Looking for good Hawaiian children’s books? Let me share my top picks for Hawaiian children’s books!
This hawaii children’s book post was originally published on Jul 30, 2019 and was updated on Nov 5, 2021 and contains affiliate links, which means if you buy something from one of my affiliate links, I can earn a small commission that goes back to maintaining this blog.
Looking for a great book to read with your kids about Hawaii?
there are so many good books out there! You can introduce your children to food, landscaping, culture, and geography through the power of books.
You are reading: Children’s books about hawaii
We all know that reading is important, but it can be hard to find a book that is really interesting! I’ve put together a list of my favorite children’s books about Hawaii so you don’t waste time looking for pages and pages of boring titles.
Also, if you’re headed to Hawaii, these Hawaiian children’s books are perfect for reading on the plane, in your hotel room, and on the beach!
Keep looking for my list of the best children’s books about Hawaii.
plus, they make great gifts too! so if you’re looking for something special this holiday season, consider one of these amazing Hawaiian-themed children’s books as a gift idea. it will definitely bring some aloha spirit to any home or classroom!
and now…drum roll please…here are my top picks in no particular order!
Discover 50 Hawaiian Fun Facts for Kids!
24 Amazing Hawaiian Children’s Books
1. a is for aloha by u’ilani goldsberry and tammy yee
The best thing about Hawaii is the scenery and the people.
a is for aloha is a great children’s book about Hawaiian culture and one of the most visited places in the world. This book tells a great story, while also introducing children to words that correlate with Hawaii.
is one of the best illustrated books on Hawaii that we have. find the best prices here.
2. shaved ice in hawaii by beachhouse publishing (author), mariko merritt (illustrator)
Interested in teaching your kids more about Hawaii? maybe you live in hawaii and want to learn more, check out shave ice in hawaii.
one of hawaii’s favorite local delicacies is shaved ice! naming all the flavors will be fun and delicious.
This is one of the first board books I bought and after giving my kids their first scratch test in kauai, it brings back fond memories every time we read it! find the best prices here.
3. animals sing aloha by vera arita (author), ron louie (illustrator)
If you’re looking for one of the best books on Hawaii, then Animals Sing Aloha is a great option. it is important to introduce your children to phonics.
You can introduce them to phonics and a great book at the same time, thanks to animals sing aloha. is one of the cutest Hawaiian baby books.
I’m warning you, there’s an image involving an animal pooping and it will be your child’s favorite part! find the best prices here.
4. volcanoes of hawai’i (a real book: national parks) by karina hamalainen
When you can’t be there to experience Hawaii’s volcanoes, the best thing to do is look at a book.
This Hawaiian book takes readers to Hawaii’s National Parks with a focus on natural landscapes and American history.
is an especially good book for children who are really interested in science and geology. find the best prices here.
5. hide and seek in hawaii by jane hopkins
Looking for an interactive book focused on Hawaii? hiding in hawaii is the perfect seek and find book.
Children love interactive books and this book is the perfect example of how children can engage while reading.
This is actually a book that I “hide” in our house and take it out every two months. it gives them enough time for the kids to forget where some of the items are and it’s like a whole new book. find the best prices here.
6. things that go smoothly in hawaii by beachhouse publishing (Author), kat uno (Illustrator)
Most children’s books about Hawaii focus on volcanoes, beaches, or hula dancing. I love that this is all about vehicles and that it takes place in Hawaii.
islands are the perfect place to see how things are going and more. things that go on wheels in Hawaiican help children learn a lot.
the wheels go along beaches, through tunnels and much more.
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My youngest is a vehicle enthusiast and most of the books we read revolve around cars, trucks, trains, etc. find the best prices here.
7. paper doll book with hawaiian flowers by yuko green
Teaching your kids about Hawaiian culture can be done with books like Hawaiian Flower Paper Doll Book. children will learn about the flowers of hawaii, along with different hula costumes.
This book has been around since I was a kid and I always loved flipping through it and seeing all the pretty outfits.
The fact that you can still find these Hawaiian children’s books at ABC stores in Hawaii shows that they stand the test of time! find the best prices here.
8. Too Many Mangoes by Tammy Paikai (Author), Don Robinson (Illustrator)
Have you ever eaten too many mangoes? this children’s book is the perfect example of how children can learn through experience.
the characters of too many mangoes embark on an adventure to collect mangoes. very soon, they will be sharing all these tasty treats with their friends and family.
My mother-in-law bought this for my oldest son simply because they both love mangoes. but, we really like the message of sharing with friends, family and neighbors! find the best prices here.
9. Maui Hook the Islands by Gabrielle Ahulii (Author), Jing Jing Tsong (Illustrator)
It’s time to introduce your kids to Maui Hooks Island. this is such a fun book that all children will love and is one of the most popular Hawaiian stories for children.
Learning about Maui, the demigod, is part of the Hawaiian tradition. this book is full of rich stories.
If your kids are fans of Disney’s Moana, they’re already familiar with a version of Maui. however, there are so many adventures that you probably don’t know about! find the best prices here.
10. hide and seek gecko by gill mcbarnet
Interested in testing your eyesight? this is the perfect book for you!
The geckos in this book hide in many different places. Children who read this book will learn skills like counting and following directions.
is one of the best Hawaiian books for kids to read with multiple kids because it becomes a fun game to see who can find them first. find the best prices here.
11. pig-boy: a hawai’i trickster tale by gerald mcdermott
Go on an adventure with Pig-Boy, who is on a grand adventure in this book Pig Boy: A Trickster Tale from Hawaii. has fun exploring the islands and exploring.
When problems arise, you’ll know what to do!
My kids love listening to Hawaiian folktales and this one is a hit! find the best prices here.
12. malia in hawaii: celebrating all my parts by karyn hopper (author), tammy yee
Whether it’s surfing, dancing, noodles, or sushi, Malia loves exploring and trying everything Hawaii has to offer.
malia has a long name (not unusual for hawaii), but she loves exploring hawaii and all the islands it has to offer. find the best prices here.
13. 1-2-3 saimin in hawaii: beachhouse publishing board book (author), jamie meckel (illustrator)
saimin is a hawaiian delight for all ages. 1-2-3 saimin in hawaii is a numbers book that really explores saimin and how it’s done.
And while it’s one of our favorite Hawaiian books for preschoolers and toddlers, kids of all ages will love exploring this book. really. my 5 year old still asks to read it because it’s fun to point out all the delicious saimin ingredients! find the best prices here.
14. pono, the guardian of the garden by dani hickman
pono is known as a small Hawaiian menehune. lives in the garden and likes to play little jokes on mrs. miyamoto. however, one day he gets hurt.
This is a great book for little ones to learn a lesson about how they treat others.
Also, it’s a great way to introduce your children to Menehune, because you’ll see references to them all over Hawaii in many Hawaiian children’s stories. find the best prices here.
15. the adventures of taylor’s stem: mary payton’s hawaii
who’s looking for an adventure? Taylor’s Stem Adventure: Hawaiiis the perfect Hawaiian travel book for those seeking an adventure.
this is a good book to explore as taylor takes you on an adventure of all she is learning.
You may also be surprised at what your children learn. this is a wonderfully crafted military book. find the best prices here.
16. under the blood red sun (prisoners of empire series) paperback by graham salisbury
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escaping poverty in japan, this is the story of a boy growing up in hawaii. however, he is too busy growing up to realize that World War II is just around the corner.
I read this book when I was in high school and I still remember how much it stuck with me. It’s definitely for older kids, but it’s a great way to bring WWII to life. find the best prices here.
if you’re looking for things to do on oahu with kids, pearl harbor has something for all ages.
17. girl’s day in hawai’i with yuki-chan by tokie ikeda ching
Who doesn’t love a fabulous girl’s day? yuki-chan takes you on an adventure through girls day in hawaii.
you will be able to explore traditions and fun, while learning about an important day in hawaii.
Girls’ Day and Boy’s Day are always celebrated a lot in Hawaii, so this is a great excuse to join in the festivities! find the best prices here.
18. hawai’i (a true book: my united states) by joanne mattern
every state in the united states is unique. this book about hawaii will take you on an adventure across the state. you will learn about the geography, history and wildlife of this great state.
This is one of the best travel books for kids who love fun facts and trivia! find the best prices here.
19. footprints in the sand: my journey with nanea (american girl before the journey) by erin falligant
Do you want to go on a trip? now you can thanks to nanea. You’ll explore with her as she guides you through her life in Honolulu during World War II.
the american girl series is as popular now as it was when i was a child. the books do a great job of putting a friendly face on a moment in the story. find the best prices here.
20. honey girl: the hawaiian monk seal (arbordale collection) by jeanne walker harvey
This beloved children’s book is about the monk seals of Hawaii. You see, Hawaiian monk seals are endangered, but people come from far and wide to see them.
honey girl is a special Hawaiian monk seal that many people work hard to save.
This is a very important book to read with your children because you will probably see monk seals sunbathing on the beach.
just remember not to disturb them! find the best prices here.
21. ohana means family by ilima loomis
Are you ready to join the family? if you are a fan of disney’s lilo & stitch, you know that ohana means family in hawaiian. This book celebrates the Hawaiian land and culture.
We love the beautiful illustrations and wonderful message. It is one of the cutest books about Hawaii for children. find the best prices here.
22. Kaiulani: The People’s Princess, Hawaii, 1889 by Ellen Emerson White
The Hawaiian people are forcibly annexed by the United States and the people of Hawaii turn to the Kaiulani princess for help.
Well, he may have been completely obsessed with the Kaiulani princess growing up. his story is just fascinating and he did a lot at such a young age.
Every time I read a book about his life, it always inspires me to stand up for myself, even when it’s not easy. find the best prices here.
23. our vacation in hawaii by elizabeth janczyk
this is a super cute hawaiian book for kids who are going on their first trip to hawaii. It starts with the plane ride and shows all the fun adventures kids can have in Hawaii.
i think it’s the perfect book to read to kids in the weeks leading up to your hawaii vacation or a fun surprise to throw in your handbag to read on the plane. find the best prices here.
24. nahoa the lucky cat from lana’i de j. tackett likolani
one of the best places to visit in lana’i is the lana’i cat sanctuary. They have rescued more than 650 cats. This book is based on the true story of Nahoa, a day-old kitten who overcame adversity and thrived.
if your children love cats, they will fall in love with nahoa and this sweet story.
In addition, net proceeds go to support the Lana’i Cat Sanctuary.
completion of hawaii children’s books
and now you know some of our favorite books set in hawaii. Be sure to order some of these Hawaiian children’s books today, either for your own children or as gifts!
These are some of the best books about Hawaii designed specifically for children. I also have a list of the best books set in Hawaii for adults.
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