Pukoko: A Hawaiian in the American Civil War

by Wayne Moniz, Joseph Aspell (Illustrations)

Hawaiians fought in the American Civil War? Maui-born author/playwright, Wayne Moniz, set out on a quest to write his first novel and answer the question. Pukoko: A Hawaiian in the American Civil War traces the life of Mo`keha from childhood to manhood to accomplished sailore and naval war hero. Despite Hawaii's declaration of neutrality, over one hundred men from Hawai`i, embodied in the character of Mo`ikeha, were caught up in the bloody current of history, some surviving the ordeal, some receiving their pihi pukoko or red badge of courage, and some never returning to the Rose of the Chiefs - their beloved homeland, Hawai`i. Come along on a journey of love and adventure between 1843-1865 with a keiki o Maui and his stops in San Francisco, Mexico, New Orleans, Vicksburg, Richmond, New York, and New Bedford.

254 pages, Paperback

First published August 29, 2014

About the author

Wayne Moniz, the "Dean of Maui Playwrights," writes "to preserve the memory of a time that is slipping away and to encourage action to protect Hawaiis unique land and culture." In 2005, he received the Cades Award for Literature, Hawaii's most prestigious writing prize. Click on the globe icon to learn more about Wayne Moniz and his newest book, Under Maui Skies and Other Stories."

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book for a book club put on by Abraham Lincoln Birthplace NHP. The theme of the book club was beyond the Civil War. I really enjoyed reading this book and getting the perspective of what it might have been like for the native Hawaiians who served in the American Civil War