Hula by Jasmin Iolani Hakes

As someone who has visited and appreciated the wild natural beauty of the Hawaiian Islands several times I thought I was being a good visitor respecting the islands and the islander's culture. I was wrong because I was seeing it through the eyes of a vacationer. This multi-generational story is centered around a strong family in Hilo with a proud heritage of community leadership and skill in storytelling through dancing the hula. From Hulali, Laka and Hi'i who have all competed for the right to be named Miss Aloha Hula which is the highest honor given to this ancient art and are proud of their heritage. With the addition of Hi'i they will all question what it means to be Hawaiian and who should be given the right to that heritage. While part of the story is about the up and down dynamics of their family and extended aunties and uncles of Hilo it is also very much a call to arms. The native people of Hawaii are fighting a culture war to save The Kingdom and their history from being erased as well as no longer content waiting forever for the US government to make good on broken promises on giving back inherited land while freely giving away the rights to further unwanted tourism. Something to remember the next time you have a drink at a resort's tiki hut while watching the luau show. All that calm natural beauty cast against the upheaval created by humans drawing a line in the sand. I also listened to the audiobook version for the correct pronunciation and to truly enjoy the melodic Hawaiian phrasing and distinct voice which was handled beautifully. For fans of historical stories of the islands involving native populations such as MOLOKA'I and RED SKY OVER HAWAII.  4 1/2 stars