About 10 years ago I bought this book for my father, the first son of my immigrant grandfather from Japan who arrived in Hawaii about 1915. My father did not appreciate the book because it reminded him so vividly of the difficult days of living on the plantations and working in the canefields almost under slavelike conditions. This book truly depicts, through words and photos, an accurate history of the Japanese immigrants who sought a better life in Hawaii. Anyone who reads this book will have a good feel of the immigrant life and cannot leave the book without an appreciation of what we have today.

Plants for Tropical Landscapes addresses everything from ground covers to Palms, Xeriscape to lanais. It contains an impressive number of plants and its simple format makes it a joy to read. The book is clearly organized by the size of the plant, starting from the smallest (ground covers) and working its way up to largest plants in a tropical garden (trees over 50'). Along with beautiful color photographs, the physical characteristics of each plant, light and moisture requirements, preferred soil, wind, drought, and salt tolerance are all given. The authors also suggest practical ways the plants could be used in a tropical setting. This book does not bog the reader down with too many details, but gives everything necessary to plant your tropical garden.

This is not a plant picture book - it's meant to be used. So much so that it comes with a chapter named "Words of Warning." The first part of the book covers tools and techniques for gathering, transporting and preparing Hawaiian plants, including using the modern version of the Hawaiian O`O (digging stick). Following that is a chart of what plants grow at what elevations (I've never seen one like it anywhere else). The next (and largest) section is an alphabetical listing of 54 major medicinal plants (one page each) with descriptions, comments and drawings. The only negative is that the plant drawings aren't in color - readers will probably want a supplemental plant guidebook to help with plant identifications. The final section is an alphabetical listing of ailments that the plants can be used to cure, AND complete instructions on how to prepare and use them.

I wouldn't hesitate to use this book at all for my personal health. I didn't know that awa would stop a headache cold (it does) until I read it here. The author has been interested in medicinal plants since childhood and obviously believes in them. At the same time he is realistic and doesn't hesitate to point out when modern medicine works better (like aspirin for fever reduction, for example). If you live in the islands, you need this book near your medicine cabinet! It's great.

I had to write an economics paper, and one particular chapter was very helpful for me. The chapters were all editorials on different aspects of the finances of living in Hawaii. They are very throughough and appear to be accurate. The dialog is easy to read, and there are amusing cartoons. It is a fun and easy book to explore if you want this sort of information. The topics are interesting, which I didn't think was possible since the overall subject is economics. Overall, interesting and informative.

My god, the Queen of Hawaii, the President of the United States, and a warrior on the warpath, aimed on his odd political comet streaking blindly, messing with the fate of the country--both countries, the Republic of Hawaii and the U.S. He was unwilling to stick it out, to get under control, on a mission. She was in her moment, out of time. The President was done. Good story, quick read, try it.

an excellent resource full of detailed maps, full color photographs, and detailed explanations of the geological features of each area of the Park. It will greatly enhance your exploration of the park.

I'm no vulcanologist! But the information in this book is as detailed as the lay person is comfortable with. Excellent, extremely informative, I learned a lot about Hawaii's geology through this book. As an avid hiker and the webmaster for Backyard Oahu, I frequented its pages to help me understand and explain some of Oahu's geography and specific trail geology. It is, however, limited to the "roadside" - so it doesn't go into great depth as would pertain to someone hiking far into the mountains. But, the overall information is detailed enough to provide an adequate understanding of how the island(s) were formed and why they look the way they do today! Backyard Oahu highly recommends this book!

We received "Sand to Sea" as a gift when our children were toddlers. From the earliest age they loved the photos. As they got older they asked us to read the text as well. The book begins on the shore, moves to the tide-pools, out to the coral reefs and beyond into the ocean, introducing animals from each habitat. The text is basic but well-written and we enjoyed learning the Hawaiian names of many creatures, including the 12-syllable name for one fish! There are extraordinary color photos on each page. My boys especially loved the photos showing children snorkeling among reef-fish and exploring the marine world. "Sand to Sea" is an excellent introduction to Pacific marine life and we highly recommend it for children, ages 2-10.

A superbe and well researched book that not only covers the history of the lines and the ships, but the people and even economics as well. To go along with a flowing and interesting text, there are numerous photographs, maps, ship plans as well as photos of actual schedules, rate cards, and even charts of accounts.

Definitely not dry, the book is thoroughly readable and a lot of fun for anyone interested in either shipping or commercial evolution of Hawaii.

A wonderfully compiled and well thought out resource. Sarah Carpin knows and loves Seychelles and renders an entertaining and informative summary of the history, culture and land.