The Invisible Wild

by Nikki Van De Car

An epic adventure steeped in Hawaiian lore, this enchanting novel explores the connection between our world and that of the spirits of the wood, from bestselling author Nikki Van De Car.

The indigenous people of Hawaiʻi are known as kanaka maoli, “true people.” In the third century, they sailed over 2,000 miles across untraveled seas, traveling from the Marquesas to the most remote island chain in the world. According to legend, however, the true kanaka maoli were already there. They were two to three feet tall, squat and strong, good and kind, and bothered no one without cause—they were the Menehune. When the Hawaiians came, the menehune chieftains feared the changes they brought. So, on the night of a full moon, they called all men and their firstborn sons and ordered them to leave Hawai’i. Some refused and, instead, hid behind to remain with their families. In the early 1800s, Kauai chief Kaumaualiʻi took a census of his people—and 65 of his 2,000 subjects were all that remained of the original people of Hawai’i. 
 
Flash forward to sixteen-year-old Emma is out running errands when she comes across a boy from Hilo living in the woods, saying things that do not make sense. It’s here, in these woods, that Emma has memories of finding a space between “the worlds” as a child. She soon realizes this boy has accessed the place she lost, as well as the people, the Menehune. She helps him hide until whatever spell has been cast over him is broken. Together, Emma and the Hilo boy have to figure out what the Menehune want before it’s too late to save the only home any of them have known.  

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Magical Realism, Audiobook, Mythology, Adventure, Indigenous

240 pages, Hardcover

Published May 6, 2025

About the author

Nikki Van De Car is a blogger, knitter, and mother whose books What To Knit When You're Expecting and What To Knit: The Toddler Years chronicle the way her knitting changed as her daughter grew. Her popular knitting blog has received over 1.5 million pageviews since its inception in June 2008, and her patterns have been published in Interweave and Ply magazines, among others. Nikki lives in Hawaii with her family.

Come visit her on Instagram at @nikkivandecar and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/sereknity/

Reviews

[koko kingston · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5✨ Thank you Libro.fm for the ALC! 🎧

So grateful to the author for bringing up real issues that are seen in Hawaiʻi!!! This is the first time that I’ve read a fiction book that brings up topics that I am very familiar with as a kamaʻāina of Hawaiʻi, and it was definitely an experience!

This book is basically like Ferngully, but set it in Hawai’i. I loved that kind of nostalgic feeling I got while reading, because so much of it felt like just a fun spin on Ferngully.

I felt like there were a few times where there were lulls in the story, but I still had a great time!

[Shelby (allthebooksalltheways) · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE INVISIBLE WILD by Nikki Van De Car

Thank you @hachetteaudio & @librofm for my gifted copy.

📖 This YA magical realism novel follows sixteen-year-old Emma, who uncovers a mystical realm tied to Hawaiian folklore after encountering a mysterious boy in the woods. As they uncover the secrets of the Menehune and their connection to the land, Emma must confront questions of identity, heritage, and how to protect the place she calls home.

💭 The Invisible Wild is a beautiful tribute to Indigenous Hawaiian culture. Blending culturally rich magical realism with a modern teenager's journey of self-discovery, Van De Car latest novel is a magnetic, moving, and magical story great for readers of all ages.

🎧 I really appreciated ownvoices narrator Barrie Kealoha, who delivered a wonderful, believably age-appropriate performance, and brought these characters and their story to life. The audio was definitely the way to go with this one, as I'm sure I'd have butchered the *many* Hawaiian pronunciations if I was eyeball reading.

A perfect listen for AANHPI month. 💚

📌 Available now!

[heather | booksbyheath · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ — fab concept, mid execution

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommend audiobook to get the Hawaiian pronunciation. Beautiful.

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

First read of 2026!

This was a beautifully told story of a girl who discovers the imaginary friends she had when she was younger weren't so imaginary after all. A girl who is struggling with her identity and what it means to be Hawai'ian. A girl who loves her home and is fighting for it, as much as she can.

I resonated so much with Emma's struggle of not feeling "Hawai'ian enough" and not feeling like she had a place. It's something I've experienced myself and something I'm still working on, even at the age of 41. That feeling doesn't necessarily go away, but you do learn that no one gets to gatekeep your culture and you get to create that identity for yourself in whatever way it means to you.

The cautionary tales about what we're doing to the environment were also pretty powerful, but a little overly simplified, unfortunately. Of course, this is a YA book, so some of that is to be expected and I'm not reducing my rating for that reason. There's just so much that could be captured and only a limited number of pages in which that can be done.

I feel like I learned a lot more about Hawai'ian culture that I didn't know from this book and it was lovely. I may take up the advice of some other reviewers and try to check this out on audiobook so I know the correct pronunciations.

I won a free copy of this book in an Instagram giveaway. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Natalya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a good time with this one. It did feel like the plot was a plot in a Barbie movie, but that isn't a bad thing. It just felt simplistic and straightforward, which can and cannot work for me. This also felt more like a middle grade novel than young adult, but I think this would be a great transition book for middle schoolers. The think I liked the most about this book was the Hawaiian lore weaved throughout. I hope that Nikki Van De Car writes more exploring Hawaiian culture and lore because I need more of it.

[Guinevere DelaMare · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Audiobook) Loved how the Hawaiian mo'olelo (stories) and current issues of colonization and development were beautifully woven together through an accessible YA/magical realism lens. Highly recommend the audiobook read by Barrie Kealoha. 5 stars for the narration, 4 for the prose. Great pick for Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander month!

[Elspeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.4 - cool peek into a beautiful culture and location -- knocked down stars for some messaging that was too woke-ish for me. But still a fun story!

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating 3.5 ⭐️
This was a cute Hawaiian 🌺 tale

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

YA
Magical realism
Fairy tale vibes
Cute
Wished there was a dictionary

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Priscilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Received ARC from Running Press for review*

This was such an amazing read. Absolutely touching. Steeped with Hawaiian tradition and folklore the story this novel tells is a beautiful one. There was a lot of themes that I enjoyed. For example, environmental and the overdevelopment of land/resources. We take our nature for granted and destroy the beauty that our forests have to offer us. But we also take away the homes of creatures that live in these forests. Another theme was one of acceptance. Emma (MFC) was hard on herself because she didn’t feel Hawaiian enough or didn’t look Hawaiian enough, and this is such a relatable topic to many young people who struggle with their cultural identity and not fitting in. It was lovely to see her growth through that. I loved the community aspect and how they all worked together through crisis that they may not have understood but helped regardless because that’s what you do for those in need. Lastly, I felt that the story touched my inner child because when you’re a child you are so innocent that you believe in all the magic the world has to offer but adulthood kind of tears that down and you loose touch with the inner child inside. This story definitely brings that inner child out and that it’s okay to believe in the magic again even when others don’t believe.

[Nicole Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Running Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

“The Invisible Wild” by Nikki Van De Car is a heartfelt and beautifully written story that combines Hawaiian folklore and self-discovery as well as some environmental activism into an enchanting tale. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Hawai’i, this novel offers a rare and authentic look into Hawaiian culture, traditions, and the pressing environmental issues facing the islands today.

The story follows Emma, a young girl who struggles with her identity—feeling not “Hawaiian enough” despite her deep connection to the land and its stories. When she starts seeing creatures from Hawaiian mythology, she embarks on a journey that forces her to confront not only her own doubts but also the larger issue of preserving both her culture and the natural world. Through her eyes, readers get a rich and immersive look at Hawaiian folktales, particularly the menehune, mythical beings who need the community’s help to survive.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its vivid and immersive descriptions. Van De Car’s writing transports you straight to the islands, making you feel the heat of the lava, smell the ocean breeze, and experience the magic of the folklore. The environmental message is woven seamlessly into the story, highlighting the impact of overdevelopment, tourism, and climate change—not just in Hawai’i, but everywhere. It’s a powerful call to action, wrapped in a story that is both accessible and deeply moving.

Emma’s personal growth is another highlight of the book. Her journey from self-doubt to confidence is inspiring, and her relationships—especially with her best friend, who believes in her no matter what—are heartwarming. The romance in the story is subtle but sweet, developing naturally toward the end and is perfectly suitable for younger YA or MG readers. The community aspect is also beautifully depicted, as the people of Volcano come together to help the menehune, reinforcing the book’s theme of unity and responsibility.

More than just a fantasy adventure, “The Invisible Wild” is a story about finding your place in the world, embracing your heritage, and standing up for what matters. It also captures the wonder of childhood belief—the idea that magic exists if only we choose to see it. This book is a short yet impactful read that leaves a lasting impression.

[Sydney Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Menehune are an original people of Hawai'i, and live in the forest that is being cut down for development into a spa resort for tourists. Emma, and a boy she calls Hilo, are allowed to see the Menehune, so they become responsible for helping solve the problem of their lost home.

I was hooked to this book as soon as I started reading it. The exposition was immediately engaging. I loved the range of complex topics mentioned in this book to give teenagers more language to think and inquire about them. Some standouts were colonization, environmentalism, capital development, sacred places, and cultural identity. I love when YA inspires bigger questions about our world.

Emma was a strong character to tell this story. She was mature, insightful, and empathetic. Her actions were consistent with her motivations throughout the story. When she ran into a problem, she sought help. When she made mistakes, she worked to remedy them. Her motivations, actions, and behaviors represent a good model for teens. The summer romance sub plot was not necessary, but it was fairly charming and did not distract from the overall story. Her relationship with the Menehune and her own Hawaiian identity was much more compelling than the romance.

There were multiple moments in the book where an aspect of modern development, Hawaiian spirituality or traditional knowledge, or Hawaiian history encouraged me to search beyond the book for more context. This active engagement with the novel on a level which helped me build empathy and see a perspective on tourism in Hawai'i is an opportunity I am grateful for.

[Alecia Hefner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have ways loved anything that has to do with folklore and traditions from other people's. Fascinated by how their histories and stories go hand in hand and weave together to make something beautiful.

#TheInvisibleWild by #NikkiVanDeCar is one such tale. Set in the town of Volcano,Hawaii a teenage girl is helping her mother prepare for her sister's upcoming wedding. She can't figure out though why it seems like everything they get done by the next morning seems to have been completely reversed and she isn't sure if maybe she's just losing her mind. She feels as though she is being watched, she remembers a time when she was young that a rock to others would be a magical creature to her nature was full of creatures of myth at least to her until one day what she saw as a beetle another saw as a leaf and with her parents agreeing that she had a vast imagination all of the sudden that magic, that Invisible Wild left her.

Now a resort is being built and a beautiful old forest is being destroyed and she can feel the sadness in her very core. With the help of a young man she knows as Hilo who consequently is being punished by one of their gods and has kind of lost his mind, she realizes that mayve she can help. She especially wants to help when The Invisible Wild shows itself to her once again.
The forest is home to magical creatures and to the Menehune a lost people of Hawaii who are said to be magic themselves.

I want to thank #Netgalley for the chance to read an eArc of #TheInvisibleWild by #NikkiVanDeCar in return for a fair and honest review.

[Nancy Cook Lauer · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5. (I liked it) Big, bad mainland developers plowing through lava tubes and grave sites, clear-cutting the native forests and destroying the spirit of Hawaii's special places is by no means a pioneering concept for a book. In the 20 years since we made Hawaii our home, I've read so many books like that. But "The Invisible Wild" is different. Our current reading choice for the UH-Hilo book club, the novel is the first young adult fiction I've read on the subject. Easy reading with a big message for those inheriting this island state. The book also incorporates the mythical menehune, the small people who in legend occupied the islands before the Polynesian settlers arrived. Author Nikki Van de Carr, a kanaka maoli tracing her origins to the Polynesians who settled here, describes in her semi-autobiographical telling a teenager growing up in Volcano on the Big Island during the present day. The addition of the menehune -- seen only by those people with special sensitivities, is a lively counterpoint, bringing a singular magic to this imaginative tale. "I would keep my eyes on the invisible wild, the intangible space where two worlds meet, where the possible touches the impossible," Van de Carr concludes in her book.

[peg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book more than I did because I love and respect so much of the messaging: the impact of colonization on Hawai‘i, remembering and honoring mo‘olelo, learning about the menehune and one’s kuleana to the ‘aina but as someone who is neither kama ‘aina nor kanaka maoli, I really felt like there were so many times the book felt like it was trying so hard to overexplain Hawai‘i to foreigners versus just showing us. Show versus tell, which is always so hard to do in writing, especially — like the author shares in her author’s note — when it comes to writing about underrepresented communities. Nonetheless, I am the outsider and this is the author’s childhood, as a girl growing up with Hawaiian heritage but haole-presenting.

This is more a 3.5 than a flat 3, because I do recognize this is meant to be a YA book and I am so not a YA anymore (lol) so I do still highly recommend this book, especially to folks who want to be more responsible when they either visit Hawai‘i or want to learn more about Hawai‘i. I want more of the Hawaiian folklore for sure and would gladly read a non-YA book about Hawaiian folklore!

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really, really loved reading this story! It’s written with Hawaiian folklore, adventure, humor, and so much love. But what I found to be the best bit: was how it tackled important issues - like protecting our environment and figuring out who we are… its so important to be our authentic selves.

Emma’s struggle with not feeling “Hawaiian enough” …. Her journey to accept herself, and I loved how the community in this book pulled together to help each other out because, well… that’s what we should do.

I loved the quiet but powerful message about the world around us. Nature has a quiet power that deserves our care and respect. This book made me realise how even the tiniest choices we make, the ones we don’t even think about, can change the future of our planet in ways we’d never expect.

And honestly, it brought back that sense of wonder we all have as kids, when everything seems magical. Somewhere along the way, we lose that, but this story reminded me it’s okay to believe again.
Absolutely unforgettable. ❤️✨

Big thanks to NetGalley and Running Press!

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It’s an adventurous coming-of-age story about Emma, a native Hawaiian girl (in modern day Hawaii) who regains the ability that she had as a young child to see the creatures and people of Hawaiian legend. She lost the ability, and the doubts in herself began, when she realized that her family had never seen the creatures she saw but had just been “playing along” with what they thought was her vivid imagination.

Her life of summer ease is disrupted by preparations for her sister’s wedding, the discovery of a missing boy, and the destruction of a local tract of forest for a tourist spa. Emma finds greater purpose in the gathering of friends and family, helping the boy, and taking a stand to save what modernization in Hawaii threatens, while gaining confidence in her own abilities. The book slows down a few times as Emma is called back to domestic responsibilities or seems immune to the urgency I felt as a reader, but it was heartwarming to see the character realize she could make a difference.

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book description bills this as an epic adventure, but the overall experience is much calmer than that. The Invisible Wild speaks to tradition, heritage, and humankind’s impact on the Earth. It leans more into magical realism than what I think of as traditional fantasy.

A teenage girl encounters a teenage boy living in the woods near a construction site. In the process of helping the boy, she becomes reacquainted with the magic around her and interacts with the Menehune, the “true people” of Hawai’i. She and the boy must work together to protect the Menehune, whose home is located in the construction zone.

Read it for the Native Hawai'ian representation and the portrayal of their legends and culture.

Barrie Kealoha’s narration fits the tone of the story well. Although the audiobook is relatively short (5 hours and 16 minutes at 1x speed) compared to what I typically read, I found that I wasn’t eager to read it quickly and spread my reading experience over multiple days.

I received a copy of the audiobook from Hachette Audio. All review opinions are my own.

[Jakki (BizzyBookNook) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. Lately, I’ve been trying to broaden my reading to include more diverse perspectives, and one of my favorite things to explore is folklore from different cultures. This story was a beautiful example of that, weaving cultural elements with emotional depth in a way that truly resonated with me.

I really enjoyed Emma as a character—she was endearing and felt genuinely true to her age and life experience. The world-building was rich and immersive, drawing me in completely.

What stood out most, though, was how the book addressed real-world issues. It brought the struggles and destruction facing the islands into sharp focus. It was impossible not to feel deeply affected—I found myself feeling angry, heartbroken, frustrated, and at times, overwhelmed by the weight of Emma’s journey. The emotional impact was powerful.

The ending tied everything together in a really sweet, meaningful way. I also really appreciated the author's note at the end—it helped frame the story through the lens of a young girl, which added even more context and depth.

[dobbs the dog · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It's set on the Big Island of Hawai'i and examines difficult topics such as colonization, climate change, tourism, and belonging/identity.

I loved the story of how the Menehune help to protect the land and help it to thrive, and how our MC, Emma, is able to think outside the box a bit and help them when their traditional lands are at risk. I likely would have given this a slightly higher rating, because while I did like the solution, I would have loved to have had more of a 'down with big corporations' solution instead.

I liked that the book touched on topics such as the devastating fire in Lahaina and the Indigenous actions at Mauna Kea, and more in depth about the Leilani Estates, which were mostly destroyed when Kīlauea, the most active volcano on Hawai'i.

Definitely recommend this book if you've ever been to Hawai'i or are curious about it. I would be interested to hear what folks who are from Hawai'i think of it.

[Maggie]

Menehune are real!🍃

Step into a world where the veil between reality and magic is as thin as a moonbeam.

In The Invisible Wild, Nikki Van De Car invites readers on an enchanting journey into the heart of Hawaiian folklore.

The story unfolds in the lush woods of Hawai‘i, where sixteen-year-old Emma stumbles upon a boy from Hilo who speaks in riddles and carries the scent of ancient secrets.

As she delves deeper, Emma reconnects with a forgotten realm—a space between worlds where the Menehune, the mystical little people of Hawaiian legend, still dwell.

These tiny, skilled builders once crafted wonders under the cover of night, leaving behind structures that whisper tales of their existence.

Now, Emma must help the boy unlock the mysteries of the Menehune before the magic that binds them fades forever.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book, I think it was a great way to bring Hawaiian culture and Legends to an ever-changing world . Shedding a little light on what's happening currently on the islands. the fight to keep Hawaii and Hawaiian culture alive. there's always a fine line between development and culture. I once heard an antie say that Hawaii is like a crown that has lost its jewels which I firmly believe. Hawaiians are forced out due to high cost development tourism. being scattered to the Tradewinds. this story brings to light what's happening . It also has Hawaiian language songs and traditions with a touch of imagination and Delight. I did this book as an audiobook which I would highly recommend because I enjoyed hearing the words spoken aloud .I will be purchasing it as a physical book because I loved it so much. ❤️

[Bethany Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a refreshing audiobook exploring Hawaian traditions and culture. It's a coming of age story about Emma discovering her community and its history. The narrator did a great job immersing me in the beautiful landscapes and I loved hearing her narration of Emma's story.

Listening to it felt much more like listening to a middle grade book, which struck me as a bit odd as it's marketed as YA. That said, it's an important story well told and I very much enjoyed it.

Overall, it's a great introduction to Hawaian culture and folklore, and I loved the references to Maui. The environmental messages were covered well and I think a lot of readers will love this book. Thank you to Libro FM and Hachette Audio for the ALC

[Danielle Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Running Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

“The invisible Wild, the intangible space where two worlds meet, where the possible touches the impossible.”

Emma and Hilo connect with Forest spirits, living underground, called Menehune, part of Hawaiian legend, to save the Sirits’ home from developers.

This was an easy mysterious and magical read. I really enjoyed reading the stories and legends in Hawaiian culture. I found it interesting. It did get a little slow for me in the middle. The book is only 240 pages though so it did pick up again. For me, it seemed more of a cozy read, there wasn’t a lot of urgency to the plot. It kind of tapered off here and there.

[Janna Felix · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Invisible Wild is a beautifully woven tale that breathes new life into Hawaiian lore, blending the myth of the Menehune with a coming-of-age adventure rooted in spirit, nature, and belonging. Emma’s journey is one of quiet bravery, as she navigates both the tangible world and the liminal space between, where the past lingers and magic waits. Van De Car’s storytelling is enchanting and evocative, effortlessly balancing folklore with modernity, and crafting a setting so lush and alive it feels sacred. While some emotional developments could have been explored more deeply, the novel’s heart and cultural grounding shine brightly. This is a thoughtful, immersive story perfect for readers drawn to myth, mystery, and the invisible threads that tie us to the land.

[Krystle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, I loved this! It focuses on how our sacred lands are being decimated by outsiders (wealthy, affluent individuals and corporations) for profit, tearing us away from our connections to the land, our culture, and our histories.

The author touched upon how it feels to be judged by some invisible metric of how Hawaiian you are, or how what you look like fits into this preconceived category. It's something I've struggled with my entire life.

The inclusion of menehune was so awesome. I've grown up hearing stories about them and was always so amazed at the things they could accomplish.

Emma has a loving and supportive family, along with genuine friends who help her accomplish what she needs to do for the community.

[jj · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked the 2nd half better than 1st. Could’ve done without the shy, teenage romance.

Did well: sharing bits of cultural lore and highlighting ecological beauty; weaving little insights of psychosociopolitical tensions (identity, exploitation, colonialism and generational trauma); describing the sense of community and family

Not: MCs boring (supporting more fleshed out and interesting); choppy transitions to the point where main MC seems to behave almost erratically when major plot points lead the story rather than exploring the plot’s impact on the MC - odd given the choice of first person POV and the time spent in the first half focusing on almost diary-style POV

More comments in progress updates.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Invisible Wild was fabulous!

The main character is a high school teenager and this mixes preparations for her sisters wedding with mythical legends set in Hawaii. So well done! Highly recommended.

Not especially long, 256 pages. Publication date is May 6, 2025.

I see this book in every Hawaiian bookstore window. What a great book ... and a really beautiful cover.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Running Press for the opportunity to read The Invisible Wild in exchange for an honest review.

My first book by Nikki Van De Car. So glad for NetGalley to introduce me to this new to me author.