Portuguese in Hawaii: A Book on the History of Generations by the Abreu Family

From a small volcanic island in the Azores to the sunlit fields of Hawaiian sugar plantations, the Abreu family’s journey spans oceans, generations, and cultures. Portuguese in Hawaii is a richly told family history that doubles as an intimate portrait of one of Hawaii’s most influential immigrant communities.

Drawing on family letters, photographs, oral histories, and archival records, this book follows the Abreus from their decision to leave Portugal in the late 19th century through their arrival in Honolulu, the challenges of plantation life, and their gradual transformation into farmers, craftsmen, professionals, and proud members of a new Hawaiian-Portuguese identity.

Readers will discover:

Why thousands of Portuguese left the Azores for Hawaii
What daily life was like on sugar plantations and in early island towns
How traditions—food, music, faith, and language—were preserved, adapted, and passed down
The personal stories of love, loss, resilience, and reinvention that shaped each generation

More than a genealogy, this is a human story of migration and belonging. Perfect for anyone interested in Hawaiian history, Portuguese heritage, or family roots, Portuguese in Hawaii offers a moving, accessible window into how one family’s story reflects a larger, shared history of Hawaii itself.