Kapaemahu
- Subject
- Places - Australia & Oceania
- Age
- 3-5 years
- Format
- Hardcover
- Pages
- 40
- Publisher
- Kokila
- Size
- 23.6 cm × 23.1 cm
- ISBN
- 9780593530061
An Indigenous legend about how four extraordinary individuals of dual male and female spirit, or Mahu, brought healing arts from Tahiti to Hawaii, based on the Academy Award–contending short film.
A Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of the Century
In the 15th century, four Mahu sail from Tahiti to Hawaii and share their gifts of science and healing with the people of Waikiki. The islanders return this gift with a monument of four boulders in their honor, which the Mahu imbue with healing powers before disappearing.
As time passes, foreigners inhabit the island and the once-sacred stones are forgotten until the 1960s. Though the true story of these stones was not fully recovered, the power of the Mahu still calls out to those who pass by them at Waikiki Beach today.
With illuminating words and stunning illustrations by Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Dean Hamer, Joe Wilson, and Daniel Sousa, KAPAEMAHU is a monument to an Indigenous Hawaiian legend and a classic in the making.
A Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of the Century
In the 15th century, four Mahu sail from Tahiti to Hawaii and share their gifts of science and healing with the people of Waikiki. The islanders return this gift with a monument of four boulders in their honor, which the Mahu imbue with healing powers before disappearing.
As time passes, foreigners inhabit the island and the once-sacred stones are forgotten until the 1960s. Though the true story of these stones was not fully recovered, the power of the Mahu still calls out to those who pass by them at Waikiki Beach today.
With illuminating words and stunning illustrations by Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Dean Hamer, Joe Wilson, and Daniel Sousa, KAPAEMAHU is a monument to an Indigenous Hawaiian legend and a classic in the making.
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What reviewers said
PRAISE FOR KAPAEMAHU by Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Dean Hamer and Joe Wilson; Illustrated by Daniel Sousa
A Stonewall Honor Book!
A School & Library Journal Best Picture Book of the Year!
A Shelf Awareness Best Children’s & YA of 2022!
A Kirkus Best Book of 2022
A Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2022
A Rainbow Book List 2023
A Notable Social Studies Trade Books List 2023
A Bank Street College of Education’s Children’s Book Committee’s The Best Children’s Books of 2023
Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the 21st Century (So Far) [2025]
“...a glorious picture book reclamation."
“The fascinating backmatter provides background information about the original Hawaiian legend and Niihau dialect...A poignant monument to the power of hidden Indigenous histories."
“...a fine read-aloud in conjunction with a history lesson on Hawaii, its people, their language, and the colonization that occurred."
“Sousa's dreamy illustrations—taken from the film—reflect the text's thoughtful tone.”
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