Growing up in Hawaii makes for a magical and colorful childhood spent going to the beach with the ohana, learning about the culture, and making every day an adventure. 

Almost as good as living it, we love experiencing this life through authors who use imagination and creativity to bring these stories to life. These stories are meticulously written and delivered in traditional Hawaiian children's books, ranging from well-known mythology across the Pacific Islands to different cultural practices. Here are five of our favorite books that can inspire everyone. 

If you're looking for Hawaiian books to read to your children or if you want to teach your children about Hawaiian culture, this list is for you!

Gabrielle Ahulii's Hawaiian Legends

Situated in One Palauea Bay, one of the most exclusive communities in all of Hawaii, this luxury 6-bedroom, 7-bathroom property is the best of Wailea/Makena’s luxury living.  

(Makena, Maui) – A recent transaction from Island Sotheby’s International Realty agents, Ryan MacLaughlin R(B) and Alex Cortez R(B), marked the highest sale on Maui this year. 37 Ualei Place is one of the most exclusive offerings of Wailea and Makena and Ryan represented both the seller and the buyer. The property boasts breathtaking ocean views and serves as a quiet getaway atop one of the most pristine coastlines in Hawaii. 

"37 Ualei is very special within an exclusive enclave in Makena. Sitting at the highest elevation of the subdivision, it is very private

In honor of National Women’s History Month, here are 4 inspirational mana wāhine (strong women) who have helped to shape Hawaii and continuously lead the way in women and native Hawaiian rights throughout their time. 

Lydia Lili‘u Loloku Walania Wewehi Kamaka‘eha

Lydia Lili‘u Loloku Walania Wewehi Kamaka‘eha was born on September 2, 1838, and went on to become the queen of the Kingdom of Hawaii, as well as a scholar, philanthropist, prolific and brilliant composer. 

Lili'u was named successor to the throne on April 11, 1877, and was sworn in on January 29, 1891, following the death of her brother, King Kalākaua.

She is revered and remembered across the Hawaiian Islands for her knowledge, grace, and devotion towards Hawaii's people. “E

Lydia Lili‘u Loloku Walania Wewehi Kamaka‘eha was born on September 2, 1838, and went on to become the queen of the Kingdom of Hawai'i, as well as a scholar, philanthropist, prolific and brilliant composer. 

Lili'u was named successor to the throne on April 11, 1877, and was sworn in on January 29, 1891, following the death of her brother, King Kalākaua.

She is revered and remembered across the Hawaiian Islands for her knowledge, grace, and devotion towards Hawaii's people. “E ʻonipaʻa i ka ʻimi naʻauao," was Liliuokalani's credo (Be steadfast in the seeking of knowledge). It is commonly abbreviated to “Onipaʻa,” which means "to stand firm”. 

At the age of 40, she wrote and recorded what would come to be arguably her most famous song, ‘Aloha

Just up the road from Paia, Haiku keeps visitors and locals coming back with its country appeal, delicious restaurants, and natural beauty.

On the surface, Haiku may seem like any other adorably quaint Maui town, with its open dirt roads occupied by rusted pickup trucks packed with surfboards, and its family-run farms and roadside produce stands. A stone’s throw away from Paia and Hookipa Beach on the north shore, Haiku surprises travelers with more than just its country charm.

Haiku Mill

It’s as if you’re stepping into a whole other world when you visit the famous Haiku Mill. Surrounded by Maui’s plethora of fresh flora and fauna, yet coupled with touches of European flavor, this iconic venue drips with magic. Book a tour via their website

Photo By: Saltshine Creative

1. Take them to a chocolate tasting at Kuia Maui Chocolate 

Take the woman in your life that you wish to celebrate to a fully immersive chocolate tasting right in the heart of Lahaina, Maui! Crafted on Maui, Kuia Maui Chocolate is not only delicious, but it’s also the perfect way to spend quality time while enjoying a fun and unique experience. 

2. Stillwells and chill at Iao Valley

Awarded “Best Bakery” on Maui by Maui News and home of the famous Cream Horn, Stillwells Bakery is sure to add a smile to anyone’s day. Grab some coffee or tea and head up the mountain towards Iao Valley for a view that is out of this world. 

3. Star Lookout

Upcountry Maui is filled with

In Hawaii, mostly all locals and long-time residents speak Hawaiian Pidgin English, known locally as Pidgin. Everyday conversation's most common words and phrases can sometimes sound entirely foreign for visitors or new residents. Coupled with the traditional ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language), learning to talk like a local can take some time! Here is a list of some of the more widespread phrases to get you through almost any conversation as if you've been doing it your whole life!

1. Bumbai (bum-bye) 

“otherwise,” “or else,” “later,” “later on”

“Bumbai we go beach.” 

2. Brah

Short for braddah, a casual way of addressing someone

“Brah, pass me the shoyu?

3. Broke Da Mouth

A way to

Island Sotheby's International Realty welcomes our newest realtor, Scott Trommald! Scott knows what it means to fully appreciate something from the inside out. Having years of experience being a property manager for homes throughout the Kipahulu area, he grew to know and love the location and history of the land. So naturally, becoming a real estate agent felt like the best next step to continue on his journey of creating homes for people on Maui. 

"The remote setting, the rich culture and history, the land and its peoples offer a truly unique type of luxury to its residents. So representing the community as a real estate agent seemed a natural step for me."

Not only has Scott had a hand in managing and selling properties, but he has also been

Island Sotheby's International Realty welcomes our newest realtor, Susan D. Kissler. Built on a love for all things people, relationships with clients, and Maui's endless sunshine, she is the perfect person to join you on your real estate journey. 

Susan was born and raised in Battle Creek, Michigan, surrounded by her mother's daily routine of showing properties and greeting potential clients throughout the beautiful city. However, after spending some time in Colorado, Susan eventually let the pull of the Hawaiian Islands lead her away from the rocky mountains and forest landscape in 1995 and moved to Maui. Among other newfound passions she discovered on the island, Susan rediscovered her love for real estate and decided to get her license and

Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou! (Happy New Year!) If you’re planning to visit Maui in 2022, you’re in for a treat! With stunning waters, white sand beaches, cascading waterfalls, volcanoes, and more, Maui is an amazing vacation destination. But, with tons of beauty to marvel at and countless ways to encounter adventure, it can be a little intimidating when mapping out your visit to Maui. If you’ve been beating your head on what to include in your 2022 Maui bucket list, worry no more! Whether you’re a local or visitor, we’ve put together your in depth outline on what to make sure you hit before the year is up or before your trip is over! 

1. Poke from Tamura’s

The best way to eat like a local is to try Tamura’s fresh and ready poke to go.