Hawaiian Book – Kumu Hula Roots and Branches
Kumu Hula Roots and Branches
Stagner’s 152-page book is full of colorful photos and illustrations, and discusses how hula is evolving and changing as it is practiced beyond the shores of Hawaii. It includes the first-person oral histories of seven contemporary kumu hula: Hattie Laea Nuhi Au, Olana Clark A‘i, Alan Barcarse, Aloha Dalire, Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett, Howell “Chinky” Mahoe and Pua Kamealoha Gomes.
Stagner said he wrote the book from the perspective of a hula dancer. “We are, to a large extent, the inheritors of the traditions of the Auntie Dotties and Uncle Georges,” he said, referring to the late Dottie Thompson and George Na‘ope, co-founders of the Merrie Monarch Festival. “Now we must do our part to impart what we have learned to the next generation of young people. Otherwise, we have people dancing hula and going through the motions without the basic spiritual underpinnings.”
Hawaii Book – Ancient Sites of O’ahu
The Hawaii book Ancient Sites of Oʻahu: A Guide to Hawaiian Archaeological Places of Interest has been completely revised. This award-winning guidebook increased the general public’s awareness of O’ahu’s ancient sites beginning in the early 1990s. Now an entirely updated, full-color edition of the book includes numerous additional sites and expanded site descriptions. Although many remnants of ancient Hawai’i are accessible, often they are hidden, and few sources provide such comprehensive interpretive information. Author Van James highlights the features, legends, and archaeology of fifty O’ahu sites, with each site description including a photograph, directions, and a map for easy location.
An introduction by the late Hawaiian authority Edward L. H. Kanahele gives the reader an understanding of the intimate connection Hawaiians feel to the land and its features. He describes the concept of wahi pana, sacred places of Hawai’i that are imbued with spiritual significance. Further context for the site descriptions is given by Van James in chapters describing aspects of Hawaiian culture and five main types of sites: heiau (temples), pohaku (sacred stones), petroglyphes, caves and rock shelters, and fishponds.
Ancient Sites of Oʻahu is a Ka Palapala Poʻokela Awards 2011 winner for
Excellence in Text or Reference Books
Hawaii Book – The Polynesian Tattoo Today
The Polynesian Tattoo Today
Tattooist and historian Tricia Allen’s extensive research and travel has curated some of the best works spanning the full gamut of polynesian styles- Marquesan, Maori, Samoan, Tongan. This is a picture book full of crisp, clear pictures of amazing art, accompanied by short captions with information on the cultural style, the artist, and the wearer. At the end of the book is a series of artist profiles, focusing on the artists who have the most work displayed in the book. Primarily, these artists are native to Polynesia, though many cultures and nationalities are represented.
The Polynesian Tattoo Today is a Ka Palapala Poʻokela Awards 2011 winner for Excellence in Special Interest Books and People’s Choice Award.
Hawaii Book – The Blue Tomato
The Hawaiian cookbook The Blue Tomato: The Inspirations Behind the Cuisine of Alan Wong
This 284-page book is a personal journey with Chef Alan, featuring some of his own photography, travel anecdotes and the sources of his inspiration. Featuring more than 200 recipes in 70 elegant dishes, from Sunomono Salad to Crab “Tofu” to Wagyu-Wrapped ‘Ahi, The Blue Tomato shares the stories behind the recipes, revealing the fun and philosophy of creative cooking. The Blue Tomato is a testament to Alan Wong’s conviction that anything is possible in today’s world—with the right mix of creativity, persistence and innovative thinking.
The title of the book comes from a conversation with elementary school kids.
Alan: (Showing a red tomato) Kids, this is where ketchup comes from.
Student 1: So you can make yellow ketchup out of yellow tomato?
Alan: Of course you can.
Student 2: So can you make blue ketchup?
Alan: You give me a blue tomato and I’ll give you blue ketchup.
The Blue Tomato is a winner of the Ka Palapala Poʻokela Awards in 2011 for Excellence in Cookbooks.
Hawaii Book – Plenty Saimin
The children’s picture book, Plenty Saimin
In this tale, birthday boy, Ah Kee, couldn’t wait for his long life noodles. On his way to the market with Ma he invites friend after friend to join him for noodles. Will Ma have enough to feed everyone he’s invited? As the noodles are being prepared one by one each guest brings an ingredient to add to the pot. Not too much, just what they can offer. Soon all gather to celebrate Ah Kee’s birthday.
This book is a tribute to the late 1950′s rural life style here in Hawaii. A time when folks farmed the land and took care of one another so naturally. Something we’d like to always remember, continue to practice and pass on to youngsters.
Plenty Saimin is a winner of the Ka Palapala Poʻokela Awards in 2011 for Excellence in Children’s Literature.
Hawaii Book – Legend of the Gourd
The magical tale of Legend of the Gourd
Caren Ke’ala Loebel-Fried beautifully depicts the love story between the two ali’i and the miracle that comes to pass after a tragic death. This book is a Ka Palapala Poʻokela Awards winner for Excellence in Children’s Hawaiian Culture and Excellence in Children’s Illustrative/Photographic Books.
