Island World: A History of Hawai'i and the United States

Island World examines the complex relationship between Hawaiʻi and the United States from the late 18th century through modern times. The book reframes Hawaiian history by positioning the islands at the center of American expansion and imperialism in the Pacific. The narrative traces key developments including early European contact, the rise of the sugar industry, American missionary influence, and the eventual overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy. Through archival research and historical analysis, Okihiro documents the economic, political and social forces that shaped relations between the two nations. The work challenges conventional histories that place the continental U.S. at the center of Pacific geopolitics. Okihiro's account reveals how Hawaiian sovereignty, indigenous perspectives, and oceanic connections were critical factors in the development of American power in the Pacific region.

Readers note this is not a traditional chronological history, but rather a thematic exploration that centers Indigenous Hawaiian perspectives. Many appreciate Okihiro's focus on Hawaii's importance to American imperialism and militarization, with one reader calling it "a much-needed counter to typical U.S.-centric histories." Readers praise: - Detailed research and extensive citations - Fresh analysis of Hawaii-U.S. relations - Clear writing style accessible to non-academics Common criticisms: - Non-linear structure can be confusing - Some chapters feel repetitive - Limited coverage of pre-colonial history Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (31 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (12 ratings) Several academic reviewers suggest using it alongside traditional chronological histories. Multiple readers mention it works well for university courses but may challenge casual readers. One reviewer notes: "This isn't the complete history of Hawaii, but it offers crucial perspectives often missing from standard texts."

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Lost Kingdom: Hawaii's Last Queen, the Sugar Kings, and America's First Imperial Adventure by Julia Flynn Siler The book chronicles the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy through the story of Queen Liliuokalani and the economic forces that reshaped the islands.

Native Planters in Old Hawaii: Their Life, Lore, and Environment by E. S. Handy and Elizabeth Green Handy The text documents traditional Hawaiian agricultural practices, land management systems, and the relationship between Hawaiian people and their environment before Western contact.

Unfamiliar Fishes by Sarah Vowell This history traces the American annexation of Hawaii through the intersecting paths of missionaries, sugar planters, and native Hawaiians.

Waves of Resistance: Surfing and History in Twentieth-Century Hawaii by Isaiah Helekunihi Walker The book examines Hawaiian history through the lens of surfing culture and its role in preserving native identity during colonization and statehood.

🌺 Author Gary Okihiro is a founding faculty member of Cornell University's Asian American Studies Program and has served as the president of the Association for Asian American Studies. 🌊 The book challenges traditional continental perspectives by viewing history through an "oceanic" lens, demonstrating how the Pacific Ocean connected rather than separated peoples and cultures. 🗺️ Okihiro introduces the concept of "Island World" to show how Hawai'i served as a crucial crossroads between Asia, Europe, and the Americas, contrary to viewing it as an isolated chain of islands. 🏝️ The text explores how native Hawaiians developed sophisticated systems of agriculture, aquaculture, and navigation long before European contact, including the advanced ahupua'a land management system. 👑 The book details Queen Lili'uokalani's struggle against American annexation, including her house arrest and the role of American businessmen and missionaries in overthrowing the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893.