Polynesian History

A blend of Jared Diamond’s Guns, Germs, and Steel and Simon Winchester’s Pacific, a thrilling intellectual detective story that looks deep into the past to uncover who first settled the islands of the remote Pacific, where they came from, how they got there, and how we know. For more than a...

Dive into the captivating world of maritime navigation with "Navigating the Blue," an enlightening journey across the vast oceans that have shaped human history and exploration. This is not just a book; it is your personal guide through the mesmerizing interplay between sea, wind, and human ingenuity. Begin your voyage with an introduction to the irresistible allure of the open sea, unraveling the secrets of winds and currents that have been the soul of navigation for centuries. Discover the enigma of trade winds and delve into their crucial historical significance, guiding explorers on ...

Are you interested in the history of one of the most isolated kingdoms on Earth? Then this audiobook is for you! When most people hear the phrase “ancient Hawaii”, it brings up a certain air of mystery and intrigue. Some might think of tattooed tribesmen sailing across the vast emptiness of the Pacific Ocean under the moonlight, dancing around campfires to connect with their gods, or living on the sides of volcanos. But is this an accurate depiction? Or is there more to the early people of Hawaii?

New Zealand: A Novel is a sweeping tale of discovery, destiny, and forbidden love in which the old and new worlds collide. Spanning five centuries, this tale begins in the 1300’s when daring Pacific Islanders set sail from Hawaiki, chasing whispers of a bountiful land they believe awaits them far to the south. Those who survive the treacherous voyage discover a place they call Aotearoa – land of the long white cloud. Shrouded in mist, it’s a place of beauty, danger, and intrigue. The last sizeable slice of undiscovered land on Earth. The new arrivals become Maori, forging a rich and ...

Rediscover the magic, mystery, and wonder of Hawaii's legendary past with Hawaiian Mythology Collection II. Immerse yourself in the ancient stories that have been passed down through generations and experience the timeless appeal of these enchanting tales.

Dive into the captivating realm of The Legends and Myths of Hawaii, where the mystical allure of the Pacific islands comes alive through the mesmerizing fables and folk-lore shared by none other than the esteemed King David Kalakaua. Prepare to be transported to a time when oral traditions were the heart of Hawaiian culture, as the illustrious monarch weaves a tapestry of enchanting stories that have been cherished for generations.

In Voyagers, the distinguished anthropologist Nick Thomas charts the course of the seaborne migrations that populated the islands between the Americas and the western coast of Asia from late prehistory onwards: firstly the colonization by speakers of Austronesian languages of the western Pacific littoral, from around 3000 BC, of the Philippines, Indonesia, Micronesia and Melanesia; followed by the later settlement, by Polynesian peoples, of Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Tahiti, the Marquesas, Easter Island and eventually New Zealand, up to AD 1250.

Since the Polynesians (the first humans in New Zealand who would become known as the Māori) were the most modern humans to settle in an uninhabited land, it is no surprise New Zealand has always been ahead of its time. Despite its late settlement, New Zealand has been one of the most rapidly modernizing nations in the world. New Zealand was the first country to introduce full democracy, women’s suffrage, state pensions, and state housing.

Mysterious Polynesia: The Myths, Legends, and Mysteries of the Polynesians chronicles some of these remarkable stories, as well as lingering mysteries across the region. You will learn about Polynesia like never before.

"Narrators Waikamania Seve and Caleb Teaupa unfurl a blood- and brine-soaked epic set in and around the islands of long-ago Polynesia. The lilt of the performers’ Antipodean accents lends a strong sense of place to the novel." —The Wall Street Journal “[Narrator Waikamania] Seve's voice...

The powerful debut novel from Alan Brennert, Moloka’i tells the story of Rachel Kalama, a seven-year-old Hawaiian girl who contracts leprosy and is quarantined on the island of Moloka’i during the 1890s. Separated from her family and forced to grow up in the leper colony of Kalaupapa, Rachel experiences intense isolation. But she remains strong, finding moments of joy, and even love. Rich in Hawaiian history, this novel proves itself a stellar piece of historical fiction.

Discover a world where vibrant cultures come alive through rhythmic music, vivid traditions, and tantalizing flavors in "Island Celebrations." This captivating journey delves into the heart of island festivals, where the joy of community and the magic of tradition intermingle. Begin your expedition with an enchanting exploration of island gatherings. Uncover the irresistible allure that these festivals hold for people around the globe. From the historical roots that shaped these unique cultures to the mesmerizing impact they continue to have today, every chapter invites you deeper into this...

An instant New York Times bestseller! ""Sharp, stylish and stunning...Foley's best yet."" — Chris Whitaker, New York Times bestselling author of All the Colors of the Dark ""It is an absolute bonkers delight (and I haven’t even mentioned the local bird cult yet …)."" — NPR, Best Books of...

From master storyteller Witi Ihimaera, a spellbinding and provocative retelling of traditional Maori myths for the twenty-first century. In this milestone volume, Ihimaera traces the history of the Maori people through their creation myths. He follows Tawhaki up the vines into the firmament...

In 1769, Captain James Cook’s historic expedition in the region would lead to an English claim on Australia, but before he reached Australia, he sailed near New Zealand and spent weeks mapping part of New Zealand’s coast. Thus, he was also one of the first to observe and take note of the indigenous peoples of the two islands.

Welcome to the Travel Enrichment Series, the perfect companion for travelers wishing to understand more about the history of the regions they visit. Scattered across the world’s largest and deepest ocean, the remote and beautiful South Pacific Islands have been enticing explorers, travelers, and settlers to their shores for more than six thousand years. In twelve lively essays, South Pacific charts the history of this vibrant region, from the intrepid Polynesians who relied on constellations and stick charts to navigate its isolated archipelagos, to the stranded mutineers of HMS Bounty ...

Be ready to immerse yourself into the myths and long forgotten stories of the Hawaiian people. The traditional name of the Hawaiian people is Kānaka Maoli. Hawaii was settled at least 800 years ago with the voyage of Polynesians from the Society Islands. They have a rich and colorful culture as well as vibrant stories which emerged from the volcanoes and planted their roots to inspire their descendants for generations.

A girl from a forgotten island. A kingdom on the brink of transformation. And a voyage that will change the Pacific forever. From Pulitzer Prize–winning author Adam Johnson, acclaimed author of The Orphan Master's Son, comes an epic historical adventure inspired by the legends, cultures, and...

The Complete Story of Hawai'i — From the First Voyagers to Lahaina and Beyond. A thousand years ago, Polynesian navigators guided their double-hulled canoes across two thousand miles of empty Pacific and made landfall on the most isolated islands on Earth. From that astonishing arrival to the devastating Lahaina wildfire of August 2023, Hawai'i's story is one of the most remarkable in human history — and it has never been told with greater care, accuracy, or beauty than in this Revised and Expanded Edition. Echoes of Aloha: Hawai'i's Past and Present is a sweeping, deeply researched ...

Discover the vibrant world of tiki culture with Tiki Treasures: A Collector’s Guide to the History and Art of Tiki Glassware. Perfect for collectors, cocktail lovers, and vintage design enthusiasts, this engaging guide dives into the colorful past and present of tiki glassware—from the origins of tiki bars to the modern revival of Polynesian pop. Whether you're new to collecting or already curating a shelf full of tropical mugs, this book is your ultimate companion. Inside, you’ll learn: The fascinating history of tiki culture and how it inspired iconic tiki glassware How to identify,...