Polynesian Family System in Kau Hawaii

This insightful study of the Hawaiian family, first published in the 1950's, explored the manners and customs accompanying the cycles of life - from birth, marriage, sexual practices, religious beliefs, and family relations through death and afterlife. Most importantly, premier Hawaiian scholar Mary Kawena Pukui was able to persuade her kupuna or elders, who resided in Ka'u, to publicly share for the first time, their insights of the Hawaiian worldview. The result is an indispensable study which combines scientific methodology with Native Hawaiian sensitivities in a way which is invaluable to modern readers who seek to understand the inclusiveness, love and durability of the Hawaiian 'ohana.