Hula

What do you believe is true about Hi'i's origins?

The connection between mothers and daughters is a recurring theme throughout the story, as is the expectations of being the eldest daughter. How is the relationship between Hulali and Laka different from that of Laka and Hi'i?

Blood is often equated with belonging in the book. Why is that such a significant factor?

Blood quantum requirements have been criticized as being erasive tools of colonization and genocide, but Hulali sees it as a path to survival. Why? How does Laka's opinion regarding blood quantums differ from her mother's?

What role do politics and history play into the novel's bigger themes of belonging and identity?

The Department of Hawaiian Homelands justifies leasing Hawaiian Homelands to corporations for profit by saying it is the only way to make the money necessary to develop land suitable for residential zoning, and yet it continues to delay issuing qualifying Hawaiians land leases. Do you think there is a better solution?

What is the significance of hula to the Naupaka Ohana, and how might that significance be different for Hi'i?

There is a lot of loss described in the book - of the kingdom, of self-determination, of land and property, of culture – but also a lot of triumphs that have led to a resurgence of Hawaiian culture. What do you suppose is the way forward? What should Hulali and Laka and Hi'i do after the story ends?

Do you think Hawai'i regaining autonomy will ever be possible? If not, what do you suppose could be done to establish more of a balance between what tourists want and what the people of Hawai'i need?