Hawaii Pono by Lawrence Fuchs is my favorite.
This is a very readable social history of the immigrants that shaped modern Hawaii. Gives great accounts of plantation worker experience and the former republican control of the state (pretty shocking stuff to anyone who grew up on the mainland under federal labor laws). Also a very uplifting account of how people made their way through the many obstacles placed in front of them.

Anyone else on here know a good companion book to Hawaii Pono? Would like to find something else similar.
Similar in terms of how readable it is even though its a historical account.

Another vote for Michener's Hawaii. It does get off to a slow start, but continuously improves from there. I kind of skimmed the beginning with the endless details of how the islands were formed. Molokai was good too.

ttt

I have heard firsthand that the residents are very unhappy about "The Colony"

Michener's Hawaii has always been one of my favorites.

And I love the Shark Dialogues.

One that hasn't been mentioned is Born in Paradise by Armine von Tempski. It may be out of print but I think yo can still find it. It is the memoir of a girl growing up at the beginning of the 20th century on a ranch on Haleakala, Maui. If you are interested in personal take on history, this is a good one.

I loved Moloka'i by Alan Brennert... a pleasant historical fiction. Made my heart weep. Never wanted to finish it... ;;)

http://www.nativebookshawaii.com/shop/default.php

One we have is " The Betrayal of Lili uokalani " here's another link.
http://www.alternative-hawaii.com/books/index.htm