Native Books News Today

Sierra Keolanui, Lise Michelle Childers and Allison Benz of Native Books in Honolulu, Hawaii, conferred about their favorite books and quickly reached a consensus “Ke Kumu Aupuni: The Foundation of Hawaiian Nationhood” by Samuel Mānaiakalani  Kamakau.

"We need the activity for the businesses to not just survive but to thrive," said art gallery manager Liz OBrien.

What began as a slide show three years ago at a community event has turned into a gem of a book about Maui history: “Mā’alaea: The Untold Story of Maui’s’ Historic Crossroad.”

When Maile Meyer first started her own bookstore in the 1990s, she was determined to counter a question she was often asked: Why a bookstore, since Hawaiians couldn’t read?

Hawaii booksellers have a lot to celebrate on National Independent Bookstore Day on Saturday.

The official Merrie Monarch Hawaiian Arts & Crafts Fair that showcases and supports more than 150 of Hawai‘i’s best artisans and creators will be open one more day, on Saturday, at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium and Butler Buildings in Hilo on the Big Island.

Regardless of the season, Hawaiʻi lures travelers with its warm weather, clear skies and cooling trade winds.   But that doesn’t mean all seasons in the How to spend a rainy day on Oʻahu.

Readers find community and a wealth of perspectives at Indigenous-owned bookstores.

Our hope with running a list like this is to cast a much-deserved spotlight on Hawai‘i’s best stories and authors.

Our first list—50 Essential Hawai‘i Books You Should Read in Your Lifetime—was one of our most popular stories ever, but it didn’t do justice to our flourishing regional literary scene. So here we go again: More of da kine, only bigger, broader, deeper.