Born in 1795 and raised among chiefs, priests, artisans and scholars in the court of Kamehameha I, David Malo provides an important and authentic source on the ancient beliefs and practices of Hawaiians. Malo was among the first Hawaiians to study reading and writing with the missionaries. Although he was influenced by Christian teachings, he had been brought up under the traditional Hawaiian kapu system and his writings embody a worldview steeped in Hawaiian tradition.

Hawaiian Antiquities: Moolelo Hawaii, is a singular account of Hawaiian culture and society in pre-Christian times. This engrossing study, tells of the material world of Hawaiians, as well as their origins, myths and beliefs.