If you love Hawaiian quilting--this is a volume you shouldn't miss. This is not a "how to" manual. It is a history of classic Hawaiin quilts accompanied by color plates that left me spellbound. The designs are incredible and well worth study. I've held a fascination with the possible direct connection between early Hawaiian quilts and the Baltimore Album quilts of the the Eastern coast. This may be the only book with color plates of some of these beautiful early quilts that would offer clues to this connection. My favorite designs in this volume are Anthurium by Mary Manoi and Coconut and Pineapple by Meali'i Kalama. It is of no consequence to me that this is not an instructional manual as I do not anticipate ever being able to quilt one of these masterpieces. It is, however, a one of a kind book and I urge you to treat yourself while it remains in print. Mary Z. Cox

how they harvestede the taro. how they grew the taro.what is its parts called.about the water and the wate ditches.all about thetaro patches.preparing the taro. when did they eat it and the rest of the things about taro

This book really helped me discover Kauai! Easy to use, clear, complete--an excellent resource.

Ho'oponopono ("to make right")is a universal "conflict resolution/healing" method from Hawaii. The book provides a systematic overview of this system with many practical examples. It is the classic text on the subject. It should be of interest to health providers, anthropologists, sociologists, etc. Have you ever wanted to understand how to improve your relationships with or for others? This book conceptually spells it out for you, but it is a specialized skill.

I read the second edition of this book before moving to Honolulu three years ago, and still find it a very useful reference. Joe Bisignani gives you tons of interesting and useful information in an enjoyable writing style that captures the mood of the islands. Anyone who is the least interested in exploring Oahu beyond Waikiki Beach will find this book useful. Unlike the writers of some competing guidebooks, Bisignani is honest about labeling expensive tourist traps as such (it is telling that most of them have also shown up in the "Honolulu Weekly" annual readers' choice of "Best place to cruelly misdirect tourists"). Inbetween all the hard facts, Bisignani also manages to give the reader an accurate portrayal of the social climate of Oahu. Unlike most guidebooks, this one has an extensive and excellent history section, and there are also many references to fascinating Polynesian legends throughout the book. Warmly recommended!

Having been to the islands almost a dozen times over the past 12 years, my wife and I found this book to be accurate as well as humorous. Mr. Runge's personal opinions are extremely insightful and right on the mark. Just one question, why hasn't this great book been revised? Well Jon?

We found a much better, larger and cheaper one that answered ALL our questions and helped immensely. It's called LIVE IN HAWAII ON A BUDGET a 6-book set. It even included a lists of apts AND rental application AND certificate for two FREE hotel nights. Best bargain on the web!

This book will change your views on what love is. It is an awesome book that keeps you intrigued throughout the book. This is one book that you will never forget.

This wonderful book gives a complete historical perspective of the Hawaiian dance form known as the hula. The Hawaiians had no writing - their history was entirely oral. So for the history of the Hula prior to the arrival of Europeans in Hawai`i, we are entirely reliant on descriptions of the first European visitors to Hawai`i and on some early accounts written by Hawaiians who learned to write. Source material is scarce. When the missionaries arrived, they were, of course, shocked by the lascivious hula movements, and quickly made it illegal (in public). Fortunately for the hula and for all of us, King Kalakaua (1874-1891) loved the hula and was responsible for a revival that continues today. The annual hula festival on the Big Island - THE MERRY MONARCH FESTIVAL - honors his devotion to this art form. This book covers all of that, plus lots of information on the Hula Heiau (temple) on Kaua`i that is still heavily used today. You have to have this book if you are interested in hula at all.

We bought this book as a gift for my niece before we moved out here, but I ended up loving it so much when I read it that I bought a copy for myself. It's a wonderful story about how the same dollar bill travels throughout the Hawaiian islands, its "adventures," and how it ultimately ends up back with the young girl who originally earned it. It's a wonderful introduction to Hawaii and basic Hawaiiana, and the last couple of pages are counting and also educational. In addition to a great story, the illustrations/graphics/photos are incredible -- reminiscent of Nick Bantock's books (Griffin & Sabine series). Even though this is a children's book, I highly recommend it for anyone's bookshelf.