Best Pacific Islanders Biographies Books of 2026

Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life is a captivating memoir written by William Finnegan, chronicling his obsession with surfing. The book takes the reader on a journey around the world, from California to Hawaii, the South Pacific, Australia, Asia, and Africa. Finnegan shares stories of his life in a whites-only gang in a tough school in Honolulu, his apprenticeships to famous waves, and his experiences navigating unfamiliar cultures. The book is an adventure story, autobiography, social history, literary road movie, and an exploration of the mastering of an exacting art. Overall, Barbarian Days is a beautifully written book that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end.

Soul Surfer is an inspiring and uplifting memoir by Bethany Hamilton, a professional surfer who survived a shark attack that left her with only one arm. In this book, she shares her journey of faith, determination, and resilience as she overcomes the physical and emotional challenges of her injury and continues to pursue her passion for surfing. Hamilton's story is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of faith in overcoming adversity. Overall, Soul Surfer is a must-read for anyone looking for an inspiring true story of courage and perseverance.

An educational and beautifully illustrated book, "Notable Native People: 50 Indigenous Leaders, Dreamers, and Changemakers from Past and Present" profiles American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian people who have made significant contributions to the world. The book offers accessible primers on important Indigenous issues and celebrates the lives, stories, and contributions of Indigenous artists, activists, scientists, athletes, and other changemakers. Written by Adrienne Keene, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, and illustrated by Chamoru artist Ciara Sana, this book is an indispensable read for people seeking to learn about Native American heritage, histories, and cultures.

Suzanne Heywood's memoir, Wavewalker, is a gripping story of a seven-year-old girl who embarks on a three-year journey around the world with her family, which eventually turns into a ten-year-long voyage. This coming-of-age tale is not only about a child's journey through the world's oceans but also about her quest for education and stability. Heywood's writing is engrossing, and her story is both thrilling and horrifying, leaving the reader wondering whether it's a dream or nightmare. Wavewalker is an inspiring story about the power of determination and the importance of education, making it a must-read for parents and children alike.

Hawaii's Story by Hawaii's Queen is a first-hand account of Queen Liliuokalani's life, her reign, and the overthrow of her government by pro-American forces that led to the annexation of Hawai'i by the United States. The book is a key source for the Hawaiian sovereignty movement and documents the Queen's frustration and sadness for her loss of the throne and the end of the independent nation of Hawai'i. Although some of her assertions are contradicted by other primary sources, the work is successful in conveying the Queen's perspective. Overall, it is a valuable read for anyone interested in Hawaiian history and the struggles of indigenous peoples against colonialism and imperialism.

"Sea People: The Puzzle of Polynesia" is a thrilling intellectual detective story that delves deep into the past to uncover the mystery of who first settled the remote Pacific islands, how they got there, and how we know. Author Christina Thompson masterfully blends history, geography, anthropology, and science to explore the fascinating story of the epic voyagers who ventured out into the unknown in one of the greatest adventures in human history. This archive-researched historical account has the page-turning qualities of an all-absorbing mystery and is a must-read for anyone interested in Pacific Islanders' biographies and books."

Kon-Tiki: Across the Pacific in a Raft is a fascinating book that tells the story of Thor Heyerdahl's incredible journey across the Pacific Ocean on a raft. Heyerdahl aimed to prove his theory that the South Sea Islands were settled by an ancient race from thousands of miles away, led by a mythical hero, Kon-Tiki. After encountering raging storms, whales, and sharks, Heyerdahl and his team finally arrived at the Polynesian island of Puka Puka. This classic tale of courage and determination has been translated into sixty-five languages and includes a foreword by the author and a unique visual essay of the voyage. It is a must-read for anyone interested in adventure and exploration.

African American Women of the Old West, First Edition is a compelling read that sheds light on the stories of ten African American women who played a significant role in the Old West, yet their contributions have been largely ignored. The author, Tricia Martineau Wagner, has done an excellent job of piecing together their stories from century-old archives, bringing these remarkable women to life. Despite facing racial prejudice, these unsung heroes never gave up hope for a brighter future. This book is a must-read for history enthusiasts and adventure lovers alike.

The Perfect Sound: A Memoir in Stereo is a captivating book that ingeniously mixes personal memoir with cultural history, offering an indispensable guide for the search of acoustic truth. Garrett Hongo's passion for audio dates back to his earliest vinyl and his quest for the ideal vacuum tubes. In recounting his search, Hongo describes a journey of identity where meaning, fulfillment, and even liberation were often most available to him through music and its astonishingly varied delivery systems. This book is a must-read for anyone who is passionate about music and its transformative power.

The Bowl of Light: Ancestral Wisdom from a Hawaiian Shaman is a powerful book that shares the sacred knowledge of ancient Hawaii through the teachings of kahuna wisdom-keeper Hale Makua. Dr. Hank Wesselman, who befriended the revered Hawaiian elder, was gifted with an enhanced perspective into this indigenous tradition. The book covers topics such as restoring our natural divine radiance, communing with nature, and exploring the path our ancestors set in motion. The book is a masterpiece and essential for any world wisdom collection. Highly recommended for those on a spiritual path to discover the soul's true heritage.