Six prize Hawaiian stories of the Kilohana Art League

"Six Prize Hawaiian Stories of the Kilohana Art League" by Dillingham et al. is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The anthology features tales that reflect Hawaiian culture, folklore, and the lives of its people, with individual stories that include characters navigating their identities in the face of changes in society. The opening portion of the collection introduces the character Kalani, an elderly Hawaiian man who grapples with poverty and nostalgia for his past. After damaging his coat while working in the garden, he plans to seek assistance from nearby haole families to obtain a new one, hiding his intentions from his wife, Nalima. Kalani’s resolve to obtain a better coat symbolizes not just his desire for a material possession, but also his yearning for dignity as he continues to attend church faithfully despite their difficult circumstances. Additionally, the narrative is enriched by a scene where Kalani visits the Hamilton family, which explores themes of kindness and community as they respond to his needs with generosity, showcasing both the challenges and the inherent humanity within these interactions.