Award-winning historian John Demos tells the astonishing and moving story of a unique missionary project, which probes the very roots of American identity. Near the start of the nineteenth century, as the United States looked outward to the wider world, a group of eminent Protestant ministers devised a grand scheme for gathering the rest of mankind into the redemptive fold of Christianity and "civiization." Its core element was a special school for "heathen youth" drawn from all parts of the earth, and, especially, the native nations of North America. If all went well, graduates would return to join similiar projects in their respective homelands. For some years, the school prospered, indeed became quite famous. However, when two Cherokee students courted and married local women public resolve and fundamental ideals were put to a severe test.

Loyal to the Land is a sweeping history of one of the United States' largest working ranches, the Big Island of Hawaii's Parker Ranch. Dr. Bergin chronicles the ranch from its establishment on two acres purchased for ten dollars by John Palmer Parker to the years following World War II and the beginning of a new era of family ranch management under Parker’s grandson, Richard Smart. In this wide-ranging and insightful book, illustrated with more than 250 historical photos, Dr. Bergin first discusses the important Hispanic vaquero roots of ranching in Hawaii. He then relates the histories of the five foundation families, providing rich and detailed information on key members who contributed to the Ranch's success. The balance of the book examines every aspect of Parker Ranch development: management, labor, improvements and diversification of livestock, veterinary and animal care programs, and the Ranch’s role and influence on the Big Island and the state.

Tracing the origins of the Hawaiians and other Polynesians back to the shores of the South China Sea, archaeologist Patrick Vinton Kirch follows their voyages of discovery across the Pacific in this fascinating history of Hawaiian culture from about one thousand years ago. Combining more than four decades of his own research with Native Hawaiian oral traditions and the evidence of archaeology, Kirch puts a human face on the gradual rise to power of the Hawaiian god-kings, who by the late eighteenth century were locked in a series of wars for ultimate control of the entire archipelago. This lively, accessible chronicle works back from Captain James Cook’s encounter with the pristine kingdom in 1778, when the British explorers encountered an island civilization governed by rulers who could not be gazed upon by common people. Interweaving anecdotes from his own widespread travel and extensive archaeological investigations into the broader historical narrative, Kirch shows how the early Polynesian settlers of Hawai'i adapted to this new island landscape and created highly productive agricultural systems.

In Bligh, the story of the most notorious of all Pacific explorers is told through a new lens as a significant episode in the history of the world, not simply of the West. Award-winning anthropologist Anne Salmond recounts the triumphs and disasters of William Bligh's life and career in a riveting narrative that for the first time portrays the Pacific islanders as key players. From 1777, Salmond charts Bligh's three Pacific voyages – with Captain James Cook in the Resolution, on board the Bounty, and as commander of the Providence. Salmond offers new insights into the mutiny aboard the Bounty – and on Bligh's extraordinary 3000-mile journey across the Pacific in a small boat – through new revelations from unguarded letters between him and his wife Betsy. We learn of their passionate relationship, and her unstinting loyalty throughout the trials of his turbulent career and his fight to clear his name. This beautifully told story reveals Bligh as an important ethnographer, adding to the paradoxical legacy of the famed seaman. For the first time, we hear how Bligh and his men were changed by their experiences in the South Seas, and how in turn they changed that island world forever. 'Remarkable . . . The mutiny has inspired some marvellous books, of which this is possibly the finest.' --Jim Eagles, New Zealand Herald

In How Chiefs Became Kings, Patrick Vinton Kirch addresses a central problem in anthropological archaeology: the emergence of “archaic states” whose distinctive feature was divine kingship. Kirch takes as his focus the Hawaiian archipelago, commonly regarded as the archetype of a complex chiefdom. Integrating anthropology, linguistics, archaeology, traditional history, and theory, and drawing on significant contributions from his own four decades of research, Kirch argues that Hawaiian polities had become states before the time of Captain Cook’s voyage (1778-1779). The status of most archaic states is inferred from the archaeological record. But Kirch shows that because Hawai`i’s kingdoms were established relatively recently, they could be observed and recorded by Cook and other European voyagers. Substantive and provocative, this book makes a major contribution to the literature of precontact Hawai`i and illuminates Hawai`i’s importance in the global theory and literature about divine kingship, archaic states, and sociopolitical evolution.

Make Your Escape! A verdant retreat full of old Hawaii charm, Kaua'i is aloha at its best. See the soul of Hawaii with Moon Kaua'i, the travel guide preferred by locals. What You'll Find in Moon Kaua'i: Expert, local author Kevin Whitton provides an adventurer's perspective on the island he calls home Full-color guides with vibrant, helpful photos, in an easy-to-navigate format Detailed directions and over 20 maps for exploring on your own Kaua'i travel itineraries for every trip and budget with options for rainy days, including: The Best of Kaua'i, Honeymoon Hotspots, Best Beaches, Underwater Paradise, Best Outdoor Adventures, Waterfall Wonders, and Best Cultural and Historic Sites In-depth coverage for Lihu'e and the East Side, Princeville and the North Shore, Po'ipu and the South Shore, and Waimea and the West Side Honest advice on finding the best accommodations, accessible transportation, and experiencing the real Kaua'i Activities and ideas for every traveler: snorkel the coral reefs, ride the waves, or relax in the sun. Hike the famed Na Pali Coast or the breathtaking Waimea Canyon. Pick up paddle-boarding or learn to scuba dive. Discover the most beautiful waterfall or catch the best sunset for a romantic getaway Nuanced background, including information on the landscape, plants and animals, history, and culture Handy tools such as detailed lodging information and suggestions on LGBT+ travel and eco-tourism, all in a book light enough for your beach bag With Moon Kaua'i's practical tips, myriad activities, and local insight on the best things to do and see, you can plan your trip your way. Interested in island hopping? Check out Moon Big Island of Hawai'i,Moon Honolulu & O'ahu, and Moon Maui. Visiting all the islands? Check out Moon Hawaiian Islands.