Books published by publisher Kamehameha Schools

Lauka'ie'ie: A Hawaiian Legend Retold. By: Robin Yoko Racoma. Synopsis: Nestled in the lush and fertile Waipi'o Valley, Pokahi and Kaukini have everything they need except a child. In this adaptation of a traditional Hawaiian story, the kind, hardworking but childless couple is blessed with a special gift from Hina. This story is based on 'Lau-ka-ieie', as found in Hawaiian Legends of Ghosts and Ghost Gods, collected and translated from Hawaiian by W.D. Westervelt. There is also another English version, 'Ie'ie and Lehua', found in Hawaii Island Legends by Mary Kawena Pukui. Hawaiian language versions of this story were also printed serially in the Hawaiian newspapers: Ka Leo o ka Lahui and Ka Oiaio during the late 1890's. The author/illustrator offers this adaptation with great respect for the land and people of Waipi'o. This book is also available in an all Hawaiian language version.

No Ka 'Elepaio Kolohe - The Naughty 'Elepaio. By: Malia Kruger, illustrated by Eve Furchgott. Synopsis: 'Elepaio thinks it'll be a harmless prank to peck a hole in Kanaka's hue wai, or water-gourd. Little does he know that he will pay dearly in more ways than one for his wrong doing and eventually learns the consequences of his mischief and arrogance. Admitting his guilt, 'Elepaio then realizes that it is always better to give kindness and receive kindness, aloha aku, aloha mai. This book is also available in an all Hawaiian language version. Hardcover.

This book is one of a series originally written by faculty in a Kamehameha reading program. The books were designed to increase students reading skills and their knowledge of Hawaiian history and culture by focusing on topics such as the Hawaiian monarchy. Some of these books have been translated from their original English into Hawaiian through the efforts of the staff of the Kamehameha Schools Hawaiian Studies Institute. We are pleased at the reception both the English and the Hawaiian editions have received from the educational and general audiences.