Reprint of ‘Ōlelo No‘eau: Hawaiian Proverbs and Poetical Sayings

The Bishop Museum Press, Hawai‘i’s oldest book publisher and one of the first scholarly publishers in the Western Hemisphere, will launch a hardcover reprint of ‘Ōlelo No‘eau: Hawaiian Proverbs and Poetical Sayings on Dec. 7, 2018.

The reprint, made possible through a gift from the Dolores Furtado Martin Foundation, will mark the 35th anniversary of the first printing of the publication. The book of Hawaiian sayings was collected, translated and annotated by Mary Kawena Pukui, illustrated by Dietrich Varez and designed by Barbara Pope.

‘Ōlelo No‘eau: Hawaiian Proverbs and Poetical Sayings will be published by Bishop Museum Press on Dec. 7, 2018. PC: Bishop Museum.

‘Ōlelo No‘eau was first published in November 1983, and has recently only been available as an ebook via Bishop Museum Press’s online store. The book is the product of a collecting effort that was begun by Mrs. Pukui at about the age of fifteen, around 1910, and continued throughout her long and honored career as a translator and collector of historic Hawaiian materials, and as a teacher and lecturer on the language, music and dance of traditional Hawai‘i.

This collection of Hawaiian sayings displays the wisdom, poetic beauty and humor of these finely crafted expressions. This classic title is a staple of many local bookshelves, and has been kept, shared and sought after throughout the years since its first printing. The collection of sayings offers a basis for an understanding of the essence and origins of traditional Hawaiian values.

‘Ōlelo No‘eau: Hawaiian Proverbs and Poetical Sayings will be available at www.BishopMuseumPress.org, Bishop Museum’s Shop Pacifica, and local bookstores.

The hardcover book will be $39.95 and will be available on Dec. 7, 2018.