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“I wanted nothing to do with the war between Kohala and Hana but I had little choice. My parents supported the war, and I would do anything to please them, so I supported it too.”

Newly crowned Queen Kaikilani is quickly losing her reputation with the people of Kona because of her stuttering. But she is determined to please her parents, especially her father, the former king, by doing whatever he asks, even if it goes against her personal desires for peace.

As the war between Hana and Kohala escalates, Kaikilani promises to send troops to help. But the people refuse to obey her call to arms.

Even more frustrating, Kaikilani’s marriage to Kanaloa, her betrothed, looms over the horizon. And while she tries to stay positive about the upcoming marriage, knowing it will please her parents, her heart yearns for Lono, her betrothed’s brother, a young man she connected with in the past.

As Lono and Kaikilani try to stay away from each other, more threats present an assassination attempt on Kaikilani’s life, Hana warriors raiding the Kona coasts, and more. Kaikilani knows she must make a change… Because the more she tries to follow the war traditions of previous rulers, the more conflicted and chaotic she feels. But standing up for herself comes with the cost of losing her parents’ approval, something she fears to lose more than anything else.

Kaikilani is inspired by the Hawaiian legend “Lono and Kaikilani,” retold by King Kalakaua, one of Hawaii’s last monarchs.

If you love clean romance, fairy tales, happily-ever-afters, and Hawaiian legends and culture, then try the other books in the “Enchanted Hawaii Collection!” Each book can be read as a stand-alone or in order. Mahalo!

The Enchanted Hawaii Collection

Lehua - A Rapunzel RetellingHaukea - A Snow White RetellingKa’ala - A Hawaiian Legend Retelling of “Ka’ala, Flower of Lanai”Kaikilani - A Hawaiian Legend Retelling of “Lono and Kaikilani”Loke - A Sleeping Beauty RetellingAlamea - A Hawaiian Legend Retelling of “Hua, King of Hana”

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 20, 2023

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47 people want to read

About the author

Leialoha Humpherys

30 books74 followers

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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
53 reviews1 follower
March 25, 2025
An interesting take on the legend of Lono and Kaikilani.

All children want their parents' love, but what if it comes at a price?

Kaikilani was a very relatable character, doing whatever she can to get her parents approval even if it meant carrying on with a war that she knew her people no longer believed in as well as going along with a betrothal that she didn't want. I'm not often a fan of the amnesia trope but in this case, I appreciate how it gave Kaikilani the freedom and courage to go on a journey to recapture her voice and find the truth about her family.

We first met Lono back in Haukea where we learned about his curse. Yes it makes his life very difficult but he still manages to find moments where his love for Kaikilani shines through. He works to help her discover the truth and her sense of self-worth as Queen.

I loved the way the threads were weaved in this book to set up the plot for future stories and I think Enchanted Hawaii is my favourite out of Leialoha's series.
842 reviews1 follower
February 23, 2023
I really loved reading this wonderful book! I loved the characters and the plot! I had a hard time putting this wonderful book down! I am really looking forward to reading the next book in this wonderful series!
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223 reviews2 followers
May 30, 2025
This was another Hawaiian legend I was not familiar with. I like how relationships and figuring out what you want in relationships are portrayed in this book. I liked how figuring out what matters most to yourself was shown. No spice (kissing is as far as it goes). No explicit language.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews

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