The narrator is Hiram Nihoa, through whom the author pours his love for Hawaii. Nihoa tells the story of his travels around the island of Oahu a century ago, evoking the scene and the people as he saw and loved them. Nihoa's narrative is taken up by a strange New Englander in the second half of the book. Saul Bristol, a sad and bitter man, reveals Hawaii through the eyes of a newcomer.