William Drake Westervelt fut l'auteur de plusieurs livres et magazines sur l'histoire et les légendes hawaïennes. Il s'est appuyé sur les collections de David Malo, Samuel Kamakau et Abraham Fornander pour populariser le folklore hawaïen.
Myths and Legends of Hawaii is a one-volumn selection from the four volumes of collected tales of ancient Polynesian lore by Dr. William D. Westervelt, the most prolific and popular of the retellers of Hawaiian folk tales. The selections have been edited for the enjoyment of the modern reader. Many of the tales embody the ethos of the Hawaiian people that is still to be found in the islands today.
The collection showcases ancient Hawaiian folklore, rich with unique elements distinct from other mythologies. It features gods, heroes, and magical transformations, alongside talking animals like helpful sharks and opposing turtles. Local fruit and fish are integral to the tales, reflecting the island's culture. The narratives are deeply rooted in nature, particularly the ocean and volcanoes, offering a refreshing departure from traditional European tales, such as those by the Brothers Grimm.
This book, one of six written by Dr. Westervelt, is a fascinating potpourri of Hawaiian legends and historical tales. The origins of the Hawaiian people, the demi-god Maui's search for immortality for mankind, the coming of Captain Cook, the wars of King Kamehameha, as well as other aspects of Hawaii's incredible history fill its pages.