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Nancy Drew Mystery Stories #36
The Secret of the Golden Pavilion
Nancy is on the case, once again! Her father’s client, Mr.Sakamaki needs help. His deceased grandfather’s estate, Kaluakua has a mystery nobody knows. Its Golden Pavilion may be haunted, and two middle-aged suspects claim to be the grand children of Grandfather Sakamaki and are going to run and take over the estate. Nancy must prove them wrong and stop a terrible gang called the Double Scorps who are trying to steal the secret kings cape in the Golden Pavilion. Are the posing grandchildren part of the Double Scorps and are going to inherit the estate for all of the Double Scorps? What does a sacred king’s cape have to do with the Secret of the Golden Pavilion? And who is that ghost that dances by the Pavilion every night? Nancy is going to find out everything, from the Double Scorps, to perhaps two Grandfather Sakamaki. Could the Grandfather Sakamaki in California be the wrong one that owns the Kaluakua? Help Nancy Drew solve the mystery!
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1959
122 people are currently reading
2322 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Keene
948 books3,854 followersCarolyn Keene is a writer pen name that was used by many different people- both men and women- over the years. The company that was the creator of the Nancy Drew series, the Stratemeyer Syndicate, hired a variety of writers. For Nancy Drew, the writers used the pseudonym Carolyn Keene to assure anonymity of the creator.
Edna and Harriet Stratemeyer inherited the company from their father Edward Stratemeyer. Edna contributed 10 plot outlines before passing the reins to her sister Harriet. It was Mildred Benson (aka: Mildred A. Wirt), who breathed such a feisty spirit into Nancy's character. Mildred wrote 23 of the original 30 Nancy Drew Mystery Stories®, including the first three. It was her characterization that helped make Nancy an instant hit. The Stratemeyer Syndicate's devotion to the series over the years under the reins of Harriet Stratemeyer Adams helped to keep the series alive and on store shelves for each succeeding generation of girls and boys. In 1959, Harriet, along with several writers, began a 25-year project to revise the earlier Carolyn Keene novels. The Nancy Drew books were condensed, racial stereotypes were removed, and the language was updated. In a few cases, outdated plots were completely rewritten.
Other writers of Nancy Drew volumes include Harriet herself, she wrote most of the series after Mildred quit writing for the Syndicate and in 1959 began a revision of the first 34 texts. The role of the writer of "Carolyn Keene" passed temporarily to Walter Karig who wrote three novels during the Great Depression. Also contributing to Nancy Drew's prolific existence were Leslie McFarlane, James Duncan Lawrence, Nancy Axelrod, Priscilla Doll, Charles Strong, Alma Sasse, Wilhelmina Rankin, George Waller Jr., and Margaret Scherf.
Edna and Harriet Stratemeyer inherited the company from their father Edward Stratemeyer. Edna contributed 10 plot outlines before passing the reins to her sister Harriet. It was Mildred Benson (aka: Mildred A. Wirt), who breathed such a feisty spirit into Nancy's character. Mildred wrote 23 of the original 30 Nancy Drew Mystery Stories®, including the first three. It was her characterization that helped make Nancy an instant hit. The Stratemeyer Syndicate's devotion to the series over the years under the reins of Harriet Stratemeyer Adams helped to keep the series alive and on store shelves for each succeeding generation of girls and boys. In 1959, Harriet, along with several writers, began a 25-year project to revise the earlier Carolyn Keene novels. The Nancy Drew books were condensed, racial stereotypes were removed, and the language was updated. In a few cases, outdated plots were completely rewritten.
Other writers of Nancy Drew volumes include Harriet herself, she wrote most of the series after Mildred quit writing for the Syndicate and in 1959 began a revision of the first 34 texts. The role of the writer of "Carolyn Keene" passed temporarily to Walter Karig who wrote three novels during the Great Depression. Also contributing to Nancy Drew's prolific existence were Leslie McFarlane, James Duncan Lawrence, Nancy Axelrod, Priscilla Doll, Charles Strong, Alma Sasse, Wilhelmina Rankin, George Waller Jr., and Margaret Scherf.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
March 5, 2024
Yet another fun and exciting mystery featuring the famed teenage sleuth.
January 3, 2025
This time, the trio go off to Hawaii to solve a mystery. A man named Sakamaki has inherited an estate from his grandfather in Hawaii and there is a secret attached to it. He consults Carson Drew to help solve it, and he refers him to Nancy. Once there, Nancy finds that there are other inheritors to the estate as well. It is now up to her to defend Sakamaki's claims and find out what the others are up to. And then, there is a mysterious ghost that frightens people away ...
I've always enjoyed Nancy going off to different countries and the authors try to describe the place in a very basic (and dated) manner, but I've quite enjoyed it as a child and I enjoy the dated stuff now because it gives a very realistic and interesting look at attitudes in the very near past. Nancy and her friends visit volcanoes, sightsee exotic and gorgeous flowers, and of course, attend a luau. The luau descriptions were lush and apparently mostly accurate, so quite enjoyable too.
All of which they do while tangling themselves with the Double Scorps, a dangerous gang of career criminals. I really think this is one of the few books in which Nancy actually goes after real criminals instead of opportunists or petty thieves. But due to this, the mystery itself was rather thin. Nevertheless, still an intriguing and fun read.
I've always enjoyed Nancy going off to different countries and the authors try to describe the place in a very basic (and dated) manner, but I've quite enjoyed it as a child and I enjoy the dated stuff now because it gives a very realistic and interesting look at attitudes in the very near past. Nancy and her friends visit volcanoes, sightsee exotic and gorgeous flowers, and of course, attend a luau. The luau descriptions were lush and apparently mostly accurate, so quite enjoyable too.
All of which they do while tangling themselves with the Double Scorps, a dangerous gang of career criminals. I really think this is one of the few books in which Nancy actually goes after real criminals instead of opportunists or petty thieves. But due to this, the mystery itself was rather thin. Nevertheless, still an intriguing and fun read.
June 15, 2013
By this point, reading a Nancy Drew novel is like a visit with an old friend. I first began reading Nancy Drew as a third grader, and reluctantly at that, going on a recommendation from my mother. However, I quickly fell in love with the ever ready sleuth and her faithful friends. The mysteries kept me entertained and I felt a connection with Nancy, a girl who had it all together at all times. Even in the most dangerous of situations, Nancy never lost her cool. She was one of my biggest role models and one of the literary figures who impacted me the most growing up.
Now that I am nearly sixteen, going back to read these books is different. The mysteries seem simple now, not unenjoyable, but once you've had Agatha Christie, Carolyn Keene doesn't cut it. The writing is at a much lower level than I am used to, but it feels nice, like a rush of familiarity, and I notice things I never had before. For example, I have a deep appreciation for all of Nancy's friends now, Bess and George, and even Burt, Dave, and Ned. Bess especially makes me smile as I read her character because characters with her traits aren't often created anymore. She's the sweetheart, innocent and easily frightened, stunningly pretty, yet she loves to eat and is always up for a meal. She's the plump one out of the three, but also the most feminine, as George favors a more boyish style and Nancy is more practical. Bess Marvin is a novelty. And then there's Ned Nickerson.
Ned and Nancy are one of my favorite literary couples. They aren't a tragic pair of starcrossed lovers like Romeo and Juliet, nor are they the fiery equivalent to Elizabeth and Darcy, but they just seem right. There are no passionate kisses or confessions of undying love, but there are subtle and realistic shows of affection that make me smile all the same. Even if a third grader wouldn't pick up on it, there is a fair amount of flirting going on, and Ned is much funnier than I ever remembered, leaving Nancy to soothe his comically wounded pride a fair few times. He is also devoted to her. There is no love triangle, not like today's paranormal romance or teen lit. They don't even ever call each other boyfriend and girlfriend. Ned is Nancy's "special friend", but they fit perfectly together.
It also struck me upon reading this book again how truly young they are. Nancy is only eighteen, and Ned probably isn't much older. They are really just kids, all of them, and that makes what they do even more incredible. As practical as they are, the lot of them aren't grown ups. I had never thought about it before, but now that I have, I have even more of an admiration for Nancy's coolness in the face of danger. I would almost certainly panic at least at first, even if I was able to pull it together.
Carson Drew is a very good character as well. It is clear that the father and daughter love each other and would do anything for each other. Nancy is a spitting image of her father in every way. Both are extremely hardworking, loyal, and clever. Nancy's role model was definitely her father, and I can see why.
But anyway, I didn't just decide to pick this book up from Barnes and Noble's one day. I found it at a garage sale, bought it for fifty cents. It happens to be a first edition copy though, which I don't think makes it valuable, but it sure does make it pretty, with a gorgeous blue and white end-papers. Also, I don't know if this is in the newer ones, I haven't looked, but on the inside of the title page, there is a little blurb explaining that the novel was written to commemorate the introduction of Hawaii as America's newest state, thus the novel's setting. For some reason, this really made me wonder at the impact Nancy Drew has had over the years. Here I am over fifty years after the original publication, still reading and enjoying the novels. When these books were being written, the world was an entirely different place, and yet, the stories carry on, just as they always have and always will.
Now that I am nearly sixteen, going back to read these books is different. The mysteries seem simple now, not unenjoyable, but once you've had Agatha Christie, Carolyn Keene doesn't cut it. The writing is at a much lower level than I am used to, but it feels nice, like a rush of familiarity, and I notice things I never had before. For example, I have a deep appreciation for all of Nancy's friends now, Bess and George, and even Burt, Dave, and Ned. Bess especially makes me smile as I read her character because characters with her traits aren't often created anymore. She's the sweetheart, innocent and easily frightened, stunningly pretty, yet she loves to eat and is always up for a meal. She's the plump one out of the three, but also the most feminine, as George favors a more boyish style and Nancy is more practical. Bess Marvin is a novelty. And then there's Ned Nickerson.
Ned and Nancy are one of my favorite literary couples. They aren't a tragic pair of starcrossed lovers like Romeo and Juliet, nor are they the fiery equivalent to Elizabeth and Darcy, but they just seem right. There are no passionate kisses or confessions of undying love, but there are subtle and realistic shows of affection that make me smile all the same. Even if a third grader wouldn't pick up on it, there is a fair amount of flirting going on, and Ned is much funnier than I ever remembered, leaving Nancy to soothe his comically wounded pride a fair few times. He is also devoted to her. There is no love triangle, not like today's paranormal romance or teen lit. They don't even ever call each other boyfriend and girlfriend. Ned is Nancy's "special friend", but they fit perfectly together.
It also struck me upon reading this book again how truly young they are. Nancy is only eighteen, and Ned probably isn't much older. They are really just kids, all of them, and that makes what they do even more incredible. As practical as they are, the lot of them aren't grown ups. I had never thought about it before, but now that I have, I have even more of an admiration for Nancy's coolness in the face of danger. I would almost certainly panic at least at first, even if I was able to pull it together.
Carson Drew is a very good character as well. It is clear that the father and daughter love each other and would do anything for each other. Nancy is a spitting image of her father in every way. Both are extremely hardworking, loyal, and clever. Nancy's role model was definitely her father, and I can see why.
But anyway, I didn't just decide to pick this book up from Barnes and Noble's one day. I found it at a garage sale, bought it for fifty cents. It happens to be a first edition copy though, which I don't think makes it valuable, but it sure does make it pretty, with a gorgeous blue and white end-papers. Also, I don't know if this is in the newer ones, I haven't looked, but on the inside of the title page, there is a little blurb explaining that the novel was written to commemorate the introduction of Hawaii as America's newest state, thus the novel's setting. For some reason, this really made me wonder at the impact Nancy Drew has had over the years. Here I am over fifty years after the original publication, still reading and enjoying the novels. When these books were being written, the world was an entirely different place, and yet, the stories carry on, just as they always have and always will.
November 29, 2022
Nostalgic and wonderful to remember that there were strong female characters for young adults back in 1959 .
Read
December 27, 2019
"One of Mr. Drew's new clients, Mr. Sakamaki, requests Nancy's help solving a mystery. Mr. Sakamaki recently inherited his grandfather's estate in Hawaii, but two strangers arrive, claiming to also be the grandchildren of his deceased grandfather. Can Nancy uncover the truth?" [x]
- This book opens differently from the others. Usually Nancy is discussing a new case with someone but this one opens with Nancy in a helicopter bringing Togo home from a dog show "in a city some distance away". Not quite sure why Nancy is taking a helicopter home but ok.
- Why would Mr. Sakamakis grandfather will his home to "any living grandchildren" if Mr. Sakamaki was the only grandchild? If I was him or Mr. Drew I would see this as possible evidence that there really is other children.
- Ned, Burt, and Dave just happen to be going to Honolulu at the same time as Nancy...wow. I always thought poor Nancy can't go anywhere without Ned having to show up but lately it seems poor Ned can't go anywhere without Nancy showing up.
- Ned and the boys stay at the Halekulani Hotel which is still in operation. As is Volcano House where the whole gang stays for a night.
- The dark lei with the poison tacks gets handled a lot and surprisingly no one gets poked with a tack.
- Bess is quite underrated as a detective. She finds the entrance to under the pavilion when Nancy can't.
You can read the rest of this review at VintageGirlsBooks.blogspot.com
You can see all the illustrations from this book at www.pinterest.com/Nancydrewart
February 6, 2021
5 stars & 5/10 hearts. This is the first book I've ever read that was set in Hawaii (I think). It was so fun!! I enjoyed the mystery being really more a treasure hunt, and imposter stories are right up my alley, so I appreciated that angle. There was one mention of Mother Nature, a couple mentions of goddesses and myths, and an image of Nancy in a bathing suit + Ned shirtless. Other than that, though, I really enjoyed it. I loved the characters particularly.
September 25, 2011
Another great addition to the Nancy Drew mystery book series.
January 25, 2021
When I have no library books to read, I reread a book from my childhood library. I just reread Carolyn Keene's book number 36. It was published 1059 and pretty cleancut. Teenage sleuth Nancy Drew has a boyfriend she never kisses, heh.
The mystery is complicated with a Polynesian twist and ends in Hawaii. It's a bit of a travelogue as Hawaii had just become a state.
There's a lot of action that doesn't badly harm anyone, but Nancy isn't deterred!
It's a fun mystery I quite enjoyed. I even learned some Hawaiian words, although as a vegan I could've done without the details of the luau.
The mystery is complicated with a Polynesian twist and ends in Hawaii. It's a bit of a travelogue as Hawaii had just become a state.
There's a lot of action that doesn't badly harm anyone, but Nancy isn't deterred!
It's a fun mystery I quite enjoyed. I even learned some Hawaiian words, although as a vegan I could've done without the details of the luau.
June 12, 2012
I came across this in the library catalogue when I was trying to remember the name of Island Boy. (Fiction set in Hawaii being my search term.) And I used to love reading Nancy Drew books, so I figured, why not.
And now I wonder ... where they always this, well, terrible? Was the characterization always so thin? Nancy is smart, George is a tomboy, Bess likes to eat? (Seriously. Here that was about it.)
If I were wishing to introduce a young person to Nancy Drew, I would definitely not start with this book. In fact I would probably skip it altogether.
And now I wonder ... where they always this, well, terrible? Was the characterization always so thin? Nancy is smart, George is a tomboy, Bess likes to eat? (Seriously. Here that was about it.)
If I were wishing to introduce a young person to Nancy Drew, I would definitely not start with this book. In fact I would probably skip it altogether.
November 23, 2016
Debating whether to rate it four or five stars...
I loved it! This Nancy Drew book was just amazing! I loved picturing Hawaii, and I loved that Ned, Burt, and Dave were in it! I love it when the boys join Nancy and her friends on the case. I really would like to read more Nancy Drew books with the boys in it! It's really fun reading about them.
I just loved it!
Except I'm still not sure whether to give it a four or five... :/
I loved it! This Nancy Drew book was just amazing! I loved picturing Hawaii, and I loved that Ned, Burt, and Dave were in it! I love it when the boys join Nancy and her friends on the case. I really would like to read more Nancy Drew books with the boys in it! It's really fun reading about them.
I just loved it!
Except I'm still not sure whether to give it a four or five... :/
January 2, 2016
I started this book with my granddaughter Jane when she was visiting over the holidays. Just had to finish it this morning. I will read it with her again during her next visit. Carolyn Keen is a master at ending each chapter with a cliff-hanger! Jane loved this aspect always pleading, "Read the next chapter! We can't stop here!."
December 23, 2018
Great book! It's my second favorite Nancy Drew book, after The Secret in the Old Attic.
It was packed with action, including a ghost! Nancy and her friends travel the the Hawaiian islands, read to discover the secret of the Gold Pavilion!!!
It was packed with action, including a ghost! Nancy and her friends travel the the Hawaiian islands, read to discover the secret of the Gold Pavilion!!!
October 26, 2018
Not as good as I remembered although I am reading some of these books as a 46 year old compared to before when I was a teen. I just didn’t enjoy this one as much as The Clue of the Broken Locket.
June 27, 2022
Nancy Drew and friends are off on another trip to mystery. This time the mystery awaits them in the new state of Hawaii. Carson Drew has been hired by Mr. Sakamiki to help with two problems. Sakamiki is the heir of his wealthy grandfather--but there are difficulties. First, his grandfather left a mysterious message referring to a secret on his estate, Kaluakua, which he has been unable to discover. And, second, there two surprise claimants to the estate. They say they are the grandchildren of the elder Sakamiki by a first wife that no one knew about. While Mr. Drew plans to head to California to investigate these new claimants, Mr. Sakamiki invites Nancy, Bess, George, and Hannah Gruen to go to Kaluakua and discover the secrets of the estate. Fortunately, Ned, Burt, and Dave will also be in Hawaii as part of an Emerson College trip, so they will be on hand to assist. Along the way, they will deal with a ghostly hula girl, members of a gang called the "Double Scorps," a hidden door in the estate's Golden Pavilion, as well asseveral attacks on Nancy, Ned, Mr. Drew, and Mr. Sakamiki's caretakers--including poisonous tacks hidden in a dark-flowered lei. There are also hidden clues (all in Polynesian) for Nancy to find. She soon puts them together to discover just what the secret of the Golden Pavilion is.
Since this book (in a tweed cover) was part of the set my mother handed on to me about forty-five years ago, it was one of the first Nancy Drew mysteries I ever read. It was never one of my favorites, though I'm not sure why. It has lots of puzzling clues to unravel. It has a ghost. It has plenty of action with all of Nancy's friends on hand. But for some reason it just never grabbed me the way The Secret of the Old Clock and The Hidden Staircase did. I reread those several times while growing up. I can't remember ever rereading Pavilion until now. It is actually an interesting mystery with several puzzle clues for Nancy to decipher. But--it still didn't wow me and I don't feel inclined to move it up in the ratings. It's always been a three-star story to me and so it will stay.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
Since this book (in a tweed cover) was part of the set my mother handed on to me about forty-five years ago, it was one of the first Nancy Drew mysteries I ever read. It was never one of my favorites, though I'm not sure why. It has lots of puzzling clues to unravel. It has a ghost. It has plenty of action with all of Nancy's friends on hand. But for some reason it just never grabbed me the way The Secret of the Old Clock and The Hidden Staircase did. I reread those several times while growing up. I can't remember ever rereading Pavilion until now. It is actually an interesting mystery with several puzzle clues for Nancy to decipher. But--it still didn't wow me and I don't feel inclined to move it up in the ratings. It's always been a three-star story to me and so it will stay.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
January 2, 2021
In my Nancy Drew adventures, I have got to say that this has been one of the more exciting! We get to go to Hawaii, dance and dress accordingly, all the usual suspects get to travel with us (Bess, George, Ned, Burt and Dave). There is capture and abduction, thievery, imposters, legal issues with said imposters trying to abscond property and rights from the real heirs. And, be still my heart, there are sharks!!! Ok, not man-eating sharks, but just gentle, benign Hawaiian sharks that never hurt anyone. (is that a thing? or was that just a thing in 1959 when the version I read was published?) Plumerias, the King's cape, and all the mentions of those beautiful islands, especially Oahu to which I have actually been. Warmed my heart.
I'm loving my trip through the Nancy Drews. I started it last year, and thought I'd be done by now, but am pretty close. I continue onward and upward to #37!
I'm loving my trip through the Nancy Drews. I started it last year, and thought I'd be done by now, but am pretty close. I continue onward and upward to #37!
July 20, 2024
A Hawaiian adventure for Nancy 🌴 This story was published the year Hawaii became a state (1959), and honestly the attention to Hawaiian customs, language, and sites was impressive.
It annoyed me how Mr. Sakamaki basically didn’t abide by his grandfather’s wishes and had someone else solve the mystery of his property ☠️.
Hannah came along for a stressful Hawaiian “vacation” in this one. Amusing to picture her lying on a chair, drink in hand, having heart attacks every other day with Nancy’s shenanigans.
This one was decent! Not my favorite, but not horrible.
It annoyed me how Mr. Sakamaki basically didn’t abide by his grandfather’s wishes and had someone else solve the mystery of his property ☠️.
Hannah came along for a stressful Hawaiian “vacation” in this one. Amusing to picture her lying on a chair, drink in hand, having heart attacks every other day with Nancy’s shenanigans.
This one was decent! Not my favorite, but not horrible.
March 7, 2020
Names were very confusing. There were probably three names that started with the letter K. Also, the clues were somewhat hard to follow at some points. However, I always love the endings of the Nancy Drew books and reading about everything coming together. Another Nancy Drew in the bag!
December 21, 2023
I don't know whether I disliked the storyline more or having to pronounce all the Hawaiian words on every page.
March 3, 2025
Nancy and the gang head to Hawaii on an all expense paid sleuthing holiday. The bad guys were really bad and Nancy had a lot of random luck.
October 18, 2025
Nancy and her friends travel to Hawaii to solve a mystery. Typical Nancy Drew, but my daughter enjoys these.
June 2, 2022
From a lei laced with poison spikes to an incredible amount of helicopter flyovers, this one is truly bonkers.
June 29, 2025
This was one of my favorites in the series growing up and it was so much fun to reread
April 25, 2020
Loved that this one was set in Hawaii!
August 27, 2023
"I wouldn't miss this trip for anything in the world."
Loved that this was "Dedicated to our 50th and newest state" like, people thought we were going to keep acquiring more states from indigenous people after Hawaii.
But, after that, I actually really liked this one, it's been one of my favorites since I started my re-read.
Loved that this was "Dedicated to our 50th and newest state" like, people thought we were going to keep acquiring more states from indigenous people after Hawaii.
But, after that, I actually really liked this one, it's been one of my favorites since I started my re-read.
April 5, 2024
Nancy goes to Hawaii! A nice, diverting mystery in the warm tropical setting of Hawaii.
Nancy receives a formal invitation to solve a mystery in Kaluakua, a large estate in Honolulu inherited by Mr. Drew’s Polynesian client. Together with her friends and Hannah Gruen, we are taken on an exhilarating adventure to the island of Hawaii. If not for anything else, I simply love learning many things about Hawaii, the legends of Pele and Kaahupahau, the volcanic geography and rare plants; the invigorating world of hula dances, orchid leis and mouthwatering luaus. I feel like I just went on a very expensive, premier trip to Hawaii with a fun mystery as a bonus.
Clues:
It starts with two strange symbols (water, sleep/death) on a piece of paper with the note “Never sell or give away Kaluakua until you solve its mystery.”
Followed by clue from the twin professors: “Watch the angel birds over Mauna Loa.”
Dangers:
Abe almost falls from a window
Togo is dognapped
Plane trouble for the boys shown on TV (unrelated)
Mr. Drew attacked in his office
Followed by car
Light shatters in the studio (unrelated?)
Poisoned funeral lei sent to Nancy
Fire tongs heaved towards Nancy
Impersonation of Mr. Drew in airplane reservation
George going over cliff in crater (clumsiness)
Overhear gang’s plan to abduct Nancy and her friends’
Nancy and Ned caught, bound and gagged and imprisoned under the golden pavilion
Enemy: Double scorps gang (modus operandi led by O’Keefe/O’Malley/O’Brien)
False heirs / impostors
Treasure: ancient ceremonial cape made from the extinct o-o bird
Reward: Trip to Hawaii for all of them and a great luau after
Food:
Midnight snack of angel cake and fruit juice
Hot chocolate and toast
Ulua - fish caught by Ned
Poi - taro root porridge
Pig covered in banana leaves and roasted with hot lava rocks
Roasted squid with crushed Kukui nuts
Coconut shell dish with salmon and onion and tomatoes
White squares of Coconut pudding
Slice of papaya covered with chunks of pineapple, banana and mango and sprinkled with shredded coconut
Interesting things:
How pig is roasted the Hawaiian way
Frogfish
Nancy calls her magnifying glass “Pride and Joy”
Hydrogen sulfide gases cause eruption
Mauna Loa volcanic eruption
Hawaiian words:
Pilikia- trouble
Lanai -
Tapa - cloth made from mulberry tree bark
Muumuu- embroidered, long, loose-fitting gown
Mahimahi - native fish
Luau - native feast
Auwe- alas! Woe is me!
Wikiwiki - hurry
Imu - oven
Pua kalua - pig cooked in imu
Kupunakane - grandfather
Hawaiian fun facts and places visited:
Waikiki Beach
Iolani Palace
King Kamehameha
Pearl Harbor - aka Puuloa, home of the Queen of the Sharks
Haleakala Crater, Maui
Hana - tree-shaded city, cultural center of ancient Hawaii
Silversword plants - only grows in the Haleakala Crater, grows 10 feet tall
Specter of Brocken - phenomenon viewed from the rim of the crater when it is filled with clouds; you can see your reflection in a rainbow
Fern Forest, Hilo - ferns as tall as trees
Kilauea Crater - drop a lighted match = burning water
Volcano House
Angel birds - white birds found in the main crater of Mauna Loa, said to be able to detect an incoming eruption
Hawaiian name:
Ane - Nancy Drew
Ana Palani - Hannah Frances
Elikapeka - Bess
Keoki- George
Eluwene- Ned
Topaka - Burt
Kawiki- Dave
Nancy receives a formal invitation to solve a mystery in Kaluakua, a large estate in Honolulu inherited by Mr. Drew’s Polynesian client. Together with her friends and Hannah Gruen, we are taken on an exhilarating adventure to the island of Hawaii. If not for anything else, I simply love learning many things about Hawaii, the legends of Pele and Kaahupahau, the volcanic geography and rare plants; the invigorating world of hula dances, orchid leis and mouthwatering luaus. I feel like I just went on a very expensive, premier trip to Hawaii with a fun mystery as a bonus.
Clues:
It starts with two strange symbols (water, sleep/death) on a piece of paper with the note “Never sell or give away Kaluakua until you solve its mystery.”
Followed by clue from the twin professors: “Watch the angel birds over Mauna Loa.”
Dangers:
Abe almost falls from a window
Togo is dognapped
Plane trouble for the boys shown on TV (unrelated)
Mr. Drew attacked in his office
Followed by car
Light shatters in the studio (unrelated?)
Poisoned funeral lei sent to Nancy
Fire tongs heaved towards Nancy
Impersonation of Mr. Drew in airplane reservation
George going over cliff in crater (clumsiness)
Overhear gang’s plan to abduct Nancy and her friends’
Nancy and Ned caught, bound and gagged and imprisoned under the golden pavilion
Enemy: Double scorps gang (modus operandi led by O’Keefe/O’Malley/O’Brien)
False heirs / impostors
Treasure: ancient ceremonial cape made from the extinct o-o bird
Reward: Trip to Hawaii for all of them and a great luau after
Food:
Midnight snack of angel cake and fruit juice
Hot chocolate and toast
Ulua - fish caught by Ned
Poi - taro root porridge
Pig covered in banana leaves and roasted with hot lava rocks
Roasted squid with crushed Kukui nuts
Coconut shell dish with salmon and onion and tomatoes
White squares of Coconut pudding
Slice of papaya covered with chunks of pineapple, banana and mango and sprinkled with shredded coconut
Interesting things:
How pig is roasted the Hawaiian way
Frogfish
Nancy calls her magnifying glass “Pride and Joy”
Hydrogen sulfide gases cause eruption
Mauna Loa volcanic eruption
Hawaiian words:
Pilikia- trouble
Lanai -
Tapa - cloth made from mulberry tree bark
Muumuu- embroidered, long, loose-fitting gown
Mahimahi - native fish
Luau - native feast
Auwe- alas! Woe is me!
Wikiwiki - hurry
Imu - oven
Pua kalua - pig cooked in imu
Kupunakane - grandfather
Hawaiian fun facts and places visited:
Waikiki Beach
Iolani Palace
King Kamehameha
Pearl Harbor - aka Puuloa, home of the Queen of the Sharks
Haleakala Crater, Maui
Hana - tree-shaded city, cultural center of ancient Hawaii
Silversword plants - only grows in the Haleakala Crater, grows 10 feet tall
Specter of Brocken - phenomenon viewed from the rim of the crater when it is filled with clouds; you can see your reflection in a rainbow
Fern Forest, Hilo - ferns as tall as trees
Kilauea Crater - drop a lighted match = burning water
Volcano House
Angel birds - white birds found in the main crater of Mauna Loa, said to be able to detect an incoming eruption
Hawaiian name:
Ane - Nancy Drew
Ana Palani - Hannah Frances
Elikapeka - Bess
Keoki- George
Eluwene- Ned
Topaka - Burt
Kawiki- Dave
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2024
This was entertaining because somehow I missed it as a kid; it was entirely new to me. Amusingly, it opens with Nancy returning from a dog show with Togo, in his blue ribbon (of course), by private helicopter (dayum, I knew the Drews were well off, but private helicopter?) when she sees a burglar breaking into the 3rd floor of her home.
Carson tells Nancy that his new client, a Japanese-Hawaiian man named Kamuela “Sam” Sakamaki, has a mystery for her to solve. He inherited an estate in Honolulu called Kaluakua from his grandfather. Mr. Sakamaki tells Nancy that a brother and sister, the Chatleys, are claiming that they are the rightful owners of Kaluakua. Also, a ghostly figure has been seen dancing under a golden pavilion (Scooby Doo vibes). He tells Nancy that he’ll cover the expenses of travel for her and some friends (Bess and George, natch, but also Hannah, as chaperone) to come to Hawaii to work on the case and she eagerly accepts. By total coincidence (eyeroll), the Emerson boys will already be going to Hawaii for vacation so the whole Mystery Machine gang (I mean, basically) will be together.
George spouts some statistics about Hawaii to reassure Hannah that the newest state (side note, this book was published in 1959, the year of its statehood) is “one of the most up-to-date places in the world” and as a bonus, “the most handsome people in the world live there.” What follows is all the most delightful Hawaiian cliches you would expect: Nancy's adventures include an outrigger canoe race, hula dancing, skin diving, luaus complete with puaa kalua, poi, mahimahi, bananas, and pineapple, a poisonous lei, and volcanoes.
Wouldn't be complete without Nancy Drew staples like prompt, full confessions from the bad guys once they're apprehended, a bizarrely prescient "hunch" that makes Nancy seem like she's solving mysteries with ESP, and someone getting knocked unconscious but it's no biggie.
Uncharacteristic bits: Nancy actually has 2 separate moments of clumsiness-- once while hula dancing, she breaks a model boat, and later she almost falls off a volcano. Noteworthy because I think these are the first chinks I've ever seen in Nancy's armor. Is she human after all?
Carson tells Nancy that his new client, a Japanese-Hawaiian man named Kamuela “Sam” Sakamaki, has a mystery for her to solve. He inherited an estate in Honolulu called Kaluakua from his grandfather. Mr. Sakamaki tells Nancy that a brother and sister, the Chatleys, are claiming that they are the rightful owners of Kaluakua. Also, a ghostly figure has been seen dancing under a golden pavilion (Scooby Doo vibes). He tells Nancy that he’ll cover the expenses of travel for her and some friends (Bess and George, natch, but also Hannah, as chaperone) to come to Hawaii to work on the case and she eagerly accepts. By total coincidence (eyeroll), the Emerson boys will already be going to Hawaii for vacation so the whole Mystery Machine gang (I mean, basically) will be together.
George spouts some statistics about Hawaii to reassure Hannah that the newest state (side note, this book was published in 1959, the year of its statehood) is “one of the most up-to-date places in the world” and as a bonus, “the most handsome people in the world live there.” What follows is all the most delightful Hawaiian cliches you would expect: Nancy's adventures include an outrigger canoe race, hula dancing, skin diving, luaus complete with puaa kalua, poi, mahimahi, bananas, and pineapple, a poisonous lei, and volcanoes.
Wouldn't be complete without Nancy Drew staples like prompt, full confessions from the bad guys once they're apprehended, a bizarrely prescient "hunch" that makes Nancy seem like she's solving mysteries with ESP, and someone getting knocked unconscious but it's no biggie.
Uncharacteristic bits: Nancy actually has 2 separate moments of clumsiness-- once while hula dancing, she breaks a model boat, and later she almost falls off a volcano. Noteworthy because I think these are the first chinks I've ever seen in Nancy's armor. Is she human after all?
September 5, 2023
Sadly, The Secret of the Golden Pavilion is a bit of a mess. It's pretty light on actual mysterious happenings, getting sidetracked by Nancy and Co. diving, boating, and sightseeing. At the start of the book, Nancy happens to be coming home via helicopter from a dog show(Togo won, of course), just in time to see a burglar breaking into the third floor of her house. I guess casually hiring a copter for you and your dog is just another perk of being Nancy! Later, Ned and his pals are revealed to be flying to the exact same place at the exact same time as Nancy so they can all solve the mystery together! I don't know why this coincidence was included. Besides being farfetched even by Nancy Drew standards, they could have just had Nancy invite the guys along like she has done many times before!
They even get sidetracked by a film shoot at one point. On the plane to their California stopover, the girls meet an actress named Sue Rossiter, who inexplicably uses the world's least glamorous stage name: Fran Johnson. Of course she invites them to watch the filming of her newest movie, which will later have scenes filmed on location in the exact island Nancy is going to. Earlier, Nancy learned the hula from Mrs. Sakamaki, but accidentally knocked over and broke an antique miniature canoe. I thought that a little roll of paper would fall out of the broken miniature, providing a clue to the mystery, but no! It is never mentioned again! Dear sweet ghostwriter Keene, what was the point of any of this?!
The most interesting part of Nancy's time on the island isn't even the sleuthing. I learned a lot more about the silversword plant and Hawaiian volcanoes than I did about that golden pavilion. Speaking of the silversword, there are twin scientists in the story who theorize that the plant's seeds fell to earth from outer space and sat dormant in molten rock until the Hawaiian islands formed. That has nothing to do with the rest of the book, it was just so off-the-wall that I had to bring it up somewhere in my review.
Definitely one of the weirder Nancy Drew books, but less in a madcap-surreal-fun way than in a hastily-slapped-together-in-two-days way.
They even get sidetracked by a film shoot at one point. On the plane to their California stopover, the girls meet an actress named Sue Rossiter, who inexplicably uses the world's least glamorous stage name: Fran Johnson. Of course she invites them to watch the filming of her newest movie, which will later have scenes filmed on location in the exact island Nancy is going to. Earlier, Nancy learned the hula from Mrs. Sakamaki, but accidentally knocked over and broke an antique miniature canoe. I thought that a little roll of paper would fall out of the broken miniature, providing a clue to the mystery, but no! It is never mentioned again! Dear sweet ghostwriter Keene, what was the point of any of this?!
The most interesting part of Nancy's time on the island isn't even the sleuthing. I learned a lot more about the silversword plant and Hawaiian volcanoes than I did about that golden pavilion. Speaking of the silversword, there are twin scientists in the story who theorize that the plant's seeds fell to earth from outer space and sat dormant in molten rock until the Hawaiian islands formed. That has nothing to do with the rest of the book, it was just so off-the-wall that I had to bring it up somewhere in my review.
Definitely one of the weirder Nancy Drew books, but less in a madcap-surreal-fun way than in a hastily-slapped-together-in-two-days way.
July 12, 2021
Because I have some vicarious nostalgia going on for the idea of
”Hawaii”
circa 1954 through 1985 — even though I’ve never been there, this particular Nancy book really hit the spot regarding that. I have much enjoyed the Elvis movie Blue Hawaii and also a few seasons of Magnum, P.I., featuring Tom Selleck with sunburn and a collection of tiny shorts and that’s just an unforgettable experience.
During Nancy’s visit here in ”Hawaii” , she of course learns a hula dance from a wealthy multi-ethnic local couple, which is the only type of company whom Nancy would accept lessons from, being herself. But the writers of this book show her enacting a grievous innaccuracy. Our dear, perfect Nancy makes a clumsy misstep and knocks over a priceless antique!!! Never in any other Nancy book have I seen her commit such a faux pas!!
But so it seems she discovers a clue and learns about the history of Hawaii and she earns the affection of local police and prevents a couple of scheming no-goodniks from committing inheritance fraud. So definitely now we’re back on track!
Meanwhile, off and on between times when the imposters aren’t throwing reproduction native spears at Nancy’s head, she enjoys the sun and surf with her gal pals Bess and George, and also with the set of guy pals Ned and Dave and Burt. It’s pure uncut fun young people time!
But don’t forget, Hawaii has some serious postcolonial history and was an unfortunate middle spot in the Pacific Ocean not far from Japan in the Second World War and yes tourism provides good income, but it might not make up for the cultures that were oppressed and killed during past centuries. I’m just reviewing this Nancy book here, but it’s inspiring me to read further about the history.
During Nancy’s visit here in ”Hawaii” , she of course learns a hula dance from a wealthy multi-ethnic local couple, which is the only type of company whom Nancy would accept lessons from, being herself. But the writers of this book show her enacting a grievous innaccuracy. Our dear, perfect Nancy makes a clumsy misstep and knocks over a priceless antique!!! Never in any other Nancy book have I seen her commit such a faux pas!!
But so it seems she discovers a clue and learns about the history of Hawaii and she earns the affection of local police and prevents a couple of scheming no-goodniks from committing inheritance fraud. So definitely now we’re back on track!
Meanwhile, off and on between times when the imposters aren’t throwing reproduction native spears at Nancy’s head, she enjoys the sun and surf with her gal pals Bess and George, and also with the set of guy pals Ned and Dave and Burt. It’s pure uncut fun young people time!
But don’t forget, Hawaii has some serious postcolonial history and was an unfortunate middle spot in the Pacific Ocean not far from Japan in the Second World War and yes tourism provides good income, but it might not make up for the cultures that were oppressed and killed during past centuries. I’m just reviewing this Nancy book here, but it’s inspiring me to read further about the history.
December 29, 2018
Nancy and her friends travel to Hawaii in an effort to help Mr. Drew with one of his cases. His client, Mr. Sakamaki, is set to inherit a family fortune when two other claimants suddenly appear. Mr. Sakamaki suspects they are frauds and wants Mr. Drew to investigate. There is also another mystery regarding a clue to a possible hidden treasure that Mr. Sakamaki’s grandfather gave him. That is where Nancy’s help is needed.
So this book started off different. Nancy is on a helicopter when she sees a burglar climbing into her home. As the pilot manages to patch in the police Nancy sees the thief leaving with a briefcase. Once she gets home, she begins to track down the person who broke into her home. Nancy discovers an international gang of thugs known as The Scorpions were responsible. And of course, they have something to do with the two big mysteries in Hawaii.
Pretty much everyone goes to Hawaii for this case. Except for Togo, who stays in New York with Aunt Eloise. But Ned, Burt and Dave, who are conveniently spending their vacation in Hawaii, appear. Nancy follows the initial clue with hieroglyphics to different parts of the islands. Which I thoroughly enjoyed. She visits various places, and learns about Polynesian and Hawaiian history.
The mysteries were easy to follow. There were quite a number of characters but nothing got too complicated. I liked it.
Lots of summer vibes!
So this book started off different. Nancy is on a helicopter when she sees a burglar climbing into her home. As the pilot manages to patch in the police Nancy sees the thief leaving with a briefcase. Once she gets home, she begins to track down the person who broke into her home. Nancy discovers an international gang of thugs known as The Scorpions were responsible. And of course, they have something to do with the two big mysteries in Hawaii.
Pretty much everyone goes to Hawaii for this case. Except for Togo, who stays in New York with Aunt Eloise. But Ned, Burt and Dave, who are conveniently spending their vacation in Hawaii, appear. Nancy follows the initial clue with hieroglyphics to different parts of the islands. Which I thoroughly enjoyed. She visits various places, and learns about Polynesian and Hawaiian history.
The mysteries were easy to follow. There were quite a number of characters but nothing got too complicated. I liked it.
Lots of summer vibes!
May 8, 2022
This was actually not too bad. It felt like it was written with the sole purpose of trying to introduce kids to the newest state at the time, Hawaii. Which, having my knowledge of Hawaii be mostly from the show Hawaii Five-O.....this was nice. Therefore, I have no idea if anything is stated incorrectly ...but it seems like the writers did their research.
The dialogue is cheesy and whoever thought Double Scorps is a good gang name has clearly spent too much time in Mayberry..
The authors just love to stereotype the bad guys as always not using proper grammar and for being "rough" or unkempt. Its a minor thing but the superior attitude of everyone else just rubs me the wrong way. Guess what, bad guys can be well dressed and rich too.
George is no longer being super nasty to Bess about her weight so thats an improvement. And I did really like learning more about Hawaii and hearing about the beauty of it as well.
The dialogue is cheesy and whoever thought Double Scorps is a good gang name has clearly spent too much time in Mayberry..
The authors just love to stereotype the bad guys as always not using proper grammar and for being "rough" or unkempt. Its a minor thing but the superior attitude of everyone else just rubs me the wrong way. Guess what, bad guys can be well dressed and rich too.
George is no longer being super nasty to Bess about her weight so thats an improvement. And I did really like learning more about Hawaii and hearing about the beauty of it as well.
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