'Hawaiian People Today Na Mamo' and 'KeAloha: The Keeper' are excellent cultural studies. "Hawaiian People Today : Na Mamo" will help you learn about the people who are keeping the Hawaiian culture alive in their chosen professions and hobbies - from hula to canoe racing; making tapa to taro planting. And "KeAloha: The Keeper" provides an exciting, thorough immersion into Hawaiian culture and mythology, appropriate for both young and old. A fantasy book laced with true Hawaiian beliefs and customs, it gives the reader solid knowledge of what it means to be Hawaiian, and interestingly, part of the book proceeds of "KeAloha : The Keeper" are donated to Na Mamo, a non-profit group of young Hawaiians whose mission is to perserve the Hawaiian culture.

'Shoal of Time a History of the Hawaiian Islands' focuses on post-contact Hawaii from the Western perspective. This is a very readable and meticulously researched history. This should be the starting place for anyone interested in the royal and tragic past of the Hawaiian Islands.

'New Pocket Hawaiian Dictionary: With a Concise Grammar and Given Names in Hawaiian' is the best Hawaiian dictionary. When asked about spelling or the meaning(s) of a word or phrase, the answer in Hawaii is usually "Pukui says..." or "According to Pukui..."

'Hawaiian Names--English Names' is a really interesting and useful book that will help you with the meaning of many Hawaiian names when you visit the islands.

'Hawaii' is an excellent introduction to Hawaii's history, through expert and very accurate storytelling by one of America's favorite authors.

'Hawaiian Quilt: A Spiritual Experience' is a complete guide to the tradition, heritage and cultural significance of Hawaiian quilts.

'Hawaiian Mythology' is the premier book on Hawaiian mythology written in 1940, and reads as such. If you are planning to visit Hawaii, you should learn about the people of Hawaii and this book tells you a lot about their ancient culture, however, I recommend "KeAloha : The Keeper" above this one since KeAloha does the same in a more fun and exciting fashion.

'Learn Hawaiian at Home' contains a course book and audio tapes so that you can learn the beautiful language of Hawaii. The package includes step-by-step instructions, exercises and more.