Hawaii Novels
Hawaii has become a dream setting of late for many writers. Perhaps it’s from the popularity of Moana, the desire to learn more native stories, the horrific Maui fires, or the gorgeous tropical backdrop, but one thing is for certain – there are more Hawaii novels published each year than ever before.
My beloved Aunt Jann has a home in Hawaii and her tales of the land are filled with lush descriptions, welcoming people, and a different way of life. She dreams about Hawaii as I do for Maine (which is why we have books set in Maine), giving it an almost mythical status in my mind. After I read 2 novels set there in one month, I knew it was time to gather my favorites together in one post.
The Best Hawaii Novels
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Contemporary Fiction Novel Set in Hawaii
Hula by Jasmin Iolani Hakes – Jump to Section
The Best Historical Fiction Novel Set in Hawaii
The Pohaku by Jasmin Iolani Hakes – Jump to Section
The Best Novel with a Scene Set in Hawaii
Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan – Jump to Section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Contemporary Fiction Hawaii Novels
Plot
I picked up this book based on the cover and the thoughts of the hula dance competition, but instead of the fun read I was expecting, I got a coming-of-age story about a light-skinned Hawaiian trying to prove she belongs by learning to Hula.
But this Hula isn’t just a dance, it keeps the legends and legacies of the Hawaiian culture alive. Sprinkled throughout this story, while Hi’i is fighting to prove her worth, we see glimpses of her mother and grandmother’s lives and vignettes that explain Hawaii’s history, colonization, and the struggle of native Hawaiians today.
Why Kirsten loves it
There is so much to uncover in this book, so many layers to absorb. I was entertained while reading it, but more importantly, I learned so much. I’ll be raving about this for years to come!
Find this book in: Thought-provoking Books / Beach Reads 2023 / Best Books 2023 / Best Female BIPOC Author / Best Beach Reads of All Time / Coming-of-age Books for Adults / Books Set in Tropical Locations / Hawaii Novels
The Shark House
Author: Sara Ackerman
Year: 2026
Genre: Fiction
More info: USA Today Bestselling Author
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Set in 1998 (which doesn’t make it historical fiction just yet), this novel dove right into a crisis where sharks are attacking swimmers along the Kohala coast of Hawaii. Minnow is a shark biologist who has been brought in to figure out the reason for the uptick in attacks and try to prevent a culling of Great White sharks.
While she is there working, she also feels a connection to the land as she begins to unravel her origin story and her mother’s connection to the islands.
Trigger Warnings
Animal Cruelty
Why Kirsten likes it
This book had far more suspense than I was anticipating, and the audiobook version of it was wonderful. I got swept away by Jennifer Robideau’s narration of the story, even when I great fearful at times. It was enjoyable to see a marine biologist at the center of a novel, a new-to-me protagonist role. #Gifted by Harper Audio
Find this book in: Books About Women in STEM / Hawaii Novels
The Holiday Honeymoon Switch
Author: Julia McKay
Year: 2024
Genre: Genre
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
You read it here first. The newest trend in holiday books this year is trading places/houses! Holly and Ivy are best friends who are so in sync that they look alike. When Holly’s fiancé breaks up with her the night before their wedding is supposed to take place, she is stuck with a nonrefundable honeymoon.
She convinces Ivy to go on the Hawaiian honeymoon so it does not go to waste. Ivy can take her art retreat on beautiful beaches and Holly can escape to a secluded rented cabin in the Hudson Valley where Ivy was supposed to go. Now, Holly finds out the Airbnb owner is her high school rival and Ivy meets a hotel bartender who comes to her rescue when she finds that Holly’s ex-fiance has already checked into the honeymoon suite with a different woman.
Why Jackie loves it
I loved the relationship between Holly and Ivy as a true love that only best friends can give each other. I also loved that both Holly and Ivy were able to learn about themselves and what they each needed to make themselves happy while be true to who they are.
Find this book in: New Christmas Books 2024 / Christmas Romances / Most Anticipated October 2024 Books / Hawaii Novels
Historical Fiction Hawaii Novels
The Pōhaku
Author: Jasmin ‘Iolani Hakes
Year: 2026
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
This epic novel spans the history of Hawaii and explains its tumultuous history with the United States, highlighting the takeover of the country by our government and the subsequent bad treatment of the native people. And Hakes does it all via the story of The Pōhaku, a mythical stone believed to protect Hawaii and its people, and the generation of women designated as its protectors.
Why Kirsten likes it
I found Hawaii’s history to be fascinating. The grandmother telling the story to her comatose granddaughter was a compelling plot device that kept me interested in the stone’s ultimate resting spot. #gifted by Harper Audio
Find this book in: Hawaii Novels
Novels With Scenes in Hawaii
Plot
According to his mother, Rufus Leung Gresham must marry a wealthy woman to save his family from ruin. The family’s seemingly unlimited funds have been squandered but society is not yet the wiser.
Determined to help her son snag a woman of means, his parents throw his sister an over-the-top Hawaiian wedding. When a volcano erupts at the wedding, and a hot mic exposes a secret affair, everything seems to be going up in flames.
Told from a few perspectives, this story is heavy on the drama but light on the communication. It portrays the majority of aristocrats as extravagant ninnies only concerned with money and their reputation, spending little time on underlying motivations. In short, it’s a fun lark but don’t go in expecting depth.
Why Kirsten like it
While not quite up to Crazy Rich Asians’ level of juicy, this story is still filled with all the scheming, sex, and showboating I’ve come to expect from Kevin Kwan. I listened to my copy and found myself thoroughly entertained during household chores.
Find this book in: Books About Weddings / Books Set in Tropical Locations / Hawaii Novels
The Fortunes of Jaded Women
Author: Carolyn Huynh
Year: 2022
Genre: Literary Fiction
More info: September 2022 GMA Book Club Pick
Age Range: 15+
Plot
This family drama tells the tale of Mai, her estranged Vietnamese sisters, and her 3 daughters. After meeting with her psychic in Hawaii, Mai is determined to reunite with her family and find happiness and good marriages for all of her daughters within the year.
But life has other plans for her meddling and the year that unfolds brings unexpected changes for everyone. Will what Mai was told come to pass or will she lose her last chance to reconnect with everyone she loves?
Trigger Warnings
Infidelity
Why Kirsten loves it
I have a soft spot in my heart for meddlesome mothers and family drama books about sisters. I love when a story brings me into the hearts and minds of an entire family in a way that has me rooting for each character to find their proper place within each other’s lives.
Find this book in: GMA Book Club List 2022 / Books About Sisters / Hawaii Novels
Expert Tip
If you are trying to pick a novel set in Hawaii, and need some help choosing, consider the following:
- Pick your favorite genre and read a book from that section
- Have a look at where the books are set and choose a book that appeals to you
- Read the description and see if the plot appeals to you
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best books set in Hawaii?
Hula by Jasmin Iolani Hakes, The Shark House by Sara Ackerman, and The Holiday Honeymoon Switch by Julie McKay all make our list of the best Hawaii novels.
Related Content
Epilogue
Are there other Hawaii novels I should read? If so, please tell me below. I’m especially interested in a good historical fiction recommendation!
