This is one of my favorite books. It is incredibly interesting. It gives the reader a window into 1823 Hawaii through a missionary's eyes and heart. It presents a different outlook than one normally encounters regarding the Hawaiian's response to the unfortunate death of Capt. Cook. It recounts in detail the author's journey exploring the Big Island and meeting the people that live there, as well as their practices and way of life and the varied responses they have to the news of the Gospel. In addition, the book vividly describes various areas of the island, including what he sees trekking up the volcanoes, and canoeing around the southern tip, to name just two. Anyone interested in the Hawaiian Culture would enjoy this book.