Readers praise Hawaii by James A. Michener for its extensive historical detail and rich storytelling, capturing the island's complex cultural tapestry. The novel's immersive narrative spans centuries, offering deep character development. However, some criticize its length and occasionally slow pace. Overall, it’s lauded for educational value and engaging prose.

A reader who enjoys Hawaii by James A. Michener is typically fascinated by captivating historical epics, rich cultural exploration, and intricate character development. Similar audiences revel in Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth and Herman Wouk's The Winds of War for their detailed, sweeping narratives and complex histories.

Hawaii by James A. Michener follows the geological formation of the Hawaiian Islands through millions of years and the arrival of various groups, including Polynesians, New England missionaries, Chinese immigrants, and Japanese laborers. The novel chronicles their struggles and adaptations from the early 19th century to the late 1940s, showcasing cultural clashes and evolving social dynamics among diverse communities. The book contains incidents of racism, sexual violence, human sacrifice, warfare, and other scenes of violence.

Informative / Adventurous / Melancholic / Emotional / Contemplative

James A. Michener

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Hawaii reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Hawaii | SuperSummary

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Overview

Get ready to explore Hawaii and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Hawaii Summary

Background

Hawaii Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Parts 1-2

Hawaii Parts 1-2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “From the Farm of Bitterness”

Part 3, Pages 199-399

Hawaii Part 3, Pages 199-399 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Pages 400-582

Hawaii Part 3, Pages 400-582 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “From the Starving Village”

Part 4, Pages 583-749

Hawaii Part 4, Pages 583-749 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Pages 750-932

Hawaii Part 4, Pages 750-932 Summary & Analysis

Part 5 Hawaii Part 5 Summary & Analysis

Part 6 Hawaii Part 6 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Hawaii Character Analysis

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Themes

Hawaii Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Hawaii Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Hawaii Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Hawaii Essay Topics

Hawaii

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Hawaii?

Reading Age

Book Details