Kahoʻolawe: The True Story of an Island and Her People

by Kamalani Hurley, Harinani Orme (illustrator)

In the middle of the great Pacific Ocean is a little island. Her name is Kanaloa Kaho‘olawe.


Discover the story of an island sacred to Native Hawaiians. Beginning with her birth in a volcanic eruption, Kaho‘olawe thrives surrounded by animals on land and in the sea. When Polynesian voyagers arrive and begin to raise their families there, the island is happy. As the years pass, invasive goats devastate the ecosystem, and during World War II and the decades that follow, the US military claims the island for target practice. Kaho‘olawe is hurt. Yet activists never give up on the island, and they finally succeed in reclaiming her.


Kaho‘olawe endures.


Author Kamalani Hurley and illustrator Harinani Orme present the remarkable story of the smallest Hawaiian island, encompassing loss and erasure, sacrifice and dedication, and ultimately restoration, highlighting hope, resilience, and aloha ‘āina (deep love of the land).


The author has pledged 100 percent of her proceeds from sales of this book to the Protect Kaho‘olawe ‘Ohana.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Indigenous, History, Childrens, Juvenile, Aapi

32 pages, Hardcover

Published February 4, 2025

Reviews

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tells the history of the smallest of Hawaii’s main islands. It was richly resourced w ocean life and vegetation until Europeans gifted it feral goats which ravaged its ecosystem. Then the horror of WW2 led the military to seize it, forbid visitors, and repeatedly bomb it for practice until activists started demanding that it stop. After more than 50 years, Congress voted in 1993 to stop the bombing and the island was returned to the Hawaiian people w the promise that the military would clean up their mess, but the navy left without completing the cleanup they promised. People who love the land have been working tirelessly ever since to restore the island to its former beauty. It is an ongoing effort while the island has become a place of cultural pride and celebration. The book’s art is beautiful and each featured moment in this historical overview is presented on a spread that contains a few lines of larger text broadly explaining that moment in history, a single phrase printed in bold type describing Kaho’olawe at that moment (… is happy, … is thirsty, … is lonely, … thrives), and a sidebar w one or two paragraphs of smaller type providing more details about that moment. Back matter includes an author’s and illustrator’s note, a timeline, and a glossary.

[Shauna Yusko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many book pairings!

[skai_booksandbracelets · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting picture book on the Hawaiian island of Kaho'olawe's culture, history, and ecology. There is both simple, easy to read text for a storybook quality and panels providing more details on each subject. The artwork is colorful and artistic to create beautiful landscapes that aren't quite realistic but aren't cheesey cartoons either.

Read as an ARC via Netgalley.

[starlightandcobwebs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before reading I had no idea where Kaho’olawe was and its importance to history. Getting to learn about the island of Kaho’olawe and how it began, the Polynesian voyagers who settled on the island and how Pearl Harbor affected it was so fascinating. I loved getting to learn about something new and the illustrations were so well done and detailed. I also enjoyed how it was the entire history of the island from its creation to current. I am really excited to get the physical copy of the book. Thank you @netgalley and @lernerpublishing for the arc.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kahoʻolawe is the middle and smallest of the main Hawaiian Islands and is known to have been inhabited since the Polynesian voyageurs came to stay more than a thousand years ago. It was a beautiful volcanic island, and the people lived in harmony with the land (even through the infestation of goats) until War came in 1941. Then the island began to be used for target practice beginning 40 years of it being the most important military training zone in the pacific. On Jan 4, 1976, nine activists began nonviolent protests, and it was even placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981, but the bombing still did not stop. In 1993 the control of the island was passed on to the state of Hawaii. Despite the poor stewardship by the military, volunteers work hard to restore the ecosystem.
There is a glossary of native words used within the text, and a timeline, as well as references and resources listed at the end.
The illustrations by Harinani Orme are simple, colorful, representative, and clearly reflect their heritage.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of ANY age (not only 8 to 9) including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school or your local public library!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected proof copy in Adobe Digital Editions provided by Lerner Publishing Group | Millbrook Press ™ via NetGalley. Thank you! Avail Feb 04, 2025
#Kahoʻolawe by Kamalani Hurley @Kamalani_Hurley illustrations by Harinani Orme #NetGalley
##LernerPublishingGroup #MillbrookPress

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
This is the sad, true, yet hopeful story of the Hawaiian island Kaho'olawe. It was once lush and beautiful. However, that changed with the arrival of newcomers and invasive species like goats and feral cats. And was completely devastated in WWII when the US military took over the island after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. They said that the island was only fit for military practice, and they proceeded to bomb it to pieces for years afterwards. Even after the end of the war, they continued to use it for target practice, destroying all wildlife, including the coral reefs off shore in the process. Beginning in the 1970's activists began to work tirelessly to try to get the land back, using a variety of strategies. However, it wasn't until 1993 that Hawaii finally got her island back. With patience, love, care, and advocacy, they are beginning to bring the island back to life but the destruction is going to take years to repair.

This is a testimony to the dual nature of humanity, the good and the bad within us, but hopefully as we move forward we can continue to see how important it is to care for our world and the special places like this beautiful island. The illustrations are vibrant and perfectly offset the text.
Back matter includes author and illustrator notes, a timeline, a glossary, how you can help, additional resources, and selected references.
Highly recommend

[Jilanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book that discloses a painful truth. One of the islands, a sacred site for Hawaiian people, was seized and used as target practice by the U.S. military during WWII. And it took more than 40 years and concentrated grass roots efforts for the island to be returned to the state. By 2004, the U.S. Navy, responsible for cleaning up the unexploded bombs and other military detritus, had cleaned up only 3/4 of the island and none of the surrounding bombed up reefs, though they pronounced their work complete. But restoration and conservation is underway, with an active working group guiding the efforts. So much was destroyed, including the island's source of freshwater. Fittingly, the author gives Kaho'olawe human emotions, first thriving joyfully, but then goats are introduced to the island by a colonial ship. The goats overrun the island and wreak havoc, destroying native vegetation and altering the island's climate so much it stopped raining. But then came WWII and its aftermath. Kaho'olawe is lonely, hurt, weary, needs help—and finally gets help and her freedom. While tragic, this is ultimately a hopeful story—that Kaho'olawe endures, and will never forget, but truly heal from the damage done to her. Aloha 'āina!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's really now way to describe how beautiful this book is without actually seeing it.

Kahoʻolawe tells the story of an island sacred to Native Hawaiians. The book goes through it's history of birth to colonization and the struggle of the Hawaiian people to reclaim their sacred island.

The story is written with such passion and love that you can't help but to fall in love with the island.

The illustrations are beautiful, incorporating water color with Hawaiian patterns. The book is also extremely informational. Any child (or adult) who is interested in Hawaii would love this book. It will spark interested in Native Hawaiian culture and saving the endangered ecosystem of the islands.

The historical events in the book, such as Pearl Harbor, will also spark a conversation by eager early readers about war, colonization, and systemic oppression. For ambitious readers, the timeline in the back will provide a more detailed story of the events in the book.

Overall, it's an incredible book that is worthy of the time and space for any reader who wants to learn more about the history of Hawaii.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

The island of Kaho’Olawe was home to Hawaiian people for generations but a variety of invasive species, starting with goats, and then bombing exercises by the US Navy turned it from a vibrant land to a burned out home to rodents and debris. Native Hawaiians and environmentalists fought for the island to be named to the US National Register of Historic Places, the military training and destruction to stop and restoration work to begin.

Kamalani Hurley tells the story in two layers-the first is a simple paragraph that reads almost like lyrical verse and then, in side bar format, provides more details and elaborates on the first part. Harinani Orme’s acrylic gouache illustrations add a third layer that fills the pages and supplements both sections of text beautifully. Back matter includes author and illustrator notes that include the connections that both have to the island as well as a detailed timeline, glossary of Hawaiian words used, ways readers can help and selected references.

Thanks for the print arc, Lerner Books.

[Ccaywood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kaho’olawe, the smallest of the main Hawaiian Islands, lies just south of Maui. Despite having cultural and religious significance for native Hawaiians, it was seized by the U. S. military right after the attack on Pearl Harbor and used for bombing practice from then until 1992. Since then volunteer groups have worked to slowly restore a functioning ecology and to reclaim the island’s cultural significance.

This nonfiction picturebook follows the history of Kaho’olawe as a living entity and honors the activists who pushed the U. S. to relinquish the island. Science, culture, and language are incorporated into the illustrations and sidebars that expand the text. The book explains ecological interrelationships like birds bringing seeds and forests bringing rain, but when feral goats ate the vegetation, the island suffered drought. Though environmental justice is not named, this book shows that is an issue even in places we think of as paradise. It is the 2025-2026 Asian Pacific American Awards for Literature Pasifika Picture Book Winner.

[Jessica Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kaho'olawe: The True Story of an Island and Her People brims with beautiful art, a timely true story, and a generous, hopeful spirit. It tells the history of Kaho'olawe, a Hawaiian island, from before the first Polynesian settlers arrive through a series of historical events that create devastation on the island - for the land, water, and native peoples. Principally, the U.S. government forbade people from inhabiting the island and began using it for military activities from the 1940s.

From the late 1960s and early 70s, local activists and allies grew a sustained campaign to take back and resuscitate the imperiled island. Which they did! This book is perfect for kids fascinated by history, ecology and the environment, gaps between official stories and lived experience, and true tales of communities coming together to create change. Glossary, further reading, and “how you can help” both for Hawai’i and in your own back yard. Highly, highly recommend!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

The problem is, when you conquer a people, you don’t give a dang about their land, and what is sacred to them. The island of Kaho’olawe is one such island. But of course, the US, being who they are, decided that it would be perfect for target practice, and have been bombing the heck out of it since World War II.


This story is how the local people protested and have been trying to get the island back to the way it was before, even though the US Navy didn’t remove all the unexploded bombs that they left behind, though they said they would.


Beautiful illustrations. Sad story, but resilient at the same time.


Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book will be published on the 4th of February 2025.

[Martha Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intensely moving story of the indigenous history of a small Hawaiian island, its eventual takeover by the US Military during WWII and how the Hawaiian people fought back to reclaim the damaged island and finally to begin to restore it ecologically. Two native Hawaiians bring this story to life with lovely words and brilliant pictures. Kaho'olawe is the physical form of Kanaloa, the god of the sea, and so is sacred to Native Hawaiians -- and yet the island was used for aerial bombing practice regularly from 1941 through 1993. This is a story of indigenous persistence in activism; it is also a story of the sthe beginning of helping a severely damaged ecosystem and rewilding it again: removing invasive animals, removing ocean plastic, and planting natives. Gorgeous.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mix of storytelling and historical perspective about the native people of Hawaii. The only issue is the disjointed elements of nonfiction text features among the story itself which helps and hinders the full reading of the story. Yet it is informative and a celebration of native culture that was decimated by colonization and overrun by invasive species both on the island and in the water.

Learned this "Named for Kanaloa, the Hawaiian god of the sea, the island is a kino lau, or physical form, of Kanaloa. Kaho'olawe is sacred to Kanaka Maoli- the Native Hawaiian people. Nestled next to Maui, the island is the piko, the middle, and the smallest of the main Hawaiian Islands."

Love the message A'ohe hana nui ke alu 'ia-- meaning "no task is too big when done together."

[Mizzy Mint · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book talks about the history of the Kahoʻolawe island. From the native inhabitants to the destruction from the military, to the reconstruction efforts of local environmental groups and heritage groups. The island had a hard time, but after a 50 year fight with the government, was given back to the people who love her. She is now in recovery and a a great site for learning the history and heritage of the native peoples.
This book is structured with little callout bubbles that have very in-depth information and then general text that feels like the words of the people. The illustrations are very good and eye catching. They cover the page with things to look at and leave no empty space.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars, rounded up.

This tells a powerful, little-known story, but it includes a major factual inaccuracy. A page about Pearl Harbor says, "On the nearby island of O'ahu, bombs fall on Pearl Harbor like rain, burning and sinking ships while sailors sleep." This is not true. The attack occurred at 8 AM local time, and sailors were awake and active on the ships. Most locals had begun their mornings as well. This incorrect statement is a problem in and of itself, and it also makes me question how accurate the authors were about things I'm not already informed about.

[Meghan Bohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, this is just gorgeous! An incredible introduction to the history of a place that I didn't know anything about, despite visiting Hawai'i twice when I was younger. The author and illustrator obviously have such love for the topic and it shines through. The backmatter is age appropriate (yay!) and I like how it ties in the work being done on the island to what kids can do in their own community. And there's still a lack of picture books by Pacific Islanders, so this is a welcome addition to any collection.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kanaloa Kahoʻolawe is a small island near Maui. Hawaiians feel it is sacred. During WWII it was bombed during Pearl Harbor and eventually turned into a military training zone. By the 1960's the Hawaiian's started trying to get it back. This was not easy, and the island was badly damaged.

I had no idea! I'm flabergasted that this is a thing - so much environmental destruction - to the reef, the fresh water supply, the native plants and animals! A combination of historical and environmental information, this would be a great share for a science class. The people and the island are Hawaiian

[Bibliohiker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. The illustrations were gorgeous! It’s sad it took so long before the military left. The local people still fought to get the island returned to the Hawaiian people and that finally happened. It’s another sad part of history when the local government was overthrown in a coup. I do like that there are resources at the end of the book.

[Jo Jeffries · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It provided a nice chronological story/history of the tiny island. I found the story interesting and think children will like it as well. The timeline at the back of the book is fairly well detailed. The illustrations were colorful and flowed with the story. Children and adults will like this book, in my opinion. The reference material at the end of the book is an added bonus.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating history of this small island close to Maui. Very sad what happened to it, but there is hope that the current workers and volunteers can help restore its former beauty.
In May 2024, my husband and I visited Maui. One evening, we took a dinner ride on a catamaran, which motored past Kaho'olawe. The captain pointed it out to us voyagers and told us a bit about it. But this book refreshed my memory and added a great deal more information than what we were given on that trip.

[Corinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The volcanic island Kaho'olawe is sacred to Hawaiians but had been ravaged in recent centuries by ranching and military testing. Gradually the island is being cleaned up and is taking shape as a cultural and heritage center.

Vivid illustrations seem always in motion, conveying abundance and beauty as well as chaos and devastation. Detailed paragraphs on each page spread provide background for the theme discussed on those pages.

[Jennybeast · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deeply inspiring. It's amazing and empowering to know that long fights for restoration can be won. This is a totally disheartening story (the taking of kaho'olawe for military purposes, and its destruction). And a story of renewal, activism, regeneration. I salute the Protect Kaho'olawe Ohana for their years of work and sacrifice, for their years of work on planting and cleanup and protection. Wonderful picture book, wonderful art.

[Afterglow Earring Co · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just cannot say enough positive things about this book. It’s a children’s book but really it is good for all with a beautiful message. The illustrations were so beautiful. I want to frame them and have them in my home. Everything was so well done. Beautiful reminder to work together and be resilient.

[Pamela Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've spent my life in the middle of the United States and have never visited Hawaii, consequently, I'd never heard of Kaho'olawe. This fascinating book shares not only the history of the smallest of the main Hawaii islands, it also conveys a deep feeling as well. Would be a great book to springboard a discussion of conservation and land use in general.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fascinating and deeply troubling story, about which I knew nothing. But this story was told in a way that help readers young and old know more about the Hawaiian islands and the fight for their preservation. But, also, I cannot say enough good things about these illustrations. They are so interesting to look at and so varied. Just exceptional.

[Elizabeth Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book. There's a story thread throughout combined with fact boxes on each page that give a little more detail allowing for a flexible reading experience depending on the age of reader or if you want to do it as a read aloud. I love the author/illustrator notes, glossary, and the how you can help section that includes ideas even if you don't live in Hawai'i.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a little about this island when I visited Maui several years ago. At that time, their aquarium had people in to provide information about the island and their work to dismantle the bombs and other explosive devices that were left behind from WWII.

A fascinating and important piece of history.

[Jill Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

2025 Asian Pacific Picturebook Award Winner. Brief history and importance of the small island of Kaho olawe to the Hawaiian people. Unfortunately, I was only able to read this digitally on Hoopla, as the print version wasn’t available at either library system. A Picturebook and its illustrations need to be viewed physically to appreciate the artwork.

[Kealani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such an important and needed story! I love it so much! There is great power in every page through both the words and the illustrations. It’s a book meant to be read again and again. Both adults and children can learn from and engage in the content.