“Welina mai iā kākou!” This is how I welcome my readers in the preface to my new mystery series debut. What a joy it is for me to finally come home with my new protagonist, Ranger Makalani Pahukula, in Kaua‘i Storm.
All through my writing career, people have pressed me to write a novel set in Hawai‘i. But they didn’t realize what that would mean to a Native Hawaiian like me. The islands are more than a titillating backdrop for intrigue, thrills, romance, and suspense. It’s the source of my identity and intrinsic to who I am.
“But what about Lily Wong?” you might ask. “Aren’t you Chinese and Norwegian like her?”
I am, and it was very rewarding to pay homage to my parents in that way. I now even have grandchildren with the same maternal Hongkonger roots as Lily Wong. Now it’s time for something new. Writing that four-book series and my Brazilian standalone, Dance Among the Flames gave me the experience and writer maturity to tackle my Hawaiian culture in Kaua‘i Storm.
It all came down to kuleana, the sacred responsibility I felt to get it right.
Not only was I born and raised in Hawai‘i, I can trace my ancestry to the late 1700s and the North Kohala birthplace of King Kamehameha the Great. As the story in my ‘ohana goes, my first ancestor—that we know of—was awarded a new name by Kamehameha after preparing the famous king a remarkable meal. Isn’t that cool?
I wonder if I inherited my love of cooking from him!
But the kuleana I felt had more to do with the present than the past. Hawaiians living in Hawai‘i today are struggling to find land, homes, and the resources to survive. Although we are in the midst of a second cultural renaissance to bring back our Native language, traditions, and values, many kānaka maoli (Native Hawaiians) still feel unsupported, undervalued, and unseen.
I moved to the mainland when I graduated from high school and have lived in New York, Los Angeles, and now Portland, Oregon throughout my performing and writing careers. I was concerned.
Would I be too out of touch?
Little did I know that my absence and desire to reconnect with my homeland would become the universally relatable theme for my book.
Tune in to my Rogue Reads event on May 12th to learn more!
What about you, readers? Do you have a place to which you’d like to reconnect?
Tori Eldridge is the bestselling author of the newly re-released Lily Wong mystery thriller series—The Ninja Daughter, The Ninja’s Blade, The Ninja Betrayed, and The Ninja’s Oath—as well as a two-time Anthony Award nominee, Lefty and Macavity Awards finalist, and winner of the 2021 Crimson Scribe Award for Best Book of the Year. Born and raised in Honolulu—of Hawaiian, Chinese, and Norwegian descent—Tori lived in New York and Los Angeles before settling in Portland, Oregon, where her mo‘opuna (grandchildren) live. Kaua‘i Storm is the first of her Ranger Makalani Pahukula Mysteries.
If you would like to read more on the topic:
What a fascinating background for a book!!
Mahalo, Lisa! Because of my personal connection, I can definitely say the research I did enriched my life.
Wow!! You have been everywhere!! This March, during my spring break, hubby and I went back to visit my hometown, Penang Malaysia – my brothers and their families are there, and yes, it’s the place that I will always reconnect. It’s such a fun trip as they celebrated my birthday as well! Is Kauai Storm a new series or standalone? Love the beautiful cover!
Mahalo for sharing, Emily! I have yet to visit Malaysia, although I did have an epic book research trip to Bali. I’d love to visit your homeland sometime.
KAUA‘I STORM, is the first book in my my new Ranger Makalani Pahukula mystery series. The second book is set on Hawai‘i Island and will likely release the following May.
So glad you love the book cover. The stunning red lehua blossoms play a significant role in the story. 😀
What a terrific background and great setting or your new mystery — can’t wait to read it. I’ve been to Hawaii several times and I’ve also loved watching the old – and new versions of the TV show “Magnum PI” set there. Love this post! Thanks.
Thanks for chiming in, Karna! I was a huge fan of the original Magnum PI. I never gave the new version a chance. But I grew up watching the original Hawai‘i 5-o with Jack Lord. We lived in Honolulu, so it was fun seeing our hometown on the screen!
Aloha nui loa! Thanks for hosting me on your fabulous blog. 😀
Can’t wait to see you on Rogue Reads! Kauai is my favorite island. My daughter and her husband have lived there for more than 10 years, own a home in Kekaha and were married in Waimea. I know we’re going to love your book! And FYi, an avid fan of the original Magnum and Hawaii 5-O (my uncle was a producer), I wasn’t keen on the new versions, but gave them a chance. I ended up liking them both. Just don’t try and compare them. They’re different animals. See you in May 12th on Rogue Reads!