- In mid November of 2016, my daughter Joan and I travelled to Maui, Molokai and The Big Island. I had scheduled 7 appearances at Libraries and Book Stores to promote my books and to do readings.
- Lahainaluna
- The oldest secondary School west of the Mississippi River was founded in 1831 at Lahaina, Maui. My Grandfather William Cahill II was a boarding student there, graduating in 1912. Lahainaluna is also the home of the oldest printing press in the west. I was invited to speak with several English, History and other classes and was able to do readings and have stimulating conversations with 150 students. It was a wonderful session and I noticed that the library copies of Kolea showed that they had been well used.
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Book signings at the Lahaina and Kahului stores run by Friends of the Maui Libraries allowed me to sell books and for the volunteer organization to earn some as well. I met many people and was able to "talk story" with Hawaiians and visitors alike.

Molokai
We had planned to take the ferry from Lahaina to Kaunakakai, Molokai but they went out of business three days before we were scheduled, so we flew on Mokulele Air. I was reminded of my first flight in 1946. At age 8 I flew from Honolulu to Molokai in a DC 3 tail-dragger and landed on a red dirt airfield. It is paved now. This time, we rented a car and drove to our lodgings and, later, on to Halawa Valley one of the places described in Kolea. There are a small number of Hawaiians growing Taro up in the valley, and they take groups on walking tours for a look at old Hawai'i. The following evening I spoke in the public library and was greeted by five of my cousins. There are less than ten thousand people on the island and I am probably related to a fourth of them.
Molokai
We had planned to take the ferry from Lahaina to Kaunakakai, Molokai but they went out of business three days before we were scheduled, so we flew on Mokulele Air. I was reminded of my first flight in 1946. At age 8 I flew from Honolulu to Molokai in a DC 3 tail-dragger and landed on a red dirt airfield. It is paved now. This time, we rented a car and drove to our lodgings and, later, on to Halawa Valley one of the places described in Kolea. There are a small number of Hawaiians growing Taro up in the valley, and they take groups on walking tours for a look at old Hawai'i. The following evening I spoke in the public library and was greeted by five of my cousins. There are less than ten thousand people on the island and I am probably related to a fourth of them.
At The National Parks
Joan and I drove to the top of Haleakala before we left Maui. I got a good view of the crater and met some of the current staff. And then on to the Big Island for talks at Waimea and Hilo Public Libraries. We managed some time for snorkling, eruption viewing and turtle watching at Kaloko-Honokahau National Historical Park.
Joan and I drove to the top of Haleakala before we left Maui. I got a good view of the crater and met some of the current staff. And then on to the Big Island for talks at Waimea and Hilo Public Libraries. We managed some time for snorkling, eruption viewing and turtle watching at Kaloko-Honokahau National Historical Park.
Books I sold 90 books during the trip and found 4 book stores willing to carry the books. I'm not sure this is the best way to sell books but it sure is fun.