Aloha Kauai

By Waimea Williams

Book Overview

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0931548713
• ISBN13: 9780931548710
• Release Date: October 2004
• Publisher: Island Heritage Pub
• Length: 155 Pages
• Weight: 0.30 lbs.

Customer Reviews

A jewel of a book

On its surface, this small, finely-wrought book is a simple remembrance of the author's childhood on Kauai - but it is much more than that. Ms. Williams grew up in a time of great change in Hawaii and we see, through her young eyes, a brash, strident American culture with its relentless individualism and competitive values, making inroads into the long-established Hawaiian culture, founded in cooperation, respect, humility, sharing and active benevolence. The small changes Ms. Williams experienced growing up make us see the larger forces at work; visitors to the islands, traditionally referred to as "guests" and treated with honor and respect, slowly became "tourists", a commodity to be exploited; the word "aloha" became a commercial term used in business names and advertising; young people working as airport "greeters" bestow lei on new arrivals but without the traditional kiss. In describing her upbringing, Ms. Williams describes her inner journey, as well, paying great respect to lessons and wisdom she received from elders and her studies. I would recommend this book to anyone, especially someone who is considering visiting Hawaii and wants to have a more substantial experience than that to be had in the "Hawaiiland" theme park atmosphere of Waikiki. Those who live in Hawaii (as I do) will improve their understanding of the many ambiguities of Hawaiian culture. Reading this book is like having a long chat with a good friend.

Many-faceted diamond

I'm a haole who lived briefly in Hawaii in 1962 when I was ten years old. During the past 20 years I have returned half a dozen times, visiting several islands. This lovely book (the writing is absolutely first-rate) not only gave me insights into a culture that remains secretive and ultimately unknowable to most outsiders, including me, but it also allowed me to go back and reinterpret many of the experiences of my brief Hawaii childhood. Without being at all preachy, Waimea explains and discreetly champions the wisdom of ancient Hawaiian culture, and gives one new eyes through which to see and experience modern Hawaii. I'll have an entirely new sense of things the next time I walk through Waikiki or sit under a palm tree or atop a jungled mountaintop -- or on some "local" beach, watching a multi-generational Hawaiian family "talking story" all afternoon and into the night.

Stashed-away candy

The chapter titled "Aloha" is central to Waimea Williams' book, both in its position and its importance. In it, she discusses what this word means to her, and to others. She says, "To lack aloha in even a small way meant being selfish, which was deeply embarrassing, and children accused of selfishness would correct this at once by giving stashed-away candy to a brother, or doing someone else's chores without grumbling." For me, the most remarkable and beautiful aspect of this book is how it is, itself, a perfect example of "aloha." It's a memoir, certainly, and much that the author shares is distinctly personal, but her stories are starting points and illustrations - the book immediately expands beyond her own experiences to include many voices. Missionaries, journalists, ancient rulers and taro farmers are all heard from. So is the Honolulu phone book. Every specific recollection opens up to broader thinking: the glamorous Rita Hayworth pays a visit to the Coco Palms Lodge, or is it the goddess Pele incarnate? This fits right into a discussion of the ancient ways, always right beside you in this place, and delivers us naturally to ideas about the contemporary globalization of traditional Hawaiian religion. The book is about life in the 1950's but it encompasses what came before, and provides a way to understand what came after. For a memoir, this is a very unselfish book. The author has shared her stashed-away candy with us, and it's a treat.

A Gem

Excellent. This book takes you on a fascinating journey through the author's childhood on Kauai. Rather than the usual self-absorbed reminiscence, the author delights and educates the reader with images and scenes that come to life with vivid and thoughtful details. The author's extensive knowledge and respect of Hawaiian culture comes shining through on each page. Take this journey; you will be rewarded.

A Wonderful Glimpse

ALOHA, KAUA'I by Waimea Williams is subtitled `A Childhood' which could easily have been extended to `A Childhood Adventure.' Set in exotic and romantic Kaua'i a half-century ago the chapters crackle with stories and insights-a dazzling first person account by a gifted writer. We learn that haole children absorbed native customs and language almost by osmosis, while officials did everything in their power to destroy Hawaiian culture, even marginalizing hula. We read stories of respect for land and people, for nature, for language and history while at the same time the territorial government legislated to `Americanize' the islands, even outlawing teaching in Hawaiian. We stalk the Christmas tree imported from the mainland. We are given detailed instructions on how to give the `stink eye' as a playground threat. The foreignness of Halloween to island kids, and the tradition of Thanksgiving in the tropics are delightful vignettes. ALOHA KAUA'I becomes our own adventure-a charming, witty, sometimes laugh-aloud ride-to be enjoyed more than once.