Lauka'ie'ie: A Hawaiian Legend Retold

Nestled in the lush and fertile Waipi'o Valley, Pokahi and Kaukini have everything they need... except a child. In this adaptation of a traditional Hawaiian story, the kind, hardworking but childless couple is blessed with a special gift from Hina.

This story is based on "Lau-ka-ieie", as found in Hawaiian Legends of Ghosts and Ghost-gods, collected and translated from Hawaiian by W.D. Westervelt. There is also another English version, "'Ie'ie and Lehua", found in Hawai'i Island Legends by Mary Kawena Pukui. Hawaiian language versions of this story were also printed serially in the Hawaiian newspapers "Ka Leo o ka Lahui" and "Ka Oiaio" during the late 1890's.

The author/illustrator offers this adaptation with great respect for the land and people of Waipi'o.

About the Author

Robin Yoko Racoma has worked as a graphic designer/illustrator at Kamehameha Schools for many years. In addition to illustrating numerous publications for Kamehameha Schools, she has also illustrated children's books for other publishers in Hawai'i. Her award-winning work is inspired by the Hawaiian culture, people, history, flora and fauna of these islands. This is her first book as both author and illustrator.