Ruling Chiefs of Hawaii

by Samuel Manaiakalani Kamakau

English (translation)

Genres: History, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published May 1, 1992

Reviews

[Kevin Maloney]

Agree. An important work. A somewhat difficult read, and some of the topics not always in chronological order. But excellent, and a must read if you read Gavin Daws’ Shoal Of Time (and Ruling Chiefs is a must read if you already read Daws). Kamakau’s native Hawaiian perspective on the islands’ history is often jarringly different from Daws’ haole interpretation of history. Kamakau was also a minor but significant participant in his nation’s history, much like David Malo, and unlike Daws. Kamakau is too quick to ascribe virtue to the Christian influence in Hawaii, but understandable for the time.

The comparison is not a judgement. Kamakau opines a bit much and Daws could be considered a little blind to native cultural interpretation of what happened. Rather they complement each other exceedingly well, and inspire enthusiasm to keep going with even more histories and treatises on The Hawaiian Islands.

Another essential is Joesting’s Kauai: The Separate Kingdom.

[Paige Kilian · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5
A dense, challenging, perhaps overly-comprehensive work.

[Ariel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a classic read for Hawaiian history. The information and history on the chiefs in Hawai'i is educational and a good start to learning Hawaiian history and practices. The appendices in the back provide further information on things like various mele (songs) and oli (chants), and the different Hawaiian language newspapers. Having been educated at Lahainluna Seminary, Kamakau does tend to slant some of his writing in that way, but for the most part records information on Hawaiian culture, history, and practices as it was told to him by the kupuna (elders)

[Brian Rankin]

Very interesting and unique book. Written well over a century ago by a scholar who lived during the final portion reported of this book. Presents approximately 500 years of Hawaiian history from the first Chief to unite all the islands through contact with settlers and switch to constitutional monarchy.

[Stephanie Launiu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a classic and absolutely a must-read for any student or lover of Hawaiian history. It took me a while to read it because I was doing research and targeted certain chapters at a time, but eventually I was able to read it cover to cover. The important work of Samuel Kamakau and those who were able to translate his writings cannot be downplayed. Without his gathering of oral histories we wouldn't have the intimate stories about the ruling chiefs and kingdoms that are told in this book. Kamakau, who converted to Catholicism later in life, sometimes expounded on stories about ka po'e kahiko (the people of old) comparing and judging them against Christian morality, which took away from the historical reality I thought. But the value of his historical writing far outweighs whatever moral judgments he may have added to the end of a story. This book, dog-eared as it is, will always have a place on my bookshelf as a reminder of the early people of Hawai'i and the chiefs who ruled over them in a complicated island society.

[Anuhea Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

awesome book on the history of Hawaiʻi's chiefs. actually a very easy read despite its scary size and i learned a lot

[Briana Grenert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerful, beautiful, and fascinating book - a must read.
I'm not qualified to make a critical analysis for his analysis but it was incredibly interesting. I have learned so much and am indebted to those who put forth the effort to compile and translate this brilliant work.

Be wary of the dates for the ancient period.