The Best Books Set in Hawaii: Essential Island Reads
Looking for some fun books set in Hawaii to keep you entertained this summer? This book list is the perfect place to start!
As part of my books set around the world series, I will be sharing my recommendations for fictional stories set across the globe. These lists are designed to help readers curate their perfect summer TBR’s, and to explore as many places as possible through the pages of a book!
Kicking off the series will be stories that take place in Hawaii, a tropical destination known for its beautiful landscapes, vivid marine life, idyllic beaches and distinctive culture.
Keep reading for some great book recs (including one of my all time favourite books!) set in this unique part of the world!
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
Publisher: Piatkus | Publication date: May 14, 2020 | Genre: Romantic Comedy
Book summary:
After a food-poisoning disaster leaves Olive and Ethan as the only unaffected wedding guests, they reluctantly agree to honeymoon in Hawaii as the bride and grooms replacement.
Amid sightseeing, excursions and Hawaiian adventures, sworn enemies Olive and Ethan soon realise there is a fine line between love and hate.
What to expect:
No Hawaiian book list is complete without The Unhoneymooners, the very first book I ever read set in this beautiful part of the world (and one of my favourite books of all time!)
With a gorgeous Maui setting, this hilarious and entertaining enemies-to-lovers romcom fully immerses readers in its dreamy surroundings.
You can buy The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren HERE.
Reckless Girls by Rachel Hawkins
Publisher: HarperCollins | Publication date: February 3, 2022 | Genre: Psychological Thriller
Book summary:
After Lux loses her job on a resort in Hawaii, she embarks on the sailing trip of a lifetime with her boyfriend Nico and two college friends.
Despite rumours of Meroe’s dark past, including mysterious disappearances and deaths, the group are excited to experience the islands untouched beauty.
Upon arrival, the travellers experience first hand the islands unsettling atmosphere. They also encounter Eliza and Jake, a young couple who behave suspiciously in their presence.
As tensions rise amongst group members, and someone goes missing, it’s not long until Lux and Nico’s dream holiday turns into a holiday from hell.
What to expect:
Reckless Girls’s initial Hawaiian setting plays an important role in setting the tone for the rest of the book.
Starting the story off in this beautiful, tropical location allows the reader to draw stark comparisons between Hawaii and the groups final location of Meroe Island, making the latter seem even more sinister.
You can buy Reckless Girls by Rachel Hawkins HERE.
The Suite Life by Portia Mackintosh
Publisher: Boldwood Books | Publication date: April 16, 2024 | Genre: Romantic Comedy
Book summary:
Gigi has a limited amount of time to find a date before her sister’s destination wedding in Hawaii. Though she’s looking forward to being a bridesmaid, she’s also apprehensive about bumping into her ex-boyfriend (the best man) and his gorgeous new celebrity girlfriend.
Upon arrival, Gigi is unexpectedly upgraded to a luxury hotel suite with access to VIP treatment and even a private yacht! It is this glitzy lifestyle that leads Gigi down a path of adventure, dating, self-confidence and true love.
What to expect:
The Suite Life is a lighthearted beach read filled with popular romance tropes including friends-to-lovers and forced proximity. Hawaii serves as a glamorous backdrop to the story, offering readers a glimpse into the islands picturesque beaches, scenery and luxury resorts.
You can buy The Suite Life by Portia Macintosh HERE.
From Kona with Love Series by Anna Gomez and Kristoffer Polaha
Publisher: Rosewind Books | Publication date: 2021 & 2022 | Genre: Romance
Moments Like This (book 1) summary:
When Andie starts experiencing career burn-out, she knows it’s time to take a much needed break. After helping out in her friends small coffee shop, Andie builds valuable new friendships and embarks on a journey of self-discovery.
She also meets a local Hawaiian man named Warren. The two get to know each other and grow close in the weeks that follow. But it’s not long until Andie discovers who Warren really is, and what he really wants.
Where the Sun Rises summary:
It’s Andie’s wedding day, and her close friend Maele has to walk down the aisle with Adam, a man she has almost nothing in common with.
Despite their differences, Maele and Adam connect over their shared ambition to succeed. As the two plan for their futures – fear and sacrifice threaten to destroy what they’ve built.
What to expect:
A multi-cultural romance series that perfectly captures the spirit and essence of Hawaii, with beautiful descriptions of nature, waterfalls and sunsets. From Kona with Love is a family saga that features dual POV’s, themes of redemption, and strong female characters.
It’s important to note that although both books are connected, they can still be read as standalones!
You can buy the From Kona with Love series HERE.
Hula by Jasmin Iolani Hakes
Publisher: HarperVia | Publication date: 2 May, 2023 | Genre: Literary Fiction
Book summary:
Hi’i harbours a deep admiration for her family and their contribution to the ancient Hawaiian dance form, Hula. And though her small hometown of Hilo is not without its problems, she loves living in this lush, tropical part of the world.
Amongst the beautiful mountains and flowers that surround her, Hi’i remains naive to the true identity of her biological father.
She also longs to win the next Miss Aloha Hula competition, a title that requires personal sacrifice for Hi’i, and has repercussions for an entire town fighting for its survival.
What to expect:
The books location is central to the story, offering readers a rare insight into the history, language, culture, traditions, natives and tourism of Hawaii. Hula is a deeply moving novel about the magic of destiny, the bonds of family, and the power of community.
You can buy Hula by Jasmin Iolani Hakes HERE.
Simmer Down by Sarah Smith
Publisher: Penguin | Publication date: October 13, 2020 | Genre: Romantic Comedy
Book summary:
Simmer Down by Sarah Smith follows an intense rivalry between food-truck owners Nikki DiMarco and Callum Jones. While Nikki serves up delicious Filipina food to Muai’s residents, Callum dishes up classic British favourites such as pub grub and fish and chips.
Though Nikki finds Callum charming and gorgeous, he’s also stealing her customers. The only way to decide who keeps the sought-after beach spot is for the pair to compete in the Maui Food Festival.
As Nikki and Callum battle for first place, their rivalry soon transforms into a sizzling summer romance.
What to expect:
Simmer Down is an enemies-to-lovers romcom set in Maui. Perfect for food lovers – the book is a quick easy read to add to your summer TBR! Expect plenty of sunshine, coastal scenery and a fun, outdoor festival.
You can buy Simmer Down by Sarah Smith HERE.
The Maui Effect by Sara Ackerman
Publisher: Mira Books | Publication date: November 19, 2024 | Genre: Contemporary Romance
Book summary:
As field biologist ‘Iwa fights to protect the rainforest she loves and all its endangered species, she’s unexpectedly distracted from her mission.
A blast from the past hits ‘Iwa like a crushing wave in the form of professional surfer Dane.
Against the backdrop of Maui’s tropical rainforest, ‘Iwa and Dane face their heartbreaking history and are presented with a second chance at love.
What to expect:
The Maui Effect is the perfect summer read for fans of the second-chance romance trope. Other tropes include forced proximity, found family and opposites attract.
The story also includes elements of women’s fiction – as well as deep, emotional moments that take place between Hawaii, California and Portugal.
