“Hewa burns both ways. Bringing hate on others only results in more hate in return.”

‘Ele is a teenage member of the kauwā–the outcasts. Her people live a hardscrabble life on the mostly-barren Matu Island, but when the sky is very clear, glimpses can be seen of a beautiful green island to the east: Kaua‘i. Attempts have been made over the years to invade Kaua‘i, but none have been successful–and the last battle ended in the death of many Matu, including ‘Ele's parents. The Matu are preparing for their greatest invasion attempt yet, but after all their weapons are stolen, the Matu King orders ‘Ele to go to Kaua‘i as a spy. Her task: to find the location of the culprit, then light a signal fire so the warriors can get revenge.

But when ‘Ele goes undercover as a student at a hālau hula, she discovers a world full of graceful harmony, and starts to doubt the righteousness of her task. Should ‘Ele avenge the evils of her past and continue the cycle of war, or try and find a path to peace? . 

Written by Johnson Kahili IV, a Native Hawaiian middle school educator, ‘Ele whirls readers through tropical typhoons, thrilling battles, and the flowing movements of hula. Featuring over one hundred and thirty-five Hawaiian words, and woven throughout with historic mele, ‘Ele is a lyrical portrait of life in ancient Kaua‘i.