii!

Sadie Taylor has never taken a vacation. In the six years since she graduated college and started working as a proofreader for a company in Nashville, she has accumulated 480 PTO hours (that’s Paid Time Off). When her company’s new owners tell her she has to use them all in the next six months, she panics a little, then books a trip to Kauai, Hawaii, a place she’d never even heard of before the day she booked it.

Her whole life has been tied up in school and work, and that is how she likes it, or so she believes. Her adventures and misadventures against the backdrop of exotic Kauai could make for some great stories to tell her co-workers… but she has to survive those adventures first!

Keep reading: The Best Ways to Save BIG on Your Trip to Hawaii

Historical non-fiction.

These are not so much for the light reader, but rather for readers who really want a deeper look at the intricacies of Hawaii’s sometimes-shocking history. Happy reading!

Read next: The Ultimate List of Activities to Book Before Your Trip to Hawaii

Shoal of time: a history of the hawaiian islands , gavan daws.

I haven’t read this one yet, but apparently it’s the definitive book of Hawaiian history and very readable! This is definitely one for history lovers and those who are just curious about Hawaii’s history. Of course, Hawaii’s history is pretty controversial from the beginning to present day, and any historical account can only be told from the author’s perspective, but every perspective has value, and overall this one gets rave reviews!

Letters from Hawaii , Mark Twain

This is an interesting read. Mark Twain was sent to the Kingdom of Hawaii in the 1860s as a correspondent for the Sacramento Union newspaper. He wrote several letters in his four months there, 25 of which are included in this book. It’s a fascinating peek at an American’s impressions and perspectives about Hawaii, or the “Sandwich Islands,” as they were sometimes called then.

Mark Twain in Hawaii: Roughing It in the Sandwich Islands: Hawaii in the 1860s , Mark Twain

This is a fun, quick read all about Mark Twain’s adventures (and misadventures) during his first visit to Hawaii. You don’t want to miss his first impressions and the perspective of a tourist in the 1860s!

Aloha Betrayed: Native Hawaiian Resistance of American Colonialism , Noenoe K. Silva

Many of the books in this blog post hit on the injustice of the American takeover of Hawaii, but this one is unique in that it is told from the Hawaiian perspective, using Hawaiian resources in the Hawaiian language (to be clear, the book is in English, not Hawaiian, no worries if you don’t read Hawaiian!). It’s not pretty, but if you are looking for a non-fictional account of the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy and the islands, this needs to make its way onto your reading list.

Read next: The Best Hikes in the Hawaiian Islands

Biographies and personal accounts.

I’m not a huge fan of biographies. I find them generally boring and stale reads, if I’m honest. But these are particularly worth mentioning for their uniqueness and their ability to help you better understand Hawaii and its people’s history!

Read more: Royal Sites on the Island of Hawai’i

Hawaii’s story by hawaii’s queen , queen liliuokalani.

History is unfair, often one-sided, and incomplete. That’s why it’s important to look for first-hand accounts of all perspectives. This book was written by Hawaii’s last queen, Queen Liliuokalani. In it she describes her family and how she grew up and how they were treated before and during the overthrow.

She writes about how she was arrested and placed under house arrest in just a few rooms on the upper floor of the I’olani Palace in Honolulu (which you can visit today, and which I highly recommend), and while some of her account is considered controversial by many, it is her perspective, and that’s valuable for people who truly respect world history.

Soul Surfer and Rise Above: A 90-Day Devotional , Bethany Hamilton

Bethany Hamilton is an inspiration to me and countless others all over the world. She’s a professional surfer and shark attack survivor, and her determination is beyond admirable. In her autobiography, she tells about having her arm bitten off by a shark while surfing with friends, her recovery, and getting back to professional surfing less than a month later. Her companion devotion is also encouraging for fellow young Christian women!

Waterman: The Life and Times of Duke Kahanamoku , David Davis

If you’ve never heard of Duke Kahanamoku, you’re in for a treat! He was a pretty fascinating person, and he’s considered the father of modern surfing. He was born on the Island of Hawai’i in 1890, competed in multiple events in multiple Olympics, survived the Spanish flu, dabbled in acting, taught tourists how to surf on Waikiki, ran a couple of gas stations, and served 13 terms as sherriff of Honolulu! This was truly an interesting read, especially for sports enthusiasts. And don’t forget to eat at Duke’s on O’ahu, Kauai, or Maui on your trip!

Where It All Began: The 1978 Hawaiian Iron Man Triathlon , Tom Knoll

I picked this book up almost by accident, but I ended up really enjoying it! I’m not a marathoner, cyclist, or swimmer, but I was excited to learn the origins of the now-legendary Iron Man triathlon, which started on O’ahu in 1978! It’s a short book and a quick read, sure to inspire non-athletes and athletes alike!

Old Lana’i , Warren S. Croft

I can’t wait to read this one! Steve and I were supposed to visit Lana’i for our anniversary in May, but of course coronavirus had different ideas! We hope to reschedule as soon as possible, but I may wait to read this book until after we get back. This book is the journal of Dr. Warren S. Croft, written in 1940. He visited Lana’i to investigate the disappearance of the Keamoku villagers on the island, supposedly at the hands of evil spirits. The journal also includes photographs found on his camera from the trip. Mysteriously, this journal and the photos are all that remain of Dr. Warren S. Croft!

Holy Man: Father Damien of Molokai , Gavan Daws

If you’re headed to Molokai and plan to visit the Kalaupapa Peninsula’s former leper colony, this is a must-read. It’s another by Daws, writer of Shoals of Time , and it’s about Father Damien, the Catholic priest who ministered to the people of Kalaupapa from 1873-1889 when no one else dared to go. His compassion has changed many lives through the years, even his own.

More here: The Ultimate List of Hawaiian Adventures

Because sometimes you just need to know what’s what!

Keep reading: How to Choose the Best Hawaiian Island to Visit

Stories of old hawaii , roy kakulu alameida.

Okay, so this is a fourth-grade text book, but I’m not to proud to say I thought it was incredibly helpful! There are 45 traditional legends and stories in this book, all short and sweet, and I think reading it together would be a fun bedtime activity for a family preparing for a trip to the islands! Also helpful are the pronunciation guide at the front (Hawaiian words are notably difficult for mainlanders to pronounce without a little guidance) and the Hawaiian terms defined in the margins throughout the book.

Don’t Pet the Sharks: Advice, Observations, and Snark from the Big Island, Hawaii , Kona Lowell

A friend who lives on the Island of Hawai’i told me about this one, and it sounds fun! I haven’t read it yet, but I plan to as soon as Amazon sends it to me. I think the title says it all!

What’s your favorite book about or set in Hawaii? Comment below so I can add it to my list! You can take a look at all my book recommendations on my Shop Page . And find all the best resources to start planning your Hawaiian trip on my Hawaiian Islands Page !

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10 responses to “the ultimate list of books to read before you visit hawai’i”.

Aloha, Thank you so much! My Steve and I are re-planning a trip in Janurary!

That’s awesome! I hope you love it, and I hope someof these books help you get excited in the meantime!

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9 Best Books About Hawaii to Read Before You Visit

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There’s more to Hawaii than just beautiful beaches and Mai Tais, and these Hawaii books are the best way to prepare for your trip. The islands have a rich culture, multi-cultural people, and turbulent history including the overthrow of their monarchy and annexation by the USA in 1898.

I think it’s important to learn more about these seemingly paradise islands before you visit. As usual with my pre-travel reading, I focused on fictional books set in Hawaii rather than dry histories, and I learned a lot while enjoying engaging stories.

These historical and contemporary Hawaii novels and short stories are a mix of fascinating, tragic, and entertaining.

1) Shark Dialogues by Kiana Davenport

If you only read one book set in Hawaii, make it this one by Hawaiian writer Kiana Davenport. It's one of my favourite books ever!

Shark Dialogues is an epic, complex, multi-generational family saga that weaves the history of Hawaii with the story of powerful matriarch Pono and her four granddaughters. You’ll learn about the Polynesian ancestors, whaling industry, sugar plantations, different immigrant groups (Japanese, Chinese, Filipino), annexation by the US, leper colony, and the fight for sovereignty.

The language is luscious and poetic with magical realism elements that reminded me of Isabel Allende. The novel features Hawaiian myths and language (with a glossary) and some characters use Hawaiian Pidgin, so it feels very immersive and you can pick up some of the local language.

It’s set mostly on the Big Island but also features Oahu, Maui, and Molokai. It does awaken you to the impact of tourism on the islands, so while you may be left feeling guilty for visiting, I think it’s important to be aware of the reality.

Shark Dialogues is a tremendous book and I can’t recommend it highly enough.

2) Moloka'i by Alan Brennert

Moloka’i is one of the most popular books about Hawaii. This captivating novel tells the story of Rachel, a young Native Hawaiian girl who is sent to the leper colony on Molokai at the very end of the 19th century.

It’s fascinating to read what life was like in the Kalaupapa colony, both the horrors and how it became a strong and supportive community over the years as the residents embraced life in the face of death.

There’s information about traditional Hawaiian culture as well as a historical backdrop—the introduction of planes, World War II, and the changes to Honolulu after the war.

Although it’s fiction, it’s inspired by the real leper colony, which you can now visit and still houses a few elderly residents (voluntarily).

If you enjoy Moloka’i, don’t miss the new sequel, Daughter of Moloka’i , which follows Rachel’s daughter. Although it’s mostly set in California with a focus on the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII, it also features Honolulu and Maui.

3) This is Paradise: Stories by Kristiana Kahakauwila

This is a powerful, beautiful collection of short stories that depict the glories and struggles of contemporary Hawaiian life on Maui, Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island.

The stories are all very different with a wide range of characters, but common themes are identity, family, love, home, and death. The use of Pidgin in the dialogue immerses you in the culture.

I especially loved the first eponymous story which cleverly uses the voices of three groups of Hawaiian women (young surfers, hotel cleaners, professionals) in Waikiki, Honolulu to tell the story of a young tourist whose vacation takes a dark turn.

4) Island of Sweet Pies and Soldiers by Sara Ackerman

This Hawaii novel is an enjoyable, easy read, although the subject matter is serious. It’s set during World War II in a small town on the Big Island where most residents are of Japanese heritage. Soldiers set up a base nearby and some of the local women befriend them and their mascot lion (which is based on a real lion!).

One of the women’s husband has gone missing and another’s is sent to a Japanese internment camp. The women come together to get through the tough times and bake pies for the soldiers to earn extra money.

The story is partly told by 10-year-old Ella who knows what happened to her father but is too scared to tell.

I also enjoyed Ackerman’s other books set in Hawaii during WWII. The Lieutenant’s Nurse is about a nurse who arrives in Honolulu just before the Pearl Harbour attack. Red Sky Over Hawaii is set in the village of Volcano on the Big Island where a Hawaiian woman shelters two young German girls and a Japanese fisherman and his son as the government starts taking away suspected sympathisers. 

5) The Descendants by Kaui Hart Hemmings

The Descendants is set in contemporary Hawaii on Oahu and Kauai (Hanalei). It’s a moving novel about Matthew King, a descendant of Hawaiian royalty who struggles to deal with his two girls as his wife lays in a coma. At the same time he has to make a decision about selling the land he has inherited on Kauai.

I enjoyed the book and it covers some important issues in Hawaii as well as grief and forgiveness. It has also been made into a good movie starring George Clooney .

6) House of Many Gods by Kiana Davenport

If you enjoyed Shark Dialogues , I also recommend this novel by Kiana Davenport. House of Many Gods tells the story of a Hawaiian family on the impoverished Waianae Coast on Oahu from the 1960s to current day.

They have to deal with traumatised and injured war veterans, drugs, parents abandoning their kids, and limited opportunities. At first I found it bleak, but I soon became engaged by the story of Ana, who was abandoned by her mother but goes on to become a doctor.

As with Shark Dialogues , the writing is lyrical and the book is a fascinating insight into Hawaiian language, culture, traditions (especially during pregnancy and childbirth), and the wisdom of elders. Environmental justice is a major theme.

There’s also a short section set in Kauai that includes a helicopter ride over the island and is worth reading if you are planning to do that.

7) Honolulu by Alan Brennert

Honolulu is another engrossing historical novel set in Hawaii by Alan Brennert. It takes place in the early 20th century in pre-WWII Honolulu and focuses on the Asian immigrants who were brought to the island to work on sugar and pineapple plantations.

The main character is Jin, a young Korean girl who comes to Hawaii as a picture bride (like a mail-order bride) and is shocked to discover that her arranged marriage is to a poor and violent plantation worker.

The book follows the tragedies and triumphs of immigrant life and features some real-life characters such as Queen Liliʻuokalani and Duke Kahanamoku (a swimmer who popularised surfing).

8) The Last Aloha by Gaellen Quinn

I didn’t find this novel as well written as the ones above, but it is enjoyable and tells the important story of how Hawaii’s queen was dethroned.

It’s told through the eyes of Laura, a young American woman who moves from San Francisco to the islands to live with relatives after her father dies. Her uncle came from a missionary background but is now part of the wealthy elite making enormous amounts of money from the sugar industry. He and others plot to overthrow the queen to protect their business interests.

Laura ends up working for the royal family and is close to them as they struggle to save their kingdom.

For a more authentic account of these events, you might want to read Hawai’i’s Story by Hawai’i’s Queen , which was written by the last monarch Queen Liliʻuokalani herself. I found the book rather dry and difficult to get through, though.

9) The Goddesses by Swan Huntley

If you are looking for an easy beach read set in Hawaii, try The Goddesses . Nancy, a 48-year-old American woman, moves to Kona on the Big Island with her teenage sons and husband as they try to rebuild their marriage after his infidelity.

Nancy becomes swept up in a dangerous friendship with her charismatic yoga teacher and things start going wrong. There are lovely descriptions of the island, but you won’t learn much about Hawaiian culture.

I hope you enjoy these Hawaii books and that they give you more insight into the islands’ unique culture and history. 

If you are looking for a Hawaii travel guidebook, I recommend the detailed Hawaii Revealed series by local Andrew Doughty. We used the Maui and Kauai guides and there are also books on Oahu and the Big Island. 

You can also read these other posts about Hawaii: 

• Planning a Trip to Hawaii: Dos and Don’ts
• The Ultimate Maui Itinerary
• The Best Road to Hana Stops 
• Where to Stay in Kauai
• 17 Unmissable Things to do in Kauai

Do you have any other recommendations for books about Hawaii? We’re already planning our next trip and I need to add to my reading list!

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10 Comments

I just finished Molokai and absolutely loved it so will definitely add some of the other books from this post to my reading list too!

Reply ↓

You definitely have to read Daughter of Molokai if you enjoyed the first one!

Thanks for Sharing This Information And For This Advice.

You forgot James A. Michener’s book called “Hawaii”, a historical fiction book that begins with the formation of the island and goes all the way to modern times. Don’t bother with the movie about it – the book is so much better!

Yes, it’s on my reading list! I was a little daunted by the size but I do plan to read it.

Do read Michener. He is worth the big size of his book. I liked it so much I read it several times and went to Hawaii!

If you have a chance, check out Daughters of Fire, by Tom Peek.

Thanks for the recommendation!

Thank you for the list. Some of these are great reads. Sadly, if you were truly interested in Hawaiian culture and the feelings of the Hawaiians themselves, you wouldn’t be recommending the Revealed series of books. These Revealed books have destroyed the few remaining quiet places that remained on the islands and have promoted trespassing onto private lands owned by Hawaiians. THEY are the worst things to happen to Hawaii in recent decades.

Thanks Ulani for the info. I had heard some controversy around the guidebooks, but I wonder if the author has addressed this in recent versions. We didn’t find anything in the books that encouraged us to trespass and we were very aware not to do so.

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Best Hawaii Travel Guide Books: Planning a trip to Hawaii :: itinerary for hawaii

So you’ve got Hawaii on your mind!

And you’re almost certain that you’re headed to Hawaii for your next vacation… or thinking pretty hard about it!

So in addition to all the free information available online, which Hawaii travel guidebooks may be worth getting?

Here is the quick list of travel guides to help plan your trip to Hawaii for the best vacation ever:

• Free travel guides from the Hawaii tourism department
• Guide to choosing the best Hawaiian island for you
• Possibly the best selling Hawaii travel guidebooks

Hawaii travel guidebooks with PDF

what to wear in hawaii >> what to wear hiking – what to wear snorkeling

Free travel guides from Hawaii tourism department

Among the best resources for planning your trip to Hawaii just might be the state tourism department!

Although here’s a good spot to find the best short hikes on Oahu. 😉

The Hawaii tourism department of course wants you to visit their state, and they’ll give you plenty of goods reasons to do so!

They have a number of travel guides available that are free. One for each of the islands. The travel guides for the main islands are magazine-style. (That’s for Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.) For the smaller islands, it’s a smaller brochure. (That’s for Molokai and Lanai.) For the magazine-style travel guides, this means you can expect gorgeous blown up images that will make you dream of Hawaii even more!

You can order the free guides here.

This link will prompt you to download an electronic version of the Hawaii travel guide as a pdf. At the bottom, you can also order your free printed copy of the Hawaii travel guide by mail too. It might take a few weeks to arrive.

If that link doesn’t take you to the right place, try a search on the official Hawaii tourism department’s website .

Best selling Hawaii travel guidebooks

One of the most popular series of Hawaii guidebooks for each of the main Hawaiian islands is this series of guidebooks .

The books in the Hawaii Revealed series give you a lot of information about your chosen island, and you’ll be given loads of ideas of things to do to stay active in Hawaii.

One of the negatives about this series is that you may find recommendations for trespassing in order to get to certain places. It may be best to not follow this kind of advice, or if you do so, do so at your own risk! Hawaii does have a lot of areas that are deemed off limits but seem to be frequently visited by locals, and even some tourists. Use your best judgement, and always respect the land and the people.

That said, it’s very possible that you can have the best Hawaii vacation ever with a Hawaii Revealed book! These guidebooks often receive high praise from visitors.

Read the reviews of the Hawaii Revealed series.

The Hawaii “Revealed” series includes the following islands:

• Big Island (Hawaii Island)

Now, one of the things about guidebooks is that they can be bulky.

What if you want a Hawaii guide, but you don’t want the weight or space required in your carry-on bag that goes with it?

There’s an e-book for that! 😉

There’s a good chance that you’ve heard of the Lonely Planet series of travel guidebooks. Lonely Planet is known for providing high quality and useful information for travelers planning trip to destinations around the world. And they also have some Hawaii travel guides too.

In addition to the print version, these all come with the option of getting the book as a pdf:

• Honolulu, Waikiki, Oahu

There is also the Discover Hawaii Travel Guide if you’ll be visiting more than one island, or you’re still deciding which Hawaiian island to visit. This doesn’t come with a pdf option though.

See all Lonely Planet travel destinations here.

Things to do on Oahu: Kailua Beach

HAPPY TRIP PLANNING WITH YOUR HAWAII GUIDEBOOK!

things to do on oahu | map >> waikiki beach – north shore – east oahu

best short hikes on oahu – best snorkeling spots on oahu

Best shoes for your active vacation

Swimwear for snorkeling and beach.

9+ Books to Read before Traveling to Hawaii

I keep revisiting the beautiful state of Hawaii through books that unveil its rich culture , traditions, and history. 

Last updated: August 23, 2024

The Best Books to Read before Visiting Hawaii

I traveled to many countries, including some of the most remote corners of the Earth through books. Months, often years, after first encountering these places along the thin pages, I would be fortunate to see them in person. Many more of these places still live in my mind only as alluring locations that ignite my thirst for new adventures.

Hawaii was different. This place that abounded with so many stories and traditions didn’t need introduction. Hula dance , tropical green forests, waterfalls that stop you in your tracks… I didn’t feel that I needed to learn about all of these from books before our visit to Kauai , Hawaii, a few years ago.

Yet the more we drove along the coast, dotted with splendid beaches, tiny towns, and historic landmarks, such as the Kilauea Lighthouse, the more I longed to know their stories. Occasional conversations with locals ignited this hunger even more.

Visit Hawaii through Books

With just four days on our hands, diving deeper into Hawaiian history was impossible. I embarked on this journey once back in California . And while reading more about Hawaii, I planned a new trip to another island.

A few years passed. I took several virtual trips to Hawaii through books and none in person. When a pandemic started, that long-awaited trip was pushed back indefinitely. I delved even deeper into the paradise called Hawaii… through books. One novel followed by another, and soon I had many of these “trips” under my belt.

We finally went back to Hawaii last year. This time, we visited Maui , a place so diverse and beautiful that makes you want to move there. Four days later, I came back to California with a few more books about Hawaii. Some things never change.

Without further ado, here are the books that I recommend you to read before visiting Hawaii. 

THE BOOKS YOU SHOULD READ BEFORE VISITING HAWAII

1. radar girls .

Book set in Hawaii by Sara Ackerman

My first book, set in Hawaii, by Sara Ackerman… and I was enchanted by her writing style. In fact, it was one of the first books I’ve ever read about the Aloha State. While I was perusing one Sara’s book after another on a long weekend at home in California, mentally I was running on a beach on Oahu, Hawaii, taken back in time some 80 years ago.

Radar Girls indeed takes you back that far, to the time of World War II and the attack on Pearl Harbor. The main heroine, Daisy Wilder, encounters the war on a Hawaiian beach, a short walk away from her family house. Fond of horses and more comfortable with animals than people, this Hawaiian soon finds herself in a city, far away from her little paradise, working as a radar girl. 

For the first time in her life, Daisy meets women that she feels safe with. True friendship is born over time and carries the girls throughout the harshness of the war. 

While the book is fictional, the author did a great research, adding bits of the historical past of Hawaii to the novel. 

2. Island of Sweet Pies and Soldiers  

Island of Sweet Pies and Soldiers is another book that portraits one of the mesmerizing Hawaiian islands during World War II. 

Violet Iverson’s life changes drastically after her husband disappears. Forced to stay strong for herself and her young daughter, Ella, the woman continues on with her teaching job and watches how her beloved island becomes hostile toward some of her dearest friends of Japanese descent. In the time of war, any Japanese is looked at as a potential spy. 

While most of the locals know it better, soldiers that arrive at the island are yet to learn who is a friend and who is an enemy. One of these soldiers shows a particular affection for Violet. Yet the young woman can’t make any decision before she finds out what happened to her husband. 

Similar to the previous book, this novel dissects some real issues Hawaii was forced to deal with during World War II.

3. Honolulu 

Book about Hawaii by Alan Brennert

Honolulu is one of my favorite books about Hawaii for quite some reasons. First, it depicts the island of Oahu during the time when “local” culture and identity were in their initial stage. Second, it opens the door to Korean culture and traditions prevailing at that time. 

Jin, a Korean girl, is reminded of her unwelcoming arrival all her life. Her parents can’t even hide their disappointment when a girl and not a boy is born. The newborn member of the family is named Regret. 

A true Korean girl, the heroine never questions her culture and fate until she meets a beautiful gisaeng, Evening Rose. The new friend teaches Regret to read. The act, back then forbidden for a Korean girl, leads to another and soon Regret finds herself on a ship to Honolulu as a picture bride. 

Not a life Regret who soon changes her name to Jin pictured awaits the new immigrant on Oahu. Living on the paradise island is far from what people were saying. It turns its nice face to some residents, while punishing the rest. The island lives a double life where nice parties, prostitution, poverty, and a crime that changes the fate of Hawaii coexist. 

Jin sees and lives through all of these. She makes friends, loses friends, and learns to love this strange island. 

READ MORE: 15 Travel Books that Will Spark Your Wanderlust

4. Moloka’i 

Moloka’i is one of a few books about Hawaii that I’ve been eyeing for a while but yet have to get my hands on. A highly acclaimed novel, Moloka’i unveils the harsh reality about forced segregation that took place in Hawaii during the outbreak of leprosy.

Both books, Moloka’i and Honolulu are packed with historical facts and a few real people that once called Hawaii their home. These books indeed inspire you to visit not only tourist sites of Hawaii, but explore its lesser-known corners and certainly appreciate its long and somewhat forsaken past. 

Note: I finally read Moloka’i along with Daughter of Moloka’i , another book by Alan Brennert, a few months ago. I hid in a room so nobody could see me and wept while I was reading about the leper girl named Rachel Kalama.

5. Red Sky Over Hawaii 

Similar to the two other books, Ackerman takes you back to Hawaii during World War II. The attack on Pearl Harbor turns Lana Hitchcock’s life upside down. Arriving home at the Big Island to see her sick father, the woman is stuck here to put his affairs into order. Shortly after her arrival, she finds out about a secret property nestled in the rainforest of the Kilauea volcano. 

When the government starts relocating local Japanese and Germans suspected of sympathizing with attacking armies, Lana flees to the hidden house. Two German girls, a Japanese fisherman, and his son come along with her. 

Interestingly, the house Sara so vividly describes in her novel is as real as the Hawaiian culture and history. Known as ‘Ainahou, the old ranch is on the National Register of Historic Places and is located within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Note: I ended up reading all novels written by Sara Ackerman, including The Lieutenant’s Nurse and The Codebreaker’s Secret . All five books are set in Hawaii and narrate about the Hawaiian Islands, love, and life during World War II.

6. Freckled: A Memoir of Growing Up Wild in Hawaii 

Book about Hawaii by TW Neal

Freckled is one of the nearest to my heart books that inspires me to revisit the lush island of Kauai, Hawaii. The story narrates about the author’s life, full of the rugged beauty of the island, its hardship and deprivations, racial harassment, and indifference of girl’s hippie surfer parents. Despite all these struggles, Kauai’s spell and charm are undeniable. Kauai is although strange, but still a sweet home.

7. Daughter of Moloka’i

Book set in Hawaii and California by Alan Brennert

Ruth Utagawa is an adoptive child. Half-Japanese, half-Hawaiian, the girl often feels out of place, surrounded by much shorter classmates. The adoptive family, however, loves Ruth dearly.

When life in Hawaii becomes tough, the family accepts the invitation of their relatives and moves to California. Yet troubles seem to follow them. The Golden State is not as friendly as they expected. During World War II, Ruth’s family faces internment.

A new surprise arrives after the war. In the letter, with the signature, “Rachel Utagawa” .

8. Maui: A History

A history about Maui, once the center of Hawaii, by Cummins E. Speakman, Jr

History of Hawaii comes to life through the pages of this thin, yet captivating book. Long before Europeans discovered the tropical paradise lost in the Pacific Ocean, wars between ruling chiefs frequently shattered peace in Hawaii.

By the end of the 19th century, the warrior chief, Kamehameha the Great, managed to unite the islands. Maui became the center of the Hawaiian Kingdom with Lahaina the first capital of the new territory. The Hawaiian Kingdom existed nearly 100 years until the monarchy was overthrown as a result of a staged coup d’état against Queen Liliuokalani and her government.

In this little book, Speakman summarizes the history of Maui and Hawaii, from Polynesian settlement to the arrival of American missionaries and the influx of Asian immigrants all the way to the beginning of the 21st century.

NOTE: You can find more great book recommendations about Hawaii, its history and traditions in the comment section below.

READ MORE: Books to Read before Traveling to Alaska: Classics, Tales, Fiction

9. The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West

A historical fiction book set on the Big Island of Hawaii, by Sara Ackerman

In the 1920s, a woman aviator was not only an unthinkable, but almost scandalous case. Olivia West, a daughter of a San Diego’s fisherman, knows it from her own experience. Male aviators at one of the local airports where the girl does any unpaid jobs and even her own mother remind Olivia that aviation is not a place for a woman. Yet the call of the sky is loud. Too loud to ignore.

Against all odds, Olivia West becomes one of the best pilots at the airport where she slaved away just a few years before. But being a woman in a predominantly male world of aviation, the main heroine almost misses an opportunity to participate in the Dole Air Race, the first ever contest to fly over the Pacific Ocean from the West Coast to Hawaii.

The world is too narrow-thinking yet. No woman is allowed to be a pilot on a historical flight to Hawaii. Olivia manages to be selected as a navigator for one of the pilots. In two weeks she along with a number of brave men sets out on a journey that claims many lives.

In the book The Uncharted Flights of Olivia West , Sara Ackerman ventures away from her trodden writing domain and portraits Hawaii before and after World War II. Olivia West is a fictional character. The unspeakable flight to Hawaii, however, was real. The race did take place. Many men that attempted to become the first pilots to reach the distant shores of Hawaii by the air perished. But the isolated islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean became the talk of the whole world.

You may also enjoy:

Best of road to hana and back road to hana in march, shantaram: a book about india in the best bollywood traditions, 4 books to read before traveling to canada (1 was enough for me), people that made our kauai trip so memorable, 10 comments.

Great list, I’ve read all that you’ve mentioned. What about the granddaddy of them all, James Michener’s Hawaii?

You can’t imagine how many times I put it in my shopping card and later removed it. Some reviews on Amazon said it wasn’t worth buying it. At the same time not all readers loved Sara Ackerman’s books as much as I did. So I guess I just need to give “Hawaii” a try. Thank you for bringing it up here.

I’ve long been a fan of Alan Brennert’s Hawaii books (and his others). Reading Moloka’i inspired me to actually travel to this Hawaiian island on a day trip from Oahu. I got on a very small plane, which I don’t like to do, and went to Kalaupapa, the former leper colony side of the island. It was a visit I’ll never forget. I also love his book Honolulu and the sequel to Moloka’i, Daughter of Moloka’i.

Another wonderful non-fiction book about Hawaii is Sarah Vowell’s Unfamiliar Fishes. It is non-fiction but told in a fascinating narrative style. It explores the history of the white man coming to the islands, not a pretty history.

I glad you visited that island. I’m sure it was wonderful. And thank you for suggesting new books. I’m going to peruse them as soon as I’m done with the books I’m reading right now.

Yes, Sarah Vowell’s book Unfamiliar Fishes is a must to help one understand how the take over of Hawaiʻi occurred, as you say not a pretty history.

Indeed, it’s not a pretty part of Hawaiian history. I’m looking forward to learning more about it.

I also have been a long time fan of Alan Brennert and have read everything he has ever written. I patiently await seeing a new book on the shelves. Molokai was a wonderful book and the sequel even more so. I have been to Kalaupapa three times and have had a different spiritual experience each time. Seeing Father Damien’s church was the objective of my first visit, but after meeting Richard Marks and listening to his stories I wanted to return again. Actually he told me when the tour was over that I would come back again. I did. My third visit was a sad one though. Knowing all the history and the deaths was sad, but not seeing Richard Marks my last visit was sad. He was ill and had passed away. I have wonderful memories of Hawaii and read everything I can get my hands on. Out of the list of 6 – have read 5. Thanks for this posting.

I’m a little jealous of your experiences 🙂 Thanks for sharing them!

Zhanna, since you loved Freckled, can I recommend Rainforest Puʻuhonua by Kahikāhealani Wight, about life growing up on the big island, Hawaiʻi. One of the few books in my life that I have bought extra copies of to give away.

Yes, definitely! And thank you! I’m adding it to my reading list.

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Hawaii Tourbook Guide

Including honolulu and haleakalā national park.

Explore the lush tropical beauty of Hawaii with the digital AAA TourBook guide. With multiple forest reserves, wildlife refuges, parks and, of course, spectacular beaches surrounded by sparkling blue waters of the North Pacific, this tropical paradise offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. Honolulu offers big-city excitement with museums, shopping, nightlife and performing arts. Plan your next trip with the help of AAA's digital TourBook travel guide, available for download on mobile, tablet or desktop.

With the help of the Hawaii guide, you'll get advice from AAA travel experts about the best things to see and do, where to stay and how to plan the trip of a lifetime. You'll learn insider travel tips and answers to many top questions asked by travelers.

Here's a sampling of things you'll find in the Hawaii guide.

• Why Pearl Harbor is a must-do experience
• What to see in Haleakalā National Park
• How to experience a traditional Hawaiian lū‘au
• Why the Hāna Highway from Kahului to Hāna is a bucket list experience
• Where to find the best beaches on the islands
• How Hawaii went from monarchy to the 50 th U.S. state
• Where to camp, hike and fish in state parks and national public lands
• Which spots offer the most spectacular panoramic views
• Where to find your own “Magnum P.I.”-style Hawaiian shirt

What are some of the must-dos covered in this guide?

We know no two travelers are alike, so we've included a wide variety of things to do in each TourBook guide, from national parks and recreational activities to museums and theme parks.

We cover the top outdoor spots to visit, including Hānauma Bay Nature Preserve, Waimea Canyon State Park and ‘Akaka Falls State Park. Pay homage to those who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor with a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and the Battleship Missouri Memorial. Get a birds-eye view of the islands on a helicopter tour or explore the reefs from aboard a catamaran. Learn more about Hawai‘i’s tropical flora and fauna at Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden; Na ‘Āina Kai Botanical Gardens and Sculpture Park; Maui Ocean Center, The Hawaiian Aquarium; and the Honolulu Zoo. You'll find these attractions and more in this digital destination guide.

Will this guide help me plan a road trip?

Yes! This guide includes inspiration for scenic drives throughout the Hawai‘ian Islands. You can also use the high-quality maps to get started planning your own route.

Is national park information included?

Yes. The Hawaii TourBook guide includes detailed information and travel tips for Haleakalā National Park, a AAA GEM (Great Experience for Members) attraction.

Explore the Hawaii TourBook guide and start planning your next travel adventure today!

Top 5 Hawaii Travel Guides (Ranked By Local Travel Planners!)

Hawaii Aloha Travel > Blog > Top 5 Hawaii Travel Guides (Ranked By Local Travel Planners!)

Sure, lots of great travel information is available online (just like on our blog!). Plus, you’re working with a great Hawaii travel planner who provides custom advice and bookings for you. Still, there’s nothing like holding a hard copy of a Hawaii travel guide in your hands. 

Something about flipping through an old-fashioned book makes your upcoming trip seem all the more real. But which travel book is best for a Hawaii vacation? 

Before you zip up that suitcase and head to Hawaii, make sure you leave enough room for a guidebook (or two). Or, better yet, take it with you to read on the plane. You won’t regret taking the time to “read up” on Hawaii!

Hawaii Travel Guides: Our Top Recommendations

1. Hawaii Revealed: The Ultimate Guidebook Bundle by Andrew Doughty

Author Andrew Doughty has written an entire series on Hawaii, and he devotes an entire book to each island (except Lanai and Molokai). Each of his books received either four-and-a-half or five stars on Amazon, and they are the website’s best-selling Hawaii guide books.

His Hawaii travel guides offer a candid, humorous guide to everything there is to see and do on the islands. It’s nice because the individual books give a lot of time and attention to each island. Or, you can splurge on the full bundle and read about every island. 

Explore with Andrew Doughty as he reveals breathtaking trails, secluded beaches, pristine reefs, delicious places to eat, colorful craters, hidden waterfalls and so much more. Every restaurant, activity provider, business, and resort is reviewed personally and anonymously.

Support local booksellers by buying Hawaii Revealed online here . The full collection is also available on Amazon. 

2. Fodor’s Essential Hawaii

Fodor’s is the ultimate name in travel guides, and their Hawaii books are great. They most recently updated their guide in 2022, so it’s nice getting Post-Covid expertise as they share the best of Hawaii. Read all about Honolulu’s urban vibe, Maui’s Road to Hana, Kauai’s beaches, and the Big Island’s volcanoes . Local experts vet every recommendation to ensure you make the most of your time, whether it’s your first trip or your fifth. 

Buy the most up-to-date Fodors Essential Hawaii travel guide at Barnes & Noble here . 

3. Lonely Planet Hawaii

This is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Learn to surf or lie in the sun on a sugary tropical beach, hike across ancient lava flows and up craggy peaks, or curve down Maui’s lushest coast on the Road to Hana, all with your trusted travel companion.

Lonely Planet offers an all-in-one Hawaii guide, or separate guides that go into detail for each island (Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island). They were updated in 2022 with new updates coming in summer 2024. 

Shop online at Barnes & Noble for the up-to-date Lonely Planet Hawaii travel guides. 

4. Frommer’s Hawaii by Jeanne Cooper & Natalie Schack 

Frommer’s has updated its Hawaii travel guide for 2024! This great book shows travelers how to plan and execute the adventure of a lifetime in these legendary islands. This classic Frommer’s series includes:

• Exact prices
• Reviews of the best beaches
• Attractions
• Outfitters and hotels in every price range (from hostels to glamorous resorts)
• Dozens of detailed maps

Make sure you’re buying the 2024 (or later!) version of Frommer’s Hawaii when you buy it online . 

5. DK Eyewitness Travel Guide

DK Eyewitness Hawaii Travel Guide is packed with culture and activities. It was updated in 2022 and has lots of great tips that you’ll love reading about. Discover the best attractions and unforgettable sites including beautiful beaches and volcanoes. Plus, access insider tips for everywhere from Honolulu to Waikiki. 

The book includes a guide to great restaurants and cafes featuring island cuisine, or check out the best restaurants, clubs, and bars. It features the best hotels for every budget, plus fun activities for solitary travel or for families and children to make the very best of any visit to Hawaii.

Buy DK Eyewitness Hawaii Travel Guide online here .

Are Hawaii Travel Guides Worth It?

It’s worth the effort to educate yourself with Hawaii travel guides before heading to the islands, especially if your trip is a once-in-a-lifetime vacation. With these trusted guidebooks in tow, you can skip what you want, hit the sites you want, and make the most of your trip!

And of course, be sure to reach out to Hawaii Aloha Travel to get the most customized and up-to-date advice from local advisors who live right here on the islands.

Related posts:

• What is a Hawaiian Lomilomi Massage? If you plan on getting a spa treatment or massage…

• Hawaii Accommodations & Dining
• Hawaii Animals & Nature
• Hawaii Beaches & Ocean
• Hawaii Culture & Happenings
• Hawaii Hiking & Outdoors
• Hawaii Travel & Vacation Info

Hey, I'm Reading

Your friendly site for all fun things books, 29 books set in hawaii that will take you to the islands and back in time.

• by Megan Johnson
• Posted on December 23, 2020 May 19, 2021

There are affiliate links in here.  I get a small commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you

Today we’re talking all about books set in Hawaii! There are a couple of non-fiction Hawaii books in here, but the majority are historical fiction set in Hawaii, a lot during WWII.

While I’ve currently only read one on this list, I decided to start another one right away and have added a few more to my TBR. I hope you enjoy the list and would love to hear about your favorite Hawaii books.

• If you want to listen to some of these, consider  trying Audible ! You can get your first month free (one free book) plus tons of others they have for free.  Get that Audible deal here.
• If you’re on more of a budget, try Everand (formerly Scribd)! You can get 60 days free there with my link! You can read books and listen to audiobooks. It is unlimited (especially the reading) but if you listen to tons of new audiobooks you may be restricted after a few. I haven’t encountered this yet, but I do use Everand myself and like it a lot. Get 60 days free here!
• Shop my collection of bookish goodies on Etsy ! These aren’t my shop items, but other shops I’ve curated into a book-themed collection. Shop my Etsy bookish goodies here!
• If you want to read more on your Kindle but don’t want to buy books, Kindle Unlimited is a good option. If you read a lot and like to read more than just new releases (especially romance), it could be worth it. Get Kindle Unlimited here !
• Get $5 off of $25 from BookOutlet! This is a great place to find new books for pretty cheap. They also have sales quite a bit, so keep an eye out for those. I tend to check here for books I want if they’re more expensive other places. They don’t have everything but they do have a lot. Shop BookOutlet here!
• Thrift Books has become my go-to when I’m looking for a book and want it cheap. It’s great if you like buying used books. With this you can get a free book after spending $30!
• Shop my book lists here! You can find every book list I have on Bookshop.org (except my monthly round-ups) and I add everything I can but they occasionally won’t have some. I do occasionally add extras though. If any lists are empty, they’ll be filled in shortly! Shop my bookshop.org book lists here .

Moloka’i

Rachel Kalama is a seven-year-old Hawaiian girl who dreams of visiting far off lands like her merchant seaman father, but those dreams are stolen from her when a rose-colored mark appears on her skin.

She is taken from her home and family and sent to Kalaupapa on the island of Moloka’i. A quarantined leprosy colony. This is supposed to be the end of her life but she discovers it’s just the beginning.

Daughter of Moloka’i

This is the story of Ruth, the daughter Rachel Kalama was forced to give up at birth. It follows her story from her arrival at Kapi’olani, a home for girls in Honolulu, to her adoption by a Japanese family and growing up on a strawberry and grape farm in California, her marriage and relocation in WWII, and the day she receives a letter from a woman who claims she is her birth mother, Rachel.

Red-headed Toby grew up as one of only a few hundred haole (caucasian) people on the North Shore of Kauai to hippie surfer parents that just wanted to ride waves, use substances, and hide from society.

This is the story of Toby’s life growing up, catching octopus with her bare hands, selling magic mushrooms to make money, and living off the land in tents with no electricity or communication with thee outside world.

A group of graduate students are lured to Hawaii to work for a mysterious biotech company where they end of cast off into the rainforest with nothing but their scientific expertise and wits to protect them.

I actually found this one in a little free library and just decided I’m going to read it now!

A Song for the Stars

This is based on a true story and takes place in 1779. Maile is the second daughter of a royal chief meaning she will be allowed to marry for love. Her fiance is the best navigator in Hawai’i and has taught her everything he knows.

When sailors from a mysterious place called England show up on the island, she is widowed before she can wed in a misunderstanding that ended in battle. She takes in John Harbottle, the man who killed her finace, intending to let him die but reluctantly heals him. In the process she realizes he may be an ally, not an enemy.

John is fascinated with her homeland, her people, and Maile herself, but guilt continues to drive a wedge between them: John for the death he caused and Maile for the truth about what started the battle – a secret she’s kept hidden from everyone on the island.

This is Paradise

This is a collection of stories about modern life in Hawaii, exploring the tensions between local and tourist, tradition and expectation, facade and authentic self. It shows life as it’s truly being lived on Maui, Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island. I’m actually really excited to read this one!

Still Life with Woodpecker

This is pretty different as far as Hawaii books goes because it’s a sort of love story that takes place inside a pack of Camel cigarettes.

It reveals the purpose of the moon, the difference between criminals and outlaws, the conflict between social activism and romantic individualism while painting a portrait of a contemporary society of powerful arabs, exiled royalty, and pregnant cheerleaders. Oh, and the problem of reheads.

Shark Dialogues

This is the story of seven generations of one family in Hawaii encompassing the tumultuous Hawaiian history.

A Hawaiian woman gathers her four granddaughters together in a tale of villains, dreamers, queens, revolutionaries, lepers, and healers.

Island of Sweet Pies and Soldiers

Violet and her daughter Ella are piecing their lives back together a year after her husband vanished, as combat in the pacific intensifies in 1944.

Suspicions about his loyalties surface and Violet thinks Ella knows something but she refuses to talk.

Violet and her friends open a pie stand for the soldiers training on the island for a secret mission but the women face their own wartime problems as prejudice against the island Japanese pits neighbor against neighbor.

Sergeant Stone is brash but comes to Violet’s aid when the women are accused of spying. She struggles with guilt but can’t deny the blooming attraction or her fear of losing another man as he ships out for Iwo Jima.

Lost Kingdom

For centuries, starting around 200 A.D. Polynesian descendents lived peacefully on an undisturbed archipelago with little contact from the western world. At least until 1778 when Captain Cook arrived.

Lili’uokalani was born in 1838 and was the last queen of Hawaii, living through an almost complete economic transformation of the islands. Sugar plantations gradually consumed the land and were almost exclusively owned by white planters, the “Sugar Kings.”

Hawaii became the prize in a contest between America, Britain, and France. THe monarchy became victim to manipulation and wealthy plantation owners. Lili’uokalani was outmaneuvered in her bid to reinstate the monarchy’s power by the annexation of Hawaii by the United States.

From Here to Eternity

This is a tale of a soldiers life in the Army. The violence and passions of men and women living by unspoken codes with unutterable despair.

First Sergeant Milton Anthony Warden and Private Robert E. Lee Prewitt share a common bond of the Army. Warden is risking his life and career to have an affair with the commanding officer’s wife while Prewitt is getting “the treatment” for refusing to join the company’s boxing team.

The Army is their heart, blood, and maybe even death.

The Islands at the End of the World

Leilani loves surfing and her home in Hilo but she’s an outsider: half white, half Hawaiian, and epileptic.

A global disaster strikes while she’s in Oahu with her father. Technology and power fail leaving Hawaii cut off from the rest of the world, reverting the islands to traditional ways of survival.

On their nightmarish trek home across islands, she learns her deep connection to Hawaii and her epilepsy may be the secret to ending the crisis before it becomes worse than anyone could imagine.

The Girl at the Center of the World

Leilani, sixteen, and her family have learned to survive without electronics, farming the land like her ancestors. She finds strength in her relatives, friendships, and strange connection to the Emerald Orchid, the force whose presence caused global devastation. Through everything, she suffers from regret of what must be done to survive.

This is the sequel to The Islands at the End of the World with Hawaiian mythology and history intertwined throughout the story.

House of Many Gods

Ana was abandoned by her mother as a child and was raised by extended family on the “lawless” Wai’anae coast of Oahu, west of Honolulu. While helping victims of Hurrican ‘Iniki on neighboring Kauai she meets Nikolai, a Russian filmmaker. He has a violent and tragic past and the only way he can confront reality is through his unique prism of lies. Still, he is dedicated to recording the ecological horrors in his motherland across the pacific.

As their lives intertwine, we are swept through the decades from rural Hawaii to the Arctic wastes of Russia.

Under the Blood-Red Sun

Tomi was born in Hawaii. His grandparents were born in Japan. They came to America to escape poverty.

WWII feels worlds away from Tomi and his friends who are too busy playing ball, but then Pearl Harbor is attacked and the US declared war on Japan. It’s a terrifying time to be Japanese in America when the men are being rounded up and arrested. One this that doesn’t change is the loyalty of Tomi’s friends, the Rats.

The Wave: In Pursuit of the Rogues, Freaks, and Giants of the Ocean

Scientists dismissed centuries of stories of gargantuan waves from mariners. Until recently. A startlingly high number of ships have vanished and oceanographers realized something was going on in the waters. In 2000, a British research vessel was trapped in a vortex of impossibly huge waves of up to 100 feet high.

Scientists are scrambling to understand the phenomenon while extreme surfers are flying around the world to try and ride these monstrous waves.

This one actually sounds really interesting even though I care almost zero about surfing. I added it to my TBR though!

She goes to Hawaii in 1914 in search of a better life and instead of an affluent young husband she was promised, she is quickly married off to a poor, embittered laborer who takes his frustrations out on his new wife.

She renames herself Jin to make her own way in this strange land where she finds opportunity and prejudice and learns to prosper with the help of three fellow picture brides.

But Honolulu still has its dark side, whether it’s the daily struggle for survival or a crime that will become the most infamous in the islands history.

The Goddesses

Nancy and her family are desperate for a fresh start when they land in Kona, Hawaii. Here husband cheated on her, they sleep in separate bedrooms, and their twin sons have been acting out and lighting illegal fireworks, but Hawaii is paradise and Nancy resolves to make a happy life.

Then Nancy meets Ana at a yoga class and they start spending all their time together. As they grow closer, Nancy starts skipping family dinners and leaving the twins to their own devices but she feels a happiness and understanding like never before. She knows she will do anything Ana asks of her in this story of friendship and manipulation.

Paradise News

Bernard is in Hawaii on family business, escorting his father to a long-forgotten aunt’s bedside. He’s transported from quiet Rummridge, England to a lush tropical island full of honeymooners, package tourists, and young women looking for Mr. Nice.

The island itself is what holds the most astonishing surprises as an accidental encounter opens Bernard up to the possibilities of life and love that he never dreamed of.

Blood Orchids

Lei has overcome a scarred past to make a life for herself as a cop on the Big Island of Hawaii. On a routine patrol around Hilo she finds two murdered teenagers – one who she previously busted. Echoes of her own past, the murdered girl’s life deeply affects Lei and she becomes obsessed, even as the killer is drawn to her intensity, toying with her sanity.

Despite the case and her stalker, she beings to fall in love for the first time, but the stalker is closer than she can imagine as the past tangles with the future.

Song of the Exile

In Song of the Exile, we follow the fortunes of the Meahuna family and the odyssey of one resilient man searching for his soulmate after she was torn from his side during WWII.

This story takes us through WWII on Hawaii’s complex journey to statehood with mesmerizing characters rising up to be redeemed by the spiritual power of the beautiful islands.

Kai Tanaka, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center director in Honolulu, isn’t worried about the minor seismic disturbance in a remote section of the pacific.

An airliner en route from LA to Sydney disappears in the same area and Kai is the first to realize that a mysterious explosion unleashed a series of massive waves destined to obliterate Hawaii. Unless he can save them from nature’s most destructive force, he will lose all he has ever known.

Sleeping Beauties

Hawaii’s shimmering beauty and melancholy traditions are both seductive and dangerously hard for Clio to leave when she marries a well-known Hollywood actor offering the promisee of escape from the entanglements of island life.

Unfamiliar Fishes

1776 is usually thought of as the defining year of American history but 1898 is just as defining. It’s the year the US annexed Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Guam before invading Cuba then the Philippines, becoming an international superpower almost overnight.

This is the tale of the events leading up to the annexation of Hawaii, and after, including the arrival of New England missionaries in 1820 to Christianize the local heathens, the coup d’etat of their sons in 1893 overthrowing the Hawaiian queen.

If you’re interested in a book about the history of Hawaii but want to read about it in an interesting way, this is a good option.

Lea Lane has always lived between. Part mainlander, part Hawaiian, always the new girl at school, always in the shadow of her actress mother’s spotlight, and now the new resident of the prominent West family’s guest cottage.

She’s bracing for being the latest charity case in her class and is surprised when she starts to become friends with Will and Whitney West, and maybe even more than friends with the gorgeous but unattainable Will.

Despite their differences, Whitney and Lea are both navigating a tangled web of relationships, past disappointments, and future hopes. As things progress. Lea has to decide how much she’s willing to change to fit into their world.

Red Sky Over Hawaii

Everything changed for Lana Hitchcock after the attack on Pearl Harbor. She returns home to the Big Island too late to reconcile with her estranged father and now has to untangle the clues of his legacy on her own to get to the secret property tucked away in the remote Kilauea Volcano rainforest.

The government soon starts taking away her neighbors suspected as sympathizers and she shelters two young German girls and a Japanese fisherman and his son. They are forced into hiding as tensions escalate but they discover the hideaway house isn’t what they expected.

A detainment camp is established nearby and she struggles to keep the secrets of those in her care.

East Wind, Rain

In December of 1941, the mostly native Hawaiian inhabitants of Niihau led a simple life. The haole ranch owner kept it totally isolated from thee outside world with no cars, phones, or electricity. One day a plane crashes there and they rescue the pilot but they have no idea he just attacked Pearl Harbor.

War has arrived and it tearing the island apart, widening the cracks in the already troubled marriage of Irene and Yoshio Harada, the only Japanese-American couple on the island. It will test everyone’s loyalties and all they believe in.

Wild Meat and the Bully Burger

Lovey Nariyoshi’s Hawaii isn’t the Hawaii we all see on TV. Her eccentric Japanese family lives at the margins of poverty in the town of Hilo on the Big Island.

She endures schoolyard bullies, class warfare, sewing classes, and the painful work of picking macadamia nuts on a plantation all with her best friend Jerry. She does all this while trying to find an identity of her own.

For over a century, starting in 1866, more than 8,000 people suspected of having leprosy were exiled to the island of Molokai. This was the longest and deadliest medical segregation in American history as people were torn from their homes and families and sent to a lawless place where brutality swayed. Many people sent here didn’t have leprosy and many who did weren’t even contagious but they were all in the nightmare together. This is the true story of the exiles of Molokai.

Have you read any of these books about Hawaii? What is your favorite book set in Hawaii?

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Author: Megan Johnson

I'm Megan, a cheesehead at heart currently residing in the Sunshine State. You can probably find me reading, watching Forensic Files, or both. View all posts by Megan Johnson

Thank you for your blog, Megan! I’m off to Maui soon and will order one of the books about Molokai. Another to add to your list is an easy read with much Maui environment and culture descriptions: Silversword. I read that and now am seeking a newer read.

I’m so glad you found something new to read here! I’ll have to check out Silversword, enjoy your trip!

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First Timers Guide to Hawaii: Plan Your Trip Like A Pro

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase through my links we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read about our affiliate policies here .

You’ve made the excellent decision to take your first trip to Hawaii. Congratulations! Now it’s time to figure out how to plan your trip. While it can feel daunting because there are so many options to choose from and it’s a BIG vacation, we’ve got you covered. We cover all the need-to-know planning advice for your first trip. After reading this guide, you’ll feel much more confident in planning your dream vacation. 

FAQs About Planning Your First Trip to Hawaii

Have some quick questions about your trip? Get them answered here before we dive into the decisions you need to make.

What island is the best for first-time visitors?

All of the islands offer something a little different and special, so picking the right island for your first trip takes a little research to understand just what is unique to each island. 

Our favorite Hawaiian island to suggest to first-time visitors is Maui. Maui has a bit of something for everyone: from beautiful beaches, excellent snorkeling, a wide range of accommodations, and the best whale watching. We give you our 9 reasons why Maui is the best for first time visitors . 

But it’s not the right island for everyone. Here are some reasons why you might want to pick another island: 

• Oahu: Head to Oahu if you’re looking for more of a cosmopolitan feel. You’ll find nightlife, museums, and plenty of history.
• Kauai: Visit Kauai if you’re looking for a quieter trip, a lush landscape (with a bit more rain), and amazing hiking.
• Big Island: Plan a trip to the Big Island if you’re a volcano enthusiast (Volcanoes National Park is amazing), you want a laid back vibe, or you want to snorkel or dive with manta rays .

Want to see a little more about what makes each island special for first time visitors? We’ve created a video to help you out: 

How much will a trip to Hawaii cost?

Going to Hawaii is not a cheap vacation. While there are ways you can save, food, accommodations, rental cars, and activities are all very expensive. In fact, all four of the main Hawaiian islands rank in the top 10 for most expensive average hotel room cost in the world . Maui hotel rooms are the second most expensive in the world, after the Maldives.

So, a trip is going to be expensive. 

To help you get started calculating your own vacation estimate, we went through the work of calculating the cost of a trip for a family of four. The total for 10 days? $12,000. You can check out the full Hawaii vacation cost calculation as well as places you can save and splurge . 

How many days should you spend on your first trip to Hawaii?

We recommend not rushing any trip to Hawaii, so the more time you can spend, the better! Despite it seeming like an easy domestic trip, it still takes nearly six hours to fly there from the west coast. And you’ll likely have a little jet lag to deal with, as Hawaii is two or three hours behind pacific time (they don’t have daylight savings time so in the winter it’s a 2 hour time difference and in the summer it’s a 3 hour time difference). 

If you plan on visiting one island, we recommend a trip of at least 7 days. This will give you time to get settled, explore, and do some amazing activities, and have downtime to relax. If you plan on visiting two islands, plan for at least 10 days. 

We recommend this itinerary combo as part of our first-time to Hawaii itinerary . 

If you know what island you want to visit, you can dive into more details about exactly how many days you should spend: 

• How many days do you need on Oahu?
• How many days do you need on Maui?
• How many days do you need on Kauai?
• How many days do you need on the Big Island?

A good rule of thumb is if you start speaking Hawaiian Pidgin , you have stayed too long.

Do you need to rent a car in Hawaii?

You’ll most likely want to rent a car in Hawaii to maximize how much you can see. If you’re planning a trip to Oahu and you’re staying in Waikiki, there may be days where your rental car is never used. There’s a lot to do within that 2-mile strip! You can save on expensive hotel parking fees by just renting a car on days that you want to explore the rest of the island. Rental car companies have offices in Waikiki which makes it convenient to pick up a car and take it out for the day. 

If you want to get out and explore Oahu without renting a car, you can join a group circle island tour or book your own private island tour . 

There is also a car share company, Drive Hui, that is available in Waikiki.

On the other islands, it’s a bit trickier to go without a car. To see and explore, you’ll probably want to book one. Public transportation isn’t easy and getting a cab or uber can add up and be inconvenient. We love using Discount Hawaii Car Rental to help us get the best price for a rental car on each island.

Is it easy to island hop?

If you’re hoping to visit one or more Hawaiian island on your trip, you’re in luck! Island hopping is easy. While there are no ferries between islands (aside from a ferry between Maui and Lanai), you can fly between the islands using Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, or Mokulele Airlines. 

While the islands in Hawaii are close together and just a quick 30-45 minute flight, your island hopping travel day will still cut into your vacation. Between packing up, the airport process, and checking into accommodations on your new island, this can easily take up half a day of your vacation.

Related read: Get all the details you need to know about island hopping in Hawaii.  

What is the best time of year to go to Hawaii?

There is truly no bad time to visit Hawaii. With temperatures that are warm year-round, you’ll be in tank tops and shorts 12 months out of the year. But while there is no bad time to visit, we think Hawaii is best experienced during the shoulder seasons: in April/May and September/October. That’s when we find the optimal mix of good costs, good weather, and the smallest crowds. 

Let’s dive into that a bit more or see our Best Time to Visit Hawaii article for details.

Weather: 

While we did say that the temperatures are warm year-round, Hawaii does still get rain. And while you are heading to a beach destination, you probably want to minimize your chances of rain. As you can see from the chart below, Hawaii experiences peak rain from November through March. Though to be fair, rain varies on different sides of each island — we are showing average rainfall for one popular visitor destination on each island.

Visiting when there are fewer crowds can make for a more enjoyable vacation. Boat tours aren’t sold out days or weeks in advance and beach parking is much easier to come by.  Trying to find a time when fewer people visit (or the off season) isn’t difficult to do. The Hawaii Tourism Authority does a wonderful job of tracking visitor arrivals to Hawaii . 

From their data, it’s clear that the peak times for crowds are November – January, March,  and June – August. So if you want to visit while there are fewer people on the islands, plan a trip in February, April , May, September, or October. 

Cost: 

Traveling during the shoulder period could mean the difference between getting a hotel room for $800 or getting that same room for $400. Costs fluctuate widely depending on when you’re going. If you want your travel dollars to stretch as far as possible, avoid the summer, spring break period, and the holiday period (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year). 

Related read: This is the worst time to visit Hawaii (we really try to avoid this period if possible!)

Do you need a travel agent to help you plan your first trip to Hawaii?

We sometimes love enlisting the help of a travel agent for our adventures. But to be honest, we haven’t found great travel agents for Hawaii vacations. Most travel agents don’t specialize in Hawaii (but we do). They have some basic recommendations, but can’t speak in depth about different accommodation options, activity operators, and restaurants. So we don’t recommend using a travel agent and you definitely don’t need one to book your dream vacation. 

If you’re not sure where to start, check out our island guides. They walk you through all the need to know information for each island:

Oahu Guide Maui Guide Big Island Guide Kauai Guide

And if you want even more in-depth information on how to plan your days to sightsee, check out our itineraries :

“I purchased the Kauai itinerary and it is awesome! I had no idea how much work and information you guys really put into it and I am so excited for our trip now!!” – Kayla R.

Are there any special entry requirements to enter Hawaii?

There are no special requirements to enter Hawaii. If you are coming from outside of the US, you will need to show your passport to enter the USA and Hawaii. If you are traveling from within the US (the mainland) you won’t need to show a passport to enter Hawaii.

Currently, there are no COVID restrictions or entry requirements for Hawaii . 

How far in advance should you plan your trip to Hawaii?

If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, the earlier you plan, the better. While there always might be last-minute deals that pop up, they are few and far between. Booking in advance means you can shop around for the best hotel or vacation rental price. 

We suggest planning six months in advance for your trip. You can usually secure great accommodations at a great price and a good rental car price. And a tip: if you book with Discount Hawaii Car Rental , you can always cancel your reservation and rebook if prices drop. 

When you’re planning activities and restaurant reservations, try to make them a couple of months in advance, so you can book exactly what you want. Be sure to check out our favorite tours and activities to help you narrow down your search .

Is a trip to Hawaii worth it? 

Whether a trip is worth it is certainly up to personal preference, but we think a trip to Hawaii is worth it! With year-round good weather and amazing sights, this isn’t an ordinary trip. Whether you’re coming to experience the year-round humpback whale migration, hike to the top of a volcano, snorkel with Manta Rays, or swim in a waterfall, there is truly so much to do here. 

And learning about Hawaiian culture and history makes this so much more than a beautiful beach vacation. 

First Time to Hawaii Planning Timeline

Now that you’ve gotten some first time to Hawaii FAQs answered, it’s time to dive into booking your trip. Here are the steps to walk through as you’re making your decision:

1. Decide when you’ll go

We love the shoulder season of April/May and September/October for fewer clouds, crows, and cheaper costs. But remember that really anytime is great. So find a time when you can book a long enough chunk of time for your trip and move onto step 2!

2. Decide how long to go for

We meet travelers all the time who are on vacation and frantically trying to figure out how to extend their trip. So if you can swing a few extra days, do it! Plan to spend at least 7 days if you’re visiting one island or at least 10 days if you want to visit two islands. There is so much to see and it’s a long trip out.

3. Choose your island(s)

Now onto the biggest hurdle for most first time visitors: picking the right island for you. This is a big decision and while all of the islands offer something special you need to decide what type of vacation you really want to have. Going to Oahu is going to end up being a very different vacation than a trip to Kauai. 

If you’re struggling to choose an island, see our tips earlier on in the article. 

4. Book your flights

Start your search for flights. All of the major airlines fly to Hawaii, so you should have plenty of options to choose from. The airports (and airport codes) on each island are:

• Oahu: Honolulu Airport (HNL)
• Maui: Kahului Airport (OGG) and Kapalua Airport (JHM), used for inter-island trips
• Island of Hawai’i (Big Island: Hilo International Airport (ITO) and Kona International Airport (KOA)
• Kauai: Lihue Airport (LIH)

If you’re visiting more than one island, check out our inter-island travel article for tips on how to island hop seamlessly.

Consider being greeted upon arrival with a traditional Hawaii lei greeting. It is a fun way to start your Hawaii vacation.

5. Pick a place to stay

Once you’ve picked an island, there are so many options for accommodations. The first decision to make: do you want a vacation rental or a hotel? There are pros and cons to both options. If you’re planning to eat in a lot, a vacation rental can save you money with a kitchen. But you’re likely going to miss out on a great resort pool. 

Check out all of our pros and cons with our Airbnb vs Hotel article . 

6. Figure out whether you want to rent a car

For most vacations, you will probably want to rent a car. If you’re hoping to see a lot of the island that you visit, a car is necessary. Public transportation options aren’t usually very convenient and getting a cab or uber can add up to be quite expensive. 

The exception to this is Oahu. If you’re staying in Waikiki, there are plenty of things to keep you busy for days in a row so renting a car for your entire trip isn’t necessary. And when you do want to head out and explore, there are car rental options available right from Waikiki. 

When you’re ready to book a car, we recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental . We’ve saved thousands of dollars using them for our car rentals. They work with major carriers and don’t require pre-payment, so it’s a flexible and ideal way to save on your car rental. 

7. Choose some of your can’t-miss activities

There is truly so much to do on each island, and even if you were staying for a month, you wouldn’t be able to do it all. So making a list is important. 

Are you excited to hike a volcano? Snorkel from a boat? Zipline above a canopy of trees? Get an up-close view of humpback whales?

Our Tours & Activities section will help you find our favorite activities on each island. 

To help you get started our cheat sheets will give you a few of the ca n’t-miss experiences on each island. 

Additional Hawaii resources:

• 40 Things to Do on Oahu
• 5 Can’t-Miss Big Island Activities
• 68 Things to Do on Maui with Kids
• 21 Things to Do on Lanai

8. Make some fun dinner reservations

If you’re coming during the peak season, getting a few dinner reservations on the books is important. And even if you’re not, if there’s any place you feel like you need to eat, getting your reservation made early ensures you won’t miss out. Our cheat sheets offer some dining recommendations and our itinerary has a Quick Hits section with all of our favorite restaurants . 

9. Get packing

You don’t need to bring much with you on your beach vacation. But make sure you have the essentials by using our packing list. Yes, you’ll want to pack reef-safe sunscreen and a jacket!

Check out our full packing list here . 

And our favorite item to pack? Our itineraries ! They make your trip planning and experience so much easier. With excursion days to take you around the island and a list of our favorite restaurants and beaches, this is one thing you’ll definitely want with you. 

“I can’t tell you how much we have appreciated your effort with the guidebook.  We saw things this past week we would never have known to look for.  These hidden gems were amazing from the black sand beach all the way up to Pololu lookout and all the small shops along the way.  We leave tomorrow and I wanted to say how much we used and enjoyed your book.  Thank you so much.” – Chris P.

First-Time Visitors Tips While in Hawaii

Once you’ve made it to Hawaii (hooray!) we have some tips to help make your time in the islands even more memorable. 

Understand the geography

While getting to know the geography of the islands might seem a little ridiculous for your vacation, it’s important because it will affect the weather you experience and what you do while on vacation. 

The main thing to know is that each island has a windward and a leeward side. The windward side of each island faces the tradewinds. You’ll get more rain and wind, but you’ll also get lush landscapes (thanks to all of that rain!). On Maui, Hana is a famous spot on the windward side. The landscape is lush and the waterfalls are beautiful. But it also rains a lot and the ocean currents are very strong. 

The leeward side of each island is more protected from the wind and rain and you will have drier, sunnier weather. Most of the famously beautiful beaches you plan on visiting are located on the leeward side of the island.

For example, on Maui, the leeward side of the island includes some great beaches, like Wailea Beach and Ka’anapali Beach. 

When you understand the island’s geography, you can better prepare for what to expect. If you’re looking for a lush, jungle experience, with waterfalls and greenery head east to the windward side. If you’re looking to beat the rain and get some sun, the west or leeward side is your best bet.

Get out and explore

The beaches in Hawaii are incredible. But there’s a lot more to explore on each of the islands. Some things you might want to add to your list include:

• Night snorkeling or diving with Manta Rays on the Big Island
• Seeing the sunrise or sunset from Haleakala Crater on Maui
• Watching the big wave surfers on the north shore of Oahu
• Viewing the stunning cliffs of the NaPali coast on Kauai
• Hanging out with humpback whales during their annual migration to Hawaii

This was just a taste, but there is so much more. If you want to view the highlights of each island, check out our cheat sheets .

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Hawaiian island cheat sheets.

Sign up & we’ll send you our island cheat sheets so you can get to know the islands like the back of your hand!

We’ll share 4 can’t-miss activities on each island, a map with the main sights in town, & famous local grindz (eats)!

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Not only do these island cheat sheets highlight the top 4 can’t miss sights and activities on each island, you’ll also get tips on where to stay, a map of the island with the main sights, towns, and airport locations, the top places for food on each island, and more.

They’re designed to make kicking off your trip planning even easier. Grab them for free and start planning !

Try the local food

One of the treats about visiting a new place is the opportunity to try new, local foods that you might not eat back home. There are a few things you should consider trying while you’re here:

• Fresh, locally caught fish: If you’re a seafood fan, don’t miss out on the fresh fish. You can enjoy it at either a restaurant or from a fish market. You’ll see options like Mahi Mahi, Ono, Opah, Ahi, and more.
• Locally grown produce: Enjoy dragon fruit, coconut, lilikoi, pineapples, locally produced honey and more. We love doing farm tours, but if that’s not part of your vacation itinerary, try a farm-to-table restaurant. You’ll get to sample some island flavors while supporting the agriculture industry here.
• Traditional Hawaiian food: You don’t need to go to a luau to sample some traditional Hawaiian dishes. Look for dishes like poi (taro that has been pounded into a paste), laulau (meat wrapped and cooked in taro leaves), kalua pig (slow-roasted pork cooked in an underground oven), and poke (diced, raw fish that is wonderfully flavored). If you are looking to try traditional Hawaiian food at a luau, check out our list of the best luaus in Hawaii . 
• Shave ice: Not shaved ice. You may think that this is like a snowcone, but it couldn’t be further from it. Soft fluffy ice shavings that are flavored with different syrups and creative flavor combinations. You might also have the add-on of fruit and ice cream. It’s so, so good. Don’t forget to check out our five favorite shave ice spots on Kauai . 

Snorkel (safely!)

Living here, we love spending our days in the ocean. There is nothing like diving into the warm, tropical waters and being greeted by colorful fish, turtles, octopi, and more. But if it’s your first time snorkeling in Hawaii, there are some essential details you should know.

Understand safety risks

Snorkeling may look easy, but water conditions, physical conditions, and more come into play. It’s not always as safe as it looks — drowning is the number one cause of visitor death in Hawaii . Before you go out, review the safety tips to make sure you’re doing what you can to keep yourself safe.

There are a couple ways to check the ocean conditions daily. You can check Hawaii Beach Safety for daily ocean conditions for select beaches on all four main islands. 

If you’re headed to Maui, we love the daily Snorkel Reports from the Snorkel Store. It helps us to see what areas have the best snorkeling conditions for the day and also gives us warnings about large swells that are coming in and affecting safety and visibility. 

Use good gear

Hear me out on this one. You’ll find a number of blogs telling you to pick up a cheap set of fins and a mask from an ABC store or Target once you arrive. There are a few reasons we don’t suggest that.

First, safety. Well fitting gear (fins that stay on and a mask that doesn’t leak) is important to keep you safe.

Second, it’s a significantly more enjoyable experience to snorkel in gear that fits well and is easy to use. This was apparent when we were trying to teach our preschooler to snorkel. The cheap gear didn’t cut it but once we got him in a good mask, he was off!

Third, buying cheap gear just adds to the already full landfill here.

That’s not to say you need to shell out and buy expensive gear. If you plan to snorkel many times, even after this trip to Hawaii, it’s worth it to buy good snorkeling gear. We have sets listed on our recommendations page .

Otherwise, renting snorkeling gear is a great option. The shop staff can help you find gear that is the right fit for you. And if you find that it doesn’t work right, pop in and switch it out for a different rental set.

Go to the best places

All snorkeling spots are not created equal. Some spots on the island naturally have a more vibrant reef and are home to more fish and sea life. Other spots may be more affected by ocean swells at various times of the year.

On our guide pages we list out the best snorkeling spots on each island. You’ll want to check these pages out before hopping in the water:

Oahu Travel Guide Maui Travel Guide Big Island Travel Guide Kauai Travel Guide

And if you’re looking for the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii by month , we have you covered.

Take a snorkeling tour

While we love snorkeling from the beach and we do it often, going on a snorkeling tour is a really special experience. On a good snorkeling tour, you’ll learn about the ocean, the sea life, and be taken to some cool spots that aren’t easily accessible from the beach. Plus, you’ll be able to see the islands from the water, giving you a different perspective and appreciation for their beauty.

We have a full list of our favorite activity providers and tours on each island, but here are a few that are incredibly special:

• Molokini Sunrise Snorkel with Kai Kanani : beat the crowds to Molokini with this special sunrise snorkeling tour leaving directly from the beach in Makena/Wailea.
• Na Pali Coast Snorkeling with Holo Holo Charters : Cruise up the coast of Kaua’i and off the island of Niihau for a full day of snorkeling.
• Power Raft snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay with Captain Zodiac : Head to Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook monument for the best snorkeling on the island.

Only use reef-safe sunscreen

Before you throw your favorite brand of sunscreen into your bag, stop. Hawaii has rules in place to help protect the reef and sea life that are so important. One of those rules is around the type of sunscreen you can use. Sunscreens containing chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate are no longer sold in Hawaii. These chemicals have been found to contribute to coral reef bleaching.

You can check out a full list of our favorite reef-safe sunscreens and make sure you’re only using legal sunscreen in Hawaii.

Understand the rules protecting sea life

When you’re snorkeling and enjoying the crystal clear water, it’s important to keep in mind that you want to make as little impact on sea life as possible. Stay at least 10 feet away from turtles while snorkeling. You’re required to stay at least 50 feet away from Monk Seals. And if you see spinner dolphins, you’ll need to give them 50 yards of space.

Learn about the culture

Hawaii is a unique US state for many reasons but one thing that is important to understand is that Hawaii had a long and rich history before becoming part of the US. Learning a little about the culture and the history will enhance your stay and give you new appreciation for these amazing islands.

There are plenty of ways to learn more about Hawai’i while you’re here. Consider visiting museums. On Oahu we love visiting the Bishop Museum and Iolani Palace.

You can also visit heritage sites like Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park on the Big Island. You can find a list of heritage sites to visit on the Hawaii Tourism Authority website .

Let us Help you Visit Hawaii for the First Time

We’ve helped thousands of people plan and experience their best vacation to Hawaii. Make your trip planning that much easier and let us help you have the trip you’ve been dreaming about. 

“My husband and I recently took our very first trip to Hawaii (and first trip without our 3 young children) to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. We stayed in Maui and used your Maui Classic Itinerary. It made planning our trip so easy! We never had to worry about driving directions, finding bathrooms or parking lots, where we were going to eat a meal, the best spots to spend our day, or even details like when to leave to make the Haleakala sunrise and what trails to hit afterwards. Every single day of our trip was just about perfect, and your guide was a big determining factor for that. We even used it up until the last hour of our trip to find a good beach and great food in Paia Town before we had to be at the airport! So we just wanted to say THANK YOU for helping make this a very special trip that we will remember for the rest of our lives!” – Adam and Alyssa

Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary

Maui wayfinder itinerary, kauai wayfinder itinerary.

Cruising Hawaii Guide

Big island wayfinder itinerary.

I'm the co-founder, with my husband Jordan, of The Hawaii Vacation Guide. We have lived on Maui and Oahu and continue to travel, experience, and learn about the Hawaiian Islands. We travel with our kids, Henry and Edith. I am a planner! I love to plan trips from the mainland and island-hopping adventures, excursion days, and everything in-between. I spend a lot of my time in Hawai'i on a SUP and my favorite time of year in Hawai'i is whale season!

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UHPA, collaborators give 5,000 new books to Maui keiki

• August 27, 2024

About 5,000 new, award winning books were distributed to hundreds of Lahaina families through the inaugural First Book event at the Princess Nāhiʻenaʻena Elementary School cafeteria on Maui in August.

The giveaway was organized by the University of Hawaiʻi Professional Assembly ( UHPA ) in collaboration with the American Federation of Teachers ( AFT ) and First Book , a nonprofit dedicated to providing new books to children in need.

“With the generous support of AFT , we’re excited to be bringing the very first First Book event to our islands today, starting here in Lahaina to help families rebuild their lives and shape their own future,” said Christian Fern, UHPA executive director.

Compassion, aloha after a tragedy

Children were allowed to choose up to five books each, while families could take home a maximum of 20 books on a first-come, first-served basis. Among the books given out was Moʻo and Koholā by Lori Abreu, a touching story inspired by the Maui wildfires that emphasizes compassion and the power of aloha.

“Our goal is equitable education for all children,” said Fern. “We want to improve literacy, inspire creativity, and let Hawaiʻi youth discover new possibilities for their lives through books. Whether a family member reads to them, or they read to themselves, books spark the imagination in children.”

UHPA represents faculty across the University of Hawaiʻi’s 10 campuses, and recently joined forces with AFT , the largest higher education union in the U.S.

“Growing up, books were often my escape from whatever was going on in my life. They still are. Our Maui ʻohana has been through so much this past year, and seeing the smiles of our keiki and families as they received these books was truly heartwarming,” said U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda, who attended the event. “I want to extend a warm mahalo to UHPA , AFT and First Book for sharing their aloha with the people of Maui. Today’s event was about so much more than handing out free books—it’s about giving our keiki a brighter future and offering hope to our families and community here on Maui.”

Fern said UHPA hopes to continue these efforts across the state, with the support of AFT .

Related Posts:

• UH faculty: New president should prioritize research
• Hawaiʻi Keiki’s Maui providers honored for wildfire response
• No-cost oral health services for public school students
• previous post: Hawaiian History Month: UH honors Queen Liliʻuokalani, heritage
• next post: Celebrating, supporting student parents at UH Mānoa

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