Paradise of the Pacific: Approaching Hawaii

Paradise of the Pacific chronicles Hawaii's history from its earliest Polynesian settlements through the arrival of American missionaries in the 1820s. The book traces the complex transformation of Hawaiian civilization as it encountered Western influences and colonial powers. Moore draws on primary sources including journals, letters and ship logs to reconstruct life in pre-contact Hawaii and the dramatic changes that followed. The narrative follows key historical figures including King Kamehameha I, Queen Ka'ahumanu, and the New England missionary families who shaped Hawaii's path. Traditional Hawaiian culture, religion and social structures are examined alongside the economic and political forces that reshaped the islands. The text incorporates Hawaiian language, chants, and indigenous perspectives while documenting the spread of Christianity and Western customs. The book raises questions about cultural preservation versus assimilation, and explores how Hawaii's unique identity emerged from the intersection of Polynesian tradition and Western influence. Moore's account highlights the complexity of cross-cultural exchange in shaping modern Hawaii.

Readers appreciate Moore's research depth and her personal connection to Hawaii, with many noting how she weaves historical facts with cultural insights. The book's coverage of pre-colonial Hawaii and the missionary period receives specific praise for its detail and balanced perspective. Readers highlight: - Clear explanations of complex Hawaiian social structures - Inclusion of primary sources and native Hawaiian perspectives - Engaging narrative style that blends history with storytelling Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing in certain sections - Jumps between time periods can be confusing - Some readers wanted more focus on modern Hawaiian history Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (300+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (100+ ratings) Multiple readers note the book works better for those with existing knowledge of Hawaiian history rather than complete beginners. As one Amazon reviewer states: "Not a light read, but rewards careful attention with deep insights into Hawaiian culture and history."

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🌺 Susanna Moore spent her childhood in Hawaii, giving her a deep personal connection to the islands she writes about in this non-fiction work 🌺 The book was a finalist for the 2015 National Book Award for Nonfiction 🌺 The narrative covers Hawaii's history from 1778 to 1898, focusing on the critical period between Captain Cook's arrival and the U.S. annexation 🌺 The author drew heavily from primary sources including missionary journals, letters, and native Hawaiian accounts to create an intimate portrait of the islands' transformation 🌺 Though Moore is primarily known as a novelist (including "In the Cut" which was adapted into a film starring Meg Ryan), this was her first major work of historical non-fiction