Hawaii native Malia Maunakea found her passion for writing adventurous tales rooted in Hawaiian culture after leaving her home state and settling in Colorado. Her debut novel, "Lei and the Fire Goddess," published by Penguin Books last year, follows the journey of a Hawaiian girl named Lei who encounters the wrath of the goddess Pele during a visit to her grandmother on the Big Island.

Maunakea spent her childhood in the rainforest of the Big Island before moving to Oʻahu in seventh grade. She later moved to the mainland for college. When she is not writing, she enjoys exploring the Colorado Rocky Mountains with her husband, two children, and a rescue mutt named Peggy.

Embracing Hawaiian Heritage Through Storytelling

Speaking to Hawaii News Now from her Colorado home, Maunakea shared how her experiences away from Hawaii allowed her to appreciate and delve into her cultural heritage through storytelling. Her debut novel received widespread attention after being featured on "The Today Show," bringing Hawaiian myths and folklore to prominence and presenting relatable protagonists for young readers.

Maunakea was motivated to begin her literary journey after witnessing her son's enthusiasm for Rick Riordan's "Percy Jackson" series. Driven by a desire to craft her own exciting narratives based on Hawaiian mythology, Maunakea embarked on her creative venture.

Last year at Punahou, Maunakea talked about her writing process, what inspired her as a kid, and how she added Hawaiian culture to her stories. She answered students' questions and told them to believe in their learning because it can help them much, just like it helped her become a writer.

Book Launch and Contest

Maunakea is gearing up to release her second book in the "Lei and the Legends" series. The story centers on Lei and her companions - Kaipo, Ilikea, and Kaukahi - as they undertake a dangerous quest to locate Kaipo's lost pendant on an invisible island.

Their journey is filled with obstacles, from facing sharks and navigating rainbows to floating on clouds. Yet, upon reaching their destination, they discover a darker menace: evil spirits bent on wreaking havoc.

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Maunakea invited five young readers from Hawaii to join her book party. Details about the contest can be found on Maunakea's Instagram page, @maliamaunakea, with the entry deadline of March 22. Winners will receive an exclusive early copy of Maunakea's new book, "Lei and the Invisible Island," and are invited to attend the book launch party on June 9.

In addition to her upcoming book release, Maunakea reflected on her impactful book tour across the Hawaiian Islands last September, where she visited 17 Title 1 schools and generously donated over 2,700 copies of "Lei and the Fire Goddess" to students. Witnessing the joy and gratitude of teachers and students receiving her books was a deeply fulfilling experience for Maunakea, highlighting the importance of representation and literacy access for young readers.

As Maunakea prepares to share her new book with eager fans, she hopes to continue inspiring young readers, especially those in Hawaii, with stories celebrating their culture and heritage, providing them with meaningful characters and adventures to enjoy and cherish. 

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