Are you looking for a great beach read or something to read for the airplane ride to Hawaii? Keep scrolling to find out the best books about Hawaii worth reading.
This list of the best books about Hawaii was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Do you love reading books about the places you’re visiting?
A book is one of the best forms of escapism, don’t you think? Experience the thrill of stepping into another time, exploring a different part of the world, immersing yourself in a new culture, or diving into something truly out of this world.
There are many novels about Hawaii. After all, it is a fascinating and beautiful place. These books provide an in-depth look at the Hawaiian islands, from breathtaking landscapes to the rich narratives of the Hawaiian people.
You might be an avid reader of World War Two or other historical magnitudes that have happened over the decades or a hopeless romantic who just wants to enjoy love stories or coming-of-age literature.
Among the best novels about Hawaii, you’ll find stories set against the backdrop of Hawaiian mythology, tales of love and adventure, and explorations of Hawaiian history.
There are books based in Hawaii that serve all interests and genres.
Today, I wanted to share some of the best books about Hawaii worth reading.
They’ll transport your mind away from your daily routine while also taking you on an adventure through paradise!
Whether they’re about WWII heroes fighting for their country, romance books set in Hawaii, or young lovers finding each other during tough times, there’s something here for everyone!
Keep scrolling for my top picks for must-read books that take place in Hawaii.
Books about Hawaii FAQs
There are a lot of great YA books about Hawaii that cover a lot of topics ranging from domestic abuse, addiction struggles, and the Attack on Pearl Harbor. One of the best YA books is Wild Meat and the Bully Burgers by Lois-Ann Yamanaka.
Who doesn’t want to read a good murder mystery in Hawaii? A few popular Hawaii mystery book series include Koa Kane Hawaiian Mystery, Trouble in Paradise, and Leilani Santiago Hawaii Mystery.
With its beautiful beaches and epic landscapes, it’s no wonder why Hawaii is the setting for many romance novels. A few popular romance series set in Hawaii include SEAL Team Hawaii, Hawaii Home Romance, Hawaii Billionaire Romance, and Delta Force Hawaii.
17 Amazing Books Set in Hawaii
Honolulu – Alan Brennert
Honolulu tells the story of a young girl named Jin. She leaves her native Korea, where society does not value women, to search for a new life. She envisions marrying a prosperous gentleman but instead finds herself married to a poor laborer who mistreats her.
Jin navigates her way through a new world, and the book captures her journey and her evolving surroundings. This is a remarkable historical fiction story that documents some of the remote and beautiful parts of Hawaii.
Moloka’i – Alan Brennert
Another fascinating book by Alan Brennert, Moloka’i, follows the story of Rachel. Rachel grew up in Honolulu in the 1890s. However, at the age of 7, she is forcibly removed from her family through the discovery that she has leprosy.
In her exile, she finds family and friends, and the story documents her life. It’s a heartbreaking story that will give you all the feels. Plus, there’s a sequel, Daughter of Moloka’i, that’s also fascinating.
Juniors – Kauai Hart Hemmings
This is an actual coming-of-age book about the main character, Lea Lane. She has lived in the shadows of her mother’s spotlight for most of her life. Part Hawaiian and a part mainlander, she has felt estranged for most of her life.
But a new chapter sees her back at school, making friends, developing relationships, and working things out in life’s tangled web.
Follow her story with new love interest Will and her close friend Whitney as she tries to fit into their world. It’s a real form of escapism if you are looking for books to read in Hawaii.
Island of Sweet Pies and Soldiers – Sara Ackerman
This book is based back in 1944, where the combat in the Pacific intensified. You follow the story of Violet Iverson and her daughter, Ella, as they try to navigate life a year from when her husband, Ella’s father, vanishes.
With rumors swirling about where his loyalties lie, Violet relies on her friends in a war-torn Hawaii. A lovely story and one of the best mysteries set in Hawaii, it is a book that you can really sink your teeth into.
The Descendants – Kaui Hart Hemmings
This book has been turned into a motion picture starring George Clooney, but whether you have seen the film or not, this book is one of the best novels set in Hawaii.
The book follows the lead character, Matthew King. His ancestors who came to the islands were progressive and financially secure, one of which married a Hawaiian princess, which makes Matthew King a royal descendant and one of the island’s largest landowners.
However, his luck is changing. With out-of-control daughters and a wife who is in a coma, the King family is not picture perfect. You follow the family to come to terms with their tragedy and make some big changes to their lives.
East Wind, Rain – Caroline Paul
The island of Niihau is a beautiful and picturesque place. It is idyllic because on the island there are no phones, electricity and any other modern conveniences we might be used to today. The Hawaiians that live there are used to a simple life.
The one thing they are used to is regular visits from the island’s owner, Mr. Robinson, who is seen as a very eccentric gentleman. However, all of this changed on December 7, 1941, when an unidentified plane crashed onto the island.
Unbeknown to the islanders, the plane is a Japanese plane that has just been involved in the legendary Pearl Harbor attacks. This is the story of the once peaceful island that descends into the center of a captivating story.
This is another of the great books based in Hawaii and talks about a time in history that many of us are familiar with.
Wild Meat and the Bully Burgers – Lois-Ann Yamanaka
This is another great coming-of-age book where you follow the story and adventures of Lovey Nariyoshi. The Hawaii we might expect is one of pineapples and paradise, but Lovey’s American-Japanese family are on the cuffs of poverty.
Lovey has a best friend who is paramount to her story, and the book follows their adventures and misgivings dealing with schoolyard bullies, class warfare, and working on a macadamia nut plantation while trying to figure out their own identity.
Based in Hilo on the Big Island, if you were looking for fiction books set in Hawaii, then this is one of the ones to consider.
Hawaii: A Novel – James A. Michener
If you are looking for one of the best novels set in Hawaii, then this one created by James Michener is one to consider. This book was initially published in 1959 and has captivated readers for decades.
As the Volcanic Hawaiian islands formed from the ocean thousands of years ago, they remained untouched until one thousand years ago. Polynesian seafarers made a journey across the Pacific to these tropical paradise islands.
In the early nineteenth century, American missionaries arrived, bringing a new lease of life. Hawaii is the story of people struggling to find their identities while trying to live in harmony.
From Here to Eternity – James Jones
This is one of those books that will give you such a magnificent and, in some cases, brutal account of a soldier’s life. Set in Hawaii, it follows the story of Lee Prewitt in 1941. He’s a champion welterweight and a fine bugler.
First, Sgt. Milton Warden knows how to be a soldier better than anyone. A common bond binds both Warden and Prewitt. The army is at their heart, in their blood, and might possibly be their death.
This is a really important novel documenting post-World War 2. It is described as a masterpiece that captures the honor of men. A hard-hitting book but one that you won’t regret enduring if you are interested in this genre.
Dreams From My Father – Barack Obama
While this book isn’t solely set in Hawaii, it is one that is worth mentioning due to the deep roots it has from a former American President. Barack Obama penned these memoirs while seeking validation and finding his place as a Black American.
It starts in New York, where Barack Obama learned of his father’s death in a car accident. It traces his father’s story back to a small town in Kansas, his mother’s history and migration to Hawaii, and then to Africa.
During the book, he explores and finds out the bitter truth of his father’s life and reconciles his divided inheritance. It’s an interesting read, especially if you are interested in the man himself.
About A Girl – Lindsey Kelk
Finding a lighthearted book set in Hawaii is easy when you consider About A Girl by Lindsey Kelk. This is a story about Tess Brooks. Tess has always been a girl that had a plan. But when the plan goes out of whack, she is forced to reconsider what her options are.
After accidentally answering a phone call destined for her flatmate, she decides that as life as Tess isn’t going to plan, she might try being Vanessa instead. She takes an opportunity to become a photographer in Hawaii. What could possibly go wrong?
Aside from the fact that she isn’t a photographer. We follow her story as she deals with the gorgeous journalist trying to take things further, and as she feels far from home, will she fess up to her mistake or embrace it?
This is an excellent novel for the beach that will have you turning the pages trying to find out what happens next.
Freckled – TW Neal
Another great Hawaii fiction novel is the story of Toby Neal. Toby was born in 1965 to hippie surfer parents who just want to ride the waves, use substances they shouldn’t be, and generally hide from society.
Based in Kauai, you get to follow Toby as the story is narrated in a first-person view of his life, what he has to encounter, and some of the changes he wishes to make for himself.
Toby escapes his life through reading and imagination as he deals with racial discrimination and indifferent parenting. He has a vision for a “normal” life where he can achieve academically, but there is always this pullback to Kauai and the island.
This is a fascinating story that will have you captivated by the characters.
A Song for the Stars – Ilima Todd
This is inspired by a true story and was sent to the Hawaiian islands in 1779.
As the second daughter to the royal chief, Maile will be permitted to marry for love instead of needing an arranged marriage. Her fiance is the best navigator in Hawaii, and he has taught her everything she knows.
But when sailors from a strange place called England arrive on the island, her misunderstanding ends in battle. This story follows the misgivings as Maile navigates new people and new lives.
This Is Paradise – Kristiana Kahakauwila
This is a story about modern Hawaii with breathtaking force and accuracy. It is a story that explores the deep tensions between locals and tourist, tradition, expectation, and facade as some of the main characters try to find their authentic selves.
This is Paradise offers an unforgettable portrayal of life as it is genuinely on Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island. Books set in Maui are hard to find, so this is an excellent account of this beautiful place and some of the other more heard-of islands in Hawaii. It’s a great read.
Shark Dialogues – Kiana Davenport
If you are interested in Polynesian Hawaiian life, look no further than this spellbinding account in imagery and ancient myths. Shark Dialogues really is one captivating read and will have you imagining what life was like all those years ago.
This is the story of daring and passionate women and men through their losses and triumphs, highs and lows.
The journey starts in the nineteenth century with a Yankee sailor and the runaway daughter of a Tahitian chief. Sweeping from past to present, Kiana has captivated the story brilliantly, and this book will make you want more.
The Islands At The End Of The World – Austin Aslan
This book is a little different than some of the others mentioned. Based in Hawaii, it follows the journey of sixteen-year-old Leilani. She loves surfing and her home in Hilo on the Big Island is all she has known.
Leilani and her father often visit Oahu, and during one of their visits, disaster strikes. Hawaii is cut off from the world. Leilani and her father now have to embark on a mission across the islands to get back home.
A captivating adventure from the very first page, this is a great fiction based in Hawaii.
The Girl at the Center Of The World – Austin Aslan
The sequel to The Islands at the End of the World, this story goes back to Leilani and her family and they learn to live without electronics and farm the land just like their ancestors did.
She finds strength in her relatives, friendships, and her strange connection to the Emerald Orchid, the force that caused the global devastation described in the previous book. This is an exciting follow-up book.
Books About Hawaii Wrap-Up
Hopefully, this has given you a full list of books set in Hawaii worth reading. From romance books set in Hawaii to historical fiction and captivating mysteries, we’ve got you covered. These make great beach reads or something to do on the airplane.
Whether you’re looking for stories about surfing and sunsets or tales that touch more deeply into Hawaiian culture with themes like family dynamics, foodways, and spiritual practices – there’s something here for everyone!
And if you’re not a fan of books, maybe you’d be interested in some Christmas movies set in Hawaii!