From Small Seaside Flowers to Iconic Hawaiian Trees: 26 Plants Tell the Story of Hawaii. 'Hawaiian Myths Through Plants: 45 Stories of Paradise's Flora and Trees' Released

Ikaros Publications Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and President: Akihiro Yamate), which operates media businesses in fields such as aviation and railways within the Impress Group, released 'Hawaiian Myths Through Plants: 45 Stories of Paradise's Flora and Trees' by Jun Moride on May 12, 2026.

A Book That Transforms Hawaiian Scenery into 'Stories' When traveling in Hawaii, you might suddenly notice beautiful flowers and trees. Many of them are deeply connected to myths and legends. "Did the world begin with a coconut?" "Were the distant ancestors of Hawaiians actually taro?" "What is the legend of the mysterious banana that never runs out, no matter how much you eat?" In Hawaii, where it is believed that gods reside in all things, plants are not just scenery but have been passed down as beings deeply connected to the gods. In this book, Hawaiian culture researcher Jun Moride gently weaves 45 stories related to 26 plants, including familiar wildflowers to Japanese people and iconic Hawaiian trees.

Hawaii Becomes Even More Beloved When You 'Know' All plants are accompanied by warm illustrations and beautiful color photographs. This book is a must-read not only for those who deeply study culture through hula and Hawaiian quilts but also for those who feel their hearts healed by touching Hawaii's nature. The next time you visit Hawaii, the plants you encounter on the streets of Waikiki or on hiking trails will greet you with a richer, different expression than before.

This book is recommended for people like: Those who love traveling to Hawaii and want to feel closer to its nature. Those interested in the names of flowers and trees seen in Hawaii. Those who want to be healed by beautiful photos of plants and heartwarming stories. All those who love hula, Hawaiian quilts, and lei making. Those interested in world myths and legends.

Page Image With friendly illustrations and explanations, the book carefully introduces plant profiles while inviting readers into the world of stories. It includes 1 to 3 stories per plant, with annotations added throughout to deepen understanding of Hawaiian history and culture. Beyond myths, you can also enjoy columns that connect to modern Hawaii, such as culture and traditions passed down in daily life. Beautiful color photographs allow you to feel the appearance of plants and the nature of Hawaii.

Contents of This Book ◇Chapter 1◇ Myths of Plants Related to Food Taro ~ The Relationship Between Hawaiian Ancestors and Taro / Taro's Love Elopement Breadfruit ~ Ku's Tree That Saved the Village from Famine / Breadfruit Brought from the Island of Gods / Breadfruit Where a Goddess Resided Sweet Potato ~ Giant Sweet Potatoes / Sweet Potato Fields at the Foot of Mount Haleakala / Sweet Potato Thieves and Owls And more

◇Chapter 2◇ Myths Related to Beautiful Flowers Ohia Lehua ~ The Tragic Love Legend of Ohia Lehua / The Man Who Transformed into Ohia Lehua Hau ~ The First Hau Tree in This World / The Man Who Transformed into Hau / The Hau Forest Left by the Menehune Pau O Hiiaka ~ The Legend of Pau O Hiiaka And more

◇Chapter 3◇ Myths of Plants That Aid Daily Life Gourd ~ The Gourd That Delivered a Husband's Love / The Gourd of the Wind God / Twins Born from a Gourd Wauke ~ Why the Wauke Tree is Hairy Hala ~ The Hala Tree That Appeared from the Seabed / The First Lauhala Mat in This World / The Legend of Punahou Spring And more

【Columns】 Breadfruit Leading to the Afterlife / Magical Trees in Mythology / Plants Used for Love Charms / Hau, the Incarnation of Goddess Haumea / Does It Bring Death or High Waves? Pohuehue / Why Not Wear Ilima Leis in a Graveyard And more

Author Profile Jun Moride Writer, Hawaiian Culture Researcher. Born in Yokohama. After graduating from Aoyama Gakuin University's Faculty of Law, worked as a writer for newspapers, magazines, and advertisements. Residing in Hawaii since 1990. Since 2012, has served as an instructor for the Hawaii Tourism Authority's 'Aloha Program'. Her books include 'Mysterious Hawaii' (Sony Magazines), 'Hawaii's Mysterious Stories' (Bunyodo), 'Easily Unraveling Hawaiian Myths' (Film Art Inc.), 'Hawaii: 100 Myths Loved by the People of Hawaii with Mysterious Stories and Paradise Scenery' (PIE International), and 'Holoholo! Hawaii Culture Walk: Historical Sites and Mythological Stages' (Chikyu no Arukikata).

Bibliographic Information Title: Hawaiian Myths Through Plants: 45 Stories of Paradise's Flora and Trees Author: Jun Moride Release Date: May 12, 2026 (Tuesday) Specifications: 46-size / 224 pages Price: 2,200 yen (2,000 yen + 10% tax) ISBN: 978-4-8022-1743-9 ◇Ikaros Publications Book Information Page: https://books.ikaros.jp/book/b10160036.html

【Ikaros Publications Co., Ltd.】 Mainly 'Monthly Airline', aviation, railway, military, rescue media businesses.