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The popular Rookie Books expand their horizons to all corners of the globe!With the Rookie Read-About Geography series, emergent readers will take off on adventures to cities, nations, waterways, and habitats around the world… and right in their own backyards! ... Read more

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"I went to Maui to stay a week and remained five. I had ajolly time. I would not have fooled away any of it writing lettersunder any consideration whatever." --Mark Twain

So Samuel Langhorne Clemens made his excuse for late copy to theSacramento Union, the newspaper that was underwriting his 1866trip. If the young reporter's excuse makes perfect sense to you, jointhe thousands of Island lovers who have delighted in Twain's effortswhen he finally did put pen to paper. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Informative reading for the visitor to Hawaii

Written in 1866, at the front end of his career, these letters provide a nice overview of Twain's talents. There are the obligatory humorous stories, but there are also perceptive descriptions of the Hawaian economy that foreshadow "Life on the Mississippi," itself a precursor of "Huckleberry Finn." Other letters deal with the Hawaiian scenery at the time and its mode of government, in most ways similar to state politics in California. If you're planning on a trip to Hawaii, especially to Oahu, reading this book will enrich your visit. Even if you're not, you'll have the pleasure of viewing a fine mind at work.

A Newbie's View of Hawaii Life
The book itself cam in better shape than described. It appears to be brand new and unread.

The young Mark Twain is a character I hadn't met before. He was fresh from the goldfields and San Francisco -- and was fascinated by the beauty andgrace of Hawaiian life. He wasn't Politicaly Correct in his view of the Native Peoples, but then - - seeing them as equals was not thinkable in the 1860s.

Nevertheless, his descriptions of songs, dances, chants, and especially hula are a valuable view of the authentic artistry. I have always questioned if hula and chants had become distorted during their periods of banishment by the Missionaries. I feared that what I saw at festivals today had been corrupted and "interpreted" by today's cultural masters.

Not to worry.What Twain described seems to be identical to what I see and hear today. The arts may have gone underground, but they were tended and cherished by genius.

A culture is termed "wealthy" if it has enough leisure time to develop a high art.By these terms, the Haida of the Pacific Northwest and the Native Hawaiians were as wealthy as any Aztec.They just didn't have metal to work with, and didn't need it, actually.

Twain went to visit Kilauea Volcano, then, as now, in eruption.

His enjoyment of social events, both high and low, make his stay in the islands what every traveller dreams of. He was enchanted.

Usually I pass on used books; but this one is a keeper.

Beverly in Honolulu

Excellent
This is the audiobook edition of a collection of dispatches that Mark Twain wrote, as a newspaper correspondent, to the Sacramento Daily Union in 1866 during his 7-month sojourn in Hawaii. Mark Twain impressionist McAvoy Layne very ably does the reading for the audiobook edition, bringing Mark Twain's written narrative to life.

Letters from Hawaii provides a fascinating look at 19th century Hawaii -- the people, royalty, customs, culture, neighborhoods, infrastructure, commerce, government, volcanos, valleys, beaches, sea -- as well as a sprinkling of Mark Twain's inimitable humor. History buffs and Hawaiiana buffs will find Twain's first-hand, boots-on-the-ground observations of 19th century Hawaii uniquely satisfying.

I found almost every dispatch riveting. One that comes to mind now as I write this mini review is Mark Twain's account of his visit to the active volcano, Kilauea, on the Big Island, which he viewed both during the daytime and at night. In addition to Twain's powerful visual imagery describing the lava flows, he also interestingly describes the sounds of the volcano. "It makes three distinct sounds - a rushing, a hissing, and a coughing or puffing sound; and if you stand on the brink and close your eyes it is no trick at all to imagine that you are sweeping down a river on a large low pressure steamer, and that you hear the hissing of the steam about her boilers, the puffing from her escape pipes and the churning rush of the water abaft her wheels. The smell of sulfur is strong, but not unpleasant to a sinner."

Whether you are a Mark Twain buff, history buff, travel story buff, kama'aina or a malihini, chances are you will find this book enjoyable.

Great Insight Into The Hawaii of Yesteryear
This book is easy and interesting reading. Anyone who enjoys learning about historical backgrounds will be enthralled by this book. It provides great first person perspective of what Hawaii was like before being tainted by the outside world. I highly recommend it!

Entertaining early writing by Twain
Having just finished reading Twain's Roughing It, and having received this book as a gift, I decided to read them back to back.This is a compilation of the correspondence Mark Twain was hired to write from Hawaii (then the Sandwich Islands) for the California newspaper the Sacramento Union.These letters were written before he had published his first book, so he was still young and inexperienced as a writer.Yet all the elements of classic Twain are in here--the humour, the keen observation, the ear for vernacular speech.It is informative to notice that he used much of the material from these letters--at times verbatim--to create the last few chapters of "Roughing It".I would almost recommend reading "Roughing It" instead of these letters because the writing is more polished and edited for more readability, were it not for the fact that the letters contain some very interesting material that does not appear in "Roughing It".Specifically, Twain does an excellent job covering the trade and commerce of the Islands, specifically the whaling and sugar industries (I am a sucker for 19th century whaling stories), and delivers an exclusive report on the fate of the clipper ship 'Hornet', a ship that completely burned while on the open sea, stranding 31 men in open boats near the Equator.One boat made it to Hawaii and Twain was able to get a report off to California, the first anyone there had heard of it.This report later bacame the source for his piece "Forty-Three Days in an Open Boat".

I would recommend this book to those interested in early Hawaiian, or even California, history and those who would enjoy some early Mark Twain.The subject matter jumps around a bit, as is the nature of this kind of compilation.The introduction by A. Grove Day is very informative and helpful for placing the readings in context.The reading is not always easy but usually entertaining. ... Read more

Product Description
Atlas of Hawaii - the standard reference work for the State of Hawaii for a decade - has been completely revised and expanded to be as up-to-date as possible and to introduce new subjects.Developed and compiled by the Department of Geography, University of Hawaii at Manoa, each section is written by an expert on the subject.Based on 1980 Census. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

A fantastic guide
This is such a fantastic guide to Hawaii, history, ecology, geology, biology. I think the only downside is - it's very large and heavy!!!

Not a good map source
It you are looking for topographic maps or nautical charts or any other useful type of map do not buy this book. It is mainly geographical and social information with maybe a few general maps but nothing of detail. I was disaapointed in the atlas expecting a comprehensive collection of detailed maps of the islands.

Very good reference book
The Atlas of Hawaii is an outstanding reference for anyone interested in Hawaii.Not only does it have maps, but also interesting articles about the natural history of the islands, the people and economy of islands.I was very impressed that just about every topic that is covered has smaller articles that compliment that section (example: the section on agriculture has smaller articles about forestry and sustainable agriculture).I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about Hawaii.

Hawaii Atlas
The subject matter is broad and the graphics are well placed.
However the demographic and statistical data is dated (ten years old) and not reflecting the more recent changes in population and density.

Fantastic summary of all you want to know about Hawaii
This book gives a comprehensive overview on the Island's environments, geology, weather patterns, and history.The book is filled with up-to-date maps of all kinds and color photographs.The book contains statistical information that is difficult to find in any of the other publicationsconcerning the Hawaiian Islands. ... Read more

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Put kids on the road to discovery with the series that brings the United States to life, state by exciting state. It's all here - the history and geography, the people and culture, plus colorful photos, entertaining extras, easy recipes, and so much more. For an armchair tour of the U.S., from sea to shining sea, nothing beats these marvelous books - except maybe a tour guide! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Taking a tour of Hawai'i, the Aloha State
Here we are at the end of the From Sea to Shining Sea, Second Series, and if there is one thing I have learned about the 50th state in the past year it is that the correct spelling is Hawai'i and not Hawaii (but apparently it is still Hawaiians and not Hawai'ians).Not that P.J. Neri explicitly points that out in Introducing the Aloha State, Chapter One of this informative and colorful book.She simply uses the correct spelling about a dozen times on those first two pages.Even if the correct spelling of Hawai'i is not familiar to young readers most of what Neri says come to mind when people think of the state will be: the bombing of Pearl Harbor, lava flows and fountains of fire, pineapples, hula dancing, and ukuleles.Neri builds on that common knowledge to teach young students about the geography, history, government, people and places of the 50th state.

Chapter Two, The Land of Hawai'i, begins with the basic geological fact that the archipelago is not really a group of islands but really the tops of volcanic mountains.The other volumes in this series cover the different geographical regions of each state, but with Hawai'i that is not the case.Instead, Neri explains how each island has a nickname, an island color, and an official island flower or shell (e.g., O'ahu, "The Gathering Place," Yellow, "ilima").She also covers how the tops of these volcanoes became lush green island paradises over time.However, it turns out there are several different climate regions in the islands (who would have expected a photograph of a snowboarder flying down the snow-covered slopes of Mauna Kea).

Chapter Three, Hawai'i Through History, begins with Polynesian pioneers sailing their canoes 2,000 miles to these islands and becoming the first Hawaiian settlers.Neri explains the Hawaiian culture that developed before getting around to the arrival of the Europeans and the destruction of the islands' sandalwood forests, harvested to be sold to the Chinese, in just 25 years.A section is devoted to the reign of Kamehameha the Great, the chieftain who united all of the islands under his rule, and another to the end of the kapu system.Hawai'i was recognized as an independent kingdom in 1826 by the United States, and what proved to be the undoing of the kingdom was the Great Mahele (land division) of 1848 and the rise of the sugarcane plantations, which eventually lead to the annexationists (if Hawai'i was annexed, then planters would not have to pay taxes to sell its sugar in the U.S.).Hawai'i n the 20th century is the story of pineapple plantations, tourism, the attack on Pearl Harbor, and finally statehood in 1959.However, the final section looks at the economic problems the state has suffered in recent years because economic problems in Asia and September 11th have both significantly reduced tourism to the islands.

Chapter Four, Governing Hawai'i begins with quick looks at the three branches of state government, and then Neri takes us on a tour of Honolulu, the state capital.A map of downtown Honolulu shows the location of key things to see, from the 'Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the U.S., to the King Kamehaemha the Great Statue and the Aloha Tower.The final chapter is about The People and Places of Hawai'i, with sections devoted to what they do for sports and work, and including a delicious recipe for Hawaiian Tropical Delight, which involves pineapples, coconut, mangos, mandarin oranges, and miniature marshmallows.Neri also covers Native Hawaiians today before taking her young readers on a tour of Hawai'i island by island to point out what you can see and do on each (how many people who visit Hawai'i actually visit all eight of the big islands?).The accompanying full color photographs remind you how spectacular the sights are in Hawai'I and the next time I go there I am going to spend more than a half-hour there and leave the airport.

There is additional information throughout the book provide in a series of sidebar categories.Who's Who is Hawai'i highlights key figures from Father Damien and Lydia Paki Kamekaha Lili'uokalani to Daniel K. Inoye and Duke Paoa Kahanamoku.Find Out More sidebars suggest topics for further research (e.g., what is being done to save the Hawaiian monk seal from extinction), while the Extra! Extra! sidebars explain the hula dance and the Polynesian Voyaging Society.Other sidebars are devoted to Famous Firsts (e.g, first revolving restaurant), What's in a Name? (e.g., Mauna Loa means "long mountain"), and a few key words of Hawaiian under the heading Special Language (e.g., "hale" means house). These little tidbits can help punch up a school report on Hawai'i.

The back of the book offers a Hawai'i Almanac consisting of two-pages of fast facts about the state seal and flag, key statistics, and a list of various products and state symbols.A Timeline contrasts Hawai'i state history on the top with U.S. history on the bottom, while the Gallery of Famous Hawaiians includes not only Do Ho and Bette Midler, but Jason Scott Lee and Ellison Onizuka.After the Glossary of key turns from "ahupua'a" to "tsunami," Neri provides a page of web sties, books and addresses that young students can turn to For More Information if for some reason they consider that necessary.But the From Sea to Shining Sea series does a nice job of fleshing out the basic elements of a geography and history book so that young students should find plenty to work with for a school report on any of the fifty states (or Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C.). The first series was pretty good, but the second series is definitely better and there are bonus points for the way the color of the border of the cover always compliments the cover photograph. ... Read more

Product Description
In his latest book, John Clark, author of the highly regarded "Beaches of Hawai‘i" series, gives us the many captivating stories behind the hundreds of Hawai‘i place names associated with the ocean—the names of shores, beaches, and other sites where people fish, swim, dive, surf, and paddle. Significant features and landmarks on or near shores, such as fishponds, monuments, shrines, reefs, and small islands, are also included. The names of surfing sites are the most numerous and among the most colorful: from the purely descriptive (Black Rock, Blue Hole) to the humorous (No Can Tell, Pray for Sex). ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Hawai'i Place Names
I am very disappointed with this book. I wanted information about the place names, but what I got was nothing more than information about the places. I want meanings, background, and information about the names. The only reason I gave two stars rather than one is that the descriptions of what one finds at each of these places is interesting and may be useful to some people. The title of this book is quite misleading. Not recommended for anyone who actually wants to know about Hawaiian place names.

limited use for surfer
I wanted to find the best spots around Hawaii for a surf trip I was planning for my son and I. I thought this book would give a good explanation of the surf spots. I was disappointed. It only is a list with descrption/ location of all the parks in Hawaii. ... Read more

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A completely revised edition of a popular guide explains how to enjoy all that Hawaii has to offer on a limited budget, offering maps keyed to the text and discussing which islands to visit, when to go, and much more. ... Read more

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Chapters: Canals in Hawaii, Geology of Hawaii, Hawaii Counties, Hawaii Geography Stubs, Hawaii Weather, Hiking Trails in Hawaii, Historic Districts in Hawaii, Landforms of Hawaii, Protected Areas of Hawaii, Settlements in Hawaii, Hawaii County, Hawaii, List of Counties in Hawaii, Maui County, Hawaii, Kalawao County, Hawaii, Kauai County, Hawaii, Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaiian Islands, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii Hotspot, List of Places in Hawaii, Honolulu County, Hawaii, Kahoolawe, Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, Nihoa, Pisces V, Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, Hosmer's Grove, Kona Storm, Sacred Falls State Park, Makapuʻu, Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology, Hawaiian - Emperor Seamount Chain, Ainapo Trail, Fort Shafter, Vog, Hilina Slump, Necker Island, Hana Highway, Hawaiian Tropical Dry Forests, Keauhou, Hawaii, Hawai'i Department of Land and Natural Resources, Wailua River State Park, Keokea, Maui County, Hawaii, Puu Kukui, Ahupua'a, Hōnaunau, Hawaii, Ala Wai Canal, Manoa, Pu'uwai, Hawaii, Pāpa'aloa, Hawaii, Kalepolepo Fishpond, Ho'olehua, Hawaii, Kealia, Hawaii, Nīnole, Hawaii, Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, Kunia Camp, Hawaii, Robert S. Dietz, Hilo Bay, Mo'omomi, La Perouse Bay, Coconut Island, Molokini, Hawaii Undersea Research Laboratory, List of Rivers of Hawaii, Haiku, Hawaii, Hawaiian Tropical Low Shrublands, Wailua, Maui County, Hawaii, Waimea River, Pearl and Hermes Atoll, Kilauea Light, Lahaina Historic District, Keanae, Hawaii, Kolekole Beach Park, Akaka Falls State Park, Waihee, Hawaii, Wailuku River, Liliuokalani Park and Gardens, Gardner Pinnacles, Wahiawa Botanical Garden, Anahulu River, Waiohinu, Hawaii, Lapakahi State Historical Park, Ha'ikū Stairs, Kalalau Trail, Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawai'i, Maui Nui, Pu'unene, Hawaii, Alakai Wilderness Preserve, Rainbow Falls, Kokomo, Hawaii, Mcbryde Garden, Crater Historic District, Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gar...More: http://booksllc.net/?id=13309470 ... Read more

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Chapters: County Seats in Hawaii, Honolulu, Hilo, Hawaii, Wailuku, Hawaii, Lihue, Hawaii. Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 46. Not illustrated. Free updates online. Purchase includes a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Excerpt:Hilo, Hawaii The districts of Hawai i . From northernmost, clockwise; North and South Kohala , H m kua , North and South Hilo (highlighted), Puna , Ka , North and South Kona .Hilo (pronounced / hi lo / ) is a coastal town in the State of Hawai i . It is the largest settlement on the island of Hawai i , and the second largest settlement in the state. The population was 40,759 at the 2000 census.Hilo is the county seat of Hawai i County, Hawai i , and is situated in the South Hilo District. The town overlooks Hilo Bay , and is near two shield volcanoes , Mauna Loa , considered active, and Mauna Kea , a dormant volcano upon which some of the best ground-based astronomical observatories are placed.Hilo is home to the University of Hawai i at Hilo , as well as the Merrie Monarch Festival , a week-long celebration of ancient and modern hula , which takes place annually after Easter . It is also home to the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation , one of the world's leading producers of macadamia nuts . It is served by Hilo International Airport , inside the CDP . History The Hilo Japanese Immigrant's Assembly Hall. Built in 1889, today located in Meiji Mura museum, Japan.Although archaeological evidence is scant, people certainly inhabited the areas along Hilo Bay, Wailuku and Wailoa Rivers before the Western world made contact. Known as the Hilo, these aboriginies dominated the high mountaintops until the middle 1800's. Hilo means high mountaintop in the original language of the indigenous peoples who resided on the mountaintops. King Kamehameha , the first king of Hawaii, conquered all the islands and then moved the Hilo mountain settlement to the shore after the ar... ... Read more