Hawaii

What are some of Abner Hale’s defining character traits? How are these incompatible with life in the islands? How might Michener be offering a critique of religious absolutism through Abner?

Why do you think Hawaii is suited to become a Cultural Crossroads? Discuss the ways that it fails or succeeds in accommodating its various new arrivals.

Pick three examples to discuss the customs that new arrivals bring to Hawaii. Compare and contrast them. How well suited are they to the islands?

How does Kamejiro’s attitude toward America contrast with those of his sons? During World War II, which attitude seems more appropriate, and why?

A number of sea voyages are depicted in the novel. Discuss three of them and what they teach the characters as they transition from their old world to the new. What does the ocean’s liminality suggest about Hawaii as a place?

Why do Malama and Kelolo want Americans to come to Hawaii? What do they perceive the missionaries’ role to be? How does this differ from the role the missionaries perceive for themselves?

Consider the Polynesians, missionaries, Chinese, and Japanese immigrants who came to Hawaii. Pick one character from each group who illustrates the theme of Adapting to Survive. Which of these characters is most successful, and why?

Compare and contrast Micah and Whip. Both come from New England stock. How do the two men differ? How do they complement one another? What characteristics unite them?