Huliau - The Return Voyage

Very few days pass, when ‘Iokepa and I are not asked to recommend books about Native Hawaiian history, spirituality, or culture.

‘Iokepa always answers:  “Inette has written the book, Grandmothers Whisper.  It’s circulating to publishers now.”  My husband refuses to see that as self-serving because, “It’s her memoir, not mine.”  Nevertheless…

When he and I get down to the brass tacks of recommending a written path into authentic Hawaiian history, it is not easy.  To date there have been only three major books written by native historians that refute the skewed take of the missionary accounts–that European, Fun House looking-glass.

Now there is a fourth.  ‘Iokepa was the first in our local library system to read it.  We renewed it; I was the second.  It is powerfully well written, flawlessly researched, and totally original.

Hawaiian Blood by J. Kehaulani Kauanui, published by Duke University Press tells a heartbreaking story of the arrival of racism, greed and unbelievable cruelty to these Islands.  Who–you will ask when you read it–were the “barbarians” here?

Kauanui is an Associate Professor of Anthropology and American Studies at Wesleyan University.  We do not know this woman.  But we do know this work.  ‘Iokepa cried, and felt his stomach grip at what he has already lived and known. Now we can read it.

This book is more than history.  Kauanui steps up and describes the racism that defines, infects, and impedes the Kanaka Maoli (aboriginal Hawaiian) struggle for freedom– right now.