Hawaii Pono: An Ethnic and Political History

I commend author Fuchs for being so even-handed about the dynamics of the cultural history of Hawaii. When I learn of friends who are going to be visiting Hawaii, I invariably recommend this book -- it tells a lot and doesn't have a single glossy photograph!

From back cover: "A vividly written cultural history of the 50th state, which will provide Hawaiians and tourists alike a full understanding of the rich history of the islands. 'Hawaii Pono' translates as 'Hawaii the Excellent' -- and so it has semmed to the many ethnic groups who have made her the melting post of the Pacific, as well as to the innumerable tourists who choose Hawaii as the premier vacation spot. Lawrence H. Fuchs has, 'through meticulous research, brought together the Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, and native Hawaiian cultural contributions and detailed the impact of American settlers - plantation entrepreneurs, dedicated teachers, devoted missionaries - from the time they assumed control of the islands in 1893 until statehood was voted by Congress in 1959."

A magnificent book written by an outsider who had no agendas to fulfill or preconceptions about the subject. Hawaii Pono is the definitive book about the history of territorial Hawaii. It is the study of immigrants from many corners of the world coming together by necessity or wanderlust to create the rainbowed culture that is Hawaii.