From its beginning in the mists of the Polynesian past, the story of the peopling of the Hawaiian Islands has been one of the most exotic of any state of the Union. Professor Day reveals the changing phases of island society from a kingdom to a polyracial democracy. A “headline history” updates the story.

What the Critics Say

“The book begins on a sailboat and ends on a surfboard . . . It is well written. It is a perfect book to put into the hands of a thoughtful layman who is going soon to the islands . . . yet it will also help all groups now living in the islands to understand each other better.”

—Christian Century

“In lively style, the book reports the events, beginning with the accidental discovery of the islands by the English explorer Cook in 1778. This is a book for the layman. Its informal style and approach serve best in descriptions of early trade and business, warfare and political intrigue, the elegant manners and social habits of the resident foreign community, and the personal affairs of the monarchs, ministers, and prominent families.”

—U.S. Quarterly Book Review

“A comprehensive one-volume history of the Hawaiian Islands tightly and interestingly written, tracing the sometimes bloody, sometimes merry track of Hawaii from its discovery. The book is crammed with interesting tidbits about Hawaiian life and legend. Visitors to the islands might better study this than some commercial book.”

—Springfield Republican

Author: A Grove Day