Ohana

About the book

Ohana, the Hawaiian word for family, whether by blood or by circumstance, is the story of Dyson Nicks, a graduate student from Montana. After losing his parents in a tragic car accident, Dyson Nicks decides to distance himself from home during the holiday season.

What was meant to be a getaway to Oahu quickly turns into a nightmare as he is introduced to the hidden side of Hawaii within minutes of his arrival. The darker aspects of theft, violence, and territorial behavior tarnish the image of paradise, a side that many refuse to acknowledge.

Over time, determination, and sheer luck, Dyson begins to establish his place within the island community. With the help of Mahana, a local girl with her own troubled past, he starts to move forward once again. Through the kindness and support of strangers, he learns the true essence of ohana and how it defines life in Hawaii.