A Concise History of the Hawaiian Islands (Paperback)

by Dr. Phil Barnes (Author) "Before looking at the arrival of the first humans in Hawai'i, an examination of the voyaging traditions of the Polynesians is in order..." (more)
Key Phrases: United States, Big Five, Pearl Harbor (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
A Concise History of the Hawaiian Islands covers the major events and personalities in Hawaiian history from the first human landfall through the sovereignty movement of the late 1990s The history comes to life through illustrations and interesting anecdotes. By investing a couple of hours the casual reader can greatly increase the depth of their understanding of the events that have shaped and continue to shape these magical islands.

Product Details

• Paperback: 86 pages
• Publisher: Petroglyph Press, Ltd.; 1st edition (November 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0912180560
• ISBN-13: 978-0912180564
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #50,413 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing surprise... A great and compelling read..., August 11, 2006

By	J. Spring - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

In advance of my trip to Maui and Kauai, I felt like I needed a primer to help me understand the forces that shaped the islands' geography, biology, and culture. I had little expectation for this 88 pps book, but I bought it because it seemed the only reasonable choice available, and the title was exactly what I sought. When the book arrived I saw that it came from what appeared to be a cheesy vanity press... but I opened it up and was absolutely riveted from the first paragraph on. This is well-written, logically organized... an organic and concise telling of the history of the Hawaiian Islands, from volacanic formation to bio-diversity to the voyages of Melanesians and Tahitians who first came to these islands just 1500 years ago. I could not recommend this book heartily enough. It's great!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good, and to the point, February 7, 2007

By	Maureen A. Horgan "bonehead" (Georgia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I lived in the Hawaiian Islands for several years and was aware of a lot of the history and issues. This book really gets to the core of the important things quickly without much elaboration, and is very readable. It would be great reading for anyone planning to go there even for vacation - doesn't take long to read and hits all the important stuff. Doesn't gloss over the controversial issues.

22 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good text book !, October 3, 2004

By	Takashi Kiriyama (Yokohama,Japan) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Last month in Waikiki, I bought this book together with some souvenirs at the famous ABC store.
Yes,You can find it easily.
It was the last day of my visit to Hawaii this time.
But,now I deeply regret not having read this book before I go to Hawaii!
If I read it prior to this travel,I am sure I could have enjoyed experiencing these magical islands more,feeling interested in its history.
I would like to recommend this book to all people planning to visit Hawaii.