BOOKS
Under the ʻŌhiʻa Tree
A whimsical introduction to Hawaiʻi's native forest species
Meet Hawai'i's beloved 'ōhiʻa tree and the many species who rely on ʻōhiʻa for habitat or food— including the islands' remaining native forest birds, land snails, insects, spiders, a bat, and even other plants.
This hand-illustrated children's book is an invitation to listen deeply and make joyful observations each time you take an adventure into the forest.
hardcover | 48 pages | 10" x 10" | published by Bess Press
BIG ISLAND, SOUTH KONA:
WEDNESDAY, March 4,
4 pm
Kealakekua Library
81-6619 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Kealakekua, HI 96750
Part of a Library Series on Storytelling:!:
Come hear "Under the ʻŌhiʻa Tree", listen to native bird calls, and create some of your own storytelling text and native species paper puppet art!
BOOK EVENTS:
ONLINE FOR EDUCATORS:
Tuesday, Feb 17,
3:30 pm - 5 pm
Wai Huihia Kumu Network & Mālama Learning Center
For registration info, email: virginia@malamalearningcenter.org
Come experience a poem & paper puppet activity for your classroom (or keiki hui) that fosters personal connections with our native forest species. Connect with other kumu with a focus on ʻāina-based education.
BOOK INTERVIEW:
A short clip...
highlighting some of the inspiration behind writing and illustrating "Under the ʻŌihiʻa Tree"
...interview by HPR's Lillian Tsang
...aired 1/23/26 on The Conversation
FREE COLORING SHEETS:
These coloring sheets were created for readers to review which small native forest birds remain on their island... Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, and the Big Island!
Enchanting Creatures of Hawaiʻi Island: A COLORING BOOK
Enchanting Creatures of Hawaiʻi Island takes you on a journey—through over 34 hand-drawn coloring pages, fun ecological facts, and whimsical rhymes—from volcanic mountain slopes down to the sea.
Featured are the delightful forest birds unique to Hawaiʻi Island (aka “the Big Island”).
A must-have for families planning a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Remember your coloring pencils and crayons!
8.5" x 11" | published by Petroglyph Press
Third Edition 2025
