A Concise History of the Hawaiian Islands

I was skeptical about buying this book. For two reasons: the length (how could anyone possibly give an overview of something as complex in such a short book?) and, well, the cover. I know what you are thinking, of course, but it struck me as a trashy Waikiki souvenir store book. I was, I am happy to say, very wrong. For anyone wanting an introduction to the history, both pre-Cook and post-Cook, of this amazing place you cannot beat this book. As one reviewer commented it should be handed out to everyone at the airport when they arrive; I say it should be included in the price of the ticket (or not!) and given to each passenger as they board the plane. It is a reasonably objective summary of Hawai'i's history. It leaves out a lot of detail (the author provides a great list of further reading material at the end of the book for those interested) but actually does cover the basics very well in a very short amount of time. It would be a shame to think that someone who lived there would not know this information already but for anyone who is moving there, planning a visit, or interested for any other reason I highly recommend this book.

A concise History of the Hawaiian Islands by Dr. Phil Barnes is excellent. This is the perfect primer for anyone visiting the islands and wanting to know more about the land the history of the people and islands they visit. I got this book upon my arrival in Oahu and read it in a single evening. It sucks you end and gives you so much info in so few pages. This book explains the islands and how they are formed. Then quickly moves into the origins and migrations of the Marquesas and Tahitian settler's. This is a fascinating basis understanding the Hawaiian culture. Then the Europeans arrive and all changes. Bring in the Gun, Missionaries and finally industry which lead to sugarcane and pineapples. This of course brings imported labor in the form of Chinese, Japanese, Philippine and even Portuguese. Then all the tourism and American influence. Just an amazing yet tragic history of a culture and nation that rose slowly and fell quickly in the British and American land grab of colonies. All leads to the amazing State of Hawaii of today. Part of me gets a patriotic since from this book and justification for some independence of the Hawaiian Nation or at least the people. Besides being some of the most informative and thought provoking 82 pages I have ever read it definitely helps me understand Hawaii and have a better respect for the land and people. A must have book for any visitor past or future to Hawaii.

I lived in the Hawaiian Islands for several years and was aware of a lot of the history and issues. This book really gets to the core of the important things quickly without much elaboration, and is very readable. It would be great reading for anyone planning to go there even for vacation - doesn't take long to read and hits all the important stuff. Doesn't gloss over the controversial issues.

In advance of my trip to Maui and Kauai, I felt like I needed a primer to help me understand the forces that shaped the islands' geography, biology, and culture. I had little expectation for this 88 pps book, but I bought it because it seemed the only reasonable choice available, and the title was exactly what I sought. When the book arrived I saw that it came from what appeared to be a cheesy vanity press... but I opened it up and was absolutely riveted from the first paragraph on. This is well-written, logically organized... an organic and concise telling of the history of the Hawaiian Islands, from volacanic formation to bio-diversity to the voyages of Melanesians and Tahitians who first came to these islands just 1500 years ago. I could not recommend this book heartily enough. It's great!

Last month in Waikiki, I bought this book together with some souvenirs at the famous ABC store. Yes,You can find it easily. It was the last day of my visit to Hawaii this time. But,now I deeply regret not having read this book before I go to Hawaii! If I read it prior to this travel,I am sure I could have enjoyed experiencing these magical islands more,feeling interested in its history. I would like to recommend this book to all people planning to visit Hawaii.