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Finding Aloha
Jess moves to Maui anticipating a world of beaches, boys and bikinis. Romance with a passionate local and the discovery that her presence puts his family at risk? Not in the tourist brochure.
Her mother is having a baby with a man who is not her father, and her best friend has been secretly dating her boyfriend. Seventeen-year-old Jess Kennedy desperately needs a new life.
When her father accepts a job offer in Maui, Jess feels like this could be the fresh start she craves. The island’s beauty and charm provide a stark contrast to her home back in Canada. But the elite social hierarchy of Maui Gardens Charter School proves to be a thorny world to navigate.
Then in swoops Kai Kamealoha, a surf-loving Maui local with a fierce loyalty to his family and a passion for preserving his home’s natural beauty. Kai shows Jess that Maui is much more than the sun, surf and sand of tourism brochures, and he introduces her to an authentic look at Hawaiian life.
Jess can’t help but fall in love with Maui—and maybe with Kai Kamealoha as well. So, when she discovers that a real estate developer is forcing Kai’s family to sell their ancestral farm, she’s determined to help him find a way to save it. But digging deeper exposes a duplicity within her own family. Her presence there may be putting Kai’s family in jeopardy. Leaving the island for good may be her only option.
Her mother is having a baby with a man who is not her father, and her best friend has been secretly dating her boyfriend. Seventeen-year-old Jess Kennedy desperately needs a new life.
When her father accepts a job offer in Maui, Jess feels like this could be the fresh start she craves. The island’s beauty and charm provide a stark contrast to her home back in Canada. But the elite social hierarchy of Maui Gardens Charter School proves to be a thorny world to navigate.
Then in swoops Kai Kamealoha, a surf-loving Maui local with a fierce loyalty to his family and a passion for preserving his home’s natural beauty. Kai shows Jess that Maui is much more than the sun, surf and sand of tourism brochures, and he introduces her to an authentic look at Hawaiian life.
Jess can’t help but fall in love with Maui—and maybe with Kai Kamealoha as well. So, when she discovers that a real estate developer is forcing Kai’s family to sell their ancestral farm, she’s determined to help him find a way to save it. But digging deeper exposes a duplicity within her own family. Her presence there may be putting Kai’s family in jeopardy. Leaving the island for good may be her only option.
- GenresYoung Adult
300 pages, Paperback
Published February 22, 2022
2 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Walker
2 books11 followersJennifer Walker is a teacher and writer from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. She lives with her husband, her two children, and her floppy, impossible-not-to-love Bernedoodle puppy, Leo. When she's not teaching, writing, or reading, you can most likely find Jennifer in a yoga studio, in the kitchen baking muffins, or running off the calories of the muffins she's just baked. She's also famous for publicly embarrassing her family by singing terrible show-tunes and practicing 90's dance moves, and if this whole writing thing doesn't work out, she's pretty sure she could make it as one of the Wiggles.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 7, 2026
3.2⭐️
needed less teen drama/fitting in with partying rich kids (the Kooks of HI), and more exploring Hawaii with local boy!! 🌺🌴🥥
lots of themes of forgiveness in this one. although she let off her friend kinda too easy, like what kind of friend does that or doesn't tell her about it? also sometimes the adults talked unrealistically imo
a book 2 could be nice! like her being back in Hawaii. I'd honestly be interested in reading that, but pls include more HAWAII!!
needed less teen drama/fitting in with partying rich kids (the Kooks of HI), and more exploring Hawaii with local boy!! 🌺🌴🥥
lots of themes of forgiveness in this one. although she let off her friend kinda too easy, like what kind of friend does that or doesn't tell her about it? also sometimes the adults talked unrealistically imo
a book 2 could be nice! like her being back in Hawaii. I'd honestly be interested in reading that, but pls include more HAWAII!!
March 15, 2022
This was a fun read. I've been craving banana macadamia pancakes since reading this 😂. And who wouldn't fall in love with Kai??
March 11, 2022
I loved this book. It truly transports you to Maui with such vivid detail you feel like your there. Also I love the way that the island was like a character in the book. The main characters were complex and engaging. While this book is considered YA, I really feel like anyone who has been through those awkward years can be transported right back there.
March 14, 2022
Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down! I felt angry and hurt with Jess, when her family fell apart. I felt betrayed when she was betrayed by a friend. I felt hopeful when she moved to Maui. I could feel the lifestyle on the island. Jennifer Walker does a fantastic job including the complexity of High School, and what it feels like to desperately fit in. The importance of family, tradition, and doing what is right no matter the circumstances, is an important lesson to anyone. I would highly recommend this book not only to young adults, but adults as well.
February 21, 2022
Review by Shaima Hussain
Finding Aloha, By Jennifer Walker
Finding Aloha is a teen romance seen through the mind of a young seventeen year old girl named Jessi. Jessi's life is turned upside down with the divorce of her parents, betrayal of her best friend, and a sudden move across the world to Maui. I could relate to Jessi’s character and felt her pain and disappointment from the family she trusted. It reminded me of what it’s like to be a teenager and how difficult it can be to make good choices and be true to yourself.
Over the course of the novel, Jessi finds a trustworthy friend Kai and develops a strong bond with him. She begins to see things from a new lens and begins to deal with the loose ends she had left behind in Canada. She undergoes a definite transformation from child to mature young adult, even though it's only over the course of several months. She learns to forgive the people that hurt her and forgiving them was actually a way that she could move forward. I love that I could see into her mindset and read exactly what she was feeling when she thought out her next move. . Her thoughts flowed well and moved the book along very quickly.
It gave a lot of history of Maui’s farming industry, the struggle for local businesses and the big corporations that want to take over the small businesses. Locals are finding it harder and harder to keep afloat with all the big corporations coming to the island. I loved how the author described the beauty of the Island of Maui. Having been there before I could visualize the lush greenery, the silky sand and panoramic beauty of the island.
While I definitely recommend this book as a good read - I would recommend it to older teenagers, mainly because it will resonate better with them and the theme in the book is of mature content. I think this book is relatable to other teens going through similar events. I thoroughly enjoyed reading “Finding Aloha” and would recommend it as a good read.
Finding Aloha, By Jennifer Walker
Finding Aloha is a teen romance seen through the mind of a young seventeen year old girl named Jessi. Jessi's life is turned upside down with the divorce of her parents, betrayal of her best friend, and a sudden move across the world to Maui. I could relate to Jessi’s character and felt her pain and disappointment from the family she trusted. It reminded me of what it’s like to be a teenager and how difficult it can be to make good choices and be true to yourself.
Over the course of the novel, Jessi finds a trustworthy friend Kai and develops a strong bond with him. She begins to see things from a new lens and begins to deal with the loose ends she had left behind in Canada. She undergoes a definite transformation from child to mature young adult, even though it's only over the course of several months. She learns to forgive the people that hurt her and forgiving them was actually a way that she could move forward. I love that I could see into her mindset and read exactly what she was feeling when she thought out her next move. . Her thoughts flowed well and moved the book along very quickly.
It gave a lot of history of Maui’s farming industry, the struggle for local businesses and the big corporations that want to take over the small businesses. Locals are finding it harder and harder to keep afloat with all the big corporations coming to the island. I loved how the author described the beauty of the Island of Maui. Having been there before I could visualize the lush greenery, the silky sand and panoramic beauty of the island.
While I definitely recommend this book as a good read - I would recommend it to older teenagers, mainly because it will resonate better with them and the theme in the book is of mature content. I think this book is relatable to other teens going through similar events. I thoroughly enjoyed reading “Finding Aloha” and would recommend it as a good read.
February 20, 2022
I got an eARC from BookSprout in exchange for a review.
After learning that her mom had an affair with another man and is having his baby, and that her best friend has been secretly dating her boyfriend, Jessica (Jess) moves from her home in Canada with her father to Maui, Hawaii. There, she meets Kai, the son of her gardener and a Hawaiian native. He shows her the true beauty of the island that goes beyond any tourism brochure. When they discover a real estate developer is forcing his family to sell their ancestral farm, they try to find a way to save it. But her presences maybe putting his family in jeopardy, and going back to Canada might be her only option.
I am a fan of teen romance books that take place in Hawaii. When I read the plot of the book, I decided to give it a try. And yes, after reading it, it made me want to go to Maui.
The characters I didn't really like were the classmates from Maui Gardens Charter School (Jess's new school). I can't give away why without spoilers, so after you read it, you'd understand why.
I enjoyed seeing Kai showing Jess his Maui. It was descrtivie, but I feel it forgot to add the physical feel of it, like how hot the sand was, how cold the water felt, etc.
This is a good light teen romance beach read, one worth adding if you're a fan of any of the genre.
After learning that her mom had an affair with another man and is having his baby, and that her best friend has been secretly dating her boyfriend, Jessica (Jess) moves from her home in Canada with her father to Maui, Hawaii. There, she meets Kai, the son of her gardener and a Hawaiian native. He shows her the true beauty of the island that goes beyond any tourism brochure. When they discover a real estate developer is forcing his family to sell their ancestral farm, they try to find a way to save it. But her presences maybe putting his family in jeopardy, and going back to Canada might be her only option.
I am a fan of teen romance books that take place in Hawaii. When I read the plot of the book, I decided to give it a try. And yes, after reading it, it made me want to go to Maui.
The characters I didn't really like were the classmates from Maui Gardens Charter School (Jess's new school). I can't give away why without spoilers, so after you read it, you'd understand why.
I enjoyed seeing Kai showing Jess his Maui. It was descrtivie, but I feel it forgot to add the physical feel of it, like how hot the sand was, how cold the water felt, etc.
This is a good light teen romance beach read, one worth adding if you're a fan of any of the genre.
February 16, 2022
This is Jess and Kai's story and what a brilliant standalone Book. This is a story about going love, family, loyalty, betrayal, sacrifice, hope and doing the right thing when it is needed but it doesn't take anything away from this beautiful story and all the pain that is involved. The characters and storyline takes you on a journey of sacrifice and the cultures of Maui along with it's history and everything that Jess and Kai will have to go through and you feel like you are there with them living through it and this story is written so well that I couldn't put it down as it pulled me in and I had to keep turning the pages to see what would happen next and I definitely recommend you read this book and you will not be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 21, 2022
Finding Aloha was such a beautiful read. The imagery and description of the setting and events were vivid in my mind. Beyond the alluring setting and fascinating characters, Jennifer Walker touches on a serious theme that is often overlooked in literature. This important message is incapsulated in the fascinating plot and captivating imagery. I would highly recommend Finding Aloha to anyone who enjoys a powerful message in a beautiful read.
February 21, 2022
Finding Aloha was such a wonderful read I highly recommend it for both adults and teens; it would be great for a mother and daughter book club. The book portrays important topics like divorce, friendships, race, and the divisiveness of class status through the perspective of a young Canadian woman. It’s a gutsy and beautifully descriptive journey of Finding Aloha.
February 11, 2022
This book is the perfect Teen lit / beach / holiday / escape read. I loved the main character Jess as she is incredibly human and so well developed. Anyone can be transported to her world of the teenage roller coaster which is masterly crafted by Jennifer. The story whisks your away to Maui and you can feel the island, as you read the smells, sounds and heat hit you all at once. Great teen / mother (book club) read as it hits on so many situations that they have to navigate..
January 6, 2022
What a great beach read.. or in my case a Great book to help me escape the current cold weather at home. The author depicted Maui in a very genuine way, and allowed the reader to truly respect and learn about the land. All while following a young girl on her journey with life and love and all the challenges that come along with it. Looking forward to a book two one day.
March 22, 2022
FINDING ALOHA is the story of Jess Kennedy, whose life is turned upside down when she finds out her so-called boyfriend has been cheating on her with her BFF. Even worse, her parents announce they’re getting a divorce and her mother is expecting a baby with another man. Rather than move in with the happy couple, Jess decides to go to Hawaii, where her father has landed a new job.
To say the author has a way with words is an understatement! There is an incredibly natural flow to her writing style, and she makes Maui come alive with her beautiful descriptions. I learned so much about Hawaiian culture and lifestyle through Jess’ eyes. Every detail felt authentic. Jess’ longing to fit in also felt authentic, and the author perfectly captured the voice of a teen struggling to find her way in a new place.
One of my favorite things about FINDING ALOHA is the love interest, Kai. He’s adorable, charming, respectful, supportive—all the things I adore in a male lead, but most importantly, he opens Jess’ eyes to a way of life she’s never known.
The story unfolds organically, with each scene playing an integral part in Jess’ education of Maui itself and her place among its residents. I absolutely loved seeing her grow and change and discover what’s truly important.
Part love letter to Hawaii and its people, part coming of age story, part beautiful romance, this is a wonderful read. Highly recommend!
To say the author has a way with words is an understatement! There is an incredibly natural flow to her writing style, and she makes Maui come alive with her beautiful descriptions. I learned so much about Hawaiian culture and lifestyle through Jess’ eyes. Every detail felt authentic. Jess’ longing to fit in also felt authentic, and the author perfectly captured the voice of a teen struggling to find her way in a new place.
One of my favorite things about FINDING ALOHA is the love interest, Kai. He’s adorable, charming, respectful, supportive—all the things I adore in a male lead, but most importantly, he opens Jess’ eyes to a way of life she’s never known.
The story unfolds organically, with each scene playing an integral part in Jess’ education of Maui itself and her place among its residents. I absolutely loved seeing her grow and change and discover what’s truly important.
Part love letter to Hawaii and its people, part coming of age story, part beautiful romance, this is a wonderful read. Highly recommend!
February 16, 2022
This is Jess and Kai's story and what a brilliant standalone Book. This is a story about going love, family, loyalty, betrayal, sacrifice, hope and doing the right thing when it is needed but it doesn't take anything away from this beautiful story and all the pain that is involved. The characters and storyline takes you on a journey of sacrifice and the cultures of Maui along with it's history and everything that Jess and Kai will have to go through and you feel like you are there with them living through it and this story is written so well that I couldn't put it down as it pulled me in and I had to keep turning the pages to see what would happen next and I definitely recommend you read this book and you will not be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 7, 2022
Jennifer did an incredible job transporting the reader to Maui by really capturing the places, people and beauty of the island. Every word captivated me. The perfect novel for a beach trip or to feel as though you’re on a beach trip! I had a hard time putting the book down!! I can’t wait to a hopeful sequel.
February 6, 2022
A delightful read! Jennifer manages to capture the beauty and uniqueness of Maui in an engaging novel about an adolescent girl's navigation of love, changing family dynamics, and learning how her actions have significant implications on the lives of those she cares for the most.
February 15, 2022
This was such a great read! The story and characters really drew me in, and the description of Maui is exactly what I needed in this cold February!
February 16, 2022
This is such a pleasant read. This book has everything, a little romance, suspense, drama and a wonderful ending. Check it out!
February 22, 2022
This book is fantastic! It brought me back to my teenage years, the awkwardness and trying to find self confidence. Also, the book transported me back to a favourite vacation spot, Maui. Loved it!
June 4, 2022
This would be great for a seventeen-year-old, but I'm way older than that and I loved it. It's a great summer read. Couldn't put it down.
March 6, 2024
4.25 ⭐️’s !!
April 3, 2022
I loved this book! What a fun escape! The characters of this story are passionate and full of life. You will be cheering for the main character, Jesse as she navigates highschool and swooning over her romantic interest, Kai. Best of all, the beautifully detailed setting will transport you to the landscapes of Hawaii and leave you craving a pina colada.
January 13, 2022
What an incredible story about young love, family struggles, Hawaiian culture, and history. I enjoyed being introduced into Jessica Kennedy's world, feeling the struggles that she faced as a young teenager whose life is turned upside down and is suddenly uprooted. I appreciated experiencing Maui from her point of view, especially because the author used such vivid descriptive language, that I could see myself there with the protagonist as she discovered the beauty of Maui for the first time. As a person who loves spending time in Maui, it was fascinating to discover new information about the land, culture, and history of the Hawaiian people. The struggles that Jessica faced will be relatable to many young readers, and the relationship that she builds with Kai will also warm readers' hearts. I would definitely recommend reading this book!
March 14, 2022
Finding Aloha was the first book I chose to read in 2022 and I am so glad that I did! The author @jenwalkerauthor, did a fantastic job transporting the reader to the beautiful, sun swept island of Maui. I immediatly fell in love with our MC, Jess and could relate to those awkward teenage years so well. I could feel all her struggles and triumphs and was rooting for her to succeed both in life and in love. And Kai…just swoon! How could you not fall in love with this Hawaiian born boy? I dare you not to!
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The first half of this book is set in my hometown of Edmonton, AB, Canada, but this story completely came alive to me, once Jess arrived in Maui. The author uses such vivid descriptions that I felt transported to one of my favourite vacations spots. Half way through the book, I called my husband upstairs and made him look at Maui flights and hotels. I wanted to be back on the beaches with a Mai Tai in my hand. I mean, who doesn’t?!
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Finding Aloha is a beautifully crafted YA book, but I strongly believe that if you want to escape the cold winters, root for your younger self in Jess, or need a fun beach read this summer, then this book is for you. Highly, highly recommend!!
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The first half of this book is set in my hometown of Edmonton, AB, Canada, but this story completely came alive to me, once Jess arrived in Maui. The author uses such vivid descriptions that I felt transported to one of my favourite vacations spots. Half way through the book, I called my husband upstairs and made him look at Maui flights and hotels. I wanted to be back on the beaches with a Mai Tai in my hand. I mean, who doesn’t?!
.
.
Finding Aloha is a beautifully crafted YA book, but I strongly believe that if you want to escape the cold winters, root for your younger self in Jess, or need a fun beach read this summer, then this book is for you. Highly, highly recommend!!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews