Kamalani Hurley, who taught writing at Leeward Community College for more than 37 years, has penned a childrenʻs book about Kahoʻolawe that has earned a starred review from the School Library Journal.
The review said: “Suited for classrooms and browsers, this is an excellent choice across the curricula and a winner across the board.”
Hurley is donating all proceeds from Kahoʻolawe: The True Story of an Island and Her People, which goes on sale next year, to the Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana. UH News asked Hurley about the book and her career.
What inspired you to write this book?
Like a lot of Native Hawaiians of my generation, I was brought up not speaking our native language or learning our history. The second Hawaiian Renaissance of the 1970s helped us regain the language, culture and stories we’d almost lost. The story of Kahoʻolawe is about a 40+ year fight, led by young activists who sacrificed so much. Most remarkably, they did it patiently, methodically, and non-violently. Led by Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana (PKO), the work to restore the island continues to this day. A children’s book might be an effective way to introduce the concepts of social justice, persistence, and resilience that are woven throughout the story to a young audience.
Why are you donating all of your author’s proceeds from this book to the Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana?
Because it is the pono (correct) thing to do. It’s a way to express my gratitude for and solidarity with PKO and to help support the work they and their volunteers are doing on island. The PKO leadership team was updated as the book progressed, and they vetted the final draft. I am grateful for their support and encouragement.
What is the most important thing that you want keiki to take away from this book?
The concept of aloha ʻāina—a deep love of the land—is key, and not just for us Hawaiians. The Kahoʻolawe story shows us what can happen when people are determined to make the world a more just and peaceful place. Wherever they live, kids can start right there in their own neighborhoods to help heal the planet for us all.
How did Leeward CC prepare you for this book?
Leeward CC no ka ʻoi! There’s something special about non-traditional community college students, and I feel so lucky to have worked with hundreds of them over my 37 and a half years. They taught me lessons about strength and persistence, and I loved being challenged and inspired every day to do my best for them. And let’s not forget the hard-working, dedicated faculty and staff: they are truly unsung heroes.
Can you share more details about your next works in progress?
I have a middle grade nonfiction book slated for release in 2026 about the 1899–1900 Honolulu Chinatown plague and fires with a focus on Native Hawaiians. My family’s roots are in the nearby neighborhoods of Leleo and Kukui—both gone during the urban renewal push of the 1960s—so I have much aloha for the area. Also for 2026, I have a picture book biography on Dr. Isabella Aiona Abbott. This was a joy to work on because I learned so much about her through interviews with family members and her many UH colleagues and former students. In addition, I wrote two Moana 2 movie extension stories for Disney Publishing, and one will be included in Disney’s 5 Minute Princess Story Collection of January 2026.
Anything else you think is important for people to know about Kahoʻolawe: The True Story of an Island and Her People?
- It is a Junior Library Guild selection
- Both illustrator (Harinani Orme) and author (me) are Native Hawaiians
- It is written in layered text, so each spread tells two stories: one in language geared for young readers and the other with Hawaiian cultural details for older readers
- The book, published by Millbrook Press/Lerner, is scheduled for release on February 4, 2025.
