Hawaii and the Tropical Pacific: A Forager’s Guide to Wild Food, Medicinal Herbs, and Natural Remedies (Where the Wild Plants Grow: Illustrated Foraging Guides) Paperback – November 24, 2025

A beginner-friendly foraging guide designed especially for Hawaii and the tropical Pacific! Safely identify and harvest 40+ edible plants, fruits, seaweeds, and tropical roots, plus dangerous look-alikes, with this beautifully illustrated field guide crafted for the unique ecosystems of Hawai‘i, from coastal reefs and brackish estuaries to lush lowland forests and humid upland valleys.Whether you’re a first-time forager, a beach hiker, or someone reconnecting with ancestral food traditions, this book gives you the knowledge you need to respectfully gather the edible abundance of the islands.Inside, you’ll discover:Accurate, full-color botanical illustrationsClear, detailed artwork brings each species to life—from limu kohu, limu ‘ele‘ele, ogo, and pohole ferns to breadfruit (‘ulu), mountain apple, taro, hala, sea purslane, strawberry guava, and more. Every profile includes concise ID tips, habitat clues, edible parts, and cultural notes drawn directly from the Hawaiian landscape..Beginner-friendly identification for 30+ edible speciesLearn to recognize key features, textures, colors, and growth forms of edible seaweeds, coastal shrubs, tropical fruits, roots, and greens—all explained in simple language for new foragers.Poisonous look-alikes & safety warningsYour guide includes toxic or risky plants and seaweeds often confused with edible species, along with clear, practical cautions about water quality, tidal conditions, contaminated runoff, and ornamental tropical plants that may contain irritants or toxins.When, where, and how to forage in HawaiiUnderstand the best seasons for harvesting limu, mountain fruits, swamp-grown kalo varieties, and dryland crops—plus how tides, rainfall, and elevation influence what you’ll find.Sustainable, culturally respectful harvesting practicesLearn ethical gathering rooted in Native Hawaiian stewardship principles—take only what you need, protect fragile reef ecosystems, and avoid damaging slow-growing species like limu kohu.Simple preparation methods (no complex recipes required!)Master the basics of preparing tropical wild foods using approachable techniques such as blanching, drying, fermenting, infusing, roasting, salting seaweed, and making herbal vinegars and tinctures. Includes step-by-step guidance for drying herbs, cleaning limu, processing fruits, and storing tropical harvests in Hawai‘i’s humid climateNutritional + medicinal benefits of each plantDiscover the vitamins, minerals, and traditional herbal uses of Hawaiian plants like mamaki, coconut, wild ginger, guava leaves, hala, sea grapes, and more—perfect for natural remedies, survival skills, or more self-sufficient island living.Perfect for:Beginner and intermediate foragersResidents and visitors exploring Hawaii’s beaches, forests, and valleysSeaweed lovers and coastal foragersHomesteaders, preppers, and off-grid enthusiastsAnyone interested in wild foods, cultural plant uses, or reconnecting with the ‘āinaReconnect with the land, forage respectfully, and experience Hawaii through its wild foods.Start your Pacific foraging journey today! Read more