The late O.A. "Ozzie" Bushnell was born in Hawaii in 1913. He attended the University of Hawaii, went to work in the Territorial Department of Health in 1940, joined the Army after the attack on Pearl Harbor and became a professor at UH after the war. At the time of his death in 2002, he was the Emeritus Professor of Medical Microbiology and medical history at the University of Hawaii. His novels are some of the best examinations of the culture and history of old Hawaii.
1. Pilgrimage and Exile: Mother Marianne of Molokai
Bushnell co-authored this amazing biography of Mother Marianne Cope who came to Hawaii from Syracuse and dedicated her life to serving those suffering from leprosy (Hansen's Disease) on the Kalaupapa Peninsula of Molokai.
2. Molokai
Busnell's absorbing historical novel set in the late 1800's on the Kalaupapa peninsula, the leper colony on Molokai. The same story is told from the perspective of three individuals who pass many years of their life at Kalaupapa.3. Ka'a'awa: A Novel About Hawaii in the 1850s
Busnell's historical novel set on Oahu in the last days of the reign of Kamehameha III. The story focuses on the declining population of the Hawaiian people amidst diseases brought to the islands by foreign visitors and the difficulty of those who survive in adjusting to Western civilization.4. The Return of Lono: A Novel of Captain Cook's Last Voyage
In this absorbing historical novel, Bushnell tells the tale of the last voyage of Captain James Cook who lands on the Big Island of Hawaii and is taken for the God Lono, who has returned to his people after a long absence. The relationship between the native population and the ships' crew deteriorates over time and eventually leads to Cook's death.5. Stone of Kannon
Opening in Japan during the last days of the Shoguns, this historical novel tells the story of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii who leave their homeland for the chance of a better life in a new land in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.6. The Water of Kane
This sequel to The Stone of Kannon continues the story of several of the protagonists from the first book as they work to build Maui's historic irrigation system to provide water to Maui's central valley.7. Illustrated Atlas of Hawaii
Now in its 28th printing, this perennial favorite is a terrific introduction to the Hawaiian Islands. Colorful illustrations enhance informative text on Hawaii's history, culture, geographic features, flora and fauna, island traditions and more.8. The Gifts of Civilization: Germs and Genocide in Hawaii
In this non-fiction book, Bushnell traces the decline of the native Hawaiian population from almost a million people to less than 5,000 people today who can claim to be of 100% Hawaiian blood. Bushnell studies the impact of diseases brought to the islands by visitors from the rest of the world dating from Captain Cook's first visit in 1778.9. A Walk Through Old Honolulu: An Illustrated Guide
Bushnell's guide to the historic area of Honolulu is less than 100 pages, but yet a must read if you are planning to visit the city and want to know about its past.