Hawaiian Historical Legends

by William Drake Westervelt (Translator)

This book, one of six written by Dr. Westervelt, is a fascinating potpourri of Hawaiian legends and historical tales. The origins of the Hawaiian people, the demi-god Maui's search for immortality for mankind, the coming of Captain Cook, the wars of King Kamehameha, as well as other aspects of Hawaii's incredible history fill its pages.

Genres: History, Mythology, Short Stories, Folklore, Nonfiction

218 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1920

About the author

William Drake Westervelt was the author of several books and magazines on Hawaiian history and legends. He drew upon the collections of David Malo, Samuel Kamakau, and Abraham Fornander to popularize Hawaiian folklore

Reviews

[Graham Bates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written nearly 35 years after King Kalākaua's The Legends and Myths of Hawaii, Westervelt writes more short articles on the legends but shifts to more historical topics in the last third of the book. A good companion to Legends and Myths with an updated writing style. However, neither are written in a modern, dramatic flair. But they are good introductions for anyone traveling to the islands.

[Laura]

Very much a product of late 1800s western society, but it contains interesting stories as long as you keep the lense in mind. I didn't enjoy some of the author's interpretations of historical events or the condescending tone but I hadn't encountered some of the stories before.

[Barry H. Wiley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anything by Westerveldt is worth examining closely. This collection of Hawai'ian legends, some well known, is worth the time.

[Lei · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, most of these legends are well know but it was nice to know about the untold tales of Hawaii.
Mahalo!