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...

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Many of us don’t know much about mythological stories from these regions, and it is my pleasure and privilege to educate you on the intricate details that lie within them. That’s why I have also provided some fascinating facts and historical background about each of these peoples. Creation myths, legacies, the sacrificing of children, the empires, and their wars are all mentioned and touched on in this book.

The History of Hawai’i—Unveiled Journey across centuries of struggle, resilience, and transformation in Hawai‘i Unveiled, a sweeping narrative that brings the islands’ extraordinary past to vivid life. From the arrival of the first Polynesian voyagers in double-hulled canoes to the contemporary movements for sovereignty and cultural renewal, this book traces the epic story of Hawai‘i with clarity and passion. Drawing on archaeology, oral traditions, historical records, and modern voices, Hawai‘i Unveiled reveals how Hawai‘i’s people have continually redefined themselves in ...

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 ...

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.

New Zealand: A Novel spans almost 500 years and covers the respective discoveries of New Zealand by Pacific Islanders and Europeans. From the outset the two stories are interposed. It starts in the 1300’s with the departure of Islanders from Hawaiki in search of land far to the south. The hardy, brown-skinned people who arrive here first call themselves Maori and they call their new home Aotearoa – land of the long, white cloud. The fascinating, eventful and sometimes violent lives of descendants of those first arrivals are traced through the centuries until the arrival of Europeans ...

Welcome to the Travel Enrichment Series, the perfect companion for curious travelers wishing to understand more about 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 who ...

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,...

This book is the culmination of over 35 years of research and interviews. Does Hawaiian culture and religion just come from the Kapu System where there was death with no mercy or grace for those who broke kapu (taboos), like death for men and women who ate together? If so, where did Aloha come from? The volume of evidence in this book for the existence of one benevolent Creator God of Aloha in Polynesia is overwhelming. This book contains the first volume of combined evidence of this God throughout Hawaiʻi and Polynesia. Daniel Kikawa, Ph.D. (Intercultural Studies)

In this now classic text, Martha Beckwith skillfully navigated an expansive collection of books, articles, and manuscripts to compile the definitive collection of mythological narratives of the native Hawaiian peoples. In addition to its importance for Hawaiian folklore and ethnology proper, Beckwith situates these stories within their broader regional context, offering comparisons to the traditions of Tahiti, Tonga, Samoa and other island nations.

Born To Explore Get outside with this interactive boom that shows how explorers have found their way around the planet for thousands of years. Read about the ancient Polynesians who tracked the stars and waves to sail precise paths through the ocean. Or the Age of European Exploration...