Historical and filled with fascinating information as well as great fictional stories of many of the families who built Hawaii.

Great history of Hawaii. Interesting breakdown of the ethnic influences - Polynesians, haoles (whites), Chinese, and Japanese.

I first read this book 50 years ago when I was in high school for a class assignment. I remember reading it over a long holiday weekend. My teacher did not think that I could possibly have read this entire book in four days, but I answered every question she asked me about it accurately and in detail. How did I manage that? Simply put, I couldn’t put the book down. From the formation of the islands from underwater volcanoes through the arrival of the Polynesians to the arrival of the missionaries, Chinese and Japanese laborers, World War II and into the post war era and statehood, this book will keep your attention.

Michener weaves an epic accounting of Hawaii through the ages. He speculates on the birth of the islands and their evolution through the uninhabitable volcanic eruptions to the lush tropical paradise they become. Tales of brave Polynesian sailors who travel unexplored seas foreshadow later travels of brave missionaries and their difficult ocean journey. Descendants of both groups merge to become the founding peoples of Hawaii. This is their story. It is a story of struggles and solutions, as each new wave of Chinese, Japanese and others blend in to form the fabric of the culture that becomes Hawaii.

Great reading. If you have ever been to Hawaii and enjoyed the festivities, the people, the “way” that’s great. However, having met and befriended some and then you read this book, now all becomes clearer of who they are and why they are who they are. Difficult to simply explain, you must live it to comprehend. Nice people, nice spirit, great history.

Could not put this book down. Masterful storytelling, enchanting, informative. I knew when I was captivated by the geological formation of the islands in the beginning that it was going to be good. It just got better and better. Epic multi-generational account of the the islands and the unique struggles and experiences of its immigrants. Amazing story.

One of the best books written by James Michner. This is not the first time I've read this book and it not be the last.

This will be my third reading of this wonderful, informative saga. At 82 years I can not carry such a tome around but was delighted to find it here. Michener is a wonderful author and makes everything come alive through words.