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24 Amazing Children’s Books About Hawaii

Are you looking for good Hawaiian children’s books? Let me share my top picks for children’s books about Hawaii!

This children’s books about Hawaii post 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.
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24 Amazing Hawaiian Children’s Books

Are you looking for a great book to read with your kids about Hawaii?

There are so many good books out there! You can introduce your kids to food, landscaping, culture, and geography all through the power of books.

We all know that reading is important, but it can be hard to find a book that’s actually interesting! I have put together a list of my favorite children’s books about Hawaii so you don’t have to waste time searching through pages and pages of boring titles.

Plus, if you are heading to Hawaii these Hawaiian kids books are perfect for reading on the airplane, in the hotel room, and on the beach!

Keep scrolling for my list of best children’s books about Hawaii.

Plus, they make great gifts too! So if you’re looking for something special this holiday season, consider one of these amazing Hawaiian themed children’s books as a gift idea. It’ll definitely bring some aloha spirit into any home or classroom!

And now… drum roll please… here are my top picks of Hawaiian children books in no particular order!

Find out 50 fun facts about Hawaii for kids!

24 Amazing Hawaiian Children’s Books

Here are some of the best Hawaiian children’s books to get and read with your kids to learn more about the culture and this incredible island.

1. A is for Aloha by U’ilani Goldsberry and Tammy Yee

The really neat thing about Hawaii is the landscape and the people.

A is for Aloha is a great children’s book about Hawaiian culture and one of the most visited places on earth. This Hawaii book for kids tells a great story while introducing children to words that correlate to Hawaii.

It’s one of the most beautifully illustrated books about Hawaii that we own. Find the best prices here.

2. Shave Ice in Hawaii by BeachHouse Publishing (Author), Mariko Merritt (Illustrator)

Are you interested in teaching your kids more about Hawaii? Maybe you live in Hawaii and want to learn more, check out Shave Ice in Hawaii.

One of Hawaii’s favorite local treats is Shave Ice! Naming all the flavors is going to be fun and delicious.

This is one of the first board books I ever bought and after giving my kids their first taste of shave ice on Kauai, it brings me good memories every time we read it!

It is one of the top Hawaii books for toddlers. Find the best prices here.

3. Animals Sing Aloha by Vera Arita (Author), Ron Louie (Illustrator)

If you’re looking for one of the best books about Hawaii, then Animals Sing Aloha is a great option. Introducing your children to phonics is important.

You can introduce them to phonics and a great book at the same time, thanks to Animals Sing Aloha. It’s one of the cutest Hawaiian baby books.

I will warn you, there is an image involving an animal pooping and it will be your child’s favorite part! Find the best prices here.

4. Hawai’i Volcanoes (A True Book: National Parks) by Karina Hamalainen

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When you can’t be there to experience Hawai’i Volcanoes, the next best thing is looking at a book.

This Hawaii book takes readers to the National Parks in Hawai’i with a focus on natural landscapes and American history.

It’s an especially great book for kids really interested in science and geology. Find the best prices here.

5. Hide and Seek in Hawaii by Jane Hopkins

Looking for an interactive book with Hawaii as the focus? Hide and Seek in Hawaii is the perfect book for searching and finding.

Kids love interactive books and this Hawaii picture book is the perfect example of how kids can be engaged while reading.

This is actually a book that I “hide” at our house and bring out every couple of months. It gives just enough time for the kids to forget where some of the items are and it’s like a whole new book! Find the best prices here.

6. Things That Go on Wheels in Hawaii by BeachHouse Publishing (Author), Kat Uno (Illustrator)

Most kids books about Hawaii focus on volcanoes, beaches, or hula dancing. I love that this one is all about vehicles and it just happens to take place in Hawaii.

The islands are the perfect place to see things go and go some more. Things That Go on Wheels in Hawaii can help kids learn so much.

Wheels go over beaches and through tunnels and much more.

My youngest is a vehicle enthusiast and most of the books we read revolve around cars, trucks, trains, etc. Find the best prices here.

7. Hawaiian Flowers Paper Doll Book by Yuko Green

Teaching your kids about the culture of Hawaii can be done with books like Hawaiian Flowers Paper Doll Book. Children will learn about the flowers of Hawaii, right along with different hula costumes.

This kids book about Hawaii has been around since I was a kid myself and I always loved thumbing through it and seeing all the pretty outfits.

The fact that you can still find these Hawaii children’s books at ABC Stores in Hawaii proves it stands the test of time! Find the best prices here.

8. Too Many Mangos by Tammy Paikai (Author), Don Robinson (Illustrator)

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Have you ever had too many mangos to eat? This children’s book is the perfect example of how children can learn through experience.

The Hawaiian book characters in Too Many Mangos go on a mango picking adventure. Soon enough, they’ll be sharing all of these tasty treats with their friends and family.

My mother-in-law actually bought this for my oldest purely because they both love mangos. But, we really like the message of sharing with friends, family, and neighbors! Find the best prices here.

9. Maui Hooks the Islands by Gabrielle Ahulii (Author), Jing Jing Tsong (Illustrator)

It’s time to introduce your children to Maui Hooks the Island. This is such a fun book that all kids will love and it’s one of the most popular Hawaiian stories for kids.

Learning about Maui the demi-god is a part of Hawaiian tradition. This book is full of rich storytelling. It is one of the top books filled with Hawaiian legends for little ones!

If your kids are fans of Disney’s Moana, they are already familiar with a version of Maui. However, there are so many adventures they probably don’t know about! Find the best prices here.

10. Gecko Hide and Seek by Gill McBarnet

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Interested in testing your eyesight? This is the perfect book for you!

The geckos in this book are hiding in many different places. Children who read this Hawaii kids book will learn skills like counting and following directions.

It’s one of the coolest Hawaiian books for kids to read with multiple kids because it becomes a fun game to see who can find them first! Find the best prices here.

11. Pig-Boy: A Trickster Tale from Hawai’i by Gerald McDermott

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Take an adventure with Pig-Boy, who is on a big adventure in this book Pig Boy: A Trickster Tale From Hawai’i. He has a good time exploring the islands and exploring.

When trouble comes, he sure does know what to do!

My kids love hearing Hawaiian folk stories and this one is a winner! Find the best prices here.

12. Malia in Hawaii: Celebrating All Parts of Me by Karyn Hopper (Author), Tammy Yee

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Whether it’s surfing, dancing, noodles, or sushi, Malia loves exploring and tasting all that Hawaii has to offer.

Malia has a long name (which is not unusual in Hawaii,) but she loves exploring Hawaii and all the islands have to offer.

It is another one of the best Polynesian children’s books! Find the best prices here.

13. 1-2-3 Saimin in Hawaii: Board Book by BeachHouse Publishing (Author), Jamie Meckel (Illustrator)

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Saimin is a treat for all ages in Hawaii. 1-2-3 Saimin in Hawaii is a number book that really explores Saimin and how it’s made.

And while it’s one of our favorite Hawaiian books for preschoolers and toddlers, kids of all ages will love exploring this book. Seriously. My 5-year-old still asks to read it because it’s fun to point out all the yummy saimin toppings! Find the best prices here.

14. Pono, The Garden Guardian by Dani Hickman

Pono is known as a little Hawaiian Menehune is the Hawaiian book character. He lives in the garden and likes to play little tricks on Mrs. Miyamoto. However, one day she gets hurt.

This is a great book for little ones to learn a lesson about how they treat others.

Plus, it’s a great way to introduce your kids to Menehune, because you’ll see references to them all over Hawaii in lots of Hawaiian children’s stories! Find the best prices here.

15. Taylor’s STEM Adventures: Hawaii by Mary Payton

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Who is looking for an adventure? Taylor’s STEM Adventure: Hawaii is the perfect Hawaii travel book to check out for those who are looking for an adventure.

This is a neat book to explore as Taylor takes you on an adventure of everything he’s learning.

You may be surprised as to what your children learn too. This is a wonderfully created military book. Find the best prices here.

16. Under the Blood-Red Sun (Prisoners of the Empire Series) Paperback by Graham Salisbury

Escaping poverty in Japan, this is a story about a boy who grows up in Hawaii. However, he’s too busy growing up to realize that WWII is right around the corner.

I read this book when I was in middle school and I still remember how much it stuck with me. It’s definitely for older kids, but a great way to bring WWII to life. Find the best prices here.

If you are looking for things to do on Oahu with kids, Pearl Harbor has something for all age ranges.

17. Girl’s Day in Hawai’i with Yuki-chan by Tokie Ikeda Ching

Who doesn’t love a fabulous girl’s day? Yuki-chan takes you on an adventure through Girl’s Day in Hawaii.

You’ll get to explore traditions and have fun while learning about an important day in Hawaii.

Girl’s Day and Boy’s Day always get a lot of celebration in Hawaii, so this is a great excuse to join in on the festivities! Find the best prices here.

18. Hawai’i (A True Book: My United States) by Joanne Mattern

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Every state in the United States is unique. This book about Hawaii will take you on an adventure through the state. You’ll get to know the geography, history, and wildlife of this great state.

This is one of the coolest children’s travel books for kids who love fun facts and trivia! Find the best prices here.

19. Prints in the Sand: My Journey with Nanea (American Girl Beforever Journey) by Erin Falligant

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Do you want to go on a journey? Now you can thanks to Nanea. You’ll be able to explore with her as she guides you through her life in Honolulu during WWII.

The American Girl series is just as popular now as it was when I was growing up. The books do a great job of putting a friendly face on a moment in history. Find the best prices here.

20. Honey Girl: The Hawaiian Monk Seal (Arbordale Collection) by Jeanne Walker Harvey

This beloved children’s book is about Hawaiian monk seals. You see, the Hawaiian monk seals are endangered but people will flock from afar to see them.

Honey Girl is a special Hawaiian Monk Seal that many people work hard to save.

This is a really important Hawaii childrens book to read with your kids because you’ll probably see monk seals sunbathing on the beach.

Just remember not to bother them! Find the best prices here.

21. Ohana Means Family by Ilima Loomis

Are you ready to join the family? If you’re a fan of Disney’s Lilo & Stitch, you know that Ohana means family in Hawaiian. This book celebrates Hawaiian land and culture.

We love the beautiful illustrations and the wonderful message. It’s one of the cutest books about Hawaii for kids and one of the best books on Hawaiian culture. Find the best prices here.

22. Kaiulani: The People’s Princess, Hawaii, 1889 by Ellen Emerson White

The Hawaiian people are forcibly annexed by the USA and the people of Hawaii turn to Princess Kaiulani to help.

Ok, I may have been completely obsessed with Princess Kaiulani growing up. Her story is just fascinating and she did so much at such a young age.

Whenever I read a book about her life, it always inspires me to stand up for myself even when it’s not easy.

It is another one of the best Hawaii kids books. Find the best prices here.

23. Our Hawai’i Vacation by Elizabeth Janczyk

One of the newest Hawaii books for kids is Our Hawai'i Vacation by Elizabeth Janczyk. Image of a Hawaiian kids book.

This is a super cute Hawaiian book for kids going on their first trip to Hawaii. It starts off with the plane ride and shows all the fun adventures kids can have in Hawaii.

I think it’s the perfect book to read to kids in the weeks prior to your Hawaiian vacation or a fun surprise to pack in your carry-on bag to read on the airplane!

I think you’ll really love this to add to your Hawaiian keiki books. Find the best prices here.

24. Nahoa the Lucky Cat of Lana’i by J. Likolani Tackett

Nahoa the Lucky Cat of Lanai is one of the cutest Hawaiian children's books. Image of the cover of Nahoa the Lucky Cat of Lanai book.

One of the coolest places to visit on Lana’i is the Lana’i Cat Sanctuary. They have rescued more than 650 cats. This book is based on the true story of Nahoa, a one-day-old kitten who overcame the odds and flourished.

If your kids adore cats, they will fall in love with Nahoa and this sweet story.

Plus, the net proceeds go toward supporting the Lana’i Cat Sanctuary.

Hawaiian Kid Books FAQs

Are there any Hawaiian books for toddlers?

Yes! Most of these picture books about Hawaii are suitable for toddlers and preschoolers. You will even find some Hawaii baby books on this list too!

What children’s book is based on an island?

There are plenty of great childrens books about Hawaii that are island based. There are some great Hawaiian history books but also fun short stories based on the island of Hawaii.

Hawaii Books for Kids Wrap-Up

And now you know some of our favorite books set in Hawaii. Make sure to order a few of these Hawaiian childrens books today either for your own kids or as gifts!

These are some of the best books on Hawaii geared specifically for kids. I also have a list of the best books set in Hawaii for grown-ups.

Hopefully, your kids love these stories about Hawaii!

Looking for more Hawaii Children’s Products? Find out the cutest Hawaiian Toys, the top Mermaid Books for kids, the best Pineapple Gifts, and the coolest Surfing Gifts!

2 thoughts on “24 Amazing Children’s Books About Hawaii”

  1. Dr. Carolan and Joanna Carolan of Banana Patch Studio on Kaua’i have written several great keiki books.

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