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Island Wisdom: Hawaiian Traditions and Practices for a Meaningful Life
ALOHA (love) • 'ĀINA (land) • MO'OLELO (stories) • 'OHANA (family)
DISCOVER FOUR FOUNDATIONS OF HAWAIIAN LIVING
FOR A PEACEFUL AND BALANCED LIFE.
More than just a beautiful paradise, Hawai'i has a rich culture, deeply rooted in tradition. Native Hawaiian and cultural expert Kainoa Daines has spent many years teaching visitors to the islands about this time-honored wisdom, and now he has teamed up with journalist Annie Daly to share that knowledge with you. Island Wisdom is an inspirational and rewarding journey through traditional Hawaiian teachings that have stood the test of time, from how to be pono (live a balanced life) to how to mālama 'āina (preserve and protect the land). Filled with the voices and guidance of Hawaiian elders, regional folklore, and ancient teachings—plus gorgeous local photography and illustrations throughout— Island Wisdom is a celebration of Hawaiian culture, language, and values that will give you a deeper understanding, appreciation, and respect for Hawai'i and the Hawaiian way of life.
Perfect
- Fans of the New York Times bestseller The Little Book of Hygge
- Travelers who have visited or are thinking of visiting Hawai'i
- Readers curious to learn about Hawaiian culture and language
- Anyone seeking a more thoughtful and balanced life
DISCOVER FOUR FOUNDATIONS OF HAWAIIAN LIVING
FOR A PEACEFUL AND BALANCED LIFE.
More than just a beautiful paradise, Hawai'i has a rich culture, deeply rooted in tradition. Native Hawaiian and cultural expert Kainoa Daines has spent many years teaching visitors to the islands about this time-honored wisdom, and now he has teamed up with journalist Annie Daly to share that knowledge with you. Island Wisdom is an inspirational and rewarding journey through traditional Hawaiian teachings that have stood the test of time, from how to be pono (live a balanced life) to how to mālama 'āina (preserve and protect the land). Filled with the voices and guidance of Hawaiian elders, regional folklore, and ancient teachings—plus gorgeous local photography and illustrations throughout— Island Wisdom is a celebration of Hawaiian culture, language, and values that will give you a deeper understanding, appreciation, and respect for Hawai'i and the Hawaiian way of life.
Perfect
- Fans of the New York Times bestseller The Little Book of Hygge
- Travelers who have visited or are thinking of visiting Hawai'i
- Readers curious to learn about Hawaiian culture and language
- Anyone seeking a more thoughtful and balanced life
232 pages, Hardcover
Published October 25, 2022
89 people are currently reading
2278 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
October 7, 2022
Hawaii is my happy place. As an Asian-American, it is sometimes difficult to feel like you fit in anywhere; you’re too American for your native country, yet just different enough to be pure American. Hawaii is the first place that had people that looked like me and accepted me as a local so this book, this culture speaks to me. I loved the stories sprinkled in with beautiful pictures of different areas on the islands. The meaning of aloha is beautifully expanded on and there are instructions on how to make a lei. What I get most from the book, though, is that the authors are every bit as enamored with Hawaii as I am and they share their love through respecting the land. Highly recommended for anyone traveling to Hawaii, has traveled to Hawaii in the past, or just wants to learn more.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
July 13, 2023
En utrolig god bok om Hawaiis kultur og tradisjoner. Gir et så mye bedre bilde av Hawaii enn det du får servert av Hollywood
September 27, 2023
A perfect little read for anyone who is visiting the islands and wants to know a little bit more about the culture. I loved that the two authors interviewed lots of Native Hawaiians across all the islands to incorporate different beliefs and interpretations of Hawaiian customs. The photos in the book are also gorgeous! Highly recommend as a place to start to anyone who wants to understand the aloha spirit.
March 17, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
I was gifted this book before I came to Hawaii, and I'm so grateful for it. I can tell a lot of care went into this book. Media devalues Hawaiian culture and traditions, and this book really shows the depth of the Hawaiian language and practices.
For example, aloha isn't just a word. It is a way of life. It is about giving to others in need. Leis aren't just flower necklaces. They're a symbol of love you give to friends and family in celebration. You honor the earth by taking what is needed for the Lei and making something artistic.
I also appreciate the importance of honoring the earth. This book really exemplifies the love of Hawaiian culture, people, and land.
Highly recommend for people coming to Hawaii. However, even if you're not coming to Hawaii, it provides great life lessons.
I was gifted this book before I came to Hawaii, and I'm so grateful for it. I can tell a lot of care went into this book. Media devalues Hawaiian culture and traditions, and this book really shows the depth of the Hawaiian language and practices.
For example, aloha isn't just a word. It is a way of life. It is about giving to others in need. Leis aren't just flower necklaces. They're a symbol of love you give to friends and family in celebration. You honor the earth by taking what is needed for the Lei and making something artistic.
I also appreciate the importance of honoring the earth. This book really exemplifies the love of Hawaiian culture, people, and land.
Highly recommend for people coming to Hawaii. However, even if you're not coming to Hawaii, it provides great life lessons.
December 21, 2022
This is a must read for any Hawaii-lover (and really, who doesn't love Hawaii? There's something for everyone.) The photos and graphics are stunning, the lessons are valuable for anyone trying to lead a better life, one of the co-authors is a Native Hawaiian, and the authors pass on lots of information and stories from elders in the community. The book includes some recipes and DIY projects and would be a good reference book.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a digital review copy. Publish date October 25, 2022.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a digital review copy. Publish date October 25, 2022.
March 27, 2023
I loved learning about the Hawaiian culture and found deep meaning in their practices. I borrowed it from the library, but purchased a copy after finishing because I know it’s going to be a book I refer to again and again. The principles fell into 4 categories: Love (Aloha), Land (‘Āina), Stories (Mo’olelo), and Family (‘Ohana).
The authors are very inviting to Non-Hawaiians to learn of and understand their Hawaiian culture and wisdom, while also respecting the sacredness of their history. I really love in the afterword how the authors invite the reader to participate in reciprocity: taking what they’ve learned and doing something about it. Maybe it’s having a hard conversation with someone so resentment doesn’t fester, maybe it’s learning about the land you live on and how to take care of it. Maybe it’s learning about who you were (your ancestors) so you know who to be.
It’s a beautiful and soul-filling read.
The authors are very inviting to Non-Hawaiians to learn of and understand their Hawaiian culture and wisdom, while also respecting the sacredness of their history. I really love in the afterword how the authors invite the reader to participate in reciprocity: taking what they’ve learned and doing something about it. Maybe it’s having a hard conversation with someone so resentment doesn’t fester, maybe it’s learning about the land you live on and how to take care of it. Maybe it’s learning about who you were (your ancestors) so you know who to be.
It’s a beautiful and soul-filling read.
physical_to-read_stack
October 27, 2022I received my copy free through GoodReads GiveAways
March 20, 2023
Read to complete a merit badge for a club I’m in. A great read to better understand the Hawaiian culture in not a commercialized matter. A recommended read before traveling to Hawaii as a tourist.
May 30, 2023
Beautiful little book
February 7, 2025
I think this book would have been better reading a physical copy. I still enjoyed it on Kindle but certainly wasn’t made for that format.
October 26, 2022
To be perfectly honest I probably wouldn’t have picked up this book in a store, with its bright, friendly cover and the title Island Wisdom. And I think that’s a good thing! I suspect that the cover will appeal to folks who are looking for a more sanitized, tourism-focused, or even whitewashed view of Hawai’i, and thus those who are going to have the most to learn from what is actually inside—an account of Native Hawaiian worldviews, centering indigenous people and sharing their traditions, philosophies, and practices.
Folks who are already familiar with indigenous worldviews will learn how those of Hawaiians connect and differ from other cultures, and all readers will have a chance to think about how they can apply Hawaiian teachings to their own context, particularly in a time where re-connection to land and lineage are so crucial for our collective survival.
This is not a book that exoticizes Hawai’i or encourages the non-Hawaiian spiritual traveler to “find themselves” on the islands. Instead, the reader is encouraged to consider how to apply this wisdom without travel, in their own local context. Indigenous Hawaiian Kainoa Danes actually struggled with whether to embark on this project, given the Hawaiian tradition of passing on stories orally and experientially, and the risk of misunderstanding or misuse by a larger audience. But he ultimately decided to participate given the potential for this wisdom to inspire folks globally to live according to Hawaiian principles, which would significantly reduce harm to and ultimately heal our planet.
Danes and journalist Annie Daly kept the project as Hawaiian as possible given its written format by engaging a broad swathe of local community and including multiple perspectives on every concept in the book. Elders and other locals share stories, practices, and ideas and are also featured in photographs throughout the pages. This book thus serves as a piece of collective storytelling, as well as a teaching tool. Some of those interviewed are experts in a particular craft, while others simply share their perspectives, stories, and understandings from day-to-day life on the islands.
Four key concepts form the skeleton of the book: aloha, ‘āina, mo’olelo, and ‘ohana. Within each section, the authors explain other related terms and concepts in context, blending Danes’ direct understanding with perspectives from other locals. Though these foundational Hawaiian concepts aren’t possible to simply translate, in the aloha section the authors talk about practicing deep, compassionate love and balance between the logical mind and inner knowing, in the ‘āina section about the importance of land stewardship and relationship and what it means to belong to the land, in the mo’olelo section about storytelling practices and language as well as the importance of mystery or hidden wisdom, and in the ‘ohana section about expansive understandings of family and ancestry as well as how Hawaiians view personal responsibility and life purpose.
The authors blend together modern stories, Hawaiian history, and the tales of Hawaiian deities alongside more direct explications of local concepts. They also include plenty of sections on key traditional practices such as lei-making and hula—often with instruction for readers who want to try a practice out themselves, but adapted to a form that’s appropriate for practice in non-Hawaiian context. This can be as simple as making poke with local ingredients, or as long-term and evolving as finding your kuleana (roughly, your contribution to society).
Other guidance is more philosophical or spiritual, less “to do” and more “principles to meditate on and live by.” I found the specifics of language and the way different Hawaiians contextualized key terms particularly interesting, and I enjoyed learning about the specificity of how these Hawaiian concepts ground fairly universal indigenous values into the metaphors of the local environment. Readers familiar with other indigenous cultures and ancient wisdom traditions will find plenty of familiar ideas here, but you’ll also learn how the specifics of Hawaiian geographic isolation, unique land stewardship practices, and of course encounters with and resistance to colonialism inform the Hawaiian perspective. It’s an easy read, but full of depth and important teachings.
[ARC provided through Edelweiss]
Folks who are already familiar with indigenous worldviews will learn how those of Hawaiians connect and differ from other cultures, and all readers will have a chance to think about how they can apply Hawaiian teachings to their own context, particularly in a time where re-connection to land and lineage are so crucial for our collective survival.
This is not a book that exoticizes Hawai’i or encourages the non-Hawaiian spiritual traveler to “find themselves” on the islands. Instead, the reader is encouraged to consider how to apply this wisdom without travel, in their own local context. Indigenous Hawaiian Kainoa Danes actually struggled with whether to embark on this project, given the Hawaiian tradition of passing on stories orally and experientially, and the risk of misunderstanding or misuse by a larger audience. But he ultimately decided to participate given the potential for this wisdom to inspire folks globally to live according to Hawaiian principles, which would significantly reduce harm to and ultimately heal our planet.
Danes and journalist Annie Daly kept the project as Hawaiian as possible given its written format by engaging a broad swathe of local community and including multiple perspectives on every concept in the book. Elders and other locals share stories, practices, and ideas and are also featured in photographs throughout the pages. This book thus serves as a piece of collective storytelling, as well as a teaching tool. Some of those interviewed are experts in a particular craft, while others simply share their perspectives, stories, and understandings from day-to-day life on the islands.
Four key concepts form the skeleton of the book: aloha, ‘āina, mo’olelo, and ‘ohana. Within each section, the authors explain other related terms and concepts in context, blending Danes’ direct understanding with perspectives from other locals. Though these foundational Hawaiian concepts aren’t possible to simply translate, in the aloha section the authors talk about practicing deep, compassionate love and balance between the logical mind and inner knowing, in the ‘āina section about the importance of land stewardship and relationship and what it means to belong to the land, in the mo’olelo section about storytelling practices and language as well as the importance of mystery or hidden wisdom, and in the ‘ohana section about expansive understandings of family and ancestry as well as how Hawaiians view personal responsibility and life purpose.
The authors blend together modern stories, Hawaiian history, and the tales of Hawaiian deities alongside more direct explications of local concepts. They also include plenty of sections on key traditional practices such as lei-making and hula—often with instruction for readers who want to try a practice out themselves, but adapted to a form that’s appropriate for practice in non-Hawaiian context. This can be as simple as making poke with local ingredients, or as long-term and evolving as finding your kuleana (roughly, your contribution to society).
Other guidance is more philosophical or spiritual, less “to do” and more “principles to meditate on and live by.” I found the specifics of language and the way different Hawaiians contextualized key terms particularly interesting, and I enjoyed learning about the specificity of how these Hawaiian concepts ground fairly universal indigenous values into the metaphors of the local environment. Readers familiar with other indigenous cultures and ancient wisdom traditions will find plenty of familiar ideas here, but you’ll also learn how the specifics of Hawaiian geographic isolation, unique land stewardship practices, and of course encounters with and resistance to colonialism inform the Hawaiian perspective. It’s an easy read, but full of depth and important teachings.
[ARC provided through Edelweiss]
April 29, 2025
Good introductory book to Hawaii/Hawaiian culture.
Sky father + earth mother = daughter who had a son = haloa who was still born. He was buried and a plant with heart leaves grew = taro. She had a second son also named haloa who became the first Hawaiian
Language wasn’t written until 1820s when colonizers tried to force religious propaganda. Hawaiian is largely oral
In written form, Hawaiian alphabet has 1e letters (5 vowels, 8 consonants - h,k,l,m,n,p,w and okina)
1867 king kamehameha V built a cottage in moanalua valley Oahu where hula was seen for first time in decades (1820s missionaries deemed hula ungodly which was supported by king k I’s fav wife who proceeded to ban hula for Christianity)
1874 Hula in public restored by David Kalakaua also known as merry monarch
1896 Hawaiian language was banned after monarch was overthrown by American businessmen
Hula masters are the historians of each time period and are in charge of writing about what happened during those years
Deities
hi’iaka goddess of hula
Hina goddess of moon
Kamojoali’i shark god
Kanaloa god of sea/sea creatures
Ku god of war
Lono god of fertility/agrigulture
Pelehonuamea goddess of fire/volcano
Poli’ahu goddess of snow
Wakea god of sky/father of islands
Words to memorize
Ali’i: chief/chiefess, ruler, monarch
wala’au: “talking story”
okina: glottal stop ‘
kahako (-): elongates vowel sound
kalo: taro
pono life: doing everything you can to stay in balance
kupuna: grandparent, ancestor, relative or close friend
Malama: to take care of
‘Olelo: speech, language
wai: water
kuleana: responsibility/duty/privilege
Ha’aha’a: humility, be humble
Ho’omanawanui: art of patience, active pursuit of being in the moment
i ka manawa kupono: the right things will happen “at the right time”
na’au: inner guiding energy/your gut
Sky father + earth mother = daughter who had a son = haloa who was still born. He was buried and a plant with heart leaves grew = taro. She had a second son also named haloa who became the first Hawaiian
Language wasn’t written until 1820s when colonizers tried to force religious propaganda. Hawaiian is largely oral
In written form, Hawaiian alphabet has 1e letters (5 vowels, 8 consonants - h,k,l,m,n,p,w and okina)
1867 king kamehameha V built a cottage in moanalua valley Oahu where hula was seen for first time in decades (1820s missionaries deemed hula ungodly which was supported by king k I’s fav wife who proceeded to ban hula for Christianity)
1874 Hula in public restored by David Kalakaua also known as merry monarch
1896 Hawaiian language was banned after monarch was overthrown by American businessmen
Hula masters are the historians of each time period and are in charge of writing about what happened during those years
Deities
hi’iaka goddess of hula
Hina goddess of moon
Kamojoali’i shark god
Kanaloa god of sea/sea creatures
Ku god of war
Lono god of fertility/agrigulture
Pelehonuamea goddess of fire/volcano
Poli’ahu goddess of snow
Wakea god of sky/father of islands
Words to memorize
Ali’i: chief/chiefess, ruler, monarch
wala’au: “talking story”
okina: glottal stop ‘
kahako (-): elongates vowel sound
kalo: taro
pono life: doing everything you can to stay in balance
kupuna: grandparent, ancestor, relative or close friend
Malama: to take care of
‘Olelo: speech, language
wai: water
kuleana: responsibility/duty/privilege
Ha’aha’a: humility, be humble
Ho’omanawanui: art of patience, active pursuit of being in the moment
i ka manawa kupono: the right things will happen “at the right time”
na’au: inner guiding energy/your gut
June 13, 2025
As I read this book, I immediately could see how and why we were provided the hospitality, love, insight, and the food (every single memory involves an experience and a food) we were gifted with on our annual Hawaii trips with our "airline family." On these trips, we always had Pete and Genevieve by our sides; who both were born and raised and eventually started their family in Hawaii until they moved to the Midwest for their airline career. Because of their ohana on the islands, we were granted the experiences that only locals were privy to. Researching various things, I quickly realized that my experiences and memories are much different than visitors that travel to the islands. I will forever be grateful for these opportunities. Reading this made me revisit these memories in an even more grateful light.
Hawaii is a special place! Nature is a big part of it, but the people make the whole experience. This book provided a unique look into my experiences and some things to consider when trying to provide my family with similar experiences.
Hawaii is a special place! Nature is a big part of it, but the people make the whole experience. This book provided a unique look into my experiences and some things to consider when trying to provide my family with similar experiences.
March 5, 2025
Aloha is literally being nose to nose with another and exchanging air. Figuratively it is empathy- it is compassion and respect for all things; of nature, of people, for everything living. When you greet someone with aloha you are expressing that you care about them and are bringing compassion to the relationship.
Aloha is “the breath that connects us. I give you my breath, and in return you give me your breath…we’re all connected…if you live in an island, you’re surrounded by water, and there’s nowhere to go. It’s not like you can just drive away to another continent, so you have to work with each other and share with each other in order to be successful together “
“Lei are a symbol of compassion, and of aloha….Lei are seen as the embodiment of nature itself. Hills practitioners believe that when you put pieces off the forest on your body, you actually BECOME the forest. You are an extension of the forest “
Aloha is “the breath that connects us. I give you my breath, and in return you give me your breath…we’re all connected…if you live in an island, you’re surrounded by water, and there’s nowhere to go. It’s not like you can just drive away to another continent, so you have to work with each other and share with each other in order to be successful together “
“Lei are a symbol of compassion, and of aloha….Lei are seen as the embodiment of nature itself. Hills practitioners believe that when you put pieces off the forest on your body, you actually BECOME the forest. You are an extension of the forest “
December 3, 2025
Island Wisdom: Hawaiian Traditions and Practices for a Meaningful Life sometimes reads as a self-help book applying someone’s culture to general wellbeing, like the Danish hygge fad a few years back. Other times it truly feels like the authors managed to impart aspects of indigenous wisdom from elders that might not be easily shared with outsiders on other occasions. The main concepts and four primary sections of the book are Aloha (love), ‘Aina (land), Mo’olelo (stories), and’Ohana (family). There are many interesting cultural references within those four sections. In the end, it feels like only a small introduction to a much larger story. Though some of the words of wisdom are “Remember that we’re not meant to know everything about everyone.” (page 148) Out of respect, it would behoove anyone visiting Hawaii to learn more about the culture of the Native Hawaiians. This book might be a good start.
October 20, 2022
Island Wisdom was so much more than I expected and hoped for. Visually beautiful, the topics covered were even more so. Organized with a focus on the Hawaiian language and some of the key values in Hawaiian culture, this book focuses on sharing the traditions and values of Hawaii. One of my favorite things about this book is that one of the two authors is a Native Hawaiian and this is clear as this book really focuses on how those of us who are not Hawaiian can embrace some of these same values and learn more about Hawaiian culture while making certain to share ways in which Hawaiian culture and Native Hawaiians has been appropriated and mischaracterized. Another detail I loved was that Kainoa Danes shared so much information from elders throughout the book. We were able to learn from the expertise and experience of many.
October 27, 2022
I got this amazing book yesterday and am beyond in love with it. I could not put it down till I finished it.
I had the pleasure of visiting Hawai'i with my family in January 2022. The atmosphere of the islands is just wonderful. I loved reading the Island Wisdom after getting the chance to experience some of the Hawaiian traditions there. The passion that Native Hawaiians have for their traditions and practices is beyond inspiring and this book does a great job of sharing those traditions and practices.
Island Wisdom is a well written book that will hook you with the first page. I can't wait to buy more copies to share with my family.
I had the pleasure of visiting Hawai'i with my family in January 2022. The atmosphere of the islands is just wonderful. I loved reading the Island Wisdom after getting the chance to experience some of the Hawaiian traditions there. The passion that Native Hawaiians have for their traditions and practices is beyond inspiring and this book does a great job of sharing those traditions and practices.
Island Wisdom is a well written book that will hook you with the first page. I can't wait to buy more copies to share with my family.
July 18, 2023
learn about Hawaiian lifestyle
To start with: I love everything about this book! The layout, the photographies and of course the lessons it tought me and the positive and calming vibes it gives off. In this book we learn about the Hawaiian culture, traditions and spirituality. How they see the world, their connection to the nature and their own role within the environment and community. It's a rich collection about everything you need to know before travelling to Hawaii or if you just like to learn more about native culture and lifestyle. I think the western mind can learn a lot through this book and I try to adapt a part of this worldview from now on. It gave me a lot.
To start with: I love everything about this book! The layout, the photographies and of course the lessons it tought me and the positive and calming vibes it gives off. In this book we learn about the Hawaiian culture, traditions and spirituality. How they see the world, their connection to the nature and their own role within the environment and community. It's a rich collection about everything you need to know before travelling to Hawaii or if you just like to learn more about native culture and lifestyle. I think the western mind can learn a lot through this book and I try to adapt a part of this worldview from now on. It gave me a lot.
August 7, 2022
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a beautiful book about Native Hawaiian traditions and practices.
The book is broken down by different words and sentiments and what they mean to peoples lives. This is a great book sharing the stories, experiences, and knowledge of Hawaiian Native peoples and highlighting the diversity in this knowledge. There's lots of helpful information about life perspectives and traditions that have maintained the islands and their culture.
A great read!
This is a beautiful book about Native Hawaiian traditions and practices.
The book is broken down by different words and sentiments and what they mean to peoples lives. This is a great book sharing the stories, experiences, and knowledge of Hawaiian Native peoples and highlighting the diversity in this knowledge. There's lots of helpful information about life perspectives and traditions that have maintained the islands and their culture.
A great read!
November 26, 2022
What an educational, yet soulful read! Kainoa and Annie are an incredible duo, and Island Wisdom overflows with their joy in sharing what makes Hawai’i such a special place.
The stunning images and illustrations will transport you there and help counteract whatever stereotypes come to mind when you think of this beautiful paradise.
I can’t wait to share what I’ve learned and, if I am lucky enough to visit again one day, this book will be by my side. For now, I have the words of Uncle Clifford, Desiree, and so many others to help me live with Aloha ʻĀina every day.
The stunning images and illustrations will transport you there and help counteract whatever stereotypes come to mind when you think of this beautiful paradise.
I can’t wait to share what I’ve learned and, if I am lucky enough to visit again one day, this book will be by my side. For now, I have the words of Uncle Clifford, Desiree, and so many others to help me live with Aloha ʻĀina every day.
June 2, 2024
This is a must-read for anyone traveling to or living in Hawai'i, or for those of us who seek to learn from people who have lived in harmony in crowded circumstances. My favorite parts were about mana -- the power of words, and the importance of putting positive energy into your community and everything you do. Also the land and resource management part, ahupa'a, was fascinating.
Thank you for sharing so much in a beautiful and readable volume! I got mine at the Talk Story bookstore in Hanapepe, Kaua'i!
Thank you for sharing so much in a beautiful and readable volume! I got mine at the Talk Story bookstore in Hanapepe, Kaua'i!
December 9, 2024
I listened to the audio book and enjoyed the pronunciations of the Hawaiian words. It was a lovely book sharing the wise practices on how to live a meaningful life, from Hawaiian generations of the past. I really loved hearing what the word “aloha” means and how it differs from person to person, depending who you ask. I loved that so many described it as a feeling, instead of a “thing”. I recommend this book to anyone who is is traveling to Hawaii, or, is interested in learning about the Hawaiian culture.
August 20, 2022
I have been fascinated with Hawaii since I was a child and I first saw a hula. The elegant way of storytelling captured my heart, so beautiful and graceful. I am deeply grateful that Kainoa agreed to do this book. The wisdom of Hawaiian culture is essential in life, many of these ideas are things we have forgotten. This book will help you find your balance and purpose, help you learn Hawaiian patience and spirit of Aloha. Everyone needs to read Island Wisdom. Mahalo, Kainoa and Annie.
November 16, 2022
I entered the Goodreads Giveaway for Island Wisdom: Hawaiian Traditions and Practices for a Meaningful Life because I have several friends who are booked on a trip to Hawaii where they will cruise the islands this winter. I wish I was going too! I passed this book to one of the future cruisers and she enjoyed Island Wisdom and thinks it will help with her appreciation of the islands when she is there.
March 10, 2024
Libricino assai bello.
Ti porta per mano e con grande delicatezza dentro il ventre della cultura hawaiiana, esplorandone alcune parti.
Sei stat* alle Hawaii e ne sei rimast* folgorat*?
Non partire senza prima comprarlo. Ci sono delle librerie locali super carine.
Perché é una meta che va oltre all'idea di relax, mai tai e acque limpide (palme annesse, certo!)
Ora vorrei solo poter ripartire domani stesso.
Ti porta per mano e con grande delicatezza dentro il ventre della cultura hawaiiana, esplorandone alcune parti.
Sei stat* alle Hawaii e ne sei rimast* folgorat*?
Non partire senza prima comprarlo. Ci sono delle librerie locali super carine.
Perché é una meta che va oltre all'idea di relax, mai tai e acque limpide (palme annesse, certo!)
Ora vorrei solo poter ripartire domani stesso.
March 12, 2025
4.5 stars, I loved every detail about Hawaii and their culture, after this book and one visit I feel Hawaiian at heart and I felt that I connected with their beliefs and traditions. I loved the Aloha chapter more than everything, but every single one is worth reading, I’m planning to print and frame my Highlights from this book and decorate my little girls room walls with them. The world needs to learn a lot about Hawaii and It’s so far from the Hollywood version.
July 26, 2022
What a lovely book that takes us through traditional Hawaiian teachings and also aims to correct harmful myths about the culture. Packed with information, and stories from other Native Hawaiians. Beautiful pictures, and a thorough dive into what the meaning of "Aloha" means.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC, very enjoyable!
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC, very enjoyable!
August 12, 2022
This is a beautiful book full of Hawaiian wisdom, legends, symbolism, history and photographs. There are also recipes and native crafts such a lei-making. It will make a fantastic gift for anyone who has ever been to—or who wants to visit—Hawaii.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 31, 2022
I got this book at the perfect time, one of our family members just got stationed out in Hawaii and I will be getting this book for him to read. I really enjoyed the way the beauty of the culture was explained and how there are so many misconceptions with island culture do to media and others watering down this amazing culture. If you have any interest in Hawaiian culture, read this book!
January 20, 2023
Kainoa & Annie,
Thank you for the amazing insight. Thank you for the history lesson with a modern day twist.
This read was super informative, in a fun way. I found myself sticky-tabbing at least every other page. I loved the deep dive into a culture that is often commercialized. Thank you for straightening out the truth and pretty much providing a Hawaiian "must read".
#TravelReads
Thank you for the amazing insight. Thank you for the history lesson with a modern day twist.
This read was super informative, in a fun way. I found myself sticky-tabbing at least every other page. I loved the deep dive into a culture that is often commercialized. Thank you for straightening out the truth and pretty much providing a Hawaiian "must read".
#TravelReads
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews