The thesis surveys literary texts about and from Hawai'i, encompassing discovery accounts, missionary journals, the writings of Mark Twain, Robert Louis Stevenson, Jack London, and many other visitors, as well as texts from all kinds of 'Hawaiians,' native, Asian immigrant, white, or of mixed ancestry. After mentioning problems of classification and categorization, relevant historical developments are presented. Then, literary texts are introduced chronologically, highlighting the markers of their 'Hawaiianness.' Pre-contact art forms such as chant and hula as well as contemporary pop music from the islands are also included in the overview. The survey shows the diversity and distinctiveness of literary texts about and from Hawai'i, and seeks to provide a space for a Hawaiian literature on the literary map. ; published
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