October 2023 - Lāna‘i Culture & Heritage Center published a 12-book series that showcases significant coastal areas on Lānaʻi. The book series was written by Diane and Shelly Preza. These ʻāina-based readers provide an early reader’s introduction to wahi pana, storied places, on the island’s coastal landscape. These places include Kaiolohia, Kaumālapaʻu, Kaunolū, Keōmoku and Mānele. Books are available in both English and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and are valuable resources for children learning how to read.
The ʻāina-based readers are the second set of books developed by Lānaʻi CHC in an effort to create relevant educational resources for the island’s youth. The first set of books debuted in 2021 and other communities throughout Hawaii expressed interest in developing similar resources for their own places. The second set was supported partially by Pūlama Lānaʻi and Lānaʻi Community Benefit Fund.
The books will take readers on a remarkable voyage through the beautiful and storied landscapes of Lāna‘i. Each book in the series explores a different place and shares aspects of Lāna‘i’s rich heritage and natural beauty. This will inspire curiosity to young readers as they will be learning more about the island and the world around them.
This set of readers will be available for sale on October 20 at the Lānaʻi Culture & Heritage Center’s museum. Lānaʻi CHC will donate sets of the books to Lānaʻi High & Elementary School and to select Hawaiian immersion schools in Maui County.