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...

The most famous environmental parable of the last fifty years does not survive the evidence. You know the story. Polynesians reach the most remote inhabited island on earth. They carve enormous stone heads and, competing to build bigger ones, cut down every tree to move them. The forest goes, and with it the soil, the seabirds, and the canoes that might have carried them away. Society falls into warfare and cannibalism. Europeans arrive to find survivors living in the wreckage of what they destroyed. It is the perfect cautionary tale — a closed island, a finite resource, a people who ...

Experience an epic maritime history adventure detailing how brilliant indigenous navigators conquered the Pacific Ocean. Perfect for your daily commute or focused learning, this awe-inspiring saga transforms the world's largest water body from a formidable barrier into a thriving network of...

Discover the epic history of Maori navigators and colonial clashes that forged a nation at the edge of the world. Whether you are commuting or planning a global adventure, this immersive educational narrative transports you directly to the shores of Aotearoa. Experience a gripping saga of...

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.

A discussion and presentation of 118 words that spell the same, sound the same and mean the same in the Maori, Moriori and Tongan Languages to prove a connection between Polynesia and Aotearoa in pre-European contact time. Other ideas about Pacific migration are presented.

Experience the epic maritime history of ancient wayfinders who conquered the vast Pacific Ocean without maps or metal. Perfect for an immersive commute or a focused learning session, this awe-inspiring saga transports you into the minds of indigenous explorers. You will sail across treacherous...

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 ...

Discover the epic maritime history of master navigators who conquered the Pacific Ocean using only the wind and stars. Transform your daily commute into an awe-inspiring adventure of human ingenuity, ancient science, and survival. Follow the incredible expansion of Austronesian communities as...

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...

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.

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.

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,...

"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...

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 navigators...

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...

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.

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 ...