HAWAII is a remarkable work of historical fiction that first saw the light of day in 1959. I, unfortunately, am a latecomer to the joys of reading this novel. However, it has always lingered in the back of my mind, ever since I watched the 1966 movie Hawaii when it was finally aired on television. At this stage of my life, the only vivid images that remain with me are that of a man strolling along the beach, curiously wearing a stovetop hat and an all-black suit, and the enchanting Hawaiian people. Michener's HAWAII has indelibly etched in my brain a history of mankind, who became the ultimate stewards of the Hawaiian island chain.

Michener's account is truly epic, spanning a hefty 1,136 pages. I greatly appreciate the inclusion of two maps and genealogical charts of the main families within the book. These additions enhance the reading experience and help bring the author's captivating tale of Hawaii to life for the readers. The book is divided into only six chapters. The first chapter, “FROM THE BOUNDLESS DEEP,” delves into the arrival of the island chain itself. The second chapter, “FROM THE SUN-SWEPT LAGOON,” offers a vivid portrait of the Polynesians of the Pacific. The third chapter, “FROM THE FARM OF BITTERNESS,” profiles the missionaries called to service. The fourth chapter, “FROM THE STARVING VILLAGE,” explores the influx of Chinese immigrants as laborers. The fifth chapter, “FROM THE INLAND SEA,” focuses on the arrival of the Japanese to work in the sugarcane fields.

When reading HAWAII, it becomes abundantly clear that Michener dedicated four years to researching and another three years to writing this masterpiece. The result is a work that is rich in the minutiae necessary for the reader to fully immerse themselves in the story. There are numerous historical events and characters derived from real people, with their names changed, all skillfully interwoven to present a comprehensive and multi-faceted account of the story of Hawaii. However, it should be noted that racism and abhorrent language are evident throughout the book.

This book is truly a breathtaking and heart-wrenching experience. HAWAII has not only taught me a great deal about history but has also provided me with insights into certain experiences I have had. My heart has ached for Hawaii ever since I was welcomed into a family by a stern Japanese father-in-law and a loving and musical full-blood Hawaiian (a rarity in 1978) mother-in-law. In my opinion, the Hawaiians have lost a great deal compared to what was ostensibly “given” to them. I firmly believe that if I were to live on the islands, I would most definitely be a part of the movement to secede from the United States.

In conclusion, HAWAII is undoubtedly a 5-star read and I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone!

This was truly a great book, yet it had my perennial issue with Michener.

The modern portions are simply far more tedious than the older ones, and it veers off into absurd tangents that lead nowhere.

It is particularly exasperating here, considering the core story is wonderful.

Each of the first four chapters is excellent. The first chapter deals with the Polynesians, then comes the Missionaries, followed by the Chinese, and then the Japanese.

Each chapter primarily focuses on one family, with other characters interwoven. He has such a talent for creating vivid people.

It's effortless to become engrossed in these individuals and their lives.

And it's praiseworthy how impartial he is with each ethnic group. He treats everyone equally, not claiming that anyone is flawless. Everyone has their flaws and skills, and each is a crucial part of the overall picture.

But once he reaches the end, and characters have to start representing certain things, he stumbles.

Suddenly, characters materialize out of thin air to illustrate something purportedly profound, and then, oops, there's a tidal wave and that one character dies.

No harm done, the important character gets to have some soul-searching, and then conveniently, he and the readers don't have to deal with this additional character.

The worst is an extended digression where an old patrician white character learns valuable lessons (about what exactly...sex? women? cooking with coconuts?) by sleeping with a 15-year-old Polynesian girl.

She's happy about it all, though, because he's a good dancer and because he needs to learn...things.

And then Michener waits until the very end of the book to unleash this incredibly groan-worthy surprise, where we discover that this book has been narrated by one of the main characters, even though this was never even hinted at before, and even though this undermines the attitude that each primary family is to be regarded as equal to the others.

Bah! I'm certain he was pleased with his little literary trick and excited by the equally lousy fake narration that he employed in "Centennial" later.

Boy, I wish this guy hadn't won a Pulitzer for his first book, because I bet he never had to listen to an editor again, and that would have been beneficial.

However, I still stand by the four stars. 90% of the time, the book is truly terrific.

I managed to endure up to 234 chapters of this work before finally concluding that I simply could not tolerate any more of the superstition, the gods demanding human sacrifices, and the bigoted and self-righteous American missionaries. All of this was presented at the expense of the so-called "heathen savages" who were the native Hawaiians, as the author put it.

James Michener was indeed a highly regarded author, but in this particular case, it is a complete failure. I would rate it only 1 out of 10 stars. The story seems to be filled with inaccurate and demeaning portrayals of the native culture and people. It is disappointing to see such a talented writer produce something that is so offensive and lacking in understanding.

Perhaps Michener was trying to make a point about the clash of cultures, but the way he did it was simply unacceptable. I hope that future readers will approach this book with a critical eye and not be misled by its inaccurate and hurtful content.

This was truly my white whale this year - taking me nearly the whole year to read.

Because of that, let me go on a bit of a lengthy review here.

Hawaii is a book that has been recommended to me by my grandmother for my whole life. She insists this is the best book she has ever read. Coming from someone who reads voraciously, this was a big deal. So I thought, since I had a trip to Hawaii booked this year, that 2018 would be the year I tackle this monstrosity. I wanted to read it before the trip, but October came and went and Hawaii was still sitting on my bedside table.

Michener did a wonderful job encapsulating the entire history of Hawaii from the formation of the islands to modern day. Just looking at the genealogy charts at the back of the book shows the huge story he has told. It is amazing the scope of the work alone. We get to see the islands from the point of view of initial settlers, native Hawaiians, missionaries, Chinese workers and later on, Japanese workers. This all comes together to paint a picture of the societal norms and challenges Hawaii has faced through the centuries.

Wu Chow's Auntie, or Nyuk Tsin is the shining star of this book. She's the ultimate matriarch and her strong story and overall arc from the Hakka village to Hawaii was engrossing. Her family and their growing empire was such a wonderful story and how Michener kept it all straight was mind-blowing. If I had just read their story it would be a five star rating.

Unfortunately with a 1136 page book with such a large scope, there are many tangents and large sections of particular politics that lost me. Michener gets a little lost in certain details and there would be parts where I would put down the book and not feel the need to continue for a month or two.

With that said, this is a still wonderful piece of literature, is fairly easy reading, and I am so glad I read it. For me, this is so much more than a book and instead almost feels like a family tradition. When I told my grandma I was reading it she lit up and asked me if she could borrow it when I was done - so excited to revisit the characters a few decades after reading it the first time. I can't wait to talk to her more about it after she's read it again and be able to share her favourite book with her.

There's history, and then there's H-I - S - T - O - R - Y that extends across the geologic and sociological timelines. This remarkable book encompasses both aspects. I found it so engaging that it set me off on a delightful journey around the world, devouring as many of Michener's historical-fiction novels as I could discover in audio format.

Michener meticulously lays the foundation by revealing the significance of place and how the setting influences the settlers. His stories unfold over generations, presented from the perspectives of both native cultures (sometimes even including the animals) and the "transplants." Some of these characters market their wares or beliefs, while others exploit resources.

Nearly all of Michener's characters are so genuine that they easily win our sympathies. This book is instructive in the most excellent way as the reader acquires a deeper understanding of diverse cultures within the broad spectrum and also of him/herself through the "what's universal is personal" analysis. It offers a unique and enriching reading experience that leaves a lasting impression.

3.5 Stars

The story segments in this work vary greatly. Some are well-executed, while others seem almost like a flippant rush of historical summaries. I completed the reading in 3 listening sessions, spread out over about 4 days from start to finish. It combines interesting folk lore with historical aspects, which is quite engaging. However, the dry interweaving of various generations can be a bit off-putting. I'm not entirely sure how much readers would understand the large number of cultural references used within the book. It presents a distinctly western viewpoint on a variety of Asian cultures. If I had read this as a child, I would have been extremely engrossed in the odd mishmash of details that are thrown together in the jagged history of Hawaii. Overall, it has its strengths and weaknesses, but it does offer a unique perspective on Hawaiian history and culture.

This book was long, yet it told a great story.

I truly wish I had had more time to finish it before my recent trip to the island. As it turned out, I was only able to complete it until now.

From the birth of the islands many millions of years ago in the middle of the Pacific, Hawaii has seen a diverse range of inhabitants. It was the natives who first 'accidentally' arrived at the islands from Bora Bora, and they went on to create their unique culture and traditions.

Then, in the 1500s, missionaries came to the island with the intention of dispelling the so-called barbaric rituals of the island's inhabitants.

The original missionaries grew in number and soon gained control over the island's resources. Subsequently, the Chinese and then the Japanese were brought onto the island to work on the sugar plantations.

The mix of cultures gradually evolved, and eventually, Hawaii became part of the US, bringing with it social reforms such as labour unions and higher standards of living. Today, Hawaii is one of the most expensive places to live in the United States.

Many people do not fully realize how much the island has changed and evolved over the years. When I was in Hawaii, the island was indeed extremely beautiful, but I was somewhat disappointed by the lack of the original culture that remained on the island. Michner also explains this, but from a different perspective.

Michner is truly a master storyteller. His books are long, but the experience of reading through them is absolutely amazing. This is my third book by Michner, and I'm eagerly looking forward to the next one.

The article had many interesting aspects.

There were several sections that really caught my attention and held my interest.

However, the overall length of the article was a bit of a drawback.

It felt as if it could have been condensed and still conveyed the same important information.

Despite its length, I was able to glean some valuable insights from it.

But it required a significant investment of time and concentration to get through the entire piece.

Maybe if the author had trimmed some of the less essential details, it would have been a more engaging and accessible read.

Overall, while the content was interesting, the excessive length detracted from the overall experience.

Absolutely fantastic.

My first encounter with Michener's work has been an eye-opening and truly remarkable experience. It has left me eager for more, and I am certain that this will not be my last.

The description of the two members of the cabinet in tears as they faced the map is a powerful and poignant image. It conveys the depth of emotion and the weight of the situation. And the question posed by Hewlett, a man with a significant amount of Hawaiian blood, adds another layer of complexity and human touch. "Why does misery always fall on those least able to bear it?" This simple yet profound query makes one stop and reflect on the unfairness and cruelty that exists in the world.

Michener's writing has the ability to transport the reader into the hearts and minds of his characters, making us feel their pain, their joy, and their struggles. It is a testament to his talent as a storyteller that he can create such vivid and engaging scenes with just a few words. I look forward to delving deeper into his body of work and uncovering more of the treasures that lie within.

I purchased this book during my initial journey to Hawaii in 1980 and commenced reading it while I was there.

Forty years have elapsed since then, and I don't recall a great deal about the book. However, the influence of the missionaries and, later, the Japanese remains in my memory. Additionally, although it was an extremely long book, I remember finding it quite enjoyable.

A friend on Goodreads recently 'liked' my having read Hawaii (thank you, Beata

This is my favorite of Michener's books.

It has a truly compelling dramatic sweep that keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end.

The story unfolds in a way that is both exciting and thought-provoking.

Michener's ability to create three-dimensional characters is truly remarkable.

Each character is unique, with their own set of flaws and virtues, and I found myself really caring about what happened to them.

The relationships between the characters are complex and well-developed, adding an extra layer of depth to the story.

Overall, this book is a masterpiece of literature and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great read.

As in all of Michener's books, this is a truly sweeping story that delves deep into the history of Hawai'i, stretching all the way from the precolonial period until the present day. The characters, it must be said, are perhaps a bit on the two-dimensional side. However, despite this minor flaw, the story itself remains utterly fascinating. It has a way of captivating the reader's imagination and making them yearn to take a flight to Honolulu. Once there, one can't help but envision sweeping away the hordes of Japanese tourists and attempting to picture the place as it once was, without all those horrid hotels that now litter the littoral towards Diamond Head. It's as if Michener's words transport us to a different time and place, allowing us to experience the rich tapestry of Hawai'i's history and culture.