Following the trails of Hawai‘i’s snails to explore the simultaneously biological and cultural significance of extinction. In this time of extinctions, the humble snail rarely gets a mention. And yet snails are disappearing faster than any other species. In A World in a Shell, Thom van Dooren offers a collection of snail stories from Hawai‘i—once home to more than 750 species of land snails, almost two-thirds of which are now gone. Following snail trails through forests, laboratories, museums, and even a military training facility, and meeting with scientists and Native Hawaiians, van Dooren explores ongoing processes of ecological and cultural loss as they are woven through with possibilities for hope, care, mourning, and resilience. Van Dooren recounts the fascinating history of snail decline in the Hawaiian Islands: from deforestation for agriculture, timber, and more, through the nineteenth century shell collecting mania of missionary settlers, and on to the contemporary impacts of introduced predators. Along the way he asks how both snail loss and conservation efforts have been tangled up with larger processes of colonization, militarization, and globalization. These snail stories provide a potent window into ongoing global process of environmental and cultural change, including the largely unnoticed disappearance of countless snails, insects, and other less charismatic species. Ultimately, van Dooren seeks to cultivate a sense of wonder and appreciation for our damaged planet, revealing the world of possibilities and relationships that lies coiled within a snail’s shell.

Discusses the history of the traditional Hawaiian necklaces made of seashells and explains how the necklaces are made.

As both individuals and societies, we are making decisions today that will have profound consequences for future generations. From preserving Earth's plants and animals to altering our use of fossil fuels, none of these decisions can be made wisely without a thorough understanding of life's history on our planet through biological evolution. Companion to the best selling title Teaching About Evolution and the Nature of Science, Evolution in Hawaii examines evolution and the nature of science by looking at a specific part of the world. Tracing the evolutionary pathways in Hawaii, we are able to draw powerful conclusions about evolution's occurrence, mechanisms, and courses. This practical book has been specifically designed to give teachers and their students an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of evolution using exercises with real genetic data to explore and investigate speciation and the probable order in which speciation occurred based on the ages of the Hawaiian Islands. By focusing on one set of islands, this book illuminates the general principles of evolutionary biology and demonstrate how ongoing research will continue to expand our knowledge of the natural world.

Revised edition of a guide book on marine invertebrates found in the Hawaiian Islands with photographs and captions.

From the Pulitzer Prize-winning author and “one of the greatest poets of our age … the Thoreau of our era” (Edward Hirsch) comes a thrilling story, in verse, of nineteenth-century Hawaii. Here is the story of an attempt by the government to seize and constrain possible victims of leprosy and the determination of one small family not to be taken. A tale of the perils and glories of their flight into the wilds of the island of Kauai, pursued by a gunboat full of soldiers. A brilliant capturing—inspired by the poet's respect for the people of these islands—of their life, their history, the gods and goddesses of their mythic past. A somber revelation of the wrecking of their culture through the exploitative incursions of Europeans and Americans. An epic narrative that enthralls with the grandeur of its language and of its vision.

Say goodnight to the Aloha State! Hawaii and its beautiful islands are waiting for your family to explore! Your toddler will visit colorful fish in coral reefs, play on sandy beaches, try local food, and so much more. Watch them learn about this tropical paradise of the Pacific. This book is the perfect gift for little Hawaiians everywhere, for birthdays, baby showers, housewarming and going away parties. With the Good Night Our World series, toddlers and preschool-age kids can build listening and memory skills by identifying famous landmarks and the distinct character of real places. Perfect for bedtime or naptime, reading simple, soothing phrases to your infant, toddler or preschooler will help them fall gently to sleep. Our readers love that their child will pick a favorite portion of the story to read along with you, and on top of that, these classic board books were built to last! Made from thick paperboard construction, it was designed with your kids in mind. Introduce stories of exploration to your little one using colorful illustrations and distinct vocabulary with Good Night Books, and be sure to look through our entire line of kids picture books about Hawaii, including Good Night Maui, Good Night Honolulu, Good Night Ocean, and many more! Surprise your future traveler today with Good Night Hawaii!

More than three hundred full-color photographs present portraits of endangered animals and plants from Hawaii, photographed against a plain black background, along with articles on the natural history of the islands, environmental changes, and preservation efforts. Reprint.