This was a really interesting book about Hawaii that I ...
931369
This was a really interesting book about Hawaii that I had just found.  However, I'm not sure if I will continue to order the companion books at this time due to my other interests.
4721263
This was a very fun book Especially if you are familiar with Big Island Hawaii and the east side Puna district. Also fun for orchid lovers! As a local I enjoyed reading the place names and having the local culture weaved into the story. It was a fun read and I hope the author writes more!
1020462
What can I say the title of this book says it all.  Hawaii is our tropical paradise.  This book explores Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, Lanai, Kauai and Molokai.  I collect coffee table books on Hawaii and I have yet to come across one that does not captivate me.  The photography in this book is amazing and takes me back to the islands.  And, of course this one is a must for the Hawaii lover.
1772267
To me, as a part-time real estate investor living in Hawaii, this was a very interesting read.  In fact, to me it was a 4-star, but even for general public, the topics, presentation, and life experiences described are worth at least 3-stars.  Stephany describes her entry into the male-dominated business world and the problems she encountered in proving her worth with each new step up the ladder and ultimately earning the respect of many prominent community leaders, not just limited to those in her own profession.

If one is familiar with Hawaii, her story is doubly interesting as she recounts her experiences with well known real estate moguls, and other business and community leaders.  It is an easy read, entertaining, and provides fascinating insight into the world of real estate here in Hawaii over the past several decades.
1768115
This is quite a long story but kept me engaged. A great setting in Hawaii with an interesting plot of animals rescue and shipwreck salvaging, with thrilling moments. The writer does know what she is writing! I like the slow burning romance between Bran and Steve and the way the writer weaved it into the guys' works, be it Steve's veterinary works or the voluntary marine animals rescue operations. One little dog named Harvey is especially adorable and there are a lot of instances where I am more interested in this mutt, lol. My only problem is the so many secondary characters popping in and out around the 2 guys and their names in the beginning do get confusing especially the ladies. A solid read overall.
3727795
A really excellent book that reads like a novel. You will enjoy reading through this deep history of Kauai. I particularly purchased this book for genealogy reasons as Kauai does have difficult ancient records of my Hawaiian ancestors. I also enjoyed going on Google Earth and searching along the ancient roads to find monuments that are excellently described in the book.
2204628
I love any stories about Hawaii and would love to visit there again.  The island lore and customs is very interesting.
The characters in this story were entertaining.  Lei's love interest and romance was enjoyable.  I will not give away her secret so you have to read the book to get the answers to all of your questions.
3335541
I liked this book because it gave insight into a part of Georgia O'Keefe's life that I didn't know about.  She's one of my favorite artists and it's always interesting to know what influenced her artistic process.  The beauty of Hawaii was obviously integrated into the artistic flow of her iconic works.  It was lovely to see this new (to me) work.  I only wish there'd been more.
1517624
If you are interested at all in Hawaiian culture or government, you must read this book! Very long and a bit confusing, but luckily there are 2 glossaries: One of each character; One for each commonly used Hawaiian word. If you have ever visited the islands, it's good to know the history behind it. Excellent price, too! I'm enjoying every page of this fantastic book!
2310106
I'm not a Stanford grad, so I don't know how they would feel about this book, but for me, the best part was the history of Hawaii at the turn of the 20th century. I got a glimpse into how the people felt. The stuff about Mrs. Stanford was very interesting and the autopsy--well, let's just say I'll never eat pea soup again. Great read.
2921391
This is a very interesting book with many facts about the Island and its History.  You have to finish the book to understand what the author is intending to portray from the story.
2424030
This was a great book. This book is better than the other books that cover the same topic because the author actually took their time to interview several people who actually experienced moving to Hawaii. I read another book kind of like this one, but The Real Hawaii LIfe definitely takes the cake. Even if your not moving to Hawaii, this is still a very interesting read to see what people experienced when they moved there. You will not regret getting this book!!
3196717
Loved the book great character development.  Great description of the time this novel is based, the relationship of all the Different cultural groups in Hawaii.

A must read
4240924
Awesome book to read if Hawaiian history is your thing!
4013676
Interesting and easy to read, this book captures the history of Hawaii very well.  The book is an excellent choice if you want to learn about Hawaiian history.
788994
I really didn't know any of the history of Hawaii going in to this other than it was a territory annexed by the United States.  What fascinated me was the history behind annexing a territory that was previously a Kingdom.  Siler did not disappoint in telling a decent, sometimes boring account of Hawaii before it was annexed.

The history begins by showing Captain Cook arriving at Hawaii at the end of the 18th century, the establishment of the Kingdom of Hawaii and the early reign of Hawaii's rulers before Lili'u.  The bulk of the history follows the interracial connection between the western world and Hawaii's nobility, oftentimes finding that there were rarely any pure Hawaiian nobility by the end of the 19th century.  This in and of itself is a little disturbing.  What is even more so is seeing the influence that the western sugar barons played in subjugating the Kingdom and, essentially, Kalakaua, leading to the Bayonet Constitution.  Their sole purpose was to protect their rights as land owners, which were oftentimes bought cheaply from the Hawaiians, even if, perhaps especially, that meant instituting laws that took away the monarchy's rights and reinforced the landed class.

Siler does an excellent job at portraying the characters involved and showing the relationship between all of them.  I felt that I was finally able to grasp some of what the history of Hawaii was like pre-United States, even though at times the read slowed down enough that it became a little boring.  Lili'u might have been a great ruler if she had come in to her reign some 20 years before and had a chance to influence the path that Hawaii had taken, but ultimately Hawaii would have been annexed in that day and age by some Western power.  It was only a matter of time.

Ultimately I feel that I have learned a lot about Hawaii but there seems to be a lot more that either was glossed over or could have been misinterpreted.  I would like to read more about Hawaii's history, to dig a little deeper, but Siler's Lost Kingdom was a good starting point to sink my teeth in to.

3.5 stars.
2487448
It is an eas read that is very informative.  The book identifies the many pitfalls one may encounter moving to any of the Hawaiian Islands.  Even for those of us that have visited many times.  I am moreally encouraged than ever that I will make the move. But for certain check out the companion books from the same authors.