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American Girl: Kanani #1
Aloha, Kanani
Kanani loves helping out in her family's store and sharing the wonders of Hawaii with visitors. When her chic cousin Rachel from Manhattan comes to stay for a month, Kanani can't wait to get to know her cousin and help Rachel feel at home. But a clash of cultures ensures, and Kanani feels ignored. She tries to extend hospitality but everything she does seems to make Rachel unhappy. How can she find a way to connect with her cousin and make things better? "Sometimes people who want help the least need it the most," her mother tells her. After a mixup with a diary leads to a fight, Kanani reaches out to Rachel in an openhearted spirit of caring and good will, and discovers that she has misjudged her cousin. In the process, Kanani learns the true meaning of Hawaii's "aloha spirit."
116 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
46 people are currently reading
624 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Yee
44 books561 followersLisa Yee has written over 20 novels. Her most recent book, Maizy Chen's Last Chance, is about a fifth-generation Chinese American girl, and is a National Book Award Finalist, Newbery Honor, and the Asian Pacific American Children's Literature Award winner.
Lisa's debut novel, Millicent Min, Girl Genius, won the prestigious Sid Fleischman Humor Award. Other books include Stanford Wong Flunks Big-Time, Absolutely Maybe, and a series about a 4th grader, Bobby vs. Girls (Accidentally) and Bobby the Brave (Sometimes), illustrated by Dan Santat.
Lisa is also the author of several American Girl books and the DC Super Hero Girls series. A Thurber House Children’s Writer-in-Residence, Lisa's books have been named a NPR Best Summer Read, Sports Illustrated Kids Hot Summer Read, and USA Today Critics’ Top Pick.
Lisa lives In Western Massachusetts, but spends a lot of time in Los Angeles, especially when it's cold. Her next book, an awkward and hilarious mystery, is called The Misfits: A Royal Conundrum, and is illustrated by Dan Santat.
You can visit Lisa at www.lisayee.com.
Lisa's debut novel, Millicent Min, Girl Genius, won the prestigious Sid Fleischman Humor Award. Other books include Stanford Wong Flunks Big-Time, Absolutely Maybe, and a series about a 4th grader, Bobby vs. Girls (Accidentally) and Bobby the Brave (Sometimes), illustrated by Dan Santat.
Lisa is also the author of several American Girl books and the DC Super Hero Girls series. A Thurber House Children’s Writer-in-Residence, Lisa's books have been named a NPR Best Summer Read, Sports Illustrated Kids Hot Summer Read, and USA Today Critics’ Top Pick.
Lisa lives In Western Massachusetts, but spends a lot of time in Los Angeles, especially when it's cold. Her next book, an awkward and hilarious mystery, is called The Misfits: A Royal Conundrum, and is illustrated by Dan Santat.
You can visit Lisa at www.lisayee.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
August 17, 2022
⭐4
need the second book asap. it was such a nice and cute little story of friendship and... the HOLD it had on me. wanted to reread this since the doll is very special to me but i love her character so much, which just makes her all the more special. i love everything about it.
need the second book asap. it was such a nice and cute little story of friendship and... the HOLD it had on me. wanted to reread this since the doll is very special to me but i love her character so much, which just makes her all the more special. i love everything about it.
January 22, 2012
Kanani is a kind Haiwaiian girl who desperately wishes to make friends with her visiting cousin from New York. Kanani is such a sweet, open-hearted girl. The cultural references in this book really help the story and characters feel authentic. Whenever they talk about something Haiwaiian it makes me want to guy somewhere foreign (preferably Hawaii) and try new foods and have cultural experiences. I just thought that Kanani's tory was very sweet. Thought the plot was anything but intriguing, I was mostly reading for the experience of seeing what Kanani's life was like and the cultural exposure.
October 25, 2017
I have always wanted to go to Hawaii, and the Kanani series is soooo sweet! ❤️❤️❤️
December 24, 2024
2.5 rounded down.
This book... hm. It was entirely focused on friendship drama - which I don't find to be within AG's strengths. And the friendship drama itself was... weird. Rachel was either giving microaggressions or she was just having valid complaints which got retconned away.
Rachel is uncomfortable sleeping in a room with a dog (she's just like me for real!!), but Kanani insists upon bringing the dog with them as they hang out. A couple of chapters later, suddenly Rachel wishes she had a dog too.
Rachel makes it clear she doesn't like the ocean or swimming. But then Kanani decides to surprise her with... an ocean-related activity. But don't worry it turns out she REALLY LIKES this one so it's okay that Kanani tried to cheer her up with something that, by all accounts, she really shouldn't have liked.
And the diary thing at the end... if Kanani had been characterized as a dumb girl prior to this, then I guess I could forgive this sort of stupid plot contrivance. But she seems like a perfectly intelligent young girl. I just can't believe she'd do something THIS stupid.
I thought the setting was well done, at least, and the two illustrations we got were gorgeous. But overall I wasn't a fan of this one.
This book... hm. It was entirely focused on friendship drama - which I don't find to be within AG's strengths. And the friendship drama itself was... weird. Rachel was either giving microaggressions or she was just having valid complaints which got retconned away.
Rachel is uncomfortable sleeping in a room with a dog (she's just like me for real!!), but Kanani insists upon bringing the dog with them as they hang out. A couple of chapters later, suddenly Rachel wishes she had a dog too.
Rachel makes it clear she doesn't like the ocean or swimming. But then Kanani decides to surprise her with... an ocean-related activity. But don't worry it turns out she REALLY LIKES this one so it's okay that Kanani tried to cheer her up with something that, by all accounts, she really shouldn't have liked.
And the diary thing at the end... if Kanani had been characterized as a dumb girl prior to this, then I guess I could forgive this sort of stupid plot contrivance. But she seems like a perfectly intelligent young girl. I just can't believe she'd do something THIS stupid.
I thought the setting was well done, at least, and the two illustrations we got were gorgeous. But overall I wasn't a fan of this one.
June 5, 2022
"This book makes me think that I can feel welcome even if they are homesick. It's a good book to read that teaches you to be friends with lots of different types of people." -Cadee, age 10
December 19, 2016
This review is of both books in the Kanani series.
Kanani Akina was American Girl’s Girl of the Year 2011. Her books, Aloha, Kanani, and Good Job, Kanani are set in Waipuna, in Kauai, Hawaii, where her family owns a shave ice store. In the first book, Kanani’s cousin, Rachel comes from New York, and the two girls get off to a rocky start because each girl thinks the other is bragging about her city of origin, but ultimately become great friends. In the second book, Kanani takes on the job of selling shave ice on the beach in order to raise money to save the monk seals, but runs into trouble with her best friend when she would rather surf than help Kanani work.
It had been a long time since I’d read an American Girl book, and these looked so appealing when they arrived at my library, that I took them home before putting them out on the shelf. I read them in the same night, one right after the other, and found myself really surprised by how well-written they are, and how positive, without being cheesy. I really like the direct, upbeat language Yee uses to describe her characters and the Hawaiian setting. I also enjoyed Kanani’s first-person journal entries in Aloha, Kanani, and her letters to Rachel in Good Job, Kanani, which gave insight into her thoughts that might have been missed by the primarily third-person narration.
The activism portion of the books was especially interesting. Kanani’s knowledge about the endangered monk seals and her continued heroic efforts to preserve their safety and well-being were admirable, and her passion for helping the endangered animals will undoubtedly inspire girls with an interest in marine biology, or veterinary medicine. Like the historical American Girl stories, Kanani’s books focus on universal themes of friendship, girl power, empathy, and community-mindedness, and create a positive, feminine, and educational reading experience. I really strongly recommend these books to tween girls who are less interested in dating and fashion and more excited about friendship, animals, and saving the world. They also make a wonderful girly alternative to the Calvin Coconut series, another set of books that very strongly evokes the Hawaiian climate.
Kanani Akina was American Girl’s Girl of the Year 2011. Her books, Aloha, Kanani, and Good Job, Kanani are set in Waipuna, in Kauai, Hawaii, where her family owns a shave ice store. In the first book, Kanani’s cousin, Rachel comes from New York, and the two girls get off to a rocky start because each girl thinks the other is bragging about her city of origin, but ultimately become great friends. In the second book, Kanani takes on the job of selling shave ice on the beach in order to raise money to save the monk seals, but runs into trouble with her best friend when she would rather surf than help Kanani work.
It had been a long time since I’d read an American Girl book, and these looked so appealing when they arrived at my library, that I took them home before putting them out on the shelf. I read them in the same night, one right after the other, and found myself really surprised by how well-written they are, and how positive, without being cheesy. I really like the direct, upbeat language Yee uses to describe her characters and the Hawaiian setting. I also enjoyed Kanani’s first-person journal entries in Aloha, Kanani, and her letters to Rachel in Good Job, Kanani, which gave insight into her thoughts that might have been missed by the primarily third-person narration.
The activism portion of the books was especially interesting. Kanani’s knowledge about the endangered monk seals and her continued heroic efforts to preserve their safety and well-being were admirable, and her passion for helping the endangered animals will undoubtedly inspire girls with an interest in marine biology, or veterinary medicine. Like the historical American Girl stories, Kanani’s books focus on universal themes of friendship, girl power, empathy, and community-mindedness, and create a positive, feminine, and educational reading experience. I really strongly recommend these books to tween girls who are less interested in dating and fashion and more excited about friendship, animals, and saving the world. They also make a wonderful girly alternative to the Calvin Coconut series, another set of books that very strongly evokes the Hawaiian climate.
October 21, 2021
I read both the books this weekend. My review is from the viewpoint as mother of a 4.5 DD who isn't ready for the doll, but now I'll know when she's ready for the books. These are the first GOTY books I've read, and I was pleased with them. The illustrations are gorgeous.
Aloha, Kanani - I like that Kanani learns to put herself in the place of her confused, homesick cousin, and not just focus on herself and her plans. And I think the "moral" is handled fairly subtly, and is mixed in with other parts about being kind to the elderly, being good to neighbors.
In some ways Kanani is too perfect (taking care of her pets), in other ways she has room to grow. And her parents are almost entirely absent - the adult figures are all elderly neighbors. Kanani seems to have full run of the island, and both books take place in the summer so no school element.
Overall, a satisfying book with some important lessons about empathy that are handled well.
Aloha, Kanani - I like that Kanani learns to put herself in the place of her confused, homesick cousin, and not just focus on herself and her plans. And I think the "moral" is handled fairly subtly, and is mixed in with other parts about being kind to the elderly, being good to neighbors.
In some ways Kanani is too perfect (taking care of her pets), in other ways she has room to grow. And her parents are almost entirely absent - the adult figures are all elderly neighbors. Kanani seems to have full run of the island, and both books take place in the summer so no school element.
Overall, a satisfying book with some important lessons about empathy that are handled well.
January 27, 2015
my book was pretty good. its about a girl named kanani & how her cousin Rachel came over to stay with her for a month & how events happened that if you read the book , you will find out :). the author Lisa , wrote her book pretty good to where I wasn't bored & liked the book!! the ending was pretty good too because she kind of wrote it to where she like makes me have to read the next book :) its kinda cool :). I would recommend this book to girls & girls only!! not guys because its a girl book ;) and younger girls like 6-7th graders & younger. well this is my critique about aloha, kanani & I hoped you liked it :)
June 12, 2016
Make a new friend everyday
January 8, 2022
2.5 stars, rounded up.
I didn't read this Girl of the Year duology when it originally released, and that was a good call. I would have hated it in early 2011, when I was going through the roughest phase of my life. I remember seeing this at the library back then and feeling disdainful about the premise of Kanani making her cousin feel welcome through the power of aloha, because that is a far cry from the very serious issues that other American Girl characters have faced. However, as an adult, I can appreciate that this is a perfectly fine contemporary juvenile chapter book.
Kanani doesn't face any significant hardships in this book, and it is very light on plot and substance. It mainly just involves her welcoming her cousin to the island, dealing with misunderstandings, and helping save an endangered seal. It's the kind of stuff that I would have rolled my eyes at in early 2011, but it's all perfectly fine for the younger target audience. The story cannot live up to classic American Girl content, but the book has good prose, beautiful illustrations, a well-described Hawaiian cultural setting, and positive messages about empathy and family.
I didn't read this Girl of the Year duology when it originally released, and that was a good call. I would have hated it in early 2011, when I was going through the roughest phase of my life. I remember seeing this at the library back then and feeling disdainful about the premise of Kanani making her cousin feel welcome through the power of aloha, because that is a far cry from the very serious issues that other American Girl characters have faced. However, as an adult, I can appreciate that this is a perfectly fine contemporary juvenile chapter book.
Kanani doesn't face any significant hardships in this book, and it is very light on plot and substance. It mainly just involves her welcoming her cousin to the island, dealing with misunderstandings, and helping save an endangered seal. It's the kind of stuff that I would have rolled my eyes at in early 2011, but it's all perfectly fine for the younger target audience. The story cannot live up to classic American Girl content, but the book has good prose, beautiful illustrations, a well-described Hawaiian cultural setting, and positive messages about empathy and family.
August 8, 2025
This is the first book of my journey in reading the American Girl books. My goal is to read them all in chronological order, but I thought I should read this one (and it’s sequel) first since Kanani was my first AG doll and I never finished it when I was younger.
This book is a lot of fun and very immersive in Hawaiian culture. I felt as though I were visiting Hawaii and Kanani herself was given me the tour. This is a story about homesickness from a bystander’s perspective and how young girls can help their friends who are in this situation.
For someone reading this book as an 18+ year old (such as myself):
I never thought of this book as annoying or whiny. In fact, Kanani is quite mature for her age. I found the way she responded to situations as realistic, and yes, there were some problems that could have been easily avoided, but she is just 10. There is nothing wrong with this.
This book is a lot of fun and very immersive in Hawaiian culture. I felt as though I were visiting Hawaii and Kanani herself was given me the tour. This is a story about homesickness from a bystander’s perspective and how young girls can help their friends who are in this situation.
For someone reading this book as an 18+ year old (such as myself):
I never thought of this book as annoying or whiny. In fact, Kanani is quite mature for her age. I found the way she responded to situations as realistic, and yes, there were some problems that could have been easily avoided, but she is just 10. There is nothing wrong with this.
January 13, 2022
I received Aloha, Kanani from one of my aunts who live in USA. Since then, this has always been my comfort book as a child. I used to reread this every now and then and still get amazed by the visuals and the story itself. It even made me dream of tasting shaved ice (which I have already tried now).
July 3, 2022
This made me feel really nostalgic. I remember when I was 8 and was desperate for anything American Girl I could get my hands on. It felt like I was connecting with my childhood self.
This was a cute story about Kanani, her cousin Rachel and a monk seal. I loved it, but it is definitely for a younger audience.
This was a cute story about Kanani, her cousin Rachel and a monk seal. I loved it, but it is definitely for a younger audience.
February 6, 2023
Saw this at the library & took it out for nostalgia purposes—my daughter was really into AG dolls & books years ago. Nice story, always loved how the books introduced something about history or a location. Part of the story seemed to be left hanging, but I do see the book is identified as #1, so perhaps I need to get back to the library!
July 1, 2025
kanani has been my holy grail doll for over ten years and recently i was browsing a local resell store and found her in perfection condition with her box and book !! i was so excited
this book was so cute and the excitement of finally owning kanani after all these years made it even better !! i wish kanani had gotten her own movie
this book was so cute and the excitement of finally owning kanani after all these years made it even better !! i wish kanani had gotten her own movie
December 31, 2022
last book of the year!
the everyday life in hawaii was really well written, and i learnt some new words and things about hawaii that i didn't know before. kanani was a really nice character, and her and rachel's issues were realistic.
the everyday life in hawaii was really well written, and i learnt some new words and things about hawaii that i didn't know before. kanani was a really nice character, and her and rachel's issues were realistic.
December 4, 2023
lol should i be adding this book to goodreads considering it was like 30pgs with big words, prob not
but i need to get as far as i can in my reading goal so ill count it for all the words of fanfic i read that doesn’t get counted
anyways it was cute yeah
but i need to get as far as i can in my reading goal so ill count it for all the words of fanfic i read that doesn’t get counted
anyways it was cute yeah
May 8, 2024
This book was SO adorable. Felt warm and fuzzy after reading it! I was in the mood for a nostalgic AND a quick read that wouldnt require much thinking. I was transported back to my childhood bedroom with all my AG dolls. I would've ate up this cute book about friendship when I was a preteen.
August 17, 2024
While not my favorite type of AG book [friendship troubles], I LOVE how realistic this one is. It was refreshing after having read so many other types of books lately. Simple and filled with Hawaiian culture. Very nice.
May 27, 2017
2.5 stars, but 3 on here, because 2 doesn't seem high enough.
I'll do a proper review later.
I'll do a proper review later.
June 21, 2017
This book is incredibly awesome! I loved to learn about all the adventured that kanani and rachel shared and loved to learn about hawaii.
March 12, 2018
This may be the best American Girl book I've ever read.
-Whitney
-Whitney
February 19, 2019
I love all of the American Girl novels this one is not any different. It is a sweet story of two cousins who learn to overcome their differences and learn respect for their different cultures.
June 23, 2019
Aloha, Kanani is a solid American Girl book. Like most AG books, it's on the simple side, but the Hawaiian setting is enjoyable, and Kanani is a good character. Love the illustrations!
August 1, 2022
Demetrius loved this story! We loved reading about Hawaii and the seals! He laughed out loud so many times at this book! great book!
September 30, 2022
This is my childhood! So much nostalgia! And an important lesson, the person who wants help the least may need it the most.
November 22, 2022
Enjoyed the book as much as I did when I was a kid!
January 15, 2023
i don’t know why i never actually read this after i got the doll as a child because 10 year old me would’ve loved this book just like 21 year old me does. cute story of friendship/family
January 20, 2025
A well done story of friendship and differences.
September 24, 2025
I wish I could visit Hawaii
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews