Hawaii

novel by Michener

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Last updated

July 16, 2026

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James Michener's novel Hawaii (1959) is an epic work that begins with the geological formation of the islands and traces their history through settlement and the arrival of Europeans. The novel details the early history, flora, and fauna of the region, ultimately encompassing the people who inhabited and ruled there.1

The historical context of Hawaii includes the arrival of Captain James Cook in 1778, marking the first European discovery of the islands. Following Cook's arrival, King Kamehameha I utilized European military technology to unify the Hawaiian Islands. The 19th century saw increased contact with the West, including American whalers, explorers, traders, and missionaries, which significantly altered Hawaiian culture.2

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James Michener
Novels such as Hawaii (1959) and The Source (1965) typically open with the earliest history of an area—the geology, flora, and fauna—and ultimately encompass the people who settle and rule there. He sometimes spent years preparing a book, as he did in Spain for Iberia: Spanish Travels and…
Read More
Novels such as Hawaii (1959) and The Source (1965) typically open with the earliest history of an area—the geology, flora, and fauna—and ultimately encompass the people who settle and rule there. He sometimes spent years preparing a book, as he did in Spain for Iberia: Spanish Travels and…
Read More