It is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling to bring the past to life and to help us understand and appreciate the complexities of the present. Overall, Hawaii is a rich and nuanced portrayal of a place and its people, offering a rich and detailed depiction of the history and culture of the Hawaiian Islands. At the same time, the influence of outside cultures brings new ideas and ways of life to the islands, leading to a blending of traditions and a reshaping of Hawaiian culture. As the islands become more industrialized and modernized, many of the native Hawaiian customs and traditions are lost or suppressed. Hawaii - Chapter 6, The Golden Men Summary & Analysis. One of the central themes of the novel is the tension between tradition and change. Michener was one of the world’s most popular writers, the author of more than forty books of fiction and nonfiction, including the Pulitzer Prizewinning Tales of the South Pacific, the bestselling novels The Source, Hawaii, Alaska, Chesapeake, Centennial, More about James A. He explores the complex social and cultural dynamics that arise as these different groups coexist and intermingle, and he delves into the political and economic developments that shape the islands' history. Throughout the novel, Michener traces the history of these settlers as they interact with each other and with the native Hawaiian population. The islands also attract a diverse group of human settlers, including Polynesians, Europeans, and Americans. The novel begins with the creation of the islands themselves, as they are formed by volcanic activity and the movement of the Earth's tectonic plates.Īs the islands emerge from the sea, they are inhabited by a variety of plant and animal life, including native Hawaiian species such as the hula dance and the ukulele.

Hawaii by James Michener is a sweeping historical novel that tells the story of the formation and evolution of the Hawaiian Islands. Michener, the acclaimed author of sweeping historical blockbusters, chronicles his personal involvement in one of the most dramatic elections of the twentieth century: the presidential.

Hawaii james michener summary