An Indigenous legend about how four extraordinary individuals of dual male and female spirit, or Mahu, brought healing arts from Tahiti to Hawaii, based on the Academy Award–contending short film. A Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of the Century In the 15th century, four Mahu sail from Tahiti to Hawaii and share their gifts of science and healing with the people of Waikiki. The islanders return this gift with a monument of four boulders in their honor, which the Mahu imbue with healing powers before disappearing. As time passes, foreigners inhabit the island and the once-sacred stones are forgotten until the 1960s. Though the true story of these stones was not fully recovered, the power of the Mahu still calls out to those who pass by them at Waikiki Beach today. With illuminating words and stunning illustrations by Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Dean Hamer, Joe Wilson, and Daniel Sousa, KAPAEMAHU is a monument to an Indigenous Hawaiian legend and a classic in the making. Gr 3-5-Kapaemahu, a reference to the four healing stones found on Waikiki Beach, is a Hawaiian legend told through the eyes of its spiritual natives. The story's opening pages highlight the journey that four Tahitians took to settle in Ulukou on Waikiki. Each of the four leaders-Kapaemahu, Kapuni, Kinohi, and Kahaloa-possessed a special healing power to help the island's inhabitants. Following their healing, the people of Waikiki showed their gratitude by moving four large boulders to their beach. This book is best suited for elementary students at the intermediate level due to its advanced vocabulary; the illustrations feature mostly dark colors to represent the mysticism and suppression of Hawaii's Indigenous people. The book is also incredibly important as a story for children to connect with regarding gender identity ("The visitors were tall and deep in voice yet gentle and soft-spoken. They were not male; they were not female") as well as cultural preservation. The latter can be translated to any culture being studied or observed in school or at home and provides a great lesson in acceptance and love in a diverse world. Few readers will have heard of the Kapaemahu. It is a wonderful story to honor the Indigenous people of Hawaii and celebrates their history beautifully, while still giving appropriate attention to the suppression of native people and the need to honor those who came before. Back matter includes glossary, author's note, and more. VERDICT This unique offering serves as a fine read-aloud in conjunction with a history lesson on Hawaii, its people, their language, and the colonization that occurred.-Kerra Mazzarielloα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. COVER MAY VARY. A Stonewall Honor Book! A School & Library Journal Best Picture Book of the Year! A Shelf Awareness Best Children’s & YA of 2022! A Kirkus Best Book of 2022 A Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2022 A Rainbow Book List 2023 A Notable Social Studies Trade Books List 2023 A Bank Street College of Education’s Children’s Book Committee’s The Best Children’s Books of 2023 Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the 21st Century (So Far) [2025] PRAISE FOR KAPAEMAHU “...a glorious picture book reclamation." — Shelf Awareness . ★ “The fascinating backmatter provides background information about the original Hawaiian legend and Niihau dialect...A poignant monument to the power of hidden Indigenous histories." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review . ★ “...a fine read-aloud in conjunction with a history lesson on Hawaii, its people, their language, and the colonization that occurred." — School & Library Journal, starred review . “Sousa's dreamy illustrations—taken from the film—reflect the text's thoughtful tone.” — Booklist “Sousa’s illustrations portray the healers as chiseled, monumental forms reminiscent of the stones that house their spirits; the inky shadows and rich red-gold light of the ancient tale contrasts dramatically with the sand-reflected brightness of modern Waikiki.” — BCCB “A beautiful, important book that not only offers indigenous representation, but also underscores the long history and deep importance of nonbinary people in certain cultures.” — Mombian “The picture book’s stunning sepia-toned illustrations, which match the film, combined with the simple but powerful text, make this an excellent introduction to Indigenous Hawaiian culture and to the mahu and third gender people.” — Book Riot Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu is a Native Hawaiian teacher, cultural practitioner, and filmmaker who uses digital media to protect and perpetuate Indigenous languages and traditions. She began her film work as an advisor for the award-winning films Kumu Hina and A Place in the Middle , and received a National Education Association Human Rights Award, Native Hawaiian Educator of the Year, and White House Champion of Change Award for the groundbreaking impact cam