From the Skies of Paradise: Aerial Images of Oahu

From the Skies of Paradise, Aerial Images of O'ahu, is an aerial perspective of the terrain and scenery of Hawai'i's most populous island. Oldtimers claim that O'ahu, known as the "Gathering Place," was once the most beautiful of the Hawaiian Islands, abundantly offering in close proximity all the variations of natural scenery to be found elsewhere; that the colors on O'ahu were the most vibrant; and the climates the most mild.

Viewed from the air where the modern, man-made environs are dwarfed by nature, it is easy to understand this reputation for beauty. High above O'ahu, we are awed by the sublime valleys, plains, beaches, islets, mountains, and sheer pali, or cliffs. While there has been human encroachment on what was once nature's vivid bounty of geographical treasures, O'ahu still retains many scenic wonders-Hanauma Bay, Honolulu Harbor, the Ko'olau mountains, Ka'ena Point. All this is captured by the exciting aerial photography of Douglas Peebles.

From the Skies of Paradise, Aerial Images of O'ahu is the first landscape documentation of O'ahu. It provides a benchmark to monitor future changes in the environment, land use, and urban growth. It is organized according to the original land districts delineated by the early Hawaiians. Included are all the major residential areas, as well as the exciting terrain for which the Island is renowned.

To balance the scenic perspective of this aerial portrait, the narrative text focuses on the myths and legends of the districts where the original settlers lived, for whom nature, religion and lore went hand in hand.