Hawaii

A Novel

By: James A. Michener

Narrated by: Larry McKeever

The saga of a land from the time when the volcanic islands rose out of the sea to the decade in which they become the 50th state. Michener uses individuals' experiences to symbolize the struggle of the various races to establish themselves in the islands

Critic reviews

“Wonderful . . . [a] mammoth epic of the islands.”—The Baltimore Sun

“One novel you must not miss! A tremendous work from every point of view—thrilling, exciting, lusty, vivid, stupendous.”—Chicago Tribune

“From Michener’s devotion to the islands, he has written a monumental chronicle of Hawaii, an extraordinary and fascinating novel.”—Saturday Review

“Memorable . . . a superb biography of a people.”—Houston Chronicle

Great Historical Story for anyone that wants to understand Hawaii

Great comprehensive story of Hawaii which seems very well researched with fictional characters perhaps inspired by actual missionaries, Native Hawaiian (Polynesian) Chiefs, and Chinese and Japanese immigrant families. Explains a lot about why current inhabitants of Hawaii and it’s culture are a such a mixture of these various influences and gives context for why Haoles (Caucasians) are often met with negative stereotypes (i.e. based on past control/exploitation). My only complaint was the performer’s mispronunciation of Hawaiian words like Mana and the school Punahou (should be pronounced ‘Hoe’ like the gardening tool and not ‘How’) for example. It made me cringe every time and it was referred to a lot!!

Fascinating

This is one of the best books I have ever “read”. I think I’ve found my new favorite author.

Very enjoyable read

I read this book when I was very young.and found it intriguing and decided at age 80 that I wanted to read it again. I was surprised at how much my world view had changed and how I came away with a totally different understanding of the book. I enjoyed both readings but the book I just finished was much different from my remembrance. The book has not changed but I have. It is very well written and the narrator is very good. I would highly recommend it!

Horrible pronunciation of Hawaiian Language

The book is great. Historical accuracy is on point. He takes some liberties with his imagination but the overall story is amazing. LOVED IT.

But AUDIBLE, please next time a cultural book comes up.... have someone who grew up in the culture read it. It saddens me that so many people are going to think this is how the Hawaiian Language and Hawaiian Creole (commonly known as pidgin) sounds.

Absolutely an incredible book!

This book is the best value for my money in a very long time! The story of Hawaii starts off very boring with the formation of islands, but wait through it...it’s VERY important to the story and later all things come back to it! It is a tantalizing story woven from one century to the next millennia. You’ll find yourself looking these names and places up on the internet to find out if they are real. I’ve been to Hawaii twice and have been intoxicated with it both times...grieving as I departed. This book only made me love the islands and the people and America all the more!