The Hawaiian Archipelago
1875
The Hawaiian Archipelago, written by Isabella L. Bird and first published in 1875, is a travel narrative detailing her six-month journey through Hawaii. Bird offers vivid observations of the islands' landscapes, local culture, and the daily lives of the Hawaiian people, providing a fresh perspective that contrasts with existing literature focused on historical customs and missionary influences. Her account begins with her challenging voyage aboard the steamer Nevada from New Zealand and captures the beauty and vibrancy of the islands, making it a notable work in 19th-century travel writing.
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“There is also a dog, but he does not understand English,””
— Isabella L. Bird
“people live more happily than any that I have seen elsewhere. It is very cheerful to live among people whose faces are not soured by the east wind, or wrinkled by the worrying effort to “keep up appearances,” which deceive nobody;””
— Isabella L. Bird
“It is a strange life up here on the mountain side, but I like it, and never yearn after civilization. ””
— Isabella L. Bird
“The scarcely audible whisper of soft airs through the trees morning and evening, rain drops falling gently, and the murmur of drowsy surges far below, alone break the stillness. ””
— Isabella L. Bird
“A little longer, and I too should say, like all who have made their homes here under the deep banana shade,-- “We will return no more, . . . . our island home Is far beyond the wave, we will no longer roam.””
— Isabella L. Bird
