Hawai‘i is known for its warm weather, white sand beaches, pineapples, macadamia nuts, and aloha, but bananas? Yet, The World of Bananas in Hawai‘i covers every aspect of Hawaiian traditional mai‘a by discussing their origins and history, how they were used and viewed culturally, pest and disease issues, and how to grow. This comprehensive book grabs the reader from the very start with stories of gods and goddesses who held mai‘a in high esteem ...(then) how Hawai‘i’s initial settlers brought their first suckers from faraway islands. The approximately 1,900 color images and illustrations are most appealing, providing the reader an excellent reference with which to distinguish between the different groups and varieties not only of traditional bananas, but also those arriving within the last 150 years. A wealth of botanical, historical, cultural, scientific and “how to” information can be found in this masterpiece. Bravo! Dr. Napua Harbottle, Collections Manager, Bishop Museum, Hawai`i