Hawaii: What to Read
April 14, 2011
Uncategorized

Hawaii: What to Read

I always like to bring a book on vacation that’s related to the area. However, there are surprisingly few books set in Hawaii. No idea why; it seems like the perfect setting for a flouncy 1920’s historical novel to me.

Mark Twain’s Letters from Hawaii seems to fits the bill…and has that great vintage cover, to boot. Do you have suggestions for books to take to the beach?

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mrsem

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There are 8 comments for this article
  1. Anonymous at 4:57 pm

    If you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend Molokai, by Alan Brennert. An excellent read and set in Hawaii!

  2. Jessica at 5:58 pm

    Sarah Vowell's latest, Unfamiliar Fishes, is about Hawaii becoming a state. It just arrived this past week, so I haven't started it yet, but I love all her books so it will no doubt be excellent.

  3. Two Pitties in the City at 6:14 pm

    I too try to bring related books on our travels; I know this sounds so dorky, and not beachy, but have you read Michner's Hawaii? He uses fictional characters to tell the factual account of how Hawaii was developed. It was really fascinating.

  4. Anonymous at 8:33 pm

    Shark Dialogues by Kiana Davenport

  5. Anonymous at 2:43 am

    I love the idea of bringing a book related to the area, and I try to, too. I have so much delicious memories of what I read and where I was!

    That's why I recommend this one – despite knowing its polarising effect! – "Eat, Pray, Love", which I read whilst blissfully stretched out on Hapuna Beach (Big Island)! 🙂

    – sarah in canada

  6. Schuyler at 3:11 pm

    All of the books suggested are great, and you can add to that list "The Descendents" by Kaui Hemmings and of course, James Michner's classic "Hawaii". The former is being made into a movie starring George Clooney and directed by the same person who directed "Sideways". Part of the story is even set on Kauai.

  7. Anonymous at 11:06 pm

    MOLOKAI by Alan Brennert is fascinating and an entertaining read.

  8. Bronwyn at 9:43 am

    Sounds great! While not about Hawaii, I love reading "Justine" by Alexander Durell on the beach…

    windeater.blogspot.com