This literary treasure provides one of the earliest glimpses into pre–colonial Hawaaiin culture. This book, one of six written by Dr. Westervelt, is a fascinating compilation of Hawaiian legends and historical tales. The origins of the Hawaiian people, the demi-god Maui's search for immortality for mankind, the coming of Captain Cook, the wars of King Kamehameha, as well as other aspects of Hawaii's incredible history fill its pages. Librarians, students, collectors, and anyone who enjoys reading about ancient Hawaii will delight in Hawaiian Historical Legends. Dr. Westervelt is one of the best-known raconteurs of Hawaiian stories. Hawaiian Historical Legends presents a variety of stories both legendary and historical. The author also considers the question of Polynesian origins and the speculative subject of Spanish visitants. Other titles n this series on Hawaii include: Hawaiian Legends of Ghosts and Ghost Gods, and Hawaiian Legends of Old Honolulu Hawaiian Legends of Volcanoes.

Pacific Islander Americans constitute one of the United States' least understood ethnic groups. As expected, stereotypes abound: Samoans are good at football; Hawaiians make the best surfers; all Tahitians dance. Although Pacific history, society, and culture have been the subjects of much scholarly research and writing, the lives of Pacific Islanders in the diaspora (particularly in the U.S.) have received far less attention. The contributors to this volume of articles and essays compiled by the Pacific Islander Americans Research Project hope to rectify this oversight. Pacific Diaspora brings together the individual and community histories of Pacific Island peoples in the U.S. It is designed for use in Pacific and ethnic studies courses, but it will also find an audience among those with a general interest in Pacific Islander Americans. Contributors: Keoni Kealoha Agard, Melani Anae, Kekuni Blaisdell, John Connell, Wendy Cowling, Vincente M. Diaz, Michael Kioni Dudley, Dianna Fitisemanu, Inoke Funaki, Lupe Funaki, Karina Kahananui Green, David Hall, Jay Hartwell, Craig R. Janes, George H. S. Kanahele, Davianna Pomoaikai McGregor, Brucetta McKenzie, Helen Morton, Dorri Nautu, Tupou Hopoate Pauu, A. Ravuvu, Carol E. Robertson, Joanne Rondilla, E. Victoria Shook, Paul Spickard, Haunani-Kay Trask, Debbie Hippolite Wright.

In his preface, the author explains how these stories take you through Hawaiian history from ancient times right to becoming an American state. He adds that Hawaiian people are not overly concerned with dates but that these stories are all related one to another.