Kaua'i Storm

Ranger Makalani Pahukula Mystery, Book 1

By: Tori Eldridge

Narrated by: Tori Eldridge

Returning to Kaua‘i, park ranger Makalani finds her family divided and their way of life at risk in this rich and emotional adventure by the bestselling author of the Lily Wong series.

After ten years as a national park ranger in Oregon, Makalani Pahukula is back on Kaua‘i for her grandmother’s birthday. Having been gone for so long, Makalani finds the disconnect with her people and her struggles have never been more profound. Neither has her need to reacquaint herself with everything she left behind. When she reaches the homestead, she finds a bickering family and the disconcerting news that her cousins—a failed college football player and a rebellious teenage girl—have gone missing.

Makalani hopes they just ran off, too careless to realize the worry they’ve caused. But when hunters find a dead body in the Keālia Forest Reserve, Makalani fears something ominous is at play, and the search for her cousins grows more desperate. Although her help may not be welcomed by family and locals, Makalani is determined to solve a mystery that poses a greater risk than anyone imagines.

The investigation will open her heart, reawaken her love for the land she calls home, and strengthen her bond with her family. Because no matter how long she’s been away, for Makalani, Hawai‘i is in her blood.

©2025 by Tori Eldridge. (P)2025 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“An atmospheric love letter to Hawaii’s Garden Isle with episodes of action and mystery.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Author and narrator Tori Eldridge invites listeners into an entertaining and enlightening new series. Eldridge’s engaging performance and immersive writing ensure that listeners remain captivated from beginning to end—and eager for the next installment in this promising series.” —AudioFile Magazine

“The book [is] an excellent tutorial in both human nature and in the history and culture of Kaua’i.” —Deadly Pleasures Magazine

Perfect for Hawai‘i lovers

I for one love the islands of Hawai‘i. The descriptions of culture, landscapes, and the relationships were beautifully written and educational.

Love the history

I loved hearing about the history of the island and hate the troubles that native Hawaiians go through on a daily basis.

Hard read

The use of Hawaiian words made it difficult to understand. Story was okay but a lot of unnecessary words describing mundane things- too much filler.

Cultural issues facing Hawaiians

Tackles difficult legal, economic, and cultural issues facing native Hawaiians and those displaced or alienated by circumstance with a sense of authenticity and ambience.

Factual history of Kauai!

Dove a little too deep into the Hawaiianna, but very informative. I loved the picture the words in the book painted.