Wai-nani: High Chiefess of Hawai'i - Her Epic Journey [Paperback]

Linda Ballou (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2008

From the cauldron of controversy that is Hawaiian history emerges Wai-nani, a reflection of the personage of the great chiefess Ka'ahumanu. Like all Islanders, she is a water baby finding pleasure, sustenance, solace, wisdom and courage in the grand and vibrant sea. She is born fifteen years prior to the landing of Captain Cook in Kealakekua in 1779 and is the favorite wife of Makaha, a fierce warrior modeled after Kamehameha the Great. Hawaiian women enjoyed sports, were trained in the martial arts, played active roles in decision-making, and participated in wars. They communed with the gods through hula and ritualistic ceremonies. Ka'ahumanu swam miles each day and it is reasonable to believe she would make friends in the ocean. Wai-nani's bond with Eku-a playful and communicative dolphin-propels her on a mythological journey couched in magical realism. Wai-nani is a celebration of the Hawaiian people of old, especially the powerful Ka'ahumanu-forerunner to the modern woman.

Product Details

• Paperback: 280 pages
• Publisher: Star Publish (May 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932993886
• ISBN-13: 978-1932993882
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,449,151 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

A love triangle of extremes has proven to be a solid base for my writing. From my roots in Alaska I receive strength, centeredness and respect for the awful power of nature. Numerous adventure articles, essays on my website are set in my homeland. In Hawaii I found a spiritual awakening, sensuality, peace and my heroine for my historical novel, Wai-nani--High Chiefess of Hawaii. In proud California I obtained a degree in English Literature from Northridge University and a doctorate in urban savvy. I continue to enjoy opportunities here for intellectual stimulation, exciting contacts and friends. My travel collection, Lost Angel Walkabout-One Traveler's Tales, is filled with chills, spills, giggles and squeaks! www.LindaBallouAuthor.com

In my column on Examiner.com I share Great Outdoor Days in L.A.
I am also the Adventure Travel Expert at www.NABBW.com
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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining and Educational, August 14, 2009

By 

Sofia Steryo-Bartmus (West Hills, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wai-nani: High Chiefess of Hawai'i - Her Epic Journey (Paperback)

Author of: "Paws of Wisdom" Valuable Lessons we can learn from our Pets

Wai-nani tells the story between the first High Chiefess of Hawaii,and the fierce, great warrior and magnificient ruler , Makaha, who unified the Hawaiian islands in the late 18th Century. Wai-nani emerges as a young, beautiful, strong, powerful and "Free-Spirited" modern woman in an ancient society. She is a woman before her time, who rose to a position (Kuhina-Nui) no other had risen before her, and one who helped bring about changes that elevated the status of women. She loves the sea and her dolphin friends, where she finds peace, solitude and comfort from the harsh traditions imposed on her and her people. She defies the 'kapus' (taboos) of the time and wishes and vows one day to see the savage ways of the long ago lifted, where men and women can sit together and share their joys and troubles without the fear of the death dealing Kahunas.

Linda Ballou has done extensive research on the history of the characters and Hawaii, and gives the reader blow by blow details in a flowery, poetic and interesting language. She manages to intertwine a love story with historical fact and has done a superb job. She narrates the story through Wai-nani's eyes and experiences, and she makes it all come alive for the reader. I found myself transported into an ancient world where human sacrifices were common and where people were put to death for disobeying the laws.I felt as if I was present in the lives of the common people, the warriors and the royal families of the time, as well as in the midst of the lush valleys and beautiful sand beaches and mountains of the Islands.

Although this is a story of the past, Linda manages to bring out the human emotions, feelings and struggles of the present in all of us, which transcend times and cultures. I found the book educational and very entertaining. Make sure you look up the glossary at the end of the book before you get started, it will make it easier to follow the unfamiliar words, names and places of the Hawaiian culture.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Story telling at it's lush best, January 13, 2009

By 

Muriel Lindsay (Tybee Island) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Wai-nani: High Chiefess of Hawai'i - Her Epic Journey (Paperback)

What a compelling story. Wai-nani's journey through the portion of Hawaiian history this book covers is truly an 'epic' tale in every sense of the word. So descriptively rich and sensually involving were the author's words that I found myself proceeding slowly through the pages, so as to savor, and the better to put myself in the skin of Wai-nani and her gripping transformations. So much of the description of Wai-nani's emotional evolution rang true as the way a woman's heart feels and expresses. Much of the power of this story I attribute to this last observation.

Wai-nani's relationship with her dolphin friends was the cherry on the top for me inasmuch as dolphins are pretty much the center pole of my life. The author added fantastical elements to the human/dolphin relationships but, knowing dolphins as I have come to, what is portrayed in the story about the interactions hints at some very real possibilities as we go back and re-capture what cultures like old Hawaii still have to offer us.

Dolphins aside, anyone who appreciates the Aloha Spirit and all things Hawaiian cannot help but appreciate the opportunity to viciariously experience a version of Hawaiian history written by one who clearly knows her subject matter. The mana flows through the pages. For those of you who read and loved The Clan of Cave Bear as I did, Wai-Nani very much feels like the Hawaiian counterpart to that wonderfully told story, just so you know.

Muriel Lindsay - author of The Chronicles of the Savannah River Dolphins

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonder Woman, January 3, 2009

By 

Anna Maria Prezio "www.prezio.com" (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Wai-nani: High Chiefess of Hawai'i - Her Epic Journey (Paperback)

What a wonderful book. Wainani to me is another word for empowerment. A woman's journey into the secret rituals of womanhood and historical Hawaiian traditions. Wainani, a true historical figure, is the ultimate self-actualized woman. We get to peek at her private fantasies, her sexual encounters and her love for sea creatures like Eku, her dolphin friend. This book is filled with magical experiences, warriors, ancient Hawaiian traditions and its majestic beauty. Once you read this book you will never forget Wai-nani. She stays with you forever. I highly recommend this book.

Anna Maria Prezio, Ph.D.

Best Selling Author of Confessions of a Feng Shui Ghost-Buster