Welcome to Nalu Books, a Kānaka ʻŌiwi and wahine-owned small business. I’m Summer (she/her), from Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi and the proud owner of Nalu Books.
After becoming a home educator and moving away from home, I saw a persistent lack of accurate representation of Hawaiʻi and Pasifika peoples in homeschool spaces and literature. All too often, our cultures—along with those of Asian, BIPOC, and Queer communities—are misrepresented, stereotyped, or erased, impacting not only our children’s learning but also how society understands us.
Feeling the weight of underrepresentation, I created Nalu Books to reclaim our stories, one page at a time. Our heart centers on literature by, about, and from Hawaiʻi, Pasifika, and Asian voices, bringing authentic stories and perspectives to the forefront. Alongside our curated selections, we celebrate diverse stories from BIPOC and Queer authors and highlight small businesses and creators who are Kānaka, Pasifika, Asian, BIPOC, and/or Queer-owned—offering meaningful books and items that help our communities thrive.
Soon, we’ll offer secular educational resources—unit studies, character explorations, and book-based guides—rooted in these cultures. We’re committed to connecting families with reputable cultural practitioners and educators so learning can go beyond the page.
Sustainability is important to us. Whenever possible, we source pre-loved, overstock, or gently imperfect new books to reduce waste and increase access.
I’m always learning and growing in my many roles—as a mother, wife, home educator, nonprofit board director, writer, and business owner. Curiosity is a lifelong journey, and I’m dedicated to expanding my understanding of my own culture and others, sharing what I discover along the way. When I’m not working, you’ll likely find me with my nose in a book, reading stories that celebrate the vibrant diversity of our world.
Mahalo Nui Loa,
Summer
