School Visits

🌊 Bring Hawaiian Adventure to your classroom

Bring a little Hawaiian adventure — and a lot of excitement — into your classroom! Book HERE!
Malia Maunakea, author of Lei and the Fire Goddess, Lei and the Invisible Island, and The Shark Prince (coming May 2026), offers engaging author visits for grades 4–7 that blend Hawaiian legends, humor, and heart.

Librarian at Paʻauilo Elementary and Intermediate

May 14, 2024.

I keep getting such positive comments, especially from the middle school students and teachers (a notoriously tough crowd) about how much they loved the visit. Our counselor told me that one of the students shared with her that they want to write their own story! You are such an inspiration to our students who, unfortunately, sometimes limit their dreams.

5th grade teacher, Waiākeawaena Elementary

October 14, 2025.

Representation matters, especially for those students in Hawaii where it is so limited to find a familiar face that reflects their cultural upbringing. I hope you are able to write more books that bring inclusion and diversity to the younger generations.

Middle School Teacher, Colorado

May 18, 2026.

We've had a number of author visits and you were the best. The students were so engaged. You really held their interest and made it relatable.

Middle Schooler, New York City

November 7, 2023.

Hawaiian Mythology is amazing and cool!

4th Grade Teacher, Waiākeawaena Elementary

September 2, 2024.

Thank you so much for meeting with us! The kids were so inspired and continued to talk about what you shared yesterday. Some of my girls also started their own planning template for an upcoming book they would like to write! We are always looking for great books for our kids to read so our novel studies are relevant and timely, rather than boring and disconnected. You are an inspiration!

4th grade teacher, Waikīkī Elementary School

August 10, 2024.

Thank you SO much for Zooming with our class today! I really appreciate you spending extra time with us at the end. I have a girl in my class who also has ADHD and she wants to be a writer. Please know you are inspiring our students and representing Hawaiʻi in ways that make our students' eyes sparkle. Researching endemic animals and including Hawaiian mythology are perfect for our 4th grade curriculum. We've never had stories to share with our students that weave together our content and storytelling so beautifully.

5th Grader, Colorado

April 3, 2025.

Meeting you was one of my greatest experiences.

Middle Schooler, New York City

October 23, 2023.

It really inspires me to show more of my culture and be fine if no one else does it.

Middle Schooler, New York City

October 14, 2023.

Seeing you tell your life really helped me to understand since I myself have faced such doubts about my own heritage.

📖 What to Expect from a Visit

Malia’s visits are dynamic, personal, and perfect for classrooms or libraries studying storytelling, folklore, or creative writing. She can meet in-person or virtually, and has a menu of different presentation options to fit your needs. Contact her using her contact form to learn more!

🧠 Free Classroom Resources

Teachers can download a free discussion guide and classroom extension activities for Lei and the Fire Goddess right here:
👉 Download Now

This guide includes hands-on writing and extension activities, discussion questions, and connections to Hawaiian culture — perfect for grades 4–7.

📅 Book a Visit

Ready to bring Malia to your classroom or library?
Use her contact form to reach out and ask for more information!

🎟️ Book early — free spring 2026 visits are limited!

🦈 Featured Books

🌋 Lei and the Fire Goddess
🏝️ Lei and the Invisible Island
🌊 The Shark Prince

These adventures combine Hawaiian legends with humor, heart, and a sense of home — making them perfect read-alouds for classrooms and libraries.

Librarian at Paʻauilo Elementary and Intermediate

May 14, 2024.

I keep getting such positive comments, especially from the middle school students and teachers (a notoriously tough crowd) about how much they loved the visit. Our counselor told me that one of the students shared with her that they want to write their own story! You are such an inspiration to our students who, unfortunately, sometimes limit their dreams.

4th Grade Teacher, Waiākeawaena Elementary

September 2, 2024.

Thank you so much for meeting with us! The kids were so inspired and continued to talk about what you shared yesterday. Some of my girls also started their own planning template for an upcoming book they would like to write! We are always looking for great books for our kids to read so our novel studies are relevant and timely, rather than boring and disconnected. You are an inspiration!

Middle Schooler, New York City

November 7, 2023.

Hawaiian Mythology is amazing and cool!

4th grade teacher, Waikīkī Elementary School

August 10, 2024.

Thank you SO much for Zooming with our class today! I really appreciate you spending extra time with us at the end. I have a girl in my class who also has ADHD and she wants to be a writer. Please know you are inspiring our students and representing Hawaiʻi in ways that make our students' eyes sparkle. Researching endemic animals and including Hawaiian mythology are perfect for our 4th grade curriculum. We've never had stories to share with our students that weave together our content and storytelling so beautifully.

Middle Schooler, New York City

October 14, 2023.

Seeing you tell your life really helped me to understand since I myself have faced such doubts about my own heritage.

Middle Schooler, New York City

October 23, 2023.

It really inspires me to show more of my culture and be fine if no one else does it.

5th grade teacher, Waiākeawaena Elementary

October 14, 2025.

Representation matters, especially for those students in Hawaii where it is so limited to find a familiar face that reflects their cultural upbringing. I hope you are able to write more books that bring inclusion and diversity to the younger generations.

Middle School Teacher, Colorado

May 18, 2026.

We've had a number of author visits and you were the best. The students were so engaged. You really held their interest and made it relatable.

5th Grader, Colorado

April 3, 2025.

Meeting you was one of my greatest experiences.