I realize not everyone going to Hawaii is ultimately fascinated by knowing more about their floral species. But, if you were, or if you were prompted to know more about it, this is the book for you.

Coming from the mainland, where these flowers are usually only seen in luxurious hotel lobbies, one is enchanted with the abundance of these magnificent beauties. Whether in arrangements or growing naturally in the Hawaiian lands, they are simply unbelievable is their uniqueness. This book details the species and provides the reader with more than flower arranging possibilities.

The author, Dr. Kepler, is an environmental consultant specializing in Hawaii and the Pacific. Therefore, the end result of this lovely book is to gain knowledge of the culture, name origins, ethnobotany, medicinal uses, history, flowering seasons, pollination, and ecology of each flower. Comparing what this book offers with the other available books (in Hawaii) there was no contest that for the money this was a better deal.

Even more wonderful, was that the photographs were so beautiful and detailed, we were able to utilize them in the making of a tile portrait of 4 famous Hawaiin flowers when we got home.

LaRue Piercy's "Hawaii's Missionary Saga" is complimented by illustrations or photos about every five of its 220 pages, and has eight helpful appendixes at the back. The author was a newspaper reporter and historian at Hawaii's first church in Kailua-Kona, Mokuaikaua Church (Congregational) on Alii Drive. A former Yale professor thought this book a fine overview.

Gretel McLane's extensive understanding of Hawaii is unparallelled and portrayed brilliantly in this unprecedented literary masterpiece. The native perspective creates a depth of content which captivates and engrosses the reader and exposes the profound Hawaiian allure. A must read for anyone!!

Having lived in Hawai'i for 11 years, I am deeply impressed by the books content, which is complete, accurate, and includes a very perceptive view of Hawai'i for the reader. In this un presumptious book there exsists a quality which few other books on the subject can match.

This is more of a suggestion for reading rather than a review: read the book from beginning to end because the editors have done a splendid job of organizing the essays to present a coherent and colorful view of Hawaii. I don't know of a better contemporary look into what has attracted tourists to the islands since the first Polynesians arrived. While not exactly a travel guide, it is a map for how one might travel. As a cultural anthropologist, I enjoyed hearing the many voices telling the stories of this Pacific crossroads. The book belongs to the best tradition of the Hawaiian impulse to talk story.

Linda Ching has succeeded again to bring alive the wonderful myths of Hawaii. Her awe inspiring artistic ability enables her to create magic within her photography, which tend to immerse the reader's own spirit within the pages. These stories of the Islands' Goddesses, passed down through the generations are rich with the Ohana of Hawaiian tradition, and the natural beauty of the Islands themselves.
This is a fascinating book to keep visible for everyone to enjoy. It is a true artistic and scholarly achievement. A delight to behold and an adventure to read. Bravo Linda!

Excellent book to have for your own personal library. Author's clear step by step directions and accompanying colorful photographs enables the reader to create beautiful leis for that special someone and occasion. In addition, the author sends a beautiful message about Hawaii's flora and how the art of lei-making plays a significant part in its past and today's lifestyle. Reading ability: 10 yrs. and older.

This was a truly fine book about the Hawaiian monk seal. It was
written by Patrick Ching, a man with genuine affection for the
seal. It has excellent pictures and the text is informative. Best
of all, Mr. Ching makes it a true joy to read, and anybody who
reads it will learn from it and enjoy it. If you love Hawaii,
seals, or both, I highly recommend this book.

This book is probably the best reference book on its subject ever written. It amazes me that the University has allowed it to go out of print. Content is focused on the performers, songs and styles of the 1920-1970 period, along with entries on traditional Hawaiian music and instruments prior to the Haole influence. The greatest value is that the compilers have gathered information on many obscure performers available in no other source.

A great combination of scholarship and educated speculation. The authors approach the formations in multiple ways -- from describing the qualities of the rocks on which the petroglyphs are drawn, to the similarities of technique and composition of groupings across the islands. They provide an in-depth analysis of the grouping at Puuloa, which involved burying of the umbilical stump to insure long life for the newborn child. The comprehensive listing of petroglyph sites on all the Hawaiian islands is invaluable for those of us who would like to search out multiple sites.