The legend of Kawelo, a young chief of Kauai, is among the favorites in Hawaiian folklore. A fast-paced adventure, this tale resounds with the mighty deeds and humble acts of a great hero. But Kawelo, the hero, cannot escape his destiny of sorrow.
The timeless figures and events in this story are powerfully brought to life by Vivian Thompson’s forceful text and by Patricia Wozniak’s graceful and lucid drawing. The procession of colorful characters will appeal to readers of all ages.
Vivian L. Thompson, a long-time resident of Hawaii, heard her first Hawaiian legend from a guide on a mule-back trip during a visit to the Big Island of Hawaii. This sparked her interest and soon after she began collecting and retelling Hawaii's many tales and legends, hoping to preserve a rapidly disappearing heritage of folklore. Her many years of research in the subject have led to the publication of five books of Hawaiian myths, legends, and tales beautifully retold for today's readers; picture storybooks for young children; and plays for children's theater.
- UH Press, 1991
- Hardcover, 96 pages