Wai-nani: A Voice from Old Hawai'i - Paperback

by Linda Ballou (Author)

This is the story of Wai-nani, the favorite wife of the warrior- chief destined to unite the Hawaiian Islands. Wai-nani defied the death-dealing priests and challenged the role of women. Willful and passionate, she questioned kapu; the strict laws governing all Polynesians for centuries. Believed to be handed down directly from the gods the kapu system called for human sacrifice, a slave class and limiting roles for women.

Through her eyes we feel present in the lives of early Hawaiian royals and learn the secrets of the mysterious Polynesian culture. We see firsthand the impact of the Hawaiians first contact with the white man when Captain Cook sets foot on the shores of Kealakekua Bay in 1779. In the arms of the vibrant sea, Wai-nani would swim for hours with her dolphin family finding solace, joy, strength and clarity that would challenge and alter the Islands' history forever. Wai-nani takes you on a seductive journey casting a spell that transports you back to the heart and soul of old Hawaii.

Wai-nani is a truly beautiful story, written with lush language that emotes the warm aloha of my people, while bringing our ancient culture and mysticism to life. Tori Eldridge, Author