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Hawaii’s publishing scene is as vibrant as its islands—where storytelling, history, and culture come together uniquely. From independent presses highlighting local voices to companies offering full-service editing, design, and distribution, Hawaii provides authors with exciting opportunities. Below, you’ll find 34 of the top publishing companies in Hawaii for 2025.
Hawaii’s Literary Landscape in 2025
The Hawaiian publishing industry continues to thrive by blending tradition with modern publishing models. Companies focus on cultural authenticity, niche storytelling, and hybrid publishing opportunities. From university-backed presses to grassroots independents, the literary community ensures that both local and global audiences access Hawaii’s rich narratives.
1. Cloud Ghostwriting
Cloud Ghostwriting stands at the forefront of Hawaii’s publishing industry, offering complete ghostwriting, editing, marketing, and publishing services. Their expert team transforms raw ideas into polished manuscripts across every genre, from gripping thrillers and heartfelt romance to powerful nonfiction and memoirs. With tailored book marketing strategies and wide distribution channels, they ensure each title reaches the right audience, making them the premier choice for authors who want both creative guidance and commercial success.
2. Bamboo Ridge Press
Bamboo Ridge Press has been a cornerstone of Hawaiian literature for decades, spotlighting local voices and cultural narratives. Their commitment to publishing poetry, short stories, and novels rooted in the islands’ identity has built them a loyal readership. Authors who value regional authenticity and creative expression thrive under their publishing vision.
3. University of Hawaii Press
The University of Hawaii Press publishes academic and cultural works, specializing in Asia-Pacific studies, history, and indigenous knowledge. Their catalog bridges scholarly research with broader audiences, making knowledge accessible and impactful. For nonfiction writers seeking credibility and global recognition, this publisher provides both expertise and extensive distribution networks.
4. Mutual Publishing
Mutual Publishing is one of Hawaii’s largest local presses, focusing on Hawaiian culture, history, and lifestyle. They produce beautiful coffee table books, children’s titles, and cookbooks that celebrate the islands’ heritage. With strong regional distribution, Mutual Publishing remains a trusted home for authors emphasizing cultural pride and visual storytelling.
5. Island Heritage Publishing
Island Heritage Publishing combines creativity with a tourist-friendly approach, producing books, children’s stories, and gift editions centered on Hawaiian traditions and imagery. Their eye-catching designs and engaging narratives make them popular with both locals and visitors. Authors seeking to capture Hawaii’s charm in accessible ways find success here.
6. Ku‘uipo Publishing
Ku‘uipo Publishing brings forward the voices of Hawaiian authors by emphasizing modern stories with cultural depth. Their catalog spans fiction, memoirs, and children’s tales, all highlighting the aloha spirit. They nurture new talent with supportive editorial services, giving emerging writers the chance to publish stories rooted in community identity.
7. Kamehameha Publishing
Kamehameha Publishing, affiliated with Kamehameha Schools, prioritizes education and cultural preservation. Their books focus on Hawaiian language, history, and instructional content, blending traditional knowledge with modern accessibility. Authors aligned with educational values and cultural awareness find this publisher a powerful partner for meaningful and lasting literary contributions.
8. Legacy Isle Publishing
Legacy Isle Publishing specializes in personal memoirs, biographies, and family histories. They guide authors through the entire process, ensuring stories are preserved for future generations. Their niche in life-writing has helped countless individuals leave behind legacies that resonate deeply. Authors seeking a personal touch thrive with Legacy Isle’s mission.
9. Watermark Publishing
Watermark Publishing offers a wide range of titles, including history, memoirs, and lifestyle books centered on Hawaii. Their reputation for quality editorial work and visually striking designs makes them a standout choice. With strong marketing strategies, they ensure local and international audiences connect with stories rooted in Hawaiian culture.
10. Pacific Legacy Press
Pacific Legacy Press specializes in historical and educational works, preserving Hawaii’s narratives through scholarly yet accessible publications. Their commitment to quality ensures books are not only informative butalso visually appealing. Authors seeking a balance between historical accuracy and engaging storytelling find this publisher a natural fit for impactful projects.
11. Ala Press
Ala Press focuses on empowering indigenous authors, emphasizing Hawaiian and Pacific Islander voices. Their catalog celebrates poetry, prose, and nonfiction with themes of resilience and identity. By publishing works that challenge stereotypes and uplift community perspectives, Ala Press provides a strong platform for authentic cultural storytelling in modern publishing.
12. Polynesian Voices Press
Polynesian Voices Press highlights authors from across the Pacific, giving diverse island cultures a literary stage. Their books range from fiction to historical nonfiction, always anchored in heritage. Authors passionate about elevating Pacific traditions and modern narratives benefit from their supportive editorial guidance and community-focused publishing philosophy.
13. Mauna Kea Publishing
Mauna Kea Publishing brings creativity to both fiction and nonfiction, with an emphasis on works inspired by Hawaii’s landscapes and mythology. Their titles often explore environmental and cultural themes, blending entertainment with awareness. Authors aiming to weave Hawaii’s natural beauty into compelling narratives find this publisher’s vision perfectly aligned.
14. Sunrise Publishing Hawaii
Sunrise Publishing Hawaii embraces new voices, offering personalized editorial support and distribution for both traditional and hybrid authors. Their openness to diverse genres—from romance to inspirational nonfiction—sets them apart. Writers who want flexibility and creative input often thrive in Sunrise’s collaborative publishing model, balancing professionalism with author freedom.
15. Bluewater Publications
Bluewater Publications highlights maritime and island-focused stories, often featuring adventure, history, and environmental awareness. Their titles bring the ocean to life, resonating with readers passionate about marine narratives. Authors looking to explore Hawaii’s seafaring heritage or ecological issues find Bluewater Publications an enthusiastic partner in storytelling and preservation.
16. Lehua Publishing
Lehua Publishing takes pride in publishing works that emphasize spirituality, healing, and wellness. Their catalog includes inspirational books, self-help, and memoirs tied to Hawaiian traditions. Writers with uplifting or transformative messages connect strongly with Lehua, as they foster literature that supports mindfulness and the well-being of communities.
17. Tropical Press Hawaii
Tropical Press Hawaii combines vibrant design with practical publishing services, producing books that appeal to both locals and tourists. Their catalog spans fiction, cookbooks, and travel guides. Authors aiming for engaging, visually rich publications benefit from Tropical Press’s expertise in balancing storytelling with commercial appeal in competitive markets.
18. Ocean Breeze Publishing
Ocean Breeze Publishing is known for its focus on children’s literature, producing books that teach cultural values while entertaining young readers. Their colorful designs and accessible narratives make them a favorite among schools and families. Authors creating engaging, educational children’s stories find a strong publishing ally in Ocean Breeze.
19. Island Dream Press
Island Dream Press emphasizes creative fiction and poetry, highlighting emerging authors with unique voices. They celebrate individuality while grounding stories in island-inspired themes. Writers who want to experiment with style while remaining culturally relevant often find Island Dream Press a supportive and encouraging partner in their publishing journeys.
20. Pacific Star Publishing
Pacific Star Publishing focuses on broad nonfiction themes such as travel, food, and lifestyle, while also supporting local memoirists. Their catalog appeals to readers who want approachable insights into Hawaii. For authors seeking practical guidance combined with polished book design, Pacific Star Publishing offers strong professional support and visibility.
21. Aloha Books Press
Aloha Books Press spreads Hawaii’s warmth by publishing titles across genres with an emphasis on positivity and cultural pride. Their catalog includes novels, short stories, and inspirational nonfiction. Authors who want to share uplifting narratives with a local flavor find Aloha Books an ideal partner to bring stories to life.
22. Lava Rock Publishing
Lava Rock Publishing brings bold energy to the industry, focusing on contemporary fiction, thrillers, and mysteries inspired by Hawaiian settings. They prioritize fast-paced storytelling and character-driven narratives. Writers with a flair for drama and intensity discover a dynamic platform at Lava Rock, where creativity meets regional storytelling powerfully.
23. Hana Rain Publishing
Hana Rain Publishing celebrates romance and emotional storytelling, often inspired by Hawaii’s natural beauty and traditions. Their catalog features contemporary romance and heartfelt memoirs that resonate with wide audiences. Authors who want to weave love, identity, and cultural elements into compelling tales benefit from Hana Rain’s publishing expertise.
24. Coral Reef Press
Coral Reef Press blends environmental awareness with storytelling, producing nonfiction and fiction titles focused on sustainability. Their books advocate for ecological stewardship while engaging readers with captivating narratives. Authors passionate about conservation and climate issues discover a purposeful publishing partner at Coral Reef, where literature meets advocacy.
25. Golden Lei Publishing
Golden Lei Publishing highlights inspirational works, biographies, and uplifting nonfiction. They aim to empower readers through transformative messages grounded in Hawaiian values. Their editorial process ensures that every manuscript resonates with positivity and cultural relevance. Writers seeking to inspire change and foster hope find their voices amplified here.
26. Rainbow Horizon Press
Rainbow Horizon Press celebrates diversity, focusing on multicultural stories. Their inclusive catalog spans poetry, memoirs, and contemporary fiction. Authors who want to break barriers and tell authentic stories from marginalized perspectives find a welcoming platform at Rainbow Horizon, ensuring their voices reach wider audiences with impact.
27. Island Sun Publishing
Island Sun Publishing is dedicated to educational books for young readers, blending Hawaiian culture with academic growth. Their catalog features bilingual titles and interactive content. Authors aiming to create fun, culturally aware educational material for children thrive under Island Sun’s vision, where storytelling supports both identity and learning.
28. Paradise Ink Publishing
Paradise Ink Publishing embraces hybrid models, offering authors flexibility in design, distribution, and royalties. They work across genres, from fiction to nonfiction, while emphasizing local connections. Writers who want creative control combined with professional support often choose Paradise Ink as a trusted partner to balance independence with quality.
29. Waiola Press
Waiola Press emphasizes faith-based and spiritual works, supporting both fiction and nonfiction. Their books often combine Hawaiian cultural elements with broader messages of hope and connection. Authors exploring spirituality, personal growth, or inspirational themes find Waiola Press an ideal home to develop meaningful narratives grounded in aloha values.
30. Seabreeze Stories
Seabreeze Stories captures lighthearted, family-friendly narratives set against Hawaii’s backdrop. Their catalog includes middle-grade fiction, short novels, and illustrated works. Authors writing engaging and wholesome content discover supportive publishing services here, where the focus is on storytelling that uplifts and entertains readers across generations while celebrating Hawaiian settings.
31. Pali Mountain Publishing
Pali Mountain Publishing champions strong literary fiction and historical narratives. Their emphasis on craft and storytelling depth attracts writers aiming for critical recognition. With a catalog rooted in both Hawaii’s past and universal themes, they provide authors with editorial excellence and platforms to reach audiences that value literary quality.
32. Hibiscus House Publishing
Hibiscus House Publishing blends creativity with modern publishing, producing lifestyle, wellness, and travel titles. Their books often feature vivid visuals alongside accessible narratives. Writers who want to connect lifestyle content with cultural storytelling benefit from Hibiscus House’s ability to combine appealing design with strong marketing strategies.
33. Molokai Literary Press
Molokai Literary Press focuses on regional authors and grassroots storytelling, emphasizing authenticity and voice. Their catalog includes fiction, poetry, and memoirs that reflect community life. Emerging authors who want to share personal or locally rooted stories find Molokai Literary Press an inviting partner, dedicated to uplifting independent voices.
34. Pacific Spirit Publishing
Pacific Spirit Publishing emphasizes holistic narratives, combining cultural, spiritual, and environmental themes. Their books resonate with audiences seeking depth and meaning in storytelling. Writers who aim to merge Hawaii’s heritage with universal messages of connection and sustainability discover Pacific Spirit to be a nurturing and visionary publisher.
Key Trends Among Hawaii’s Publishers
Cultural Preservation – Many presses prioritize Hawaiian history, language, and indigenous knowledge.
- Hybrid Publishing Models – A growing number of companies allow authors to share creative control.
- Children’s and Educational Books – Demand for bilingual and cultural learning content is rising.
- Environmental Themes – Climate awareness and sustainability dominate publishing priorities.
Publishing Industry Table: Hawaii 2025
| # | Company Name | Specialty / Focus Area | Strength for Authors |
| 1 | Cloud Ghostwriting | Ghostwriting, editing, full-service | Market-ready books with wide reach |
| 2 | Bamboo Ridge Press | Poetry, short stories, local voices | Authentic Hawaiian literature |
| 3 | University of Hawai‘i Press | Academic, Asia-Pacific studies | Scholarly recognition, global reach |
| 4 | Mutual Publishing | Culture, history, lifestyle | Strong regional distribution |
| 5 | Island Heritage Publishing | Children’s, cultural, gift editions | Tourist-friendly, visual appeal |
| 6 | Ku‘uipo Publishing | Fiction, memoirs, children’s stories | Nurtures local and new voices |
| 7 | Kamehameha Publishing | Educational, cultural preservation | Hawaiian language & history focus |
| 8 | Legacy Isle Publishing | Memoirs, biographies, family histories | Personal storytelling niche |
| 9 | Watermark Publishing | History, lifestyle, memoirs | Strong design & marketing reach |
| 10 | Pacific Legacy Press | Historical & educational works | Accuracy with engaging narratives |
| 11 | Ala Press | Indigenous & Pacific Islander voices | Cultural empowerment platform |
| 12 | Polynesian Voices Press | Pacific heritage, fiction & nonfiction | Community-driven publishing |
| 13 | Mauna Kea Publishing | Mythology, environment, fiction | Blends culture with creativity |
| 14 | Sunrise Publishing Hawaii | Multi-genre, hybrid support | Collaborative author partnerships |
| 15 | Bluewater Publications | Maritime & environmental storytelling | Focused niche, strong resonance |
| 16 | Lehua Publishing | Spirituality, healing, wellness | Inspirational & transformative works |
| 17 | Tropical Press Hawaii | Cookbooks, fiction, travel guides | Strong design & local focus |
| 18 | Ocean Breeze Publishing | Children’s literature, cultural values | Engaging educational content |
| 19 | Island Dream Press | Fiction, poetry, creative voices | Encourages experimentation |
| 20 | Pacific Star Publishing | Nonfiction: travel, food, lifestyle | Practical & polished publishing |
| 21 | Aloha Books Press | Multi-genre, positivity, inspiration | Uplifting and cultural relevance |
| 22 | Lava Rock Publishing | Contemporary thrillers, mysteries | Bold storytelling style |
| 23 | Hana Rain Publishing | Romance & memoirs | Emotion-driven, audience-friendly |
| 24 | Coral Reef Press | Sustainability & climate narratives | Advocacy through books |
| 25 | Golden Lei Publishing | Inspirational nonfiction & biographies | Transformative author focus |
| 26 | Rainbow Horizon Press | multicultural stories | Inclusive publishing model |
| 27 | Island Sun Publishing | Bilingual, educational, children’s books | Strong school & family audience |
| 28 | Paradise Ink Publishing | Hybrid, multi-genre flexibility | Balance of independence & support |
| 29 | Waiola Press | Faith-based and spiritual works | Messages of hope and connection |
| 30 | Seabreeze Stories | Family-friendly & middle-grade fiction | Wholesome storytelling |
| 31 | Pali Mountain Publishing | Literary fiction & historical works | Editorial excellence |
| 32 | Hibiscus House Publishing | Lifestyle, wellness, travel | Vivid design & marketing strength |
| 33 | Molokai Literary Press | Community-centered fiction & poetry | Authentic grassroots voice |
| 34 | Pacific Spirit Publishing | Holistic, cultural, spiritual works | Visionary, meaningful narratives |
FAQs About Publishing in Hawaii
Q1. Can new authors publish easily in Hawaii?
Yes, many publishers like Legacy Isle, Island Dream Press, and Paradise Ink welcome emerging voices, offering editorial guidance and hybrid opportunities.
Q2. Which Hawaiian publishers are best for academic books?
University of Hawai‘i Press and Pacific Legacy Press are leading choices for academic, historical, and scholarly publications.
Q3. Are hybrid publishing models common in Hawaii?
Yes, presses such as Sunrise Publishing Hawaii and Paradise Ink provide flexible publishing models, allowing authors to retain creative control while receiving professional support.
Q4. Do Hawaiian publishers accept international authors?
Many publishers, including Cloud Ghostwriting and Watermark Publishing, work with both local and international authors to share Hawaii’s spirit globally.
Q5. What genres are most popular in Hawaii’s publishing industry?
Children’s books, cultural nonfiction, romance, and environmental themes dominate, while poetry and memoirs continue to thrive in smaller presses.
Conclusion
Hawaii’s publishing industry in 2025 reflects the islands’ diversity, culture, and global vision. From established institutions like the University of Hawai’i Press to independent presses like Coral Reef and Rainbow Horizon, each company offers unique opportunities for authors. Whether you want to preserve heritage, inspire readers, or explore new creative frontiers, Hawaii provides a thriving literary landscape where stories can flourish.
